Chapter 16

Rowan

The walls of my prison cell felt like they were closing in on me, each day blending into the next as I served my sentence.

I was pregnant and hadn't expected to get arrested. That was one of the reasons why I did what I did. However, even if I had known this was going to be the consequence of my actions, my decision would still have been the same, without a doubt.

It had been three long months since I was arrested and charged with involvement in the Nightshade Wolves cartel. The irony that I was imprisoned for a crime I didn't commit wasn't lost on me.

The more I thought about that, the more I hated it. I did everything not to be involved with the cartel, to make people understand I didn't have anything to do with their criminal dealings, but it didn't matter in the end. The police saw that I committed a crime and wanted to imprison me.

My only solace was knowing that Diego, my former lover and the father of my unborn child, was also behind bars, serving time for his actual association with the cartel.

Or maybe I should hate that as well. If he was out, he could help me more. In here, his hands were tied.

During my time in prison, I reflected on the series of events that had led me here. It all started when I received that fateful letter, threatening my life due to an outstanding debt to the Nightshade Wolves.

Thinking about that, I couldn't help but wonder if I could have done some things differently, but probably not. At the time, I did the best I could.

In a desperate attempt to buy myself time, I had reached out to the cartel, only to find myself face-to-face with Diego, the cartel's second-in-command. Even now, I remembered every single detail of what happened during that encounter. I knew he could also remember everything.

Our meeting had been tense, and despite his intimidating demeanor, I had felt an undeniable attraction to him.

"Mr. Whisperwind, are you ready?" Lila's voice snapped me out of my reverie as she stood at the cell door, her eyes filled with determination. I was aware she was going to come, so her showing up here wasn't unexpected.

Her unwavering loyalty had been my lifeline during this ordeal. Without it, I didn't know what I would be doing. Probably brooding about my current predicament.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, my voice echoing my apprehension and resolve. I knew what awaited me was a delicate negotiation, one that could potentially secure my release.

I had been thinking about it for so long. Everything had to go right. Otherwise, it was all going to be a huge waste of time.

Taking a steadying breath, I followed Lila out of the cell and down the sterile hallway. My heart pounded in my chest as we approached the interrogation room. This was it — the moment that would determine my future. I had been rehearsing for this occasion for so long.

The room was stark and impersonal, with a metal table and several chairs occupying the space. Great. If I thought that this couldn't be worse, I just learned how wrong I was.

Seated at the table were two figures: a stern-looking police officer and a woman with a no-nonsense demeanor. I recognized her as Detective Williams, the lead investigator on my case. It only got worse. Her presence made me feel more tense.

"Mr. Whisperwind, please take a seat," Detective Williams said, gesturing to the chair across from her. Her gaze was intense, and I knew she saw right through me.

She wasn't going to give me an easy time. I had to be more prepared for our meeting than I thought I had to be.

I slowly lowered myself into the chair, my hands clasped nervously in my lap. Lila remained standing, her presence providing me with a sense of comfort. She was my only friend here. I wished Diego was here with us, but he wasn't.

"You've expressed a willingness to provide information about the Nightshade Wolves cartel," Detective Williams began, her tone businesslike. "We're interested in hearing what you have to say, but we need to understand your motivations. Why are you suddenly willing to cooperate?"

I took a deep breath, knowing that my next words would be crucial. What she wanted, I couldn't give her. I didn't have much information on the cartel. It was as simple as that.

"Detective, I want to make one thing clear: I was never a member of the Nightshade Wolves. My involvement with them was solely due to a debt I owed, and it was a mistake I deeply regret. If I could do things differently, I would do it."

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "I understand that my actions may have contributed to the perception that I was a part of their organization. But I assure you, my only intention was to buy myself time to repay the debt. I had no knowledge of their illegal activities beyond what was necessary for my transaction with them. I hope you can understand that."

Detective Williams leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "And what exactly was this 'transaction'? We have reason to believe it involved a significant sum of money."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, knowing that full disclosure was my only option. There was actually a lot of money involved. To kickstart my company, I needed it.

"Yes, it did. You see, a few years ago, I found myself in a desperate situation. My tech startup was struggling, and I made the foolish decision to borrow money from the Nightshade Wolves. It was a one-time loan, and I intended to repay it as soon as my business took off."

Lila remained silent, but I felt her supportive presence beside me. It made all the difference. If she wasn't here, I would be a lot more stressed.

"I understand that borrowing money from a criminal organization was incredibly reckless and irresponsible," I continued. "And I take full responsibility for my actions. But I want to make amends and assist you in bringing down the cartel. In exchange, I'm hoping for leniency and protection for myself and my loved ones."

I exhaled, hoping that was going to be enough. Her reaction was going to tell me a lot.

Detective Williams exchanged a glance with the police officer sitting beside her. "Mr. Whisperwind, we appreciate your willingness to cooperate. However, we need to be clear about the terms of our agreement. Should we accept your offer, you will be required to provide substantial and verifiable information about the cartel's operations. In return, we will consider reducing your sentence and offering witness protection."

My heart seized at her words. I didn't think I could give her the information she was looking for. I just didn't have it.

On top of that, witness protection would mean starting a new life, leaving everything and everyone I knew behind. But it was a sacrifice I was willing to make to ensure my safety and that of my unborn child. And, as long as Diego stayed with me, that solution could be more palatable.

"I understand, Detective," I said, my voice steady. Even though I was a wreck on the inside, on the outside, I was doing everything to show I was calm. "I'm prepared to provide you with detailed information, including names, locations, and any other relevant details. I want to help bring an end to their criminal activities."

The detective leaned back, a slight softening in her demeanor. That was good. It was better than I thought it was going to be. I thought she was going to say I didn't have anything to give her and dismiss me.

"Very well, Mr. Whisperwind. We accept your offer. We will begin debriefing sessions immediately, and in the meantime, we will initiate the process for your release and protection."

A wave of relief washed over me, and I felt Lila's hand squeeze my shoulder. It was happening for real. I didn't think it was going to, but it really was.

I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to put my trust in the justice system and rebuild my life. Plus, as long as Diego stood by my side, I felt we could do anything.

True to their word, the police worked swiftly to finalize our agreement. For several intensive debriefing sessions, I provided them with a wealth of information about the Nightshade Wolves, including the identities of key members and their illicit activities.

That all happened with Diego's help. Without it, I couldn't have managed to give the police so much information. He betrayed the cartel one more time.

In return for my help, the police expedited my release and arranged for my protection. I also suspected they felt guilty about arresting me since I was pregnant. They had treated me too harshly. I should have been under house arrest at most.

The day of my release arrived, and I stepped out of the prison gates, squinting in the bright sunlight. Lila was there to greet me, her face alight with relief and joy. Now, I was waiting for Diego. I couldn't live my life without him.

"You did it, Mr. Whisperwind!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining. "I knew you'd find a way out of this mess."

I managed a faint smile, my heart still heavy from the ordeal. I was happy she was happy, but I hadn't been so confident it was all going to turn out okay for me.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Lila. You're more than an assistant; you're a true friend."

As we walked toward the parking lot, I felt a sense of freedom I hadn't known in months. But my heart was also filled with trepidation as I thought about facing Diego and the fallout from our abrupt separation. We had so much to talk about, after all.

Speaking of Diego, he was nowhere to be seen. I assumed the authorities had arranged for our separate releases to avoid any potential conflict. Still, my heart ached at the thought of seeing him again, even as I longed to explain everything that had transpired.

I hoped he was going to keep an open mind regarding my decisions and motivations. I wanted a fresh start with him.

Lila must have sensed my turmoil because she placed a gentle hand on my arm. As usual, she could read what I was thinking and didn't hesitate to comfort me.

"Mr. Whisperwind, I know this is a difficult time. Take all the time you need to adjust. And remember, I'm here for you, always."

I nodded, grateful for her understanding. "Thank you, Lila. I don't know what I would be doing right now without your support."

As we approached my car, a sleek black vehicle pulled up alongside us. The window rolled down, revealing Diego's cocky grin. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, and I felt a mixture of emotions: anger, desire, and a deep sense of loss.

It had been such a long time. We were kept separate in the prison, of course. They didn't want us to see each other. It was cruel, but it was what it was.

"Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice dripping with self-assurance. He was behaving as if he hadn't been arrested. Contrasting with me, he took that much better than I did. "Look who it is. Rowan Whisperwind, free at last. I knew you'd find a way out of this mess, my clever little omega."

I stood there, frozen, unsure how to respond. His words warmed my heart. I missed his voice so much.

Lila stepped forward, her protective instincts kicking in. "Mr. Bloodmoon, I suggest you leave Mr. Whisperwind alone. He's been through enough, and your presence isn't helping."

But that wasn't what I wanted. Lila understood a lot of what I thought, but not that. She didn't get that at all.

Diego's gaze flicked to Lila, and he raised an eyebrow. "My, my, Rowan, you certainly know how to surround yourself with fierce women. But I'm afraid I can't oblige your assistant's request. You and I have some unfinished business, and I intend to settle it."

That was an understatement, to say the least.

I stepped forward, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. I had so many things to say.

"Diego, I know we need to talk, but now isn't the time or place. Let's take this discussion elsewhere."

As much as part of me didn't want to do that, it knew I was right. We had to go to a better place so we could talk freely.

He smirked, his eyes glittering with unspoken promises. "Lead the way, Rowan. I'm all ears."

We ended up at a secluded park, a place we had never been to before. As we sat on a bench beneath the shade of a towering oak tree, the weight of our unresolved issues hung heavy between us.

"Start talking, Rowan," Diego prompted, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His gaze was intense, and I knew he was waiting for my explanation. He wanted to hear everything. Luckily for him, I was thinking a lot about what to say this entire time.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Diego, I know our separation must have seemed abrupt and confusing. But I want you to understand that it was never about us. It was about ensuring my safety and that of our child."

I exhaled, wondering what he was going to say. I wondered if he understood me.

Then, his eyes softened as he thought about Aurora, and a range of emotions flashed across his face: tenderness, concern, and resolve. "Our child," he repeated, his voice gentle. "I know, Rowan. You've made a brave decision."

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, Diego. I'm relieved it seems you understand. My decision to turn myself in and cooperate with the police was to protect our future together. In the end, it all worked out in our favor."

Diego was silent for a moment, processing my words. Then, a slow smile spread across his face, and he reached for my hand, entwining our fingers. "Our child," he repeated, wonder in his voice. "You've done the right thing, Rowan. I couldn't be happier about this. I thought you had made a mistake, but now I see that differently."

I felt a weight lift from my shoulders, and a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. "I'm glad you're happy about it, Diego. I know our situation is complicated, but I want us to be a family. Our child deserves that."

He pulled me into his arms, holding me close, and I breathed in his familiar scent, feeling safe and loved. How much I had missed it. I couldn't live without his presence.

"We will be a family, Rowan. I promise you that. I'll do everything in my power to protect what we have together. We've been through too much and have to make up for lost time."

As we sat there, embraced in the warmth of our rekindled connection, I knew that our love was stronger than the challenges we had faced. With Diego by my side, I could do anything.

The pain of our separation seemed to melt away, replaced by a renewed sense of hope and determination.

Diego's lips found mine, and our kiss was filled with all the passion and intensity that had been building during our time apart. It was as if we were discovering each other anew, our bodies igniting with a familiar flame. I was feeling so peaceful.

"Let's go home, Rowan," Diego murmured against my lips. "I want to be with you, to feel you around me again. And I know how much you want to do that too."

I nodded, my body thrumming with anticipation. Home. It was where I wanted to be with him. It was a long time since I was last there. It was going to be different, walking into that place again.

As we drove back to my place, the tension between us thickened, filling the car with palpable electricity. Diego's eyes darkened with desire, and he reached over, his hand sliding up my thigh. Even now, he couldn't stop thinking about my body. He wanted every part of me.

"I've missed you, omega," he growled, his thumb brushing against the sensitive skin behind my ear. Oh, God. I melted under his presence.

A shiver ran through me, and I leaned closer, my breath quickening. "I've missed you too, Diego. So much. We can do everything we've always wanted now."

By the time we reached my house, we were a tangle of limbs and hungry mouths. Diego kicked the door shut behind us, and I backed him against it, claiming his lips with a ferocity that matched my own longing. We sure were already making up for lost time.

His hands roamed over my body, igniting every nerve ending, and I moaned into his mouth, desperate for more. He swept me into his arms and carried me toward the bedroom, our lips never parting. I gasped. His hunger for me was unmatched.

The moment we crossed the threshold, Diego lowered me to my feet, and I wasted no time in tugging at his shirt, eager to feel the hard planes of his chest beneath my hands. He obliged, shedding his clothes with an eagerness that mirrored my own.

Our bodies came together, skin on skin, and I felt the familiar heat of his cock pressing against my entrance. It was different this time. He was more careful. I never thought he could be like that, but he was. He was behaving like that because of our child.

Diego paused, his eyes searching mine for confirmation. I nodded, my breath coming in short gasps. "Please, Diego. I need you. Don't hold back."

With a growl, he thrust into me, filling me completely. I arched my back, my hands clutching at his shoulders as he began to move, each stroke reminding me of how powerful he was.

Our passion built, our bodies moving in perfect sync, and I cried out as pleasure washed over me, my release coating our joined bodies. Diego followed soon after, his seed spilling into me as he knotted.

Collapsing onto the bed, Diego pulled me into his arms, our sweat-dampened bodies entwined. I felt his lips against my ear, his voice a husky whisper. I shivered slightly.

"I want to protect you, Rowan, and our little one. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. That's my promise to you."

I turned in his arms, my eyes meeting his. "I know you will, Diego. And I trust you. I know you are capable of doing anything."

His fingers trailed gently over my stomach, a silent acknowledgment of the life growing within me. "Our child will be loved and protected, Rowan. I promise to be the father she deserves."

As I snuggled closer, feeling Diego's strong arms around me, I knew this was just the beginning of our lives together.