Page 13 of New Year with the Cartel

"You're trembling," I noted, reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from his face. "Is it because you're afraid of me? Or is it because you want me so badly that you can't stand it?"

Gustall shuddered at my touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When he opened them again, they were dark with desire, his pupils blown wide. "I'm not trembling," he said, but his voice wavered slightly. The lie was perceptible. "And I don't want you. Not like that. Whatever I said before, it was in the heat of the moment. I wasn't really thinking straight."

I chuckled, amused by his continued denial. "Keep telling yourself that, little omega," I purred, leaning in closer. "But we both know the truth. You're aching for me to devour you whole, for my kiss, for my cock buried deep inside you. And I'm going to give it to you, over and over again, until you're screaming my name and begging me not to stop."

Gustall whimpered, his body arching into mine as if he couldn't help himself. I could feel the heat radiating off him, the way his skin seemed to burn where we touched. He was so responsive, so eager for my attention. It was intoxicating and maddening.

"You're playing with fire," he gasped, even as he pressed closer. "You don't know what you're getting into."

I grinned wickedly, my hand sliding down to grip his hip, pulling him flush against me. "Oh, I know exactly what I'm getting into," I growled. "And I can't wait to see you burn."

And then Gustall was looking around and, sometimes, at me too. He was thinking something. He was pondering what he should do next. Most of all, he was afraid of what I might do. Smart omega, I thought.

He cleared his throat. "Tell me the truth," Gustall said, his voice gaining a hint of steel. "What are you really doing here, in this compound? Who are you, and what is this place?"

I smirked, taking a moment to consider my response. I wasn't about to reveal everything just yet, not when the game was just getting interesting. I could give him a little truth, some breadcrumbs to keep him interested, but not enough to satisfy his curiosity entirely.

I didn't want him to know the entire truth just yet. He would, though, in time.

"Let's just say, I'm in the... protection business," I said, keeping it vague. "I provide sanctuary to those who need it, those who can't find help elsewhere. This compound, it's just a place where people can come, where they can feel safe."

Gustall's brow furrowed, skepticism written plainly on his face. "And who are these 'people' you're protecting? Why do they need protection? And why would they come to you for it?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "They're just... ordinary folks, down on their luck. I help them out, give them a place to stay, food, and clothes. Anything they need to get back on their feet."

Gustall scoffed, clearly not buying it. "And what do you get out of it? Why would you do all that, just out of the goodness of your heart? There has to be more to it." He was sharp, I'd give him that. Too sharp for his own good, I thought.

I shrugged, trying to keep my expression casual. "I just like helping people, okay? It makes me feel... useful. Important."

He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't believe you. You're not some selfless saint, Fendwyr. There's more to it than that. Tell me the truth, or else, whatever you're thinking is gonna happen, won't actually happen."

I sighed, realizing that I couldn't keep stringing him along forever. He was too perceptive, too eager to uncover the truth. And if I wanted to gain his trust, if I wanted to make him truly mine, I had to give him something real to hold onto.

"Alright, Gustall," I said, my voice serious, narrowing my eyes slightly. "I'll tell you the truth, but it's probably not what you want to hear, and it's going to change what you think about me."

He nodded, his eyes wide with anticipation, clearing his throat. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the revelation. It was time to let him see the true face of the alpha he was so desperate to know.

"I am the leader of the Nightshade Wolves cartel," I said, watching his reaction carefully. "We're a pack, a family, bound together by blood and loyalty. I keep this compound running, provide for my people, and make sure they're safe and taken care of. And in return, they follow me, they obey me without question. Because that's the way of our world, Gustall. The strong protect the weak, and those who can't protect themselves deserve our pity."

His jaw dropped, shock and fear flashing across his face. "The Nightshade Wolves?" He echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. "But... but you're criminals! You're dangerous, evil!"

I held up a hand, silencing him. "We may not follow the laws of the humans, but we have our own code, our own moral compass. We protect our own, provide for our community, andkeep those who would do us harm at bay. Is that so different from the alphas you've known in the past?"

He looked taken aback, as if he hadn't considered that there might be another way to live, another way to be an alpha. It was eye-opening, I could see that. And I hoped, as time went on, that he would see the truth in my words, that he would come to understand the depth of my devotion to my pack, and now to him as well.

"But... but what about me?" He asked, his voice small. "Why did you bring me here, if you're so dangerous? Are you going to use me, hurt me, like the others?"

I smiled softly, reaching out to cup his cheek in my hand. "I brought you here because I knew you were meant to be mine," I said, my voice low and sincere. "You're different, special. I can't explain it, but I knew, from the moment I saw you, that you were meant to be a part of this pack, a part of me. And I promise you, Gustall, I will never hurt you, not unless you ask me to. Your safety, your happiness, they are my top priority."

I watched as Gustall processed my words, his expression fluctuating between shock, fear, and a strange sort of hope.

Even though he wasn't going to admit it, deep inside, he was hoping that I could be so much more to him. And given the right amount of time, that just might happen.

I could see the wheels turning in his head, the way he was trying to reconcile the image of the dangerous criminal with the alpha who had brought him to safety, who had kissed him with such passion.

"I... I don't know what to say," he finally whispered, his gaze darting down to my lips before quickly returning to meet my eyes. I knew what he wanted, and soon, I'd give it to him. "I mean, you're not what I expected, not at all. But... but you say such nice things, like I matter, like I'm special..."

I smiled, tracing my thumb along his soft cheek. "I guess I can say that you are indeed special, Gustall. To me, at least. And I want to show you just how much you mean to me."

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