Lethal Temptation (by Michelle Ray) novel Chapter 24

24 Believe Me

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24 Believe Me

Mara

My heart was pounding as Lucian pulled me through the hall to his wing, his grip firm but not harsh. He didn’t say a word. I couldn’t either. I was too afraid of what he might do, or worse–what

he might think of me now.

When we reached the room, he let go and tossed the envelope onto the bed.

I stumbled back, frozen.

The pictures and my underwear–those cursed things–were still in his trembling hands.

He stood there, silent for a moment. Then his voice cracked open.

“Why, Mara?” he asked, eyes glassy. “Why did it have to be him?”

I couldn’t answer.

“Why won’t you just let him go?” he continued, voice rising. “He told our father he didn’t want you.

He didn’t care enough to fight for you. And you still do this?”

Tears ran down my face, hot and fast.

“Lucian… they’re lies,” I whispered. “Yes, we train together. Yes, we hung out–but with Rowan always there. It’s all part of the job. You know that.”

He looked at me, face torn, the photos in his hand shaking.

“Those pictures–they’re photoshopped. The only time we ever crossed a line was that kiss in the library. I’ve never–never–slept with Darian. That’s the truth.”

Lucian just stared at me.

And for a long, heart–stopping second, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

Then finally, he exhaled slowly.

“I believe you.”

I blinked. “You do?”

He nodded, and his voice was softer now. “I believe you, Mara.”

Relief crashed into me like a wave, and I almost collapsed under it. He believed me. After

everything, someone finally did.

Lucian sat down beside me, wrapping an arm around me carefully as I trembled. I leaned into him,

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24 Believe Me

letting the tears fall freely.

“Martha’s done worse to me,” he said quietly. “You need to be careful around her.”

I nodded. My entire body was shaking. I’d never been lied about like this before. Never felt so

publicly humiliated. I’d always known Martha disliked me–but this? This was another level.

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Alpha Vander was no better. He didn’t even blink before deciding to cast my entire family out of the pack. And for what? A lie? A photo and a planted pair of panties?

They were ruthless. They deserved each other.

Lucian pulled me tighter against his chest. “I’m sorry I dragged you out like that,” he murmured. Guess we’re officially done with breakfast over there.”

I gave a weak laugh through my sobs. He rubbed my back, slow and steady, letting me take the

time I needed to calm down.

“Go take a warm shower,” he said gently. “Dress up. I’m taking you out.”

I blinked, startled. “Don’t you have to go to the office?”

He smiled for the first time. “My wife’s more important than the office right now. I’m not leaving you like this.”

Something in my chest cracked open at his words.

“I don’t want a shower,” I said quietly. “I want a shot of brandy. Or whisky. Anything that burns.”

He paused, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll have Austin bring you something strong.”

I nodded, wiping at my face.

Lucian stood, reaching for the communicator on the wall. “I’ll investigate this. I promise,” he said.

And for the first time in weeks, I actually believed him.

Was this going to be my life now?

Living with my heart constantly in my throat, watching every word, every glance, every breath I took in this house? I didn’t know how long I could survive like this. I only knew that if Lucian ever

decided to annul the marriage, Alpha Vander would make good on every one of his threats.

And that terrified me more than anything.

But Lucian did something unexpected. He took me out–just the two of us. We spent hours at the

park.

It was warm, breezy, calm. Almost normal. We laughed. We shared ice cream. We had similar

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tastes–same flavours, different toppings–and somehow, that felt like a metaphor for us.

We liked the same things, just… with different finishes.

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We talked. Really talked. And it surprised me how much we had in common. Our views, our humor, our quiet frustrations with the world around us.

If he didn’t already have someone else locked inside his heart, I might’ve wanted to try. With him.

Still, I was grateful–for his belief in me, for his protection, for his presence when it mattered.

We didn’t get home until evening, and for the first time in weeks, he didn’t disappear after dinner. Instead, we curled up on the couch and watched movies. It didn’t erase what Martha had done.

But it dulled the sting. A little.

Lucian had promised to get to the bottom of the setup. I didn’t know if he could. But I wanted to

believe he’d try.

One week later, Alpha Vander summoned me.

To the breakfast room.

The same room where everything had spiraled.

I was reluctant. The idea of walking into that space again made my hands clammy. My stomach twisted into knots. But Lucian promised he’d be there, right beside me.

“You’re not alone,” he’d said. And I believed him.

It wasn’t that I feared them–I just didn’t want to give them another reason to exile my family.

When we arrived, everyone was seated. Darian. Martha. Even Tiffany.

I barely stepped inside when Martha’s voice struck like a lash.

“What are you doing here?”

Lucian tensed beside me, but it was Alpha Vander who answered, voice unexpectedly calm.

“I sent for her, Martha.”

I froze.

Lucian took my hand and gave it a light squeeze.

But I was shaking. I couldn’t stop it. I wasn’t sure what I was walking into this time. Another accusation? A warning? A public shaming?

Darian glared at Lucian’s hand on mine. His jaw was tight. I didn’t look at him again. I didn’t want to

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give him the satisfaction

“Have you eaten? Alpha Vander asked, looking at ine

I nodded, unsure of what my voice might sound like

“Please sit,” he said gesturing toward an empty chair

His tone was percier than I expected.

But my guard was up

Because with this family, kindness never came without strings.