Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 17 – The Move

“When you feel my heat, look into my eyes. It’s where my demons hide, it’s where my demons hide. Don’t get too close, it’s dark inside. It’s where my demons hide, it’s where my demons hide. Demons, Imagine Dragons

Halima

Today was the day I was getting discharged from the hospital. I’ve grown comfortable in the two days I was here, but I knew the time would come where I must leave. I feel a little better, the TVs and the liquified food helped a lot. I expected a little more time for my vitals to balance out, but since I was a werewolf, they bounced back faster once I was provided with adequate fluids and nutrition. I’ll be on a feeding tube for about a month and a half, or until I was strong enough to eat on my own, whichever comes first.

First thing this morning, Dr. Nava introduced me to my treatment team. I wanted to walk, so with her help, I met with the three people who will help me be as healthy as I can be.

Dr. Alexandra Johnson was my nutritionist. She was one of the first humans I met in this pack, with her mate being a Delta. Her bright red hair caught my attention the most, paired with equally enticing green eyes and a face sprinkled with freckles. With a smile, she went over my proposed nutrition plan and taught me all about calorie intake, and how to reach my goal of gaining at least two pounds a week. I needed to have liquified meals for now, but from how she speaks about them, they shouldn’t be so bad. I couldn’t taste any of the liquid mixtures, so I didn’t complain. She liked to crack jokes sometimes. Alexandra made me laugh several times, and I knew I’d do well with working with her.

Dr. Zimar Khan and Mayra Hernandez were my psychiatrist and psychotherapist, respectively. Both were werewolves. Dr. Khan hails from New Delhi, India with jet black wavy hair, golden eyes, and deep tan skin. Mayra was originally from Mexico City, Mexico, and once she graduated from college, she moved to Garnet Moon with her mate. She had caramel brown hair that’s cut to a bob, deep brown eyes, and medium–dark skin. Both worked together to develop a mental health recovery plan for me.

Mayra oversaw my therapy sessions. Therapy was what I was not looking forward to. I would have to talk about my experiences with Zircon Moon and learn to open up, which was easier said than done. Mayra specializes in trauma–focused therapy, so it made sense why she was an excellent fit for someone like me. Dr. Khan helps with diagnosing and treatment. Both were very kind, with Zimar appearing more strictly professional while Mayra was more laid back.

I sat on the edge of my hospital bed, wondering what my life would be like here in Garnet Moon. My hands were folded on my lap and my eyes followed the tile creases of the pristine floors. I never imagined I’d have this much support from people I met less than three days ago. All my life I was left to do things on my own and the pack stripped any help from me. But here, people were more than willing to help a girl they barely knew. I have a treatment team, support from the Alpha and Luria, and a new friend? These things were originally unobtainable.

“How are you feeling, Hali?” Artemis asked me. “I feel optimistic about our new lives here.”

“I guess,” I sighed. “It just all seems too good to be true, Art. I’m not used to any of this.”

“Because we’ve been deprived of everything we’re supposed to get while we were young,” Artemis explained thoughtfully. “We’ll fit in here in no time. We just need to focus on our recovery.”

“Recovery…” That word was tossed around during my meetings with my treatment team, a word meaning to b

Chapter 17 The Move

ecome healthy after a period of difficulty. A single word full of hope and optimism, yet I was having trouble grasping it. Doubt swims in my mind as I rest my head on my fist.

Could I really recover from what I’ve been through? I have eight years of damage to process abuse unimaginable from the people I once loved. Eight years‘ worth of repressed emotions that I was forbidden to express. I couldn’t ever recover that time precious to me. What if I couldn’t be fixed? What if this trauma stays with me forever?

Will I ever be a normal, carefree werewolf? Could I complete the purpose that Selene had given to me? Would I ever be strong enough to fight the demons that plague my mind daily?

and a large gym bag at hand. I didn’t notice her coming

playing with my

side–shaved hair walks next to her. He was more muscular than Jackie but equal to her

So, y–you

smiled before shooting a wink. “But I’m the good

Jackie rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows I’m the better twin and the better

“Co–Beta.”

before turning to me. “I bought some clothes for you to wear for

I did,” I confirmed. “Where

in a bag under your bed.” She quirked an

I

it’s a constant reminder of who I was. I want

the air like fresh perfume. She pulled out clothing of all sorts, mostly shirts, sweatpants, and

are also the clothes she wants to get rid of.” Dwayne’s amusement died when his sister threw one of her pants in his

over my options. All the clothes look soft and warm. They were also big enough to hide my bruises and skinny appearance. Speaking of, some of my bruises have healed, but there was still a dull, throbbing pain. After a minute, I

them.

Chapter 17–The More

wearing clothes that cover my skin felt strange. The clothes bunched up around my ankles and wrists, but I like them. But,

Jackie.” I

many clothes, anyway. I was going to give them to some teenage pups around here, but I

“I appreciate it.”

have Beta blood, don’t you?” Dwayne pondered.

the pants she threw at him with one hand. She stuffs

like it is! If something piques my interest, I’ll say something.”

nodded, holding my elbows. “I have Beta blood.”

knew we were similar!” Jackie giggled. “I sensed it too when we first

weirdo.”

resident

of the little banters Raina, and I would have when we were kids. It

to show you around the Garnet Moon territory