Megan POV 

 

     Goddamn, he's even prettier than I thought. I can't help but stare at him even though it's almost impossible to do so. My fingertips brush against the glass as I reach toward the sill, a reminder that I shut the window after showering. 

     I unsnap it and sit on the ledge, wanting to meet everyone with grace as I open my lips.

     After my "hi?" my partner started to frown, his black eyes staring at me so fiercely I could feel it in my chest. Before, he wasn't quite smiling; upon closer inspection, I can tell that his face is more suited for scowling than smiling.

     He has stunning cheekbones that make a sculptor cry, even when frowning.

     I start to speak as I open my lips to ask him why he's here, but he darts toward our fence and leaps over it with a single fluid motion. The moment he touches down on the other side, he changes, his silver and grey fur flecked with moonlight. Leaning precariously out of the window, I follow him as he dashes into the woods, disappearing. 

     Okay, so it's official. Arrived, observed, and turned away. 

     I violently slammed the window shut and replaced the latch.

     I've fantasised about my partner for years, hoping and praying they would complete me and give me a sense of belonging. 

     As an alternative, I feel more lost and alone than ever.

     Tears well up in my eyes, but I push them back. Tomorrow morning, I have to get up for my early shift at the restaurant, and I'm too weary to weep. With a sigh, I lie over and shut my eyes in the hopes of falling asleep without incident since I can't enter with a red face and swollen eyes. I can't waste time daydreaming about the future now that I've found my true love. This is an absolute nightmare.

 

**

 

     The restaurant is crowded at lunchtime with the typical mix of regulars, and while I'm balancing four plates of the meatloaf special, the doorbell rings to announce the arrival of new patrons. There's a single table available in the rear, where I turn to see where they may sit.

     The table of packs.

     As part of their agreement, Clyde gives the pack a monthly stipend and must maintain at least one available table.

     My sense of smell allows me to identify the incomers as none other than the Gamma and his goons. However, I then smelled something that I had only smelled twice before. Thrice yesterday evening.

     I turn my head and see my friend following the combatants from the Gamma.

     I merely place the dishes on the table and approach the hostess standing at the front of the restaurant with a languid gait due to my exceptional waitressing abilities.

     To avert the emotional storm I can feel developing inside me. I take advantage of having to stoop down to get four menus. I inhale and exhale a few calm, cleansing breaths.

     I'm at a loss for words with him. I haven't even fully recovered from the hurt of his rejection. Twelve hours after everything occurred, I wasn't meant to have to see him!

     Should I act surprised and act like I don't know him, or should I ask him why?

     Even at a snail's pace, it takes me approximately thirty seconds to go from the hostess stand to the rear of the restaurant, and during that time, no choices are made.

     As I go up to the table and distribute the menus, the Gamma remarks, "Well, if it isn't Miss Nobody." 

     "Hello," I reply, trying not to look at my partner.

     I am not successful. Appallingly. The way my whole body gravitates toward him is magnetic. My flesh cries out to touch him, and the recollection of him physically fleeing away from me makes my eyes weep.

     My eyes follow his, and when they do, I feel like I've been punched in the gut. Like I'm a wall, he's gazing right through me. as if I mean nothing.

     My jaw tightens with a spark of rage. I ignore my embarrassment. I don't have to make things simpler for him if he disregards me and acts like I don't exist.

     "And what can I get y'all?" I ask, beaming at him.

     Because I'm doing the same thing as the others, I hardly pay attention to what they say, half mindlessly taking notes while keeping my eyes on my partner.

     Although his eyes are irritated by how I'm holding them, he has enough arrogance not to avert his stare and keep making eye contact.

     All right.

     Act accordingly.

     I say calmly, maintaining my tone courteously to avoid setting off the Gamma, "It seems your buddy here isn't ready to order yet." "After you make a decision, I'll return."

     I hate him because I can see relief in his eyes. I've become used to it from everyone else. However, the fact that the person tasked with my protection is treating me the same way seems like a knife to my already wounded heart.

     "Cousin?" Giggles the Gamma. "You need to learn how to be respectful. Beta is the new pack, Kai Lis.

     Everything starts to make sense at this point, and I freeze.

     He doesn't need to say anything more at this point. In a pack of wolves, status is everything. My partner does not need to reject me outright. I'm already aware.

     "I understand," I responded, turning my head to avoid the guy who was supposed to be mine. I can only conceal the hurt my aspirations and ambitions have caused me.

     "Congratulations," I grin, but this time it's all fake.

     "He doesn't need your congratulations," sneers The Gamma in my direction.

     I turn around and feel the Gamma's fingers tighten my ass, pushing me to hide my heartbreak deep within me, but I don't see anything.

     He chuckles, and I wince, saying, "Kael, this is all she's good for." She and other women are only good for a few laughs and an excellent time.

     Around us, and my face flushes crimson with embarrassment as tears fill up .

     I'm ready to turn to go when I hear a low growl behind me as my hands become tighter around the notepad.

     It doesn't take long for me to figure out who's making the furious noise.

     I am your buddy.