Kasia sat on a weathered bench, watching the lively children as they frolicked and played. A deep unease settled in her stomach, twisting and churning like a trapped animal. They were nothing like how they were explained to her. The longer she stayed here, the more and more she realized that what she was told were lies, and it had only been three days.
'Now, you're starting to understand,' the voice echoed through Kasia's mind, its mocking tone replaced with something softer. Kasia couldn't shake the feeling that she was losing her grip on reality, or perhaps this was simply her guilty conscience manifesting itself.
'So, what if I believe all of this, then that would mean they've been lying to me all these years?' Kasia's thoughts were frantic, trying to make sense of the new information.
'Of course they have. You were a vulnerable child, desperate to protect your sister at any cost,' the voice replied.
'But why? Why would they deceive me like this?'
'Why is the grass green? Why do we need water to survive? People are cruel and manipulative creatures. Sometimes it's better not to know their motives. It won't change how you feel now,' the voice explained.
'I thought you were here solely to torment me,' Kasia responded.
'Oh, I still am. But it's no fun when you're dealing with a mental breakdown.'
Kasia's attention was drawn away from her inner turmoil as she noticed a group of rowdy children picking on another boy. Kasia quickly stood up when they began to kick the boy. She marched over to confront them.
"Give me your toy, Omega!" one of the bullies demanded.
"You don't deserve it, filthy omega!" another chimed in.
"Hey!" Kasia interjected firmly. "What do you think you're doing?"
The ringleader's sneer curled his lip, revealing a snarling, wolfish grin. "This stupid omega won't give me his toy. He doesn't deserve it," he spat, his words dripping with disdain.
Kasia, standing tall and confident in front of the group of children, raised an eyebrow. "And why doesn't he? Who are you to say he doesn't deserve that toy?"
"He's just an Omega," the ringleader scoffed, as if that explained everything.
"So?" Kasia countered. "Omegas are just as deserving of toys as anyone else."
"But they're lowly and weak," another child chimed in.
"Who made that a rule?" Kasia questioned, her tone sharp. "I'm sure it wasn't Alpha Ethan."
"Don't listen to her," the ringleader dismissed. "She's just a rogue stray."
Kasia's frown deepened at the insult, but she refused to let it show any further. Instead, she spoke calmly and firmly. "You want to know something about being a rogue stray? It means knowing what it's like to be alone without anyone to take care of you or love you. You all are lucky that Alpha Ethan took you in. You should be grateful for your home instead of fighting over toys." She looked around at the group of children, their heads now hanging in shame.
"You are supposed to protect your fellow pack members, no matter their rank," Kasia added sternly. "I am sure if Alpha Ethan heard what y'all were doing, he would be ashamed."
The kids mumbled apologies before going back to playing amongst themselves. The little boy, still sitting on the ground clutching his toy tightly, tried to hide his tears. Kasia kneeled in front of him and gently wiped them away.
"Come now," she said softly. "It's alright. There's no need for tears. You were so brave for standing up to them."
"Was I really?" The boy's voice shook as he spoke.
"Of course," Kasia assured him. "That was incredibly brave. What's your name?"
"Andre," the boy replied, his eyes still downcast.
"I'm Kasia," she introduced herself with a warm smile.
"Are you really a rogue?" Andre asked, looking up at her curiously.
Kasia nodded. "Yes, I am. But being a rogue, just like being an omega, doesn't define who I am. It just means that I haven't found my place yet. And neither have you." She reached out and ruffled the boy's hair affectionately, making him laugh.
"Thanks for standing up for me, Kasia," Andre said shyly.
"Anytime, little one," Kasia replied, her heart warmed by the gratefulness in Andre's voice. A little girl approached, asking Andre to play. He quickly left Kasia's side to go play.
"It seems that you're really good with children." Ethan's voice, low and unexpected, made Kasia jump. Her eyes widened as she turned to face him, her heart pounding from the sudden surprise. His dark hair fell messily over his forehead, contrasting with his sharp jawline and striking features. But it was his eyes that caught her off guard-they were not the piercing blue she remembered, but a deep shade of green that seemed to hold secrets.
'Aww, how cute! You're confusing your pitiful boyfriend with the Alpha,' the voice in her head taunted. 'Do you miss that scrawny little weakling?'
'Shut it. Austin is no longer my boyfriend,' she mentally snapped back.
"Penny, what are your thoughts?" Ethan asked, breaking through her inner turmoil.
"I am wondering what you're doing out here. Don't you have Alpha duties?" Kasia lied, trying to regain control of her emotions.
"No. I wanted to ask if you would like to go to the amusement park," Ethan offered smoothly.
"There's an amusement park here." Kasia couldn't hide her surprise.
"Of course. There's even a city," Ethan responded with a small smile.
"When?" Kasia asked.
"When what?" Ethan responded.
"When are we going?" Kasia asked.
"Tonight, if you want," Ethan suggested.
"Fine," Kasia agreed impulsively, surprising even herself. Ethan couldn't help but stare at Kasia in surprise. "Why do you look so shocked?" she asked curiously.
"I didn't expect you to be so agreeable. I thought you would resist or argue," Ethan admitted with a small smile.
Kasia simply shrugged, not wanting to delve into her true feelings about their impromptu date. "Let's just say I'm in the mood to entertain this idea," she responded.