The Arena novel Chapter 36

After Ishir contacted Avani, he and I went to look at it again. When we got there, all the lights on the ground made it look like a spotlight on the arena. From high above the ground, we could see that there weren’t four but eight harpoon launchers. We could also see exactly how thick the walls are, and we were able to see down into the as-yet uncovered hole in the ground where the supernaturals were being housed. Those cages are going to be nearly impossible to get open.

I had landed with Avani and instantly smelled Cedric’s scent of a spring rainstorm. I immediately put my finger to my lips, so Avani knows not to say anything. And, of course, he has to antagonize Cedric.

Afterward, we flew to my penthouse. We sit down at my dining room table with Ishir and begin drawing out what we saw and make a plan.

“Were you serious about contacting Kaylani and Zephyr?” I ask Avani.

He looks at me, his eyes narrowing. “We need them. At least one of them. Eight harpoon launchers is a bit much, even for the two of us.”

Zephyr and Kaylani are sisters, and their elements, air and water, work well together. Avani and I aren’t related, but our elements, fire and earth, also work well together. Having all four of us would definitely give us the advantage.

“However, I need to check with Kaylani. She wanted a pure dragon baby, and I accommodated her request,” he says with a self-satisfied smirk. I just shake my head at him.

“I’m a great lover, Tana. You wouldn’t be disappointed, and I bet I could make you forget about a certain grumpy Lycan.”

I lean in, looking him in the eye. “Not interested. Not today, not tomorrow, and not any time in the future.” I tell him before sitting back.

“Maybe we can get back to what’s important, you know, the arena?” Ish says, redirecting Avani. The man is utterly ridiculous.

Just then Kenna comes running out of her room. “Momma!”

I turn and stand in one motion. “Sweet girl.” I open my arms and swing her up. She’s been having nightmares since I told her about the arenas.

She hugs me for a moment before pulling back. “What’s he doing here?” she asks, looking at Avani.

Surprisingly, he gets up and comes to her. “Hello, beautiful.” He holds his arms out, and I’m amazed that my daughter goes to him immediately. “It’s good to see you again,” he says, taking her back to the table.

He sits, seating her on his lap.

“Why are you here?” she asks him again.

“Your mom, Ishir, and I are making plans to take down an arena.”

“Avani …” I growl at him. I hadn’t planned to tell her since she was already having nightmares.

“Don’t you think she’s conjuring something worse in her head, Tana?” he asks, kissing the top of my daughter’s head while she looks at what we’ve been putting together.

“Is this it?” she asks. He looks at me, waiting for me to agree that we can tell her. I nod.

He wraps his arm around her and leans in. “This is the arena. And see here?”

Kenna nods.

“This is where they hold the supes that they force to fight.”

“Why do they force them to fight?” she asks, but she’s looking at Avani, not me or Ishir.

“Because they don’t understand us. And humans fear what they don’t understand. So, rather than get to know us, they try to destroy us.”

I’m amazed at how paternal Avani is with Kenna. And she has taken to him almost instantly. It makes my heart hurt. Not because I want a child with Avani but because I want Kenna to have this with her real father. If only Cedric hadn’t ruined everything.

“Okay, sweet girl, back to bed,” I say, knowing we need to figure out a game plan for the arena.

“Will you tuck me in, Avani?”

“Of course, Kenna.” He takes her to her room and tucks her in. When he comes back, he looks at me. “We need to talk before I leave.”

We finish drawing out the buildings, where the harpoons are located, and we develop a plan of attack. “Now we just need the others,” I say to Avani.

“Tana, I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think we also need Cedric. His pack could help. Avani said they have weapons,” Ishir says.

I don’t want to, but this isn’t just about me. “Fine. But you’re in charge of contacting him. I’ll only meet with him if necessary.”

“Walk me out, Tana,” Avani says.

When we get outside, I expect his usual arrogance. Instead, he puts his hands into his pockets and looks out over the city.

“She needs a father figure, Tana. If Ishir isn’t around enough, and you’re sure you don’t want to tell the Lycan and have him in her life, you should consider letting me into her life.”

He turns, facing me. “I know we don’t get along. I know there will never be anything between us, and I’m okay with that, even if I know you’re missing out.” He smirks as I roll my eyes at him. “But, for whatever reason, she needs this. She needs a father figure. She’s a strong Alpha dragon, something that’s unheard of in our breed. She needs someone strong that she trusts, beyond her mother, to help guide her.”

He looks at me for a moment. “Think about it.”

I look out over the city, thinking about what he’s said.

“Okay, Avani. I’ll think about it.”