Page 100 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

I turn and meet Malachi’s gaze, seeing a silent question in his eyes. I nod, and he steps back, blending into the background with the others. They are giving me space, but I can feel their presence, a comforting warmth through our pack bond.

The bell above the door chimes, and Noah’s scent grows stronger. I stiffen as he approaches, his familiar figure cutting through the bustling café.

“Aria,” Noah says, sliding into the seat Dash vacated moments before. “It’s been too long. You look… well.”

I force myself to meet his gaze, fighting the instinct to lower my eyes. “Noah. Let’s skip the pleasantries. I’m here on my own terms, and ‘return’ isn’t one of them.”

A flicker of surprise crosses his face, quickly masked by that familiar, charming smile. “Always so direct, Aria. It’s one of the things I loved about you. Surely we can talk like old friends?”

My jaw clenches, and I taste the bitterness of his manipulation. “We were never friends, Noah. I want to understand what you’re planning. Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

Noah’s smile tightens, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a way that used to make my heart race. Now, it only makes my stomach churn. “Leave you alone? Aria, you belong to me. I’ve invested too much in you to simply let you go.”

“Invested in me?” I repeat, a flicker of anger cutting through my fear. Bile rises in my throat. “Is that what you call abuse, control, and fear?”

His eyes narrow dangerously, the temperature around us seeming to drop. “Watch your tone, omega. I gave you everything—a home, protection, and purpose. How do you repay me? By running off with a pack of second-rate alphas?”

A growl builds in my chest, the vibration surprising both of us. “They are ten times the alphas you could ever hope to be. They respect me, they love me?—”

“Love?” Noah scoffs, leaning forward. His breath, smelling of mint and something darker, washes over my face. His voice drips with scorn. “You think they love you? You’re nothing but a convenient hole for them to fill. Once they are done with you, they’ll toss you aside like the used up omega you are.”

His words sting, but I’ve come too far to be dragged back down. I know the truth of my pack’s love. I feel it in the bond we share, a warmth that spreads through my chest.

“You’re wrong,” I say, my voice growing stronger. “And you’re afraid—afraid because you know I’ve outgrown you, that I’ve found real strength.”

Noah’s facade cracks, and anger flashes in his eyes like lightning. The scent of his rage, sharp and acidic, fills the air. “Strength? You’re nothing without me, Aria. Do you have any idea what I’m capable of? The connections I have?”

“Then enlighten me,” I challenge, sensing an opportunity. “What are you planning, Noah?”

For a moment, I see a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He hadn’t expected this new, assertive Aria. His lips curl into a cruel smile, revealing teeth that suddenly seem too sharp. “Oh, sweetheart. You have no idea. The omega trafficking ring? That’s just the beginning. I have plans in motion that will reshape this whole society. Soon, omegas will know their proper place.”

My blood runs cold at his words, a chill spreading through my body. I force myself to keep a neutral expression, even as my heart hammers against my ribs. “And what makes you think you’ll succeed?”

Noah leans in, dropping his voice to a menacing whisper. His breath is hot against my ear, making me flinch. “Because I always get what I want, Aria, and right now, I want you, back where you belong, by my side or in chains. Your choice.”

Something in me snaps. All the fear and pain he’s caused me over the years crystallizes into a burning rage that spreadsthrough my body like wildfire. “No,” I say, my voice steady and cold. “You don’t get to choose for me anymore, Noah. I’m not your property, I’m not your omega, and I’m sure as hell not afraid of you.”

Noah’s eyes widen in shock then narrow in fury. He reaches across the table, grabbing my wrist in a painful grip. His fingers are like iron bands, bruising my skin. “You little bitch?—”

Suddenly, the air is filled with aggressive alpha pheromones, a potent mix of cedar, leather, citrus, and spice that drowns out Noah’s scent. My pack emerges from various points in the café, surrounding our table.

Zane appears first, his body coiled with tension as he paces near my table. His eyes, dark and intense, never leave Noah.

Quinn slides into view next, his clever eyes taking in the scene. “Interesting,” he murmurs just loud enough for us to hear. “Noah’s left eye is twitching at a frequency of approximately 2.5 Hz. Classic sign of someone whose lies are catching up with them.”

Dash positions himself casually by the exit, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert. “Hey, Noah,” he calls out, his tone deceptively light. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to grab? But then again, manners were never your strong suit, were they?”

Malachi’s hand clamps down on Noah’s shoulder, his grip visibly tight. As he clutches Noah’s shoulder, I see a flicker of emotion cross his face—a surge of protective rage, quickly tempered by the calm control that makes him such a great leader. His voice, when he speaks, is low and dangerous, rumbling like distant thunder.

“I believe the lady said no,” Malachi growls. “And in case you’ve forgotten, the lady’s word is law around here.”

Noah’s eyes dart between the alphas as he realizes he’s outnumbered. He stands slowly, the chair scraping loudlyagainst the floor, then straightens his jacket. “This isn’t over, Aria,” he hisses. “You can’t hide behind your pack forever, and when I get my hands on you…”

He leaves the threat hanging in the air as he backs away, finally turning and striding out of the café. The bell chimes again as he leaves, the sound jarring in the tense atmosphere.

The café, which had fallen into an uneasy silence during the confrontation, suddenly bursts into a flurry of whispers and movements. I catch snippets of conversation and feel the weight of curious and concerned glances. The air is thick with a mixture of fear, excitement, and lingering alpha pheromones.

As my pack gathers around me, their scents wrapping me in a cocoon of safety and love, I feel a mix of emotions wash over me. Pride and determination war with lingering fear and a bone-deep exhaustion that threatens to overwhelm me. My hands tremble slightly as the adrenaline fades, leaving me feeling raw and exposed.

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