Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 4 – Peace, Disturbed

“The sea always filled her with longing, though for what she was never sure.“–Cornelia Funke

Kiya

Ivory and Ebony followed the water droplets dripping from my hair underneath the cotton shirt as we walked down the stairs toward the kitchen. The felines campered to their feeding bowls, eating to their heart’s content once I set them down on the floor. Poor Ebony was still partly wet from the bath incident. My wild child wanted attention so much that her little brain concocted the idea to leap into the soapy bathwater.

Her nails… ended up in a place where they shouldn’t be.

Needless to say, bath time came to a swift end.

I rummaged through the kitchen cupboards for a mug, wanting a drink of water, when I heard the refrigerator door open from behind me. Turning, 1 spotted a very pregnant Sapphire digging through the stuffed fridge, pushing aside the bundles of vegetables and juice bottles for the renowned container of Nutella and celery sticks. She tore open the container with and dipped her sticks, moaning loudly when she began eating.

I stared in silence. Pregnancy looked like a nightmare.

“Hey, Kiki!” Sapphire greeted, waving a stick. “What’s up?”

“I thought food cravings were supposed to disappear after the first bimester.”

“Jokes on you; I’m always hungry.”

Well, I understand that, Isaiah strolled into the kitchen, the sunlight bouncing off his eyes as he found his wife. His hands went to her swollen belly, rubbing loving circles over her shirt. “Sapphy, we’re going to be late for your appointment if we don’t get going. You can have your jar of chocolate afterward.”

“Hazelnut.” She corrected. “We’ll go after I finish my snack.”

“The last time you said that we were an hour late to your last appointment! You’re lucky Dr. Nava loves you so

much.”

“I can’t help it. I’m eating for two.”

“These last five months flew by, huh?” I commented, filling my mug with water. Unlike human pregnancies that last nine months, werewolf pregnancies lasted six. The first month of a werewolf pregnancy equated to the third month of a human pregnancy, according to the size of the fetus. Sapphire was at the last stretch of her pregnancy. In the next few weeks to a month, we’ll have a brand–new pack member!

“Indeed, it has. I still can’t believe I’ll be meeting my son soon.” Isaiah murmured, pressing loving kisses on Sapphire’s cheek, who giggled in response. “I still think you overdid it on the blue baby clothes.”

“Blue is royalty, and Micah will come into the world as a handsome prince!” My blond friend vowed, finishing up the last of her celery sticks before setting the jar down on the counter. “Alright, I’m ready. How do I look? Please, tell me my shoes match this time.”

“Uh, no.” Sapphire scowled at her sheepish–looking husband, laughing nervously. “I tried to tell you, but you wanted your chocolate jar so bad!”

“Hazelnut!”

I looked down to see Sapphire wearing a black slip–on shoe on one foot and a neon–pink croc on the other. I blame her enormous belly for her inability to bend down like she used to. That position got her pregnant in the first place.

Both left for the hospital with the winds of excitement following them. My fingers rapped against my mug as I soaked in the kitchen’s silence. However, it was broken through when the excited chatter of children echoed through the kitchen window.

Children of all shapes, sizes and colors zipped past the window chasing each other or a worn–out soccer ball they loved to kick around. Ximena sat on a rock, showing Alessandro how to play on the Nintendo Switch. Aisha mended to a garden of flowers with Mara at her side, grinning as she showed them a blossoming daisy. Dwayne swung around his son Kane, while Olivia watched with a smile. Darien and Galen were training with Jackie, as usual, while Mikhail and Abigail sat off to the side, cleaning training weapons

My home was blessed.

Everyone was happy, and so was I.

But I couldn’t ignore the sting of loneliness that hit my heart from time to time. I settled my mug to the side, inhaling a stream of air as I watched the happiness of my family bloom wildly as the flowers of the garden. There wasn’t a reason to pay attention to the ache, because there was none. Ebony and Ivory are children. I have my peace.

Nothing was going to ruin it for me.

“Kiya?” I felt a tap on my shoulder. Startled, I spun around to meet a pair of purple eyes, waiting expectantly for me. My heart throbbed underneath my palm as I breathed in relief.

“You’re way too quiet for your own good, Phoebe.”

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to scare you.” A soft meow echoed below us. Phoebe’s smile grew when Ivory rubbed her head against her ankles, her tail pointed up. “Hello, little one. You look good today.” Phoebe leaned down and Ivory purred and butted her head against her palm.

“What brings you by?” I asked, leaning against the counter. “Are you worried about something?”

better at feeling emotions, I see.” Phoebe stood erect, stuffing her hands in the pockets of her maroon summer dress. “I

horizon. I contacted Violetta about it yesterday, and she said she

days replayed in my head. From my selenite acting strange to that horrific encounter in the museum, I’d be a fool if I didn’t

Chapter 4–Pace Disturbed

something is fucked up in the

“A few days now.”

much lines up with what happened to me at the

happened? What

pallid skin told me she, too, knew something was up. I bit my lip, the anxiety in my belly stirring. Attacks like the one I experienced don’t happen at random, and considering it was a goddamn snake spirit thing, the inklings of the past crawled up my

I wanted to scream.

feel the shift too, I believe it would be best for

even know if she is in California. I

your hopes up. The gods are notorious for being cryptic and leaving us to figure some things. out. Hekate had nudged me in the right

I doubted she would expose what was truly going on. It was both a blessing and a curse. A nudge is what we need–maybe two nudges. I pulled my cell phone from my pocket. “I’ll text Violetta to see if she is in town. How soon would

to meet?”

“Tonight, if possible.”

jumped from my phone to my friend, arching both eyebrows. “That’s very soon,

this drag on, and I

“Good point.”

text from Nuria appeared on the screen. When I read her message, both my throat and my mouth dried up. “Um… Nuria

her cheeks blossoming a mellow pink. “H–how

sure. She’s inviting me to Aunt Essie’s birthday party next

lips rose into a smile. “You

“I…” I couldn’t sto

and I wasn’t sure if I had an answer. Should I accept or decline? On one hand, going to the party meant I get to see some familiar faces and see Onyx Moon for the first time. On the other, I was nervous about seeing Neron again. We haven’t seen each other in three years. Texting and occasional video calls were the

Chapter 4–Peace, Disturbed

I miss

more than I spoke to Raina. Aunt Essie and Nuria would drop by the pack from

how he’s truly doing. He seemed worried last night, but

be a wonderful opportunity to reunite with your family

fur brushing against my ankles helped ease the anxiety threatening to grip at my heart. “I guess. you’re right. Seeing the new pack has

maybe you can figure out when Nuria

but the growing smile on my face made all the noise. Phoebe’s pinkening cheeks graduated to red as she shot me a haunting

The answer

is no shame in liking Nuria.” I grinned. “She is a very beautiful

stomping out of the kitchen with her strawberry–blond hair flying behind her. I’m no Cupid, but if fate played their cards right, there could be something in for those two… but I don’t want to get my hopes up. Pulling the cotton shirt from

tonight’s meetup

Mom and Dad’s home. When I reached the petite abode, I swung the door open because it was unlocked. However, I sincerely wished they remembered to lock the door

fuck didn’t

Cursed imagery was right in front of me. Mom and Dad were seconds

they had every right to do the devil’s tango in the privacy of their home, but lock the goddamn door before that! They shrieked, hopping off each other and smoothening out their clothes and hair, but never mind the bright cherry red

a nice

finger–combing her hair. “W–what are you doing here? Haven’t I taught you

to lock the door!” I huffed, crossing my arms. “I have my fair share of

his head away like a grumpy old man. Mom poked at his side, slowly but surely bringing a smile back on her mate’s face. My heart was warm. I hope to have the love they have one

you by?” Mom

year. I know you two are attending, but I was wondering if you have any suggestions on gifts I could get her?” My parents tapped their cheeks in thought. Dad patted a seat next to him for me to take, but I opted for the

sitting

Mom answered, placing her arm on the armrest.

sent her jewelry last

never

know. I spent thousands in jewelry since we got married.” Dad chuckled when Mom punched him in the arm. “Think about what she means to you, bebita, and you’ll find

you two

bombs, skincare stuff–the

and towels on our wedding anniversary, so I got her the same,”

answered.

“I have a week until the party, so I should have the present wrapped and ready to go until then. Be sure to lock the door