Page 82 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

Aria steps forward, her scent spiking with righteous anger. “And what place would that be, Mayor? On our knees? Silent and subservient?” Her voice rises, filled with the fire that first drew me to her. “That ‘natural order’ you’re so fond of is nothing but a smokescreen for oppression. It’s time for change, and if you can’t see that, then you’re on the wrong side of history.”

The mayor’s face flushes an ugly shade of red. “Watch your tone, omega. You forget your place.”

A growl rips from my throat before I can stop it. The alpha in me roars to defend my mate and tear this pompous fool limb from limb, but I force myself to remember why we’re here. “Mayor Blackwood,” I say, my voice dangerously quiet, “Istrongly suggest you reconsider your words. Aria is my mate and a valued member of our community. Her voice deserves to be heard, and I would advise against threatening her again.”

The tension in the room is suffocating, a powder keg waiting for a spark. Blackwood leans back, a smug smile spreading across his face like oil on water. “Well, if you’re so concerned about omega voices, perhaps you’ll be pleased to know that I found a security firm that shares your… progressive views.”

Ice floods my veins. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve accepted a contract with Sentinel Security,” he says, his eyes glinting with malice. “They have proposed some fascinating initiatives for omega protection. Much more… comprehensive than your little project.”

The name Sentinel Security doesn’t land quite right, like a half remembered dream. Something about it nags at me, a faint echo of a conversation I can’t quite place. My mind races, trying to connect the dots, but it’s like grasping at smoke. There’s a growing sense of unease, though—a tightness in my chest I can’t shake.

“Does the name Logan Pierce ring a bell?” His smug smile stretches across his greasy face.

“You can’t be serious,” I growl, the words tearing from my throat. “Logan Pierce is a known threat to omegas. He’s dangerous, manipulative?—”

“He’s effective,” Blackwood interrupts, his voice slicing through my protests. “And he understands the importance of maintaining proper societal structures, unlike some people in this room.”

I slam my hands on the desk, relishing the way he flinches. “This is corruption, plain and simple. You’re putting omegas at risk for what? Political gain? Financial kickbacks?”

Blackwood doesn’t back down, his calm demeanor only fueling my rage. “Careful, Mr. Clarke. You’re treading on thinice. Remember, your mate here is unregistered, isn’t she? It would be a shame if that information were to become public.”

The world stops. “We still have time to make sure she is registered.”

Aria’s hand finds mine, her grip tight and reassuring. I can feel her trembling, but her voice is steady when she speaks. “Is that a threat, Mayor?”

Blackwood’s smile is all teeth. “Consider it a friendly reminder of the importance of following regulations, especially for those in… precarious positions.”

My vision turns red at the edges, the alpha in me howling for blood, but Aria’s touch grounds me, reminding me of what’s truly at stake. I take a deep breath, forcing calm into my voice.

“You’re blackmailing us?” Aria asks, her voice gaining strength with each word. “You’d really stoop that low? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Men like you always resort to dirty tactics when you’re threatened.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Blackwood,” I warn. “If anything happens to Aria, or any omega under our protection, I’ll make sure the entire city knows exactly who’s responsible.”

The mayor leans back, spreading his hands in a gesture of mock innocence. “I’m simply enforcing the law, Mr. Clarke. Perhaps you should focus on doing the same.”

Aria steps forward, her chin raised in defiance. “And perhaps you should remember that laws can change. The tides are turning, Mayor. Omegas are finding their voices, and we won’t be silenced.”

“Bold words,” Blackwood sneers. “But words won’t protect you when Sentinel Security takes over. I suggest you both consider your options carefully.”

The threat hangs in the air, heavy and oppressive. I feel Aria’s pulse racing through our joined hands, but her expressionremains a mask of defiance. Pride swells in my chest even as fear clutches at my heart.

“We’ll do more than consider our options,” I growl, leaning in close enough to see the beads of sweat forming on Blackwood’s brow. “We’ll fight this with everything we have.”

The mayor’s smile falters for just a moment before he regains his composure. “I’d expect nothing less from you, Mr. Clarke, but I wonder… are you prepared for the consequences?”

Before I can respond, a sharp knock at the door breaks the tension. Blackwood’s assistant pokes her head in, looking flustered.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, sir, but there’s an urgent call for you. It’s the chief of police.”

Blackwood’s face pales slightly. “I’ll be right there.” He turns back to us, all false politeness. “I’m afraid we’ll have to cut this meeting short. I trust you can see yourselves out?”

Aria and I exchange a glance, silently communicating our suspicion at the convenient interruption. As we rise to leave, I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve stumbled into something far bigger and more dangerous than we initially thought.

Blackwood pauses at the door, barely looking at us over his shoulder. “Malachi, I prefer to think of this as… mutually assured destruction. You keep quiet about Sentinel, and I’ll ensure Aria’s status remains our little secret.”

I’m seething, every alpha instinct screaming at me to protect my mate and tear this corrupt beta apart. The taste of copper fills my mouth as I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to think strategically. We can’t afford a public scandal, not with Noah circling like a vulture.

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