Page 48 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

I nod, impressed by her assertiveness. “That’s fair. You’ll have a voice in any decisions concerning your safety or involvement with the pack.”

Aria extends her hand across the desk. “Then we have a deal, Alpha.”

I take her hand, savoring the warmth of her skin against mine. The touch sends a jolt of electricity up my arm, and I have to resist the urge to pull her closer.

“Deal,” I say, my voice huskier than I intended.

As we shake on our agreement, the air between us grows thick with tension. Aria’s scent intensifies, filling my nostrils with that intoxicating orange creamsicle aroma. Her pupils dilate, and I hear her heartbeat quicken.

“So,” she says, not releasing my hand, “about that combat training…”

I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure. “Right. I’ll set up a session with Zane for next week.”

Aria’s lips curve into a sly smile. “Looking forward to it.”

As she stands to leave, her hip brushes against the desk, causing her to stumble. Without thinking, I’m on my feet, wrapping my arms around her waist to steady her. The sudden proximity is overwhelming. Her body fits perfectly against mine,her soft curves melding with hard muscle. Her breath catches, and I feel her pulse quicken beneath my fingertips.

“Careful,” I murmur, my lips mere inches from her ear.

Aria turns her head, her gaze locking with mine. The air crackles between us, charged with an electric tension that threatens to consume us both. Her lips part slightly, and I catch the faintest glimpse of her tongue darting out to wet them.

“Malachi,” she murmurs, her voice husky with desire.

I know I should let her go, step back, and maintain some semblance of professional distance, but my body has other ideas. My grip tightens on her waist, pulling her flush against me.

“Tell me to stop,” I growl, giving her one last chance to end this before we cross a line we can’t uncross.

Instead of pushing me away, Aria slides her hands up my chest, resting them on my shoulders. “Don’t you dare,” she whispers, and then her lips are on mine.

The kiss is electric, a jolt of pure sensation that ignites every nerve ending. Her lips are soft yet demanding, moving against mine with a hunger that matches my own. Her taste—sweet like oranges with a hint of spice—floods my senses, drowning out everything else. My hands move of their own accord, one tangling in her hair and the other pulling her closer, eliminating any space between us.

I’m vaguely aware of the soft moan that escapes her, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. Her fingers dig into my shoulders, her nails biting through the fabric of my shirt. The pain only heightens the pleasure, and I deepen the kiss, teasing the seam of her lips with my tongue until they part for me.

As our tongues dance, I’m struck by how perfectly we fit together. It’s as if every curve of her body was made to align with mine. Heat builds between us, threatening to consume us both. I can feel her heart racing against my chest, her pulse pounding in time with mine.

Reality crashes back in all too soon. Aria pulls away, sinking into her chair, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and something else.

“Malachi, I…” Her voice shakes.

“It’s okay,” I say softly, even as everything in me screams to pull her back into my arms. “You don’t have to explain. The ball’s in your court, Aria. No rush.”

Aria nods, smoothing her clothes with trembling hands. “We should tell the pack, right? About… this?”

“Yes,” I agree, my voice rougher than I’d like, “but only when you’re ready. This doesn’t change our commitment to your safety. If anything, it strengthens it.”

She nods again, lingering for a moment before standing. “I… I need some time to think.”

“Of course,” I say, rising as well.

As the door clicks shut behind her, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. The room still smells like her—oranges and cream and possibility.

I sink back into my chair, my mind reeling. What if this makes everything worse? What if, in trying to protect Aria, I just painted an even bigger target on her back?

The weight of leadership settles on my shoulders like a lead blanket. I’ve faced down rival packs and navigated political minefields, but this—this terrifies me in a way nothing else ever has. For the first time in my life, I have something to lose that I’m not sure I can live without.

As I finally stand to leave, Aria’s scent lingering on my skin like a promise, I can’t shake the feeling that everything is about to change. We crossed a line, and I’m not sure if I want to find my way back. The thought both exhilarates and terrifies me in equal measure.

I find myself wondering how the other pack members will react to this development. Quinn might see the strategicadvantages or pitfalls. Dash’s laid-back nature might help ease any tension, or he might surprise us all with unexpected jealousy. Zane… well, Zane’s reaction is anyone’s guess.

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