Chapter 11

Marco

The weeks dragged by, days bleeding together as I fought to maintain my mask while harboring growing suspicions. Lucas noticed nothing, going about his routines while I watched him with a predator's attention, catching subtle changes that only my years of observation could detect.

First came the changes in his demeanor—increased sensitivity, heightened emotions, emotional outbursts seemingly out of nowhere. Then, physical alterations began manifesting gradually—weight gain, nausea, fatigue. Each symptom added fuel to the fire burning brightly within my chest, igniting fears hidden deep beneath layers of denial, uncertainty, and hope.

Most telling, though, was the shift in his scent. Sweetness intensified exponentially, filling every corner of our common spaces, clinging to fabrics, lingering stubbornly after his absence. It marked him distinctly, clearly, unmistakably—an omega carrying new life within. My life. Our child.

Yet, despite evidence piling high, concrete proof stacking steadily against deniability, I held firm, feigning ignorance. Pretended none of it mattered, that everything remained unchanged. Why? Because admitting the truth aloud would force confrontations neither of us desired openly. Not when uncertainty ruled supreme, confusion clouded judgment, and fear dictated actions.

He didn't want to tell me that he was pregnant. That alone spoke volumes about what he was thinking.

Lucas seemed content with pretense, accepting the facade at face value. Better that way, surely. Safer too, given the circumstances surrounding our lives. Until solid ground formed beneath us, keeping everything secret was the wiser choice.

Still, questions lingered, demanding answers refused thus far. How far along was he? Had he known longer than me? What plans did he harbor regarding the future, ours included? Most importantly: did he want this baby? Want us together to raise a family under these current conditions?

Time mocked my thinning patience as control slipped through my fingers like sand. Soon, the cracks would be impossible to ignore. When that dam finally burst, would our carefully constructed illusions survive the flood of reality? Or would we drown in the truth we'd tried so hard to contain?

Until then, though, pretending remained the safest route. Better to keep up appearances, to maintain the charade a little longer—before facing the harsh truths staring plainly back at us both. Before deciding the fates that rested heavily on our shoulders, choices that would dictate the paths ahead. Before accepting the responsibility that weighed down the soul, burdens pressing on the mind.

Then, days turned into weeks, and weeks stretched into months. Still, no direct acknowledgment passed between us regarding the elephant in the room. Or rather, the tiny human growing inside him. Yet, time wasn't infinite, and patience wore thin rapidly under the strain of uncertainty, tension, and doubt.

One morning, as I sat brooding over coffee, lost in thoughts swirling within my mind, Lucas stumbled into the kitchen, pale-faced and exhausted-looking. His hand flew instinctively to cover his mouth, stifling a yawn threatening to escape. Fuck, even his mannerisms changed drastically recently. Couldn't avoid noticing anymore.

"What are you doing up so early?"I asked gruffly, watching him as he poured himself a cup, hands trembling slightly around the mug, even though he was pretending everything was fine. Too nervous? Afraid? Something else entirely? Time to find out once and for all.

"Not much,"he mumbled softly, avoiding eye contact. Typical. He'd been employing avoidance tactics lately whenever a conversation veered towards sensitive topics. Well, not today. Today, shit hit the fan.

I rose abruptly, chair scraping against the hardwood floor. Startled, he jerked upright, spilling hot liquid onto the countertop, scalding his fingers. But I barely registered his discomfort, consumed instead by anger surging, heating my blood, and pounding in my ears.

"Marco..."He started uncertainly, wiping away some drops carelessly with a nearby cloth. Good. Let him try to clean up his mess first; maybe he'd understand the hidden meaning behind that.

"No more games, Lucas,"I snapped sharply, advancing until mere inches separated us. Close enough to see the fear flash briefly across those expressive features, close enough to smell the sweetness permeating his skin, and also close enough to feel the heat radiating off him, drawing me closer still.

His breath hitched, surprise widening his dark irises. Guess he hadn't expected confrontation so soon. Too bad. Expectation only delayed his inevitable reckoning, and it also made things worse.

"You're pregnant, aren't you?"I growled low, my voice dropping menacingly, resonating within the confined space. Shock flashed briefly before acceptance replaced it, realization dawning slowly yet undeniably. Bingo, not that it was much of an achievement. I was just happy that we were dealing with our current situation.

"Yes,"he whispered, his gaze flickering downward. There it was—confirmation straight from the source itself. No more hiding behind lies, evasions, or half-truths. Just raw honesty laid bare.

Rage ignited, burning white-hot behind my eyelids, threatening explosion. Pregnant. Unplanned. Unexpected. Scary. All rolled into one terrifying revelation threatening stability. Everything we built since...

Since... well, forever really. Since becoming mine. Since claiming him fully, binding ourselves for the rest of our lives. And now this—an unexpected variable shattering my carefully laid plans.

But most importantly, fear clawed at my insides—fear of failure, loss, or rejection. Fear of losing someone precious. Fear of letting go, letting slip something fragile, fleeting, and precious.

Yet, despite the turmoil raging internally, externally, calmness descended swiftly, settling upon my features, and masking my emotions. Control returned steadily, reasserting dominance. Here stood Marco Rossi, alpha cartel leader, feared by enemies, respected by allies, loved by few. Not some weak-willed fool crumbling under pressure, unable to face challenges head-on.

"Sit,"I ordered, gesturing towards the table tucked neatly beside a window. Without protest, he complied, lowering himself onto a seat. Smart boy. He obeyed me most of the time, a trait I admired deeply, and secretly envied too.

Once situated comfortably, I leaned against the opposite counter, arms crossed defensively across my chest. Power stance, dominant posture. A reminder of who held authority here. Who commanded respect, obedience, and loyalty. Until proven otherwise, anyway.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"I began, watching intently as he squirmed beneath my intense scrutiny.

"I-I don't know,"he admitted softly, looking away shamefaced."Scared, maybe?"

My brow furrowed, confusion flashing briefly before comprehension dawned. Scared? Of what exactly? Me? My reaction? Our future together?

"Why scared?"I pressed further, needing clarification. Needing reassurance. Needing answers."What did you think would happen if you told me the truth?"

He shrugged, picking at non-existent lint on his pants leg. Damned nervous habit surfacing now, huh? How long had he been suppressing his anxiety, bottling up his fears?

"That you wouldn't want-"

"Want what?"I cut in right away, impatience flaring brighter than anger ever could. Enough dancing around issues. Time for a more direct approach.

"A child,"he blurted out, meeting my gaze for a brief moment before averting his eyes again. Cowardice masked as bravery sometimes. Clever, though.

"And why wouldn't I?"I challenged while keeping my tone calm, feigning ignorance. At the same time, thoughts raced in my mind, scenarios played out rapidly, and consequences weighed heavily in my thoughts already. Yet none reflected poorly on him. None hinted at doubt lingering deep inside. Only certainty remained solid.

Because despite everything else, regardless of circumstances surrounding our lives, one fact remained unchanged—I wanted him. Wanted us. Wanted whatever came between two people bound intimately.

"Lucas,"I said softly, stepping forward suddenly, catching him off guard. His eyes widened, shock flashing before yielding swiftly to surprise.

I grasped his chin gently but firmly, tilting his head back slightly, forcing eye contact once more. Up close, changes became evident—darker circles etched underneath his lids, pale pallor replacing usual rosiness, subtle fullness accentuating his lips. Evidence piled high, concrete proof stacked steadily against denial. Yet still, I needed verbal admission, spoken words confirming the suspicions looming large and ominous over us both.

"What do you want, Lucas Chen?"I demanded, searching deep into those dark depths, seeking answers. Answers only he possessed.

"I..." he began, faltering immediately, taken aback by the intensity glowing in my gaze. It was fair; confronting an alpha's will was never simple, particularly one fueled by determination, resolve, and love. Yes, love, damn it. The emotion that had driven every action, every choice made so far. Love. For him. It couldn't be any different.

"I want you," he whispered, leaning in to touch me, seeking solace exclusively within my arms. Damn, who could resist such trust and openness? It was indeed an impossible task.

"But?" I urged roughly, sensing hesitation lurking behind his superficial acceptance. An unresolved issue, an unbeaten challenge—both of which needed immediate attention.

"But nothing," he rebuffed, shaking his head vigorously. But it was too late. His denial was unconvincing, sounding insincere amid the unpreserved sincerity, and ruthless honesty I was seeking.

"Do you remember? No lies between us," I cautioned, loosening my grip and giving him room to breathe, to think clearly. "Not after..."

"Not after what?" He questioned, his vulnerability stripped raw, utterly exposed. Just like our first meeting—vulnerable, innocent, even na?ve. And he was mine then, just as he was now.

"After I fully claimed you," I concluded gruffly, my voice deepening, reverberating within the confines of the kitchen. Claiming, possession, ownership—terms alien to most men. Yet they were natural, innate, and inevitable when confronting a true mate. An irrefutable reality when confronted with destiny.

His breath audibly hitched, surprise widening his dark irises before melting into something warmer, softer, and more tender. Acceptance or relief, maybe? Either way, there was a visible, tangible, undeniable shift. Something that changed the course of the events unfolding between us, altering the trajectory.

"We need to talk about this properly," I declared, abruptly turning away, breaking the connection that held us captive moments before. Now was neither the time nor the place for intimate conversations, heartfelt confessions, or emotional proclamations. Not while tension was mounting elsewhere, danger was lingering nearby, and enemies were closing in. This was for later. After addressing other immediate concerns requiring urgent attention.

Despite this, unbeknownst to the others, the priority rested solely on my shoulders, its burden weighing heavily on my chest. Because no matter what happened next, who challenged my leadership, or what threats loomed... nothing was more important than securing safety, stability, and peace for the omega carrying my child. Nothing mattered more than ensuring the well-being, happiness, and security of the man I loved.

Before addressing the concerns plaguing my mind, duty called. My subordinates gathered downstairs, awaiting their orders. There was no room for delay or indecision here. It was time to wear their public mask, to perfect their expected roles.

Faces turned towards me after I reached the first floor, anticipation hanging thick among the silent figures huddled together. They knew trouble was brewing, and sensed instability simmering beneath my calm exterior. They saw the cracks, the flaws, the weaknesses. All visible under their scrutiny.

"Report," I demanded, cutting through the tension, swiftly commanding respect.

My subordinates filed forward one by one, detailing recent incidents, unexpected issues, and simmering problems that had neared a breaking point. They all spoke candidly, showing their loyalty and vested faith in me.

Throughout the presentation, unease grew and concerns escalated. We were facing more challenges lately, threats were multiplying, and enemies were edging closer. How much longer could we maintain control, hold onto power, and defend our territory? Questions and doubts weighed heavily on our already burdened minds.

Despite the mounting pressure, uncertainty, and doubt... no one wavered or faltered. Instead, their resolve hardened, their deportments stiffened, and their chins were defiantly uplifted.

Once the final report finished, a heavy, awkward silence fell. The atmosphere was tense with expectation. The waiting game was a frequent test of patience and limit-pushing in times like these.

"So," I finally said, deliberately breaking the silence. "What do you propose?"

Eyes shifted to me, all focused on the single figure standing tall among them. Me, their leader.

Then, as silence stretched taut, tension coiling tightly around us, a lone figure stepped forward boldly, breaking ranks. My brow furrowed, curiosity piqued sharply amidst the confusion swirling within my mind. Who dared speak right now without permission? Who?

"We've heard enough. The truth is, despite everything you've done for us, is that you've been too lenient recently, Marco,"he announced, voice echoing throughout the grand hall. Gasps echoed softly around us, shock rippling amongst those present. Traitorous bastard. Using my name without the appropriate title, attempting to undermine my status like this...

I studied him with narrowed eyes, taking in every detail. Average height, lean build, sharp features framed by short dark hair. Unremarkable at first glance; yet, looks could deceive easily enough. Appearances meant little sometimes.

"And you are?"I inquired, feigning ignorance despite beginning to remember who he was. His identity didn't matter at the moment; only his intentions did.

He smirked, sensing victory approaching. Foolish move, really. Underestimating opponents always led straight down to disappointment.

"I am the one who sees clearly what needs changing,"he replied, spreading his arms wide. Our audience murmured approval, some even nodding eagerly. Damn fools. They were so blind.

"Changing, huh?"I echoed, tapping my chin as if deep in thought. Meanwhile, anger churned within me, demanding release. But not now. Not until the time was right.

"Yes!"He exclaimed, believing himself victorious already. Idiot. Dumbasses like him always failed to recognize the strength hidden beneath calm facades.

"Very well then,"I agreed, dropping a hand casually beside my side. Nonchalance perfected, practiced thoroughly over the years. Yet, inside, a storm raged, threatening eruption soon.

His brows furrowed, surprise flickering briefly before comprehension dawned. Too late, though. Now, he was going to face the consequences of his actions.

In a flash, I moved, striking faster than anyone anticipated. Hand wrapped firmly around his throat, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. Struggle barely registered amidst the shock gripping him from head to toe. His pathetic attempt at inciting a rebellion was already fizzling out.

"What-"

"No words needed,"I growled low, leaning close, allowing heat radiating off me to scorch his face. Fear flashed briefly before acceptance replaced it, realization dawning slowly yet undeniably. Bingo, not that it was much of an achievement. I just hated being forced into displaying dominance in such a way.

"But..."he started, grasping at last straws. Weak grasp, slipping swiftly between his fingers. Too late anyway.

"No 'buts',"I snapped, tightening my grip slightly. Just enough to cut off the air supply steadily, leaving no room for protests.

As life ebbed steadily, panic surged, desperation clawing wildly at his insides. Hands grasped futilely at my arm, nails digging deeply into my flesh. His futile efforts wasted energy better spent elsewhere. Time ticked interminably, each second stretching eternally while his struggle weakened, hope faded, and resistance crumbled.

Finally, his limp form hung lifelessly in my grasp, his breath stilled permanently, and his heartbeat silenced forevermore. Dropping his body without giving a single fuck, I turned towards our stunned audience, my gaze sweeping across their frozen faces.

"Never again,"I warned gruffly, my voice resonating in the room."But if it still ever happens another time, expect worse."