43. Aria

43

ARIA

The cool autumn air nips at my cheeks as we walk down the bustling street toward the café. After spending days cooped up in the pack house during my heat, we all need a change of scenery. The sidewalk is narrow, forcing us to walk in pairs, but I can’t help noticing how the pack subtly positions themselves around me. Malachi and Zane lead the way, their watchful eyes scanning our surroundings. Quinn and Dash flank me on either side, their warmth a comforting presence.

“I spy with my little eye,” Dash begins, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “something… caffeinated and delicious.”

Quinn snorts. “That would be the entire contents of the café we’re heading to, genius.”

I can’t help but smile at their banter. It feels… normal.

As we enter the café, the rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries envelops us. The warmth is a welcome respite from the chilly air outside. Malachi guides us to a corner table, his hand a gentle pressure on the small of my back.

“I’ll order for us,” Malachi says, his voice low and reassuring. “Zane, Quinn, can you do a perimeter check?”

They nod, moving off with practiced ease. I watch them go, a mix of gratitude and nervousness swirling in my chest.

“Hey, sparkles,” Dash says, sliding into the seat across from me. “Looks like you’re stuck with the handsome one for company.”

I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a smile. “Lucky me.”

As Dash settles into his seat, his eyes light up with that familiar spark of excitement. “So, sparkles, you won’t believe what happened during my last writing session,” he begins, leaning forward conspiratorially. “Picture this. There I am, strumming on my guitar, when suddenly, bam , inspiration strikes like lightning.”

I smile at his enthusiasm as he continues. “I’m talking a melody so catchy, it practically wrote itself. And the lyrics? Oh man, they just flowed out of me like… like…”

“Like a river of cheesy metaphors?” I tease, raising an eyebrow.

Dash clutches his chest in mock offense. “Ouch! You wound me, fair omega, but seriously, I think this could be the one—the song that finally captures what it means to be part of this pack, you know?”

As he launches into a detailed description of chord progressions and lyrical themes, I let my gaze wander around the café. It’s busy, filled with the hum of conversation and the hiss of the espresso machine. Normal people living normal lives. For a moment, I let myself imagine what that might be like.

“…and then the bridge kicks in with this killer harmony—are you even listening to me, Aria?” Dash’s voice breaks through my reverie, a hint of amusement in his tone.

I turn back to him, offering an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I got a bit distracted, but it sounds amazing, Dash. I can’t wait to hear it.”

He grins, reaching across the table to give my hand a quick squeeze. “Well, you’ll be the first to get a private concert, I promise. Right after I figure out how to rhyme ‘Aria’ with something other than ‘area.’”

I laugh, grateful for the moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of our lives, but even as I engage with Dash’s animated storytelling, a part of me remains alert, aware that this peaceful interlude could shatter at any moment.

I catch a whiff of a familiar scent—pine and smoke with an undercurrent of something acrid. My body tenses, and Dash’s story trails off as he notices the change in my demeanor.

“Aria?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I swallow hard, my fingers wrapping tightly around the mug of tea Malachi placed in front of me moments ago. The porcelain is scalding against my palms, but the pain keeps me grounded.

“He’s here,” I whisper, meeting Dash’s eyes. “Noah’s here.”

Dash’s expression hardens, all traces of his usual playfulness vanishing. He gives a subtle nod to Malachi, who’s returning with a tray of food. In that moment, I see the silent communication that makes them such a formidable pack.

“Those alphas don’t stand a chance against our pack, sparkles. We’ve got you covered,” Dash says, his voice low and steady.

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. The fear that once paralyzed me is giving way to a steely resolve. I’m not the same omega Noah knew. I’m stronger now, protected and loved.

“I need to face him,” I say, surprised by the steadiness in my voice.

Dash nudges my chin so I’m looking at him and only him. “What do you need from me?”

I lick my lips. “Sit in the booth behind us?” I jut my chin toward the booth. “Don’t leave me.”

“Never,” he promises, planting a kiss on the corner of my lips before slipping out of the booth and into the next one.

I turn and meet Malachi’s gaze, seeing a silent question in his eyes. I nod, and he steps back, blending into the background with the others. They are giving me space, but I can feel their presence, a comforting warmth through our pack bond.

The bell above the door chimes, and Noah’s scent grows stronger. I stiffen as he approaches, his familiar figure cutting through the bustling café.

“Aria,” Noah says, sliding into the seat Dash vacated moments before. “It’s been too long. You look… well.”

I force myself to meet his gaze, fighting the instinct to lower my eyes. “Noah. Let’s skip the pleasantries. I’m here on my own terms, and ‘return’ isn’t one of them.”

A flicker of surprise crosses his face, quickly masked by that familiar, charming smile. “Always so direct, Aria. It’s one of the things I loved about you. Surely we can talk like old friends?”

My jaw clenches, and I taste the bitterness of his manipulation. “We were never friends, Noah. I want to understand what you’re planning. Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

Noah’s smile tightens, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a way that used to make my heart race. Now, it only makes my stomach churn. “Leave you alone? Aria, you belong to me. I’ve invested too much in you to simply let you go.”

“Invested in me?” I repeat, a flicker of anger cutting through my fear. Bile rises in my throat. “Is that what you call abuse, control, and fear?”

His eyes narrow dangerously, the temperature around us seeming to drop. “Watch your tone, omega. I gave you everything—a home, protection, and purpose. How do you repay me? By running off with a pack of second-rate alphas?”

A growl builds in my chest, the vibration surprising both of us. “They are ten times the alphas you could ever hope to be. They respect me, they love me?—”

“Love?” Noah scoffs, leaning forward. His breath, smelling of mint and something darker, washes over my face. His voice drips with scorn. “You think they love you? You’re nothing but a convenient hole for them to fill. Once they are done with you, they’ll toss you aside like the used up omega you are.”

His words sting, but I’ve come too far to be dragged back down. I know the truth of my pack’s love. I feel it in the bond we share, a warmth that spreads through my chest.

“You’re wrong,” I say, my voice growing stronger. “And you’re afraid—afraid because you know I’ve outgrown you, that I’ve found real strength.”

Noah’s facade cracks, and anger flashes in his eyes like lightning. The scent of his rage, sharp and acidic, fills the air. “Strength? You’re nothing without me, Aria. Do you have any idea what I’m capable of? The connections I have?”

“Then enlighten me,” I challenge, sensing an opportunity. “What are you planning, Noah?”

For a moment, I see a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He hadn’t expected this new, assertive Aria. His lips curl into a cruel smile, revealing teeth that suddenly seem too sharp. “Oh, sweetheart. You have no idea. The omega trafficking ring? That’s just the beginning. I have plans in motion that will reshape this whole society. Soon, omegas will know their proper place.”

My blood runs cold at his words, a chill spreading through my body. I force myself to keep a neutral expression, even as my heart hammers against my ribs. “And what makes you think you’ll succeed?”

Noah leans in, dropping his voice to a menacing whisper. His breath is hot against my ear, making me flinch. “Because I always get what I want, Aria, and right now, I want you, back where you belong, by my side or in chains. Your choice.”

Something in me snaps. All the fear and pain he’s caused me over the years crystallizes into a burning rage that spreads through my body like wildfire. “No,” I say, my voice steady and cold. “You don’t get to choose for me anymore, Noah. I’m not your property, I’m not your omega, and I’m sure as hell not afraid of you.”

Noah’s eyes widen in shock then narrow in fury. He reaches across the table, grabbing my wrist in a painful grip. His fingers are like iron bands, bruising my skin. “You little bitch?—”

Suddenly, the air is filled with aggressive alpha pheromones, a potent mix of cedar, leather, citrus, and spice that drowns out Noah’s scent. My pack emerges from various points in the café, surrounding our table.

Zane appears first, his body coiled with tension as he paces near my table. His eyes, dark and intense, never leave Noah.

Quinn slides into view next, his clever eyes taking in the scene. “Interesting,” he murmurs just loud enough for us to hear. “Noah’s left eye is twitching at a frequency of approximately 2.5 Hz. Classic sign of someone whose lies are catching up with them.”

Dash positions himself casually by the exit, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert. “Hey, Noah,” he calls out, his tone deceptively light. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to grab? But then again, manners were never your strong suit, were they?”

Malachi’s hand clamps down on Noah’s shoulder, his grip visibly tight. As he clutches Noah’s shoulder, I see a flicker of emotion cross his face—a surge of protective rage, quickly tempered by the calm control that makes him such a great leader. His voice, when he speaks, is low and dangerous, rumbling like distant thunder.

“I believe the lady said no,” Malachi growls. “And in case you’ve forgotten, the lady’s word is law around here.”

Noah’s eyes dart between the alphas as he realizes he’s outnumbered. He stands slowly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor, then straightens his jacket. “This isn’t over, Aria,” he hisses. “You can’t hide behind your pack forever, and when I get my hands on you…”

He leaves the threat hanging in the air as he backs away, finally turning and striding out of the café. The bell chimes again as he leaves, the sound jarring in the tense atmosphere.

The café, which had fallen into an uneasy silence during the confrontation, suddenly bursts into a flurry of whispers and movements. I catch snippets of conversation and feel the weight of curious and concerned glances. The air is thick with a mixture of fear, excitement, and lingering alpha pheromones.

As my pack gathers around me, their scents wrapping me in a cocoon of safety and love, I feel a mix of emotions wash over me. Pride and determination war with lingering fear and a bone-deep exhaustion that threatens to overwhelm me. My hands tremble slightly as the adrenaline fades, leaving me feeling raw and exposed.

“Are you okay?” Zane asks, his hand gentle on my shoulder, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my skin. The contrast between his intense gaze and gentle touch speaks volumes.

I nod and take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the comforting scents of my pack. “I will be,” I say, my voice shaky but determined. “And we have a lot to talk about. Noah revealed more than he intended.”

Quinn’s eyes light up with curiosity. “Oh, intel gathering. My favorite part. Well, second favorite after the witty banter.”

Dash throws an arm around my shoulders, his touch light and comforting. “Spill the tea, sparkles. We’re ready to turn Noah’s plans into confetti.”

Malachi’s steady gaze meets mine, his eyes full of pride and something deeper. “You stood your ground like a true warrior, Aria. I couldn’t be more proud. Let’s get you home where it’s safe, and then we can discuss what you’ve learned.”

As we leave the café, the cool outside air is a welcome relief after the stuffy, tension-filled interior. I lean into my pack’s warmth, drawing strength from their presence. We walk in comfortable silence, each lost in our own thoughts about the confrontation.

“I wish Cayenne could have seen this,” I murmur, thinking of my fierce, supportive friend. “She always said I had it in me to stand up to Noah.”

Dash grins. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ve been texting her the whole time. She’s probably already planning a Noah can suck it party as we speak.”

As we walk, the pack’s excitement about Noah’s revealed plans is palpable. Quinn’s mind is clearly racing, connecting dots and forming theories. Zane’s protective instincts are on high alert, his eyes scanning our surroundings constantly. Dash’s usual playfulness is tempered with a determination I rarely see in him. Malachi’s calm exterior barely contains the storm I can sense brewing within him.

Noah may think this isn’t over, but he’s right about one thing. I’m not the same Aria he knew. I’m stronger, I’m loved, and I’m ready to fight. The future’s a blank canvas, and we’re holding the paintbrushes. Time to create our masterpiece.

This time, we’ll be the ones making the rules. Let’s show Noah what happens when he messes with a pack-bonded omega. The game has changed, and Noah doesn’t even know it yet, but he will.