Page 5 of New Year with the Cartel

"Come on. This way," he said as if I had another choice, but I didn't. After agreeing to come with him, I couldn't turn back.

Fendwyr led me to a room, shutting the door behind us. It was a bedroom, large and luxurious, with a grand four-posterbed dominating the space. I couldn't help but imagine him there, sprawled across the sheets, his body naked and on display...

I shook my head, trying to dispel the inappropriate thoughts. What was wrong with me? I had just met this man, and already I was fantasizing about him? It was ridiculous, insane... Unless… No, it couldn't be that. It just wouldn't make any sense.

But as I looked at him, taking in the way his dark hair fell across his forehead, the way his broad shoulders filled out his coat, I knew that I was in trouble. I was drawn to him, inexplicably, helplessly. And I had a feeling that he knew it too.

After all, he wasn't stupid or blind; he could sense what others were feeling. That was one of the reasons he knew I had a miserable life.

Fendwyr studied me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine as if trying to read my every thought. I couldn't meet his gaze, couldn't let him see the desire that was surely written plainly on my face.

But did that make such a difference? I didn't think so. Again, I was pretty sure he could understand what exactly I was thinking.

"You're safe here, Gustall," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I promise you that. No one will hurt you, not while you're under my protection."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I couldn't form the words, couldn't articulate the confused, conflicting emotions that were swirling inside me. All I could do was stand there, mute and frozen, as I tried to make sense of the situation I found myself in.

I was in the heart of Fendwyr's territory, surrounded by his people, his pack. I was at his mercy, completely and utterly. And yet, instead of feeling fear, I felt... excitement. Anticipation. Astrange, undeniable heat that had nothing to do with the roaring fire in the hearth.

I didn't understand it, couldn't explain it. All I knew was that I was in deep, deep trouble. And I had a feeling that it was only going to get worse from here.

As Fendwyr stepped further into the room, I couldn't help but feel trapped, like a rabbit caught in a snare. My eyes darted around, taking in every detail, every possible escape route. But there was none. I was well and truly stuck.

It felt as though he had prepared this place just for me, even though that didn't make sense. He couldn't have known he was going to meet me, right? At least, that was what I thought.

Fendwyr turned to face me, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He seemed to enjoy the fact that he had me at his mercy, that I was powerless to resist him. It annoyed me, infuriated me, and yet there was that traitorous heat, simmering just beneath the surface, and I hated it even more than everything else combined.

"What exactly is this place?" I asked, my voice coming out harsher than I intended. "And who are you, really? I deserve to know, after you brought me here."

Fendwyr chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that seemed to vibrate through his chest. He leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his broad chest. He looked every inch the cocky alpha, the kind of man who was used to getting what he wanted, and who never doubted his own abilities.

"It's just a compound," he said, his tone casual. "And I'm just a humble businessman, making my way in the world. Nothing special."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "A humble businessman? That's not what your little display out there suggested."

He shrugged, unconcerned. "My boys just like to show their respect, that's all. It doesn't mean anything."

But I wasn't buying it, not for a second. There was something more to him, something dangerous and powerful. I could feel it in the way the other men deferred to him, in the way they looked at him with a mix of fear and respect. He was no ordinary alpha, no ordinary man.

"So, what are you, then?" I persisted, determined to get to the truth. "What do you do here, in this place? Tell me everything."

Fendwyr smiled then, a slow, predatory curve of his lips that sent a shiver down my spine. "I protect what's mine," he answered. "Nothing more than that."

His words, his tone, sent a thrill of fear and excitement through me. I reaffirmed, in that moment, that I was in trouble. Real, serious trouble. I had gotten myself entangled with an alpha like no other, a man who was used to getting his way, no matter the cost.

Fendwyr seemed to sense my inner turmoil, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. "You really are a feisty one, aren't you?" He said, pushing off from the doorframe. "I like that. Most omegas just roll over and submit, but you... you've got fight in you."

I couldn't help but scoff at his words, even as a part of me still thrilled at the idea of being desired by him. "Most omegas? What, are you some kind of expert on omegas now?" I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I doubt you know anything about us."

He laughed, a rich, deep sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Oh, sweetheart, I know more than you think. I've spent a lot of time around omegas, and I can tell you with certainty, you're not like most of them."

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the way my body reacted to his words. "Whatever you say. But let me make one thing clear—if you try to hurt me, or force me to do anything I don't want to do, I'll call the cops. I mean it."

Fendwyr just smiled. "The cops? You think they can help you here? I hate to break it to you, but they're on my payroll. They always turn a blind eye to what happens in my territory."

I couldn't hide the disbelief on my face, even as a small part of me wondered if he was telling the truth. It wouldn't be the first time the police had been bought off by a powerful alpha, but still... it was hard to believe. And I didn't want to.

"I don't believe you," I said, lifting my chin. "You're just trying to scare me, to make me think I'm trapped here with no way out. But I'm not stupid. I'll find a way to get out, to get help if I need it, if necessary."

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