Blood Revenge

Chapter 26

Stefan avoided me for the nexttwo days as Anders and I walked around acting like newlyweds.Honestly, I'd never felt so happy with him. It was like everythingwas brand new. That one single encounter had bound us tightertogether than ever before, leaving no room for doubt or jealousy.

On the third day, I woke close todawn. The impending battle had my stomach in knots. None of my troopshad ever seen battle and I was missing one of my best fighters.Beri's absence hit hard. I slipped out of bed and dressed quietly,trying to let Anders get some extra sleep, but the sound of my daggerdropping from my hand and clattering to the ground woke him. "Shit,"I cursed my unusual clumsiness.

Anders rolled over in the bed,the sheets slipping down and giving me a gorgeous view of his chest."Everything alright, luv? You're up early."

"Couldn't sleep," Ishrugged, crawling into the bed next to him, giving in to the need tobe held. "It's a big day."

He stroked my hair and felt myforehead, frowning. "You look a bit pale. Are you sure you feelokay?"

I grimaced. "My nerves got thebest of my stomach," I said, holding up my shaky hand for him tosee. He took it in his and kissed it gently.

"I say we call the war due toillness." He smiled. "We could stay home, in bed, alone."

"As tempting as that is, Idon't think Keifer would be too pleased," I said.

"That git will get what'scoming to him," Anders promised.

"I just have this feeling," Isaid rolling onto my back and resting both hands over my stomach. "Idon't know what it's about, but something's going to go downtoday. I can feel it."

He put his hand over top of mineand leaned to kiss my neck. "Everything will work out."

Two hours later, I stood atopKnox Hill fidgeting nervously. "He's late," I pointed out.

"How bloody rude," Andersquipped. "I mean this is his war after all. He could at least showup on time."

Reif chuckled as the wind pickedup, blowing my hair. "The nerve of some people."
Stefansmirked. Apparently we were speaking again.

Suddenly, Reif tensed and drewhimself straighter, taking a deep breath. "Are they coming?" Iasked.

He shook his head, frowning. Iwatched his eyes scan our ranks. Whatever scent he'd caught thathad interested him must have died with the wind because he said tohimself, "It can't be."

"What is it?" I asked,touching his forearm as he looked worried.

"It is nothing, Stasia," hepromised, giving me a warm smile.

"Ana," Stefan caught myattention and pointed. "They're here."

I glanced where he was pointing."It's about sodding time! Alright everyone! Get ready! My party,fall in!" I grabbed Chaser's reins, taking comfort in touchinghis warm skin and I whispered. "I promise you won't need to domuch, old boy." He nickered and bobbed his head, nipping at mysleeve as I leapt onto his back.

Reif grabbed my offered arm and Ipulled him up behind me. Daeron and Wen shared a horse too as Stefan,West and Anders mounted their own horses. "Ready when ye are,"West said, holding Persephone in check. She was a young mare, butfull of spirit.

"Let's go see what Keifer hasto say," I said, willing Chaser forward.

We rode to meet him and the samefive soldiers who'd accompanied him to my doorstep three daysbefore. "Countess, from the massing of your army, I take it youhave not changed your mind. Just give me Valkyrie and the boy, allowme to do as I wish with the adulterous hag and I will turn my armyaround and go home. You may even keep you trouble-making newrecruit." Keifer laid out his terms.