Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 196

**TITLE: Wore 196**
**Chapter 196**

**Aria’s POV**

“No, this can’t be happening…” one of the captains stuttered, his voice trembling with disbelief. “Lady Tasmin is… she’s one of the fiercest warriors in our ranks. She led us to victory against the rogues. She’s incredibly strong…”

That battle?

A bitter sneer curled at the corners of my lips as I thought about it.

The captains gathered here were blissfully unaware that the so-called battle was nothing more than a farcical deception. It was almost tragic to witness these men placing their unwavering trust in a blatant liar.

But today wasn’t the day to expose the truth. I would bide my time until the military parade. The mere thought of the crowd’s shocked expressions sent a thrill of amusement coursing through me.

“No, there must be some mistake!” another captain interjected, his brow furrowing with concern. “Perhaps… perhaps the footage was altered. Yes, that has to be it!”

In unison, the other captains nodded vigorously, their faces reflecting hope.

I couldn’t help but smirk at their naivety. You think it’s fabricated? Well then, let’s arrange a rematch right here in this office between Torvi and Tasmin. Let’s see who truly possesses the strength.

The captains turned their eager gazes toward Tasmin, anticipation lighting their eyes. One of them shouted, “Show them what you’ve got, my lady! Bring Torvi down!”

Amidst the cheers and encouragement, I noticed Tasmin flinch, her discomfort palpable. She looked increasingly awkward, and we all shared a silent understanding: she was no match for Torvi.

Torvi rolled up her sleeves, stepping forward with a confident grin. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

The captains erupted into applause, their enthusiasm filling the air. But Tasmin’s expression tightened, and before I knew it, she barked,

“I am your lady, damn it! You’re not worthy to challenge me! How dare you disrespect me like this?!”

A stunned silence enveloped the room.

The captains stared at her, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Tasmin’s outburst didn’t match the expectations of the military hierarchy. In the army, status meant nothing; only strength mattered. When a general or captain was challenged, they were obligated to respond. That was the way of the werewolves.

She could see the bewilderment in their eyes, yet she hesitated to accept the challenge. If she did, she would undoubtedly be humiliated by Torvi in front of everyone, and she couldn’t bear that kind of disgrace.

After a moment of hesitation, Tasmin suddenly whipped her head around to face me, her face flushed with a mix of rage and embarrassment.

“Who gave you the right to film me?!” she roared, her voice echoing in the room. “You vile little brat! I’ll sue you for violating my image rights! You’ll rot in prison!”

I shrugged nonchalantly. “I didn’t film it. That was one of the customers at the club. I just stumbled upon it online. So, by all means, go ahead and sue them. But didn’t you say those customers were filthy rich and powerful? Are you really prepared to take them on?”

Her mouth fell open in shock, leaving her momentarily speechless. She stood there, rigid and looking utterly foolish.

With a triumphant smile, I turned my attention back to the captains. “Now, where were we? Ah yes, the pre-parade entertainment. I’m in favor of an on-site hunt, but let’s ensure we only use animals as prey. And we’ll arrange a generous prize for the champion. Agreed?”

The captains exchanged glances, their eyes darting to Tasmin, who stiffly replied, “A prize? The guests at the parade are the wealthiest individuals in the world. No prize could possibly impress them. Don’t bother.”

“Why don’t you leave that to me? I’ll prepare a prize that will leave everyone thoroughly satisfied,” I said with a smile, already formulating my plan in my mind.

The champion’s prize would be the evidence of Tasmin’s misdeeds.

Just picture it: in front of all the distinguished guests, with the media capturing every moment, the day’s champion would unwrap the ribbon and unveil the box… only to find all the incriminating evidence inside.

That would be a moment to remember.

“So, I take it there are no further objections?” I scanned the room, my gaze lingering on each captain.

Silence reigned, and Tasmin remained tight-lipped, still seething with frustration.

I stood up with a cheerful demeanor. “Then it’s settled. I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting. And if Lady Tasmin finds herself too preoccupied, you’re more than welcome to report directly to me.”

With that, Torvi and I exited her office.

Only once we were outside did we hear the sound of Tasmin’s furious roars and the unmistakable crash of items being smashed within.

“She’s not going to let this slide,” Torvi remarked, her tone filled with concern.

“Of course not,” I replied coolly, a sense of calm washing over me. “But she doesn’t have many days left to stir up trouble.”

Soon enough, invitations for the grand military parade were dispatched. Alphas and Gammas from various packs responded with enthusiasm, and the media began to take notice of the impending event.

It was clear that this would be yet another world-renowned spectacle.

Preparations were in full swing, and it seemed Tasmin and I were destined to clash at every turn.

From the venue and timing of the opening ceremony to the seating arrangements and even the color scheme for the banquet decorations—our opinions were diametrically opposed on nearly every issue.

Initially, I attempted to let her have her way on trivial matters, but it quickly became apparent that Tasmin was simply looking for a fight. She contradicted me at every opportunity, seemingly intent on making my life miserable.

Today, our confrontation reached a boiling point in the banquet hall. I discovered that Tasmin had insisted all the servers wear revealing outfits for the event.

“That’s absurd!” I exclaimed, my voice rising in disbelief.

A line of omega waitresses stood before us, clad in outfits that were far too revealing—if one could even call them outfits. They were more akin to black lace lingerie than anything suitable for a formal banquet.

“Why so shocked? Screaming and blood?” Grayson addressed Tasmin with a chilling tone. “You’re a warrior. You should be accustomed to this.”

Tasmin trembled, her voice shaky. “You… you can’t… Bake is my man…”

“But he has no manners,” Grayson replied smoothly. “I’m merely teaching him a lesson on your behalf. He insulted Lady Aria, so I cut his tongue. Seems fair to me.” He waved dismissively at his soldier. “Release Lady Tasmin’s man.”

The soldier complied, letting Bake drop to the ground, clutching his mouth and howling in agony.

I couldn’t bear to witness any more of this gruesome display. After quickly dismissing the omegas, I turned on my heel and strode away.

Before exiting, I caught a glimpse of Tasmin’s icy, venomous glare directed at me.

“Why did you have to cut that man’s tongue?” I whispered angrily to Grayson once we were outside the hall. “He’s just a party planner. He didn’t deserve something so extreme…”

Grayson scoffed, shaking his head. “A normal party planner? You really believe that? He’s a thug. You should see the list of crimes he’s committed under Tasmin’s orders. It’s appalling.”

I was taken aback, momentarily speechless. He continued, his voice laced with disdain, “You shouldn’t let them insult you like that. Letting him live was already an act of mercy.”

“I don’t need your help,” I replied tersely, irritation flaring within me.

“Just be careful,” he warned, his tone serious. “I know you have something significant planned for the parade. But remember—prey fights the hardest right before it’s killed.”

I wasn’t convinced. Sure, Tasmin was ruthless, but she wouldn’t dare lay a finger on me here in the packhouse, not under Alpha Thalira’s watchful gaze. If she sent pathetic little pawns like Bake to humiliate me, I could handle that.

“She only has until the parade anyway,” I shrugged, dismissing his concerns.

He chuckled softly, a glint of intense emotion flickering in his eyes. “I look forward to witnessing your masterpiece, Lady Aria.”

That night, I returned to my room, utterly exhausted.

A million tasks awaited me the next day: finalizing guest arrival times, ensuring their rooms were prepared, and coordinating with the media for the opening gala.

And, without a doubt, I could already predict another clash with Tasmin. Rest was essential.

After a refreshing shower, I sent my maids away. As a former commoner, I still wasn’t accustomed to having people sleep by my bedside at night.

Once I was finally alone, I slipped out of my nightgown and climbed into bed. The mattress and blankets enveloped me like soft clouds, and I shut my eyes, ready for sweet dreams.

But in an instant, my eyes shot open, wide awake.

There was something in my bed. Cold. Sticky.

And right now, that thing was slowly crawling up my thigh.