Page 52 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

I collapse onto my couch, kicking my shoes off and letting out a long sigh. My mind races, replaying every moment of the evening. Dash’s vulnerability at the AA meeting, his raw honesty over coffee, and the gentle kiss on my cheek all swirls together in a confusing mix of emotions.

Part of me wants to call Cayenne and get her take on the situation, but I know what she’d say. She’d tell me to run and protect myself, not give Dash another chance to hurt me, and maybe she’d be right.

Another part of me, a part that’s growing stronger by the minute, wants to see where this goes, giving both Dash and me a chance at redemption.

I pull out my phone, my thumbs hovering over the keyboard. After a moment’s hesitation, I type out a quick message.

Me:Thanks for tonight. It meant a lot. Let’s talk again soon.

I hit send before I can second-guess myself, then I toss the phone aside. Only time will tell if Dash’s actions will align with his words, but for now, I choose to hold onto a fragile hope. Maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to heal and move forward together.

As I drift off to sleep, my last thoughts are of the pack. How will they react to this development? Will they support this tentative reconnection, or will it cause friction? Whatever happens, I know one thing for sure—life in Pack Clarke is about to get a lot more complicated.

24

DASH

MomentsEarlier

The night air is cool against my flushed skin as we stand outside Aria’s building, a comfortable silence settling between us. The streets are quiet, our footsteps echoing softly on the pavement. I inhale deeply, savoring the crisp air that’s no longer tainted by the smell of Jack on my breath.

I hesitate, not wanting the night to end but knowing it has to. The building looms above us, all brick and steel and shadowy windows. It’s nothing special, but knowing Aria lives here makes it feel like the most important place in the world.

She looks beautiful under the moonlight, her faded pink hair glowing softly. I can’t resist as I lean in and press the briefest of kisses to her cheek. I want more, so much more.

Patience.

The kiss is fleeting but electric, leaving me wanting more. I can see the surprise in Aria’s eyes, but she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she leans closer, her breath warm against my skin.

My heart races as I take a step back, trying to regain some composure. Aria’s expression is unreadable, her eyes searching mine for answers. I want to tell her how much I’ve missed her since our last encounter, and how every thought has beenconsumed by the feeling of her lips on mine, but instead, all that comes out is a simple, “Goodnight.”

One chord at a time, just like learning a new song.

“Goodnight, Dash,” she replies. Hearing my name on her lips sets my whole body on fire.

She smiles a small, private smile that makes my heart skip, then she’s inside the lobby, the door closing behind her with a soft click that seems to echo in the quiet night. I step back, my eyes fixed on her window, waiting for the light to flicker on. When it does, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

My feet feel heavy as I walk away, each step a battle against the magnetic pull urging me to head back to Aria’s door. The night air, once refreshing, now feels empty without her beside me. I fumble for my car keys, the metal cool against my trembling fingers.

As I slide into the driver’s seat, her scent lingers, a ghost of her presence. I close my eyes and lean my forehead against the steering wheel, replaying every moment of our encounter. The soft curve of her smile, the warmth in her eyes, and the electricity of our brief kiss all floods back, leaving me breathless.

I start the engine, the low rumble breaking the silence of the night. As I pull away from the curb, I can’t help but glance back at her building one last time. A silhouette moves behind the curtains of her window, and my heart leaps. Is she watching me leave? Does she feel this same ache that’s settled deep in my chest?

My foot slams on the brakes.

I should leave, I know I should, but I won’t budge, and my mind’s going a mile a minute. What if she regrets the kiss? What if that bastard Noah somehow found out about tonight and is waiting for her? What if she needs me and I’m not there?

I can almost hear Quinn’s voice in my head, cracking some smart-ass joke about me turning into a lovesick puppy. Zanewould probably just brood silently in the corner, while Malachi would give me that calm, knowing look that always makes me feel like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This isn’t me. I don’t do pining and overthinking. I’m Dash, for crying out loud. I’m supposed to be the cool, collected one.

As I sit here, the engine idling, I realize I don’t want to be that person anymore—not with Aria. She deserves more than just the facade I’ve carefully crafted over the years.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I cut the engine and step out of the car. My heart pounds as I approach her building again, each step feeling both terrifying and exhilarating.

I use my key card to get inside, taking the stairs two at a time. The stairwell reeks of dust and old paint, and my footsteps echo like gunshots in the enclosed space. I reach her floor, out of breath and probably out of my mind, but I can’t bring myself to knock on her door.

Breathing hard, I rest my forehead against the door and inhale slowly. Oranges and cream linger in the air.

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