Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 3 The Onyx Moon Pack "Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there sday."-A.A. Milne Neron Three years ago, I never thought I'd be in the position I'm in today. Three years of laborious effort to ensure our survival; a direct result of Onyx Moon flourishing today. My pack. Instead of looking back with disdain and shame, I looked at my enormous family with pride and happiness.

Because I did that. I made it happen. After the strings of doubt plaguingfor those years, questioning my abilities, I could finally hold the keys to my new hand watch my members grow in number under my eyes.

Today, Onyx Moon was a prosperous community that continued to grow. Sold Zircon Moon pack members followed, but many departed to other territories. New wolves, seeking a new home, blended in seamlessly, and with my mother as acting Luna, she ensured that every family got the help and supplies they needed to settle in. As twent on, our Moon Goddess finally blessed us with the long-awaited peace we've been praying for.

I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

The potent scent of maple wafted up to my nose as my car rolled down the streets from Portland to the pack grounds. Mellow music caressed my ears, tapping my finger against the steering wheel with the sunlight reflecting off my Alpha ring. The golden band encircled the large black onyx crystal, exposing a prism of rainbows hidden within. A symbol of my success.

a It had been a long day of gathering supplies for my art class, and I was looking forward to a couple of hours of relaxation. Aside from my Alpha duties, I worked part-tas an art teacher to my pack disciples. Call it strange, but I found joy in teaching the younger folk about the pleasures of art and the history behind the greats, like Vincent Van Gogh. I still had a long way before I could becan actual teacher if I decide to take that path.

Two guards unlocked the double-gated doors once they spotted my car rolling in. Blurs of the maple trees filled my eyes, zipping past my peripherals. Sounds of pack activity graced my ears, picking out the laughter of children. My hopened in front of my eyes; the grand pack house standing in the center with smaller houses scattered around its infrastructure. Soldiers trained in the south, kids were playing in the east, adults shared conversations over tea and food in front of their homes-everything that constituted a healthy pack was happening right before my eyes.

My heart unleashed a mighty beat. It's real. It's real. This wasn't a dream.

I rolled into the parking garage, exiting my car once I shut it off. Smembers greetedas I approached the front steps of my hwith two statues of wolves on either side of the stairs. However, I was met with a different greeting when I nudged the door open.

And it cas a tic howl, and a wagging white and grey tail.

"Hey, buddy!" I kneeled and petted my husky, Lupin, behind the ears. Lupin took the chance to assault my cheeks with his wet tongue. "Alright, that's enough. You better not have caused too much trouble while I was Chapter 3 - The Onys Moon Pack gone.

Lupin barked in offense, stomping his front paws in a growl. There's nothing that truly hits the mark of it being a wolf pack without a pet dog added to the mix. Rubbing his head one last time, I rose to my feet and walked through the grand foyer with the pup trailing behind me. The smell of my mother's cooking graced my nose, my stomach roaring for sustenance. Before I could head inside the kitchen, Kwwalked by with a panicked look on his face, darting his head every which way.

"Kwame?" He jumped, turning to me. "Is something the matter?" "Neron, I didn't think you'd be back so soon." Kwlaughed, toying with the ends of his dreadlocks. "Something is the matter. I'm looking for Naomi." *She disappeared again?" His daughter liked to pull the vanishing act often. Causing her parents' heart attacks must be her favorite pastime. "She couldn't have gone very far. I'll help." "Oh, no, you don't have to, bro. You just got back from the city." I laughed, patting his shoulder. "It's no problem. Have you tried scoping out her scent?" "Yes, but she's awfully smart for a three-year-old. Naomi got her hands on the damn Anti-Spray." Lupin hopped around my feet, pawing at my leg like the attention-hog he was. “We'll still find her. Maybe Lupin would have better luck." Kwleft to search for his daughter on the other side of the pack house while Lupin and I searched every broom closet and barren room. If I was a three-year-old, where would I hide? Somewhere I'd think no one would find me. After coming up empty for the millionth time, I looked down at my husky, who hadn't left my side.

"Taketo the last spot you last saw Naomi, Lupin." Wagging his tail excitedly, Lupin took off, and I followed. He ledto the laundry room on the lower level. I thought my dog ledon a wild goose chase until I overheard faint muffles of... two girls? I looked high and low until I spotted the short recess nestled next to one of the larger dryers. I crept toward the cupboard and threw it open to be met with the shrieks from two small girls.

Naomi and Orchid.

"Uncle Neron! Hi!" Naomi grinned while her cousin waved silently. "Fancy meeting you here!" "Indeed." I crossed my arms. "Your Dad is looking for you." A wave of panic flashed over Naomi's face, shaking her head. "Did you tell him I was here?" "Not yet." My eyes darted to the second girl curled in the cupboard. "Why is Orchid here?" "She wanted company," Orchid answered, darting her dark eyes to her knees. "Am I in trouble, Uncle?" "No, you're not." I sighed. "Go find your Mom. You can take Lupin with you." Orchid's eyes glowed at the mention of her favorite companion and Lupin howled in response. She crawled out of the cupboard and followed the husky out of the laundry room, shutting the door behind her. Now, with Naomi andalone in 1. Cheater the linen-scented room, I kneefed on both my knees and offered her a meager mile. "Wald wellhe "Would real reason you're here. Mimi Naomi sighed, patting her curly mass of hair. "Mommy and Grandma want to id maut got scared when I saw the brushes and the gel and hid here with Orchid her und Dat's utat! thing So, that's what it was. While I couldn't fathom having my hair manisare farmed with's Naomi's fear. Distant memories of spetting Kiva and Raina having her wir done in a culine ct mind. And their wincing faces. "Did you tell your Mom and Grandma that nurt "Na..." She whimpered. "What if they get mad?" Her lock of both sadness and fear brought pain to my chest. I tummed wracking my mind with a tot her How do I ease the fears of a small grt tended of the ah? I could tell Lanta her hair, but... maybe...

Nacmi mi?" She looked at me. Look at my hair and look at yours. I may be witte mu my tar e no strung as yours." "My hair is strong "Yes! If I got raids like you did. It be a lid man because til all was horrifying, but that cimage made my tee in, cacking up i storm. Putting the asshole further the girl out from the small cupboard acting her up picking strong and brave inde pri like to n "No?" Site asked, meting her bead as the nde to That's aght Sine would march back m juuri ini agate actin GTR GUNU un and setting serum. "Ing tar engs to a unure: Garmin WOLLE TINE DAGY Then a urbon- and there har tant chown, and el = the Tree "Uncle Veram.

to "S? Ours is stronger des enting the land trading the man from All I'm saying 17 immager 1 cucer wen't change. Can you dis der"** Naomi till looked etical bra het antece we meet the Copy, wfrom the opposite side and abre elsed when to bendwith he Gaugine the reptiles her fr She's going to be cleats Dentered the winchen can see Worm and see sees Lead Crop Lil cooking up a storm as the ebbe umetan worker ille a well-aided mutine in the tiras aladiny imitating. Wom furthed set meat and good foM WRITE (THE marking smile Chapter 3 - The Onyx Moon Pack "Yep," I answered, peering over her shoulder at the stove. "What are you making? I smell fish.” "We're making lunch." Mom answered, playfully evasive as always. "I know you're hungry, but I won't have you spoiling your dinner." I arched an eyebrow. "Mom, I'm not a kid. I won't spoil my dinner." "Uh-huh." She shook her head. “That's the sexcuse your sister gives me, but I'm not falling for it! You'll have to wait like everyone else." 1 "Fine," I whined but laughed it off afterward. “I got sstuff to take care of, anyway." "Speaking of, have you confirmed your attendance for the Alpha Gathering, yet? And are you taking Nuria with you?" Damnit, I forgot about that damn thing. I wasn't in the mood for dealing with pompous alphas and their mates for three days, in a state known for crazy humans and roaming alligators. Resting my elbows on the kitchen island, I huffed. “Not yet. Did someone call my office about it?" hotel for th "Yeah, Alpha Erik, who is renting his event." "I appreciate you answering for me, Mom. I wish I could get out of it, but the damn five-year privilege thing is kicking my ass." "Just two more years, darling. It'll cby faster than you think." Mom ran her hand through my hair, sinking her fingers into my scalp-her age-old technique of calmingdown. Unashamed, I melted under her touch like I did many times as a child. She always knew how to makefeel better. "Speaking of Nuria, where is she?" "In the trees." "Huh?" Mom and Luli pointed out the window above the sink. Well, they weren't kidding. There Nuria was, sitting on top of the thickest branch of a tree with her legs crossed, tapping away at her cell phone. She looked up briefly and gave us a wave before returning to whatever caught her interest on her phone.

Those bird mannerisms hadn't disappeared, so it seems. Shaking my head, I pushed myself off the island. "I'll be in my office. Letknow if you need anything, Mom." After spending a good ten minutes in my office examining and signing documents, something knocked at my window. When I turned to look, I jumped when Nuria's face was in full view, hanging upside down from a tree branch with a comic grin on her face. She gestured forto open the window.

This is what I get for setting my office near the trees.

I set the documents down and allowed my sister to slip in with case. "Hi, Nero! What's up?" "I was busy." I rolled my eyes, taking my seat in my chair again. "What were you doing?" Chapter 3 - The Onyx Moon Pack Nuria shrugged her shoulders. "Hanging out?" "You're not funny." "Humor is subjective, Mount Everest." I shot a glare, which was returned with a grin. Nuria's many nicknames for my height have yet to run out. Last week, it was Sasquatch. The week before, Beanpole. “Anyway, what do you want? I doubt you cto my office to chat about humor." "Nope!" Nuria hopped on my desk, folding one leg over the other. "I wanted to ask how the plans for Mom's birthday party are coming along?" Just like that, my annoyance was replaced with glee in an instant. "Well, Mom is a social butterfly, so I sent out invitations to all her friends plus advised the pack members to keep this a secret." I pulled open a drawer next to my leg and pulled out a black folder I kept hidden from view. "I found a renowned bakery in Oregon called Pearl's Delights and I've placed a custom order for Mom's cake." "Buttercream frosting or whipped cream?" "Buttercream. Whipped would melt in the heat.” "Okay, fair. How about presents?" I slumped my head into my fists. "I don't know, I asked Mom if there was anything she wanted and the answer she gavewas "I have my babies, I need nothing else." Nuria snorted. "Typical Mom response. Why don't draw a portrait?" "I did that last year, and I want to do something different. What are you getting her?" "I'm deciding between a custom-made purse or a weighted blanket. Her birthday party is in a week and I still can't decide." My sister sighed, rubbing her temples. "But I'll figure it out. I just need more time." "Fair enough." Flipping open the folder, my eyes were greeted with rows of colorful highlights. "I'll ask the Omegas to go shopping the day before for the feast. Now, the only thing we haven't figured out is how to get Mom out of the house for the day." "Oh, don't worry about that! I got that covered!" ...How?" "Truston this." Nuria giggled, crossing her arms. I arched an eyebrow in suspicion, but I let it the invitations, Neron. I don't know if you thought about it, but... since you've invited her parents, I think you should also invite Kiya to the party this year." 1. go.

"Back to

My heart jumped straight into my throat, stilling my body without fail. Lyra and Nikolai's names were highlighted as confirmed attendees to Mom's birthday party, but I didn't list Kiya's name. Not even on last year's list or the year before. Nuria waited for my response, but I simply closed the folder and set it on my desk and shook my head. "I don't think so." "Why not?" She asked, baffled. "It wouldn't hurt to ask. Kiya is a part of my family too." Chapter 3 The Onyx Moon Pack "I don't think it is the right tfor her to come." "You said that last year!" "She said she wasn't ready to come, and we discussed this. I don't know if it would change this year." "Are you saying that for her or are you saying that because you're scared?" When I didn't answer, Nuria I continued. "It's been three years since you both saw each other last. I don't see why she wouldn't be invited. Mom would love her to be here since it is her party." "I don't know, Nuri. I don't think I'm ready to see her yet.' "Neron, you always do this!" Nuria groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "Every twe breach the Kiya subject, you always avoid or shut it down. Whenever Mom and I visit GaMoon, you never come! What are you so scared about?" "I'm not scared." "Then, what's the problem? Can you at least talk toabout it?" "There's nothing to talk about," I insisted. "I texted her yesterday to congratulate her on finishing her job with her students. We chatted, and that was the end of it. There's no reason to push her to chere unless she wants to." "How would you know if she wants to cif you don't ask her?" I shifted in my seat, feeling the telltale bump of my phone in my pocket. Nuria was right; how would I know if I don't ask? My fingers itched to grab the device and invite her to the party, but everything in my body rebelled against it. I wasn't scared of Kiya, but I wasn't sure if I was ready. I love that woman more than life itself, but how could I look at her without feeling so... so...

"Guilty?"

Yes. My work with Dr. Nilsen was far from over. I'm thankful that he becmy pack's official psychologist, but I haveI underestimated how hard the healing I've done was. The distance between Kiya andhas been beneficial forto focus, and perhaps it was the swith her, but every tI think about her, the desire to hold her and keep her besidegrows stronger daily. I desired everything about her-from her presence to her smell, to her intellect, to her heart.

But I don't deserve her. I don't care what anyone has to say about that.

"I can't ask her, Nuria." I shook my head again. "Can I have sspace, right now? I need to be alone." Nuria reluctantly nodded. She pulled out her cell phone and becengrossed with it as she left my office. Breathing in the silence, I turned my chair to face the window, watching the sun spring out from behind the clouds to highlight each leaf in its pale halo. I didn't acknowledge the tear that escaped down my cheek. Why the hell am I feeling this way? If Kiya cto the party, it'll be for Mom. Hell, she'll get to see Raina again and meet her niece. It'll be a nice family reunion. But I knew the moment 1 smell her; I wouldn't be able to stay away from her. I would whisk her away and kiss her until she was breathless.

And that's what was the problem. Sure, our talks have becsporadic over the years because our lives got busy, but there was never a moment where didn't think about her. She where! I was doing so well for herself; a college-educated woman with her whole life ahead of her, surrounded by supportive friends and family. Mom treated her like she was her own, and Nuria has her best friend back. I wasn't sure where I fit in the picture. If I did at all.

My thumb hovered over her contact when I pulled my phone out. We've talked yesterday; shouldn't that be enough for stime? I sighed, frustrated with myself at my Indecisiveness. I missed her terribly, but I didn't want to intrude on her life.

"I can't... I can't..." Onyx wanted to talk to me. He offered his strength and opened our mind-link, waiting forto take the initiative, but like a coward, I walled up my side of the link. There was no way I could talk about her without jumping into my car and break every road law to see her. One day, I'll see her. One day, I'll be able to not feel the guilt when looking at her.

One day... one day....

But not today.

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