Page 69 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

Zane keeps a protective arm around me as we make our way out of the salon. The familiar bell chimes as we exit, the sound jarring after everything that happened. Outside, the late afternoon sun feels too bright, too normal.

Malachi’s sleek black SUV is parked haphazardly at the curb, evidence of their rushed arrival. As we approach the vehicle, I hear the wail of police sirens growing closer.

“We need to move,” Malachi says, his voice low and urgent. “Zane, get Aria in the car. Dash, you’re on lookout.”

“Location?” Zane questions.

Malachi gives him a look, and through the bond with Zane, I feel gentle reassurance.

The pack moves with practiced efficiency, falling into their roles without hesitation. Zane helps me into the back seat, sliding in beside me. His solid presence is comforting, grounding me as the world seems to spin around me.

Dash hops into the passenger seat, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by intense focus as he scans the street. “All clear,” he reports, “but those sirens are getting close.”

Malachi nods, starting the engine. “Quinn?” he calls.

“On my way,” Quinn replies through the open car door. Moments later, he slides into the seat on my other side, sandwiching me between him and Zane. “Mrs. Johnson is awake and unharmed. I explained there was a situation and that you had to leave. Your boss understands and says to take as much time as you need.”

Relief washes over me at his words. It’s a small thing, but knowing that my job is secure helps calm some of the chaos in my mind.

As Malachi pulls away from the curb, I catch a glimpse of police cars turning onto the street behind us. My heart races with a mixture of relief and lingering fear. I lean into Zane’s side, drawing comfort from his steady presence.

“You’re off Noah’s grid now,” Quinn murmurs, interlacing his fingers with mine, “and on ours—permanently.”

I nod, unable to form words past the lump in my throat. The adrenaline is fading, leaving me feeling drained and shaky. As we drive through the city streets, my mind keeps replaying Noah’s words, his threats echoing in my head.

When will Noah stop?

The question hangs in the air, unspoken but heavy with implications. As we drive away from the salon, away from Noah, I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of something much bigger and more dangerous than I ever imagined.

The city blurs past the window, a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes that don’t quite register. I’m vaguely aware of the pack’s voices around me, their tones low and urgent as they discuss what just happened, but it all feels distant, like I’m underwater and they are speaking from the surface.

“Aria?” Quinn’s voice breaks through the fog, and his hand squeezes mine gently. “Are you with us?”

I blink, forcing myself to focus on his concerned face. “Yeah,” I rasp, my voice sounding hoarse even to my own ears. “I’m here.”

Zane’s arm tightens around me, his scent—leather and sandalwood—wrapping around me like a protective blanket. “We’ve got you,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. “You’re safe now.”

But am I?Noah’s words echo in my mind.“I have eyes everywhere, Aria.”How long has he been watching me? How much does he know?

“He knew about the pack,” I say suddenly, the realization hitting me like a punch to the gut. “How did he know about you guys?”

The tension in the car ratchets up a notch, and the alphas exchange glances over my head.

Malachi’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror, his gaze steady and reassuring. “We’ll figure it out, Aria. For now, let’s focus on getting you somewhere safe.”

“Where are we going?” I ask, suddenly realizing I have no idea where Malachi’s driving us.

“The pack cabin,” Dash replies from the front seat. He turns to give me a wink. “Full lockdown mode. It’ll be like a slumber party, but with more security systems and less pillow fights—unless you’re into that sort of thing, of course.”

I manage a weak smile at his attempt to lighten the mood, but the idea of being locked away, even for my own protection, makes my skin crawl. It’s too close to what Noah wants—to cage me and control me.

“I can’t just hide away,” I say, my voice stronger now. “I have a life here, a job. I can’t let him take that away from me.”

Quinn nods, his expression thoughtful. “You’re right, and we won’t let that happen, but we need to be smart about this, Aria. Noah’s dangerous, and he isn’t working alone.”

“The trafficking ring,” I whisper, the words tasting foul in my mouth.

Zane growls low in his throat, the sound vibrating through his chest where I’m pressed against him. “We’ll shut it down,” he states, his voice hard with determination. “All of it.”

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