Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176

Aria’s Perspective

“No, please… don’t…” Sable’s voice quivered as she shook uncontrollably, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m terrified. Please, just don’t…”

I narrowed my eyes, focusing sharply through the gun’s sight. “Hold still,” I commanded firmly.

“I-I can’t… my body won’t listen…” she stammered, her teeth rattling with fear. The panic radiating from her was unmistakable.

My finger hovered gently on the trigger. “Just stay quiet and don’t move. I’m not going to shoot you.”

Maeve suddenly burst into laughter, her voice dripping with mockery. “You actually believe her? She doesn’t even have a wolf. She probably can’t run a mile. What makes you think she can hit a target that far away?”

Around us, the soldiers watching chuckled quietly, their eyes gleaming with amusement as if we were a spectacle for their entertainment.

“If I were you,” Tamsin called out sharply, “I’d dodge the moment she fires. That might save you.”

“Don’t move,” I raised my voice, stern and unwavering. “Trust me.”

Sable’s face was streaked with fresh tears, her sobs barely contained. “Please… help me… God, just end this already—”

BANG!

The shot rang out.

For an instant, time seemed to slow to a crawl.

Sable’s eyes squeezed shut in terror.

The bullet struck dead center through the apple perched atop her head, shattering it into pieces.

Maeve’s and Tamsin’s expressions shifted rapidly—from contempt, to stunned silence, and finally, to outright disbelief.

The sharp crack of the gun echoed across the training field, followed by a heavy, ringing silence. Hundreds of soldiers stood frozen, their eyes fixed on us. Not a single sound broke the stillness.

Shock rendered everyone speechless.

I slowly lowered my arm, feeling the numbness creep through my muscles from the powerful recoil. Thankfully, I was accustomed to it—thanks to all the hours I’d spent practicing.

The truth was, it was Grayson who had taught me how to shoot.

After Jace’s assassination attempt, we both agreed that I needed to learn basic self-defense. If I ever found myself in danger without him around, I had to be able to protect myself.

Since I lacked a wolf and was in poor shape physically, making weapon training difficult, shooting seemed like my best option.

“Think of the gun as an extension of your arm,” he had told me.

I remembered how he stood behind me, his hands gently cradling my wrists as I gripped the weapon. His warm body pressed close to my back, his breath brushing the nape of my neck as he whispered.

“Feel like you and the gun are one.”

His large hand covered mine. Our hearts beating in unison.

“And then… you shoot. You take the enemy’s life.”

These memories brought a sting to my nose, threatening tears. I swallowed hard, forcing them down.

Everything about him now was painful.

Breaking the silence, Sable trembled as she opened her eyes, patting the spot where the apple had been as if to reassure herself she was still alive. Then, her voice rang out with excitement:

“You did it! Everyone, Aria did it! She’s amazing! The best shot—”

“BEST MY ASS!” Tamsin’s roar cut through the air. She stormed toward the target, her face flushed with humiliation and rage.

“That’s impossible. No way Aria Collins could shoot like that. She must have cheated with that little bitch Sable!”

Grabbing Sable roughly by the collar, Tamsin shook her violently. “Tell us. What did you and Aria Collins do?”

Sable’s body shook with fear, her legs threatening to give out. “Please, Tamsin… I didn’t do anything. I barely even talked to her…”

“Impossible. Then how did she hit the apple on your head?”

BANG!

Another gunshot cracked sharply.

She bowed her head, ashamed. “Yes. Maybe because I’m such an easy target. Of all my sisters, I’m the only one without a real position or power. Mother always says I’m too weak and need serious training—that’s why she put me in the army…”

“Tamsin and Maeve bully you because you’re younger, prettier, and more attractive than they are. They’re just jealous,” I told her firmly.

I could see the envy burning in their eyes whenever they looked at Sable. Lady Quentina must have faced the same treatment.

Sable looked stunned. “Jealous… you really think so?”

“I know so,” I said with certainty. I paused, then added, “But you have to toughen up a little. The more you back down, the worse they’ll treat you.”

That lesson came from my own experience. I used to be a pushover, too—until I grew tired of being trampled on.

Sable’s shoulders slumped. She shook her head. “No, I can’t. I’m not brave and fierce like you. Even Grandmother says you’re like her. But… the good news is, I finally have a friend in the pack.”

She smiled shyly at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back. It was true—with Lady Quentina out of reach, I was grateful to have at least one ally.

“But Tamsin and Maeve won’t just let you be after this. Just wait. They’ll tattle to Mother later,” Sable warned.

A cold smile curled my lips. “Oh, good. Let them tell Alpha Thalira. I’m really looking forward to that.”

That evening, I arrived for dinner right on time. The rest of the family was already seated around the long table.

As I entered, all eyes turned to me, cold and hostile—except for Sable, who gave me a small, encouraging smile. Ignoring the others, I walked straight to the seat beside Alpha Thalira and sat down.

“Who said you could sit there?” Morrigan snapped, scowling with disdain. “Your place is at the far end of the table.”

I met her glare without flinching. “That was my mother’s seat. Since she isn’t here, I’ll take it.”

“But—”

“Enough. It’s just a seat,” Alpha Thalira cut in sharply, silencing Morrigan, who glared but said no more. Then she turned to me. “So, you tried your new gun? How did it feel?”

Before I could answer, Tamsin jumped to her feet. “Mother, you won’t believe what Aria did today—”

I interrupted her coldly. “Alpha Thalira, I think you should consider putting Tamsin and Maeve in jail.”

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