Chapter 10

Kael

The sun hung low in the sky when Mateo pulled up outside Club Nocturne, the engine idling beneath us. I sat stiffly beside him, hands clenched together in my lap, stomach roiling. This was the last place I wanted to be right now. Or ever again, to be honest. But here we were, drawn back into the dangerous web of the Nightshade Wolves cartel. Another operation loomed ahead, threatening to entangle us both deeper still.

Mateo wanted to show me more of his world. He said it was his way of making sure I truly knew him, every part of his life. I'd agreed, but in reality, I was using those moments to pass information to Mr. Novak. So far, it had worked, though the guilt weighed heavily on me. I had no other choice. Each day, I continued out of fear of what would happen if Mateo ever found out. I didn't know how he would react, but kindness wasn't likely.

It wasn't about keeping my job or paying rent anymore — not that I had to worry about rent. And with the pregnancy, which I hadn't even told Mr. Novak about yet, there was no way I could keep working at Club Nocturne.

My heart pounded against my ribcage, echoing the tick-tick-tick of the clock counting down towards some inevitable disaster.

Mateo glanced sideways at me, his piercing gaze taking stock of my tense posture. For a moment, concern flickered across his handsome face before being replaced by resolve."Stay close,"he murmured, leaning over to brush a quick kiss against my cheek."Everything will be fine."

I couldn't help but wonder when he might change his mind and lock me away in his mansion. After all, this was dangerous. He'd assured me there was nothing to worry about, but I couldn't completely believe him. Still, I trusted him to protect me.

Even as he spoke those soothing words, I couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding hanging heavy around us. Something felt different tonight. More ominous somehow. Like the calm before a storm.

Climbing out of the car, we joined the rest of the crew already assembled near the club entrance. Javier stood sentinel-like beside the door, flanked by several other lieutenants. Their expressions were grim, faces set in stern lines of determination. Whatever lay ahead promised to be serious business indeed.

As we approached, Javier nodded to Mateo and then shifted his attention briefly to me. His dark eyes held a question, searching for something unspoken. I looked quickly away, unable to meet his scrutiny. What could I possibly say anyway? That I wished to flee this whole mess? That I feared for our lives and the safety of my unborn child? None of those things would help matters one bit. So instead, I kept silent, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other until we reached the group.

Once gathered together, Mateo addressed everyone present:"Tonight, we move forward with Operation Serpiente. Our target is a rival faction attempting to encroach upon our territory. We cannot allow such disrespect to stand unchallenged."

A murmur rippled through the ranks, acknowledgment of the mission parameters. Then Mateo continued, voice hardening with purpose."Santiago has secured intelligence regarding their movements and locations. We strike fast, hit hard, and leave no survivors behind."

A nagging thought kept eating away at me. This was happening right here, at Club Nocturne. Was everything unfolding here? Did Mateo already know about Mr. Novak? I didn't think he did, but with each passing moment, it felt more and more likely that I was wrong.

At the mention of Santiago's name, I tensed slightly. Sometimes, it was as though he could see right through me and my lies.

Shaking off that unsettling thought, I refocused on the task at hand. Tonight wasn't the time nor place to dwell upon personal fears. Not when danger threatened from every direction.

Under cover of darkness, we moved through the city streets, blending amongst shadows cast long by streetlights overhead. I felt relieved that Mateo didn't seem to be targeting Mr. Novak. It meant he still didn't know about my arrangement with him. He couldn't be suspicious yet.

Each step forward brought us closer to the enemy stronghold — a rundown warehouse district infested with rats and vermin both literal and metaphorical.

Upon arrival, Mateo signaled for silence. Crouching low amidst crumbling walls, we waited tensely for the signal indicating all targets had been located and isolated. Minutes stretched for what felt like an eternity. Finally, a faint click sounded through the night air. Time to move.

We surged forward en masse, weapons raised and ready. Shouts erupted from within the buildings as our adversaries scrambled awake, caught off guard by the sudden assault. Chaos reigned supreme; gunfire crackled deafeningly loud, bullets ricocheting off concrete surfaces with deadly force. Bodies fell left and right, blood spattering everywhere in grisly patterns.

In that moment, I promised myself I would never go on another operation with Mateo. No matter what he said, he wouldn't convince me again.

Amidst the chaos, I struggled to keep pace with Mateo, trying not to lose sight of him amidst the swirling madness. He fought fiercely, moving fluidly between attackers, striking them down with brutal efficiency. Every blow landed true, fueled by years of honed skill and experience. It was terrifying yet mesmerizing all at once.

A few minutes later, order began to emerge from the disorder. Our enemies dwindled rapidly under the relentless onslaught, leaving only scattered remnants cowering in corners or hiding beneath debris. One final sweep confirmed victory achieved. All threats neutralized. Mission accomplished.

That was far too dangerous. I could have been killed. I trusted Mateo; he didn't need to keep using these moments to prove his point.

Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me as adrenaline ebbed away, leaving behind bone-deep weariness. Leaning against a wall, I watched numbly as Mateo issued commands to clean up the scene, ensuring no evidence remained behind. Once satisfied everything appeared secure, he turned towards me, expression softening somewhat.

"Are you alright?"He asked gently, reaching out to cup my chin between his thumb and fingers. After everything that had just happened, now he wanted to know if everything was okay with me.

I managed a weak nod, too drained to speak coherently just then. But even though my body screamed for rest, my mind refused to quieten. Too many questions still lingered unanswered. Too much uncertainty remained unresolved.

Before I could voice any concerns though, another figure stepped into view — Santiago himself. I hadn't expected to see him here.

Dressed impeccably as always, he exuded an air of smug satisfaction. My stomach churned at the sight of him. What was going on in his head?

He approached Mateo first, bowing his head."Everything proceeded according to plan,"he reported smoothly."No complications encountered along the way."

Mateo acknowledged him with a brief nod before turning back to me."Let's go home,"he murmured, wrapping an arm around my shoulders."I think you've seen enough of what I do, especially tonight. You need rest." And I agreed with him.

And so, we departed, leaving behind the carnage strewn across the warehouse district. As we drove away, I couldn't shake off the sense that something crucial had just transpired without my full understanding. Some vital piece of information slipped past me unnoticed...

In the meantime, I was trying to figure out how to phrase the information I had gathered about the gang's recently completed mission. I also remembered that as long as I worked for Mr. Novak, I would have to continue going on operations with Mateo. If he decided to stop bringing me along, I would need to find a way to convince him otherwise. I hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Back inside the mansion, Mateo guided me upstairs right, insisting I get some sleep straightaway. Exhaustion claimed me swiftly, dragging me down into oblivion almost in the same moment. When next I opened my eyes, it felt like mere moments had passed rather than hours. Yet sunlight streamed brightly through the windows, confirming otherwise.

Stretching with a groan, I rolled over onto my side, finding myself alone in bed. A quick glance around revealed no sign of Mateo anywhere nearby. Had he already risen? Or perhaps gone elsewhere?

Pushing aside lingering grogginess, I climbed out of bed and padded quietly downstairs seeking answers. Soft voices drifted from somewhere deeper within the house. Mateo was most likely discussing something with someone from his cartel.

Ignoring them, I made a beeline straight for the kitchen instead. I needed coffee again so much right now.

As I poured steaming hot liquid into a mug, footsteps echoed behind me. Turning around, I found Mateo leaning against the doorframe watching me intently. His gaze held a mix of concern and curiosity, making me feel self-conscious. These events reminded me of a similar moment we had not too long ago.

"How are you feeling this morning?"He asked, stepping further into the room.

"Better," I replied. "Just tired still."

Nodding, he reached out to take hold of my hand, drawing me close until our bodies pressed together. Warmth radiated from him, comforting despite the underlying tension simmering beneath the surface.

"Last night went well,"he commented."Those assholes won't trouble us anymore."

But even as he spoke those reassuring words, I couldn't help but think about everything else witnessed during the operation. The sheer brutality displayed, the ruthlessness exhibited... How could anyone live like that constantly? And more importantly, how could I possibly raise a child amidst such violence?

"It's not enough,"I blurted out, pulling away slightly."We can't keep living like this forever!"

Maybe I could convince him to leave the cartel soon, but I wasn't holding my breath. There was only so much I could do, after all.

Mateo stared at me, jaw working as though chewing over my words carefully.

"Do you really think I want anything less than the best for you? And now, for our baby too?"He demanded.

Then, when I thought he was going to continue to berate me, he changed his mind, tsking. "Come find me later,"he instructed softly."When you're ready to talk sensibly again."

Then he was gone, leaving me alone amidst swirling thoughts and emotions. Sighing deeply, I sank down onto a chair, cradling my head in my hands while trying to sort through conflicting feelings churning inside me.

Hours passed by interminably slowly before eventually, I gathered sufficient resolve to seek out Mateo once more. Rising with shaky legs, I continued with cautious steps, my heart pounding against my ribs. What would await me upon confronting him again? More arguments? Further disagreements?

Fortunately though, when I entered the study where he often worked, I discovered him seated behind the desk engrossed in paperwork rather than waiting for my arrival. He wasn't thinking so much about me at the moment. Relief washed over me for a moment, allowing me the time needed to straighten up my back.

Stepping closer, I hesitated before speaking."Can we talk now?"

He looked up then, surprise flickering across his face before being swiftly replaced by determination. Setting aside whatever task occupied him, he gestured for me to sit opposite him. Once settled, he leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees.

"Have you thought about what you want to say to me?"He inquired, his voice gentle, but I could sense an undercurrent of animosity with me. He was disappointed in the way I acted.

Swallowing hard past the lump forming in my throat, I met his gaze."Everything that happened last night,"I began."And what it means moving forward..."

Understanding dawned within his green eyes, followed quickly by resignation. Leaning back again, he folded his arms across his chest.

"You saw too much," he admitted. "More than most outsiders ever do. I want you to trust me, and that's why I took you with me, but maybe I shouldn't do that again."

A shiver ran down my spine at hearing those words spoken aloud. Yes, indeed — far too much revealed itself during Operation Serpiente. Secrets that were better kept hidden from innocent eyes. I wished I hadn't seen anything. That way, I wouldn't have anything to relay to Mr. Novak.

"So, what does this mean for us?"I pressed, wishing to end this conversation as soon as possible.

Several moments ticked by without a response, Mateo seemingly lost deep within private contemplations. Finally, though, he sighed, unfolding his arms to reach out and grasp one of my hands tightly between both of his.

"Nothing changes,"he declared with firmness in his voice."My love for you remains unchanged. My commitment to protecting you stays absolute. I'll be doing some things differently from now on, but nothing more than that."

Relief flooded through me at hearing those reassurances voiced clearly. Still, doubts lingered beneath my calm surface. Could everything truly remain unaltered despite the new knowledge gained? I knew the answer wasn't so simple.

Before any further discussion could occur though, a sudden noise interrupted our conversation — sharp footsteps echoing with urgency along the hallway outside. A split second later, Santiago burst into the room, breathing as though having run a great distance. His face appeared pale, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool temperature indoors.

"Boss!"He gasped out, voice ragged with exertion."We have a problem! One of our own betrayed us!"

Alarm jolted through me in the same moment, adrenaline surging in me. Betrayal amongst their ranks? That spelled disaster...

Mateo reacted right away, leaping upright from his seat."Who?"He demanded.

Santiago swallowed audibly, his Adam's apple bobbing prominently within his thin neck."It's... it's Luis,"he confessed with some reluctance."He contacted a rival faction earlier, offering information on some of our upcoming operations in exchange for safe passage away from here."

Anger flashed across Mateo's features like lightning striking earth."Where is he now?"He growled. His intention was clear. He was going to deal with the problem right now.

"Held captive upstairs,"Santiago replied."Our men are awaiting your orders."

Nodding, Mateo turned towards me, expression softening somewhat."Stay here,"he murmured."This won't take long."

Then he was gone, striding from the room, accompanied by Santiago. Left alone in the heavy silence, I sat motionless, my mind racing with all kinds of thoughts. How could someone turn against Mateo? And worse yet — how many others might follow a similar path if given the chance?

Time stretched for what felt like an eternity until footsteps finally approached the doorway. What happened? I could only wonder, but I guessed not for much longer. I was going to find out the answer soon.

Turning around, I found Mateo standing there, his face set in stern lines once more. But unlike before, no anger remained visible. Instead, weariness etched deep grooves around his mouth and eyes.

He was lost in thought, likely turning over things he wasn't ready to share with me. There were many secrets he kept, and while I didn't know what they were, I couldn't blame him for holding back.

"It's done," he stated as though it was no big deal, even though we both knew it was. "Luis paid the final price for his treachery."

I nodded without saying anything because I knew there was nothing to be said, unable to find words suitable for such a grim topic. After several seconds passed without further speech, Mateo exhaled, running a hand roughly through his dark hair.

He didn't need to tell me what happened. Neither did I have to ask him.

"Come," he instructed, his voice soft as though he wasn't dangerous, which couldn't be any further from the truth. He was one of the most dangerous men I knew. "Let's go together now where we can have some privacy."

In other circumstances, I would be thrilled after what he said, but I didn't feel like that at the moment. I felt completely different. My heart was pounding in my chest.

Following him without as much as even thinking about disobeying him, we climbed the stairs side by side until we reached the bedroom door. Upon entering, he closed it firmly behind us, shutting out the world beyond. It should be relieving, but it wasn't. I feared him. As much as I didn't want to admit it, that was exactly how he made me feel.

In this moment, nothing else mattered but us. I knew he would never hurt me, and for now, I could push aside the thought of how dangerous he truly was.

Turning toward me, he reached out with carefulness in his hands, tracing his fingertips lightly along the curve of my jawline. "Are you alright?" He asked, probably sensing that something was off. There was definitely something different about me, but I wasn't ready to share it with him. I knew telling him would be a mistake.

Unable to speak just then — and, after everything that happened, I just wasn't in the right state of mind to form coherent thoughts — I simply nodded in response. He smiled without showing too much of his teeth, leaning forward to press a tender kiss against my lips. The kiss lasted only a brief moment before he pulled away again, leaving me breathless. He only gave me a sample of it, and it was so good. It almost made me forget all the bad things that happened.

"Undress for me," he whispered, stepping back slightly. And I knew it was more like a command. If I didn't do what he asked, he would be way more than just disappointed.

Without hesitation, I complied, swiftly stripping off my clothing piece by piece until I stood naked before him. Heat blazed fiercely in his green eyes, hunger evident on his chiseled features. The desire pulsed strongly between us, palpable and nearly tangible.

Reaching out, he grasped my hips with firmness, drawing me close until our bodies pressed tightly together. Then he captured my mouth, exploring the depths of my mouth with passion while his hands roamed eagerly over my curves.

Every touch sent shivers cascading through my body, igniting flames burning hotter still. Need built steadily inside me, clamoring for release. Breaking apart for a brief moment, Mateo guided me backward until my legs bumped against the edge of the bed. He urged me down onto the mattress below, and his eyes blinked with lust for me.

Positioning himself above me, he resumed kissing me, his tongue delving deeply between my parted lips. He wasn't even giving me time to breathe, which was a good thing. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Meanwhile, his fingers trailed lower, teasing the sensitive skin already slick with desire. Despite my best efforts to hold back, soft moans escaped my throat, encouraging him to continue.

When neither of us could bear the delay any longer, he shifted slightly, settling himself between my thighs, which spread wide. I was inviting him to do whatever he desired, and I knew he was going to seize the opportunity. He never let a chance slip by.

With one powerful thrust, he filled me balls-deep. Gasps mingled together as we both adjusted to the overwhelming sensation. It was almost too much, but I was holding on. I didn't want to disappoint him.

Once the initial shock subsided, movement began gradually at first. With deliberate slowness, he withdrew almost all the way before sliding back inside hilt-deep again. Each stroke sent waves rippling outward, intensifying the pleasure.

As the rhythm increased steadily, so too did the intensity building rapidly. Our breaths quickened, hearts pounding harder, bodies writhing against one another. Everything blurred into a singular focus — pure ecstasy shared solely between our two souls bound together forever.

I couldn't help but remember that it had taken him longer than he initially thought to convince me that I was his fated mate.

Just when climax seemed imminent, Mateo paused all of a sudden, holding still in precarious suspension. Confusion clouded my thoughts before realization dawned: he wanted something to be said first. I couldn't help but wonder what it was.

Leaning down, he brushed soft kisses along my cheekbones, whispering against my skin. "Tell me you love me," he pleaded. "Tell me you love me," he pleaded. "Say it again. I want to hear it one more time..."

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, emotion swelling within me. He didn't have to ask me again. Of course I was going to do what he wanted. I would say that as many times as he desired.

Even amidst the tumultuous feelings surging, the truth remained constant — an undeniable fact shining brightly despite the darkness surrounding everything else.

"Yes," I said. "I do... I love you, Mateo. More than anything else in the entire world..."

Satisfaction gleamed in his gaze, equal parts satisfaction and profound relief. Smiling, he resumed the movements we had begun earlier, driving deeper still until we reached the ultimate peak together. As our orgasms crashed over us at the same time, cries echoed loudly through the room.

I gave him what he wanted, and he gave me what I desired.