New Year with the Cartel (Nightshade Wolves #8)

Chapter 2

Fendwyr

As the omega pressed himself against the wall, I could see the fear in his eyes, the way his body trembled. I knew why he was feeling that way, but still wished I could do something about it.

It made a surge of protective instinct rise up inside me, an unfamiliar but not unwelcome feeling. I had acted on impulse, seeing a threat to a seemingly innocent person, and intervened. I didn't plan on it or knew him, but I couldn't just stand there and let that addict hurt him. It wouldn't have been like me to remain passive.

I stepped closer, letting the dim light of the alley illuminate my features. The omega's eyes widened as he took in my appearance. I was a large alpha, muscular and imposing, and I could see the apprehension in his green eyes.

"It's alright, I'm not going to hurt you,"I said, keeping my voice low and soothing despite the adrenaline still pumping through my veins."You don't need to know who I am. What matters is that you're safe now."

And he was, for sure. As long as I was around, nobody could hurt him.

I extended a hand towards him, offering to help him up. I could see the hesitation in his eyes, and the internal struggle as he weighed the risks. Again, I couldn't blame him; in this part of the city, trusting a stranger could be deadly. But I had no ulterior motives, no hidden agenda. I had just been in the right place at the right time. Nothing more than that.

"I found you by pure chance,"I explained, my gaze holding his."I heard raised voices and came to investigate. I saw a young omega being accosted by a dangerous-looking addict and acted accordingly. Simple as that."

He still didn't take my hand, so I slowly withdrew it, not wanting to pressure him."I know you have no reason to trust me,"I said, a note of understanding in my voice."But please, believe me when I say that I only want to help you, if you'll let me."

The omega eyed my outstretched hand warily, suspicion etched into every line of his delicate features. He had every right to be suspicious of me. After all, I was a stranger to him.

He made no move to take my hand, instead wrapping his arms around himself in a protective gesture that spoke volumes about his guarded state of mind.

"I... I don't know," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Last time I trusted someone, they...they betrayed me. I can't just assume you're any different."

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 and reassurance. 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 with anger. "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.

"Why are you being so weird about this?" He asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "Most alphas wouldn't give a shit about me, let alone offer me help. So, what's your deal? What are you really after?"

I couldn't help but grin at his words, at the way he was so openly challenging me. It was rare to find an omega who wasn't immediately submissive to an alpha, especially one of my standing. It was...refreshing.

"Who says I'm after anything?" I asked, tilting my head. "Maybe I just like helping lost little lambs like you. Maybe I get off on the thrill of it."

He scoffed at that, rolling his eyes. "Please. I'm not buying it. You're up to something, I just can't figure out what yet."

And so, maybe he should come with me to figure it out.

I shrugged, unconcerned. "Believe what you want, little omega. It doesn't change the fact that I'm trying to help you. And you'd be a fool to refuse."

He glared at me, his fists clenching at his sides. I could practically see the gears turning in his head as he tried to decide what to do. It was a tough choice, I knew. To trust a stranger, or to try to make it on his own in a world that was harsh and unforgiving.

But I also knew which choice he would make, in the end. He was smart and resourceful. He would take the easy way out, even if it meant being indebted to me. It was just shifter nature.

"Fine," he bit out, his voice tight with resignation. "I'll come with you. But only because I need a place to sleep tonight. That's it. I'm not going to owe you anything."

I grinned, triumphant. "We'll see about that," I said. "Now come on, let's get out of here. It's cold, and I have a nice, warm place waiting for you."

And so, as we stepped out of the alley and into the main street, I turned to the omega, extending a hand towards him. "By the way, I'm Fendwyr," I said, my voice low and serious. "And you are?"

He hesitated for a moment before taking my hand, his palm small and cold against my much larger one. "Gustall," he replied. And it didn't seem he was going to tell me what his last name was. Smart.

There was also something in that moment, in the simple exchange of names, that felt significant, almost momentous. It was as if we were both acknowledging that this was more than just a casual encounter, more than just two strangers crossing paths in the night.

I found myself wondering about him, about the life that had led him to this point. What were his dreams, his fears, his hopes? And why, in that moment, did it matter so much to me?

Good question. I had no idea what the answer to it was. I also didn't have time to seek it. Whatever it was, when it was important, it would be revealed.

I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the present. "Come on, Gustall, " I said, my voice gentle. "Let's get you somewhere warm and safe. We can talk more later."