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-!”

She shot Mara a wink, causing gentle

long for the four of 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 make me feel

I announced. “Now, Mara, all

bush in the area, green shielding her body from my view. She squeaked again, ruffling the leaves as she stomped three times. “It’s alright! I just killed a

turned to look at Marjorie and Estella, but the most they offered me were

want to come out here?” I

sharp laughter, layered with her anxiety, echoed in the space. “I’m fine

“You sure?”

“Positive!”

Estella droned, working on the best words to say next. “Not

of others.”

Sirius exclaimed. “We can make her

She discovered our bond no less than

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Chapter 93–Second Chance

boulder to sit on and wait. “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

didn’t. She still

“Mara? Are you okay?”

I’m just not used to being nude in the

at first, but the more times you shift, the more Mother Nature will accommodate you. She holds no ill will 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

unbearable. Mara deserved to shift in a safe 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

I should try a

to my feet. “You don’t want me to

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

She had nothing to apologize for. “Is there anything I can do to help you feel more comfortable?” Another pause followed, but not for

you hold my hand

hand was smaller and softer in mine, and I couldn’t help but relish it by running my thumb over the back of 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’ll support her in every way

a deep breath.” Marjorie said, her arm disappearing behind the bush. “You and Ariel are one. Allow her to come forth in your mind and body. Let go of the shackles chaining you to your body and lean into your wolf for support. Your shift will hurt, but Darien, your mother, and I are here by your side. Just breathe through the pain and it’ll all

a long bout

equalized

Then the screaming started.

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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 of encouragement

official entry into Wolfhood. It wasn’t the same as having the entire pack’s support,

Growls mixed with her screams as the volume of her snapping increased in speed

You’re almost there! Just a little more! I believe in

paw, shot back into the bush at the speed of light. The leaves rustled in both movement and the pleasant

you look gorgeous!”

trooper. You completed your first shift.

from the bush, her emerald eyes ensnaring mine into their glittering beauty. Mara did it!

my arms. I’m not a crier, but today, I’ll happily claim that title. Not only have I found a person who I know I’ll love with

haste with stepping behind a tree, stripping out of my clothes, and allowing Sirius to take over. In less than a minute, he trotted over to Ariel and nuzzled his nose into the crook of

Estella laughed as they watched Ariel and Sirius run into the woods with renewed energy. My mind wandered to Mara inside Ariel, wondering how she was feeling. We don’t have an official

to her.

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.