Valentine’s with the Cartel (Nightshade Wolves #9)

Chapter 4

Rafael

The moment I stepped into the room, Mara whirled around, her eyes widening in surprise at my sudden appearance. She hadn't expected me to show up quite so soon, I was sure of it. I had something important to do here.

I didn't care about her shock or her expectations. My gaze immediately zeroed in on Anan, taking in every detail of his appearance as he stood there in the center of the room, surrounded by a flurry of activity from the various staff members. It seemed they were just about done, though.

Anan looked stunning—there was no other word for it. The white suit hugged his slender frame like it had been tailored just for him (and really, it had been), and his hair had been styled into soft waves that framed his face perfectly. But most striking of all were those grey eyes that met mine in the mirror's reflection, wide and full of an emotion I couldn't quite name. It was a similar expression he had when he saw me in the distance before.

Mara quickly recovered from her surprise, stepping forward with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Alpha Nightshade," she said smoothly, inclining her head in a gesture of respect. "We weren't expecting you so soon."

I barely glanced at her, my attention still fixed on Anan. "I decided I wanted to see my omega before the ceremony," I replied, not bothering with pleasantries. "After all, this is a momentous occasion for both of us."

Mara nodded, stepping back and folding her hands demurely in front of her. She knew better than to argue with me, especially on matters related to the marriage. I'd made sure of that not too long ago.

I took a step closer to Anan, my eyes roving over him once more as I drank in the sight of him. He was even more beautiful up close, his skin luminous and his lips soft and inviting. There was a vulnerability about him that called to something deep inside me, a protective instinct that I hadn't known I possessed. This was far from the first time I was feeling that way.

"You must be Anan," I said softly, finally tearing my gaze away from his face to meet his eyes in the mirror's reflection. "You look lovely."

He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat as he met my stare head-on. There was a challenge in those grey depths, a defiance that I found strangely appealing. And if he wanted a challenge, I'd give it to him.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're very kind."

I sensed he didn't really mean those words, but didn't say anything about it.

I felt a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth, also feeling amused by his polite response even as I sensed the undercurrent of tension beneath it. This omega was not as passive as he seemed on the surface, and that intrigued me.

"Do you need any more time to prepare?" I asked, glancing around at the flurry of activity still ongoing in the room. "I don't want to rush you."

Mara stepped forward again. "No, we're almost done here," she said firmly. "Anan is ready for the ceremony."

One important thing about this encounter was that it couldn't be happening at all. But then again, I wasn't one to follow rules all the time.

I nodded, eyes locking with Anan's. He met my gaze once more, his expression unreadable as he waited for me to make the next move.

And really, what else was there left to do? It was time to get married.

I glanced around the room at the various staff members still flitting about, their voices a low murmur as they went about their duties. Mara still stood off to the side, observing our exchange with a critical eye that made me want to roll my eyes.

But I restrained myself, not wanting to start this new relationship on the wrong foot with Anan. And really, it wasn't the right time or place for that kind of behavior anyway.

"I think that's enough preparation for now," I said smoothly, turning to Mara with a slight smile. "Why don't you go and see to the guests downstairs? Make sure everything is in order for the ceremony." I wanted to get her out of there as soon as possible.

She hesitated for a moment, glancing between me and Anan as if debating whether to protest. But one look at my face must have convinced her otherwise, because she simply nodded and swept out of the room without another word. It was quite unusual, coming from her.

I waited until the door closed behind her before turning back to Anan, who had watched the exchange with a neutral expression that I sensed hid a great deal of tension. He was nervous, but trying not to show it. I could understand that. I felt that way sometimes, too.

"You must be tired of all this fussing and primping," I remarked, stepping closer to him and gesturing at the various people still in the room. "Why don't you give everyone a few seconds to finish up their work, and then we can have some time alone before the ceremony? It's important that we get acquainted properly."

Anan blinked at my words, surprise flickering across his face for a moment before he quickly schooled his features back into a polite mask. I sensed he wanted to refuse, but he couldn't without appearing rude.

"That would be... nice," he said after a brief pause, clearly choosing his words carefully. "But are you sure? You have important guests to attend to as well."

I waved away his concern with a dismissive gesture. He didn't have to worry about something like that. "Let them wait," I said, shrugging one shoulder. "This is more important right now. After all, we'll be spending the rest of our lives together. We should start off on the right foot."

There was a flicker of something in Anan's eyes at my words—a flash of longing or hope perhaps—but it was gone almost as quickly as it appeared. He understood me. He didn't say that, but he understood me.

He then gave a small nod, accepting my decision without further argument.

"Alright," he said quietly, glancing down at his hands clasped loosely in front of him. "That sounds good."

I smiled, pleased with his acquiescence even as I noted the way his fingers trembled slightly. The reason for that was because he didn't know what to say next.

He was still nervous, but he was trying to be brave. It was admirable.

The seamstresses and hairdressers hurried to finish their work (there was still so much to be done than I had thought previously), clearly sensing the tension in the air between us. Within a few minutes, they had packed up their things and filed out of the room, leaving Anan and me alone at last.

Finally. The moment I most longed for was happening.

I took a second to study him as he stood there, looking small and vulnerable amidst the opulent surroundings. He really was beautiful, with his soft features and luminous eyes. But there was also a strength in him that I sensed just beneath the surface, a core of steel that would be interesting to uncover over time.

"I must confess, Anan," I said softly, taking another step closer until I could smell the light floral scent of his cologne. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. You intrigue me in a way I can't quite explain."

Anan's eyes widened at my words, and he swallowed hard before speaking. "You do?" His voice wavered slightly, betraying his nerves even as he tried to keep his tone steady.

I reached out to cup his chin with my hand, tilting his face up towards mine as I held his gaze captive. He never thought I would do that.

"Yes," I murmured, my thumb brushing lightly across his lower lip in a gesture that was both tender and possessive. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew there was something special about you."

He shuddered slightly under my touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment before opening again to meet mine with a newfound intensity. It made me feel a rush of power and desire that I had never quite experienced before.

"I... I don't know what to say," he whispered, his breath hitching as he leaned instinctively into my hand. "This is all so overwhelming."

I tilted his chin up further, my eyes boring into his as I held his gaze captive. "Anan," I murmured, my voice low and intimate despite the situation. "You don't need to be nervous. I won't bite... unless you want me to."

I smirked at my own joke, amused by the way Anan's eyes widened at my boldness. He never expected me to say something like that. Silly him. He should know better by now.

He clearly wasn't used to such direct flirtation, especially not from a man he had only just met.

He swallowed hard, his tongue darting out to wet his suddenly dry lips. It was an unconscious gesture that drew my attention to his mouth, making me wonder what he would taste like. I wanted to find out. And maybe I would now instead of waiting for the ceremony.

"I... I just don't think this is appropriate," he stammered, but there was no real conviction behind the words. He was torn between propriety and the undeniable attraction sparking between us. "We hardly know each other."

I chuckled softly, releasing his chin only to trail my fingers down the side of his neck in a feather-light caress. "And whose fault is that?" I asked, my voice husky with barely restrained desire. "You can't blame me for wanting to get to know you better, in every way possible."

Anan shivered at my touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment before opening again to meet mine with a newfound intensity.

"Rafael... this is too much. You're taking advantage of the situation." He sounded breathless, and I could feel the heat radiating off his body in waves. He was as affected by this as I was.

I paused, my hand stilling on his neck as I searched his face for any signs of real distress or unwillingness. But all I saw was a deepening flush, pupils blown wide with want. He wanted me, even if he was too shy to say it outright.

"Am I?" I asked softly, my thumb brushing over his racing pulse. "Or are we both just too tempted to resist?"

I leaned in closer, my lips hovering a mere breath away from his as I waited for him to make the next move. The tension between us was palpable, a live wire of electricity crackling in the air.

Anan's chest rose and fell rapidly with each shallow breath, his gaze locked on mine as he seemed to war with himself. I could see the battle raging behind those grey eyes. He wanted me, but he knew I was too dangerous.

The intoxicating scent that clung to Anan's skin was a constant distraction, the sweetness of it mingling with something darker and more primal that made my blood heat in my veins. It was a scent that called to something deep inside me, a part of myself that I had long buried under layers of control and self-discipline.

As I inhaled deeply, letting the fragrance wash over my tongue, I couldn't help but think of Valentine's Day and the promise of romance and passion that the holiday embodied. It seemed fitting that this alluring omega would be mine on such a day, as if fate itself had conspired to bring us together at this moment in time.

The scent was changing subtly even as we stood there, growing richer and more complex with each passing second. I could almost taste the sweetness of his skin, feel the heat radiating from his body as he leaned into my touch.

It was an addictive experience, one that threatened to overwhelm my senses and make me lose sight of the bigger picture. But I forced myself to remain grounded, to keep one foot firmly planted in reality even as I let myself be swept away by the moment.