Chapter 11

Rowan

As I sat huddled in the corner of the safe house, my heart pounding in my chest, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. I was, of course, still surrounded by the very people I feared—the Nightshade Wolves cartel—and yet, I was under the protection of one of their own, Diego.

I couldn't help but keep thinking about it, that just because someone was from a certain group, it didn't mean they were the same as the rest.

It was ironic, to say the least. I owed my life to someone who worked for the organization that wanted me dead. Life certainly had a strange sense of humor. And I didn't like it.

Diego had brought me to this secluded safehouse after rescuing me from the hooded figure who had tried to kill me. I still couldn't believe I had agreed with him, that it was a good idea.

He assured me that I would be safe here, that he would make everything work. But I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in every fiber of my being. I was a rabbit shifter, small and fragile compared to the alpha wolves that surrounded me. I felt so small, like they could crush me at any moment.

One wrong move, one misstep, and I feared they would rip me to shreds. That was why I was careful and always considered everything I did multiple times beforehand.

Diego had been true to his word, keeping me by his side at all times and ensuring that no one laid a paw on me. Without his protection, I probably wouldn't be alive.

But the tension in the safehouse was palpable. I could sense the other cartel members' displeasure at my presence, their glares sending shivers down my spine. Their boss wanted me dead and they would do anything he wanted. He just hadn't given the order yet, though I imagined he soon would.

I was just someone who owed them money, an outsider, and they wanted me gone after I paid my debt.

Among them was Marcus. His eyes held a mixture of anger and resentment whenever they landed on me, and I could tell he was just waiting for an opportunity to strike. I wished he didn't focus so much on me, but I couldn't do anything about it.

Diego, on the other hand, seemed unbothered by the hostile atmosphere. It wasn't the first time he was surrounded by people like them, after all.

He moved with an air of confidence, his every action exuding power and authority. Those were some of the reasons why I could continue to endure all this without freaking out.

He was a force to be reckoned with, and the other cartel members seemed to recognize that, grumbling under their breath but ultimately yielding to his dominance. Still, if their boss gave the order, they wouldn't hesitate to kill him. He was just one man, after all.

As the hours ticked by, the tension in the safehouse only seemed to grow. My heart hammered in my chest and I kept thinking about the worst things that could happen.

Diego had been called away to speak with Vincent, leaving me alone with the other cartel members. I wished he hadn't done that, but I knew he hadn't had a choice. It was either that or death.

I could feel their eyes on me, like predators stalking their prey. Anything I did that pissed them off and I would be dead.

My heart raced, and I knew I had to find a way out before they decided to make a move. I didn't know how much time I had. Probably not much. I didn't think Vincent's mind would change about letting me live.

And then, as if the situation wasn't tense enough, Diego returned, his eyes flashing with anger. I could tell something had happened, something that had angered him deeply, and it made my heart feel tight. It had been like that for such a long time already that I couldn't even remember what it was like when it wasn't.

"You pathetic dogs," He snarled, his voice echoing through the safehouse. "Still obeying that tyrant like he's your alpha? You have no spine, no sense of loyalty to those who truly deserve it. You make me feel sick."

His words were like a match to a powder keg. Marcus, his eyes narrowed to slits, took a menacing step forward. What was Diego thinking he was doing? Did he have a plan or was he simply venting?

"Watch your mouth, Diego," he growled. "We may not agree with the boss's methods, but we don't question his authority. You would do well to remember your place. You wouldn't be locked up here if you did."

Diego sneered, his lips curling back to reveal sharp, white teeth. "My place? I am second-in-command, Marcus. I answer to no one but Vincent, and even he knows better than to cross me. I don't think you realize how pathetic you are."

"Then perhaps it's time for a change in leadership," Marcus said, his voice low and dangerous. "You forget your place, Diego. The boss may tolerate your insubordination, but we won't. We can think for ourselves."

With a roar of anger, Diego lunged at Marcus, his hands curling into claws. I stood up immediately, my hand on my chest.

The other cartel members sprang into action, some joining the fray, while others tried to pull Diego off. There were too many of them against one. I didn't know if he could handle so many cartel members at the same time.

Chaos ensued, the air filled with the snarls and growls of angry wolves. The floor shook with their brawl.

I pressed myself further into the corner, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what I was going to do until something came up.

This was my chance to escape, and I knew I had to act fast. Maybe it was Diego's plan all along. Maybe it wasn't. Either way, I had to do something.

With shaking hands, I reached for the keys that were sitting on a small table nearby. They were likely for one of the vehicles, and I intended to use them to get as far away from this place as possible. It would be too late for the cartel when they realized what I was doing.

As the fight raged on, I crept towards the door, my eyes darting around to ensure no one was watching. In the meantime, I hoped Diego was going to be okay, but I was feeling desperate about that.

My hands closed around the keys, and I quickly pocketed them, my heart pounding in my ears. I thought I was going to fuck it up, drop the keys and somebody would notice what I was doing, but it didn't happen, giving me relief.

I took a steadying breath, steeling myself for what I was about to do. It was going to be dangerous no matter what.

With one swift movement, I darted towards the light switch, flicking it off and plunging the safehouse into darkness. It should give Diego some reprieve. Even though he was a formidable fighter, he couldn't handle so many shifters at the same time.

In the confusion that followed, I slipped out the door, my heart hammering in my chest. I had to move quickly; I knew the cartel members would realize what had happened soon enough. They were most likely already hunting, seeking me.

I heard Diego's voice calling my name, and I froze, my hand on the doorknob. "Rowan, wait!" He shouted. "We should go together!"

I knew he was right, but I also knew that waiting was a death sentence. I had to take my chances on the run. And, to be honest, I was surprised. I thought my escape was part of Diego's plan. Did he simply snap when he started that fight? I didn't know. If he survived, it would be something I would ask him.

I turned the doorknob, my heart in my throat, and stepped outside into the cool night air. My movements were nimble. There was no time to waste.

"Rowan, wait!" Diego's voice was closer now, and I could hear the sound of his footsteps. I didn't hesitate, sprinting into the darkness, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and adrenaline. I didn't even remember about the car or whatever was outside. All I knew was that I had to run.

I could hear Diego's footsteps behind me, and I knew he was gaining on me. I could stop, but didn't. I was so desperate I didn't even want to consider the possibility of stopping so we could run away together.

But then, in an instant, everything changed. I felt the familiar shift within me, my body transforming as I took on my rabbit form. I felt lighter, faster, and I knew that in this form, I could outrun anyone.

I should have thought about transforming before. It would make things so much easier for me.

Diego let out a startled curse, and I could hear the sound of his clothes ripping as he, too, shifted into his wolf form. He was a massive, imposing wolf, his fur shimmering in the moonlight. But despite his size, I knew I could outrun him. That was about my only advantage over him.

I darted through the trees, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear Diego's paws pounding against the earth behind me, but I didn't slow down. And neither did he. He was right on my tail.

I had to put as much distance between us and the safehouse as possible. I didn't know if it was going to work, but I wasn't going to give up.

After what felt like an eternity, I spotted a small cave, nestled into the side of a hill. My heart skipped a beat. It might just be what we needed.

It was secluded and offered the perfect hiding place. With one last burst of speed, I darted inside, my sides heaving as I caught my breath. I hadn't transformed and run in such a long time. I was surprised I was still so fast.

A moment later, Diego entered the cave, his wolf form filling the small space. I could hear his heavy breathing, his snout searching for me.

He panted heavily, his eyes shining with a mixture of relief and something else — something that sent a shiver down my spine. Now that we were alone, something else was on his mind.

We stayed like that for a moment, catching our breath and regarding each other warily. I knew he wasn't going to hurt me. He would never even think about doing something like that, but the moment was still scary.

As I sat there, my rabbit form began to shift back into my human one. I felt my body stretching and changing, the familiar sensation washing over me. I liked being a rabbit sometimes, but I didn't like staying in the form for too long.

When I finally opened my eyes, I was met with the sight of Diego, his wolf form also shifting back into his human one. He wanted to speak to me as my equal. That was how much he respected me and how much his mind changed about me.

We were both naked, our clothes having been ripped to shreds during our transformations. I felt a flush of embarrassment, but Diego just laughed, a rich, deep sound that seemed to fill the small cave.

He didn't care about that at all. Given the way he was looking at me, I could tell he would rather stay naked than wear something.

"Well, that's one way to get rid of those clothes," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. My cock stirred slightly. "I have to admit, you look better without them. So, so much better. "

I felt my face heating up, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips. We had already spent a lot of time together so he knew how to make me smile.

"You too," I said, my voice soft. "Though I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone shift so quickly. You sure are something."

Diego's smile widened, and he took a step toward me, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent a thrill through me. "It's a talent of mine," he said, his voice low and husky. "But I have others that I think you'll enjoy even more. Just give me enough time and I'll show them."

Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, his hands cupping my face as he pulled me towards him. I didn't even have time to think about what was happening. That was how fast he was.

Our lips met in a searing kiss, and I felt myself melting into him. His lips were soft, yet demanding, and I couldn't help but respond, my hands reaching up to tangle in his hair. I didn't think I would want him so much.

Diego's kiss was possessive, his tongue demanding entrance into my mouth. I opened for him, moaning softly as he explored every inch of my mouth. He wouldn't have it any other way.

His hands moved down my body, tracing patterns on my skin that left me breathless. My body was already getting sweaty.

I felt his dick pressing against my hip, hard and insistent. It made me think about something I couldn't voice at the moment.

My body responded, my breath quickening as desire coiled low in my belly. He barely gave me space to breathe.

I wanted him, this alpha wolf who had both terrified and fascinated me from the moment I met him. I wanted him to take me in ways I never thought possible.

With a growl, Diego tore his lips from mine, his eyes burning with a fierce hunger. A line of saliva still connected us before breaking.

He pushed me back against the cave wall, his hands roaming over my body with a possessiveness that sent shivers down my spine. I had never seen someone so hungry for me. It was equal parts scary and exciting.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this," he murmured, his lips trailing down my neck, sending shivers down my spine. And given the way he was doing that, it was obvious he didn't lie. "To claim what's mine. You are mine."

I gasped as his teeth nipped at my sensitive skin, my hands clutching at his shoulders. No matter how strong I held him, it wasn't enough.

"Y-you have?" I stammered, my breath coming in short gasps. I didn't know why I was surprised. It had become obvious how much he desired me. "But I thought—"

"Shh," he whispered, his lips silencing me as his hands moved lower, cupping my dick possessively. He didn't want to let go of it no matter what. "I know what you thought, omega. But from the moment I saw you, I wanted you. There's nothing I'm surer of."

I moaned as he stroked me, my hips bucking involuntarily. "Diego," I whispered, my voice hoarse with need. "Please—"

"I know what you need, beautiful omega," he purred, his lips brushing against my ear. "And I intend to give it to you. Every single bit of it."

With gentle yet firm hands, he urged me to my knees, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. I knew what he wanted, what he demanded, and I found myself unable to deny him. Why would I try to do something like that, anyway? What he wanted — I wanted it as much as he did.

I reached for him, my hands wrapping around his prick as I stroked him slowly. He was big. There was no other word to describe him. I couldn't help but wonder how I would feel when he was inside of me.

Diego hissed, his hips bucking slightly as he threaded his fingers through my hair. His touch was possessive and demanding.

"That's it, beautiful," he whispered. "Show me how much you want this. Show me how much you want my cock."

I took him into my mouth, my tongue swirling around the head of his dick as I tasted him. I was doing more than that, to be honest. I was pleasuring him as much as possible.

Diego groaned, his hands tightening in my hair as I took him deeper. I didn't hold back. When he was loving me, he didn't do that, so it was only fair I did the same.

"Fuck, Rowan," he breathed, his hips thrusting slightly as he encouraged me to take more of him. The encouragement wasn't necessary, but it was still nice. "You have no idea how good that feels. Too good, I should say. It's so good I never thought I would feel this way."

I hollowed my cheeks, sucking him deeper as I listened to the needy sounds he was making. They spurred me on, encouraging me to be bolder.

I wanted to please him, to show him that I could be what he needed, even if it was just for this moment. We went from hating each other to needing one another. I didn't think I would ever feel this way about someone from the cartel.

Diego's hands tightened in my hair, his hips moving in a steady rhythm as he began to thrust into my mouth. He gave me some time to adjust my mouth to his size, but it wasn't enough. It hurt.

I relaxed my throat, taking him deeper as I moaned softly around him. As much as I was trying my best, though, I wondered if I would ever reach a point when I would be able to pleasure him without feeling pain.

"That's it, omega," he growled, his voice echoing his desire for me. "Take all of me. Don't leave a single inch dry."

I did as he commanded, my hands stroking his thighs as I took him deeper still. His legs were thick and muscular, just the way I liked them.

Diego was heavy and hard, and I could taste the saltiness of his pre-come as I swirled my tongue around him. It mixed with my saliva, creating an addictive combination.

"You're so good at that," he groaned, his hips stuttering as he struggled to maintain control. I knew he was getting close to shooting his load into my mouth, and my heart was already speeding up just thinking about that. "I'm not going to last much longer. I can't. "

I hummed in response, my eyes fluttering closed as I focused on the task at hand. I wanted to taste him, to feel him losing control in my mouth.

With a sharp cry, Diego came, his milk spilling down my throat. The taste was so him.

I swallowed, my eyes fluttering open as I met his gaze. He looked wild, his eyes burning with a blend of desire and something else — something that sent a thrill through me.

Given the way he was staring at me, I knew he wasn't satisfied with just this. He wanted more. He wanted to do it in a better place than this one.

"Fuck, Rowan," he breathed, his hands gentle as he urged me to stand. "That was—"

"More than we thought it was going to be," I finished for him, my voice soft as I reached up to trace the contours of his face. "But now I want something from you. There's something important I need to tell you."

Diego's eyes darkened, a possessive gleam entering their depths. "Anything," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine. "Name it, and it's yours. I can do anything for you."

I took a steadying breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "I want you to knot me," I whispered, my eyes never leaving his. I couldn't have said that while looking somewhere else. "I want to feel you inside me, claiming me as yours."

Diego's eyes widened for a moment, a combination of surprise and desire flashing across his face. He hadn't thought I would say something like that so soon.

But then, he leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear. He got used to new information quickly.

"As you wish, omega," he whispered, his voice dripping with his need for me. "But first, I need to prepare you. We don't need to rush it."