Set Up by the Cartel (Nightshade Wolves #5)

Chapter 19

Kael

My stomach churned with nerves as I hurried down the busy city street, my hand resting protectively over my swollen belly. I was running late for my meeting with Mateo, and the thought of keeping him waiting made my anxiety skyrocket. Especially considering everything that had been happening lately.

I wasn't worried about anyone coming after me. As Mateo had told me, Novak would soon be behind bars. It was only a matter of time.

I glanced over my shoulder, scanning the crowd for any sign of danger. But there was nothing out of the ordinary — just a sea of faces hurrying to their destinations. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. Would they really be stupid enough to try to kidnap me again?

Lost in thought, I failed to notice the dark van idling at the curb until it was too late. Strong hands grabbed me from behind, dragging me off my feet and into the vehicle before I could even cry out. No passerby noticed anything, too. A cloth sack was thrown over my head, plunging me into darkness. They didn't want me to see where they were taking me.

"Let me go!"I struggled against my captors, my heart racing with fear.And I knew that if I kept saying too much, they would gag me too. "Please, I'm pregnant. You don't want to do this."

But my pleas fell on deaf ears. They didn't care. The van lurched into motion, speeding through the streets at breakneck pace. Where were they taking me? What did they want? Why were there no police around to see what was happening?

As the vehicle slowed to a stop, I heard the sound of a door opening. The door on my side, to be precise.

Rough hands yanked me out, propelling me forward until I stumbled into what felt like a warehouse. The sack was ripped away, revealing a dark room and a single figure standing before me. I would have recognized him even if I were almost completely blind.

Novak. His cold eyes gleamed with malice as a cruel smile tugged at his lips.Shivers ran up my abdomen. He should be in jail. What happened to Mateo's plan? It didn't work?

"Ah, Kael,"he purred, circling me like a shark scenting blood."So nice of you to join me. We have much to discuss, you and I."

I pressed myself against the wall, my knees trembling with terror."W-what do you want?"I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady despite the quaver. It wasn't working well.

Novak laughed, the sound harsh and grating."What I want is simple,"he growled, grabbing my chin and forcing me to meet his gaze."I want Mateo to pay for crossing me. For thinking he can take what's mine and walk away unscathed."

Tears pricked at my eyes as realization dawned. This was about revenge. It couldn't be any different."I don't want to say anything,"I choked out, struggling against his grip."Mateo saved me from you."

Novak's eyes flashed with rage, his fingers digging painfully into my flesh."You belong to me as an employee of mine and nothing else,"he snarled, slamming me against the wall."And I always get what's mine. One way or another."

He leaned in close, his hot breath ghosting over my skin."Mateo will come for you,"he murmured, tracing the line of my jaw with a knife he produced out of nowhere."He'll come, and when he does, I'll end him. Right in front of your pretty little eyes. I'm sure you'll enjoy the show."

A sob tore from my throat, horror and despair crashing over me in waves. I shouldn't have gone out. Even with Mateo's men keeping my protection, I was still in danger.

Just then, the warehouse doors burst open, metal screeching against concrete."Kael!"

Mateo's voice echoed through the space, mirroring his fury and desperation. He charged towards us, Javier and several other men close behind.

Novak spun around, pressing the knife to my throat."One more step and the bitch dies,"he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Mateo skidded to a halt, his hands raised in surrender."Let him go, Novak,"he pleaded, his eyes locked on mine."This is between you and me. Don't make him suffer for my mistakes." He didn't know I would suffer anything for him.

Novak sneered, tightening his hold on me."Suffer? He's the one who brought this on himself. By betraying me."

Mateo snarled, taking a step forward despite Novak's threat."You son of a bitch! You think you're better than me? You're just a coward, preying on people who can't fight back."

Novak bristled, his pride stung by the insult."You think this bitch is innocent and can't protect himself?"He scoffed, dragging the knife across my collarbone hard enough to draw blood."He's no more innocent than the rest of us. He's just a whore who got caught in the wrong bed, that's all."

Mateo roared, lunging at Novak with blinding speed. The two men crashed together, grappling for control of the knife. It was lucky that Novak didn't try to hurt me. He could have killed me.

But I wasn't fully safe yet. I screamed, thrashing wildly as I tried to wriggle free. The blade sliced my arm as I fought, painting the floor crimson with my blood.

Javier and the others rushed in, attempting to pull Novak off of Mateo. But the deranged man was too strong, too consumed by rage to be stopped.

He head-butted Mateo viciously, splitting his brow open. Blood poured down his face, but it only seemed to fuel his determination.

They crashed into a stack of pallets, sending them tumbling. Wood splintered beneath their struggles, sharp edges catching in flesh and fabric.

Novak gained the upper hand, pinning Mateo to the ground with his body weight. He raised the knife high, ready to plunge it into Mateo's chest. I had to act fast.

"No!"I cried, throwing myself at Novak's back. My added momentum knocked him off balance, giving Mateo the chance he needed.

With a powerful thrust, Mateo reversed their positions, driving his elbow into Novak's nose. Bone crunched sickeningly, spraying blood everywhere.

Novak howled in pain, clutching at his ruined face. But Mateo wasn't done.

He grabbed the knife, plunging it deep into Novak's shoulder. Twisted. Yanked it free.

Novak screamed, clutching his shoulder as he crumpled to the ground. His eyes, once so full of malice, now held only shock and disbelief.

Mateo rose to his feet, staring down at his fallen enemy. His chest heaved with exertion, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides.

Sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder with each passing second. The police were coming. Someone must have tipped them off.

I stumbled towards Mateo, falling into his arms as sobs wracked my body. He held me close, his own tears mingling with the blood and sweat on our faces.

"It's over,"he whispered, stroking my hair with a shaking hand."It's finally over." And I knew he was right. Novak was going to survive, but he was going to be locked up in jail.

As the authorities swarmed in minutes later, taking Novak into custody and tending to our wounds, I clung to Mateo like a lifeline.

Later, the streets were eerily quiet as we sped through the city, the only sounds being the hum of the engine and the occasional siren wailing in the distance. I clung to Mateo's hand, my knuckles white from the force of my grip. If I loosened it even a little, I felt like I would lose him.

The adrenaline that had carried us through the confrontation was beginning to wear off, replaced by an overwhelming sense of exhaustion and relief. I didn't think our altercation with Novak would end so soon.

"You did well today,"Mateo whispered, glancing at me from the corner of his eye."You stayed strong when it mattered most. Not many people could have done the same in your position. I'm proud of you."

I managed a weak smile, leaning my head back against the seat."I didn't do anything special,"I protested, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks.I was being honest and saying what I was thinking. "It was pure instinct."

Mateo shook his head, squeezing my hand gently."Don't sell yourself short,"he admonished."What you did required courage and quick thinking. You saved my life today."

I fell silent, considering his words. Maybe he was right. Maybe I had been stronger than I realized. Either way, I knew I couldn't have done it without Mateo by my side.

The mansion loomed ahead of us as we pulled up to the gates, the grand facade illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun. I let out a shuddery sigh of relief, feeling the tension slowly draining from my shoulders. Home — the word had never meant more to me.

Mateo helped me out of the car, his arm wrapped tightly around my waist. He was always careful with me. Despite the remnants of the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, I felt weak and shaky. The events of the day had taken their toll, leaving me emotionally exhausted and physically drained.

"I'm sorry,"I murmured as we made our way inside, my head resting on Mateo's shoulder."I should have been more careful. I shouldn't have gone out alone."

Mateo pressed a tender kiss to my temple, his lips curving into a soft smile."Shh,"he soothed, guiding me towards the staircase."None of that matters now. We're both safe, and that's what counts."

Upstairs, in our bedroom, he helped me undress, his fingers lingering on my skin as though memorizing every curve and contour. I leaned into his touch, craving the comfort and security of his embrace.

Naked, I crawled onto the bed, turning to watch as Mateo shed his own clothes. His body was a map of battle scars and fresh injuries, mirroring the life he was abandoning.

"Are you sure you're alright?"I asked, my heart aching at the sight of his battered form. He looked so vulnerable, so human in that moment. It was a rare thing to see. I didn't see it many times.

Mateo climbed into bed beside me, pulling me into his arms."Just a few bumps and bruises,"he assured me, his voice low and husky. Even if it were worse, he wouldn't admit it."Nothing that won't heal in time."

I traced the line of his jaw, marveling at the strength and resilience etched into every inch of him."You saved me again,"I whispered, my eyes stinging with tears that wanted to come out."I don't know what I would do without you."

Mateo captured my lips in a searing kiss, pouring all of his love and passion into the movement."And I will always be here to protect you,"he vowed, his tongue tangling with mine."No matter what happens, you are my priority."

His hands roamed over my body, igniting sparks wherever they touched. I arched into his caress, desperate for more of his body.

Mateo's lips trailed down my neck, pausing to lavish attention on the sensitive spot where my pulse fluttered wildly beneath my skin. His fingers teased my nipples, rolling the pebbled buds between his thumb and forefinger until I gasped.

My breath hitched as Mateo's lips traveled lower, his hot mouth closing around one nipple and suckling greedily. Pleasure jolted through me, settling between my thighs where I throbbed with need. His other hand continued its sensual torment, pinching and twisting until I squirmed beneath him.

"Please,"I begged, my voice barely recognizable."More. Don't stop. You know what I want and if you stop, I won't forgive you."

Mateo chuckled darkly, releasing my nipple with a wet pop. He pushed my legs apart, settling between them as he kissed and nipped his way down my stomach. My muscles quivered in anticipation, my cock stiff and begging for what he had planned for me.

When he reached my groin, he paused, inhaling deeply."God, I love your scent,"he growled, rubbing his face against my inner thigh."So fucking intoxicating."He nuzzled the base of my shaft, teasing me mercilessly.

I whimpered, fisting my hands in his hair as I urged him closer."Suck my dick,"I pleaded, too far gone to care about how desperate I sounded."I need your mouth on me."

Mateo smirked, looking up at me with lust-darkened eyes."Such dirty language,"he tutted, licking his lips."Someone's been watching too much porn. Maybe it's something I should do something about." Maybe he should, I thought.

Then, without warning, he swallowed me whole, his throat convulsing around my length. I cried out, my hips bucking off the bed as ecstasy crashed over me. He held me down, sucking and slurping noisily, determined to wring every last drop of pleasure from my body.

His tongue swirled around my cockhead, lapping at the bead of pre-come that leaked from the tip. He hollowed his cheeks, creating a delicious vacuum that pulled me deeper into his throat. I could feel myself swelling, my orgasm building like a storm on the horizon.

Just when I thought I couldn't take anymore, Mateo released me, letting my dick fall from his mouth with a lewd plop."Not yet,"he commanded, wiping his lips with the back of his hand."We've only just started."

He flipped me onto my stomach, pushing my knees up until I was on all fours. The cool air against my ass made me shiver, a delicious contrast to the heat of his body pressed against mine. He made me feel protected, especially now.

"You're so beautiful,"he murmured, running a finger along my crack."So perfect."He circled my hole, applying just enough pressure to make me gasp and clench.

I buried my face in the pillows, my ass arching towards his touch."Please, fuck me,"I whimpered, my voice muffled by the mattress."I need to feel you wrecking my insides again."

Mateo growled, his eyes turning golden for a moment, reminding me of his wolf nature. He spat on his fingers, using the saliva as lube as he pushed two digits past the tight ring of muscle. I moaned, pushing back against his hand as he scissored his fingers, stretching me open.

"Not enough,"I panted, my body burning with need."Give me your cock."

Mateo removed his fingers, replacing them with the blunt head of his dick. He rubbed it against my entrance and then coated himself with his spit. Then, with one powerful thrust, he drove home, filling me hilt-deep.

I screamed, the sensation of being stretched so full bordering on pain. Mateo froze, giving me a moment to adjust. He always had to do that.

When I nodded, signaling that I was ready, he began to move, slowly at first, then faster as my cries of pleasure spurred him on.

His hips slammed against my ass, the slap of flesh-on-flesh echoing through the room. Each thrust drove me further up the bed, my nails scoring the sheets as I clawed for purchase.

"So good,"I babbled, my words punctuated by moans and gasps."Fuck me harder. Remind me who owns my ass."

Mateo groaned, gripping my hips as he pounded into me with wild abandon. The bed creaked and groaned under the force of the sex, threatening to collapse under the strain.

"That's it,"he grunted, sweat dripping down his chest."Take my cock like a good little slut. I own this ass."

I sobbed, my orgasm barreling down on me like a freight train."Yes! Yours!"I screamed, my release crashing over me in wave after wave of ecstasy.

Mateo followed soon after, burying himself deep as he filled me with his seed."Fuuuuck,"he roared, his body jerking with the force of his climax."I'm gonna fill you up, clog this tight little ass. You want that, don't you?"

"Yes!"I cried, shuddering with aftershocks."Fill me up with your hot come."

He collapsed on top of me, both of us panting and trembling as we came down from our high. Our bodies were slick with sweat and come, the sheets below us drenched with our combined fluids.

"Mine,"Mateo growled possessively, his teeth sinking into my shoulder hard enough to draw blood. It was a mark of dominance, a claim of ownership.

And I accepted it. Had accepted it a long time ago, actually.