Untouchable

Kimber     “You’re so lucky Kimber." My sister Savannah cooed in admiration as she added the finishing touches to my makeup. "Uncle has spared to existence on your coming-out party. It’s going to be such a marvelous affair!" Savannah prattled on as she stood back to admire her and handy work. Parties had always been more of Savannah’s speed. She loved everything about them, planning them, throwing them, and being the center of everyone’s attention. I would much rather stay out of the spotlight it was better to not be noticed. "You look absolutely breathtaking! This dress Uncle has prepared for you suits you so well. I wish he favored me as he does you." I could feel my skin begin to crawl at her words. She didn't know what she was saying I told myself as I turned to the mirror finally taking stock of my appearance.      My eyes widened slightly as I looked at the stranger staring back at me. My long raven locks had been swept back into a neat bun as a few strands hung loosely around my face. My emerald eyes shone like two green stars. The dress itself was black velvet sleeveless exposing my shoulders and back. Thankfully the front was more conservative coming up and facing in a choker around my neck. It was a pretty dress however it was not something I would have chosen for myself. 'Even my clothes are not my own choice.' I frowned as I resisted the urge to shatter the mirror in frustration. Taking a deep breath inhaling slowly through my nose exhaling through my mouth. I reminded myself I just had to hold on for a few more years. Savannah would be eighteen in four and then I could take her and leave. I would never have to look at that asshole Nickolas again.     “I bet you will find your future husband tonight! All the boy’s eyes will be on you for sure! It’s going to be such a magical night!” Savannah’s antics brought a sad smile to my face. Love it was what every young girl dreamed of and this night was the night I was supposed to feel like a princess and meet my prince charming. It wasn’t uncommon for a young witch to meet her husband on the night of her presentation into witch society. Our parents had met the night of my mother’s presentation and they were married within eight months of meeting.     There were hundreds of stories like our parents a once in a lifetime love given by the moon goddess. A soulmate that was meant to be cherished above all others. The wolves had a name for it, “mate” was the term I think they used. However, that wouldn’t be in the cards for me at least not yet. Truth be told I didn’t even know if I wanted to find my soulmate. He would probably be just as horrible or worse and I had no intention of jumping from the frying pan into the fire.      “Are you girls ready?" I could feel my skin beginning to crawl at just the sound of his voice and as much as I wanted to scream for him to go away, I knew I couldn't. If I did there would be hell to pay after the party. He had been restraining himself for weeks now. He didn't want to risk blemishes being visible during the party. He had to keep up appearances after all. He knew the other members of the council would never approve of how he treated me.     "Yes, uncle we're ready!" Savannah beamed as she opened the door for him. I could feel his hungry eyes devouring me as his eyes racked over my body. I suddenly felt the urge to vomit as his muddy brown eyes glistened with something I had never seen before. Lust.     “Savannah please excuse us. I would like I moment alone with your sister." 'No!' I wanted to scream at my sister. 'Don't leave me alone with this man again.' My mind was shouting as panic raced through me, but my face never moved. No, I wouldn't allow him to see how scared I really was. Scared that he would take his abuse one step farther than he ever had before. It only made him enjoy his twisted games more when he saw the fear on my face. I refused to give him that satisfaction.     “Of course, uncle." Savannah smiled as she made her way out of the room. I didn’t dare face him it was one of the many rules he had set for me throughout the years.      "My you look ravishing. I knew that dress would be perfect." I cringed slightly at his comment every word laced with a hidden desire. "Sit." He commanded as he motioned to the chair in front of my vanity. Slowly I made my way over to the chair following his command I positioned myself in front of the mirror. I could see his reflection. His blond hair had been slicked back for the formal occasion.      "Thank you for the gift Uncle." I forced myself to choke out. Sounding as gracious as I could. I wasn't thankful for the dress. I wasn't thankful for anything this monster had given me. Nothing was ever my choice he had taken all of that away from me.     “Your welcome my dear. Anything for my special little pet." He smiled as he placed his hand on my shoulder. "I have one more gift for you." I could feel my heart begin to race as he placed his free hand in his pocket. "Close your eyes, my little witch." His hot breath grazed across my ear and once again I could feel my stomach-turning threading to expel its contents. Begrudgingly I closed my eyes and prayed that whatever he had planned wouldn't hurt too much. "Open." He commanded again and my eyes fluttered open. My eyes fell on the signal crescent moon that now hung from my neck.      “Is this my mother's talisman?" I whispered as I brought my trembling hand up to touch it. My mother had been a very powerful witch one that they say had been blessed by the moon goddess herself. She had possessed a very special power. The power to create freezing fire, a flame so cold that it burnt. It was a power that many in the witch community coveted.      “I don't understand. I thought this was lost in the accident." I could feel my heart racing.      “It was one of the only things that survived and as her eldest daughter it rightfully belongs to you." I felt a chill make its way up my spine as he placed his hand on the back of my neck. Everything in me screaming for me to run as far and as fast as I could.     “Thank you." It was probably the only thank you I had ever truly meant when speaking to him. This was something I had longed for, wanted for such a long time just a small connection to her.     “Now do you remember the rules for tonight?" The moment ruined as I felt his hand give a slight squeeze.     “Yes, I do." I stated dryly as I thought of those stupid rules. I hated them all. His rules were the reason I couldn’t have any friends or dress the way that I wanted to dress.     “Good. Now, what are they?" Nickolas asked as he tightened his grip.     “I must only speak when spoken to. I must only dance with the council and you. I must politely reject the young men and I must avoid being touched by others as much as possible." I recited quietly. This wasn’t a new rule for me. It was one that I had lived with for as long as I had been with Nickolas. When I was small and he had brought me into his office to inform me of this rule, I thought he was joking. I thought it was a game, but I was only five at the time. I hadn’t fully grasped the severity of the situation I was in, but I learned quickly. The next week at school I had made the mistake of hugging one of the boys in my class. That night, it was the first night he slapped me. It was the first night I witnessed the full extent of his rage.     “And if a young boy won't take the polite rejection?" He was testing me now. He wanted to see if all his years of conditioning had paid off. If I would give him the proper response. If I didn’t, I knew what would be in store for me later.     “I am to come find you." I knew what he wanted to hear even if I didn’t want to say it. I could feel his grip on my shoulder relaxing showing he was pleased with my response.     “That’s my good little pet." All the color drained from my face as he bent down and placed a small peck on my lips. “Your mine. I will be the only one to touch you.” He whispered as he made his way out of the room. I could feel rage, and fear trying its best to overtake me as the reality of what he was no doubt planning for me came crashing down. I would never survive until Savannah turned eighteen, and remain whole. ‘How can I be this week?’ The thought ran repeatedly through my mind as I simply stared at my reflection. Anger once again twisting in my stomach as my blood began to boil. Broken pieces of glass soon littered the top of my vanity as I felt a warm liquid trickling down my fingers.     ‘I can help you.’ I jumped as the voice invaded my mind. It wasn’t unheard of for witches to use spells to communicate telepathically, but that normally required some kind of bond between the two individuals. I had no such bond with anyone other than Savannah, but she wasn’t strong enough yet to pull something like this off.      ‘Who are you?’ I demanded ‘Get out of my head.’      ‘Child I can help free you.’ I froze at her words. Could whoever this voice belonged to really help me. Could they give me the freedom that I so desperately craved?     ‘How?’     ‘Let me worry about that for now cover your hands with gloves.’ I didn’t know if I could trust this voice within my head but right now it was my only chance. If I ever had any hope of being free of this prison I had to take it.     ‘Alright, I’ll follow your lead.’ A new determination filling me as I pushed the glove up my arm. I was going to be free of this man one way or another. I was going to do whatever it took.    ~o0o~      “This is all your fault.” My sister’s outburst pulling me out of my thoughts. Slowly I turned my face away from the window. I did my best to suppress a laugh as I looked at her perfectly plucked brows turned down in annoyance. Her hazel eyes glinting with anger she was attempting to look menacingly at me.    “Yes, because I knew I was going to turn into a monstrous wolf on the night of my eighteenth birthday.” I shot back at her. It really was my fault that we had been cast out of which society away from the only home that we had ever known. I let my emotions get the better of me something a proper witch would never do. We were taught from a young age that emotions only compromised our powers.     “You didn’t have to attack Uncle Nickolas though! If you had more self-control, we would still be home! With our friends and our school! Not having to start over at the bottom of the barrel! We’re going to be omegas here the lowest of the low!” Savannah whined as she averted her eyes from me. “It’s a fate worse than death!”    “Savannah you don’t know what you’re saying.” I spit out bitterly narrowing my eyes at her. She really didn’t know what she was saying. Savannah had lived a completely different life from mine. She had no idea what went on behind closed doors.     “Yes, I do! My life our life was perfect! We had everything respect, power, popularity.” I fought the urge to sigh at her statement. ‘She’s acting like a complete and utter child.’ I thought to myself, but what else could I really expect from a fourteen-year-old girl.     “No Savannah you had everything. You have no idea what life was like for me in that place!” I could see the confusion in her eyes that quickly turned to anger.     “How bad could it have been for you? All uncle ever did was care for us and how did you repay him! By almost ripping his arm off!” I could feel my nails digging into the palm of my hand as I clenched my fist. Fighting the urge to slap her. She was just a child I reminded myself. She doesn’t know any better I repeated.     “Stop calling him that! He is not our uncle!” I reminded her. I could feel my body heating up as the anger began to take root in the pit of my stomach.     “Why that’s all we have ever called him?" Savannah huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't know what your problem is lately Kimber but get over yourself already."     “He’s not our uncle he’s our guardian and it doesn’t matter that we will be omegas Savannah we both need the training.” I glared at her. She may be my sister, but she was working on the last good nerve I had left.    “No, we don’t!” She snapped “You’re the one who needs the training to control your murderous self! I probably won’t ever change!” 'That’s it! The last straw.' I thought as I growled low in my chest catching her attention.     “He’s not our uncle he’s our guardian and do not speak about things you know nothing about, or I will seal your mouth with a silencing spell until we arrive at the New Moon pack!” I watched as her mouth opened as if to argue but she quickly decided against it as she flipped her long chocolate hair over her shoulder. I could tell that she was pouting and for a moment I even considered apologizing for threatening her with magic, but it was the only way to drive home how serious I was. Not to mention the silence was a welcome change. I watched her prepare to ignore me for the rest of the trip as she placed her headphones in and turned her attention to the passing landscape.    I knew I was being harsh on Savannah after all she was still only a child and didn’t understand the gravity of the situation that we were in. All she understood was she was being taken away from everything she had ever known and a small part of me felt guilty for disrupting her life once again. But this was better it had to be safer even if we were going to be omegas. She would be safe I would be safe for the first time in my life. I could do something for me. Make my own choices. I wouldn't have to constantly look over my shoulder at least not for the next four years.    That was the deal the witch’s council had made four years until Savannah turned eighteen to see if she shifted as I had. Then we would be given a choice we could join witch society, or we could remain within the New Moon pack. Savannah would no doubt return to witch society. She craved the finer things in life wanting the best of the best. Something else that was Nickolas's fault, he never wanted to deal with her so he would buy her things.    A shiny new toy to shut her up, fancy clothes to make her leave him alone. Savannah was a monster of his own creation when it came to the materialistic things in life. I wonder if four years would be enough time to undo all the damage, he had done to her or if she would remain a spoiled brat for the rest of her life. I knew his indifference to her hadn't gone unnoticed especially as she grew older. I did my best to fill in the gap left by our parents and by our guardian, but it wasn't enough I was only a child myself. It had created a rift between the two of us and I don't know if it could ever be mended.     I would try though and just maybe I could convince her to stay within the pack, but deep in my heart, I knew she wouldn't. Even if it would be safer for her. Just looking at her even at this young age she radiated everything a witch was supposed to be. A picture of perfection poised and elegant.    Everything we had ever been taught the wolves weren’t. They were said to be ill-tempered, barbarians who partied too much and looked for an excuse to fight. It was also said that they had an extremely strong sense of family. That is why they lived in packs, they protected each other helped each other. It was very rare for a Wolfe to leave the pack that they were born into outside of getting married. The witches considered this form of living archaic and uncivilized but, there was something so appealing to me about how they lived.    How they valued family above all else. 'Would this have been what dad was like?' I wondered as I watched the landscape flash by. All my memories of my father were so hazy it was almost like they were just behind a shroud that I couldn't access. It bothered me that I couldn't remember him at all I was five when they both died, I should be able to remember, and Nickolas did his best to erase every trace of my father he could find.     In witch society, heritage and proper breeding win you the respect and admiration of your peers. The wolves respected one thing and that was power. From what I can remember they follow an archaic hierarchy where the strong lead regardless of their capability and the weak are made to serve the strong. The New Moon pack was one of the oldest and strongest packs still thriving. It was said that their current Alpha was absolutely ruthless in battle, but very kind and fair when it came to his pack. The council said he had been willing to accept us into his pack without a second thought.    I would be lying if I said that I wasn't scared because I was. I was terrified of this new world that my sister and I were going to be stepping into. We had all heard rumors of how barbaric and uncivilized the wolves could be. But anything had to be better than a life as Nickolas' personal slave. No, it didn't matter if I was simply a cook or a servant here, I would make the best of it. Besides I only had to endure it for four years then I could leave. I wasn't planning on going back into witch society though. No, I would live among the humans and do my best to have a normal life. Away from wolves and especially witches.                                         * * *    Three days. Three days we had been stuck driving straight from our home in California to some backwoods town deep in the hills of Kentucky. Three days of living off fast food, rest stop snacks, and sleeping in awkward positions in the back of the SUV. Savannah had finally started speaking to me again around noon on day two and the rest of the trip had been pleasant awkward but pleasant.    "Kimber?" Savannah's voice bringing me back to reality.    "What is it Savannah?" I could see she wanted to ask me something.     "Will I get to complete my witch training? I didn't get the chance to discover my element before we were whisked away." My heart started to ache for Savannah. A witch's element was like a part of her and if she didn't discover it there was no way for one to tap into their full potential.     "I’m sure you will. I won't let your powers get rusty I promise" I smiled at her reassuringly.     "Ladies." My attention turned to the driver as he turned the car slowly down a winding road. "We're here." My eyes widened slightly as a large house came into view. It was one of the largest homes I had ever seen, and I couldn't help but compare it to an old plantation home. As the car moved to turn up the driveway, I could see people crowding outside no doubt waiting to catch a glimpse at the two freaks who would be joining their pack.     "Kimber. I'm scared." Savannah whispered as she grabbed my hand. I could feel her hand beginning to tremble as the reality of our situation finally hit her.     "Hey. We’re going to be fine." I reassured her lightly squeezing her hand in return.     "How do you know?" She whispered so quietly I almost didn't catch it.    "Because we're Rosenthorn's and we are survivors." I reminded her as the care finally came to a complete stop. "Now hold that head high." I pushed the door to the SUV open and my boot made contact with the pavement. I quickly took in the people around me. The crowd was smaller than I had originally thought. It looked to be made up of mostly servants all setting up for what looked like a party that would be going on later. I couldn't help the feeling of dread that crept in as I thought of the last party I attended.    "Welcome." My attention quickly turned to the older man who was now making his way toward me. I could feel the power rolling off of him as his piercing amber eyes meet with mine. There was no denying it he was the alpha.     "Were so glad to finally have the two of you where you belong." This time it was a small woman with long raven hair who spoke. Her long black hair was tossed over her shoulder in a neat braid. She must be his Luna and wife. "Oh, how rude of us! This is Alpha Markus Ashwood and I am Zoey Ashwood his Luna."    "Hello. I'm Kimber and this is my younger sister Savannah." I bowed low at the waist Savannah quickly following suit. "It’s an honor to meet both of you. We are very thankful that you have been kind enough to allow us to join your pack." The words fell from my lips robotically as the lines I had returned for days ran through my mind. This greeting had to be perfect. He could still reject us from the pack and then we would be sent home. It took all my will to keep my had from shaking at the thought of being sent back to that prison.    "My, my what manners." I hear Markus begin to chuckle. "No need for such formalities girls. After all, I am your godfather." My head shot up at his statement. He couldn't be our godfather Nickolas had been the one to come for us in the hospital. Although this man did seem oddly familiar.    "What?" I stammered. His statement had rattled me. Something that wasn't easy to do.    "Never you mind right now. I'll explain it all later for now how would you girls like to be shown to your rooms so you can freshen up?"     "OH, yes please!" Savannah beamed with excitement at the thought of a shower.    "Very well fallow me and then you can meet my sons." Zoey beamed excitedly as she grabbed me by the wrist. Without thinking I jerked my hand free as if I had been burnt.     "I'm sorry." I mumbled as I averted my eyes from hers.     "No, my dear I'm sorry. I shouldn't have grabbed you like that. After all, we're just meeting for the first time and I'm sure your girls are nervous." Zoey paused giving me an apologetic look. "I know that the rumors about pack life paint us all to be a bunch of mindless Neanderthals. But I can assure you it is not so." I can feel the tension in my body relaxing at Zoey's words. They were so kind, and I could see the sincerity in her eyes.     "You bastard!" I turn my attention from Zoey as two men crash through one of the upper windows. The omegas scrambling out of the way as the broken glass and then a blur of silver and black come crashing down taking the majority of the tables with them. The two men scramble to their feet as the dark hair one continues to scream obscenities, but I can't hear them. I can't hear anything except the blood rushing through my vines at the intoxicating smell of the earth after a thunderstorm. I could feel my head beginning to spin as I breathed the sent in deeper. It was like a drug I hadn’t even known I was missing out on, and I was an addict that had been starving for it my whole life.    My eyes land on the muscular back of the silver-haired man. The back of his shirt had been ripped in several places from the broken glass. Giving me a clear view of the creamy skin that lies just underneath the fabric. 'It’s him! The smell is coming from him.' My mind was racing. Looking for any solution anything to explain what was happening to me at this very moment. But nothing.    I can feel my wolf for the first time since I transformed four days ago. She’s rattling against the back of my mind trying to push me forward. Urging me to transform to run to him, to touch him, to know what his arms feel like around me, but I can't. I mustn't no matter how badly I want to but if Nickolas ever found out I willingly touched another man. 'No, I must keep my distance from him.' I can feel my wolf fighting even harder as I try to push her back.    "Mate." My breath catches in my throat and for a moment I forget how to breathe as he turns to face me. His amber eyes feel as though they are boring into my very soul and suddenly, I feel as though he can see right through me. I can see his jaw tighten slightly as he clenches his teeth. A movement was so small I'm sure no one else was able to catch it.    "What?" I manage to breathe out as he begins to close the distance between us. Instinctively I step back and suddenly I feel as though I am the pray and he is the hunter. Circling me, looking for his opportunity to devour me.     "Mate." He repeats the word and my mind races to find anything to explain it. I know I have heard it before, but my mind is in such a haze. I can't think! I can't think of anything except the mesmerizing creature in front of me. I scan the crowd looking for anyone who will help me but to no avail. I see the shocked expressions littering their faces.    "I- I- I- don't know- what that means," I whisper brokenly whisper. He's standing so close now and I can feel the electricity radiating off his body. My stomach is turning at the overwhelming feelings that have taken over my body.    "It means you're mine." Panic overrides every other emotion as the words 'Your mine.' Repeatedly echo's through my mind. 'No.' Dread feels me as I realize I have jumped from the frying pan straight into the fire. Nickolas was the devil, but he was the devil I knew. I knew how to pleas him to keep the beatings to a minimum. Who knew what this man would do to me, what he would threaten to do to Savannah.     I'm violently jerked back to reality as I feel sparks moving from my wrist up through my arm and into my shoulder. 'No!' I scream in my mind as I realize he has wrapped his and around my wrist. Anger quickly replaces the panic as I feel my fire dancing at the tips of my fingers.     "Don't touch me!" I scram as I place my free hand on his chest as an explosion of fire leaves my palm. I see his amber eyes widen slightly in surprise as he's thrown back into a massive tree. "I am not some possession to be claimed at the whim of a man." I can see anger flash through his eyes as he makes his way to his feet. I ready myself for the fight I know is coming, but I don't care. I refuse to be another man's toy.