Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 25 – Destiny Isn’t Always Right

“Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?“–Garth Nix

Neron

“You’re not wearing the ring.”

“Huh?”

“Your Alpha Ring.” Kiya gestured to my bare ring finger. “I’ve never seen you wear it.”

Ah, the Alpha Ring; the physical, symbolic item passed from each generation of Alphas in my family. My grandfather passed it to my father, him to me, and I am to pass it to my firstborn child. A thick golden band with the zircon stone displayed proudly at the center–a shimmering blue diamond holding the honor as the king of my pack.

I haven’t worn that thing in years.

Flexing my fingers, I noted the lightweight feeling of not having that ring confined on my finger. Whenever I wore it, a crushing sense of heaviness came about. It’s supposed to make me happy, but it made me miserable. Unworthy. Like this thing isn’t meant for me, nor did I deserve it.

I received the ring a day after Kiya’s ‘death“, ignoring the chaos of the Betas to receive the last memento to solidify my Alpha status. The prestige was seductive, and wearing it made me feel like a king–one blind with arrogance. I couldn’t be that man again.

“I don’t mind it,” I confess, swirling my drink with its straw. “It’s freeing. I keep it in my office in a drawer below my desk. Why are you so curious about it?”

Kiya shrugs, popping a fry into her mouth. “Because Dad always wore it. Anthony wears it. He never takes it off. Some Alphas who visited Garnet Moon had theirs. I was just wondering.”

“Alphas wear their pride on their sleeve.” My eyes wandered to the crowd of humans passing by, carrying bags or snacks in their arms. I spot a few affectionate couples on distant benches, planting k*sses on each other’s ch*eks. For a moment, I dreamed for Kiya and I to be that couple. “The ring is just that. Generational pride. But, it’s not something I want or feel like I should carry. It’s a reminder of the man I used to be. I don’t think I’ll ever look at it again without feeling disgusted.”

My mate was silent. The shuffling of food wrappers and drinks stilled. Her breathing is even, and her sweet scent is as strong as ever. I turn to her to see her eyes had that faraway look, debating if to say something.

“You never wanted to be Alpha.”

“Nope.”

“Do you still feel that way now?”

“A little.” I shrug nonchalantly. “I had dreams. But when high school ended, I prepared to take over. There wasn’t time for fun and games because protecting and securing the pack came first. I’m responsible for hundreds of wolves, young and old. It got easier over time, though.”

Chapter 25–Destiny hint Always Right

“Hmm.” Kiya tapped her fingers rhythmically against the table. “Hypothetically, let’s say you never became Alpha. What would you do?”

“Hmm. I’d travel to Norway, maybe stay for a couple of weeks with my mom’s family. We haven’t talked in a while.”

She nods enthusiastically with a grin. “What else?”

“I’d also travel around the world and taste different foods. That sounds like fun.”

“That’s awesome!”

“I would try crickets.”

out laughing.

a morbid curiosity of mine.” I couldn’t stop laughing, not even when my mate tossed a used napkin at me. “Hey, don’t hate! I bet

there are some things I’ll never put in my mouth. Bugs being the main thing.

excellent sources of

appetite.” Kiya eyed me again and tossed another

that eats stuff that isn’t considered actual

your idea to bring me here! Stop criticizing

criticizing

it should be. No

college. I don’t know what I’d major in–maybe in

draw landscapes, like the forest and mountains. I remember you drew a picture of your mom and

Mom peppering my boyish face with her sugar–sweet k*sses. “Yeah. She loved it

Development,” Kiya answered with a small smile.

drawn to her like a magnet; they know she’s a source of protection. I’ve watched young boys and girls come to her for help or to chat. The pup trainees hang onto her every word and work hard to make her proud. The connection she has with young Isabella is incredible and she’s blossomed since then.

before gazing at me with wide eyes. “You think so?”

lint Atenes light

You’re intelligent and

Despite her complexion, I can see the blush rising to her ch*eks as her eyes dart to the side nervously. “Thank you. It means a lot. Just two more years of undergrad and two years of graduate school.” She sips her drink before clearing her throat and suggests

late to go to

as I’d love to, I couldn’t. “Being Alpha is a full–time job. I can’t do this and college at the

your choice.” Kiya sips her drink, soaking in the heaviness that draped us. “You’d

a distraction now. I can’t afford distractions

hammer that bullshit to your head?” Kiya arches an eyebrow, daring me to answer. But I didn’t have to. She already knew. “Your Dad sucks ass, Neron. He needs to let you live your own life. Not everything is about being Alpha and it

birthright, my responsibility, and it’s written in stone by destiny.” And it’s a birthright I wish I never had. Being Alpha is rewarding, but it’s suffocating. That power is easily misused, and it shouldn’t be such an enormous factor in me achieving the things

their leader.

her expression hard. “Our fates may not have been ours to choose, but we sure as hell can

each day. The attitude in Kiya takes a dark turn whenever the

both turned to see a woman with jet–black ringlets and deep blue–green eyes dressed in black and fishnets lingering with a smile. Kiya’s eyes immediately sparkled like diamonds

into the taller woman’s arms in a bone–crushing hug. “It’s

it?”

softly. “Things are going great. The

another gig. I didn’t think I’d see you here.” Her eyes turned to me, squinting like she was trying to remember my name.

the one who helped rescue us

hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Neron.”

Violetta. I’m glad to

With a smile, she turns back to

catching up, a blinding chill swam down my back so fast that

All the hairs on my back of my neck rose and Onyx stood erected

thought back to what Kiya said earlier about

F*ck.

our welcome. We needed to leave. Swallowing my breath and remaining calm, I gather their attention with a wave

eyes, I hoped that Kiya understood and like the smart she did. Reluctantly, she turned to Violetta. “Can I text

twoman she is;

again, Kiya, and you too Neron!” Once Violetta was out of sight,

trash like clockwork.

to the bathroom

off in my head. Even Onyx is urging