Alpha Kieran's Regret

_Katherine's POV_ I scrubbed the last dish in the sink. My hands were raw from the hot water. The pack kitchen was empty except for me, as always. Omegas did the chores while everyone else trained, attended meetings, or enjoyed their free time. It had always been this way. I wiped sweat from my forehead and placed the dish on the rack. Just a few more, and I would be done. But then, I heard footsteps—light, purposeful, and familiar. My stomach twisted. It was Aria. She walked into the kitchen with her usual air of arrogance. Her long, blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and her expensive perfume filled the air. Behind her, three of her friends followed. They were giggling and whispering to each other. I kept my eyes down. I hoped that they would ignore me. “Look at this,” Aria said, her voice dripping with amusement. “Our little omega is hard at work, just like a good servant should be.” Her friends laughed. I gripped the edge of the sink, forcing myself to stay calm. I had learned long ago that responding would only make things worse. Aria stepped closer. “You’re so pathetic, Katherine. Scrubbing dishes while the rest of us are training for war. But I guess that’s all omegas like you are good for.” I clenched my jaw. The words stung, but I refused to give her the reaction she wanted. One of her friends, Marissa, smirked. “Do you ever wonder why the Moon Goddess made you so useless? No strength, no beauty, no rank.” My heart pounded. I wanted to leave, but they blocked my way. Aria leaned against the counter, pretending to examine her nails. “It must be sad, really. No mate would ever want an omega like you. If you do find one, he’ll reject you immediately.” The laughter that followed rang in my ears. I swallowed the lump in my throat and focused on my breathing. They always did this. It wasn’t new. I just had to endure it. But then Aria did something worse. She reached over, grabbed one of the plates I had already washed, and—before I could stop her—she spat on it. I froze, my stomach twisting in disgust. “Oops.” She grinned. “Looks like you’ll have to wash that again.” Her friends howled with laughter. Something inside me snapped. I had taken their insults for years. I had swallowed my pride, let them mock me, and pretended it didn’t hurt. But this? This was too much. I grabbed the plate and turned to face her. “No. I won’t wash this.” Aria’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?” I raised my chin. “I’ll take this to Alpha Kieran. Let’s see what he thinks about you spitting in the pack’s dishes.” The laughter stopped. Aria’s face darkened with fury. Her friends shifted uncomfortably, but none of them dared to speak. Then, she stepped forward, her voice low and threatening. “So, you think you can complain about me to Alpha Kieran?” I refused to back down. “Yes. He should know what kind of Beta’s daughter you are.” Her eyes flashed with rage. Before I could react, she grabbed my hair and yanked it back. Pain shot through my scalp. I gasped, gripping her wrist. “Let go!” She sneered. “You think you’re brave now, omega? You think you can challenge me?” Before I could answer, the first blow landed. Marissa hit me in the stomach, and I doubled over, gasping. Then another hit—this time to my ribs. I cried out, but they didn’t stop. Hands pushed me down, and I hit the cold floor. Kicks followed—sharp, brutal. My vision blurred with tears as pain exploded in my side. “Stop!” I begged, but my voice was weak. They laughed. I curled into myself, shielding my head as best as I could. The world spun. My body ached everywhere. Blood dripped from my lip, and the taste of iron filled my mouth. Then, suddenly— “STOP THIS!” The deep voice rang through the kitchen, sharp and commanding. The blows stopped. The laughter silenced. I forced my swollen eyes open. A familiar figure stood at the entrance. Thomas. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair. He was the chief cook of the pack. His face, usually warm and kind, was now filled with anger. “What are you doing to this poor girl?” he demanded, stepping forward. Aria let go of my hair, and I collapsed onto the floor, gasping. Thomas looked at me, then back at them. “Beating up a defenseless omega? Have you no shame?” Aria recovered quickly. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, her lips curling into a smirk. “She started it.” Thomas frowned. “Is that so?” “She hit me first,” Aria said smoothly. “I was only defending myself.” I forced myself to sit up. My ribs were screaming in pain. “That’s a lie!” I said, my voice hoarse. “She spat into the dishes I washed, and when I refused to clean them again, she attacked me!” Aria scoffed. “She’s just trying to make herself look like a victim.” Thomas folded his arms. “I know Katherine. She wouldn’t pick a fight with higher-ranking wolves for no reason. That’s not who she is. So tell me, Aria, why would she suddenly attack you?” Aria’s smirk faltered. Her friends looked nervous now, glancing at each other. Finally, Aria lifted her chin. “Fine. Let’s go to the Alpha. He is a better judge of character. He’ll know who is telling the truth.” I stiffened. Alpha Kieran. He was strong, powerful, and distant. The thought of standing before him in this state made my stomach churn. But Thomas didn’t hesitate. “Fine,” he said. “Let’s go.” I swallowed hard. As we walked toward the Alpha’s office, my heart pounded. Would Alpha Kieran even listen to me? Aria was the Beta’s daughter. She was powerful and respected. I was just an omega. What if he took her side? What if he punished me instead? The thought made my stomach twist with fear.