Page 35 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

Our lips meet in a kiss that’s soft and sweet, electricity coursing through my veins. It’s gentle, almost hesitant at first, but then Quinn’s hand slides to the nape of my neck, pulling me closer, and the kiss deepens. My hands find their way to his chest, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as I press closer. The kiss grows more heated as weeks of pent-up tension and longing pour out between us.

Quinn’s other hand finds my waist, and he gently backs me up against the reception desk. The cool surface presses against my lower back, while Quinn’s heat presses against my chest. A soft moan escapes me as his lips trail from my mouth to my jaw, then down to the sensitive skin of my neck.

“Quinn,” I gasp, tilting my head back to give him better access. My fingers thread through his hair, holding him close as he nips and kisses along my throat.

He pulls back slightly, resting his forehead against mine as we both catch our breath. His eyes are dark with desire, but there’s vulnerability there too. “Aria,” he murmurs, his voice rough. “Fuck, I’ve missed you.”

His words are so raw and full of emotion that, for a moment, I laugh, slicing through the tension.

“I missed you too.”

As we step back, my phone buzzes in my pocket, the harsh vibration shattering the moment. I glance down at the screen, my heart skipping a beat as I see a message from Willow.

Willow: Call me as soon as you can. It’s about Noah. Cayenne found something.

A chill runs down my spine, ice replacing the warmth that had been building.

Noah. The name alone conjures memories I’ve tried so hard to bury. My mind races, replaying moments I thought I’d left behind.

How did he find me?

What does he want?

The questions swirl, threatening to pull me under.

My gaze shifts to Quinn, who’s looking at me with a curious tilt of his head.

“Everything okay?” he asks, concern flickering across his features.

I nod, forcing a smile that feels brittle. “Yeah, just… something I need to deal with. Rain check on that brainstorming session?”

“Of course,” he replies, and I see the disappointment on his face he tries to hide.

I press a kiss to the corner of his mouth and quickly take a step back. “I promise,” I whisper, not really knowing what I’m promising him before turning around.

Cold dread settles in the pit of my stomach as I step out into the cool air. I dial Willow’s number, the phone pressed tightly to my ear as I wait for her to pick up.

“Aria.” Willow’s voice comes through, tense and urgent. “I’m so sorry to do this to you, but you need to know. Cayenne found him, and he is living in Puritan city as one Logan Pierce. Whatever you need, we’re here for you.”

I know that name.How?

The world seems to tilt beneath me, and I grab onto a lamppost to steady myself. The cold metal bites into my palm, grounding me. Logan—Noah—is back, and from the sound of Willow’s voice, he’s closer than ever. Memories flood back of his controlling behavior, the subtle threats, and the way he made me doubt myself. The fear I thought I’d left behind comes rushing to the surface, threatening to overwhelm me.

I can feel the walls closing in around me, even though I’m out in the open. Cars buzz by, their engines a dull roar in my ears. Birds chirp, oblivious to the way my world is crumbling. Everyone going about their business, even though fear freezes me to the spot.

My phone clatters to the ground, the sound muffled by the blood rushing through my ears. My shoulder bumps into someone, the contact jolting me.

“Sorry,” I mutter, not really seeing them.

“Aria?” Quinn’s voice cuts through the fog of panic, and then he’s in front of me, his face swimming in my tears.

“You didn’t leave,” I murmur, my voice small and shaky.

“I wanted to make sure you got home alright. Looks like my timing was im-peck-able.” His attempt at humor falls flat in the face of my distress. Quinn’s hands are on my shoulders, steadying me. His touch anchors me to the present, pulling me back from the edge of panic. “Aria, what’s wrong? What happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost… or a really bad haircut.”

I blink, trying to focus on his face. The world slowly comes back into focus, the sounds of the city rushing back in. “I… I’m not sure,” I lie, unable to voice the truth. How can I explain the terror that’s gripping me?

Quinn’s brow furrows deeper, his eyes searching mine. “You’re shaking,” he says softly, his hands moving to rub my arms gently. The warmth of his touch seeps through my clothes.“Let’s get you somewhere quiet, okay? No strings attached, just a friend helping a friend.”

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