Page 108 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

As we continue to discuss and refine our plan, I feel the energy in the room shifting. The fear and uncertainty are still there, but they are being overshadowed by something else—hopeand determination. We aren’t just a pack anymore. We’re a team united in our goal to bring Noah down and protect our own.

It won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick, but looking at the determination on my packmates’ faces, I know one thing for certain—Noah doesn’t stand a chance.

The pack listens, really listens. Is this what it feels like to be heard? To make a difference? The knot in my chest starts to ease, replaced by a warmth that spreads through me. For the first time since we started this, it feels like we’re moving in the same direction. It isn’t perfect, but it’s progress.

As the meeting winds down, I feel a mix of exhaustion and pride. Malachi approaches me, placing a hand on my shoulder. The warmth of his touch seeps through my shirt, comforting and grounding. “Well done, Quinn,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “You showed real leadership today.”

His words warm me, but they also cause a flicker of doubt. I exhale slowly, feeling the weight of the pack’s trust settle on my shoulders. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Have I just stepped up as a leader, or set myself up as the fall guy if this all goes wrong? And how will this new role affect my relationships with the other alphas? Will they resent me for stepping up, or expect more from me now?

Looking at my pack, I know I’d rather fail trying than never try at all.

Later, alone in my room, I surround myself with notes, working on refining our plan. The soft glow of my desk lamp casts long shadows across the room, and the gentle hum of my computer provides a soothing white noise. My mind races with possibilities and potential pitfalls. Just as I’m about to call it a night, my phone buzzes with a text.

Aria: Can we talk privately? It’s important.

I stare at the message, a flutter of anxiety in my chest. What could she want to discuss alone? My heart races as I typemy reply, agreeing to meet her. What if she’s having second thoughts about the pack? About me? No, we’re in this fight together, no holds barred. I just hope I’m strong enough to be what she needs right now.

I take a deep breath, inhaling the calming scent of lavender from my workspace. Time to level up and show Noah what happens when he messes with our pack.

With renewed resolve, I head out to meet Aria, ready to face whatever challenge awaits us next.

As I step into the hallway, the cool air from the air-conditioning raises goosebumps on my arms. The house is quiet, the soft padding of my bare feet on the hardwood floor the only sound. I make my way to Aria’s room, my heart pounding so loudly I’m sure she’ll hear it before I even knock.

I raise my hand to knock, but before I can, the door opens. Aria stands there, her hair slightly mussed, wearing an oversized T-shirt that I recognize as one of mine. The sight of her in my clothes sends a jolt through me, and I have to remind myself to breathe.

“Hey,” she murmurs. “Come in.”

I step into her room, immediately enveloped by her sweet scent. It’s stronger here in her personal space, and it makes my head spin a little. The room is dimly lit by a small bedside lamp, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.

“What did you want to talk about?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Aria takes a deep breath, and I see her hands tremble slightly. “Quinn, I… I’ve been thinking a lot about us, about the pack, and I realized something.”

My heart races, fear and hope warring in my chest. “What is it?”

She steps closer, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from her body. “I realized that out of everyone, you’rethe one who’s always been there for me, understood me, and I… I want to explore that. If you do too.”

For a moment, I’m stunned into silence, then I reach out and take her hand in mine. Her skin is soft and warm against my calloused fingers. “Aria, are you sure? I mean, I want to, God, I want to, but I need to know you’re sure.”

She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. “I’m sure, Quinn. I trust you.”

Those words, more than anything else, break down the last of my reservations. I lean in, my free hand coming up to cup her cheek. Our lips meet, and it’s like everything else fades away. All I can focus on is the softness of her lips, her sweet taste, and the way her body molds against mine as if we were made to fit together.

As our lips meet, everything else fades away. A part of me wonders how this will change things with the pack, but right now, in this moment, nothing else matters but us.

We move toward the bed, our hands exploring each other’s bodies. The world narrows down to just us and the sound of our mingled breaths.

As things heat up, I pull back for a moment, searching Aria’s eyes. “We can stop anytime you want,” I say, needing her to know she’s in control.

She smiles, pulling me back down to her. “I don’t want to stop,” she whispers against my lips.

We don’t. We lose ourselves in each other, in the pleasure and the connection. It’s more than just physical—it’s a joining of souls, a reaffirmation of our bond as packmates and as something more.

Afterwards, we lie tangled together, our skin cooling in the night air. Aria’s head rests on my chest, and I can feel the steady rhythm of her breathing. I press a kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the scent of her hair.

“That was…” I trail off, unable to find words adequate enough to describe what just happened.

Aria laughs softly, the sound vibrating against my chest. “Yeah, it was.”

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