Page 81 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

Before I can speak, Aria steps forward, extending her hand with a confidence I’ve always admired. “Ms. Hartley, thank you so much for coming,” she says, her tone warm and professional. “We’ve been looking forward to this.”

Evelyn takes her hand, smiling graciously. “The pleasure’s mine. I’ve heard great things about what you’re building here.”

As Aria leads Evelyn over to the lounge area, I feel a swell of pride in my chest. Aria has this. I sit beside her as we dive into the conversation, letting her take the lead.

Her passion and drive shine through every word as she outlines our vision for the salon—not just a place for styling, but a community hub for omegas, a safe space for empowerment.

“And it isn’t just about the salon itself,” Aria says, leaning forward, her voice filled with conviction. “We’re working on programs—mentorships, job training, networking events. It’s about creating lasting change for omegas.”

Evelyn listens intently, her gaze sharp as she nods. “It sounds like you’ve thought this through. This isn’t just a business for you—it’s a movement.”

“Exactly,” I chime in, squeezing Aria’s hand under the table. “We want this to be a place where omegas feel seen, supported, and empowered. It’s more than just looking good—it’s about feeling strong.”

Evelyn leans back, crossing her legs, her expression unreadable. “I have to say, I’m intrigued, but tell me, how do you plan to navigate the recent changes in omega legislation? There’s been talk of stricter regulations on omega run businesses.”

The question catches me off guard, and I feel Aria tense beside me. This wasn’t part of our prep. I take a deep breath, my mind racing. “We’re aware of the challenges,” I begin, choosing my words carefully, “but we believe that by creating a strong community and working with allies like yourself, we can not only navigate these changes, but also be at the forefront of pushing for positive reform.”

Aria jumps in, her voice steady. “We aren’t just planning to adapt to the current climate. We’re aiming to change it. Ourpack… Our team is committed to this cause, and we’re prepared to face whatever obstacles come our way.”

Evelyn’s eyebrow rises at the mention of our pack, but she nods, seeming impressed. “Well, you certainly don’t lack ambition. I’d be interested in partnering with you, perhaps on a larger event. Something that could draw attention to omega rights and bring more visibility to what you’re doing.”

After Evelyn leaves, the energy in the room feels electric. We did it. We actually pulled it off.

“Algorithm successful. Evelyn Hartley, consider yourself hacked,” I say, pulling Aria in for a celebratory kiss.

She laughs against my lips. “You were right, Mr. Hair Maestro. We crushed it.”

The rest of the evening flies by as we clean up the salon, chatting about everything Evelyn said. Every now and then, I catch Aria looking at me, her eyes soft, and I can’t help but feel like we’re on the verge of something bigger. This salon, this movement, isn’t just a dream anymore. It’s happening, and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else but her.

As I lock up for the night, a nagging thought tugs at me. How will this fit into our pack dynamics? Will the others understand how important this is? I push the worry aside, focusing instead on Aria’s warm hand in mine as we walk to the car.

By the time we’re heading home, I know one thing for sure—this is just the beginning. Noah, legislation, and pack dynamics are just more variables in our code. We’ll optimize as we go, and with Aria as my coprogrammer, there’s no firewall we can’t breach.

35

MALACHI

The stenchof political corruption clings to the air like a second skin as Aria and I approach the mayor’s office. My hand rests on the small of her back, a gesture that’s both protective and grounding. My cedarwood and amber scent mingles with her sweet orange creamsicle.

“Ready for this circus?” I murmur, feeling the tension coiled in her muscles.

Aria’s lips quirk in a sardonic smile. “Born ready. Let’s show this stuffed shirt what happens when you mess with our pack.”

Her spirit, as always, ignites something primal within me. This is my mate—fierce, unstoppable, and utterly unafraid to bare her teeth at the world.

We enter the lion’s den, the heavy door sealing us in with a finality that sets my nerves on edge. The room reeks of stale coffee and cheap air freshener, a poor mask for the undercurrent of deceit. Mayor Blackwood, every inch the smug bureaucrat, doesn’t bother to stand, and his beta scent reeks of hostility and cheap aftershave.

“Mr. Clarke,” he drawls, his eyes sliding dismissively over Aria. “I wasn’t aware this meeting required an omega’s presence.”

Aria bristles beside me, but her voice is pure steel when she responds. “Funny, I wasn’t aware city hall required sexist pigs, yet here we are.”

Pride swells in my chest, even as I struggle to maintain my composure. I clear my throat, drawing the mayor’s attention. “Shall we cut the bullshit and get down to business?”

Blackwood’s eyes narrow, a predator sensing a challenge. “Indeed. Let’s discuss your little… social experiment. Omega Guardians. Hardly befitting a security firm of your caliber, wouldn’t you agree?”

I lean forward, keeping my voice low and controlled. Every instinct screams at me to put this arrogant beta in his place, but I channel that energy into my words. “With all due respect, Mayor, Omega Guardians is providing essential services to a vulnerable population. We’ aren’t just protecting omegas, we’re empowering them—something this city has failed to do for far too long.”

“Empowering them?” Blackwood scoffs, the sound grating like nails on a chalkboard. “You’re upsetting the natural order. Omegas have their place, and it isn’t in positions of authority or independence.”

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