As the Alpha of the Renegades, his men had been watching Scorched Earth and the perimeter of Encantado at all times for signs of attack.
“We haven’t even heard rumbling from our contacts on the other side,” the Renegade Alpha added.
Adonis cleared his throat. “It’s almost eerie, the silence, but at least we have more time to prepare the suits my mate invented.”
Arturo swung his gaze to Fabiana. “I still wonder why none of us heard about these sooner.”
“Because I wasn’t sure they would work. Why share something that wasn’t complete?”
Pasquale, Giuliana, and Adonis had agreed to keep Fabiana’s secret of the suit being active before she was with Adonis. As far as anyone else was concerned, she developed it with hopes of having one prepared in the near future, but the prototype was so successful she decided to manufacture more immediately.
“Makes sense,” Kalinda agreed. “Hope can be a great thing, but the disappointment when it’s crushed is rough. If we thought we’d have a way to combat the Hollows and then didn’t when we needed it most … Well, I don’t think any of us want to face that feeling.”
“True. And we’ll have a suit for every Alpha within a few weeks. Can’t be upset about that. Perhaps we should be happy we’ve heard nothing so far.” Torin commented. The large Guardian stared at Silva as he spoke, but she ignored him.
Arturo nodded. “Kalinda, are the Mages preparing?”
“We’ve got them all running drills. Each district is separating their more combat-ready members to help teach others. Those who have lower levels of magic are setting up shelters to go to when the alarm sounds for an attack. It’s the best we can do.”
“The other shifters in Encantado have joined the fray as well,” Dominic added. “I’ve received petitions from the Phoenixes to move on air patrol over our pack lands and they’ve sent missives to the others.”
Adonis rolled his shoulders. “I have agreed as well, as long as they are not causing a distraction or sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong.Tranquillumis a no-fly zone.”
“I’ve heard from Zahara about what you created and how you feel it would be a better place to meet.” Arturo leaned forward slightly and steepled his fingers.
“I do. As a neutral territory, no matter who comes in, they are to be handled civilly. It allows a level of trust for those coming from outside the city as well. They knowTranquillum’srules and will abide by them.”
“Tranquillum?” Alexi raised a brow in genuine interest.
“It’s within my pack lands. It was originally designed as a place of relaxation for my pack, but I’ve extended it to exclusive parties I invite to come and enjoy. The nature of the location is kept by the rule of death if you disturb it.”
“Can it be used as living quarters?”
Adonis cocked his head. “The Renegades have been accepted in Encantado without penalty.”
“That doesn’t mean the same is said for others,” Alexi argued.
“Then yes, it can be arranged.”
“It would be better to ask us all how we feel about that, wouldn’t it?” Arturo mused.
“Why? It’s within my lands and I gave the acceptance.”
Fabiana grabbed Adonis’s hand. “It’s not about that. We are a group now, and unanimous decisions make things cleaner.”
Adonis shrugged. “Fine.”
“She put a leash on Adonis. Did you fucking see that?” Romano wasn’t quiet with his smartassery, and Dominic didn’t keep his snicker down either.
Fabiana ignored both of them. “Are we all in favor of the Renegades living inTranquillum?”
The room filled with affirmative answers.
“If they were going to say that anyway, why even ask?”
“Because by moving the location, you also took control from Arturo and Dominic. If you seem to make all the rules at Tranquillum, you traded one Arena for another.”
“You are right.”
