BENEATH THE MOONLIGHT.

CHAPTER ONE.

Odd One Out

Megan had always felt like a misfit in her pack. Despite her efforts to fit in and be like everyone else, there was always a sense of disconnection between her and the other wolves, so it wasn't unusual that she felt awkward as she stepped into the hallway of Wolfgang University, she clutched her books closer to her chest, eyes down so she didn't have to make contact with anyone, as there was the usual whispering and sniggering from one or two people whenever she came into a room.

"There goes the freak", whispered a blond-haired Beta to his friends who laughed in response. She just wanted to hurry into her lecture room, where she felt safe. She had just stretched out her hand to turn the door knob when someone brushed passed her roughly, upsetting her books, and scattering them all over the floor.

"Oops! Watch where you are going", a female voice said saucily. Megan didn't have to look to see who the voice belonged to. It was Elvira, the most popular werewolf in school, every male had secretly hoped she was their mate but she was Jake's. Megan quickly bent to pick up her books and her glasses fell off. She hurriedly picked them and put them back on her nose, as the sound of malicious giggles filled her ears. Elvira had two Omegas who followed her practically everywhere doing her bidding. A foot in pink sneakers kicked her textbook on purpose.

"Don't be so mean" Elvira said to one of her stooges. "Here let me give you a hand", she bent to pick some of the books. Megan was shocked, Elvira was never nice to, especially with the history they had.

Elvira stood up and held the books at eye level, Megan was just going to say "Thank You" when she dropped the books on the floor.

More giggles from Elvira and her 'dolls'.

Someone bent down to pick Megan's books up gently, arranging them neatly and handing them to Megan who kept her eyes on the floor.

"Thanks, Ryan", she said very quietly.

"Be careful, in case she bites", Elvira said to Ryan in her sing-song voice.

Laughter erupted from the other wolves in the hallway.

"That's enough Elvira!" Ryan retorted. Megan touched his arm lightly.

Elvira eyed him for a bit, then spat out maliciously, angered that anyone would defend the reject.

"Awwww, isn't this sweet? Two rejects "

More laughter erupted. Megan wished the floor would open and swallow her. Her face was burning.

"Ignore her," Ryan said as he held a hand out to Megan which she took gratefully, and helped her up.

"Let's go girls", and with a flip of the hair the three of them walked away.

"She is just mean. I don't know why you put up with that". Ryan said as they walked into the lecture room together.

Megan barely heard what the Myths lecturer was teaching. Her mind went back to why Elvira had been horrible to her.

Megan wasn't as strong or as skilled as the other werewolves were, even though she had trained timelessly with the pack's elder wolves, hoping that her skills and abilities will improve, but it seemed like she was always one step behind everyone else. The more she struggled, the more she felt like an outsider. The insult came from the known fact that she couldn't seem to fully shift into her wolf form which contributed a lot to slowing her down, and more of the other thing.

The training wasn't much different from the lectures. Megan felt even more inadequate during these sessions as it was another time to show her inability to show strength and skill. She was spared the embarrassment when she was told to feel free to go at her pace, she didn't have to run with the others. She knew deep down that it was just so she didn't slow the pack down.

The pack ran off into the woods transforming as they went, howling into the dark. Megan longed to go with them.

Ryan sat by her.

"Are you okay?" He sounded concerned.

Megan nodded her head and gave a half smile.

"I'll be fine", she replied.

"If you need any help, just howl," Ryan said. He worried about her. He believed she would be better; it was just a matter of time. He remembered what was said about the flowers that bloom late being the prettiest.

He was drawn to her, but she wasn't his mate and she hadn't gotten over her past hurt. He decided to keep it in the friend zone. He didn't think he was ready to forget and move on either.

He had been rejected by Sheila, his beautiful mate because she thought he was a weak wolf and it hurt like hell sometimes. He had left his hometown to seek new opportunities and get away from the hurt but the news had a way of traveling far.

"Earth to Ryan", Megan nudged him gently and smiled.

"Sorry, I trailed off", he apologized.

"What were you thinking of? The look on your face said it wasn't pleasant."

"It's nothing", he gave a half smile.

"It's about her right?", Megan gave a knowing half-smile in return.

Ryan sighed.

"I can relate. I mean you wait your whole life to meet the right person and then they turn around, and boom! you are suddenly the bad talk of the town", she gave a small forced laugh.

They were quiet and lost in thought for a while when Ryan got up.

"I'll just take a quick run and be back in no time", he reassured her.

A group of late-comers walked up laughing at something one of them had said, she recognized one voice and turned to look. Megan's heart froze as she realized who it was. Jake!