OMEGA RUNT

The dismissal bells rang and without wasting any time, I grabbed my worn-out backpack and walked out of the classroom. Keeping my head down and scuffing my worn sneakers on the dusty path, I made my way through the throngs of students, hoping to leave school quickly and return to the comfort and solitude of my room.

“And where do you think you're going?” A shadow blocked my path, and I took in a deep breath and braced myself. I knew exactly who this was and cursed my luck that I didn't leave sooner. Slowly, I raised my head to see the cruel amber eyes of Ashley staring down at me with a wicked smirk on her face.

She was flanked by her crew members. Six of them. All flashing wicked grins at me.

“What do you want?” I asked in a meek tone.

“What do I want? If I told you what I wanted, could you possibly give it to me? You omega runt.” Ashley spat out, and her crew laughed, pointing mocking fingers at me.

I flinched, trying to keep my cool.

This was a routine. They would gang up and insult the crap out of me. If I was lucky, they wouldn't resort to physical bullying, but in the end, they would leave me alone.

“Piece of trash. 19 years of age and you still haven't awakened your wolf. Isn't that sad?” She continued her taunting, touching on a very sensitive topic.

My cheeks heated up in embarrassment, and tears started trickling down my cheeks as Ashley continued to mock me about the one thing that degraded me to the status of omega, the one thing that made me a stain in the Eldrath pack—my inability to have a wolf.

With shaky legs, I tried to shove past them, desperate to get away. But Ashley, in classic bully fashion, stuck out a foot. I stumbled to the floor, backpack flying open, books and parchments scattering everywhere.

“Why are you doing this? Can't you just leave me alone?” I tried to pick myself up, but I was kicked in the gut, sending me sprawling on the floor again.

“Worthless omega trash. I wonder why you even bother coming to our school.” Ashley rained more invective on me, and I closed my eyes, trying to zone her out when I heard a familiar voice in the distance.

“Leave her alone, Ashley.” The voice of my best friend warned. I looked up to see Tiffany standing next to me, glaring at Ashley.

“This doesn't concern you.” Ashley scoffed.

“It does now. Now leave, or I'll put you in your place right now, Ashley.” Tiffany’s eyes flashed a dangerous crimson, which could only mean one thing—her wolf was livid.

Ashley’s eyes held Tiffany's gaze, and the two continued to glare at each other. After a while, Ashley muttered a curse and walked away with her lackeys trailing behind her.

“Are you alright?” Tiffany asked, helping me get off the ground.

“I'm fine,” I said, picking up my books and stuffing them in my bag.

“You need to start standing up for yourself. It's because you're so nice that's why they always bully you.” She started to give one of her usual lectures on standing up for myself.

I loved her, but I didn't think I would be able to stand up to a bully who has her wolf. That would be suicidal.

“By the way, why don't you report her to your father? You're the alpha's daughter for goddess' sake.” She asked.

“My parents don't care about me, Tiffany. I'm an omega, remember? Let's just go home.” I replied, laughing bitterly at myself.

Tiffany stared at me with a concerned look before sighing, and together we made our way towards the pack. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Sure, going back to my pack each day was akin to visiting a treacherous desert, but somewhere in that desert, there was an oasis that quenched my thirst with love and care. My heart beat eagerly, thinking of meeting him and burying my head in his embrace.

****

We arrived at the pack gates, and I immediately bade Tiffany farewell. Rushing to my room, I ignored the glares and sneers directed at me by the pack members and locked my door.

I dropped my bag on the floor and undressed quickly. Shedding my uniform, I walked to my wardrobe and rummaged through it before finding what I was searching for—a red lingerie.

"I…I hope he likes it" Heat crept up my cheeks as I slipped into the sexy lingerie and bra. Admiring myself in the mirror for a bit, I covered up with a robe and wore a pair of boots. The sun had begun to set, and the timing was perfect.

Taking a deep breath, I left my room with a single destination in mind—the Beta's chambers. Ignoring the judgmental glares and stares, I made my way silently until I reached the door to his chambers.

“He should be inside. He told me to meet him by this time,” I muttered to myself. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door. The rhythm of my knocking was a secret pattern he and I had agreed on previously.

I knocked once and didn't get a response. My heart beat wildly as I glanced around nervously, hoping no one was watching.

I knocked again, using our secret pattern, and this time, the door creaked open slightly, just enough for me to see a part of the room inside. I peeked into the room, and to my dismay, it was empty.

“Hello? Asterion, are you here?” I squinted my eyes and called out his name softly. Suddenly, a pair of purple eyes stared down at me. My eyes widened with fear,

and before I could react, a strong hand shot out, clamping over my mouth and pulling me inside while shutting the door.