Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 15 The Big Fluffy Puppy

“There’s you. There’s me. And then, there’s the craving in between.” Unknown

Artemis

The cool breeze flows under the dark blanket of the night sky, licking the bare flesh of my arms. It carries the gentle scent of earth and oak from the surrounding trees. Peace. That’s how I describe the aura of the surrounding woods of Zircon Moon. Remnants of the past fire disappeared with time, and with its healing, life revitalized burnt black to lush green.

Mother Nature never disappoints. She loves the earth like her children, and it was devastating to witness such beauty die in a sea of fiery sin. I’m glad that’s no longer the case. A soft smile rests on my face while inhaling the sweet scent.

I cross my legs, sitting on a smooth rock while waiting for Onyx. A run is just what I need, and I’m itching to stretch my legs. There’s more to these oak saturated woods that I want to explore. My adventurous side won’t rest until I do. My fingertips tap my thigh rhythmically and I spot a crescent moon glittering overhead.

“You’re impatient,” Kiya says. “Are you excited to run with Onyx?”

“You can say that.” I smile inwardly. “We never ran together. It’ll be my first time and I’m ready to show that I can keep up with him.”

“Or he needs to keep up with you.” My human giggles. “You’re a pretty fast runner. Being a Beta wolf helps with the athleticism. Maybe the avatar thing too.”

“I suppose. But it’s strange, Kiya. Months ago, the thought of Onyx made me want to barf. Now, I’m…do you think we’re doing the right thing? I have this foreign desire to know Onyx more.”

“It’s hard to say because I feel the same with Neron. At first, I rejected the thought of having any connection to him. Now, I want us to be friends? But it will make the separation harder, you know? As much as I detest the pack, I’m warming up to that damn Alpha.”

“I agree. I still have reservations about Onyx. But hating him takes so much energy and I’m tired and ready to let loose.”

“And you’re going to do that tonight! Just relax and follow your instincts. You deserve a break too.” “Yeah, I know. I’m guessing you’ll be missing in action?”

“Yep! It’s your time and I don’t want to impede. I’ll talk to you later, okay? Do nothing crazy.”

“Haha! I swear on my honor.”

After I reinforced the mental block, I resume waiting. It’s nearing eight o’clock. Both anticipation and excitement bubble in my chest–foreign but inviting. Klya’s right. I should just follow my instincts and have fun.

Out of the blue, I feel something cold and wet brush against my arm, followed by puffs of hot breath. Jerking my head behind, I’m met with the overwhelming stature of Onyx in his wolf form. His ebony coat blends impeccably into the night, hiding him in a cloak of mystery. His golden eyes, however, enrapture my gaze.

Chapter 15 – The Big Phatty Puppy

They glow, piercing the darkness with beauty unmatched to the sun. The wind picks up as his tail wags: rapidly; a common signal that a wolf is happy.

“It’s about time you arrived,” I smirk. “I thought you’d bail on me.”

Onyx huffs in offense, moving his cold snout around my form, snuffling. His fur is ticklish, enticing a laugh from me. The wolf must have taken it as a sign to continue because he presses his snout all over the place. When he hit that one ticklish spot on my stomach, my giggles explode into outright laughter. He growls in excitement as he continues his merciless onslaught.

“Onyx, stop!” I yell through my laughter. He didn’t. Before I knew it, my back is on the forest floor with the big Alpha nuzzling his snout further into my belly. “Ah! I can’t take it!”

Since I’m not bound to him or his pack, we don’t have an established mind–link; an essential component in wolf communication. So, I rely on verbal commands, but that poses a problem because wolves cannot verbally speak.

“Okay, that’s enough!” I command, catching my breath. He stops, peering his sharp gaze into my own. We remained like this for a while; staring into each other’s eyes. Unmoving. Time stops around us. The songs of crickets and cicadas ceased, and the whistles of the wind quieted. It’s just Onyx and me. The Alpha and the Beta. Two mates with a complicated relationship.

of his. What does Onyx think of me? Does he love me as he says? Can I put my faith and trust in him to

possible, given our blackened history? These are the questions I don’t have answers to. I don’t think he does either. All that glitters is not gold, but his gold glitters like stars. It swims behind those lenses, witnessing my mental gymnastics as 1 ponder in a future without the hurt. Without the trauma and abuse.

out of my thoughts not by a bark or a paw to the arm, but with a wet tongue to my ch*ek. I gasp in astonishment–glaring at the wolf above me. Did he just

just do that!”

I

face. “You’re such a puppy,” I say as I hop on my feet. “I’m going to shift. Stay right

legs obediently.

quick work in removing my clothes behind a tree and shift into my wolf form. Pure white fur sprouted from my flesh and my face elongated as I drop on all fours. Once finished, I trot to Onyx. Since he’s an Alpha, he’s larger than

me from my ears to paws. His warmth

like home.

this puppy get a head

The Big Fluffy Puppy

took off running like coal is

whips at my face and legs as my thunderous paws shake the earth. Insects retreat in fear and birds take their refuge in the branches. My white coat glistens under the faint moonlight while 1 dodge trees and hop over logs.

especially because of their mates. Pounding my paws harder against the forest floor, I pick up speed. Determination pumps through me faster than adrenaline as I push my leg muscles to their

chase. It’s exhilarating. Nothing in the world can touch me! I

over a log or had my paw snagged in a root. It’s because Onyx leaped into the air and his giant body landed on mine. We went rolling in a

Curses!

the beasts we are, we struggle and nip at one another like newly–born pups. I did this with Jacqueline’s wolf, Rosaline, or Dwayne’s wolf, Jaxon, because we’re

The true me. Playful, bratty, and

by the glow of Onyx’s eyes, so did he.

initial meeting place. But Onyx turned it into another chase when he nipped one of my hind legs

puppy.

shifted back, and quickly got dressed. My hands smoothed my hair as I emerge, spotting Onyx dressed and waiting. In a flash, he growls naughtily as his arms wrap around my waist like a birthday present. I

pegged you as the playful type.”

eyebrow. “Then what did you peg

Stoic. Maybe

a good

once more. His hands felt hot on my waist, stoking a flame in me. “What did

peg me as?”

when I saw that you

frowns. “I’m not a puppy.

poke his

the entire world then?” He rolls his

– The Big Fluffy Puppy

anything.”

puppy!‘ until he pokes me in my tickle

“Nope!”

get my

tickle spot.” He leans in where his hot breath caresses

“You’re

a few times. And I don’t care.”

how did he deal with you for so

with his stupidity; I had to put up with it.”