New Year with the Cartel (Nightshade Wolves #8)

Chapter 8

Fendwyr

I lounged on my bed, one arm propped behind my head as I waited for Gustall to enter the room. He should be coming here anytime now, that fiery and brave omega. The guard I had sent to fetch him had reported back that he was being cooperative, if still wary. It was a start, at least. A start until he was mine, from head to toe.

I was almost there. I didn't want to take him earlier. That wouldn't have felt natural.

After claiming him, it would be time to truly get to know him—his family, his likes and dislikes, and all those little details. It might sound strange to most people, considering we'd only just met, but I couldn’t help thinking about it. After all, we were destined to spend the rest of our lives together.

I'd never felt so sure with other omegas I had in the past. This was different. This was intoxicating and so much stronger.

This bedroom I was in was nothing special, just a large space with a king-sized bed dominating the center, flanked by two nightstands. A dresser stood against one wall, and a small sitting area with a couch and armchair occupied another corner. The decor was minimalist, functional rather than luxurious. It was a place to sleep and fuck, not to entertain guests.

Mostly, I just slept here. I didn't invite many people over—I couldn’t. I had to keep the place as hidden from the world as possible. Gustall was lucky to have made it here. Lucky that I couldn’t resist the urge to devour him entirely.

I heard the door open behind me, and I turned my head to watch as Gustall stepped inside. He hesitated on the threshold, his eyes darting around the room before settling on me.

He was probably wondering what I had planned. He didn't need to worry—I was going to make sure he took the first step when the time was right. I wasn't going to force myself on him. I didn't need to.

His scent was already changing, after all. His entire body craved every part of me.

I could see the wariness in his gaze too, the way he tensed as if preparing to flee at any moment. It was understandable, given that he didn't know much about me. But that, just like everything else in our lives, would change soon.

"Come in," I said, my voice low and commanding. "Don't be shy now."

He took a tentative step forward, then another, until he was fully inside the room. The door closed behind him with a soft click, sealing us in together. I could practically feel the tension in the air, the way it seemed to crackle between us. I loved it.

"I... I don't know what you want from me," Gustall said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You keep saying things, hinting at things, but you never come out and say it outright. I don't know why you want me here. If you want to force yourself on me, just do it already and get it over with."

I smiled slowly, pushing myself up into a sitting position. "Oh, Gustall," I murmured, shaking my head. "You know exactly what I want from you. You just don't want to admit it to yourself yet. And, don't worry. I'm not going to force anything on anyone. I don't do that."

He flushed, his cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink. "I don't know what you're talking about," he insisted, but there was no real conviction in his words.

I rose from the bed and crossed the room to him, my movements slow and deliberate. I could see the way his eyes widened as I approached, the way his breath hitched in his throat. He was nervous, but also excited, his body responding to my proximity even as his mind tried to deny it.

"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, and keep 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."

Before he could respond, I leaned in, capturing his lips in a slow, sensual kiss. He tensed at first, his body stiffening against mine, but then he melted into me, his lips parting to allow me access.

This kiss was different from the last one, more deliberate, more intimate. I explored his mouth with my tongue, mapping every inch, savoring the sweetness of his flavor. He moaned softly, his fingers clutching at my shirt, pulling me closer.

I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tight, reveling in the way his body fit so perfectly against mine. He was slender and soft, his delicate frame a stark contrast to my own muscular form. But it felt right, like he was made to be held by me, protected by me.

I broke the kiss after a long moment, panting as I rested my forehead against his. "The biggest truth I can tell you right now is how much I want you. That's how my entire body feels," I murmured. "I want to feel your naked body pressed against mine, want to explore every inch of your skin with my hands, my mouth."

Gustall shuddered, his cheeks flushing with a beautiful pink hue. "I... I want that too," he admitted. "I want to feel you, all of you. I want to be yours."

And there it was—the part of the admission I had been eagerly anticipating. I had sensed he was thinking it, but hearing it come from his mouth was something entirely different—much better, too.

The words sent a bolt of lust through me, and I couldn't resist capturing his lips in another searing kiss. This time, I let my hands roam freely, sliding under his shirt to trace the smooth skin of his back.

He gasped into my mouth, his body arching against me. I could feel the heat of his skin, the way his muscles trembled beneath my fingertips. It was intoxicating, maddening.

I slipped my hands lower, gripping his ass and pulling him flush against me. He could feel the hard length of my cock pressing against his stomach, and I couldn't help the groan that escaped me.

"Gustall," I growled against his mouth. "I'm going to take you now, right here on the floor if I have to. I can't wait any longer to be inside you."

He nodded, his eyes glazed with desire. "This is kinda scary, but God, do I want that. Every part of me is screaming for it."

And I knew why he was feeling that way. He was in heat. The perfect moment to take him.

I didn't need to hear anything more. With a swift move, I lifted him up, wrapping his legs around my waist as I carried him to the bed. I laid him down gently, taking a moment to admire the way his body sprawled across the sheets.

He looked up at me, his eyes dark and trusting. I knew then, without a doubt, that he was mine, and that I would never let anyone else hurt him or make him feel anything less than cherished.

Leaning down, I kissed him again, slowly, savoring every second.