Page 41 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

I think about it, about the past and the version of her I thought I knew. “Someone who’d never look at me again,” I admit. “Someone who’d run the second she saw me.”

Aria tilts her head, studying me. “I thought about it, but I’m tired of running.”

We fall silent again, but it’s different now—less charged and more contemplative. I’m not sure how we got here, sharing the quiet like it’s some kind of truce, but I don’t want to break it. The soft hum of the air-conditioning fills the space between us.

“What’s next?” Aria asks hesitantly.

I sit up and lean forward, placing my elbows on my knees. The movement causes the mat to creak slightly. “We have to be smart about this. Logan—Noah—whatever he’s calling himself, he’s good at playing the long game. We’ve tightened security, but he knows how to slip through cracks.”

Aria nods and looks away, a blush creeping up her face, leading me to wonder if that’s what she was actually asking. “What if we stop reacting and start planning? We’ve been on the defensive, but maybe it’s time to take control.”

I can’t help but smile at the resolve in her voice. “I like that. It’s bold.”

She shrugs, but there’s a spark in her eyes. “I’m done letting him dictate the terms. We set the rules now.”

We lean in, the energy between us shifting from tense to collaborative.

“What if we set up a fake meet?” Aria suggests, her eyes bright with intensity. “Draw him out on our terms.”

I nod, considering the notion. “Could work, but he’s cautious. We’d need to make it irresistible.”

“His ego,” Aria says, snapping her fingers. “That’s his weakness. If he thinks he’s outsmarted us…”

“He’ll get cocky,” I finish, feeling a spark of excitement. “Maybe we leak some false information and make him think he has the upper hand.”

Aria’s already shaking her head. “Too risky. What if he calls our bluff? We need something more…”

“Personal,” I interject. “Something only you would know.”

She pauses, a shadow crossing her face. “There might be something, but it… it isn’t easy to talk about.”

I reach out, almost touching her arm before stopping myself. “Hey, we don’t have to go there if you aren’t ready.”

Aria takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. “No, you’re right. It’s time to use everything we’ve got.”

As she starts explaining her idea, I marvel at her resilience and quick thinking. It’s like seeing her for the first time, and I have to remind myself to focus on her words, not the way her eyes light up when she’s onto something.

“Zane? Are you still with me?” she asks, snapping me back to attention.

I nod sheepishly. Honestly, I’m not even sure I know what she said.

“Yeah, sorry. Just… You’re really good at this. I don’t think I ever gave you enough credit before.”

A small smile tugs at her lips. “Better late than never, I guess.”

“You’ve really thought about this,” I say, impressed.

Aria lets out a small, self-deprecating laugh. “You learn a lot when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder.” She glances at me, her eyes searching mine. “Do you think he’ll try to make contact again?”

I nod, the seriousness of the situation settling over us. “He isn’t done, Aria, not by a long shot, but we won’t let him get to you.”

There’s a long pause, and then she reaches out, resting her hand lightly on mine. It’s a simple gesture, but it feels monumental. “Thank you, Zane, for… for trying.”

I squeeze her hand gently. “I’m not just trying, Aria. I’m all in. Whatever it takes.”

We sit side by side on the mat, our hands still linked. It isn’t a grand reconciliation or a sweeping promise, but it’s a start. The morning light fully fills the room now, casting a warm glow over everything and highlighting the dust motes floating in the air.

I don’t want to release her hand, but far too soon, she stands, and I follow, not wanting to let go of her.

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