Chapter 43. Preparing for War

KAELAN

As soon as Zion and his guards left my estate, I let out a slow breath. The blood oath had been made. There was no going back now.

But there was still one problem.

Everly.

Convincing her to lead my warriors wasn’t going to be easy. She was strong—undeniably so—but after everything, after all the stress she had suffered as a result of her step sister’s presence in the pack, I knew she wouldn’t take kindly to the idea of being used as a weapon.

Still, I had no choice.

I found her in my room, brushing out her long, blond hair. She was wearing a silk robe, and the fabric clung to her curves. She looked… soft and peaceful. But I knew the fire beneath.

She glanced at me through the mirror’s reflection, her emerald eyes sharp. “Hey, honey pie,” she said with a smile.

“Hey!” I said as I embraced her from behind. “You look tempting.”

“I do?” She dropped the brush and turned to me. “How tempting?” she asked.

“So tempting I fee