Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 23 – The Bonding

“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa Weed

Third Person

Halima pushed open the mahogany double doors, taking her first steps into the Garnet Moon assembly hall. Immediately, she was overwhelmed by the boisterous volume of excited conversations muddling in the energetic atmosphere. Her deep brown eyes scanned the hall from the stage to the last tables, everything decorated with some shade of blue and silver, reminding her of Selene’s aesthetic months ago. Unlike the decorations, every member dressed in an assortment of colors that would rival the rainbows after a rainy day. For once, she was taking part in an event versus working behind the scenes. It made her happy yet scared at

the same time.

“How long are you going to stand there?” Artemis asked impatiently. The human didn’t hold the same

amount of excitement her wolf did.

“I don’t know where to sit! Every seat is taken!” Halima retorted, clutching her glittered purple purse tighter. She was nervous. She was in a room full of happy strangers while she stood awkwardly. However, in a flash, her eyes spotted the Alpha table near the front, noticing Luna Lyra waving her down with a beaming smile. Relief rushed over her like a hurricane as she trotted towards the table. Immediately, Halima was engulfed in a hug from Lyra, embracing her face against her bosom, almost suffocating.

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“Mija, you look beautiful!” Pulling the girl out of the hug, Lyra cradled her cheek. She wore a deep red dress that complimented and hugged every curve she had, her hair neatly curled to perfection rested on her back and her gold jewelry jingled with every movement she made. “I’m so happy you’re able to join us.”

Heat flushed in Halima’s brown cheeks from being called beautiful. She wanted to reject that statement but couldn’t find the words to say so. A squeaky “Thank you.” were the only words that escaped from her embarrassment. She took a quick look around the Alpha table to see the mated couple, Anthony and Alesia, in matching ensembles of white and blue, Lyria dressed in a simple yellow two–piece dress, and Nikolai adorning a black suit with a red tie that matched his mate’s attire. They all look like the picture–perfect, powerful family and she felt like an awkward bird that fell into the wrong territory.

“You look lovely.” Nikolai rose out of his seat to give the girl a hug which she gratefully accepted. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m alright,” Halima replied with a curt nod. “This is the first passage ceremony I’ve taken part in, so I’m curious to see how it goes.”

“There is nothing much to it,” Lyria commented. “People say a few things, bonding happens, we eat, and then we have a bonfire–the best part of the celebration! You have to come to that.”

Halima beamed with excitement, expecting a good night. “So, where do I sit? I don’t see an empty seat

anywhere.”

spot for you.” Following Alesia’s line of sight, the girl spotted Jacqueline madly waving her down, patting a chair next to her while Dwayne pinched the bridge of his nose

frustration.

so she should sit

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–

seat. Jacqueline leaped to hug

“Now the entire

part of the pack, yet. You know this!” Halima corrected. “But,

have a little more dignity. You’re about to become this

out her black dress. “I can do my

his eyes. Halima chuckled and looked to the adults at the table, Violet and Alan Seals. She met Alan a couple of days ago when he was finishing up a meeting with Alpha

your hair justice.” Violet smiled proudly. “Your hair is

amount of abuse it endured, she thought it was hopeless. But, with Violet’s help and expertise, it had become healthier in two months than it had in years. Plus, the smell of the products brought her boundless joy. Her eyes darted to the stage where the elders finished setting the ritual table, chalices, and ceremonial daggers. She

for?”

“We pass the torch through blood, so

the items as an integral part

Beta Female Violet pointed out as Nikolai and Lyra rose out of their seats. Beta Alan and Gamma Ahmed followed shortly after to join their Alpha and Luna on stage,

passage of power right before her eyes. Used

swell to take part in a once–in–a–lifetime ceremony. She watched Anthony assume the role of Alpha, Alesia assumed her role as Luna, Jacqueline and Dwayne as Co–Betas, and All as the new Gamma. She could feel Selene watching over the sacred ritual, giving her blessings for the new generation.

erupted throughout the assembly hall. Each member feeling their bond grow stronger and that new, young blood would lead them on the path of righteousness. Garnet Moon was a powerful and formidable pack, their power was not to be trifled with foolishness. It took a great deal of strength, courage, and honor to lead one of the most powerful packs in America. Halima saw her friends in a new light, a light cast by the Moon Goddess herself. She joined in on the applause, grinning with pride. They will

the second part of the ritual that involved her. Anthony, now

my friends.” Alpha Anthony announced, grasping at Lana Alesia’s hand lovingly. “There is one more thing that must be done before the Great Feast, Many of you have come to us for aid, for a home, and we welcomed you with open arms. Whether you were born into Garnet Moon, or have joined ritualistically, you are family. We all are composed of many species and we

Violet at their table, “Halima Lane, would you please come to the stage?

body, her heart raced and sweat accumulated around her body, Glancing a pleading look at Violet, the girl a prideful and loving smile, as if she knew what was about to happen. Halima felt

role she hated the

whispered, grasping her hand. “The Alpha

don’t think I

up to see the girl the hand belonged to. Golden, curly hair cascaded down her shoulders, eyes electric blue, skin void of any blemishes, and in a deep blue dress

as they approached the stage. This is a very special

“Um…okay.”