21. Aria

21

ARIA

I round the corner in the dimly lit hallway of Omega Guardians headquarters, my footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor. The air feels cool against my skin, carrying the faint scent of disinfectant and something else—something wild and dangerous.

My body still hums with energy from sparring with Zane, his intense gaze and strong hands lingering in my mind like a half remembered dream.

A flicker of movement catches my eye, and for a heart-stopping moment, I swear I see Noah’s face in the shadows. My breath catches, and I blink hard. When I look again, he’s gone, but the chill of fear remains, slithering down my spine like ice water.

A memory flashes through my mind—Noah’s face contorted with rage, his hand raised to strike. The phantom pain of past bruises makes me flinch, my heart racing.

Lost in my head, I nearly slam into a wall of pure alpha. My breath hitches as I stumble back, the air suddenly thick with the scent of cedarwood and amber. I look up, right into Malachi’s piercing gaze. His dark eyes seem to glow in the soft light, radiating an intensity that makes my heart race for an entirely different reason.

Damn it all to hell. Why does he have to look like some kind of Greek god in tactical gear? It’s honestly unfair.

“Aria,” he says, his voice a rich, velvety rumble that does things to my insides I’d rather not think about. There’s a hint of surprise in his tone, which is quickly masked by his usual calm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

I retreat a step, my omega instincts ping-ponging between run away and bare your neck. The air around us is thick with his scent—cedarwood and amber—but there’s something new too, something earthy and steady that makes me want to lean closer, even as my brain screams at me to keep my distance.

“Malachi,” I say, injecting a note of sarcasm into my voice to mask my unease. “Fancy meeting you in an omega safe space. What brings you to our neck of the woods? Alpha Appreciation Day?”

He’s dressed in all black, his powerful form silhouetted by the soft glow of the hallway lights. The fabric of his shirt stretches across his broad shoulders in a way that should be illegal.

I force my eyes up to his face, annoyed at my body’s reaction to him.

“Just finished a meeting with Willow about reinforcing security measures,” he explains, his stance relaxed yet alert. I can see the subtle tension in his muscles, ready to spring into action if needed. It’s both reassuring and unnerving. “How are you coping with everything?”

The question is straightforward, but having his focus entirely on me sends a shiver down my spine. I feel the warmth of his body, even from this distance.

“Oh, you know,” I say with forced lightness, “just another day of being hunted by my psychotic ex while navigating a pack of alphas who can’t seem to decide if they want to protect me or eat me. Living the dream, really.”

Malachi’s expression softens, a flicker of what might be admiration passing through his eyes. “Your strength continues to impress me, Aria. I want you to know, your safety is our top concern.”

A spark of anxiety ignites within me at the word our . My fingers instinctively curl into fists at my sides, digging my nails into my palms. “Our?” I echo, my voice barely above a whisper.

“The pack’s,” Malachi clarifies, his voice taking on a softer, more reassuring tone. It’s a side of him I’m not used to seeing, and it catches me off guard. “We’re united in ensuring your protection from Logan—Noah.”

The mention of Noah’s name sends an icy chill through me, and Malachi notices immediately. He steps closer, and I have to fight the urge to lean into him. His presence, his scent—it’s unexpectedly comforting, grounding me even as my thoughts whirl. The overhead lights flicker slightly, casting dancing shadows on the cold, sterile walls of the headquarters.

Fuck, I want to curl up on his lap and let him purr my anxiety away.

“Aria? Is everything alright?” Willow asks, her heels clicking on the polished floor as she approaches us. Her gaze shifts between Malachi and me, assessing the situation with a mix of concern and curiosity. The scent of lavender and chamomile that always accompanies her provides a welcome counterpoint to Malachi’s more intense aroma.

The tension in the air is palpable, and the scents of alpha and omega mingle, creating a heady atmosphere that hints at the complex dynamics at play. I’m grateful for Willow’s presence, her calm, reliable energy never wavering.

“Yes, we were just… talking,” I say, trying to inject a calmness into my voice that I don’t quite feel. Part of me wishes Cayenne was here. She’d know exactly what to say to break the tension, probably something wildly inappropriate that would make even Malachi blush.

Willow studies Malachi for a moment, then nods. “Malachi was briefing me on the pack’s involvement with security. They have been proactive, setting up patrols and installing new surveillance equipment. He’s also here to meet with you if you are willing.”

“We’re doing everything we can,” Malachi adds, his gaze never leaving mine. His voice is a low rumble, filled with a determination that sends another slight shiver down my spine. “We take threats seriously, especially when it comes to protecting those who matter.”

My defenses rise instinctively. “I’m not sure how I feel about the pack being involved in my life this much,” I admit, my tone carrying a hint of the frustration and confusion I feel. “I’m not some damsel in distress, you know. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.”

Malachi’s expression softens, his posture shifting slightly, as if to reassure me. The sunlight catches the golden flecks in his eyes, making them warm and inviting. “I understand, Aria, truly, and you have every right to set your boundaries, but I’d like to offer to oversee your protection personally. No pressure, just… a commitment.”

I blink at him, taken aback. The idea of Malachi wanting to personally ensure my safety is almost laughable, and yet, there’s sincerity in his voice, a steady promise in his eyes that makes me hesitate. The ticking of a nearby clock seems to echo the steady beat of my heart, counting out the seconds as I consider his offer.

“I’ll think about it,” I hedge, glancing at Willow, needing her support to steady myself. Her hand is warm and firm on my shoulder, grounding me. “I want to talk it over with Willow first.”

“Of course,” Malachi says, bowing his head in a gesture that feels respectful, even deferential. It’s so unlike the domineering alpha behavior I’m used to that it throws me off balance. “Take all the time you need, and Aria…” He pauses, as if weighing his next words. The air between us seems to thicken, the scent of his pheromones wrapping around me like an invisible embrace. “I know about your… recent interaction with Zane. Whatever you decide with him, or with any of us, your comfort comes first. Always.”

A flicker of heat rushes to my cheeks. I hadn’t expected Zane to share what happened between us—or maybe it was just obvious to the rest of them.

His dark eyes dart to my neck.

My hand lands on the bite mark. Of course. The pack bond, as well as the very visible bite wound on my freaking neck, would give that away.

My thoughts swirl with embarrassment, but also a strange flutter of excitement that I can’t quite name. The taste of my earlier coffee still lingers in my mouth, bitter and sweet, much like the emotions coursing through me.

“Thank you,” I say, unsure of what else to add. “I appreciate your… understanding.”

Malachi gives me a small, reassuring smile. “Perhaps we could arrange a pack meeting soon to go over any concerns you might have and discuss our next steps.”

I nod, a little dazed, as he takes his leave. I watch his broad shoulders disappear down the hall, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the quiet building. For a moment, I stand here, rooted in place. The air still carries the faintest trace of his scent, grounding me in the surreal reality of the moment.

“Well,” Willow says, her voice cutting through my daze with a hint of amusement, “that was… interesting.”

I turn to her, the knot in my chest loosening a little. “I don’t know what to think anymore, Willow. Everything’s shifting so fast. One minute, I’m running for my life, the next, I have a pack of alphas falling over themselves to protect me. It’s like I stepped into some kind of bizarre romantic comedy, except with more death threats.”

As we make our way to Willow’s office, I can’t help but think about Quinn and Dash. Quinn would probably have some high-tech solution to all this, maybe a state-of-the-art security system with more bells and whistles than I could understand. And Dash? He’d likely try to lighten the mood with a joke or a casual guitar riff, his easygoing nature a welcome respite from all the intensity.

Willow gives my arm a gentle squeeze. Her touch is warm, her scent a soothing mix of lavender and chamomile. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Aria. This is a lot to handle. Let’s go back to my office, take a breather, and talk it through. Then we can meet with Malachi later.”

I nod gratefully and follow Willow to her office, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Malachi. The walk gives me a moment to collect myself, the quiet hum of the building’s air-conditioning and the distant sound of voices providing a mundane backdrop to my tumultuous thoughts.

As we settle into the comfortable chairs in Willow’s office, I can’t help but notice how the room seems to exude her calming presence. The soft lighting casts a warm glow over the muted colors of the walls and furniture, and the faint scent of lavender in the air mingles with the earthy aroma of the potted plants scattered around the room.

Willow moves to adjust the thermostat, then she busies herself by making a cup of chamomile tea. “Here,” she says, pressing the warm mug into my hands. “This always helps me when I’m feeling overwhelmed. So…” Her voice is gentle but probing as she leans forward in her chair. “What are your thoughts about Malachi’s offer?”

I take a deep breath, inhaling the soothing aroma of the tea. “I don’t know, Willow. Part of me wants to trust him, to trust the pack, but another part of me is screaming that this is how it always starts. The protection, the care… and then suddenly, you’re trapped with no way out, or their fluffy words about protection are just that.” I pause and meet her eyes. “Words.”

“Fear,” she murmurs, understanding shining in her eyes.

“Yes,” I admit, the word barely above a whisper. My fingers trace the warm grooves of the wooden table between us, the texture grounding me in the moment. “After everything with Noah, how can I be sure? How can I trust anyone?”

Willow leans forward, her gaze steady and reassuring. The scent of her calming pheromones wafts gently toward me, mingling with the aroma of the herbal tea. “Trust is earned, Aria, and it’s okay to take your time, but from what I’ve seen, Malachi and the pack have been nothing but sincere in their desire to protect you.”

She pauses, a distant look in her eyes. “You know, this reminds me of a situation we had a few years ago. There was an omega, much like you, who was hesitant to accept help. She’d been through… well, let’s just say she had her reasons not to trust easily, but over time, she found that opening up, even just a little, gave her the support she needed to reclaim her life.”

I nod slowly, considering her words. The ticking of the vintage clock on the wall marks the passing seconds, its steady rhythm oddly comforting. “But why? Why does he care so much? Why does the pack care? I’m nothing special, Willow, just another omega with too much baggage and not enough sense to stay out of trouble.”

A small smile plays at the corners of Willow’s lips. “Well, there could be a few reasons. For one, you’re important to the Omega Guardians, and we have a longstanding alliance with the pack, but beyond that…” She pauses, as if choosing her words carefully, wrapping her fingers around her mug of steaming tea. “I think Malachi sees something special in you, Aria—something that goes beyond your omega status or your connection to Noah.”

My heart skips a beat at her words, and warmth spreads through me like the first rays of morning sunlight. “What do you mean?”

Willow’s smile widens, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’ve known Malachi for a long time, and I’ve never seen him this… invested in someone’s well-being. The way he looks at you, the way he speaks about you—it’s different. You challenge him, Aria. You make him question things he’s always taken for granted. That’s rare and valuable.”

I feel a flush of heat in my cheeks, and I’m unsure how to process this information. The aroma of brewing coffee and fresh bread from the nearby kitchen wafts in, doing little to ground me. “But what about Zane and the others? It’s all so confusing, Willow. I feel like I’m being pulled in a dozen different directions, and I don’t know which way is up anymore.”

She nods sympathetically, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine. Her skin is soft and warm against my own. “I know it is, and you don’t have to figure it all out right now. What’s important is that you feel safe and supported. The rest will come in time.”

I take a deep breath, the comforting scent of Willow’s pheromones helping to center me. “So you think I should accept Malachi’s offer?”

“I think you should do what feels right to you,” Willow murmurs gently. “But from a strategic standpoint, having the pack’s protection, especially Malachi’s personal involvement, could be invaluable, particularly with Noah still out there.”

The mention of Noah sends a chill down my spine. I can feel the hair on the back of my neck standing up and taste the metallic tang of fear on my tongue. “You’re right,” I concede, my voice steadier than I feel. “I just… I need to set some boundaries and make sure they understand I’m not just some helpless omega to be protected. I’ve survived this long on my own, and I’m not about to start being some damsel in distress now.”

Willow nods approvingly, her eyes reflecting the determined glint in mine. “That’s exactly the right approach, Aria. You’re strong, capable, and have every right to maintain your autonomy. Why don’t we draft some guidelines together before meeting with Malachi?”

A wave of relief washes over me, the knots in my stomach loosening. “That would be great, Willow. Thank you.”

We settle into the task of outlining my boundaries, the scratch of pen on paper filling the cozy room. Willow looks up from her notepad, her expression thoughtful.

“So let’s start with the basics. No unannounced visits to your apartment, right?”

I nod, taking a sip of my tea. “Definitely, and no tracking my phone or following me without my knowledge.”

Willow jots that down. “Good. What about scent marking?”

I wrinkle my nose. “Absolutely not. I’m not their property.”

“Fair enough,” Willow says with a small smile. “What about pack gatherings? Are you comfortable attending those?”

I pause, considering it. “Maybe… but only if I have the option to leave whenever I want. No pressure to stay.”

As I look over our list, I feel the last of the earlier chill leave my bones. It’s a small step, but it feels like the beginning of something important.

“Ready to face the alpha?” Willow asks with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting the golden light streaming through the window.

I take a deep breath, the scent of my own resolve steadying me, and nod. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

As we prepare to leave the office, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nerves. This conversation with Malachi will be crucial—not just for my safety, but for defining my place within this complex dynamic. At least I have a team of overprotective alphas and one badass omega guardian in my corner now.

Yet, as I stand to leave, a nagging thought tugs at the back of my mind. What if this is all just another trap? What if, in trying to escape one cage, I’m walking willingly into another? The pack’s protection comes with strings—strings that could easily become chains if I’m not careful. As I follow Willow out of the office, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m standing on the edge of a precipice. It’s time to dive into this alpha-infested pool and hope I don’t drown.

The hallway seems longer than before, each step echoing with the weight of my decision. I think about Quinn and his tech savvy approach to problems. Would he have some clever gadget to help me navigate this minefield of emotions and alliances? How would Dash handle being caught between safety and independence?

As we approach Malachi’s office, the scent of cedarwood and amber grows stronger. I square my shoulders, channeling every ounce of strength I’ve built over years of surviving on my own. I may be an omega, but I’m not weak. I’ve survived Noah’s BS, so I can handle a pack of well-meaning alphas. It’s time to show them what this omega is made of.

Willow gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before we enter. “Remember,” she whispers, “you’re in control here. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”

I nod, grateful for her support. With one last deep breath, I push the door open, ready to face whatever lies ahead. The future may be uncertain, but one thing’s for sure—I’m done being pushed around. It’s time to set my own rules, no matter where it leads.

As I step into Malachi’s office, his intense gaze meets mine, and I feel a flutter of something I can’t quite name. Fear? Excitement? Maybe a bit of both. Underneath it all, though, there’s steely determination. I may not have all the answers, but I’m ready to fight for my place in this world on my own terms.

The door closes behind us with a soft click, sealing us in with the alpha who could either be my greatest protector or my biggest threat. Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain—I’m not the same omega who ran from Noah all those months ago. I’m stronger now, wiser, and ready to face whatever comes next.

Let the negotiations begin.