The Arena novel Chapter 67

I’m digging through Cedric’s company financials when I hear the screeching of the kestrels. Both Jena and Palila had decided that, as ranked members, they should take part in the patrols when they aren’t working. It gives them a chance to fly and also protects our borders. I may not understand what they are saying, but the tenor of their shrill chirping is very clear.

“Danger!”

I’m up and moving in an instant, grabbing my sword. It’s not ideal. I’m huge with my pregnancy limiting my ability to fight, but I don't want my pack and my daughter to fight without me.

As I walk out, there are people running in all directions. Some are headed to the safe rooms; some are rushing outside. Warriors are shifting all around me as they make their way to the battle. I can hear Kenna’s wings and her scream of defiance as she lifts off the ground, ready to fight.

I’m moving to step outside when strong arms wrap around me. “Tana, you need to get into a safe room. You are in no condition to fight. I won’t have you risking yourself and our son. Let us fight this battle. You stay and keep the pack members who can’t fight safe. Please, Tana. I can’t fight if I’m worried something could happen to you. It will distract me.”

He’s right. I know he is, but it goes against everything in me not to fight when we’re under attack. As I look into his eyes, I see his fear for me, for our son. “Okay, Cedric. I’ll stay.”

His relief is palpable. He kisses my forehead. “I’ll come get you when it’s over,” he says before rushing off.

“Be safe, Cedric. I love you,” I shout.

“I love you, too, Tana. Take care of our son.”

“Take care of our daughter!” I yell back and watch him wave moments before he shifts.

I turn, changing my plan and ensuring everyone is inside the safe rooms. The battle is steadily getting closer, so I begin moving faster to get everyone locked in before getting to the last safe room.

As I walk in, I hear the sound that I dread - the thunk of a harpoon launcher. I wait a moment, listening to the harpoon whistling through the air. When it doesn’t connect with Kenna, I step inside the last safe room, locking the door behind me.

This room is mostly for young mothers. While werewolves are strong and brave, this group is young and fearful that their mates could be killed or concerned about their pups being captured. I do my best to calm them before turning back to listen to what's going on outside.

The sounds of battle have clearly made it into the packhouse. We can hear the fighting outside our door, warriors battling to protect their mates and pups hidden in the safe rooms. I can hear Kenna’s screeching as she fights outside, the urge to go to her is almost overwhelming.

My anger flares hot, burning off some of the paralytic in my system. I reach out and slash the man on his face, my claw marks etching bloody lines from his hairline to his chin. He snarls, grabbing something in his pocket and plunging it into my neck. He injects me with the concoction that has me going unconscious.

I’m in and out of consciousness as I realize I’m being lifted and carried out of the safe room. I hear the sound of another harpoon launch, This time, I hear Kenna’s scream of pain as it finds its mark. I want to go to her, want to help her, but I can’t move.

“Get her out of here. If we can get the other one, great, if not, we have this one. She’s a dragon, too, and she’s pregnant, so that gives us two. Get as many of the shifters as you can. We’ll put them in the arena.”

I’m put into a van and strapped to a gurney. I can hear that the fighting is still ongoing, the battle not won on either side. I failed them. I failed my pack, and I failed Cedric. It’s the last thought that I have before I lose consciousness completely.

When I wake, I’m in what looks like a hospital room, the smell of medicine and tinctures burning my nose. I’m strapped to a bed, an IV in my arm pumping what must be the paralytic as I can’t move, even if I wasn’t strapped down.

I look around, trying to find anything that will tell me where I am or how I can get out when the door opens, and he walks in. His face is healed, making me wonder how long I’ve been here, but the scars of my claws will always remain.

“Hello, dragon. Welcome to my laboratory. I’m Troy.”