Chapter 2.

Kira’s POV

"Why do I even put up with those bullies?" I mutter, my body aching with every step back to the pack. Fresh bruises bloom beneath my torn uniform, refusing to heal immediately because of my omega blood, but I grit my teeth and push forward.

The Blissleaf is tucked safely in my pocket. The only reason I endured this miserable night from those mutts.

By the time I reach the pack’s main square, the streets are quieter, most pack mates having retired for the night. But I know where they’ll be. They’re always there.

Lena, Tara, and Cassie lounge on the stone steps outside the café, laughing over drinks, their polished nails glinting in the moonlight. My stomach churns at the sight of them, but I keep my chin high as I walk up to them.

Lena notices me first and smirks. “Well, well. Look who’s still breathing.”

I say nothing, just pull the small bundle of Blissleaf from my pocket and toss it onto the table between them. The silver leaves glisten under the streetlights.

Cassie picks up a sprig, twirling it between her fingers. “Huh. She actually did it.”

I hold out my hand. “Now give me my bracelet.”

Tara blinks at me, feigning innocence. “Bracelet? What bracelet?”

Ice shoots through my veins. “The one you stole from me,” I snap.

Lena shrugs. “Oh. That bracelet.” She tilts her head. “I don’t remember where I put it.”

My heart pounds. They’re lying. They have it and just don’t want to give it back.

“I’m not playing games,” I grit out, stepping forward. “Give it back.”

Lena sighs dramatically. “And if we don’t?”

I don’t think—I just lunge at her. My fingers close around Tara’s wrist as I dig into her jacket pocket, searching.

But a sharp slap lands across my face. My head snaps to the side, pain ringing through my skull.

“You filthy omega,” Lena hisses.

Before I can react, Cassie grabs my shoulder length burgundy hair and yanks me back. I stumble, gasping, but then a fist slams into my stomach, knocking the wind out of me.

Pain explodes through my ribs as Tara kicks me down onto the pavement. My hands scrape against the rough ground, burning with the impact.

I try to push myself up, but Lena crouches beside me, gripping my chin painfully. “Don’t ever touch us again,” she spits.

Then, they leave. Just like that. Laughing and talking as if nothing happened.

I don’t move right away. My whole body throbs, and my breath comes in short gasps.

But what pains me the most is that my mother’s last gift before she passed away is gone. And I am too weak to do anything about it.

Oh, Goddess, if you won’t protect me, then please… let me join my mother in the afterlife. Because this? This isn’t living. This is hell itself.

A familiar ache burrows deep into my chest, suffocating me from the inside.

I press my trembling palms to the cold ground, forcing my body upright. My legs protest, but I ignore the pain.

And then, without another choice, I start walking home.

***

By the time I reach our small, run-down house on the edge of the pack village, the porch light flickers dimly, casting eerie shadows across the yard.

Vivienne, my step mom is already outside, arms crossed, with her lips twisted in a deep scowl.

“Where the hell have you been?” she snaps, stepping toward me.

I barely have time to brace myself before she’s in my face, her voice sharp and accusing. “Don’t you dare tell me you were working this late. No omega stays out past curfew unless they’re spreading their legs for some wolf.”

My jaw tightens as I glare at her. "I work at the hospital. Who exactly am I supposed to be opening my legs for?"

She scoffs as her sharp gaze sweeps over my torn uniform and the bruises blooming on my skin. "Oh? And what exactly were you working on so late, Kira?" Her tone is thick with mockery. "Because last I checked, you're not a doctor, or a nurse... You are just a lowly cleaner." She tilts her head, a cruel smirk curving her lips. "Or should we be expecting the janitor's pups soon?"

I clench my fists wanting to answer her back but then again there’s no point in arguing with her. She’ll believe whatever makes me look worst and her happy that my life isn't going great...

“Enough Vivienne.” Suddenly my father’s voice rumbles from the doorway. I turn, relief flickering through me for half a second until I see the look in his eyes.

He doesn’t care that I’m late or that I’m injured. He only cares about one thing.

“Where’s your pay?” he asks, stepping closer.

I swallow hard. “Dad, I—”

“Don’t waste my time, Kira.” He holds out a calloused hand. “Give it to me.”

My heart sinks because instead of my father protecting me, he also tormented my life as if I wasn't his blood... I reach into my pocket, pulling out a crumpled stack of bills, half of what I earned today. I hold it out to him, praying it’s enough.

He barely glances at it before snatching it away. “This isn’t much.”

“It’s all I can give,” I whisper.

“Fine! Vivienne, don't wait up for me,” He grunts, shoving the money into his pocket. Without another word, he turns and walks past me. Probably heading to the nearest bar because that was his new hobby since he lost his job at the storage unit as supervisor a year ago.

I exhale shakily, but before I can process the blow, Vivienne steps closer.

“You know rent is due, right?” she says coolly.

“I—” I start, reaching for the rest of my earnings, but Vivienne moves faster, snatching the wad of cash right out of my hands.

“This should cover it for a few days. But bring in more,” she purrs mockingly, patting my cheek before walking inside.

And just like that, it’s all gone.

Every hour of work. Every minute of suffering. Every painful breath I took today. Gone because I'm forced to pay rent in my own father's house or else I will be forced to live on the streets which is the most dangerous place for a weak omega like me.

I stand there in the cold for a long moment, watching the door swing shut behind her.

I wish I was dead and the thought creeps in so easily, and naturally, that it doesn’t even shock me.

Oh mother, why didn't you take me with you to the afterlife? I let out a soft whimper before shoving the feeling down to step inside and make my way to the tiny bathroom.

"Kira! Don’t use too much water in there! The bill was already too high last month," Vivienne calls out from somewhere in the house.

I clutch the edge of the sink, gasping, my reflection in the cracked mirror barely recognizable. I pay for every bill in this house so why do I live like this?

I sigh deeply because I don’t know how much longer I can do this.