Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 44 She’s Gone

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“Times will change for the better when you change.“–Maxwell Maltz

Neron

Seconds turn to minutes, minutes turn to hours, and hours turn to a lifetime. It is like two lifetimes had passed since Kiya and her family left my land. Her absence is noticeable, especially with the change in temperature. The sun shines, warming my territory, but it can’t compare to the warmth my mate held. She is the sun.

I don’t know how long I sat on these stairs, staring out into the dense woodlands. A miniscule speck of hope dances in me, thinking that Kiya would emerge from the trees with her beautiful smile. I long to see her again, but it’s false hope clinging onto my side of the mate bond.

I shouldn’t have hope of any kind. She’s gone and I can’t wish for her to come back for me. As much as I miss her, I don’t want her back on my lands.

This experience got me thinking about this pack’s long–standing history. Or the parts I know of. Zircon Moon is an old name, existing for nearly two hundred years according to Dad. Five generations had passed since its birth, marking me as the sixth. The honor and pride of my predecessors‘ rest on my shoulders–to bring our pack to a bright future and to bring an heir to carry on our legacy.

I didn’t want that burden. Not after the shit we’ve done.

I heard a shuffle beside me. Both Raina and Valerian took their seats on the stone stairs, keeping my lonely. self company for the millionth time. My Beta offered a bottle of soda, which I took. But I have no desire to

drink.

“How are you holding up, dude?” He asked. Raina looked at me as her fingers fiddling in her nap. My fingers rapped against the bottle as 1 try to come up with the right words.

“I’ll be fine, all things considering.” I offered them a small smile. “It’s a feeling I must get used to.”

“Don’t beat around the bush, Neron. I wish she was still here, too.” Raina spoke up with a twinge of sadness in her tone. Tears threaten to spill from her eyes. Jeez, I’m wallowing in my misery–Raina is feeling worse than me. “She’s in a better place now.”

“You’re making it sound like she’s dead.” Valerian chuckled, sipping his drink. “In a few short months, Kiya knew how to turn this place upside–down.” I glared at him. “In a good way.”

“It was a wake–up call we all needed.” I pondered, resting my chin on my fist. “Kiya’s arrival was a good thing. Garnet Moon did a fantastic job at helping her blossom.”

“They are her family.” Raina spoke with a pained smile. “While she was here, I kept thinking of ways to bring my family together again. We share the same blood, but this experience taught me two things: blood doesn’t make a family, the bonds do. And I’ve been selfish.”

Kiya was at her happiest with her friends. Her smile shined the brightest and her laughter was at its purest form. Her bonds with her friends are the strongest. With her parents, it was incredible and, I admit, I was a little jealous. Lyra and Nikolai fiercely protected their pup. They’ve earned Kiya’s trust without trying.

Chapter 44–She’s Gone

The old me would’ve hated this. Goddess, how did I stomach hurting her back then? We grew up side–by–side and I let my father’s lies get to my head. Everything he said about her, I believed. I had to, even if it meant. going against Onyx. That shame will never disappear. It shouldn’t. I need this reminder to help me realize how much of a shitty person I was and, probably, still am.

No one can hide from their past. I can run as fast as I can from it, but it’ll still snatch me up like a cheetah to a gazelle.

“Do you still wish her to be your Luna, Neron?” Raina asked me, curious. “I mean…an Alpha always needs their Luna, right? And you love her.”

to know I don’t want her to be my

of my words stopped my Betas‘ breathing in their tracks. Valerian stared at me as if I’ve grown three

protect her. Despite the horrible pranks, the groundings and overall hell those two would raise, I liked her. She was young, but fun! Maybe those feelings were a subtle sign that we were mates?

The Beta Female smiled, reminiscing on old memories, “He was like a, no offense, but a dumb puppy around her–that tail of his was like a damn

strange for a wolf to be fascinated with my sister’s friend, but now I see why. Snapping the bottle cap off my soda bottle,

but it doesn’t feel like one. I wouldn’t say I hated the place, but it did

I spoke, seizing their attention.

my hands and Kiya gone,

I admit.” Valerian spoke up with a sign. “It’s not because of your leadership, Neron, it’s the wolves themselves. It’s because of their unwillingness to change and the constant shift in morality. You saw how many of them switched

They cling onto my father’s every word. He poisoned my head about Kiya’s involvement and treatment in the past and

knows what would’ve happened if she

the dead leaves off plants to help new ones to grow?” Raina added.

down and start over.” Kwame walked up with Lorelal at his side, holding hands. “I apologize for the interjection, but this place

do you

“prosper” as it did before, things need to change. That’s the benefit you have as Alpha, Neron, The ball is in your court, so you can determine this pack’s future–if it has one.”

from it. Instead, my father

didn’t do a f*cking thing. Dad was wrong and I cannot afford

won’t listen to him anymore.

been ours to choose, but we sure as hell can change H. Kiya’s words from our trip to the mall lingered in my head, her voice sweet as honey but laced

to do, but I can’t do it alone, I need

Valerian stood, helping Raina to her feet.

Tristan. All I’ve inherited from my father has me questioning how many are at my side. That is something I must rectify, including the debacle with Odessa. But, my Betas and Gammas never failed me, I’d die for them.

couldn’t ask for a better team.

Zircon Moon, I’ve

of the blue, grew restless in my mind. On his paws, he spun in circles with

what the hell are you talking about?”

phone in my back pocket buzzed. Pulling it out, Alpha Anthony’s caller ID flashed on the screen. I answered his call, wondering if it’s

It was.

into a million pieces.

ground. Tears burned my eyes like acid, my heart thudded to the beat of unadulterated terror and lightheadedness

worryingly. “What’s

never made it home.” I whispered hoarsely.

shock. “My sister is

“Find mate, now!”

Chapter 44–She’s Gone

wasn’t time to lose. Onyx kicked my ass into high–gear, giving me the boost needed to focus. Kiya disappearing is something I couldn’t fathom. Hours before,

any of you are coming with me, high–tail your asses to my car!” The harshness of my tone was unintended, but I couldn’t waste any time. Alpha Anthony wouldn’t lie to me, but by the tone of his voice, he’s just as

stay behind to watch over in my absence. I noticed Dad’s car is missing, but I couldn’t care less.

can’t be gone!

tell me my

and I reached the scene of the car accident in less than half an hour. The foul stench in the air burned my nostrils, taking my mind