Lethal Temptation (by Michelle Ray) novel Chapter 151

151 Morning Tribunal 2-1

Lucian

There was a bitterness in Darian’s voice now, something older and deeper than anything we were

discussing.

I knew it had to do with Mara. I didn’t press.

Instead, I said simply, “I see where you’re going with this.”

Darian continued. “She left her first love because of money. Chose power over loyalty. If you want proof of

the child she claims died, you’ll need to ask about the grave. If the story’s real, there’s a tombstone

somewhere.”

I stayed silent, letting his words settle.

Then I said, “Mara and I have another idea.”

He was quiet, listening now.

“We’ll go to Goldenpeak. Alone. We’ll find your grandparents-without telling your mother. If what she told us is true, they’ll confirm it. If there was ever a baby, there’ll be a grave. And if that man-Alaric-really loved her… there’ll be a marker for his child.”

“Why do you believe that?” Darian asked.

“Because love is the only reason a man would cling to a secret for twenty-three years,” I said. “Lambshed is massive. He doesn’t need her money. But if she betrayed him-if she abandoned him and his child-then this isn’t extortion. It’s revenge. He wants to ruin her peace and make her husband turn on her.”

Darian was quiet again. Processing

“You’re on to something, Lucian,” Darian agreed, his tone steadier now.

“If there really was a child between her and Alaric, there’ll be a grave. A tombstone. Something tangible,” I

said, reinforcing the idea.

“I like it. We’ll stick to that plan,” he said. “I’ll stir up enough surface drama at breakfast to keep her and Father distracted. I don’t want to get into my personal life with them, and I know you don’t either.”

“Breakfast will be eventful, as always,” I muttered.

He chuckled. “Only this time, we’re the ones turning up the heat.”

I laughed softly with him, the rare sound briefly cutting through the tension that seemed permanently etched into my life lately.

Then I heard the soft, unmistakable cry of a baby in the background.

Emma.

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Darian quickly excused himself to attend to his daughter and hung up.

Claim

The room fell quiet again, but my mind didn’t. Hearing Emma’s voice stirred something in me-something

hollow and aching. Darian, who was six years younger than me, had stepped into fatherhood before I had.

He got to hold his child, rock her, hear her cry daily. That single, fleeting moment when I heard Richard cry

after birth-it was all I had. One sharp, raw sound before silence and machines swallowed his world.

I prayed the hole in his diaphragm would close on its own like the specialist said. I clung to that hope

because the idea of them opening my son’s tiny chest for surgery was too much. Three months. That’s

how long it would take before I could visit him again. Until then, all I had were thoughts. Worries. Quiet

fears about complications-about what else might surface because of Tina’s selfishness.

Forgiving her? That was a distant concept. I couldn’t even touch the idea without bitterness rising in my throat. She stole something from my son-his health, his strength. It would take years to even consider forgiveness. If ever.

I dragged myself into the bathroom and stared at my reflection. My beard had grown in-messy, uneven, curling in places it shouldn’t. I used to keep it sharp, carved, disciplined. Now it just looked like a symbol of everything I’d let go of lately-routines, appointments, the small self-care rituals that had kept me grounded. First it was the drama with Tiffany. Then Richard. The days blurred together, and I hadn’t noticed how much time had passed.

I brushed my teeth slowly, rinsed my face, then linked a staff member near the room.

“Please bring Mara a tuna sandwich and a warm glass of lemon water.”

“We’re out of tuna, Alpha,” the response came a moment later. “But we do have smoked salmon.”

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151 Morning Tribunal 2-2

Smoked salmon between toast? I wasn’t sure how that would taste, but at this point, I wasn’t about to

argue.

“That’s fine.”

The sandwich arrived forty-five minutes later-just as Mara stirred awake. She shifted under the covers, blinking sleep from her eyes, her hair messy and her skin glowing with that soft, morning light. Completely naked, she quickly wrapped the sheet around herself when she realised the staff had walked in.

They placed the tray down and exited respectfully.

Mara made her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth-she was meticulous about it, never letting me

kiss her before that. I had to respect the consistency.

She returned a few minutes later, her eyes clearer now. And then, without a word, she climbed onto the bed and straddled me, her sheet slipping slightly as she settled against my body.

I welcomed her with open arms, pulling her close and kissing her deeply. She tasted like mint and warmth and peace. Her moans were a balm-soft music that soothed the ache in my chest. I kissed down her neck, my hands sliding up her back, grounding myself in her.

Finally, she leaned her forehead against mine and asked in that quiet, knowing voice, “How are you feeling

now?”

I smiled faintly. Her timing was always perfect-never too soon, never too late.

I looked into her eyes, filled with calm and strength, and answered honestly.

“Tina is gone. Richard’s in good hands,” I said, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Mara’s ear. “Honestly, I’m relieved. I think we should have dinner with your folks soon-to thank your father. His quick thinking

made all the difference.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Dinner with my parents? Voluntarily?”

I chuckled. “Yes. Miracles happen.”

She smirked. “And while we’re being generous, can we also make sure Dr Green’s licence gets suspended?

I sighed and shook my head. “Not really. He wasn’t entirely negligent. He did say the hole might close on

its own, and he informed your father too. There’s been enough sadness lately, Mara. I’d rather we focus on healing.”

She studied me for a moment, then gave a soft, understanding smile. “So… we’re letting it go?”

I nodded. “Yeah. Let’s move on.”

“Hmm,” she hummed. “You’ve grown… wise.”

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“Don’t get used to it,” I teased, and she laughed.

A pause fell between us, her gaze turning a little more mischievous. “Are we dodging breakfast?”

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