Page 25 of New Year with the Cartel

"Rodriguez has a weakness for omegas," I explained, watching his reaction to gauge what he was thinking. "Especially unmated ones. If he were to hear about a particularly appealing omega showing interest in his protection..."

"You want me to pretend to be unmated?" Gustall stepped back, shock evident on his face. "To let him think—"

"I want you to help me protect what's ours," I growled, pulling him back against me. "Our bond, our future, our past lives—everything that necklace represents." I nuzzled his neck, right where my claiming bite marked him as mine. "You'll be perfectly safe. My men will be watching every moment. And Rodriguez won't be able to resist the opportunity."

I still didn't know if it would work, but it was a good idea.

"To do what? Steal an omega from you?"

"To prove he's more powerful than me." I smiled against his skin. "His pride will make him careless. And when he lets his guard down..."

Gustall shivered in my arms. "You'll kill him."

"Only after we have the necklace." I pulled back to look at him. "But I need you, little omega. Need your help, and I also need you to trust me."

He bit his lip, considering. I could see the conflict in his eyes—his desire to please me warring with his fear of Rodriguez, his need to protect our bond fighting against his horror at the violence he'd witnessed.

"I..." He swallowed hard. "I don't know if I can."

"You can," I assured him, letting my dominance seep into my voice. "You're stronger than you think. Braver." I kissed him then, gentle but possessive. "Let me prove it to you."

When I pulled back, his eyes were glazed, his scent heavy with arousal and that strange sweetness I still couldn't place. "What would I have to do?"

Got him.

"Just be seen in the right places," I explained. "Let the right people notice you. My men will ensure word gets back to Rodriguez." I stroked his cheek. "You won't be in any real danger. I promise."

He nodded slowly, though something like nausea flickered across his face. Probably just anxiety about the plan. I'd have to work on building his confidence. No big deal.

"Trust me," I whispered, kissing him again. "Everything will be fine." It was going to be because of me.

The next three days were an exercise in restraint. Watching Gustall move through securely selected locations, letting himself be seen by Rodriguez's people, was both fascinating and infuriating. My omega played his part to perfection—appearing vulnerable yet desirable, casting furtive glances over his shoulder as if afraid of being followed. In that sense, I was proud of him but still wished that what we were doing didn't have to happen.

Every time another alpha's gaze lingered too long on him, my control threatened to snap. That was the problem. That was what I couldn't control.

"They're taking the bait," Marcus reported, standing in my office while I watched the surveillance feeds. "Rodriguez's men have been asking questions about the unmated omega in their territory."

I nodded, eyes fixed on the screen where Gustall sat alone in a café—one we knew Rodriguez's lieutenant frequented. My omega looked pale today, more tired than usual. That strange sweetness in his scent had only intensified, drawing unwantedattention. I still couldn't help but wonder what exactly was going on with him.

"Boss," Marcus hesitated, not sure how to say what he was thinking. "Are you sure about this? Gustall seems... different lately. Maybe we should—"

"Focus on the plan," I cut him off. Did he think I didn't know what my eyes were seeing? Something moved on the screen—Rodriguez's lieutenant had entered the café. "Get the team in position."

The lieutenant approached Gustall's table, and I had to force myself to remain seated. Every alpha instinct screamed at me to protect what was mine, to tear apart anyone who dared come near him. But this was necessary. This was part of the plan.

"Sir," Jake's voice crackled through my earpiece. "You should know that Rodriguez himself just arrived at the location."

Perfect. Sooner than expected, but perfect nonetheless. Everything was going according to plan, except...

Except Gustall suddenly stood up, swaying slightly. Even through the grainy footage, I could see the color drain from his face. What the hell? Worry surged in me.

"Something's wrong," I growled, already moving. "Get him out of there."

But before my men could react, Rodriguez himself entered the café. He moved with deliberate purpose, heading straight for Gustall. This wasn't right. He wasn't supposed to make direct contact yet. What was happening?

"Boss, we've got movement on all sides," Jake reported urgently. "They're boxing us in. This was a—"

"Trap," I finished, watching as Rodriguez's men emerged from various positions, far more than our intelligence had indicated. They'd known. Somehow, they'd known this was a setup. Fuck. How come I didn't know?

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