Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 24 – Hyper–Awareness

“He must have felt a disturbance just beyond the boundless world his eyes perceived. Maybe like dogs we know when we are being hunted.“–Garth Risk Hallberg

Kiya

I need to get Odessa out of her mind. She’s driving me crazy!

A lone thought of her sends my fury into a whirlwind of crimson. It’s fast, unmistakable, and demands destruction. I can’t have this. This is setting me up for a dangerous dance and I need to stomp it out.

Breathe in, breathe out. The all–too–common mantra.

Bury the anger and conceal its leftovers behind a mask. Don’t show or tell. My fingers tremble as I stuff it back to where it should be; aching to wrap themselves around Odessa’s throat as she’s done to me many times. before. And squeeze as her brown eyes turn a dull grey upon death.

No. Calm down, Kiya. You’re okay. You’re fine. I cannot let her words dictate my actions, no matter how much I want to punch those pretty teeth clean out of her mouth. I inhale slowly and exhale in kind, feeling the simmering heat die down to chill. As for Darien, I understand why he’s saddened at the newest discoveries of Odessa’s treachery. It’s his mate–someone who’s meant for him is betraying him in the most intimate of

ways.

He doesn’t deserve this. Figuring out how to save him will be one of my top priorities.

With a steady hand over my heart, I gait down the stairs to meet Neron at the front door. He invited me to go to the mall and since I had nothing better to do; I agreed. No training equals me time. And time away from this house. Too much has happened in the past weeks and I need fresh air.

“Hey!” He grins as soon as I’m spotted. Noticing he’s dressed in casual jeans and a buttoned–up blue shirt, he looks like a normal commoner. No one would guess that he’s an alpha werewolf. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah. Ready as I’ll ever be.” I nod. Before I walked out, his hand gently grabbed my wrist. Looking back, Neron’s face held concern.

“Are you okay?” He asks. “You seem…off.”

Damn him and his perception. Putting forth my best smile, I nod again. “I’m fine. I just found out a few things. I’ll tell you in the car.” I’m not in a hurry to leave, but to stop this potential line of questioning. The last thing I need is for my anger to brew again. Semi–satisfied with my answer, Neron released my arm and we

exit the house in silence.

“So,” I spoke. The breeze picked up, so I tied my hair in a ponytail. “Why did you invite me to the mall?”

“There are some things I wanted to take care of and…” Neron suddenly looks sky, brushing the back of his hair nervously as mellow pink painted his cheeks. “I wanted to spend more time with you, away from the craziness, for sure. I know it’s selfish of me but—”

I chuckle. “It’s fine. At least you told me the truth, but I had my suspicions.”

“I can’t get anything past you, huh?”

1/5

“You can, but you must try harder.”

“Auntie!!” Without warning, one–hundred pounds of little boy barreled into me in a fit of laughter. It’s a good thing I have good reflexes or else Adonis and I would mimic a chopped–down tree! My nephew’s arms are around my neck and his tiny legs around my waist. Laughing, I hug the child and adjusted him slightly for support. “Where are you going with Uncle Neron?”

hand away when I playfully ruffle his hair. Raina and

going to get me a present?”

I questioned. Raina shuffles over to

we’re throwing him a party.” She gazes at her son warmly with all the love a mother can hold. “He’s been

his green eyes shining with pure light and innocence. Gazing into those big emeralds caused tears to form in my eyes because…that’s the light I want to protect. The light I wish I still had. The light too bright for this

me so much of how I was as a child and

Adonis squeezes me tighter. “Please, Auntie Kiya! Please come!

spoke, earning a scowl

you a lot, see?” Ashley added. Another scowl. “Will you come?”

with my sperm and egg donors is repulsive, but I didn’t give a shit about them. I cared about the little boy regarding me with a loving

of excitement. My heart thuds in happiness for him but quickly stilled when looking back at the three

and happiness. “It’ll be

its luster but only because I’m standing around her parents for longer than I need to. “I’ll see if

for the joy of a little boy is a wonderful occasion, isn’t it, Honeybee?”

nickname! Ashley pressed her hands together like she’s praying. I don’t know why

to sorrow, but I couldn’t care less. Turning

Chapter 24

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Neron hopped into the driver’s seat.

try talking to them. It wouldn’t hurt…” He suggested in a small, fearful whisper as the car roared. to

there’s nothing to talk about.” I

a

waste my breath on people like them.”

He whispers again, almost ashamed for bringing the subject up. There’s no place in my heart for Steven or Ashley. No love or forgiveness. What they’ve done to me is beyond redemption, and I’ve made peace with cutting those cords long ago. I feel nothing toward them, and It’ll remain that way.

be careful who I put my into. Those two will earn my trust when hell

faith

all he told me, including Odessa’s influence over him. He listened intensively, his finger rhythmically tapping on the steering wheel. With the sun

guards is both monitoring and is reporting her actions to me. Over the past few days, she’s been chatting with random pack members and keeping them company. I don’t believe it’s from the kindness of

I asked curiously. “Who

my best who gives

voice hitched in my throat, and ice immobilized my spine. Fear engulfed me and I felt incredibly uncomfortable. I try my best to smile and nod, but I’m internally falling into chaos. Why does

like this

many things to do, but in so little

errands.

thing, but it’s nice to see him break that gender barrier given he’s the most masculine–looking person I’ve met. I sat in the guest chairs as I

as I secretly snapped a picture of him was so hard, but damn, I’m enjoying this. He’s like a child! I’ll never have the confidence to let anyone else besides Jackie, Abigail, and Violet touch my

the ammo to tease

Chapter

Hyper Awareness

want? They hate clothes and love staying up all night, but I can’t exactly gift wrap insomnia. A plethora of toys of all shapes, sizes, and colors made it impossible to choose from. Even Neron is having a tough time, and he

about this?” He gestures to the Avengers toy set. It had all the major characters from the

Donny

want me to spend my money, but I insisted since it’s my gift to my nephew. After our mini verbal battle, the Alpha gave up and brought a Spiderman toy