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.”

Kiya enough to know I don’t

my Betas‘ breathing in their tracks. Valerian stared at me as if I’ve grown three heads and Raina’s jaw dropped in which her husband

Since we were kids, there was something I liked about her. Just like with Nuria, I wanted to 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

a, no offense, but a dumb puppy around her–that tail of

sound he’d made since our talk in Kiya’s room. He remembers. It was 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, I took a sip before walking down the stairs to

feel like one. I wouldn’t say I hated the place,

me, you two.” I spoke, seizing their attention. “Do you

more time on my hands and Kiya gone, there was time to contemplate on where I

themselves. It’s because of their unwillingness to change and the constant shift

They cling onto my father’s every word. He poisoned my head about Kiya’s involvement and treatment in the past and continued to discredit her in the present until her family took her

would’ve happened

off plants to help new ones

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

do you

lot of things. I don’t talk, but I see all. If Zircon Moon were to go anywhere or to “prosper” as it did before, things need to change. That’s the benefit you have as Alpha, Neron, The ball is in your

to run from it. Instead, my father

and I cannot afford

listen to him anymore.

have 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

what to do, but I can’t do it alone, I need you four to support me, because you’re the

us to do?” Valerian stood, helping Raina to her feet.

Raina nodded with her husband, and Kwame and Lorelai nodded as well. My trust has become selective since 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

ask for a better team.

Zircon Moon, I’ve been thinking about dish-”

mind. On his paws, he spun in circles with panic and fear oozing from his fur, growling,

what the hell are

it out, Alpha Anthony’s caller ID flashed on the screen. I answered his call,

It was.

into a million pieces.

so clammy that my phone slipped from my palms to the ground. Tears burned my eyes like acid, my heart thudded to the beat of unadulterated terror and lightheadedness crawled into my mind. Alpha Anthony’s reveal sent me on a downward spiral. I couldn’t concentrate; my fear spiked

Lorelai ask worryingly. “What’s going

made it home.” I

in shock.

“Find mate, now!”

Chapter 44–She’s Gone

boost needed to focus. Kiya disappearing is something I couldn’t fathom. Hours before, she was here! How is she gone?!

I marched toward the garage. “If 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.

to watch over in my absence. I noticed Dad’s car is missing, but I couldn’t care less. Once I rolled off the territory, I stomped on the gas and sped down the road, breaking

can’t be

me

foul stench in the air burned my nostrils, taking my mind back to when the undead rogues trespassed on my land. Littering the ground are