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.”

girl spotted Jacqueline madly waving her down, patting a chair next to

frustration.

should sit at the

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23 –

designated seat. Jacqueline leaped to hug her, yanking

cheered. “Now the entire pack is

You know this!”

should have a little more dignity. You’re about to become this pack’s Beta.

Jackie shrugged, smoothing out her black dress. “I can

the table, Violet and Alan Seals. She met Alan a couple of days ago when he was finishing up a meeting with Alpha Nikolai. She liked him and

are doing your hair justice.” Violet smiled proudly. “Your hair is lively and

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 noticed a pure

for?”

torch through blood, so

as an integral part

begin the ceremony.” Beta Female Violet pointed out as Nikolai and Lyra rose out of their seats.

she bared witness to the passage of power right

Gamma. She could feel Selene watching over the sacred ritual, giving her blessings for the new generation. It made her happy to the point a lone tear fell down her cheek. Artemis, deep within her, was elated at the sight,

ear–piercing cheers 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

ritual was not over yet. Unbeknown to Halima, there was something else planned for the second part of the ritual that involved her. Anthony, now Alpha Anthony, walked towards the podium and used the power in his Alpha voice to calm the

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 work harmoniously together. strengthen and better this pack. Our strength does not lie in our numbers, but in our honor and

Female Violet at their table, “Halima Lane, would you

the girl a prideful and loving smile, as if she knew what was about to happen. Halima felt dozens upon dozens of eyes focused on her, making her

role she

whispered, grasping her hand. “The

I can do

warm and inviting. Halima looked 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

girl whispered to her as they approached the stage. This is a very

“Um…okay.”