Dad lifted his head, raising a questioning eyebrow. I hadn’t discussed it with him. Hell, it hadn’t even occurred to me until those fuckers got through the wards. We were safer than most, but Sinthy could only do so much.
“Don, I keep thinking of that offer you made,” I said.
“It still stands.” There wasn’t even a hint of hesitation in his voice. “There’s more than enough room for you and all those you are sheltering. Say the word, and I’ll arrange the transport.”
“Well, if anyone comes, it won’t be all of us. Probably only Maddy and a small contingent of people to ensure her safety.”
I was met with surprise from the other men. This was all off the cuff, and I’d caught them all off guard. Maddy and the other pack alphas would need to agree, obviously. It was my land, but it was their lives, and that meant they got a say in anything that might affect them.
“Let me know what you decide. As always, I’m here,” Donatello said, and the call disconnected.
My father and the other two men looked at me expectantly.
“Gather the alphas. We need to discuss this. It might be safer for everyone if Maddy gets out of here. It’ll take the heat offa bunch of innocent shifters and get her someplace even more secure.”
Dad tilted his head and gave me a wry smile. “And has the ever-so-intelligent Mr. Lorenzo spoken to his mate about this idea yet?”
I hadn’t. I’d only started thinking about it since the wards had been threatened. But Maddy would see reason. She’d understand it was for the best.
“I’ll speak with her and see what she thinks is best,” I said.
“Okay, we’ll spread the word,” Tiago said as he stood. “When and where is this big meeting happening?”
“Tonight,” I said. “We’ll do it outside. Down in the training field. Tell everyone to be there at sundown.”
Unsure how to go about the discussion with Maddy, I decided to come right out and say it. Tear the Band-Aid off, so to speak. She was surprisingly receptive to it once I laid it all out.
“You’re right,” she said. “Viola is targeting this place because of me. It’s making it too dangerous. All these innocent people here, and I’m bringing this on them. Especially with the new packs we’ve brought in.”
“So, you’re okay with leaving?” I asked incredulously. I’d assumed there would be much more cajoling and begging.
She nodded. “I think so. We’ll see what the others say, but as of now, I think it’s the safest option for everyone here, especially after what happened. Who knows if Viola has more witches, she’s forced to work for her. She might send more or one with more power next time. Sinthy is amazing, but she’s not strong enough to fight everything that will come our way.”
Tension crackled in the air at the meeting. Rumors of the enemy incursion had made the rounds. They were all well aware of how close we’d come to losing all protection from the wards. Every alpha in attendance looked desperate to hear more about it and what we had planned.
I stood silhouetted against the roaring bonfire Sebastian and Felipe had set, looking out at the sea of faces. Nearly a dozen alphas, my own friends and family, along with Sinthy and Maddy’s three parents—all looking to me for leadership and answers.
I left nothing out as I spoke. The people under my protection needed to know exactly what we were up against. Their fear grew, and wary looks passed between them when I explained that the male witch had almost broken our magical protection completely.
“To that note, I think Maddy needs to be taken somewhere safer. Not only will it ensure her safety, but it will likely remove the threat from the pack lands. Do any of you have an objection to that?”
Byron, the alpha of the smallest pack here—ten members—stood. “Nico, we’re happy to be here, and we appreciate your protection. This is your decision. Yours and Maddy’s. I don’t think I have a leg to stand on telling you what you should or shouldn’t do. These aren’t my lands, and this isn’t my pack.”
There were some nods of agreement all around. Others spoke up, saying that if Maddy felt safer somewhere else, she should go. I was surprised and proud that none of them spoke of their own danger. It was all about what Maddy needed, what I wanted, and what was best for everyone. The consensus made me slightly ashamed that I’d assumed people would be desperate to get rid of Maddy to save themselves, but that wasn’t what was happening.
“That settles it,” Maddy said. “I’m going. I’ll join Abi on Donatello’s island.”
“Donatello’s offer stands for anyone.” I looked at Maddy’s parents. “Mr. and Mrs. Sutton, Gabriella, do any of you want to go with Maddy?”
Maddy’s parents held each other close, and her father shook his head. “We have no supernatural powers and won’t be of much good in a fight, but we’re safe here. I don’t think we want to go somewhere else. I wish Maddy would stay, but… we understand. We’re staying.”
“Fair enough,” I said, then turned to Maddy’s birth mother. “And you?”
Gabriella looked torn. “I worry for Maddy. Part of me wants to stay close to her. I’m scared of what Viola will do if she ever gets close to her.”
I held up a hand in reassurance. “I promise you she’ll be safer on the island.”
Gabriella nodded. “Viola would also love to have me locked up again. I’m not ecstatic about it, but I think I’ll stay here. Separating Maddy and me might make things more difficult for Viola.”
