Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 15 The Friend

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“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on – it’s going on when you don’t have strength.“– Napoleon Bonaparte.

Nikolai

I never thought I’d hear about the Zircon Moon Pack again. Unfortunately, there was a dark history between Jonathan and me with a fractured alliance between our packs. Our friendship shattered and we went about our ways. We’ve never been the same since. The last I spoke to Jonathan Prince was to give my condolences for the loss of his mate and daughter eight years ago.

Now, he reentered my life through a broken and abused pup. Never in my life would I’ve expected Jonathan to stoop so low as to torture one of his own, and a girl at that. How far had this man fallen?

I’m in my office at my desk, gazing out the window in deep thought as Lyra took her seat next to me. It had been a day since Halima arrived on my territory and to my surprise, she had agreed to stay. There was no chance in hell I was sending her back to Zircon Moon, especially with the news my mate revealed about her history. I was tempted to give the ol‘ bastard a call to give him a piece of my mind, but a hand on my shoulder from Lyra convinced me not to.

It was better to not let them know that Halima is still alive. They would surely force us to give her back and thus, take her to her execution. Casting the Mark of the Betrayer on her was unjust, it only serves to prologue her suffering until her death.

Losing your Luna and your daughter at the same time I’m sure was devastating. I’d surely fallen apart if I lost Lyra and Lyria, my daughter in such a horrific way. However, subjecting a pubescent girl to almost a decade of slavery and mistreatment for it cannot and would not bring back their lives.

Then again, pain and anger could make people do unspeakable things completely out of their character.

“There is nothing we can do about Zircon Moon.” I say to Lyra. “I don’t know how long it has been since Halima abandoned her pack, but what I do know is I rather keep her here, safe and alive. You say she’s a white

woll?”

“Yes, that is what she told me.”

Simply put, white wolves are avatars of our precious Moon Goddess. They hold a lot of power and are destined for greatness. “Teresa says it’s too dangerous for her to shift, given her current state. Only when she’s healthy enough, can she shift again.”

“It is a crime to abuse a child, but Jonathan has allowed the abuse to persist. Selene’s avatar should be protected, not broken.” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I don’t think I would ever understand how he could raise his hand to protect his pack and use that same hand to strike an innocent pup.”

“A wolf without his mate is not a pretty sight, an Alpha even more so,” Lyra explained, taking my hand into hers. A wolf who loses their mate doesn’t differ from a feral wolf. They lose their sanity. Many commit suicide after the loss. Some lucky ones were granted a second chance mate, but those who don’t grow mad over time. A mate was not just their destined lover, but the other half of their soul. Mates complete one another. And to rub salt in the wound, he lost his daughter. I sympathize with my former friend. That pain does not go away. However, that’s no excuse to hurt someone else.

That pain was an endless cycle where no one wins. Everyone perishes at some point.

Lyra’s hand to my lips, I gave the supple skin on the back a soft kiss. “Yes, that is true. I hope one day he could see the errors of his actions.” Leaning my head back, I focus

We both finally agreed on blue and silver after much debate.” My beloved chuckled, her smile was contagious. “Lyria

Moon Goddess.”

to him as opposed to his younger sister Lyria. But regardless,

notified me that it was ready for whenever

“Excellent.”

knocks sounded through my office. “Enter.” My Beta, Alan Seals stolid like a marbled

the

the waist. “Alpha Amari from the Cerulean Moon wishes to discuss negotiations regarding the unoccupied land between our territories. He is due to arrive on our

will prepare for his arrival before then. Anything else?”

crossed his arms. “Word has gotten around that we have a newcomer. And she’s a rogue?”

Lyra nodded. “She’s very…fragile. Normally, I’d ask if you could send Jacqueline over to cheer her up and get her acclimated, but I’m not

hand through his coiffed black hair as his smile feigned nervousness. “She’s on

Halima

have a goddamn tube down my

me, Dr. Nava suggested

my

coughed several times as the tube slid down from nose to my throat and finally my stomach. It was violating, but it had to be

more blood to helping me get to and from the bathroom. Despite being in a foreign place, I felt

medical staff.

a stack of magazines the nurses were so kind to give me. I’ve seen the women

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15 The

in the expensive clothing were tall, had beautiful hair, baby faces, and unblemished skin. Humans

to pinch a tiny flab of fat only to be met with bone and tight skin. The women were skinny, for sure, but they had a healthy amount of fat

wondered if I’d ever

reading, an unfamiliar scent hit my nose. Orange blossoms? I look up from my magazine to see a girl, not much older than me, leaning against my door with her arms crossed. She wore a black tank top with tight blue denim shorts. She was about a shade darker than me with black kinky hair tied in two large puffs. Her eyes were emerald green and her full lips were glossy. She

She’s pretty!

are so superficial. Everything is air–brushed. Besides, there’s no one darker–complected

as an invitation to grab a

nodded slowly, eyeing the girl suspiciously while setting my magazines

Seals, you know, like the sea animal? But call me Jackie! Daughter of Beta Alan Seals, twin to Dwayne Seals, who is currently having his ass handled by the Deltas.” She offered her hand, but when I stared at it,