Page 3 of New Year with the Cartel

His words were laced with a deep-seated hurt, a vulnerability that tugged at something in my chest. I knew all too well how much betrayal could sting, how it could leave scars that never fully healed. I'd experienced the same.

I let my hand drop to my side, respecting his hesitation even as a part of me yearned to reach out, to offer comfort andreassurance. But I knew that would be overstepping, especially given how skittish he was.

I didn't have to do this. Didn't have to keep talking to him, but still wanted to. I wanted to find out what exactly I was feeling and why it was causing it.

"Listen, I understand your hesitation," I said, keeping my voice low and calm. "I truly do. It takes courage to trust someone, and you have no reason to extend that trust to me. But please believe me when I say that I have no intention of betraying you."

I paused, letting my words sink in. "I'm not going to force you to come with me or anything like that. But if you need a place to stay tonight, somewhere safe and warm, I can offer that to you. No strings attached."

It wasn't much, but it was a starting point. A chance for him to see that not all alphas were out to hurt him, that there were still people in this world willing to extend a helping hand.

The omega seemed to consider my words, his green eyes searching my face as if trying to discern any hint of deception. I met his gaze steadily, letting him see the sincerity in my own eyes. Perhaps, through that, he could understand I was being sincere.

I wasn't about to push him, but I was determined to make him understand that I was serious about my offer. I just wanted to help. Nothing more than that.

"You seem awfully eager to help a complete stranger," he said finally, his voice still cautious but with a hint of curiosity. "What's your angle here? You must want something in return."

I couldn't help but let out a short, amused chuckle. "You're a perceptive one, aren't you?" I mused. "Alright, I can see why you'd think that. But in this case, you're wrong. I don't want anything from you, not yet anyway."

He arched a slim brow at that, a hint of skepticism in his expression. "Not yet? What's that supposed to mean? You're already planning on asking for something later?"

I shook my head, holding up a hand in a placating gesture. "No, that's not what I meant at all. I'm just saying that I'm not expecting anything in return for helping you tonight. But who knows? Maybe we'll find a mutually beneficial arrangement further down the line."

I leaned against the alley wall, crossing my arms over my broad chest. I could tell my casual posture was at odds with the intense way I was studying him, analyzing his reactions. I couldn't help it; I was naturally dominant, naturally inquisitive. It was just how I was wired.

"So, turnabout being fair play and all, I have a few questions for you," I said, tilting my head slightly. "What's a cute little thing like you doing out here all alone on a night like this? Don't you know how dangerous it can be, especially for an omega?"

My question was pertinent and I would only leave him be after getting the answer.

He flushed slightly at the 'cute' comment, but I could see the defensive set of his shoulders, the way he squared his jaw. He was stubborn, this one. I liked that.

"You don't think I know that?" He asked, a hint of bite in his voice. "You think I chose to be out here? I didn't exactly have a lot of options."

Ah, there it was. A hint of his story, of the difficulties he'd faced. I stored that away for later contemplation. For now, I just nodded, my expression solemn.

"I can imagine," I said, and I meant it. I knew all too well how harsh life could be for an omega without a pack, without protection. "But you have options now. A warm bed, a hot meal, safety. I can provide all of that for you."

He bit his lip, hesitation warring with longing in his eyes. I could practically see the wheels turning in his head as he weighed his choices.

"And in return?" He asked softly, almost reluctantly.

I smiled, a slow, meaningful curve of my lips. "Like I said, we'll figure that out later. For now, just focus on staying alive. The rest...we can worry about the rest tomorrow."

The omega took a step back, pressing himself further against the cold brick wall as if trying to disappear into it. His eyes narrowed, suspicion written plainly in their green depths. Again, he had every right to be wary, given the circumstances. I was a stranger, a large and imposing alpha, offering him help out of the blue. It was understandable that he would be suspicious. Very, very understandable.

"Listen, I don't know what your game is, but I'm not interested," he said, his voice firm despite the tremor that betrayed his fear. "I don't need your help, and I certainly don't want it. So just... just leave me alone."

I raised a brow at his words, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. He was feisty, this one. I liked that. Most omegas would have been falling over themselves to accept my offer, grateful for any scrap of kindness. But not him. He was defiant, unwilling to just roll over and accept my help. I really liked that about him.

"That's not very nice," I chided, stepping closer. I could see the way he flinched, the way he tried to shrink into himself. It was almost amusing. Almost. "Here I am, trying to do something good for a pretty little omega like you, and you're throwing it back in my face."

He flushed at my words, his cheeks turning a delightful shade of pink. "I'm not some 'little omega' you can just pat on the head and send on your way," he snapped, his eyes flashing withanger. "I'm a person, with my own mind and my own choices. And I choose not to accept your help."

I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. "Oh, sweetheart, you really don't have a choice," I said, my tone gentle but firm. I decided enough was enough. "It's either come with me willingly, or I'll have to make you. And trust me, you don't want that."

His eyes widened at my threat, fear flickering across his delicate features. He hadn't expected my behavior to change so suddenly. After all, I had been trying to be respectful.

And he still didn't back down, still didn't cower as I expected him to. It was admirable, in a way.

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