Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 10 Team Alpha vs. Team Delta

“Be a star in someone’s dark sky.“–Matshona Dhliwayo

Third Person POV

Curious whispers from the thirty pup trainees echoed as they stand in a single row. Each trainee represented their families, their hopes, and their dreams of becoming warriors. Many itch to perform well on their test while some tend to the rock of anxiety sitting in their bellies.

“We will place you all into two different teams at random.” Kiya’s voice demanded the younglings‘ attention, ceasing all conversation. With Neron behind her, they took extra care to remain focus and attentive to the commands of their trainer. In her hands is a brown, woven basket with small scrolls of white paper. “You will pick a scroll and hold it in your hand. Returns or exchanges are prohibited. Once everyone has their scroll, I will instruct you to open it. Inside lays the name of the team you will be on for this test.”

Adamah raised his hand. “Delta Kiya, can I ask why we are being placed into teams?”

“Well. To add a twist to the test, I, along with your Alpha, turned it into a competition. The prize for the winning team has yet to be determined, but we’ll see just how far you’ve all come.”

“Who will be our team leaders?” Another pup trainee asked.

“You’ll see,” Kiya replied with a wink. She passed the basket to the first trainee in the row. Each picked and passed the basket until all had a scroll. Gasps of wonder and confusion ricochet as they opened their scroll simultaneously under their trainer’s command.

“If your slip is labeled ‘Alpha‘, you are on Alpha Neron’s team. If your slip is labeled ‘Delta‘, you’re on mine.”

The pup trainees wasted no time gathering near their respective team leaders. With space between them, both leaders spoke about what is coming within the next few hours. As seconds go by, the excitement between the opposing teams grew. Their newly born wolves itched to compete against their peers and claim glorious victory. Howls echoed within each trainee in excitement, some loud enough for their leaders to hear.

When they broke away for their hour of preparation, Neron walked over to his mate to hand her thick blue armbands. “Here. For your team.”

“Armbands! Excellent idea.” Kiya remarked, taking the stash into her arms. “They seem pretty excited. Hopefully, glory won’t go straight to their heads.”

“I think it’s healthy. They are naturally competitive; it’s in their nature as werewolves. They won’t stop until they hold the imaginary trophy in their hands.” The Alpha chuckled softly. “Hence why the dodgeball games at school always end ugly.”

Kiya couldn’t help but laugh. A distant memory awoke about her time in elementary school during one of those dodgeball tournaments. She and Nuria were on opposite teams, and the young Alpha accidentally hit her best friend in the face with a red rubber ball. The chaos that ensured after the assault made the young Delta smile warmly. Until a lance of pain penetrated her heart forced a frown.

Another memory. Elementary school was so long ago, and it saddened her that she never got to finish it traditionally.

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ugly as the pelting of rubber balls.

Yeah.” She nodded curtly. Let’s hope this competition doesn’t end as ugly still haven’t figured out what the winning team’s prize should be.”

“Kids love food.”

“So do L”

Neron s

smiled widely. “That’s good to know.” Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a blue bandana while he held a red one for himself. “Here. So everyone will know who you’re leading.”

“Thanks.” As an expert in hidden emotions, Kiya hid her worry underneath a stoic mask. Her fingers brushed up against Neron’s palm when retrieving the bandana, but the larger–than–life sparks of their mate bond were unfelt. It’s as if they never existed. And she didn’t like it.

She doesn’t recall changing anything regarding the bond. Kiya didn’t reject Neron, so the sensations should remain. It’s shocking how the sparks have died. And she doesn’t know if the same is on Neron’s side.

Maybe. Maybe not.

an unsettling feeling rested in the pit of

I think I know how to put

she adjusted the bright blue rag on her hair, considering her wild curls. It took

the pack gathered in seats or on their feet around the large obstacle course, and the trainees spent a few moments to stretch. Those seated closest to the action

between her legs as Valerian and her parents surrounded her. While they’re excited to see the action, most of the attention was on the training leader with her

Neron, it made him proud to see many come out to support their youngest trainees. Pride in the pack is something he valued, and it’s tangible enough for

unease. The people who once wished for her death and suffering praised her as a trainer and their future Luna. Many look

Talk about pressure.

with an exposed midriff, she clapped once, and her team surrounded her. Neron had done the same with his team for last–minute preparations.

difficulty. And they all must do it drenched with water. They must fight through the impact of wet clothes,

Content

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Alpha vs

trainees must swim through the long, luxury pool before climbing the wet two–story cargo net. From there, they must swing on a rope to the scattered floating tiles and get past three metal hoops in which they must use their upper–body strength to maneuver. Relying on their legs, they must get past the large teeter-

to blow.

extensively since mid–May and must show that they’ve improved since then. The pressure weighed

their time to fight.

win,” Neron said to Kiya when they met up before the start of the event. They shook hands in sportsmanship.

“Yes.”

at a time. It did not matter their gender, age, or other differing characteristics–they were competitors. After Sapphire showed

a wild stadium. The team leaders were on either side of the obstacle course, cheering on their players with their heart and soul. Jacqueline

Odessa, which has rubbed Galen the wrong way. But it was a conflict

black. Osiris lurks and slithers through the shadows of the pack house like a cobra on the search for its next victim. His devilish schemes to corrupt the members of Zircon

and self–control, the dastardly fiend smiled. As much as he detests the pack, it brought his

will break loose.

has the moon’s avatar in his arms. And the destruction of all he hates will soon

suspended by metal and springs. Kiya notices it and immediately urges the young blond to stand up, ignoring the fact that Gamma Kwame’s younger brother is climbing the wall to his victory.

struggled to get out from between the titles. “Let’s face it; I’m not fit to be a warrior.”

Kiya growled. “Don’t tell me you’re going

hammer to a thick nail. The tone reminded much of her old self when she wanted to give

vs. Team

in the back of her mind; she’ll be

lifting her head to meet her green eyes. “I know it’s hard. The pressure is great; your family is watching; your Alpha and

be like pretzels now! But there is one thing I know: warriors don’t give up. Isabella, you are one. Even if you don’t see it. I see a fighter in you waiting to come forth and protect those she loves. Have I told you share the same name as my mother’s

“No…”

drowned out the blended chatter of the crowd, blanketing Isabella in comfort. “The former Luna of Garnet Moon, her wolf is named Isabella. And I see her in you. You have potential. Now, are

eyes cast down.

together. It can’t be a

youngling shined a bright smile. “I like you a lot,

your appreciation by completing the course. Just focus on me and drown out the noise;

of the course. Coupled with Kiya’s encouragement and the boost of power she

to believe in her.

trainees finishing first, thus crowning them with the victory. Both teams shook hands in a job well done. It took strength and tenacity, and both teams did their best.

surrounding their leader. “Congratulations.