Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 11 – Blind Love

“Love is not blind but it leads to blindness.“–Auliq Ice

Neron

Clink! Clank! Clank!

Metal against ceramic. These sounds made for a sour tune in the kitchen air as I sat alone at the island. Coming back from my early morning run, I watch as the golden sun steadily rises over the horizon. It’s a lovely view to eat cereal to. Frosted Flakes–Valerian and Kwame will never let me live it down if they see me eating this.

I can’t help it. They’re great!

Moments like this are scarce as Alpha. There’s hardly any time for peace and leisure because of the responsibilities of running a pack. Everything pulls at my attention; from the other Alphas‘ I’m in an alliance with, to the children who need their thirst for my attention quenched. Yesterday, with the obstacle course test, it was a fantastic day. The air of competitiveness and fun nicked at the cloud of tension hovering above me, the light of freedom making daybreak.

And I got to see Kiya in her prime. I didn’t miss the bout where she encouraged Isabella to finish despite her wishes to give up. The flames of determination and care burned brightly in those mocha–brown orbs, plunging me deep in a sea of love. She cares for the trainees like they’re her children.

No wonder the children of this pack speak highly of her. Not because she’s my mate, but because she is a genuine and loving person. And goddamnit, she’s an amazing competitor. Kiya can go toe–to–toe with me, yet she remains humble. She doesn’t boast about her strength or tenacity, but is in it for the fun.

Once again, we ended at a stalemate.

My mate has all the power in the world. Literally. Sometimes, I forget that she’s my moon goddess‘ avatar; given with abilities beyond my wildest comprehensions. Kiya’s a normal wolf to me.

But the looming words of my father reminded me she’s far from normal. She never was normal. With each.

office passing day, my father continues to fall deeper into the pit of madness. That day when he entered my reminded me just how far he’s from reach.

Flashback

“That girl has no respect for her superlors.” My father spat out as soon as Kiya left my office, telling him to kiss his ass. “If that girl has one thing, It’s the audacity.”

“Dad, she’s a woman, not a girl. Second, she shouldn’t have respect for anyone who condemned her to a life of suffering. I huffed, taking my seat behind the desk. My eyes are trained squarely on my father’s aging face, remarking the wrinkles and ridges as they crinkled with emotion.

“Yet, she respects you.”

“Toleration and respect are two separate entities. She’s far from respecting me, and I don’t blame her. Can’t hold it against her. Now, is there something you need?”

“Already getting back to business, I see.” He takes a seat in the chair that Kiya formally sat at. “Are you any closer to marking her? You two seemed pretty close when I came in.”

it’s the farthest thing from my mind. And she was going

you

waiting game? What the hell

blah blah blah. Given it’s a path I refuse to walk on, I’ve elected to ignore it.”

to parade on this land unmarked and unclaimed. You’re sending an obvious message to the mated males that they’re free to stake their claim on their future Luna because you’re too

Kiya made my blood boil. Onyx growled possessively, hating the idea. It’s true; she’s easy–pickings. But she can handle herself. Kiya doesn’t need a knight–in–shining- armor to

I don’t know how many times I have to repeat myself for it to penetrate your thick skull, Dad! You’re

your mind, boy. You watch what you say to me. I’m no longer Alpha, but I’m still your father.”

growl. “I don’t care about Kiya’s powers or that she’s the most powerful werewolf in existence. I love her for her. If you’d take off your rose–tinted glasses and see her as a full person,

fight for what is yours? Think about the blessings and prosperity, Neron. You’d be one step closer to our beloved Moon Goddess. With Kiya’s

remind you I never wanted to be Alpha in the first place?” Dad’s glare is powerful enough to incinerate me, but I won’t waver. “You’d always push this rhetoric

from his seat, slamming his palms on my desk,

her beautiful soul, but she knew the potential you have. You’re a pureblood

seat. “Now, I know you’re hiding more from me.

his chest, sending chills down my spine. Powerful enough to make me buckle. “You truly don’t

does my bloodline have to do with any of this?

294

Chapter 11 E

won’t claim what belongs to him? You think Kiya is your redemption ticket, but she’s your ticket to security and power.

throb at the base of my fingertips, ready to slash my father’s face. He’s a lot of things, but I’ll be damned if he forces me to mark Kiya without her consent. Damn her to a life of misery

not. Kiya is more than that!

for their selfish benefit. The warning Luna Lyra gave me echoed in my mind. “Keep your father away from Kiya“.

want it. Kiya deserves freedom of choice, even if it means sacrificing the Prince bloodline.”

You’re so lovesick like a puppy you don’t see the disaster in front of you! Be rational! You’ll put her silly grudge above your pack? Without a Luna, Zircon Moon will fall into chaos. Without a future heir, we’ll cease

I reply coldly as sat back in my seat with a heavy sigh. “I’m a fool, but a fool in love with Kiya just as you love Mom. I won’t cause

with a prominent scowl on his face. “You will regret this, Neron. I will not sit and watch you push this great pack on the path of destruction over the selfish desires of that disrespectful bitch. Your

word, he left my office in a blaze of

behind in

End Flashback

It’s painful. It’s debilitating. Occasionally peaceful.

one and the other with a bigger one. Pictures encased in a protective sphere stared back at me with their bright blue eyes and pearly white smiles. I avoid

each tombstone read simple, yet important messages that made Onyx

Celeste “Essie” Johansen–Prince

Luna and