Page 97 of Hunted Omega: Part Two

“Tired?” Quinn teases him.

We settle into the comfortable chairs, the familiar surroundings feeling somehow new in the aftermath of our communal experience.

Zane shares how the experience helped him confront some of his own insecurities about his role in the pack. His voice, usually gruff, softens as he speaks. “I always thought being strong meant being alone, but now… I see the strength in our connection.”

Quinn talks about feeling a deeper connection to his omega side, something he’s always struggled with as an alpha. “It’s like I’ve discovered a whole new part of myself,” he muses, his clever eyes alight with curiosity. “The equations of our dynamics just got a lot more interesting.”

Dash, usually so carefree, speaks earnestly about the sense of responsibility he now feels toward Aria and the pack. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still the fun one, but now I understand the weight of that fun and how important it is to our balance.”

As I listen, I feel my own perspective shifting. The alpha in me has always seen leadership as a burden to be shouldered alone, but now, I see the strength in our diversity and the unique gifts each member brings to our pack.

Suddenly, a minor disagreement breaks out between Zane and Dash about how to best support Aria moving forward. Zane’s protective instincts flare, his posture tensing. “We need to be vigilant,” he insists, his eyes flashing. “The world is still dangerous.”

Dash counters, his usual laid-back demeanor giving way to passion. “But we can’t smother her. Aria needs joy and freedom too.”

“Both of you have valid points,” I interject, my voice calm but firm. “Zane, your protective instincts are one of your greatest strengths. And Dash, your ability to bring joy and lightness to Aria’s life is invaluable. We need both approaches. Our strength lies not just in our individual abilities, but in how we uplift each other.”

As I speak, I see understanding dawn in their eyes. The tension dissipates, replaced by a sense of mutual respect and appreciation.

“You’re right,” Zane admits, surprising me with his willingness to concede. “We’re stronger together, each playing our part.”

Dash nods, a grin spreading across his face. “Yeah, who’d have thought the big bad alpha and the goofball musician would make such a good team?”

The room fills with laughter, the sound warming my heart. This is what a pack should be—a family supporting each other and growing together.

As our conversation continues, my mind begins to turn to the challenges that await us outside these walls. Logan, the mayor, and the complex political landscape we’re navigating all seem less daunting now.

“We should have a formal pack meeting soon,” I suggest, my tone shifting to one of leadership, “to discuss everything that’s happened and plan our next steps.”

The others readily agree, and I feel a surge of confidence. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together, stronger and more united than ever before.

As the morning wears on, I excuse myself to start drafting an agenda for our meeting, but before I leave, I take one last look at my pack. Zane is steady and strong, his intense gaze softened by newfound understanding. Quinn’s mind is already whirring with plans and possibilities. Dash, always vibrant and loyal, is a beacon of light in our group. Aria, although she is currently upstairs, is our heart, our omega, and the one who brought us all together.

A wave of emotion washes over me—love, pride, and determination. We’ve been forged anew in the fire of Aria’s heat, our bonds strengthened and resolve tempered. We are Pack Clarke, and we are ready for whatever the future holds.

As I head to my office, the weight of leadership feels lighter, transformed from a solitary burden into a collective strength. Our pack has always been strong, but now, there’s a palpable shift, a sense that we’ve moved from merely coexisting to truly thriving as a family.

I glance back at the common room, catching sight of Dash teasing Quinn about something trivial, while Zane watches with a bemused smile. The easy camaraderie and unspokenunderstanding is more than I dared hope for when we first formed this pack.

As I sit down at my desk, I take a moment to center myself, inhaling the residual scents of our bond.

I hate this feeling, as though I’m waking from a fever dream when I want nothing more than to run back to Aria and remain in the nest with her for the next half of forever.

I don’t know how long I sit at my desk, staring at the blank papers before me, when I hear a soft creak from the door.

I look up to see Aria rubbing sleep from her eyes. For a moment, all I can do is look at her in that sexy silk robe that hangs to mid-thigh.

“Hey, you, you should be sleeping.” I push back from the desk, intent on getting up and putting her back to bed.

“Stay,” she murmurs and slowly walks over to me.

I reach out to her, and she takes my hand graciously before settling on my lap, her knees splayed on either side of me. Her pupils are still blown, and she smells like oranges and cream. Pressing a palm to her forehead, I find she isn’t hot, but it’s as though her heat is hanging on fiercely.

“You alright?” I question, trying to peer into her soul.

“Yeah. Awake, but also not.” She rolls her hips with a whine.

“Is my omega feeling needy?” I ask, tugging at the sash of her robe and letting it flutter to the side.

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