Page 47 of The Omega Switch: Part 2

Hunter’s phone vibrated again, followed by Elias’s. I’d received a message, too. It was Ivy.

I’ve seen the posts.

I had to grip the edge of the table to keep myself from flying over there right now. I hated the thought of her reading those comments alone. I hated the idea of her seeing strangers repeat the same accusations her family had used against her for years, claiming that she was jealous and desperate to take what belonged to Arabella. Another message appeared.

We need to talk about what happens next.

I stared at the words. Ivy was willing to meet to figure out a strategy. I was a little shocked at her growth in her resolve. Instead of getting sad or running away, she was becoming proactive - and I loved seeing her fight for herself. After everything her family had put her through, and now with Arabella’s new scheme, I wanted to see her stand her ground and fight for the truth. And I’d be there with her, every step of the way.

Chapter 22

Ivy

I sighed as I watched the black SUV pull up in front of my store. Whoever had taken a photo of Ronan and Elias stopping by would have a field day if they saw what was happening now. Ronan stepped out and opened the door for me, and as I slid in, I immediately felt more relaxed when I saw Elias give me an encouraging smile.

Despite everything, I couldn’t help but smile back. Elias didn’t seem to let anything bother him - even the video Arabella had made insinuating they’d left her for me. “Pleasure to see you again so soon,” Elias said, looking as though this was some fun daytime date and not an emergency PR meeting. Somehow, my nerves relaxed even more just being near him.

Ronan started driving, and I looked out the window, wondering how I’d ended up in my family’s crosshairs, yet again. I thought I had nothing left to take - but I was wrong.

“Why won’t she stop already?” I murmured, watching the buildings pass by. “My family already has everything. They have the company, the house. Arabella has fans who love her. She has everything she’s ever wanted.”

"Because people who spend their lives tearing others down are often the most unhappy and afraid," Elias said, and I frowned.

"What do you mean? Arabella isn’t afraid of anything." I argued. Elias rested one arm across the back of his seat.

"Confident people don't need to destroy someone else to feel successful. It’s often a sign of huge insecurity." He explained. I turned all the way around to look at him.

“Arabella?” I said, not sure I was hearing right. "What could she possibly be insecure about?" She was beautiful, adored, and the face of our family’s company. My fathers preferred her. She had plenty of friends - even if they were pretty catty themselves. But people tripped over themselves to praise her. What could she possibly envy about me?

Elias gave me another relaxed smile. “She’s insecure. Something about you triggers her, and she’s doing everything she can to reduce you as a threat.” He said.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” I said.

“It doesn’t have to. But happy and content people don’t go around making other people miserable.” He said. I thought about it for the whole drive. He had a point - most of the happy people I know didn’t spend their time going around hurting others.

We finally pulled up to a small restaurant, tucked away beside a vineyard. Ronan explained that Hunter had reserved the private dining room in the back so no one would overhear us. The hostess led us through the restaurant, then stopped outside a wooden door. Ronan held it open for me. I walked inside, and Hunter was there, already seated.

He looked up, and I felt my heart skip a beat. With Ronan and Elias beside me, it was the first time the whole pack and I had been in a room together in a long time. For a split second, the room disappeared, and I was back at the launch party. Hunter had looked at me with those cold blue eyes.

"Enough."

His Alpha bark had crashed over me like a physical blow. Every muscle in my body had frozen. I remembered watching all three of them turn away from me, toward Arabella. Smelling the perfume she'd claimed was hers - my own scent. My chest tightened painfully.

"Ivy."

Hunter's voice was softer than I had ever heard it. I blinked, and the memory dissolved. I found myself standing just inside the doorway, Ronan still beside me.

Hunter waited, his eyes not harsh or cold, but now looking vulnerable and almost fearful. I’d never seen him like that. I took a slow breath. They weren’t those men anymore, the ones who had been lied to about their match, or told that I was a crazed stalker. Or maybe I was no longer that weak omega, letting herself become whatever her family decided.

I forced my feet to move. Hunter’s face relaxed slightly, and Ronan pulled out a chair for me. Ronan sat next to Hunter, and Elias settled on my side, creating enough distance between us that I didn't feel surrounded. A server appeared and poured me water before disappearing again. Hunter folded his hands together.

"Ivy." I met his eyes. “I want to start by apologizing for this inconvenience. I thought we had everything handled with your family, but unfortunately, they aren’t acting rationally. I hate that you and your business are being dragged into this.” He said, his voice soft and apologetic. I swallowed and nodded, taking a sip of the water to avoid speaking. I didn’t know what to say - he was right. If they hadn’t believed Arabella and my family, none of this would have happened.

"I'd like to start with the legal part of everything. First, we can discuss the cease and desist." Hunter said, and I nodded. “At this point, it’s just a warning." Hope flickered through me.

"So... I don't have to close the store?"

"No. The letter itself doesn't stop you from selling anything," Hunter continued. "Only a court order could force that. But there’s a risk.”