The training field was nearly empty when Abigail finished gathering the discarded wooden swords. Her arms ached from scrubbing the pack hall earlier, and her knees still throbbed where Selene had pushed her down in front of everyone. She bent low, hoping to escape before anyone noticed her.
But someone already had.
"Still doing everyone's dirty work?" a warm, teasing voice asked.
Abigail froze, then turned to see Adrian, Alpha Steve's younger brother qleaning casually against the fence. Unlike most wolves, he wasn't glaring at her with disgust. Instead, his smile looked almost… kind.
"I–I was just finishing up," she stammered, hugging the wooden swords to her chest. "I should go."
Adrian stepped forward, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. "No one ever helps you, do they?"
Her throat tightened. "It's not their job to help me. I'm just an omega."
His eyes softened. "You're more than that. Don't let them convince you otherwise."
Abigail blinked at him, unsure whether to believe his words. She wasn't used to kindness, not from anyone but Elenora, and even that felt dangerous.
"You shouldn't say things like that," she whispered. "If people hear you..."
"They'll gossip? Let them." Adrian shrugged with a grin. "I don't care what they say. You deserve better than this."
Before Abigail could respond, footsteps crunched across the dirt. She stiffened as a familiar aura pressed against her senses the Alpha. Steve's presence was unmistakable, cold and commanding even when he said nothing.
"Adrian," Steve's voice cut through the air, sharp as a blade. "What are you doing here?"
Adrian straightened but didn't back away. "Talking."
Steve's eyes flicked to Abigail. The intensity in them made her heart pound painfully. She dropped her gaze at once, clutching the wooden swords tighter.
"Talking," Steve repeated flatly, his jaw tight. "With her?"
"Yes," Adrian said, unflinching. "And what of it?"
For a long moment, silence stretched between the brothers. The air grew heavy, and Abigail felt caught in the middle of something dangerous.
Finally, Steve stepped closer, his gaze locked on Adrian but his presence suffocating Abigail. "Stay away from her."
Adrian's brows lifted. "Why? She hasn't done anything wrong."
"She doesn't belong near us," Steve snapped. His voice wasn't raised, but the quiet authority in it was more terrifying than a shout. "Don't waste your time."
Abigail's chest tightened, shame and pain colliding. She lowered her head further, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.
But Adrian wasn't finished. "Maybe you don't see it, brother, but she has more strength than half this pack. Just because she's been beaten down doesn't mean she's worthless."
"Enough." Steve's voice was ice. He took a step closer until Abigail could feel the heat of his presence. She dared not breathe. "I said, stay away from her."
Adrian's jaw tightened, and for a moment it looked like he might argue. But then he exhaled sharply, running a hand through his dark hair. "You're a fool if you can't see what's right in front of you," he muttered.
Steve's eyes narrowed dangerously, but Adrian only turned and walked away, leaving Abigail trembling in the Alpha's shadow.
For a heartbeat, Steve didn't move. His hand flexed at his side, as if he wanted to say something but he didn't. Instead, he gave Abigail one cold, unreadable look, then turned on his heel and left, his command echoing in the air like a final warning.
Abigail stood frozen long after he was gone, her heart pounding so loudly she thought others might hear it.
Why would the Alpha care if his brother spoke to her? Why did his gaze burn so much, when he clearly despised her?
She shook her head quickly, pushing the thoughts away. It didn't matter. She was nothing. She had to stay invisible, or she wouldn't survive.
But Adrian's words lingered in her mind You deserve better than this.