Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 24 – The Family

“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.“–Friedrich Nietzsche

Third Person

Halima felt a burning sensation on her chest, right above her heart. The sensations outlined something, but she couldn’t tell what it was. It was only then when her eyes maneuvered to the slightly exposed chests of the women on stage does, she realizes what was happening.

She gained her new Pack Mark. The eye of a wolf blending with an upright crescent moon.

The sensation subsided, and the cuts sealed on both palms, leaving behind no more than a small scar. Beaming with pride, Alpha Anthony placed his hands on Halima’s bare shoulders and squeezed. “Congratulations, and welcome to our family.”

Squealing with pure excitement, Halima leaped and hugged Anthony as tight as she could. Tears spilled from her eyes like waterfalls, her words of gratitude repeating in his ear like a broken record player. It wasn’t long until the others joined in on the hug, recognizing how this was the first step of Halima regaining the happiness she had lost long ago. The pack members, unable to withhold their applause, broke out into cheers. Their family got a little bigger and the night richer.

Everyone had an enjoyable time during the Great Feast. Everyone ate to their fill and mingled with one. another. Halima still was eating light foods such as salad and pasta but was slowly progressing to heavier foods like meat and rice. The broken bond with Zircon Moon faded forever, never to return.

Her life ended at Zircon Moon, but her new life’s beginning was with Garnet Moon.

Fire licked the black sky, and laughter decimated the silence of the redwood forest. The bonfire was up and running, celebrations preparing to last deep into the night. To Garnet Moon, fire was symbolic of purification, rebirth, and hope. Many members tossed things into the fire that they wanted to release. It could be items they held onto but couldn’t any longer, breaking ties with toxic loved ones, or wanting to start anew. Music played loudly, and many folks danced with their mates while children danced around the fire.

“Hey Hall, are you coming?” Jackie spoke through her newly acquired mind–link.

“I’ll be there in a minute!”

Halima was in her room, admiring the pack mark above her left breast. She was officially a Garnet Moon Pack Member, and she couldn’t be happier. Weight rolled off her shoulders the moment she was bound to her new family, the old one shriveling up and dying in the abyss of darkness. Artemis howled in delight with her new family, feeling like a full wolf already.

“Now, there is just one more thing to do.” She spoke to herself. Rummaging through her closet, she pulled her. old dress from the plastic bag. The slave dress. The only item of clothing she wore and brought here from the excrement she called her old pack. Halima wanted to get rid of it meaningfully, to make sure no one casts their eyes upon such a disastrous piece of cloth again.

And tonight, she had the answer on how she would do that.

24 –

where the bonfire was burning bright as the North Star, Halima took her seat next to the new Beta Twins. Her raggedy dress rested in her lap. Her eyes scanned the little party, watching everyone dancing and singing. “So, where’s our

in the forest,” Jackie smirked,

not hear one howl from them for this entire night!” Dwayne complained, drinking from his beer bottle. “Why did you bring that thing down?” He gestured

the chance

bonfire, burning powerfully. It bathes her brown face in its ethereal orange light, reflecting itself in her dark eyes. With a single toss, Halima threw her dress into the fire. She watched the fire eat away at the dirty fabric, charring from filthy white to black. The scent tickled her nose. This simple act was symbolic of her chains, and her chains were and would forever be broken. Her eyes went back to the moon, smiling as if Selene was

And she’s free.” She whispered into the air, closing her eyes while

her bare

ever kneel. Never again

was happy. She was loved.

She was liberated.

One Week Later

–

Life was good.

to shift. I couldn’t wait until I could finally let Artemis out on the run she craved for

wanted. From the tone of his voice, it sounded urgent. Jogging up the stairs, I made my way to the office door and

I see the entire Guerrero family sitting around the desk.

a seat in the chair that directly situates me in the middle of the Guerrero semi- circle. “Would

You did nothing wrong.” Lyra shook her head quickly, her lips straining to hide a smile. “There

– The

cocked my head to the side. “Oh?

look inside and let us know what you

Garnet Moon. It had my picture, birthdate, height, weight, and so on. There were several more papers clipped to my

back at me with

“Report of Adoption‘

couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. My eyes darted around the Guerrero Family, who all were staring at me with anticipation. They wanted me to say something,

“But we’ve been planning this for a while. We know about your story and are saddened to hear that you never got the family you deserved. And we wanted to change

our daughter and Anthony and Lyria’s baby sister. You are already a

I always wanted a younger sister,” Lyria spoke up, excited. “There is