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?

Earth to Halima!” The chipper voice startled me back into reality. Jackie stood over me with a beaming grin and a large gym bag at hand. I didn’t notice her coming in. “What are you so deep

muttered, playing

argued. A man who looks exactly like Jackie. but with shorter, side–shaved hair walks next to her. He was more muscular than Jackie but equal to her in height. His scent was like hers except

y–you guys are-

before shooting a wink. “But I’m the

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

“Co–Beta.”

chair before turning to me. “I bought some clothes for you to wear for your discharge. Luna Lyra said you only came in with only a

did,” I confirmed. “Where is it, by the way?”

in a bag under your bed.” She quirked an

I

was. I want to get rid of it, but

the bag, filling the air like fresh perfume. She pulled out clothing of all sorts, mostly shirts, sweatpants, and some colorful hoodies. She also pulled out a pair of flip–flops and settled. them next to my feet. “Pick whatever you want. I don’t know what your style is, so

rid of.” Dwayne’s amusement died when his sister

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 went with a pair of grey sweats with a drawstring, a small blue shirt, and a dark purple

them.

Chapter 17–The More

in my chosen clothes. I look…different? I was so used to wearing a raggedy dress, so wearing clothes that cover my skin felt strange. The clothes bunched up around my ankles and wrists, but I like them. But, the best part about them was that they were soft and smelled just like Jackie. 1

for the clothes again, Jackie.” I smiled at her.

them, if you want.” She stuffed the other clothes back into the bag. “I have too many clothes, anyway. I was going to

“I appreciate it.”

don’t you?” Dwayne pondered. “I could smell it

pants she threw at him with one hand.

If something piques

my elbows. “I have Beta blood.”

Jackie giggled. “I sensed it too when we first met, but I didn’t want to

weirdo.”

the resident weirdo.”

shut up!” Jackie threatened, a low growl emitting from her throat. Their banter reminded me of the little banters Raina, and I would have when we were kids. It left

ignoring the burning glares from his twin sister. “Alpha Nikolai asked us to show you around the Garnet Moon territory