Wolf: A Dark Primal Mafia Romance, page 20
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the memories. Matias’s calloused hands caressed my skin with unexpected gentleness. His dark eyes softened as he gazed at me, stripped bare in more ways than one. The way his body molded against mine, rough yet protective, as if shielding me from the harsh realities of our world.
A sharp sting across my cheek snaps me back to the present. Suarez struck me, his face twisted in rage. “Answer me! What are his weaknesses?”
I fight back the tears. “I don’t know,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “He never told me anything like that. I thought you already had a trap ready for him. So, why does it matter?”
Suarez ignores my question. “Useless.” He grabs a wicked-looking blade from the table, running his thumb along the razor-sharp edge. “Maybe this will loosen your tongue.”
As he advances on me, I can’t help but think of Matias. Is he even looking for me? Or have I been foolish to believe there was anything real between us? My heart aches at the thought of never seeing him again, never experiencing that strange tenderness that made me feel...
The blade presses against my skin, biting into the tender flesh of my neck. I suck in a sharp breath, bracing myself for the pain to come.
I miss Matias. God help me, but I miss him with every fiber of my being. The blade digs deeper, and I let out an involuntary whimper...
A scream tears from my throat as the blade slices into my skin. The pain is blinding, all-consuming. I can feel warm blood trickling down my neck, soaking into the collar of my shirt.
“Please,” I beg. “I’ve told you everything I know. I swear it.”
But my captor is relentless. He presses the blade harder, his eyes alight with sadistic glee. “Not good enough. You’re holding something back. I can feel it.”
I shake my head frantically, tears streaming down my face. “No, no, I promise. Matias never—”
The man backhands me across the face, the force of the blow snapping my head to the side. I taste blood, my vision swimming.
“Don’t say a fucking word unless it’s what I want to hear,” he snarls.
My body trembles uncontrollably. I’ve never felt so helpless, so utterly alone. Is this how it ends for me? Tortured and broken, with no one coming to my rescue?
As if sensing my thoughts, Suraez leans in close, his breath hot and rancid against my ear. “He’s not coming for you, you know. Matias. He doesn’t care about you. You’re just a plaything to him.”
I want to argue, to scream that he’s wrong, but the words stick in my throat. Deep down, I know there’s a chance he’s right. Matias is a predator who thrives on domination and control. Why would he risk his life to save me?
I may have fallen for him, but I don’t know if he feels the same for me.
A cruel smile plays on his lips. “But don’t worry. I’ll take good care of you. You won’t even remember his name when I'm done.”
He raises the blade again, and I brace myself for the pain. A searing agony rips through my body as the blade tears into my flesh again and again. I scream until my throat is raw, the sound echoing off the damp, cold walls of my prison. My vision blurs, the edges darkening as unconsciousness threatens to pull me under.
Through the haze of pain, I hear Suarez swearing viciously. “Fuck! Stay awake, you useless puta!” He slaps my face, trying to force me back to alertness. But it’s too late.
The blessed darkness is already sweeping over me, dragging me into its merciful embrace. I welcome it, eager to escape this nightmare, even for a little while.
As my eyes flutter closed, a sense of relief washes over me. The pain is fading, replaced by a numb, floating sensation. I know I should be afraid, terrified of what will happen when I wake up.
But right now, all I can feel is a twisted gratitude. Gratitude that, for a few precious moments, I don’t have to feel the blade slicing into my skin. I don’t have to look into those cruel, merciless eyes and wonder how much more I can endure.
I can simply drift away, letting the void take me. It’s a small mercy, but I’ll take what I can get in this hell.
40
MATIAS
Two days. Two fucking days since those bastards took Kali. I slam my fist against the wall, relishing the pain that shoots through my knuckles.
“Matias, you need to calm down,” Thiago says, his voice steady. “We’ll find her.”
I whirl on him, snarling. “Calm down? They have her, Thiago. Who knows what they’re doing to her?”
My brother’s face remains impassive. “Losing control won’t help us find her faster.”
I ignore him, grabbing my jacket. “I’m going out. There’s gotta be someone who knows something.”
Thiago sighs but doesn’t try to stop me. Smart move.
I get into my car and hit the streets, my rage fueling every step. I interrogate anyone with even the slightest connection to Suarez. Some I threaten, others I beat. I don’t care. I’ll destroy this entire damn city if that’s what it takes to get Kali back.
Hours pass in a blur of violence and frustration. No one knows anything useful; if they do, they’re too scared to talk.
My phone buzzes. It’s Miguel.
“Tell me you have something,” I growl.
“I found him,” Miguel says. “Suarez. I’ve got an address.”
My heart pounds as he reels off the location.
My body thrums with adrenaline. I return to the apartment, covered in blood—some mine, most not. Thiago eyes me warily as he sits on the couch, his arm wrapped protectively around Luna. For a moment, I feel a pang of envy. At least he knows his woman is safe.
“Any news?” Thiago asks, not mentioning the state of me.
Luna, on the other hand, pales.
I nod, running a hand through my hair. “Miguel came through. We’ve got an address.”
Luna gasps, her eyes widening. “You found Kali? Oh, thank God!” She starts to cry, burying her face in Thiago’s chest.
I turn away, unable to watch their tender moment. My fists clench at my sides as I think of Kali, alone and afraid. What have those bastards done to her?
“When do we move?” Thiago asks, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes.
“Now,” I growl. “Every second we waste is another second they have her.”
Luna looks up, her face tear-stained but determined. “Bring her back, Matias. Please.”
I meet her gaze, seeing the same fear and desperation reflected in her eyes. “I will,” I promise. “And I’ll make them pay for taking her.”
Thiago nods, giving Luna a quick kiss before standing. “Let’s go.”
As we gear up, I can’t shake the image of Kali’s frightened face from my mind. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. The need to protect her, to keep her safe, is overwhelming. It scares me, but I push the fear aside. There’s no room for weakness now.
“We’ll get her back, little brother,” Thiago clasps my shoulder.
My jaw clenches. “And then I’ll tear Suarez apart with my bare hands.”
I turn to Thiago. “Brother, you might want to leave after we’ve secured Kali. Take her home. What I’ve got planned for Suarez... it’s not for the faint of heart.”
Thiago meets my gaze, unflinching. “We’re brothers, Matias. I can handle whatever sick, fucked up thing you do to the guy.”
I raise an eyebrow, surprised by his resolve. “You sure about that? It won’t be pretty.”
He nods, his jaw set. “I’m sure. We’re in this together.”
I clap him on the shoulder, feeling a surge of appreciation for my older brother. “Alright then. Let’s go get my girl back.”
We load up the car silently, the weight of what’s to come hanging heavy between us. As I slide behind the wheel, I can’t help but glance at Thiago. He’s always been the level-headed one, the voice of reason. But now, seeing the cold determination in his eyes, I realize he’s just as invested in this as I am.
“You know,” I say as we pull out onto the street, “We’ll need to recruit after this. Anyone loyal to Suarez is dead. It won’t be easy.”
Thiago nods. “We’ll deal with it. Once we’ve put this piece of shit down, people won’t dare cross us again.”
I grip the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning white. “Exactly. And by the time I’m done with Suarez, he’ll beg for death if he can still speak. And all his men will witness it.”
My white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel tightens, and I weave through traffic at breakneck speed. The address burns into my mind, driving me forward with a singular focus: Kali. I have to get to her.
“Matias, slow down!” Thiago shouts as I narrowly avoid clipping another car.
I ignore him, pushing the accelerator harder. Every second counts.
Finally, we reach the neighborhood. I screech to a halt a block away from our target.
“We go on foot from here,” I growl, already out of the car before Thiago can respond.
We move silently, our weapons at the ready. As we approach the safe house, I feel my heart pounding. Kali’s in there. I know it.
I signal to Thiago, and we take positions on either side of the front door. With a nod, I kick it in.
Two men inside reach for their guns. They’re too slow.
I fire twice, dropping them both before they can even aim. Their bodies hit the floor with dull thuds.
“Clear!” I call out, stepping over the corpses.
I scan the room, looking for Kali. Nothing. But she’s here. I can feel it.
I kick open the basement door, the wood splintering under the force. The stairs creak beneath my boots as I descend into the darkness, my heart pounding in my ears.
And then I see her.
My little rabbit, strapped to a chair. Her face is bruised and bloodied, her clothes torn. Standing over her, a knife in his hand is Suarez.
The world goes red.
I don’t remember crossing the room. One moment, I’m on the stairs; the next, I have Suarez by the throat, slamming him against the wall.
“You fucking piece of shit,” I snarl, my fingers tightening around his neck. “What have you done to her?”
Suarez chokes, his eyes bulging. “M-Matias,” he gasps. “I can explain-”
I slam him against the wall again, harder this time. Something cracks. I don’t care.
“Explain? You think you can fucking explain this?” I roar, gesturing to Kali’s battered form.
Suarez’s face is turning purple, but I don’t let up. The rage consumes me like a fire in my veins.
“You made a grave fucking mistake,” I hiss, leaning in close. “You never should have touched her.”
Suarez’s eyes widen in fear. Good. He should be afraid.
I drop him, letting him crumble to the floor. He gasps for air, coughing and sputtering. Turning to Kali, my chest aches at the sight of her. I approach slowly, not wanting to frighten her further.
“Kali,” I whisper, reaching out to touch her face. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”
She flinches at my touch, a whimper escaping her split lips. Fury surges through me anew.
I whirl on Suarez, who’s struggling to his feet. “You’re a dead man,” I growl, stalking toward him.
He backs away, hands held up in a futile gesture of surrender. “Matias, please-”
I don’t let him finish. My fist connects with his face, the satisfying crunch of bone beneath my knuckles. He staggers back, blood pouring from his nose.
But I’m not done. Not even close.
I rain blows upon him, each one fueled by the sight of Kali’s battered face. He tries to fight back but is no match for my rage.
By the time I’m finished, he’s a bloody, broken mess on the floor. I stand over him, chest heaving, my knuckles raw and bleeding. He’s not dead, and I’m not finished with him. He’ll pay when I slice his body into pieces slowly until he finally bleeds out and dies.
“Matias.” Kali’s weak and frightened voice cuts through the haze of my anger. I turn to her, the fury draining from me in an instant.
“I’m here, baby,” I murmur, moving to her side. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”
I wrap my arm around Kali's waist, supporting her weight as I help her to her feet. She's unsteady, her legs shaking from the ordeal she's endured.
"Thiago," I call out, my voice rough with emotion. "Get Suarez out of here. Chain him up at the compound. I'll deal with him later."
My brother nods, his expression grim as he hauls Suarez's unconscious form up the stairs. I know he'll make sure the bastard is secure until I'm ready to make him pay for what he's done.
I turn my attention back to Kali, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Let's get you home," I murmur, guiding her towards the stairs.
She leans heavily against me as we make our way out of the basement, each step a struggle. I can feel her trembling, the adrenaline of her rescue fading into shock and exhaustion.
I settle her into the passenger seat of my car, buckling her in with care. She looks so small, so fragile. It's hard to reconcile this broken version of her with the fiery, defiant woman I've come to know.
The drive to her old apartment is silent, the weight of what's happened hanging heavy between us. I keep glancing over at her, reassuring myself that she's really here and safe.
I help her out of the car and up the stairs when we arrive. Luna is waiting at the door, her face etched with worry.
"Oh, Kali," she breathes, pulling her friend into a gentle hug. "What did they do to you!" Tears flood down her cheeks as she takes in the sight of her bloodied and bruised. "Thank God you're alive."
I follow as Luna guides Kali inside. She'll take care of her, I know. Give her the comfort and support she needs right now.
Before I leave, I turn to Kali, cupping her face in my hands. "I'll be back soon," I promise, my thumb brushing over her cheekbone. "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
She nods, her eyes filling with tears. I lean in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to her lips. It's a promise, a vow. I'll always protect her, no matter what.
With a final glance, I turn and head back to my car. I have unfinished business to attend to. Suarez will pay for what he's done. I'll make sure of it.
41
KALI
Ilie in my bed, my body hurting all over. The familiar surroundings of my old apartment should bring me comfort. Still, the only thing I think that can bring me comfort right now is Matias. My friends Alice, Luna, and Blake sit around me.
“Kali, how are you feeling?" Alice asks, her voice gentle.
I try to muster a smile, but it feels forced. “I'm okay,” I lie.
Luna places a hand on my arm, her touch grounding me. “We're here for you, Kali. You don't have to pretend.”
Tears prick my eyes as the weight of everything crashes down on me. “I was so scared,” I whisper. “I thought I was going to die.”
Blake squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with understanding. “But you didn't. You're safe now.”
Safe. The word should bring me comfort, but it rings hollow. Because as much as I want to believe it, it's hard to believe I'll ever be safe again. Even though I'm back in Brown, somehow I was kidnapped again and fucking tortured. All because of Matias.
“Kali, we need to talk about Matias,” Alice says, her voice laced with concern.
I tense, my heart already pounding in my chest. “What about him?" I ask.
“He's dangerous,” Luna chimes in. “Look at what happened to you. You were tortured because of him. Why did you move out to live with him? ”
“I wanted to,” I lie, despite not having a choice.
Blake clears her throat. “Wouldn’t it be best to end things with him?”
They could never understand, and I don’t have the strength right now to explain things. Despite everything, I've grown to care for him in a way I never thought possible. He's become a part of me, twisted and dark as our connection may be.
“You don't understand,” I protest weakly. “It's not that simple.”
Blake shakes her head, her expression solemn. “Kali, we're your best friends. We just want to protect you.”
“All three of you should understand to some extent. Yes, he may have been the biggest asshole out of the three who trained us, but Alice and Luna are with Taren and Thiago. How is it any different?”
Alice clears her throat. “Taren never forced me to do anything. He was practically in love with me at first sight.”
I chew on my lip. “Well, I love Matias. It may not be conventional, but it’s true. He’s opened up to and changed so much…”
I trail off, unable to find the words to explain the intensity of my feelings. How can I make them understand how Matias consumes my thoughts, dreams, and existence?
Alice reaches out and takes my hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I understand. If he’s what you want, and it’s entirely your choice, we’ll support that; we just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
The pain in my chest sharpens, and I have to blink back tears of my own. I know they're right that Matias is dangerous and unpredictable. Still, I also know that walking away from him would be like tearing a piece of my soul away.
The door to my bedroom swings open, and Matias strides in. My friends tense, their protective instincts kicking in as Blake jumps to her feet.
“Matias,” I say, my voice trembling. “What are you doing here?"
He doesn't even glance at Alice, Luna, and Blake. His eyes are locked on me, burning with a vicious intensity.
“I need to speak with you,” he says, his voice low and commanding. “Alone.”
Alice opens her mouth to protest, but Matias silences her with a single look. “This doesn't concern you,” he says.
Luna and Blake exchange a worried glance, but they know better than to defy Matias. Slowly, reluctantly, they rise from their seats and head for the door.
