Chapter 17

Mateo

The weight of the world lifted from my shoulders as I signed the final paperwork, sealing our deal with the authorities. It was done. No going back anymore. After everything that I had to go through to ensure the Nightshade Wolves' success, this was how it was ending.

Javier had been by my side throughout the process, offering support as we navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the law enforcement compound. I had let him in on what was happening; I had to. It was too much for just me and Kael.

Javier's presence was comforting, a reminder of the few constants in this ever-shifting landscape. There was a reason he was someone I trusted. Unlike Santiago, I was sure he would always support me, no matter what. He didn't want more than he already had, after all. Not to mention, he had also been looking for a way to escape the cartel. He just wanted to dick around and nothing more.

As we stepped out into the crisp afternoon air, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. There wasn't much else to do now. We had taken the first step towards a new life, one free from the shadows of our past. But there was no time to bask in the glow of victory. Not when Kael and our unborn child were still in harm's way.

We were making a lot of enemies by doing this. It came with the territory. Having enemies wasn't anything new, but it was different this time. Too many of them. One of them could get lucky and hurt one of us. I promised myself, in that moment, that it would never happen.

Javier cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled between us."Mateo,"he began, his voice heavy with concern,"we need to talk and I think you know what we need to clear up."

I turned to face him, raising an eyebrow in question. Javier was many things - loyal, fierce, and always honest to a fault. If he was initiating this conversation, it must be serious. I knew it was. His eyes told me as much.

"You're taking a massive risk — so much so it's something I thought you would never do,"he continued, his dark eyes boring into mine."Turning state's evidence, testifying against Novak and the others. It's a smart move and even though you've taken all the precautions you could, I still worry."

I nodded, understanding the implications of our actions. By cooperating with the authorities, we were essentially turning our backs on the only world we'd ever known. It was a leap of faith, one that could easily backfire if we weren't careful.

Not to mention, not much could stop the government from betraying us. They could decide they didn't have to put up with us and just lock us up. If that happened, I wouldn't be surprised. Angry, yes, but not surprised.

"But that's not what's really bothering you, is it?"I asked, my gaze unwavering."Spit it out, Javier. What's on your mind?"

He hesitated for a moment before speaking, choosing his words to not anger me."It's just... this life, it changes people. It twists them until they barely recognize themselves anymore. I've seen it happen time and again, and I don't want to see it happen to you or Kael. I've barely been managing to keep my old self with me."

His words struck a chord within me, resonating all the way to my heart. I knew the dangers inherent in our world, the insidious way it could seep into every facet of one's life. And yet, here we were, trying to carve out a different path. It was one of the reasons I was doing this.

"You think I haven't considered that?"I replied, my voice low and steady."You think I don't lie awake at night, wondering if I'm doing the right thing? If I'm strong enough to keep Kael safe, to give our child a better life than the one I've known?"

Javier placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring."I know you have, Mateo. That's why I'm here, standing beside you. Because I believe in you, and because I want to help make sure this works. But you have to be ready for whatever comes next. You can't let your guard down, not even for a second. If you do, I don't even want to think what would happen."

I acknowledged his words with a solemn nod, grateful for his unwavering support. He didn't have to worry so much. I knew what I was doing. I'd never let something like that happen, not when so much was at stake.

Just then, my phone rang, the shrill tone slicing through the air like a knife. I answered it on the third ring, my heart speeding up at a slight pace. I couldn't afford to feel nervous right now. Too much hanging in the balance.

"What?"I barked into the receiver, my voice tense with anticipation.

"Boss, it's Marco,"came the urgent reply."We've got a situation. Novak's men, they're onto Kael. They're tailing him right now, moving in fast."

A surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins, my protective instincts roaring to life. I didn't need to hear another word. With a sharp gesture to Javier, I sprinted towards my car, the engine growling to life as I peeled out of the parking lot. I filled him in on what Marco told me.

The city blurred around me as I tore through the streets, each red light a challenge I refused to heed. Nothing could stop me now — not even the police. My mind raced, conjuring a thousand possible scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. I couldn't let anything happen to Kael. Not now, not ever. Otherwise, I would never forgive myself.

As I rounded the final corner, I spotted them almost in the same instant. Two black SUVs, sleek and menacing, parked outside the building where he was. My blood ran cold as I saw the figures emerging, their faces hidden behind ski masks. They thought it was enough, that we would never know it was them. Cowards.

Without hesitation, I slammed my foot on the accelerator, the car leaping forward like a wild beast unleashed. Time seemed to slow as I drew nearer, the world narrowing to a single, focused point. Javier couldn't even blink. His attention was only focused on what was happening in front of him and around us.

The first man went down as though he was a fly, a spray of crimson painting the sidewalk as my bullet found its mark. The others scattered, diving for cover behind their vehicles. They didn't think we were going to arrive here in such a short time. They thought they were going to have an ampler opportunity to hurt me.

I skidded to a halt, throwing open the door and sprinting towards the entrance. I smiled, knowing that I had the upper hand.

I could hear their shouts, feel the heat of their bullets whizzing past my ear. But none of it mattered. All that mattered was getting to Kael, keeping him safe from harm.

I burst into the lobby, my eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger. And there he was, huddled behind the front desk, his blue eyes wide with fear. Relief flooded through me, swift and intense, as I rushed to his side. I'd arrived in the nick of time. Any later and he would have already been kidnapped.

"It's okay,"I whispered, pulling him close, shielding his body with my own."I've got you. I won't let anyone hurt you, understand?"

Kael nodded, his arms wrapping tightly around me, clinging to me like a lifeline. Together, we made our way towards the stairwell, each step echoing with the urgency of our predicament.

We emerged onto the roof just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cityscape. The sounds of chaos below grew fainter, replaced by the soft murmur of the evening breeze.

I turned to Kael, my hands cupping his face, thumbs brushing away the remnants of tears."Are you alright?"I asked, keeping my voice calm, even though it didn't reflect my feelings at the moment.

He nodded, leaning into my touch."I am now,"he murmured, his gaze locked with mine."Thank you, Mateo. Thank you for saving me. I don't know how it happened. One moment I was enjoying myself, and then the next those men showed up. They said they were taking me with them by force."

I smiled a half smile, my heart swelling with love and gratitude."No need to tell me what they said and worry so much,"I vowed, sealing my promise with a tender kiss."I will always protect you, no matter what it takes. You and our child, you are my entire world."

As we drove back to the mansion, the adrenaline from the confrontation still coursed through our veins. Javier kept glancing over at me from the passenger seat, but I kept my focus on the road ahead, gripping the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. I could practically feel Kael trembling in the backseat, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. I felt so sorry for him.

"Are you alright, Kael?"I called back to him, my tone tinted with my concern. In the rearview mirror, I caught sight of him nodding, his blue eyes glazed with unshed tears. It killed me to see him so shaken up, so vulnerable. But I knew there was nothing I could do except get us home safely. For now, anyway. Another time and things would be different.

As the gates of the mansion loomed into view, a sense of relief washed over me. We were home, away from prying eyes and lurking dangers. At least for the time being. I pulled the car up to the front steps and helped Kael out, keeping a protective arm wrapped around his waist as we made our way inside.

Once the door closed behind us, the dam holding back my emotions finally burst. I pulled Kael flush against me, burying my face in the crook of his neck as I breathed in his scent — a comforting blend of citrus and spice."You're safe now,"I murmured against his skin, peppering his throat with soft kisses."I've got you, mi cielo. As long as I still breathe, you're never alone."

Kael melted against me, his fingers threading through my hair as he held me close. For a long moment, we simply stood there in the foyer, basking in the warmth of our embrace. It was a reminder of the love and connection that bound us together, even amidst the chaos.

"I'm sorry,"he whispered."I'm sorry I put you in danger. I should have been more careful, more vigilant. It won't happen again."

I pulled back just enough to cup his face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away the tears that had escaped."Shh,"I soothed, pressing a tender kiss to the tip of his nose."None of that matters right now. All that matters is that we're together, that you're safe."

As if on cue, Javier cleared his throat from the doorway, drawing our attention."I'll give you two some privacy,"he offered, a knowing glint in his eye."Just make sure to call if you need anything."

I gave him a curt nod, grateful for his understanding. Once he disappeared down the hall, I turned my full focus back to Kael. The adrenaline from earlier had shifted, morphing into something far more primal and urgent.

Without warning, I claimed his lips in a searing kiss, pouring all of my pent-up emotions into the movement. Kael responded in kind, just as I thought he was going to, his tongue darting out to tangle with mine. His hands roamed over my chest, slipping beneath my shirt to map the contours of my muscles.

Breaking away with a soft growl, I began walking him backward towards the staircase, never once breaking our heated gaze."Let's continue this upstairs,"I suggested, my voice low.

Kael's only response was a breathless whimper, his eyes darkening with lust as he followed my lead. As soon as we reached the bedroom, I spun him around and pinned him against the wall, my body flush against his. My lips trailed hot kisses along his jawline, down the column of his throat, relishing the way he shivered and moaned at my touch.

"Need you,"he panted, his fingers scrambling at the buttons of my shirt."Please, Mateo. I want to feel alive again."

In one swift motion, I tore off my own clothes, letting them fall haphazardly to the floor. Kael followed suit, stripping down until he was bare before me, all creamy skin and tantalizing curves. I drank in the sight, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting every inch of him.

Wasting no time, I dropped to my knees, running my hands over his thighs and up to grip his hips."Gonna make you feel so good you're going to forget what happened,"I promised, before taking him into my mouth.

Kael cried out, his head falling back against the wall as I worked him over with my tongue and lips. Each stroke, each flick of my wrist drew out another desperate whimper from his throat, fueling my desire. I took my time exploring, teasing out every sensitive spot until he was trembling, his legs threatening to give out beneath him.

Just when I thought he couldn't take any more, I released him, standing back up to capture his lips once more. Our naked bodies pressed together, a delicious friction building between us.

"On the bed,"I ordered, my voice firm. Kael obeyed without hesitation, crawling onto the mattress and settling onto his stomach, his ass lifted and inviting me.

I climbed on behind him, trailing my hands down his back, savoring the feel of his smooth skin. When I reached his ass, I squeezed, massaging the supple globes. Then I spread them apart, revealing his tight hole. It fluttered under my gaze, begging to be plugged.

With a groan, I leaned down, running my tongue over the puckered entrance. Kael jerked beneath me, a sharp gasp escaping his lips. I didn't let up — why would I, anyway? — alternating between broad licks and pointed flicks, working him open until he was squirming, begging for more. He was just the way I liked him to be.

Only then did I pull back, grabbing the bottle of lube from the nightstand drawer. I didn't need it much, but was still going to use it. Force of habit, I supposed.

I slicked myself up, enjoying the feeling of the cool liquid coating my aching cock. Kael watched me over his shoulder, his blue eyes glazed with lust and desperation.

"Please,"he whimpered, arching his back to present himself further."I need you inside me. Now." No need to ask me again, I thought.

I couldn't deny him. Gripping his hips until my knuckles were white, I lined myself up and pushed forward, breaching the tight ring of muscle in one smooth thrust. We both groaned at the sensation, the stretch and fullness unlike anything else.

Once I was fully sheathed inside, I paused, giving him a moment to adjust.I always had to be careful with him, especially considering his pregnancy. "You okay?"I checked, brushing his hair aside to press a tender kiss between his shoulder blades.

Kael nodded, a shuddery sigh falling from his lips."Yeah,"he breathed, clenching around me."More than okay. Fuck, you feel amazing — as usual."

I chuckled, nipping at his neck as I began to move. Slow at first, building a steady rhythm as I rocked into him. The slide of his walls against my cock was exquisite, each thrust pushing me closer to the edge.

As the pleasure mounted, I shifted my angle, searching for that sweet spot inside him. I knew it was there, waiting for my cock.

And when I found it, Kael nearly screamed, his back bowing off the bed as ecstasy crashed through him. I set a punishing pace after that, driving into him over and over, chasing our releases. No room for mercy now.

The sound of skin slapping against skin, punctuated by our moans and cries, traveled in the room. It was raw, primal — just the way we both liked it. In that moment, nothing else mattered except for the connection we shared.

When Kael came with a hoarse shout, his inner muscles clamping down around me like a vice, I was helpless to resist the pull. With a final thrust, I spilled my boiling seed inside him, my vision whiting out from the sheer force of my orgasm. The tension we felt during and after the attack made this moment so much better.

We collapsed together in a sweaty tangle of limbs, gasping for air as we rode out the aftershocks. I gathered him close, pressing a kiss to his temple as I pulled out. His hole attempted to close itself and find my dick, begging for more action.

"Love you,"I murmured, tucking his face against my chest."Never doubt that. You are my everything."

Kael snuggled closer, a contented sigh escaping his lips."Love you too,"he replied, already starting to drift off."Nothing can come between us. We are meant to be together, but even if we weren't, I would still feel the same way."

As I listened to his breathing even out, felt his belly swell slightly against mine where our child grew, I knew he was right.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, a stark contrast to the darkness of the previous day. I didn't think we were going to sleep for so long. I was kind of surprised.

Kael stirred beside me, blinking bleary eyes open to meet my gaze.

"How are you feeling?"I murmured, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from his face.

He smiled, a tired but genuine expression."Better,"he assured me, stretching languidly."Though I'm still a bit sore from yesterday's excitement."

I winced in sympathy, pulling him closer."Sorry about that,"I apologized, playing along."But I promise to make it up to you later."

Kael just laughed, playfully swatting at my chest."Oh, I know you will,"he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye."But maybe let's focus on getting some breakfast first? I don't know about you, but all the stress from yesterday has me starving."

My stomach chose that moment to growl loudly, making us both burst out laughing."Guess I can't argue with that logic,"I agreed, untangling myself from the sheets even though I didn't want to."Come on, let's go see what the kitchen staff has whipped up today."

Hand-in-hand, we made our way downstairs, the scent of fresh coffee and pastries wafting through the air. As we entered the dining room, Javier looked up from his newspaper, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. He must have either stayed the night at my house or just come back.

"Sleep well?"He asked, a teasing note in his voice. Of course, he wasn't stupid. He knew what happened.

I shot him a warning glare, but couldn't help grinning at his playful jibe."None of your business,"I retorted, guiding Kael towards the buffet table.

For now, we were going to have breakfast. We would busy ourselves with other affairs later.