An Omega's Outcast

Chapter One: Little Kitsune

*** Lisabeth's POV ***

I peered through the thick, metallic bars of the large gate at the school that would be my home for the next year. The campus was alive with vivid greenery, blossoming flowers, and grand oak trees. This felt like a death sentence — a Kitsune unaccompanied by any other Kitsune amid a pack of werewolves! I don't know what made my parents agree to this scholarship for diversity, but as their jobs and money often took priority over me, they jumped at the chance. It was an opportunity for them to get rid of their 'troublesome' daughter; too unruly, disobedient, and always looking for a fight.

Kitsune were magical souls that bonded with a human. On our sixteenth birthday, we were able to see them in our minds and talk to them through our mind link. No one else could hear our thoughts or conversations, which remained private between us. Through this bond, our feelings were connected as well. It was a rare connection that only a few had the chance to experience.

"At least you can flaunt your title as the family disappointment," Emily, my fox counterpart, said teasingly through our mind link, trying to make me laugh.

A sly smile crossed my lips. She was right. I don't know what I would do without her. Her constant cheer and humor had kept me afloat through even the darkest moments of my life. We were seen as outcasts in our pack, smaller and more oddly colored than the rest of our clan—at least that's what outsiders called us: fox shapeshifters. It gave others in the pack an excuse to bully me, but I never lay still and take it. I constantly looked over my shoulder, hoping they wouldn't come for me. My parents said they loved me despite my differences, but their words rarely seemed genuine; they were too busy with money and work to care about their only daughter, whom I'm sure embarrassed them.

"Miss Byrd?"

A faint voice spoke out behind me, causing me to jump in surprise and spin around with my claws at the ready. I quickly composed myself when I saw who it was.

"Sorry," I muttered reluctantly, tugging at my skirt before bowing my head courteously.

"No worries! It's all my fault for startling you. January is the name; I'm the Luna and headmistress of Clearwater Academy. I noticed you outside here for a while now and figured it is better if I come to help you settle in," Luna January said, her smile radiating through the air.

Luna January shone brightly wearing a white dress with her vivid red hair billowing softly in the warm breeze, resembling wild flames consuming whatever they could reach. Her eyes were like dark green emeralds glinting with true enthusiasm and joy. In comparison to her or anyone else, I felt self-conscious and inferior. Emily had been continuously silent from the shocking beauty that was Luna January.

"Well, she really isn't what I had envisioned for a headmistress," Emily snorted.

"What exactly did you think she would look like?" I asked her with amusement.

"I was expecting something more along the lines of an old crone with a tight bun and thin lips."

"Yeah, like an old hag."

We both started laughing inwardly through our mind link. We were on the same wavelength.

Suddenly, Luna January stepped in, grinning. "Let me guess; you were expecting someone creepy and sinister as your new headmistress?"

Emily and I held back our shock. How could Luna January have known that? I knew Luna's were powerful, but surely she couldn't read my mind?

"Yeah," I said slowly, embarrassed. "My principal from my last school was an elderly grouch who should have retired ages ago. I didn't get the chance to do research on you or your academy. My move here was kind of rushed," I mumbled.

The laughter and conversations of wolves drifted over the stone wall. Their musky scent filled the air as they passed by and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It was actually happening!

Luna January let out a laugh as she approached me, laying her hand on my shoulder. Though I wanted to recoil in fear, I simply stood there. She smiled reassuringly at me and said, "Don't be scared, Lisabeth; I'm here to make sure you settle in and find your way around the Academy."

Her hand touched the touchpad next to the gate and it opened, revealing a breathtaking view. My heart beat rapidly in my chest, but fear was replaced by admiration for Clearwater Academy. This place was like a pack territory! There were so many buildings and shops around us. In the very center was an exquisite fountain surrounded by apple trees, cherry trees, and stone benches. The students all wore the same uniform I had on: girls in black skirts and white blouses, boys in black trousers and white dress shirts. A strong aroma of werewolves flooded my senses; hormones, s****l frustration, insecurity, and too much cologne or perfume mixed with their natural woody scent.

No one seemed to pay me any mind; perhaps that was for the best. Or maybe they were too busy enamored with Luna January's beauty to notice me.

I trailed behind her as she showed me around campus, trying to memorize what she told me about the werewolves living there. They were gorgeous creatures - the males were tall and handsome while the females had a polished look about them that intimated power. A few of them made Emily and me ogle inwardly from afar.

"Maybe this won't be so terrible," I mumbled to myself as I trailed January.

"Let me take you to your room. It's all set up for you in the attic - I hope you don't mind that I organized everything according to your preferences. I'm just excited to have you here and get to know one another!" She spoke with enthusiasm, leading me toward the girls' quarters.

` As we walked, a faint, delightful scent wafted by. It was hard to place, but somewhat familiar; before I could trace it, though, it was gone. When I looked around, there was no one in sight.

"Did you smell that?" I asked Emily, who had dozed off during the tour.

"Smell what?" she mumbled sleepily.

"Of course not - you were asleep again, weren't you?"

I shook my head and hurried to keep up with January; her cheerful expression made me long for the same look from my own parents. One more time, I glanced over my shoulder - perhaps looking for whoever or whatever belonged to the mysterious scent - before turning back around again and conceding that maybe being here wouldn't be so bad after all.

This story has been completed and moved over to A m a z on and A m a z o n K i n d l e. Please see my author's page on F a c e B o o k, Author Lisa Lynn Baird. TIA