Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 93- Second Chance

“Miracles were just second chances if you really thought about it—second chances when all hope was lost.“–Kaya

McLaren

Darien

I never thought this would happen to me; to hold my second–chance mate–my mate in my arms.

After Odessa, I thought I’d never love again. I closed out every possibility of a broken heart, caging my own in a steel prison. Odessa had hurt me beyond belief; manipulating and taking advantage of me while she pursued another behind my back. Fed with lies, I questioned my worth as both a man and a mate and decided to never open my heart again, to protect myself and Sirius.

Now Sirius howled in joy, and my heart sprung free from its man–made containment. Mara’s muffled squeak invaded my eardrums as her shaky arms wrapped around me. Her chocolate and cinnamon scent made my soul cry with joy. I detected a hint of mocha, and I loved it. I absolutely loved it. My heart was singing its highest praises to the gods of heaven, especially my Moon Goddess. The vow I made to never love again incinerated to ash, birthing anew for this witch I met two months ago.

Thank you, Selene! Thank you so much!

Mara’s blonde hair tickled my chin, telling me that her veil had slipped. “Oh.” Immediately, I released her, keeping her at arm’s length as my cheeks heated. “I–I’m sorry, Mara, I shouldn’t have been so forward.”

“No harm done, Darien.” Mara shined a modest smile, adjusting her veil by taking it off and resting the fabric inside her satchel. “Ariel told me this would happen. I didn’t believe her at first, but I had to see it for myself.”

“Ariel?” I asked, eyes widening. “Ariel is… with you?”

“Yeah! You wouldn’t believe how we met. I was coming back from a hike with my moms when I found her spirit sitting on my bed. She had chosen me as her new human. We chatted, Moms did a ritual to bind us together for life and… here we are.”

*I… I never heard of this happening.”

“Akin to the soul separation, the bonding ritual between a wolf and their newly chosen host is just as rare.” Estella pressed an arm on Mara’s shoulder, squeezing it with affection. “When Mara told us what had happened, we were astonished to see the sweet wolf spirit had taken a liking to them so quickly. In my heart, I knew this bond would stand the testament of time.”

“So, Mara is officially a werewolf.” Alpha Anthony proclaimed. I forgot he was here with us.

“Yes, and Mara kept her abilities as a witch. She is now a hybrid.”

Hybrid or not, Mara was wonderful. Her sunset eyes found mine, searching for something I couldn’t decipher. Was she looking for trust? Doubt? Sirius wanted to leap out of my chest to meet and comfort both her and Ariel.

“She just has to shift for the first time.” Marjorie mentioned. Mara stiffened and looked down at a striking patch of grass beneath her shoes, fidgeting in her place. Concern shot through my chest like a bullet.

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Chapter 93–Second Chance

“You didn’t shift yet?” I asked her. She shook her head.

“Ariel wanted to be here to do it, which is why we came. Shifting is tough, but since I’m an adult as opposed to a teenager, she said I needed your help to make sure things don’t go wrong.”

“You can trust Darien.” Phoebe grinned at Mara, coming to my defense. “He is an honorable man, I promise you, Mara.” Mara shot a pained glance at Phoebe before nodding, huffing in a profound sigh, with her eyes fluttering close.

“Can my Moms be with me during the shift?”

“Anything to make you comfortable.” The last thing I wanted was Mara to feel uncomfortable around me. A suspicion stirred in my chest that she was hiding something from me, but whatever it was, I’m sure she’ll tell me when the time was right. “There is an area in the forest that is secluded away from the eyes of the pack house. Kiya, do you mind if we use your shifting space?”

“I don’t mind at all!” Happiness stirred in my chest when I looked at her. Her color was back, and her vibrancy shone brighter. I was glad she was okay after these bleary two months. Mara’s head shot in her direction, with her mouth dropping open.

“Kiya? You’re Selene’s-!”

talk more about that after your shift.” She shot Mara a wink, causing gentle pink to colonize on her cheeks. “Good

us to find the secluded spot disguised by redwood trees and earth. Pebbles crunched underneath the soles of our shoes with the mossy perfume of Mother Nature welcomed us into her territory. No matter how many times I run through the woods, her presence never ceases to

is the place.” I announced. “Now, Mara, all you have to

bush in the area, green shielding her body from my view. She squeaked again, ruffling the leaves

I turned to look at Marjorie and Estella, but the most

are you sure you don’t want to come out here?” I

her anxiety, echoed in the space.

“You sure?”

“Positive!”

words to say next. “Not comfortable stripping in the

of others.”

her mate!” Sirius exclaimed. “We can make her feel

up to Mara. She discovered our bond no

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Chapter 93–Second Chance

“She can come out when she is ready.” The bush leaves continued to rustle with Mara’s movement, her clothing popping from behind, handing them to her mothers. After the last of her garments were discarded, I continued to

she didn’t. She

“Mara? Are you okay?”

used to being nude in the

to the wolves who enter her domain, especially the new ones.” Mara grunted in response and ceased her shuffling. Marjorie and Estella glanced at each other before craning their heads behind the

space, but I couldn’t help but wonder if she feared me. Was I too intimidating? Did we get off to a horrendous start? Was my presence that alarming to her? My heart dropped in fear while Sirius whimpered, desperate to get closer to comfort her.

try a

out again, rising to my feet.

floated from behind as her mothers. shifted their bodies to sit on the forest floor. “I’m… not ready for that, Darien. I’m

can do to help you feel more comfortable?” Another pause followed, but not for long, because Mara’s bare hand shot out from the bush,

my hand while I

her hand. There was something she was hiding from me. Her embarrassment sunk into my skin like quicksand. She didn’t want me to see her, and there was nothing on this earth that could anger me about that. I will happily wait until the day she is comfortable enough to tell me what is bothering

I’ll support her in every way

to

long

equalized

Then the screaming started.

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the discordance of bones snapping shattered the surrounding air. Sirius battered against my chest, trying to claw his way toward Mara, but I pushed him back. Her mothers cooed and murmured words

same as having the entire pack’s support, but this

the volume of her snapping

almost there! Just a little more! I believe in you!

ceased. Mara’s hand, or paw, shot back into the bush at the speed of light. The leaves rustled in both movement and the pleasant wind blowing through us, soothing the accumulating heat in the air. The women gasped, grinning tearfully as they sang

look gorgeous!” Estella

our little trooper. You completed your first shift. Welcome, Ariel.”

watching as beautiful Ariel emerged from the bush, her emerald eyes ensnaring mine into their glittering beauty. Mara did it! Ariel was here! Dropping to my knees, Ariel trotted

person who I know I’ll love with my whole heart, Sirius got his second chance to meet Ariel again. His clawing got intolerable, because I knew he wanted to be with Ariel. To run, just as they were supposed

haste with stepping behind a tree, stripping out of my clothes, and allowing Sirius to take over.

woods with renewed energy. My mind wandered to Mara inside Ariel, wondering how she was feeling. We

to her.

was my first love and first heartbreak, but Mara is the drink of cool water after walking miles in an infinite desert. I wanted to know more about her and what made her unique. I wanted to be the shoulder she can cry on, the support she seeks, and the person to mend her hurt. No matter what, I’ll do and be the best man and