Caleb and Stella knew the time was nearfor them to face their adversaries.

"We need to stop them before theyeven try anything, but I don't know how," Caleb said as he helpedStella prepare breakfast the next day, "We could infiltrate them asLonnie has done."

"We could," Stella said, "But Ihave a feeling you won't let me."

"I wouldn't want you to risk yourlife or Astrid's.."

Katie stirred, pushing on her sister'sarm as the two of them sat up in bed, wary of their surroundings.

"Caleb, Stella.." Penelope greeted,"Did we,-"

"You're healed," Caleb interrupted,"Thanks to my wife."

Katie smiled, "Thank you, Stella. Weowe you."

Caleb turned around, "Yes you do and I have just the plan for youto repay your debts to my mate."

"We can't!"

"Oh hell yes you can," Caleb toldthem as they sat around the kitchen table, "You're going to go backand grovel to your mother and my parents—become our traitors andlead them straight into our trap."

"But,-"

"No fucking buts," Caleb chuckled,"You will do this or I'll just toss you away myself."

"Stella!"

"Don't look to her for safety,"Caleb warned, "My wife has had enough torment from the two of youand I won't allow it any longer."

They knew what they had to do so nomore talk was allowed.

Katie and Penelope healed and gatheredsome possessions provided to them by Stella and Caleb.

"Lonnie's men will escort you,"Stella said, "They will keep you safe, but they will be in theshadows."

"We know what to do," Katie sobbed,"Remember us, sister. Please?"

"I will. I forgive you and promisenothing will come your way that will harm you."

"Bold of you to say, sister,"Penelope shuddered, "But I know you mean well."

They embraced before traveling on andback to their home.

"Are they safe?" Stella asked.

"Yes," Caleb told her, "This willhappen soon, my love. The war will come and we must be prepared."

Sven and Sarai agreed as they chancedupon them, "We've gathered our own armies so don't fret."

"Too late for that," Stella said,"I have linked Katie. She said they've made it home and Miriam isnot happy."

"She will be. They'll give her what she wants." Calen said, "Orthey will die."

Setting up their armies, Stella kept incontact with her sisters.

Miriam and Caleb's parents wereplanning the attack and it would take place only days after.

"They never wanted me," Caleb said,"They only wanted what I could offer them."

"Why would they want to harm us?"

"We left. We betrayed them and weknow they want the Red Woods," Caleb said, "They don't knowyou're pregnant."

"I am so confused,-"

"Stella, they're pure evil. Theykilled our parents to make me alpha of the whole pack—knowing Iwasn't their heir so that would make them NOT the leaders they havebeen for years. They've bamboozled our whole territory into bowing tothem. Miriam got caught up in it, but now? She's at their mercybecause my parents won't budge."

"Nor will she," Stella said, "Thisis chaos."

"We must be prepared," Caleb said,"This ends now."