Lethal Temptation (by Michelle Ray) novel Chapter 260

260 The Call to War

Lucian

My father’s expression was carved in stone, the weight of his presence pressing against the air. It didn’t faze me, but I could see Mara struggling with it-her posture tight, her gaze fixed anywhere but on him.

“You need to calm down, Father,” I said, glancing toward where she sat on the couch. She looked

uncomfortable, bothered.

He drew in a few slow breaths, trying-failing-to let go of some of the heat in his temper. Seeing the strain

in his restraint, I offered him a way out.

“Why don’t we head back home? We can discuss how to move forward there.”

His eyes shifted to Mara. “I want Darian, Rowan, and Mara there. We need all the wisdom we can get.”

Mara’s eyes widened in surprise, and I could feel the wave of disbelief and pride radiating off her. Vander had never invited her to sit in on a military discussion before.

“It’s time to finish this bastard,” my father said through gritted teeth.

The truth was, he’d been the target all along. The audacity of that man-to claim my father had stolen from him. Meanwhile, he was the thief-stealing people, money, lives. We each had a pound of flesh to take.

“We’ll meet you at home, Father,” I said.

He gave a short nod and left without another word.

I linked Rowan. Meet us at the mansion for the meeting.

What about Denis? he asked back.

Delta Denis has a personal issue to handle. I’ve granted him indefinite leave.

There was a pause, then silence from his end,

“Shall we?” I asked Mara, who was still glowing from the invitation. I offered my hand-not because she

needed help to stand, but because I wanted to give it.

“It’s just a meeting, Mara,” I said as she rose. “I still won’t let you fight if it comes to that.”

Her smile faltered.

I decided to remind her why-what had happened the last time she’d shifted to fight.

“Unless you want to go through what you went through last time,” I said.

Mara shook her head quickly. She didn’t need reminding. I’d learned just how much pain it had caused her -and I’d been furious she’d put her body through that kind of strain. Shifting while pregnant, especially once a woman was showing, was strictly prohibited. But my wife had gone ahead anyway, damn the

consequences.

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<260 The Call to War

CITY

“You can’t have a meeting about dealing with Alaric without me,” she said, her voice steady but her eyes burning with determination.

“Go to bed, Martha,” my father said, his tone dismissive.

She shook her head… then did something none of us expected.

In one swift motion, she pulled off her blouse and turned her back to us.

Silver scars crisscrossed her skin, angry and jagged.

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