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.”

and I bust out laughing. “Neron, what the

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

never put in my mouth. Bugs being the main thing. You can do that by yourself.”

sources

me again

woman that eats stuff that isn’t

bring me

criticizing my curiosity!”

before laughing with me. This is how it should be. No pain, not pressure–just fun between us. “Anything else you’d do if you

know what I’d major in–maybe in Communications or

long–forgotten talent of mine. “You used to draw landscapes, like the forest and mountains. I remember you drew a picture of your mom and gave

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

Development,” Kiya answered with a small smile. “I want to become a child counselor.”

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

at me with wide eyes. “You think

21–Destiny lint Atenes light

intelligent and dedicated. You’d be very successful!”

the blush rising to her ch*eks as her eyes dart to the side nervously. “Thank you. It means a lot. Just two more

too late to go

with hope, but my brain sparks with disappointment. As much as I’d love to, I couldn’t. “Being Alpha is a full–time

don’t want to go, it’s your choice.” Kiya

distraction now. I can’t afford distractions as

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 sucks that you have to put your dreams on

one else can be Alpha, Kiya. It’s my 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

their leader.

with an edge to her voice, her expression hard. “Our fates may not have been ours to choose, but we sure as hell can change it. Your father

The attitude in Kiya takes a dark turn whenever the subject of my father came up

to see a woman with jet–black ringlets and deep blue–green eyes dressed in black and fishnets lingering with a smile.

taller woman’s arms in a bone–crushing hug.

it?”

Violetta giggled, patting her back softly. “Things are going great. The band and

to me, squinting like she was trying

who helped rescue us with my brother.”

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

glad to see

she turns back to Kiya. “What’s been

the women were catching up, a blinding chill swam

like a predator watching their prey–and I’m the prey. All the hairs on my back of my neck rose and Onyx stood erected in my mind,

thought back to what Kiya said earlier about being

F*ck.

my breath and remaining calm, I gather their attention with a wave of my hand. “I’m sorry to interrupt you ladies, but Kiya, we need to

the smart she

twoman she is;

smiled. “I have to get back to the guys, anyway. It was nice meeting you again, Kiya, and you too Neron!” Once Violetta was

trash like clockwork.

run to the bathroom before we leave.”

the alarm bells went off in my head. Even Onyx is urging us to haul our