Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Kiya.

Oh Kiya, I hope you’re alright. We all miss you so much.

As we drew closer, screaming perforated my eardrums, steadily growing in volume and intensity. Innocent men and women grabbed their loved ones and retreated to safety when I arrived on the mainland. My hands clasped around my throat as the air thickened with disorder. Omar and Amani guided children and our pack’s most vulnerable to the underground bunkers; a frequented place that they all are very familiar with, mellowing the panic.

A horrid scent assaulted my nose, and my heart dropped in a sea of despair. Blood mingling with death, coming in at all directions. Whoever or whatever is attacking has gotten their hands on my people!

“Alpha!” Omar yelled, leaving his wife’s side. His dark, aged face contorted in dread. His eyes met with Lorelai’s, panic increasing. “Lori-”

“I know.” She and Kwame shared a brief kiss before she and her pregnant belly were guided to safety. Worry perspired out of my Gamma, his heart at ease knowing his wife and unborn child are safe.

“The attack happened no less than fifteen minutes ago.” Omar explained. “Our enemy blends seamlessly in the shadows, slaughtering anyone in their way. We’ve lost patrols and warriors. Some older men and women, sadly, fell victim as well. There is no definitive number on our casualties.”

I grit my teeth, feeling the anger bubble at my core. Already, the bonds between those members and their life snapped like weak twigs. “Thank you, Omar.”

“I apologize for not sounding the alarm earlier.”

“You’ve done all you can, Dad.” Kwame spoke, patting his old man’s arm. “Now, you and Mom need to get to

safety.” The couple retreated without hesitation.

“We can’t see the enemy, eh?” Sapphire asked, arching a knowing eyebrow. “Not for long.”

Knowing well what she meant, I allowed Onyx to take over. With a keen eye and superior night vision, he homes in on the enemies blending in the dark. Multiple enemies. Growls erupted from most of the Garnet Moon team, including my wolves as their eyes shined like diamonds. Their wolves are out.

We’re used to rogues attacking, but rarely full–bodied enemies.

And it made the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

Running isn’t an option. I don’t know what they want, but their lives are on the chopping block and I have the hatchet. My warriors who helped guide the pack members to safety bristled and spreading about, prepared to face the onslaught head on. Shuffling echoed widely in the forest, the enemy getting in formation. No longer will they harm the innocent because they’re facing the big, bad wolves aching to drench their claws in maroon–coated revenge.

Before anyone could react, a deep, loud, rumbling cackle knifed through the blackened air, gripping at our spines. Dripping with venom and malice. The laughter belonged to a madman high on illicit drugs, yet a simple sound revealed the owner’s true intention. It mocked us.

Mocked me.

I was a comedy act, and it was the spectator. Onyx was ready to pounce, but I peeled back his control and took the driver’s seat. The monster in charge was here while his army waited for his signal, hidden behind obscurity and oak barks.

“Show yourself!” I roared, hands balling up into fists at my sides.

“My, my, aren’t you eager to meet me, Alpha?” The familiar voice chuckled. “How does it feel to watch one miracle happen only to land yourself in hell?”

shifted before my eyes like graphics on a computer game, bending and twisting to a silent tune. The Garnet Moon team took a couple steps back, vigilant of what is about to appear in front of us. Valerian pushed Raina

but what emerged was worse. The humans say that the worst of the world’s beast takes on human form. A man walked out of the mystifying shadows like he owned the world, dressed more like a regal dark prince than a wild beast. Hair as white as snow and mouth lined with pearls glowed in the darkness while his flesh melted into it. But what captured my attention

as red as blood.

mind, growling loud as the menace before me. With a smile that would make the devil weep, his eyes scoped the area before huffing through his

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my posture stiffened. I’ve never seen this man before in my life, but he knew of me? I fought every instinct firing in my body to attack, but I needed answers. Answers that alluded me for weeks after my mind

my members through mind–link, smelling the anticipation and anger

tresses behind his ear. “Allow me

lost all rationale. Onyx demanded his head on a silver platter for him to feast on. That demented name that haunted the air of my land and tormented the mind of my mate. The beast in human skin. A devil in his own right. The bastard who

us!

back by the arms. My men know me and my instincts too well. Even Raina bristled, her delicate face contorting in her own anger. “Where the f*ck is Kiya?! What have you done to her?! Give

restrained themselves as their wolves threatened to leap out of their skins. Beta Jacqueline is lucky to have Beta Female Abigail at her side, but even she is having trouble resisting. Osiris is

is…doing well. Very well. But the weakling you

two, three, many. When I turned my head, my jaw dropped to the ground. All pack members, minus children, young teenagers, and pregnant women marched out of hiding like organized zombies, row after row. My soldiers fell into the same state, slackening their stances and dropping weapons. They formed rows and columns behind my team and Garnet, eyes hollow and bodies

doing, Osiris?!” I demanded, feeling Onyx claw

dark hand over his heart. “Why, I have done nothing, Alpha. But it appears my lady has

chill swam down my spine, and Onyx broke his stance as my fear touched his soul. The laughter was familiar, and it froze every nerve and synapse in my body. Everyone grew frightful, trembling

Then it happened.

a mighty crash, picking up dust and debris from the darkened ground. The force propelled us back on our asses, blowing us away. Dirt rained

Cerberus! You’re such a

a fiery explosion with

couldn’t be! It can’t

I heard Raina whimper behind

up with one arm as she sat with her arms around his thick neck. Osiris walked over and took her hand into his, helping her as she landed on her black heels that raised her stature a few inches. Stained with splatters of blood, her black dress blended into the night, exposing almost every scar that ever marred her bronzed flesh. Her ebony hair lost all its coils and curls, flowing down to the middle of her back with a lone

are gone; replaced by menacing red full of

and hatred..

Kiya. My Kiya!

the crowd until she said

while some cried silent tears. I couldn’t believe what I’m seeing! My heart constricted in my chest and

Especially

over

is more

did he do to her?!” Onyx bellowed, his voice taking on an unnatural soprano braided with shock. When Osiris raised Kiya’s hand to his lips and planted a kiss on her pliant flesh, eyeing me with victory, Onyx lost it. “I’ll

into the back seat, Onyx took complete control and launched himself at Osiris with claws out and jaw frothing. He wanted his head. I wanted his head! His grimy hands ruined

into this!

back on our back after Kiya drop–kicked us in

the chest.

the pain. “Better yet, the rest of you should kneel as well.

clouding all my senses under an impenetrable haze. Onyx whimpered, bowing and tilting his head to the side to show his surrender. He never surrenders–not even to me or my father! Unable to control my body, I followed suit