Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 26 The Regret

“If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.“– Mercedes Lackey

Kiya

Before long, the men showed up at our apartment with bags full of Chinese takeout. The wafting smell of chicken dumplings and shrimp chow mein made me drool instantly. Settling on the couches, we all dug in as Darien flipped through the channels for something good to watch.

“How have things been back home?” Sapphire asked, eating a crab rangoon.

“Hectic, but it’s quieting down,” Darien replied. The seriousness of his voice did not match the pleasurable expression on his face as he took a bite out of his orange chicken. “More of our best warriors are deployed to help packs affected by the recent rogue attacks.”

“What’s the damage this time around?”

“A smaller pack in Utah is completely decimated. The warriors sent there are doing damage control and giving supplies to the families affected.”

My heart wept for the families displaced by the violence, especially the children. Rogue attacks have been increasing at an alarming rate, last I heard. They’ve been getting stronger too. Many of the attacks were situated around our cluster of states, including Nevada, Utah, and northern New Mexico. Oregon’s packs got hit hard too.

“Alpha Anthony is doing a good job at delegating who goes where and distributing supplies and aid. Some warriors returned earlier this morning. But I’m afraid more packs have already fallen. We might expect an influx of refugees within the week.”

I ponder deep in thought, a dumpling hanging in my mouth. Our pack would increase in size, for sure, but this shouldn’t be happening. The spontaneous rising of rogues in our states is concerning, especially since rogue attacks haven’t happened near Garnet Moon in a few years. However, with the sudden increase, every Alpha in the Tri–state area should be on edge, especially my big brother.

‘Sorry to put a damper on the mood.” Galen chuckled nervously. He slurped his noodles, involuntarily making the rest of us cringe like we ate lemons. “But the Alpha and Luna are awaiting your returns.”

“Hasn’t been the same with one of our best Deltas missing,” Darien smirked, looking at me. “Are you sure you want to miss training for boring classes every year?”

“I

may have missed four months‘ worth of training, but I could still kick your ass.” I narrow my eyes at his blue, a smirk rising on my face. “Want a demonstration, my friend?”

Darien’s eyes widened a bit before he snorted. “Eager to get back to training, huh?”

must ask, yes. I’m ready to get back into the training regime.” 1 kicked a leg up over the armrest. “College is fun and all, but I miss my

cutest puppy dog eyes. It is his way of getting me to surrender into his adorableness.

did, but not in the way you think.” I shot a wink and the man instantly deflated. We girls burst into a fit of laughter. Deep down, I miss the shenanigans with my fellow Deltas. Darien

couldn’t wait to

We pack the back like a sardine could with the colorful miscellany of suitcases and bags threatening to burst. Bidding farewell to the apartment I called home for the fall and spring semesters, we drove down the

music Galen blasted through the car is very distinguishable. The entire city could hear us by the sheer volume alone, and that he was a huge fan of Blackpink. It’s not right to not sing along to such amazing songs, and so, much to

did more screeching than singing.

Neron

nose, a vicious

soldiers dragged out mangled corpses of dead wolves off my territory, leaving a row of rotting blood to mark their exit. My

become a sight that I

only lives lost today. The pain–laced wails of mates losing their other half locked my heart in a vice grip, squeezing painfully. Children begging to see their fathers and mothers, ignorant to the fact they’re no longer on this earth. It’s a heartbreaking scene I prayed to the Moon Goddess to never witness In my lifetime

me is enough to tell me how exhausted he is,

Luck is on our

it luck.” I retorted, my voice coming out harsher than expected. “Honorable wolves still died. And

grow smarter and stronger with each appearance. Death is a failure, and that failure is on me and me alone. I am the Alpha, and yet, my people continuously die for nothing. My soldiers died protecting the pack they love, but I wish the price

it may be wise to consider asking for help,” Valerian suggested. Asking nearby

dancing on my mind for several months now, for we weren’t the only ones hit by this disaster. Several packs have fallen in complete disarray

I cannot stomach more families losing their loved ones. My words of support would fall on deaf ears if more of my men and

head to my friend.

uric these

are being trained by someone, and Kwame is having a tough challenge tracking the bastard responsible.” He huffs out a sigh. “He sends his best trackers and they walk into a dead- end

had twice as much to worry about. These rogue attacks had always put him on edge. The threats become more real when you have

to VON E

needs you.

“But…”

knowing his wife and son were all right. To know that they were safe and ready to deliver him the love he needs. He bowed his head, eyes casting to inspect something

He replied, turning back to the packhouse. As much as I appreciate both Valerian and Raina’s help in improving this rogue situation, their family comes first. Little Adonis needed both his parents, a rogue attack is terrifying to pups, especially a five–year–old boy.