42

Stevie.

Lynerd must have told Kel she was still alive. I wasn’t surprised, but I wished he’d kept my sister out of it.

“Listen here,” I started, but the line went dead. She’d made sure to have the final word, and I’d foolishly let her have that control.

A faint sob came from Stevie, and I tossed the phone onto the end table.

Jack pulled her into his arms and cradled her to his chest as he murmured, “They won’t get anywhere near you or Callie.”

“What was the point of calling you?” Stella wrinkled her nose.

“To gloat?” Lucas pursed his lips.

“I think she meant what she said about Callie’s heart. She knows if she takes us over by force, she’ll lose more lives and loyalty, and she was giving Callie one more chance to surrender before she orders the witches forward.” Michael pinched the bridge of his nose. “The death of witches won’t be as easy for her to wash away, but if she promised the witches something they want badly enough, they’re more likely to overlook a few of their own casualti