Page 4

Marco

I pushed open the door quietly, stepping inside the dimly lit bedroom as Lucas stirred awake beneath the blankets. It was surprising. I didn't think the timing was going to be so perfect.

His eyes fluttered open, meeting mine briefly before darting away again, cheeks flushing pink under my scrutiny. Fuck, he looked adorable like that, all rumpled and shy from sleep. Made me want to crawl right back into bed beside him, wrap him up in my arms, and keep him there forever. I would be doing that right now if I didn't have other things to do.

I knew better, of course. Knew I needed distance between us, especially after last night. Goddammit, what had I been thinking? Taking advantage of him while he was in heat... fuck, I was such an asshole. A selfish prick who couldn't resist temptation despite knowing it would only cause trouble later—just like it was happening now.

"Morning,"I said gruffly, clearing my throat to dislodge the lump forming there. His gaze flicked towards me again, lingering this time before he sat up slowly, hugging the covers tightly around himself. Good. Let him hide behind them; maybe then I wouldn't be tempted to strip them off and have my way with him once more. Or maybe it would only make me feel like doing that even more.

"You're awake early,"he commented softly, voice raspy from sleep and recent activities. Christ, hearing him speak like that sent blood rushing straight to my cock. Down boy, I ordered internally, even though I wasn't sure it was going to work.

"Not really,"I replied, moving closer until I stood beside the bed. Close enough to see the dark circles under his eyes, far enough not to reach out and touch him. Barely."Just got some work stuff to deal with."

He nodded understandably, rubbing at his face tiredly."Oh. Okay." Yeah, this conversation was being as awkward as it could be.

Silence stretched between us then, weird and thick, filled with memories we didn't want to talk about. Neither of us seemed eager to bring it up last night, probably for different reasons entirely.

Eventually, he broke the silence, asking,"What happens now?"

Now? Shit, that was a loaded question if ever there was one. What did happen next? Did I kick him out immediately, sending him back where I found him? Or did I give in to instincts screaming at me to claim him fully, binding us together permanently? I didn't know. I didn't know which choice to make.

Neither option felt right, yet they were the only choices available. Anything else risked putting him in danger—something I refused to do. After all, I didn't know if I was allowed to fall in love. Some people would certainly use that against me.

"You go back to your friend,"I answered, voice firm despite the turmoil raging within me."She's still waiting for you at the cabin, isn't she?"

His expression softened slightly, lips curving into a small smile."Yeah. Kessia. Her name's Kessia."He paused briefly before continuing,"I know she's waiting for me, and it's okay. She's worried, but she understands me."

My brow furrowed at his words, suspicion rising despite myself. Weren't best friends supposed to worry more when their companions went missing overnight? Especially considering how he'd wandered onto Nightshade territory alone? Even though he made me feel things I never thought I would, I couldn't deny that I was still very suspicious.

"What makes you say that?"I asked bluntly, watching closely for any signs of deceit or evasion."How can you be so sure she isn't freaking out right at this moment?"

He shrugged as though my question wasn't important at all, running a hand through his messy hair."We've known each other since kindergarten. She knows me better than anyone else. Knows I'm capable of taking care of myself."

Hmm, interesting response. Still didn't explain why she hadn't raised hell by now, though. Something definitely didn't add up here. After all, my men would have already found her, or the other way around.

"And does she usually let you wander off without checking on you?"I pressed further, unable to help pushing for answers."Especially during your heat?"

He hesitated, looking away briefly before meeting my stare again."No,"he admitted finally, sighing."But she trusts me. And she respects my independence too much to come searching herself. That's really everything there is to it. You don't need to be so suspicious."

Bullshit. Total bullshit. Yet, I kept my thoughts to myself, choosing instead to probe gently."And what about your family? Don't they deserve to know where you are, especially given your current state?"

Lucas tensed visibly, shoulders stiffening as he crossed his arms defensively across his chest."They don't care,"he muttered."Not about me anyway. They care about my professional success, but about me? No, not at all."

Fuck, that hurt to hear. Not because I cared about his parents' feelings—I didn't. But because seeing him upset over their lack of concern bothered me. Made me want to comfort him, protect him, shield him from anything causing pain like that again.

Before I could respond, he continued, voice steadying somewhat."Look, I get it - you're trying to figure me out, make sense of everything. I appreciate it, honestly. Really. It's just... complicated. Everything about you seems to be complicated."

Complicated indeed. So many pieces to the puzzle, none fitting neatly into place yet.

"So,"I began carefully, changing tactics slightly,"you two came prepared for your little adventure, huh? With supplies, blankets, all that jazz?"

He nodded warily, clearly unsure where I was going with this line of questioning. Smart kid. Shouldn't trust easily, not around someone like me.

"We had plans to stay hidden somewhere quiet while my suppressants wore off,"he explained."Didn't expect to stumble upon... well, you know."

"Nightshade territory,"I finished for him, watching intently for any reaction. None came. His expression remained neutral, giving nothing away. Dammit, he was good at hiding emotions when needed. Almost as good as I was, I thought.

"But now,"he added softly, gaze flickering towards mine briefly before darting away again,"things changed. Didn't they?"

Fuck yes, things changed alright. Big time. From the moment I laid eyes on him, everything shifted drastically.

But I decided not to answer his question. Not now, anyway. It just wasn't important and I didn't feel like answering it. I had so much shit in my mind.

"Whatever. Anyway, we're going outside,"I announced gruffly, gesturing towards the door."Come along."

He hesitated, shifting uncomfortably under my scrutiny."Outside?"He echoed uncertainly."Like... out there? Now?"

"Yes,"I confirmed impatiently, jerking my thumb towards the exit."Got a problem with that?"

Lucas bit his lip, looking adorably conflicted for a moment before sighing resignedly."No. No problem. Let's go, I guess."

As we stepped out into the crisp morning air, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease settling heavily in my gut. This entire situation was fucked up, and I knew it. Having him close, smelling his sweet scent, remembering last night... Jesus Christ, it was killing me inside. Every instinct screamed at me to pull him closer, claim him fully, and keep him safe under my protection forevermore. But logic fought against those urges, reminding me of the risks involved, the dangers lurking in every corner if I gave in to temptation.

My men noticed our approach, gathering together in front of the estate, weapons drawn and faces stern. Fucking fantastic. Just what I needed right now. I didn't want to explain myself to anyone, much less my men.

"Boss,"one of them greeted cautiously, eyeing Lucas beside me."What's going on?"

"Not your concern,"I barked sharply, glaring down at each man until they looked away. Good. I didn't have to say much else to get my point across.

Their gazes flicked back towards Lucas then, curiosity clear in their expressions. Yeah, they were wondering too. Wondering what an omega was doing wandering around Nightshade territory, accompanied only by some random girl we hadn't seen yet.

"You shouldn't be here,"I said firmly, turning to face Lucas directly, ignoring the pang of regret stabbing my heart at the words."This place isn't safe for omegas. Especially not ones in heat."

His brows furrowed, confusion flashing across those expressive features."But-"

"No buts,"I cut him off harshly, holding up a hand to silence whatever protest he might utter next."I won't risk your safety any longer. You'll return to your friend, go back home where you belong."

Something flashed behind those dark eyes, something defiant maybe. Or maybe just stubbornness. Either way, it made my cock twitch beneath my jeans, eager to tame that fiery spirit within him. If only I wasn't the leader of the cartel…

"You can't just kick me out,"he stated boldly, chin jutting out stubbornly. Goddamn, he was adorable when riled up."You are still suspicious about me, remember?"

Suspicious or not, I wasn't having him stay another minute without proper security measures in place. Not when my control wavered precariously whenever he was near.

"I remember, of course,"I growled lowly, leaning closer until he took a step back."But things have changed and I don't care so much anymore that I'm suspicious. And now, you leave. Right now."

Fear flashed briefly, quickly replaced by determination burning bright in his gaze."No,"he declared, meeting my stare head-on despite the tremor running through him."I'm staying. At least until my heat passes."

Fucking hell, this kid had balls. More than most alphas I knew, apparently. Respect swelled within me alongside irritation, making it hard to maintain composure. I didn't think he had it in him.

"If you think testing my patience will gain you favor, think again,"I warned, teeth gritting tightly together."Don't push your luck."

He swallowed audibly, Adam's apple bobbing nervously. Yet still, he didn't back down entirely, simply nodding once."Fine. Then let's get this over with. Take me to Kessia."

All of a sudden, we heard hurried footsteps approaching, followed closely by raised voices and muffled curses. What the fuck? What was happening now?

I turned to see my men dragging a lifeless form between them, blood trailing behind like a grim trail. My stomach churned instantly, knowing exactly who—or rather, which cartel—the corpse belonged to. Dammit all to hell! Couldn't they have waited even five more minutes before bringing their fuck-ups to my attention? I almost had everything with Lucas under control.

"What is it?"I demanded sharply, striding forward to meet them halfway. The body dropped unceremoniously onto the ground as soon as they reached us, revealing the familiar face of a man I'd been wanting dead for years. I just never thought it would happen today.

"Rival scum,"one of my men spat disdainfully, nudging the corpse with his boot."Caught him trying to sneak onto our land. Took care of 'him real quick-like."

Great. Just fucking great. As if dealing with Lucas wasn't enough trouble already, now I had to worry about retaliations from the DeLuca family. They wouldn't take kindly to losing their precious heir apparent.

Before I could respond further, I caught movement from the corner of my eye. Lucas stood rooted to the spot, face pale as he stared wide-eyed at the bloody scene unfolding before him. Shit. In all the commotion, I'd almost forgotten he was there, and that was saying a lot, considering how obsessed with him I was.

"Lucas..."I began softly, moving towards him instinctively. But he flinched away before I could reach him, shock and fear written plainly across his features. Double shit.

He was surprised, but he shouldn't be. He knew that danger followed me.

It hit me then, how naive he really was. How sheltered, how innocent despite being an omega in heat. Sure, he'd shown sparks of defiance earlier, but seeing violence up close... well, that was different altogether. And now, he was afraid. Afraid of me. Of my world. Fuck, I hated seeing that look on his face. I wanted to change it, but couldn't do it. It just wasn't something easy for me to do. I didn't think that anybody could do that, to be honest. It was outside of anybody's control.

"Hey,"I murmured gently, keeping my distance deliberately this time."It's okay. Nothing to worry about here."

Knowing it was pointless didn't prevent me from trying. At least later I could say that I tried.

His gaze flicked uncertainly between me and the gruesome sight nearby."B-but... but what happened? Who... who is that?"

"It doesn't matter,"I dismissed firmly, waving a dismissive hand."Just some scumbag who thought he could trespass on Nightshade territory. Got what he deserved, and that's all you need to know."

Lucas bit his lip, looking unconvinced but too polite to argue. Smart boy. Too bad he couldn't keep that innocence forever. There was so much worse he could learn about me. If he learned everything about me, he would never approach me again.

But for now, I needed to get him away from all this. Away from the gore, the tension, the danger lurking around every corner. Away from me.

"Come on,"I said gruffly, turning towards the path leading to the main gate."Let's go find your friend."

He hesitated briefly before falling into step beside me, quiet and subdued. Good. Maybe now he understood why leaving was the better option after all. Even if neither of us wanted it to happen.