Kathryn's Point of View

'My mate would do anything for the love of his life, for his eternal beloved. Tragically, I was never and would never be that she-wolf...'

—

I was making my way back to the mansion when a heavy rain poured down, drenching me instantly. I tried hailing down a cab, but none of them stopped. Some even sped past on purpose, splashing me with dirty water from the road.

Life has taught me a harsh truth; if you're an Omega, you'll be treated like shit. Even my fated mate does. In fact, he was the one who had shown me just how cruel life could be.

Ashton Grey—the son of Alpha Philip and my fated mate—was the coldest and most heartless wolf I had ever known.

—

He didn't see me as his mate.

To him, I was just a slave.

"Listen up," He barked, his tone as sharp as ever. "I want you to clean the entire villa tonight for my gathering tomorrow. Get my tuxedo and black leather shoes ready too. Lastly, help the other maids prepare the banquet. Got it?"

—

And whenever I failed to meet his impossible standards, he never hesitated to curse at me or lash out.

"You're a fucking pain in my ass, Kathryn!" He yelled, slapping me across the face, the force of his hand sending a sharp sting through my cheek.

—

We'd never had a proper mating ceremony, and he used that as an excuse to hide me or deny that I was his mate.

"I didn't know you were mated to an Omega, Ashton," One of his friends sneered, laughing.

Ashton pushed me away as if I disgusted him, then dumped the contents of his coffee cup onto my face. "Fuck that, Jake. This Omega isn't my mate—she's my maid!" He shouted, his eyes filled with icy contempt. "Stay away from me, and get that through your head!"

I nodded and silently stepped back.

—

For years, I endured his cruelty, clinging to the hope that things might change. My foolish heart still, somehow, found reasons to love him, and I didn't want our son, Bryan, to grow up in a broken family…

Bryan was conceived on a night I can never forget—a night that haunts me still.

Ashton came home half-naked and drunk, his mind clouded, his movements forceful as he dragged me to his bed. I had no choice but to submit, even as disgust filled me.

With each rough kiss, each push and pull, and each aggressive caress, he moaned a name that wasn't mine. "Tiana… Tiana Blesly." My sister.

Yes, my fated mate loves my sister, and their infidelity has never been hidden from me.

When he found out that encounter got me pregnant, Ashton did everything he could to make me abort the pup. But I was determined to keep it, no matter what he said.

When Bryan was born, it became painfully clear that Ashton had no intention of being a father.

He never showed a single ounce of care for our son—not on his first birthday, not when he got sick, and not when his condition worsened.

Not even on the day Bryan died.

It was at that moment that I realized… loving him, staying with him, was no longer worth the pain.

—

By the time I reached the mansion, the rain had already stopped. I am here to gather Bryan's belongings.

Before I opened the front door, I paused, wiping away the last of my tears.

It didn't surprise me to find Ashton and Tiana in each other's arms, laughing and cuddling on the couch, completely unbothered by my presence.

The bastard's still unaware of his son's death.

Ashton looked up at me with irritation. "What are you staring at, Kathryn?"

Tiana tightened her hold around him, a smirk playing on her lips as she nestled closer. The sight made my stomach turn.

I forced a smirk, letting sarcasm drip from my voice. "This mansion has plenty of rooms. Surely you could find one for your make-out sessions."

Ashton shot to his feet, facing me with a scowl. "What the hell are you nagging about? I'm just tending to Tiana's battle injuries! Stop making a big deal out of nothing."

"I hope you don't mind Ashton doing this for me, sister," Tiana cooed, lips curled into a pout that only made her smugness more obvious.

I glanced at her, noticing the tiny scar on her arm—a scratch, something a simple bandage could handle. She could easily tend to it herself.

A bitter smirk tugged at my lips as memories came rushing back. I remembered the night I was attacked by a rogue, how life flashed before my eyes.

Desperately, I had tried to reach out to Ashton, mind-linking him repeatedly, only to be neglected and ignored.

My final attempt managed to connect, but before I could even plead for help, his furious voice cut through. "Stop bothering me, you Omega! Whatever you need from me isn't worth my time!"

I cried, "A rogue attacked me… I need your help—"

"Die if you must—I'll be happier if that's what happens!" He sneered, then blocked me from the link.

I shook off the grim memory and shifted my attention back to Ashton and Tiana, who were now lying on the couch again. This time, though, they weren't just cuddling—they were absurdly shameless, already making out.

I watched as Ashton aggressively kissed my sister's lips, his kisses trailing down her neck and then lower, to her chest. Tiana moaned as Ashton began unbuttoning her pack warrior uniform and unstrapping her bra, exposing her rounded breasts, which he immediately began to caress.

Maybe they can't even give me even the slightest respect, considering I'm his mate and her sister.

So maybe it's time for me to stop respecting them as well.

Disgusted and enraged, I grabbed the golden scissors from my pocket and threw them toward Tiana, narrowly missing her exposed chest.

I watched her shocked reaction as she clung to Ashton even more, whining like a child. "She's trying to harm me, Ashton!"

I shifted my glare to Ashton, making sure to keep my expression stoic. "Cut my damn hair—now."

In the Fire Heart Pack, this symbolic act signifies a desire to break the mating bond.

Kathryn's Point of View

Ashton grabbed the scissors and tossed them aside, his gaze dark. Before stepping toward me, he took a moment to cover Tiana's body.

It's ironic to see someone like him being so tender.

"You've always wanted to end our mating bond, haven't you?" I challenged, my voice low and steady. "You've always wanted Tiana instead of me. So here's your chance, Ashton. I'm giving you the freedom to do it. Cut my hair."

He moved closer, his eyes narrowing, jaw clenched tight. Then, he aggressively wrapped his hand around my neck, holding me in place. "I see you're changing your tactics to get my attention. Why?" His voice was cold. "Is it because using Bryan wasn't working anymore? And what made you think threatening me with severing our bond could change anything?"

I held his gaze, defiant. "Oh, Ashton, this isn't some tactics. I really want you to cut my hair. I really want to end this shitty bond we share!"

"And since when did you learn to raise your voice at me? To curse me? Fuck you." His voice dropped. "I know Omegas like you all too well. You're just trying to manipulate me to get something. What is it this time? Money? Jewelry? God, you're so desperate."

I swallowed the ache in my throat and fought back my tears. I forced myself to stand tall, refusing to let him see me break. "Say whatever you want, but all I want is freedom." I paused, letting the silence stretch. "And, by the way, fuck you too."

That pushed Ashton over the edge.

His hand came down hard, hitting my face with a force that made my vision blur. And just like his other slaps, this one made me taste my own blood again.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tiana, still lounging comfortably on the couch, a silent spectator to the chaos unraveling between Ashton and me.

The satisfaction in her eyes was unmistakable. She was enjoying this, savoring every moment of my suffering, and I could feel her quiet hunger for even more of my pain.

I wiped the blood from my lip, fury simmering beneath my skin. Without a warning, I slapped Ashton back—harder. His head snapped to the side, shock flaring in his eyes. He hadn't expected this; I'd never stood up to him like this before.

"How does that feel?" I spat.

"What the—"

I didn't let him finish.

"Listen to me, Ashton. I'd rather live on the streets like a rat than stay in this mansion with someone as evil and heartless as you. You're the Alpha's son but you're nothing like him! You're a coward and a disgrace. And you're a terrible father!" I shouted, my voice shaking.

Years ago, when Bryan was first diagnosed with the life-threatening Blue Blood Disease and urgently needed a blood transfusion specifically from his father, Ashton had promised to donate.

The healers and I had waited anxiously for his blood, but in his usual careless way, Ashton's donation arrived three weeks late—even though he knew Bryan was in critical condition and urgently needed it.

To make things worse, his blood only deteriorated Bryan's condition.

Aside from that, Ashton never visited Bryan in the infirmary or made any effort to spend even a moment with him.

"Mother… when will Father come to visit me?" Bryan asked, his voice small and cracking.

I wiped my tears away as I kissed Bryan's forehead. "I'll try to convince him to come tomorrow, alright?"

But each time I begged, Ashton only refused.

Remembering that painful memory now made the tears I'd been holding back slip down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away, determined not to let the past control me.

"Aw, my poor sister's crying! I'm so sorry, Kathryn. I had no idea that seeing me here with Ashton would upset you this much. I should've just taken care of my own wound," Tiana said, her voice laced with fake sympathy.

I ignored her, so she turned her attention to Ashton. "Ashton, maybe it's time you show a little concern for your son. Kathryn might be using Bryan's fake illness to manipulate you into coming back to them, but you can't change the fact that you're still his father."

I blinked, her words sinking in.

Fake illness?

What the fuck is this woman talking about?

I spun around, grabbing Tiana's arm tightly and forcing her to stand. "What did you just say?"

She shrugged with a dismissive smile. "Bryan is faking his illness, and you're using it to manipulate Ashton. Come on, quit playing your innocent card."

I clenched my fists, glaring at her, my eyes bloodshot. I could feel the heat rising through my entire body. I'm about to explode. And this time, I knew I wouldn't be able to hold back.

One more accusation about my son, and I'd make her regret it.

"Take back what you said about Bryan." I commanded, my voice low.

But she only smirked, ignoring the gravity of my words. "Why would I take it back, Kathryn? We all know it's the truth. Stop denying it."

So all this time, Ashton believed Bryan wasn't ill—that I was just fabricating his disease.

I took a deep, steadying breath.

"Take it back!" I yelled, my voice echoing as I stepped backwards.

"I won't take back anything, Kathryn! Bryan is faking his illness! He isn't sick! You're just using him to get Ashton's attention!" She shouted defiantly.

That was it.

I snapped.

A surge of heat pulsed through me as I raised my hand. A small fireball sparked in my palm, fueled by the fire power I was born with. Without a second thought, I hurled it toward Tiana, the flames grazing her left cheek, leaving a minor burn.

"Ah! Are you trying to kill me?" Tiana screamed in pain, stumbling to the ground. But I didn't flinch.

"You can say anything you want about me, and I would let it slide. But speak ill of my son again, and I swear I won't hold back!" I growled.

Ashton immediately stepped between us, shielding Tiana from me.

I took a step forward this time, my gaze unforgiving. "Am I trying to kill you? No."

I moved closer.

"But am I capable of it? Yes, Tiana. Yes, I am."

Kathryn's Point of View

"You're turning into a real psychopath, Kathryn!" Ashton yelled, then turned to Tiana, carefully cupping her face. "Does it hurt?" He whispered softly. When Tiana nodded, he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.

I scoffed, quietly summoning another fireball in my palm. This time, I aimed it at Ashton, letting it burn his clothes.

"Just helping you get undressed for another make-out session with my sister," I mocked.

Now half-naked and seething, Ashton grabbed me and pinned me against the wall. "You dangerous, reckless creature," He snarled. "This is the last time you'll ever lay a hand on Tiana!"

He leaned in, his breath hot, his face close. "And stop threatening to sever the mating bond or using Bryan's fake illness to get my attention."

I swallowed hard, barely able to process his words.

"Bryan isn't faking his illness, Ashton, and I would never use my son to get your attention," I said, holding his gaze firmly. "The real issue here is your lack of concern as his father. You would easily know his real condition if you had spent even a little time with him, or if you had bothered to check his medical records with the healers. But you didn't, because you chose to waste all your time with Tiana instead."

As the words left my mouth, another painful memory surfaced…

Bryan had gently reached for my hand, his small fingers curling around mine. "Mother, my birthday is in three days, and Father still hasn't visited me… If I had one birthday wish, do you think the Moon Goddess would grant it?"

I kissed the back of his hand, trying to give him comfort. "What's your birthday wish, my love?" I asked softly.

"My wish is to ride the Ferris wheel at the Golden Land Amusement Park with you and Father," He murmured.

By that time, the healers had already told me that Bryan didn't have much time left, that this would be his last birthday.

Blinking away my tears, I forced a smile for Bryan. "Alright, love. Get ready. We'll visit the amusement park with your father on your birthday."

Determined to make Bryan's final wish come true, I went to Ashton and begged. I knelt before him, letting go of my pride, not caring how pitiful I looked. "Please, Ashton… do it for Bryan."

When he tried to walk away, I clung to his leg, desperate to keep him from leaving. "This will be the last time I bother you. I promise, after this, you and Tiana can do whatever you want. I'll set you free."

"Are you serious?" He asked, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.

"Yes," I whispered, closing my eyes as tears slipped down my cheeks.

"It's a deal, then," He said, turning away, leaving me sobbing on the floor.

But on Bryan's birthday—the day we had planned to go, with Bryan already dressed up and excited—Ashton didn't show up.

"Is Father still coming?" Bryan asked innocently after hours of waiting. "We've been waiting for him a long time now…"

More hours passed, and eventually, Bryan fell asleep on my lap. The most heartbreaking sight was seeing the tears that had escaped his closed eyes. Even in sleep, he was crying because of Ashton.

Later that night, Ashton finally called me, his tone casual. "Was today Bryan's birthday?"

I scoffed in disbelief.

"Ah, shit. So today was the day we were supposed to go to Golden Land Amusement Park?" He asked with a careless chuckle. "I was so busy, I completely forgot about it."

There wasn't even an apology.

"It's fine," I lied, forcing my voice to stay steady.

Just before he hung up, I heard Tiana's voice in the background. "Babe, end that call and kiss me!"

I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat.

From the start, I had known Ashton never loved me. He had only accepted our mating bond out of guilt and pressure.

When Ashton was a teenager, my father had saved his life, pulling him from a burning storage room where he had been trapped. Out of gratitude, Alpha Philip—Ashton's father—had felt indebted to mine.

Years later, we discovered that we were each other's fated mates.

"I cannot accept you as my mate, Kathryn! I would never want an Omega as my mate! No one wants that!" He shouted.

I kept my head lowered, barely holding back tears. "I understand… You can just reject me…"

But when my father fell ill, he asked Alpha Philip to persuade Ashton to accept the bond, not wanting me to end up mateless.

Under pressure from Alpha Philip, Ashton reluctantly agreed, though we never had a proper mating ceremony.

Also, it deepened Ashton's resentment toward me—especially after my father passed away shortly afterward.

All of this had fueled Tiana's jealousy.

In fact, before I was mated to Ashton, she had tried to convince me not to accept the bond.

"Come on, Kathryn, know your place. Omegas like us don't deserve to be mated to the Alpha's son. The difference in your status is like heaven and hell! Show some decency—or at least give Ashton some!" She sneered.

I kept my tone calm. "The Moon Goddess gave me this destiny, and I'm not in any position to defy her choice."

Little did I know, during that time, Tiana had already wanted Ashton for herself.

When I accepted the mating bond with him, Tiana disappeared. Later, we learned she had left to train as a female warrior, funded by a scholarship from a wealthy pack counselor.

To be fair, I also had dreams of my own. I wanted to become a pack healer. But when my father fell gravely ill, I set everything aside to care for him.

Years passed, and Tiana returned.

From an Omega, she had risen to a high-ranking female warrior—strong, powerful, and respected. The type of she-wolf Ashton would be proud to have by his side.

When Tiana came back, she seemed to spend almost every moment with Ashton. At first, I found their closeness odd, how comfortable he was with her presence.

But soon, I discovered that they had already been involved in an affair during her warrior training.

Tiana confessed it to me herself.

"Kathryn, don't you think it's time you let go of Ashton?" She seductively asked.

"Why would I do that? I don't want our son to grow up in a broken family." I replied, my voice breaking.

She scoffed. "Oh, Kathryn, he's so into me. His heart has no space left for you or your son."

I swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"

She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming. "Let's just say… he traveled ten hours to reach my training grounds—just to visit me, to be with me…" She murmured, inching even closer. "To kiss me, to touch me… to feel every inch of my bare body."

A tear slipped down my cheek. "So… you're having sex with him."

She smirked, a cruel glint in her eyes. "Damn it, Kathryn, his length fits perfectly, feels amazing, inside me."