The Alpha's Betrayed Mate.

Aria's pov.

The brush in my hand scraped against the marble floor, my knuckles turning red from how hard I scrubbed. The bucket beside me sloshed every time I dipped the rag, the water already gray from dirt.

The Alpha's lobby was always spotless. At least, it was supposed to be. It didn't matter that most of the pack never noticed. To me, it was my job, my role, my shame. Omegas didn't get choices. We were given tasks and expected to carry them out without a sound.

I kept my head bowed, my hair falling forward like a curtain as I rubbed harder at a stain that wasn't even there. It was easier to look busy, to pretend I was invisible, to pretend no one saw me at all. Because when they did see me, it was never good.

The sound of sharp heels clicked across the marble, and my stomach tightened. I didn't need to lift my eyes to know who it was. Vanessa.

Her scent hit me before her words did, roses and spice, strong, proud, and expensive, like she was made of power and perfection. She was the daughter of a prominent family, a beta by blood, and as far as everyone was concerned, the future Luna of this pack.

Her laugh was high-pitched, carrying like a whip as two of her friends trailed behind her. They always did, like her personal guard of gossip and bully army.

"Well, if it isn't the little maid wolf," Vanessa said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness.

I pressed the rag harder against the floor, biting down on my tongue so I wouldn't say anything. Silence, that was the only trick to survive moments like this.

The sound of her heel stopped right beside the bucket. My chest tightened at the thought of what she was about to do now but to my little surprise, she kicked it.

The bucket made sounds against the marble, water spilling everywhere, seeping under my knees, soaking my dress. My heart lurched, but I didn't move. I stayed on the floor, my palms pressing into the wet stone, trying not to tremble.

"Oops," Vanessa said. "Did I do that?"

Her friends laughed, sharp and it was cruel of them.

My lips pressed together, holding back words, holding back everything. Because if I said anything, if I even dared to meet her eyes, she would only push harder and who knows? Accuse me for not knowing my place in the pack since everyone has to kiss her feet as the future Luna.

"You know, Aria," Vanessa said, crouching down so she was eye level with me. Her perfectly styled hair swung forward, and her eyes narrowed like blades. "You really should be grateful. Not everyone gets to scrub the Alpha's lobby. You're lucky we even let you live here. Useless little omega."

Her words cut deeper than her nails ever could, though I wouldn't have been surprised if she decided to scratch me next.