Mars is only in the mix because in his culture it is your life before the Prince. So attack the prince without Mars, and Kip now has Mars coming after him. If it's just Val and Kip in the fight the faculty could decide that it's just too boys fighting over another. And Val won the auction, so Kip's upset over that. But, if we involve Mars who is an innocent? The school can't brush it off. So despite his alpha not wanting him hurt? I think this is the best route.
But what if Kip is trying to get to Val, and can't quite get through Mars before professors come to break it up? That would mean Kip never got his revenge, he beat up an innocent person. It would be automatic demotion to beta. I assume anyway, not a mod, but I can check with Shy.
It opens a whole world of character development, for all the characters involved.
Creative? Lmao, you're talking to me. How devious can I be? Are there holds barred? As long as Val takes steps to prevent permanent harm or damage? Doesn't leave a mark? It's all fair game? If the situations are reversed? How upset will Kip be getting if he watches Val with Riley?