Page 46 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

A small smile plays at the corners of Willow’s lips. “Well, there could be a few reasons. For one, you’re important to theOmega Guardians, and we have a longstanding alliance with the pack, but beyond that…” She pauses, as if choosing her words carefully, wrapping her fingers around her mug of steaming tea. “I think Malachi sees something special in you, Aria—something that goes beyond your omega status or your connection to Noah.”

My heart skips a beat at her words, and warmth spreads through me like the first rays of morning sunlight. “What do you mean?”

Willow’s smile widens, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ve known Malachi for a long time, and I’ve never seen him this… invested in someone’s well-being. The way he looks at you, the way he speaks about you—it’s different. You challenge him, Aria. You make him question things he’s always taken for granted. That’s rare and valuable.”

I feel a flush of heat in my cheeks, and I’m unsure how to process this information. The aroma of brewing coffee and fresh bread from the nearby kitchen wafts in, doing little to ground me. “But what about Zane and the others? It’s all so confusing, Willow. I feel like I’m being pulled in a dozen different directions, and I don’t know which way is up anymore.”

She nods sympathetically, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine. Her skin is soft and warm against my own. “I know it is, and you don’t have to figure it all out right now. What’s important is that you feel safe and supported. The rest will come in time.”

I take a deep breath, the comforting scent of Willow’s pheromones helping to center me. “So you think I should accept Malachi’s offer?”

“I think you should do what feels right to you,” Willow murmurs gently. “But from a strategic standpoint, having the pack’s protection, especially Malachi’s personal involvement, could be invaluable, particularly with Noah still out there.”

The mention of Noah sends a chill down my spine. I can feel the hair on the back of my neck standing up and taste the metallic tang of fear on my tongue. “You’re right,” I concede, my voice steadier than I feel. “I just… I need to set some boundaries and make sure they understand I’m not just some helpless omega to be protected. I’ve survived this long on my own, and I’m not about to start being some damsel in distress now.”

Willow nods approvingly, her eyes reflecting the determined glint in mine. “That’s exactly the right approach, Aria. You’re strong, capable, and have every right to maintain your autonomy. Why don’t we draft some guidelines together before meeting with Malachi?”

A wave of relief washes over me, the knots in my stomach loosening. “That would be great, Willow. Thank you.”

We settle into the task of outlining my boundaries, the scratch of pen on paper filling the cozy room. Willow looks up from her notepad, her expression thoughtful.

“So let’s start with the basics. No unannounced visits to your apartment, right?”

I nod, taking a sip of my tea. “Definitely, and no tracking my phone or following me without my knowledge.”

Willow jots that down. “Good. What about scent marking?”

I wrinkle my nose. “Absolutely not. I’m not their property.”

“Fair enough,” Willow says with a small smile. “What about pack gatherings? Are you comfortable attending those?”

I pause, considering it. “Maybe… but only if I have the option to leave whenever I want. No pressure to stay.”

As I look over our list, I feel the last of the earlier chill leave my bones. It’s a small step, but it feels like the beginning of something important.

“Ready to face the alpha?” Willow asks with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting the golden light streaming through the window.

I take a deep breath, the scent of my own resolve steadying me, and nod. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

As we prepare to leave the office, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nerves. This conversation with Malachi will be crucial—not just for my safety, but for defining my place within this complex dynamic. At least I have a team of overprotective alphas and one badass omega guardian in my corner now.

Yet, as I stand to leave, a nagging thought tugs at the back of my mind. What if this is all just another trap? What if, in trying to escape one cage, I’m walking willingly into another? The pack’s protection comes with strings—strings that could easily become chains if I’m not careful. As I follow Willow out of the office, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m standing on the edge of a precipice. It’s time to dive into this alpha-infested pool and hope I don’t drown.

The hallway seems longer than before, each step echoing with the weight of my decision. I think about Quinn and his tech savvy approach to problems. Would he have some clever gadget to help me navigate this minefield of emotions and alliances? How would Dash handle being caught between safety and independence?

As we approach Malachi’s office, the scent of cedarwood and amber grows stronger. I square my shoulders, channeling every ounce of strength I’ve built over years of surviving on my own. I may be an omega, but I’m not weak. I’ve survived Noah’s BS, so I can handle a pack of well-meaning alphas. It’s time to show them what this omega is made of.

Willow gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before we enter. “Remember,” she whispers, “you’re in control here. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

I nod, grateful for her support. With one last deep breath, I push the door open, ready to face whatever lies ahead. The future may be uncertain, but one thing’s for sure—I’m donebeing pushed around. It’s time to set my own rules, no matter where it leads.

As I step into Malachi’s office, his intense gaze meets mine, and I feel a flutter of something I can’t quite name. Fear? Excitement? Maybe a bit of both. Underneath it all, though, there’s steely determination. I may not have all the answers, but I’m ready to fight for my place in this world on my own terms.

The door closes behind us with a soft click, sealing us in with the alpha who could either be my greatest protector or my biggest threat. Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain—I’m not the same omega who ran from Noah all those months ago. I’m stronger now, wiser, and ready to face whatever comes next.

Let the negotiations begin.

22

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