Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 30 – The Encroachment

“Choices made, whether bad or good, follow you forever and affect everyone in their path one way or another.” J.E.B. Spredemann

Kiya

Music played on my phone, filling my ears with notes of tranquility and pleasure. The eloquent tune of piano and violin playing in a harmonious, melodious tune. The magic of classical music is an antidote to my anger, its substantial power pushes the anger and darkness back where it belongs. It brings me back to the grips of reality, reminding me I am stronger. To not let my anger control me.

I control it.

Anthony was r

right. I’m still healing, and controlling my fury is part of the process. I must process it for my sake. I will not let Zircon Moon take control of my emotions or my sanity. I’ve come too far to let that all go to waste.

I called Mayra to schedule an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. I want to get this out of my system as soon as possible. It’s the only thing I could do. That and disguise my scent for the time Neron and his crew are here.

Thank Goddess for Sapphire’s Anti Spray. When the time comes for me to use it, it will make sure no one at Zircon can sniff me out.

If they do, then I’m dead. And it won’t be by choice this time.

Today is the day Neron and other ranked werewolves arrive on the territory, and my anxiety has never been higher. They were to arrive within the next hour.

My stomach twisted and turned like it is making cartwheels on top of my intestines. My pounding heart didn’t respond to my breathing exercises, and I couldn’t stop sweating. Moving from my crossed–legged position on my bed wasn’t possible because I couldn’t move.

I couldn’t stomach breakfast this morning. All I could think about is how those monsters could waltz into my home at any moment, so I skipped. Since then, I didn’t leave my room. Hiding is all I could do to keep myself safe and to keep my identity a secret. To make sure no one from that pack knew I’ve been alive all this time.

I took great care to spray the Anti–Spray more generously on myself and around my room. If Neron tracks my scent and finds me, who knows what would happen? Mates could find each other with a simple sniff, even if they were ex–mates. He is older, stronger, and no doubt more strategic with his beatings. He could kill me this time around. The faint memory of his gigantic hands around my neck haunted my nightmares.

And those eyes. Those blue eyes that flickered to black. The beast had come out to play and I was his chew

toy.

“He won’t find us,” Artemis reassured me. “He will not take us back to that dreadful place. We’re protected by our pack and our friends, and they will fight for us.”

Alpha authority to take me back. I’m still a criminal of

The

to have us

between her paws in my mind. “But we’re safe. We’ll be in your room until they leave. We’ve taken every precaution possible. The only thing we can do is

my body disappeared, allowing me to plop backward on my bed with a slight bounce. I hated hiding. I, normally, would not have a problem confronting my challenges,

I take two whiffs before opening to see Sapphire, Phoebe, and Olivia with their laptops and loads of

room. She instantly plopped on my bed

we’re going to pig out.” Sapphire pulled out plates and utensils from her bags. “Zainab and Cleo made some chicken biryani to cheer you up.”

mouth water. I love

to Olivia. “I thought you’re supposed to be

juice bottle. “But it doesn’t mean

giving me a sympathetic look. “We want to lessen the burden as much as possible.” She grabbed my hands and pulled me down to the floor. “You’re feeling stressed. The amplitude of your abilities

true emotions through skin–to–skin contact. She could read. people like a book and guess things about people without knowing them. Her life hasn’t been easy as a witch, but I was proud

The first bite

to make this.”

Olivia poked Sapphire’s shoulder. “Food makes

under control, I could focus better. I didn’t like the fact that Phoebe could detect the

the hour, we’ve gone deep into watching a badly made erotic movie, criticizing the acting but praising the soundtrack. Our laughter and snorts echoed through the air in my bedroom, and soda bottles and cups littered the floor. It was a fun time where all of us bonded with each other. Olivia left

2/4

Encroachment

day continued like that. But, once Alpha Anthony mind–linked

“They’re here.”

Neron

is a formidable pack, and their requests for alliances

mean I was not

things. And I can only hope it’s for the better.

a lot about a pack by the abundance of a certain tree that guards their territory. Redwood trees symbolize wellness, safety, and longevity.

We are a powerful pack, but lately,

the car with me were my Beta and Gamma, while one of my

Luna. Since the top three ranking wolves were out for the day, our work was temporarily passed to our women. Well, mostly Beta Female Raina, since she had more competence than her best

about her

if that’s what you’re looking for.” I give my friend a pointed. look. “Odessa