Tempted By My Ex's Brother-in-Law (Aria and Grayson) novel Chapter 200

Chapter 200

Aria’s POV

“Fiance? My voice shot up an octave. “But I have no intentic

getting married?

Rhys’s lips curved into a mocking smile. “The whole world know you were desperate to marry Grayson. What changed?”

My face darkened. “None of your business.”

With that. I quickened my pace toward the packhouse exit.

Rhys took two long strides and caught up with me. “Don’t be mag. I didn’t mean it. But Grandmother definite.

marry soon. You can see she’s taking a liking to you. And only after having a family and children will you seem more stable, and the pack members will trust you more. It’s a step you must take before becoming Alpha”

I found that ridiculous.

Why does a woman have to prove her worth through marriage and children? It’s complete bullshit.

But I believed Alpha Thalira would want me to marry. She was a big fan of family value. And it would be stupid for me to fight it right now. Because not only was Lady Quentina still in her hands, but she was also the only one in this pack who could still protect me.

Just the thought of marriage filled me with resentment. I had absolutely no plans to marry, let alone spend my life with a complete stranger.

So how to handle this would be a huge problem.

“So, what are you going to do?” Rhys asked me. “Be Grandmother’s good girl and accept the arranged marriage? Or bravely fight her tyranny?”

I let out a self–mocking laugh. “I don’t know. I definitely don’t want to get married. But saying no to Alpha Thalira… that’s just as terrifying.”

“Maybe you and I could get married.”

WTF?!

I stopped dead in my tracks, staring at him in pure shock.

He shrugged. “It’s not a crazy idea. You need a marriage partner, and I need an ally. Grandmother would approve because our marriage would keep the bloodline pure.”

“It is THE craziest idea I’ve ever heard,” I said without hesitation. First, you’re my cousin. Second, how would marrying you be any different from marrying some other man?”

“First, we are nobles, and in–house marriage is what we do. You really need to get used to your new identity fast. A marrying me wouldn’t restrict your freedom. It would be purely a marriage of convenience. You’d still be free to whatever you want. And I’d give you my full support within the family.”

I took a deep breath and raised a hand to stop him. “Will you stop? We don’t even know for sure if Grandmother is trying to set me up. Isn’t it too early to talk about this? Maybe it’s just a false alarm.”

“Trust my sources. It’s happening,” Rhys lowered his voice. “Just think about my proposal. I’m not such a bad lover, you know?”

He winked and then returned to his mother and brother, who had been eyeing us suspiciously the whole time.

1/4

Jakso quickened my steps to catch up behind Alpha Thalira and followed her out of the packhouse.

The first batch of guests arriving today were Frostpine Pack’s closest allies. From Snow Peak Pack.

A line of tall, imposing SUVS stopped at the packhouse entrance. Over a dozen people, men and women, stepped out. They were all tall, rugged, and dressed in thick fur coats.

Thalira!!!

A man at least two meters tall spread his arms wide, laughing heartily as he strode forward. He had a thick, full beard, and his eyes were exceptionally sharp and bright amidst the thick facial hair.

Alpha Thalira laughed and kissed him on the cheeks. “Alpha Bjom. So nice to see you again.”

“That’s right! When was the last time we met? Six or seven years ago? But you haven’t changed at all. Still so yo beautiful.”

Alpha Thalira giggled. “You flatter me, Alpha Bjorn. I’ve grown old, and my grandchildren are all grown up now. May I introduce my youngest granddaughter Aria to you?”

She nodded at me, and I stepped forward with a smile. “Nice to meet you, Alpha Bjorn.”

The huge man looked me up and down. “Aria Collins. Of course, the girl of the year. So I believe you are ready to officially announce her to the whole world, Thalira?”

Alpha Thalira replied with a mysterious smile and said nothing,

“And of course, you’re even more beautiful than they said. And how old are you again?”

“I’m 25, Alpha Bjorn.”

“What a coincidence. My youngest son happens to be the same age as you.” He turned and waved. “Eren, don’t be so Come and say hello to Lady Aria.”

A young man stepped forward.

He was almost as tall and broad as his father. But he was much more handsome, wild like a beast, and radiated raw masculine energy.

He looked down at me, his brown eyes like amber or melting honey. Then he grinned, showing two dimples.

“So nice to meet you, Aria.” His voice was as sexy as his face.

“Likewise,” I said with a nod.

So this is the fiancé Grandmother has chosen for me.

shy.

“Aria, while Eren is here, you are in charge of taking care of him Alpha Thalira ordered, then linked arms with Alpha Bjorn. “Shall we go into the packhouse?*

Everyone filed inside. I immediately turned on my heels and followed them. The young man, Eren, quickly cau walked beside me.

“Wait for me, Lady Aria. I believe you’re responsible for showing me around?” He smiled, his eyes seeming to sparkle.

“And I believe you’re too old for a babysitter?” I countered.

He chuckled. “I already like you, Aria. I think we’ll enjoy each other’s company.

“And I think that statement just shows your huge ego. Arroganten are never my type,” I said icily. “And it’s LADY Aria until we’re better acquainted. See you later.”

With that, I sped away.

aos of welcoming guests. I excused myself, telling

The packhouse spent the rest of the day in the excitement and everyone I had a sleepless night and must get some rest, and we to hide in my room. It wasn’t a lie. Between the snake last night, the antidote in the early hours, and the argument with Torvi this morning, I was indeed exhausted.

But my solitude didn’t last as long as I’d hoped. At dusk, my door was knocked open, and my maids filed in..

“My lady, Alpha Thalira wants you in the grand hall. Her exact words for you are… ‘Get your ass down here, Aria, and dance with Eren. Or I’ll spank you like a three–year–old.“”

With that, the maids burst into giggles.

I smiled and stood up. “Well then, help me get ready. I better get there before our Alpha loses it.”

My maids were as always skilled and efficient at dressing me.

Half an hour later, I appeared at the entrance to the grand hall, wearing a champagne gown. Pink pearls embedded in the straps and hem shimmered softly under the lights. My long hair had been braided into an intricate plait, adorned with tiny white flowers and pearls matching the dress.

Music, conversation, and laughter already spilled from inside the hall. The servant at the door bowed to me respectfully, then pushed the door open and announced loudly:

“-Lady Aria Collins has arrived.”

The hall fell silent in an instant. Everyone turned to look.

This was my first official public appearance as a lady.

People’s gazes varied. After a brief moment of surprise, the men’s eyes quickly turned appreciative and desirous. Most women’s eyes, however, held scrutiny and faint jealousy. My dear family stood in the center of the crowd, glaring at me hatefully, as if wishing I’d drop dead on the spot the very next second.

I responded to all the gazes, good and bad, with a composed smile, and walked through the door.

I had a feeling.

My first public debut was a resounding success.

Alpha Thalira suddenly burst into laughter. “Well, there’s my youngest granddaughter. Isn’t she a real beauty?”

Guests murmured flattering words. Alpha Thalira turned to Eren who was standing right beside her. “Eren, don’t you think she’s absolutely stunning?”

Eren had changed into a black tuxedo, a red rose pinned to his chest. He looked very much like one of those rich, rakish playboys you see in movies.

He clasped his hands behind his back, looking down at me with a smile. “Yes, very stunning. So stunning that I’d like to ask her for the first dance.”

Alpha Thalira burst out laughing again. “Well, go ahead then, don’t be shy. You can dance with her all night.”

I was a little annoyed by her making decisions for me like this. It was like she’d put a price tag on me and was ready to sell me off just like that.

But Eren’s hand was already extended, and everyone was watching. Directly refusing him wouldn’t be

Took a deep breath and prepared to place my hand in his.

Just then, the grand hall doors were thrown open violently. A strong aura surged in like a tidal wave, accompanied by the servant’s slightly fearful voice:

A–Alpha Grayson has arrived!”

Grayson strode in. He was also in formal wear, handsome yet intimidating, like a Greek god. Of course, everyone present knew his name. They instinctively bowed to him as if greeting their king.

I unconsciously straightened my spine, feeling nervous for no reason.

Grayson’s gaze went straight through the room and landed on me. He saw Eren’s hand toward me, his eyes turning

“Who the hell are you?” he demanded darkly.