Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 193

**TITLE: Wore 193**

Aria’s POV

This time, there was no hesitation in Lance’s actions.

With a determined flick of his wrist, he reached into his pocket, retrieving his phone with a sense of urgency that sent a shiver down my spine.

As he held the device in front of us, the screen flickered to life, revealing a video that would change everything.

The man captured in the footage was unmistakably Lance’s brother, a grim visage clad in the uniform of the Frostpine Pack. His appearance was a haunting testament to the chaos he had endured; blood smeared across his face, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he fought to maintain his composure.

The video began with him sprinting through the woods, his movements frantic, as though he were fleeing from an unseen horror that lurked just beyond the trees.

“…L-Lance,” he stammered, his voice trembling with desperation. “I’m sending this video as my last words. I have a terrible feeling… I won’t make it back home…”

He ducked into the shadow of a tree, the darkness cloaking him momentarily as he struggled to catch his breath. His eyes, wide with terror and despair, locked onto the camera, pleading for someone to understand.

“Something insane has happened. Lady Tasmin… she has no clue how to lead an army. The rogues… they annihilated us. So many lives lost… But that’s not even the worst part…”

He paused, straining to hear the distant sounds of chaos around him. Suddenly, familiar voices pierced the air—Tasmin and Meave, their shouts echoing through the forest.

“Look around! Search every corner. I don’t want anyone getting out of here alive!”

Lance’s brother leaned closer to the phone, his voice dropping to a near whisper, laced with urgency.

“And the worst part is… I think they’re trying to bury this defeat. Tasmin doesn’t want anyone to know we lost the battle, so she’s hunting down our own soldiers… Killing our own men to keep the truth from leaking out. It’s… it’s madness…”

Before he could continue, a shout erupted nearby, slicing through the tension like a knife.

“There’s one hiding behind the tree! What’s he doing with his phone? GET HIM!!”

The video descended into chaos, the screen shaking as people collided, fighting over the device. The man’s voice rose in anger and desperation. “Lance! Use this video as evidence! Tell everyone the truth! Tasmin and Meave deceived our Alpha. They lied to the entire world! They are not heroes. They are traitors—”

And just like that, the video cut off, leaving us in a stunned silence.

I felt the cold sweat pooling in my palms and trickling down my back, a visceral reaction to the horrors I had just witnessed.

Even though I was already aware of Tasmin’s treachery, seeing it unfold before my eyes sent a chill deep into my bones.

“They were killing their own soldiers? Just to hide the truth?!” Torvi exclaimed, her voice a mixture of fury and disgust.

Lance let out a bitter, sorrowful laugh, the sound heavy with pain. “It’s something you wouldn’t even begin to fathom, right? I tried to expose the truth, but by the time I got the video out, the tale of our so-called victory had already spread like wildfire through the pack. Everyone was celebrating. No one believed me. They all thought I had lost my mind. And to keep me in check, Tasmin had me demoted to an omega and sold me into this club. My brother’s life, my life… all of it destroyed because of her!”

I clenched my fists, a surge of anger bubbling within me.

When I first embarked on this investigation, my motivation was solely to dismantle my adversaries.

But now, a more profound purpose had emerged.

I had to aid these suffering souls.

I couldn’t allow the villain to triumph.

“And… I apologize for my actions last night. I wasn’t certain of your true intentions,” Lance murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Others have approached me before, probing for evidence about that battle. But they were all Tasmin’s pawns. Trust doesn’t come easily for me anymore.”

“I get it,” I replied, nodding in understanding. “So, Tasmin is unaware you possess this video?”

“She has no clue. If she did, I’d be dead by now,” Lance replied with a sardonic laugh, the darkness of his humor underscoring the gravity of the situation. “She’s always suspected I might have something. That’s why she keeps me close. But no, she hasn’t found this video yet.”

Lance was taking an enormous risk by sharing this video with me.

If I failed against Tasmin, she would inevitably discover his betrayal. That merciless monster wouldn’t hesitate to make his life a living hell.

This battle had to succeed. There was no room for failure.

“What do you plan to do with this video, my lady?” Torvi asked, her curiosity piqued. “You could show it to Alpha Thalira and lay everything bare. It seems the simplest option.”

I stared at the video, my mind racing with possibilities.

No, confronting Alpha Thalira directly was too perilous.

What if she chose to shield her own daughter? This victory was a monumental affair on a global scale. Exposing it as a fabrication now would tarnish the Frostpine Pack’s reputation. Alpha Thalira might very well opt to sweep it under the rug to protect the pack’s image.

I needed to devise a strategy that would unveil Tasmin’s crimes without giving her the chance to retaliate.

A moment and an opportunity where even Alpha Thalira would be compelled to act against Tasmin.

After a lengthy pause, I finally spoke to Lance. “I need to consider the best way to release this video. Until I make my move, I need you to remain close to Tasmin a little longer. If she inquires about our conversation today, tell her I attempted to steal you away from her, and you declined. We can’t afford to raise her suspicions.”

I chuckled softly, shaking my head in disbelief.

Awakening my bloodline? I didn’t think so.

I still hadn’t awakened my wolf. I felt no profound connection to the Frostpine Pack.

All my growth stemmed from within.

Because if I didn’t evolve, my enemies would consume me alive. I had to become stronger. Faster.

Upon returning to the packhouse, the aroma of dinner wafted through the air. Torvi couldn’t enter the main house, so I pushed open the dining room door alone.

Suddenly, someone lunged at me, seizing my collar and slamming me forcefully against the wall.

“What did you do to my Lance?!” Tasmin bellowed, her face contorted with rage.

Her eyes were wild, nostrils flaring like an enraged bull ready to charge.

I met her fury with a defiant smile. “Don’t you know what customers do in that club?”

“HOW DARE YOU?!” Tasmin roared, her voice echoing with fury. “Lance is my man. You slut! What did you do? Did you kiss him? Did you sleep with him?”

I shrugged nonchalantly. “I didn’t pay just to have a chat, did I? I must admit, I can see why you’re so enamored with him… Lance’s service was… unforgettable. I think I might just return to him very soon.”

“NO WAY! I told the club manager that besides performances, Lance can’t be with any other customers!”

I laughed heartily, deliberately provoking her ire. “But that manager doesn’t listen to you anymore, does he? He knows the power in this pack is shifting. And let’s be honest, Lance clearly favors me over you. Who wouldn’t choose someone younger and prettier?”

Tasmin’s face flushed crimson with rage. “No. Lance wouldn’t sleep with you. He wouldn’t betray me like that!”

“But that’s the reality,” I taunted, enjoying the confrontation.

The dining room door swung open once more, and this time, Alpha Thalira and Grayson stepped into the fray, their expressions betraying that they had overheard our heated exchange.

Alpha Thalira’s face was a mask of anger, while Grayson’s expression was grim, his eyes narrowing as he focused on me.

“… You slept with that man-whore?” he ground out, his voice low and deadly.