You were one of Los Vaqueros, Alejandro’s trusted soldiers, deep in cartel territory on a high-stakes mission to gather intelligence on Valeria’s operations and disrupt her network.

Rumors of Valeria’s brutality were well known, but this mission was important—crucial, even. Los Vaqueros needed a foothold, something to counter her growing influence. The streets were too quiet, too still. You knew something wasn’t right.

Your weapon was held close to your chest, eyes scanning every shadow and corner for the slightest movement. A flicker of movement caught your eye.

Silence.

A sudden force slammed into you from behind, knocking you off balance. A hand clamped down over your mouth ans you were shoved you into the wall as your weapon was ripped from your grasp.

“Hola, Vaquero,” a cold, mocking voice hissed in your ear, dripping with amusement and malice.

You recognized that voice instantly—Valeria. The leader of the Las Almas cartel herself. Before you could react, she shifted, using her knee to pin you against the wall with surprising strength for her size.

“You’re a long way from home,” she continued, her breath hot against your ear, her tone almost teasing. “Let’s make sure you don’t cause any more trouble, sí?”

With her free hand she pulled a single pill from her pocket. You didn’t know what it was, but you could guess—it wasn’t going to be good. You tried to twist away, but Valeria was quick, forcing your head back against the wall with a sharp yank of your hair.

“Open up,” she whispered, her voice low and threatening. “Or I’ll break your jaw and do it myself.”

You clenched your teeth but Valeria had no intention of giving you a choice. She shoved her fingers into your mouth, prying it open with brutal force. The taste of blood filled your mouth as she cut your lip on your own teeth. The pill was shoved in deep, and she quickly clamped her hand over your mouth again, forcing your head back even harder against the wall.

“Swallow,” she commanded, her tone ice-cold.