Chapter 41: Chapter 40

Chapter 40 – The Arrival

Bonus

03:42

“When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” -Haruki Murakami

Anthony Several Hours Later

I should have left this damn group on the side of the road when I had the chance.

The consistent battering of loud bass music paired with shrieks comparable to angry crows is slowly driving me into an abyss of insanity.

It is hard to believe that I was transporting fighters in their twenties, not prepubescent children.

The Moon Goddess is testing my nerves. I get it, it’s a five–hour car drive. Even wolves get antsy after being stationary for a long period of time. I stopped along the road a few times to let the group stretch or release their wolves for ten minutes, minus Abigail. Arriving at Zircon Moon couldn’t come any

sooner.

I don’t know if I could take more dance music screeching in my ears or Galen twerking in his seat. That’s an Image I did not find any use for. O

Finally, the madness had ceased. Everyone either had their headphones in listening to their music or dabbling in their apps. I sigh in silent relief, relishing in the peaceful atmosphere. We were to reach Zircon Moon territory in ten minutes, putting an end to the long ride.

“Hey Darien.” I hear Galen say.

“What?” He retorted, annoyed.

“Do you think pigeons have feelings?”

“… I’m going to give you one more chance to shut the f*ck up before 1 staple your l*ps shut.”

“It is a valid question!”

I snort silently, swallowing the laughter that bubbled at the base of my throat. Galen is one of the strangest Deltas I ever met, eccentric and zealous, but he is not to be underestimated. This man, who loves to sing badly to Korean pop music, is the same man who can become the fiercest and deadliest warrior on the battlefield. I admit, I underestimated him. I didn’t think he had what it takes to become a Delta, but he surprised me.

Yet, I don’t know how he and Darien were best friends. They couldn’t be any more different from one another. That’s why they work so well together. They complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses and make one hell of a duo.

“And yes, pigeons have feelings, you neanderthal.”

The van slows down, coming up to the gates of Zircon Moon territory. My ears caught a sharp intake of breath from behind me. I knew it is from Kiya. Glancing at the rear–view mirror, I could see her dark eyes clouding over with fear as she stared out into the familiar land.

“We’re here…” She whispered. My heart keeled for her. It can’t be easy to come back to the land that holds nothing but terrible memories. “Give me the Anti–Spray.”

Chapter 40 The Arnval

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Once Sapphire handed her a full bottle, my sister sprayed generously over herself, the entire interior of the car, and going to great lengths to spray the suitcases. She wanted all traces of her scent gone. She wanted 3:38 continue the illusion that her old self is dead.

Yet, even I knew that wouldn’t last.

After conversing with the guards and getting confirmation from Alpha Neron, I drove the straight and narrow path towards the mainland. Oak trees zipped passed my window, its faint scent tickling my nose. I’ll be leaving my sister here, in the place she hates so much. I’ve prayed to the Moon Goddess every night to this day to protect Kiya, although the prayers were not needed.

Kiya is Selene’s avatar. She always protects her.

“Hey, Little Bit.” Jacqueline turned her head to the young Delta. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“I will be.” She answered with burning determination. “I’m not the scared slave they loved to push around anymore. I’m stronger than ever before. I won’t allow them to push me around again, even after they figure out who I am.”

Pride swell in my chest, throbbing against my rib cage. My baby sister had always been strong, she needed a chance to let it out.

I want Kiya to face her past and to prove herself. That is why I selected her to be on this mission. She was an excellent trainer, a powerful fighter, and a formidable werewolf. She is everything a Beta wolf should be, and a future Luna. Neron is a fool for rejecting an amazing person. All I was hoping is that I made the right decision. in doing this.

The four–story pack house does not differ from mine, albeit it’s a little smaller. Instead of howling wolves as their statues, its wolves snarling, a representation of their ferocity. Moss and white brick made up the exterior and their windows were plethoric. As I drove up to the main entrance, I noticed the Alpha and Luna, Beta and Beta Female, and Gamma and Gamma Female awaiting us. Eyeing the rear–view mirror once more, I glanced at all my warriors, a mix of human and wolves.

I couldn’t be any prouder of them. Each is powerful, and their influence will shape this pack for the better.

“Are you all ready?”

Kiya

I sucked in a deep breath, calming my palpitating heart. This is it. This is now or never. I saw them from the faintly tinted window, standing cordially on the front steps of their home, their eyes expecting who will emerge from this van.

As expected, Neron and Odessa were still together, with his arm locked around her waist. I should be angry at this picture–perfect couple, but I wasn’t. I felt nothing. I didn’t care if Neron and Odessa were Alpha and Luna, I didn’t care about them as people. But I couldn’t help but notice that the five years enhanced their beauties. Neron is still very handsome, with a subtle stubble growing on his chin. His wavy hair is much longer, cascading over his shoulder blades, and his eyes were still a deep ocean blue. He has gotten bulkier and stronger, his muscles standing stark from his black shirt and dark pants.

Chapter 40 – The Arrival

Bonus

Odessa is cymotrichous as always, her brunette hair barely brushing her waist. Her hazel eyes v

were brighter, her skin is flawless, and her cupid–bow l*ps still make any man fall to their knees. The confidence and 03:35 haughtiness that oozed out of her aura made me want to cut her down a size, not because she is with my ex- mate, but because of what she did to

My eyes went to Raina and Valerian, still madly in love and powerful in their stances. Raina looked as youthful

last saw her, the only difference is her corkscrew curly hair reached mid–back. Valerian is also very handsome, his brunette hair laid a neat curly mess on top of his head with his fringe barely brushing against his eyes, failing to disguise the sharpness of his green.

I see Kwame standing next to a tall beauty who is his mate, judging by the identical mate mark on the base of her neck. She was cute with deep tan skin, wavy auburn hair with golden brown highlights, brown, almost- black pools for eyes, and full rosy l*ps. She looked beautiful with my friend at her side. Out of them all, I couldn’t wait to get to know her.

“Are you ready, Artemis?”

“Always. It’s you and I against them all, Kiya.”

A gentle hand gripped my own, and I turned to see Abigail flashing me one of her best smiles. Despite being human, I knew she could feel what I was feeling. She is naturally intuitive. I give her a nod, letting her know I

was okay.

“Are you all ready?” I hear my big brother say.

“As we’ll ever be.” Unbuckling our seatbelts, we all exited the van from both sides, mine facing my old pack. Hopping onto familiar territory, a violent wave of nostalgia struck me and not the good kind. I shivered momentarily but pushed it down. The trunk popped open as the six of us gathered our suitcases with Darien grabbing Alpha Anthony’s travel bag.

“Alpha Neron.” My brother greeted, shaking his hand. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise, Alpha Anthony. I thank you for your generosity in lending my pack your finest warriors. I assure you that their stay on my land will be nothing short but comfortable.”

From the corner of my eye, I notice other pack members gathering to see the newcomers on their land. Many faces were familiar, some were not. Keeping my eyes forward, I slam the trunk of the van close, walking behind my friends.

“I hate them all already,” Jacqueline opened the mind–link between us all, minus Anthony. “Say the word Kiya and I’m hurdling them over these damn trees.”

“It’s all right, Jackie.” I reassured my best friend. “I’m fine, really. And please, no violence on my behalf.”

“They don’t seem like much.” Galen sneered, rolling his eyes. “Although the Alpha looks absolutely scrumptious!”

“Dude, that’s Kiya’s ex–mate!” Sapphire snapped. “And he looks taken. Ugh, I won’t like that haughty bitch. Her

aura is gross.”

I hear a soft growl erupting beside us. Our eyes look at Darien, who looks as if he was struggling to hold back his wolf. His eyes were glued to the back of Anthony’s head, like he was trying hard not to look elsewhere. I’ve never seen the stoic and collected Darien so bothered.

Chapter 40 The Arrival

“Are you okay?” Abigail asked him through the mind–link.

“I’m fine.” He blurts before slamming his mental wall between us all. What was his problem? C

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Bont

03:3

We all eyed each other in concern, worried about our friend. I’ll ask him what the issue was after we settle in our rooms. We all gathered behind our Alpha, standing tall.

“Welcome to Zircon Moon territory.” Neron announced to us. “This is my Luna, Odessa. My Beta Valerian and

his mate Raina, and my Gamma Kwame and his mate Lorelai.”

“You a

all know me to be Alpha Anthony of the Garnet Moon pack. This is my Beta, Jacqueline and her mate and pack warrior Abigail. Sapphire is my other pack warrior, and my three Deltas, Darien, Galen, and finally Kiya.”

Artemis growled deep within me, ready to launch herself at the familiar faces. I feel her sizzling desire to cla

their faces raw. Each face bone painful memory after another of my abuse, but, as usual, I push the

away. They cannot smell me, and they won’t recognize me. That is the hope, anyway. I was different from h they last saw me, packing on muscles and curves could change one’s looks.

Everyone shook hands, but I retracted, refusing to touch any of them. Especially Neron and Raina. The thought made me want to vomit. Shaking hands with my tormentors is out of the question. From a single touch, both Raina and Neron could know who I am. Mates don’t forget each other, and neither does family They’ll take my behavior as rude, but I didn’t care.

Their touches broke Halima, but they’ll not break me.

I’m untouchable.

POST CO

Untouchable (The Moonlight Avatar Series Collection

Chapter 41 The Mystery

+10%

Bonus

03:22

“Have you ever met someone for the first time, but in your heart, you feel as if you’ve met them before?” – JoAnne

Kenrick

Kiya

I shook Kwame’s hands, smiling small as the recognition twinkled in his eyes. I sent a silent message through his eyes to not say anything before shaking his mate’s hands. Her smile made her adult face much brighter and cuter, sending my heart fluttering. Lorelai is so beautiful.

I notice Darien neglected to shake Odessa’s hand. Even Odessa looks uncomfortable in his presence.

“Let us take you to your rooms,” Neron announced as the pack parting to let us through. I didn’t miss the stares burning through the fabric of my shirt, undoubtedly from the Alpha and Beta Female. I ignored it and watched as Valerian guided us to our rooms, passing through the foyer.

My curious eyes noticed the subtle changes to the interior. We passed by the common room, noticeably bigger with young wolves playing Resident Evil 3 on the PlayStation 4. Cooked food wafted through the hallways and Omegas were dusting and cleaning. I smirked as I watched them do the work they forced me to do.

Some stopped to eye us, watching as we passed by. My eyes caught the milky blue orbs of Samantha, now five years older. A twinkle of remembrance shined through her eyes, her pale skin paling impossibly further. Shooting her a knowing smirk, I paid attention back to the pathway towards our rooms on the third floor of the packhouse.

“Tonight, we are hosting a party to officially introduce your warriors to our pack,” Neron spoke to Anthony. “Your attendance would be most appreciated.”

“Ah, thank you, Neron. It would be a pleasure to meet your members in your soiree. You didn’t have to throw a party on our behalf.”

“Nonsense. It’s an occasion noted for celebration.”

I gagged. As if I want to dance and mingle with this godforsaken pack. I’ll do it for Anthony’s sake, but afterward, I’m flipping everyone the bird.

Each of us was given a room, several doors apart on either side of the corridor. I didn’t waste any time walking into my room and slamming the door behind me, expelling the breath I didn’t know I was holding.

I couldn’t believe I got out of that unscathed.

I

press the back of my head against the door, my bag slumping to the ground from my shoulders. The earlier confidence I had back at the lawn vanished, anxiety bubbling up in its place. Why does this always happen to me? Why am I now feeling terrified of these monsters when I should strut through these halls with my head held high? My head in my hands, I groaned softly, my frustration lancing me through the chest and stomach.

I thought this would be easy. But I’ve bitten off more than I could chew. The traumatic memories cloud my vision, playing in my mind like an old movie. I see Neron’s fist hurtling towards my face, I hear Raina’s cackles as she pushes me down the stairs, Odessa’s snarky comments while she hacks out chunks of my hair, and the echoes of the pack members‘ insults bombarding louder than my heartbeat.

Chapter 41 – The Mystery

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I wanted to puke. I wanted to leave. I thought I was strong enough, but I was wrong. I was still a weak bitch underneath this muscle. Underneath this warrior is still Halima, the pitiful slave that couldn’t defend hers03:19 Hot tears mimicked waterfalls, falling rapidly down my bronzed ch*eks as choked sobs erupted from my throat.

Worst of all, I could feel my powers beating at my defenses, demanding freedom. I grunted, fighting hard to keep them at bay. It is like pushing against a door that threatened to shatter from the sheer force of a battering ram. We were pushing for dominance over the other, wanting the ability to control this body.

One breath. Two. Three. My lungs expand and shrink with every intake of oxygen, adding strength to my side of the battle. It pushed against the unstable force that is the moon’s power, keeping it tamed as it should be. After a minute, I panted heavily, my energy expanded. I was being tested, and it is not fun.

Goddess, why the hell am I so-

“Shut the f*ck up!” Artemis roared in my mind. The sharp volume added with the unanticipated yell made me jump. “You are not weak, Kiya! You never were! Don’t you dare fall into that pit of misery we’ve spent years digging ourselves out of. We will not go back into that hellhole in the middle of this hellscape that used to be our home.”

I remained silent, allowing my tears to fall further.

“Get up and go to the mirror.”

“What?”

“Get your ass up and go to the mirror, or I’ll make you.”

Not wanting my wolf to forcibly take control of my body, I trudged towards the full–length mirror that stood next to the double–doored closet. “What do you want me to do?”

“Look at your reflection.” I did, and I could have sworn I see a reflection of Artemis‘ large body behind me. “You are not weak. The person reflecting at you is not weak. She is a warrior, a fighter who has been through hell and emerged victoriously. She is a woman who fought for her life because she believed that the future is worth living for. She is a woman with an unimaginable power that no one could take from her. She is a woman that proudly shows off her scars, for they hold no power to ruin her. She is a woman who fought her way through the ranks to become one of the best Deltas Garnet Moon had ever seen.”

I listened in silence as my tears continued to fall. “That woman is you, Kiya. Do not ever doubt your strength. Standing here, alive, and well, is a testament that the abuse they put us through did not break your spirit. You are different now. You’re confident, an unstoppable machine. They cannot and will not hurt you anymore. We are immune to their threats because they could no longer affect us. You are powerful, and you could do anything. We’re stuck here for the next couple of months, we cannot change that. But we will not bow or look away. We will march on, look at our demons straight in the face and say, “You will never win over me again“.”

“Now, wipe your tears. You shed more than enough during your lifetime. You won’t shed anymore.”

Trauma is a festering demon that liked to tear down walls if one lets it. I let the demon tear down my walls enough. I was tired of it having power over me. I cannot let years‘ worth of therapy go to waste. I cannot let my parents‘ words go to waste.

Chapter 41 The Mystery

Bonu

I will turn my pain into power. I will turn my anger to power. Use it to better me, as I’ve done back home. My progress doesn’t end because I was back in my childhood hell.

03:11

I have people who support me in this house and back in California, Reminding myself that I was constantly supported was a hassle because there was that deep part of me that still believed the dark whispers from my past. But I think the reminders are a good thing. They help rebuild that foundation that crumbles little by little, reinforcing the notion that I always deserve better.

I deserve better, no matter what.

I’ll show them. I’ll show Zircon Moon that I am strong. Better than any of them would ever be.

I will make them regret everything they’ve done to me. I swear it.

Neron

Onyx was restless.

He rose from his resting place, coiling, and trotting around like a mad dog. He still won’t speak pacing around in my mind is becoming increasingly bothersome.

to me,

but him

The Garnet Moon members emit dominant power and resilience. The moment they stepped on my territory; I knew they did not come here to play games. They are a group on a mission, and they will see it through. Even the human among them radiated with the mightiness only a select number of humans could achieve. The preparations for tonight’s party were underway, but oddly enough, I was not excited. I’m worried. Scared,

even.

Why? When the Garnet Moon members walked past me to enter my home, it felt as if someone doused me with ice–cold water. The chill pierced my heart, knocking the wind out of me. I never felt so unsteady on my feet when someone brushed past me. I almost buckled over when that mass of curly hair walked near me.

I couldn’t see her face. She hid it from me and refused to look me in the eye. My inner curiosity propelled me to find out more about that woman and why she had this effect on me. Her deep bronzed skin, her full l*ps, and corkscrew–like hair seared itself into my mind, pulsating that image of her I managed to catch for a

moment.

I didn’t smell a scent on her. She was a werewolf, and she should carry a scent, but why doesn’t she have one?

It bothered me. She bothered me. She made my heart pound and my sweat glands secrete. Why did I feel that urge to seek the woman out? My fingers ached to run themselves through her hair, and I desired for her l*ps. on mine. I wanted to touch her supple skin, to taste it. Goddess, how could I be wanting another woman when I have Odessa at my side?

Speaking of Odessa, she hasn’t been herself. Ever since the members took themselves into their designated rooms, she has been very snappy. She snapped at several Omegas for merely standing in her way as they cleaned the hallways. Something was bothering her, and she couldn’t tell me. Instead, she holed herself up in my room, refusing to talk. I noticed the same mannerisms in Raina. She became fidgety, her normal vibrant energy was non–existent.

Something was going on with the three of us, and I want to know what.

Chapter 41 – The Mystery

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From the window in my office. I spot Valerian giving the group of warriors the tour of our land and training grounds. My eyes found the mass of curly hair obscuring the face I was desperate to see. She crossed her a 12 underneath her large chest, her posture strong despite her short height. Onyx battered himself against the forefront of my mind, clawing his way to usurp control of my body. His growls grew in volume and ferocity, clawing at the walls between him and what he demands to have.

“Onyx!” I roared. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Give me control, now!”

“And why the hell should I do that? You shut me out for days and you expect me to relinquish control over my body without question? Why are you like this?”

“As if you care. I see what I want, and I know what I want, and I will get it no matter what!”

The vagueness of his demand did nothing to calm my growing anger. Like hell I’ll give him control! I don’t

chest. Know what the f*ck he plans to do, and I was not in the mood to find out. Growls rumbled deep in my pushing my wolf back to where he came from. My hands grip the arms of my chair, nails sinking deep into the

vood.

Onyx and I fought. Hard. He refused to answer my demands, providing responses filled with vagueness and

wolf away mystery. Does this have to do with the Garnet Moon crew? In my last act of offense, I shoved my ack in his cage and doubled down on my mental walls. I still feel him clawing his way through the psychic arriers but relents after a while.

Throwing my head at the spine of my chair, I panted, feeling my energy dissipate from my pores. Fighting gainst your wolf was like fighting against an immovable object. Sometimes, wolves like to snatch control way from their humans, governin their bodies for their allotted time. It’s done out of intense anger, sadness

– desire.

esire fits the bill, here. The desire to get closer to the curly–haired mystery woman.

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