Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 47 To Help Or Not

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.“–Ernest Hemingway

Neron

“I do not understand, Alpha Anthony. Our packs teamed up before when Kiya and Phoebe were first kidnapped, and our mission was successful. Now, why you’re turning down my help?”

“Things have changed, Alpha Neron,” His cold baritone voice induced fresh bouts of concern from me. Nonchalantly, Anthony leans back in his chair, staring me down with sharp scrutiny as if I’ve insulted his family. We’ve been cordial with one another for a while, and this is the first he’s rejected my offer of aid. “Garnet Moon has the jurisdiction over this investigation. Kiya is my pack member, therefore making it my responsibility to find her.”

“My member and I wish to aid in the investigation as well.” I retort, gripping the arms of my seat. Onyx listens, yet is unruly at the absence of our mate. It knocks me out of focus, sporadically. “We have an alliance and I feel it is beneficial for us to team up once again, since we have a common goal; to recover Kiya safely. I mean no insult, but you don’t know what you’re up against.”

“I do. Don’t underestimate me.” He advised. “However, I am questioning whether our alliance is worth the

trouble.”

The moon peeks from the corner of the window, a sliver of light splicing through the office. It is now nighttime. Kwame, Raina, and I have resided on Anthony’s lands since our departure from the crash site.. Kiya’s disappearance has created an ocean of immense shock, not just with her friends, but with her pack. I’m worried sick about her. Based on the rumblings I’ve heard within these walls; she’s admired by everyone. Even

the children.

Garnet Moon is a family. If one hurts, they all hurt. That made the impact of the abduction that much harder on those expecting her return. Her friends have become closed off and her parents are an absolute mess.

The last thing they’d want are my comforting words..

In my hands, I held onto the portrait I made for her. It is as perfect as when I packaged it. By the miracle of my Moon Goddess, it survived the crash. My heart did a flutter when I found it nestled in a bush against a rock. The undead rogues never found it and apparently, neither did her friends. Part of me danced with joy to see my gift to her intact, but knowing I cannot see her reaction made the ache in my heart throb harder.

Settling it next to my seat now, I face another dilemma. Alpha Anthony is rejecting our help for reasons unknown to me. As his persistence raged on, Onyx grows infuriated from being barred from helping to find his other half. He wanted to jump out and give Anthony a piece of his mind, so keeping his anger in check tested my willpower.

And I share some of his anger, but not enough to attack.

“This sudden questioning of our alliance is quite abrupt, don’t you think?” I probed, eyeing my fellow Alpha carefully. An idea of why buzzes in my head, but I needed confirmation. “Why?”

“Simple. I don’t trust you, Neron. Or rather, I’m not sure if I can.” Sitting up, he folded his hands on his desk. “As more and more of your packs barbarities against my sister come to light, I’m questioning if I made the right choice forming this alliance.”

1/5

“But, there’s more you aren’t telling me.”

“Hoo!”

I almost forgot about the bundle of feathers shuffling in my lap. Diana hadn’t left my side since I’ve left the crash site. She’s like a cute, feathery boomerang. I scratch her tiny head, relishing in her soft hoots of pleasure. Even now, as the tension is thick as butter in Anthony’s office, she continues to support me.

fellow Alpha arched an eyebrow, his close–set hazel eyes landing on the unusual addition in

to bring that thing in

not a thing; she’s Kiya’s pet.” I corrected, fondly poking her beak. “And I’m sure she misses her immensely. You wouldn’t push her out, would you?”

comfortable around its natural predators, but that’s besides the point.” He sighs, rubbing his temple to soothe an incoming headache. “I’ve spoken

leader helps guide them on the right path. Not only that, the actions of the Alpha also reflect on them as an individual. If a pack flourishes, the Alpha is praised for being the one to bring them to that state. Outstanding leaders

Zircon Moon pack has proven to be unreliable, thus making you untrustworthy by extension. No one has learned from the mistakes they’ve made and are easily swayed by extraneous forces, so it seems. If we were to Join again to save

worry

arches an eyebrow. “Excuse

to be skeptical, as I am too.” It’s a terrible thing for an Alpha to admit that he or she doesn’t trust the very people they’ve sworn to protect. Growing up, Zircon Moon was a symbol of pride. My pride. I’ve held my home to the greatest regard and couldn’t say enough good things

It’s disgraceful.

you can’t trust your people to go to battle for you, then who can you

trust?”

spoke. I don’t know if I

He nods.

you regret sending Kiya to my

of breath. His expression contorted as his hazel eyes hardened like steel, regarding me

To Help

waited for his answer while Diana shuffled in

there was constantly something holding her back from her true potential. Mom, Dad, and I believed a time will come for her to confront her demons in order for her to heal well because no matter what we do, Zircon Moon continued to hover over her like a dark cloud. Kiya is a warrior, but

he’s truly feels. Guilt. Anthony holds the look of a remorseful man with the weight of the world trapping him

And now, she’s gone.” His sorrowful eyes gazed at the shining moon through his window as if he’s praying for our goddess‘ forgiveness.

his guilt twinning with mine, despite being so different.

where that got her. Your ex–girlfriend tried to kill her twice, and a crazed psychopath nearly killed. my family to abduct her. I feel like

for something, Kiya’s presence had a good effect on my lands.”

saying that

to think nothing would harm us; that our actions won’t affect our future. We’ve buried that part of our history for so long, and it is only now that we’re forced to open our eyes and confront it. To own up to what we did. I admit, some of us need more work than others. Kiya

of.” Onyx quipped. I’ve never put a mental block up so

echoed in the air, taking our attention from the conversation. With a blunt ‘Come in‘ from Anthony. Miss Phoebe walked in with a grim

as she is the only one, I believe, can

Any news?” Anthony asked.

after time. Imagine running and suddenly crashing

47 – To Help Or

her. “What do they have to do with this?”

a select few who stray from the rules. Phoebe began. “Motivated by greed, lust, and who knows what else, they’ll do whatever it takes to get what they want. Here, witches who use corrupt magic are the ones who will ally themselves with darkness. While Osiris is not a witch, it’s most likely he promised them something in return of their servitude. Unfortunately, when Kiya and I were kidnapped, I’ve witnessed their immorality with my

through my body at the idea of Osiris gaining unlikely allies to keep Kiya hidden away like possession. Witches, Cerberus; who the hell else is

an option, nor will

stop until I find her.

locator spell last time to

corrupt witches. Using that ritual again will put Raina’s life in danger again. Given the barriers put in place, I will not take that risk on her life. There is a lot at stake now; not just