Lethal Temptation (by Michelle Ray) novel Chapter 286

286 From Mara’s Angle

Mara

Martha and I barely had time to pack. We moved fast-stripped down to the essentials. Speed was

everything. I’ve never liked traveling by road, but flying wasn’t an option, and time was running out.

The women, though? They were buzzing with energy. You’d think I handed them real military ranks the way they reacted-but that was the point. Give them structure, give them purpose, and they’d find their fire. And they did. The thought of facing Alaric lit something in them. Many of them had history with the bastard. If they caught him alone, there’d be no mercy. And honestly? I couldn’t blame them. Alaric hadn’t just burned bridges-he’d salted the earth. No wonder he kept to the shadows. Cowards always do.

As we crammed into the transports, I stood up to address them one last time before we hit the road.

“Ladies,” I said, raising my voice so it cut through the chatter. “I know we’re fired up. I know we’re ready to throw down. But hear me-everyone not with us is fair game… except Alaric. He doesn’t get an easy death. He gets to bleed first. Hurt. Then we bring him in. Understood?”

A chorus of cheers. Agreement. Bloodlust barely restrained.

Martha caught my eye and smirked. She looked like a damn warrior goddess in a tank top and cutoff shorts-fit, fierce, and way too hot for this moment. No wonder Alaric and Vander couldn’t let her go. That woman walked like she knew her worth-and anyone who underestimated her would regret it.

Each van had a leader. Orders were clear. We were just about to roll out when my phone buzzed.

I picked it up immediately. “Hello?”

“Luna Mara, this is Alpha Sam Lawless of Mistwood,” the voice said.

It wasn’t the same one I’d spoken to yesterday. I stiffened, instantly on alert.

“Your voice…” I said slowly.

He laughed softly. “I have an Alpha who fronts for me. Keeps things… simpler.”

I didn’t answer. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Hiding behind others didn’t exactly scream trustworthy.

“I got the documents you sent,” he continued. “Everything checks out. I just have one question.”

“Is Alaric Moongrove Chase Nighthorn?” he asked.

The question was backwards-but I knew what he meant.

“Yes. He is,” I replied, calm and clear.

“So Chase Nighthorn is Vander Nighthorn’s half-brother?”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed-loud and real. It was too absurd not to.

“Seriously?” I said, still chuckling. “Did you actually do your research?”

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<786 from Mara’s Angle

“I did,” he said, not offended, just confused. “But I still want to know how they’re related.”

Cham

“They’re not,” I said, letting out a breath and steadying my voice. “Chase Nighthorn is just a name he pulled

out of thin air. His real name is Tom Alaric Moongrove. He’s from a little nowhere town called Emberridge

in Goldenpeak. And no-he’s got zero blood ties to the Nighthorns.”

I heard swearing on the other end. Not quiet either. Someone was pissed.

“That weasel,” he growled.

I let the silence hang for a second.

“I flew into Mooncrest this morning with some of my men to capture that bastard,” he said. “Can you lead

me to him?”

I sighed. “You’ve got good timing. I’m heading there now. He’s in a one-on-one fight with Alpha Vander for control of the island. I’m going to make sure he doesn’t cheat.”

“That’s perfect. I’m at the Great Luval now. Can we head there together? Just so you know-we’re armed.”

A smile pulled at my lips. Reinforcements weren’t just welcome-they were needed.

“Any help is good help,” I said. “But you have to agree-he’s ours to punish.”

He paused. Then: “Can I take a part of him?”

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