Page 1 of Tempting Alec

Chapter 1

Alec

Somewhere in the

South Arabian Sea

Five Years Ago

Alec McKennon crouched low in the inflatable craft as it sliced through the pitch-black waters off the coast of Somalia. The moon was a mere sliver in the sky, offering little light by which to navigate. The only sounds were the hum of the boat’s engine, muffled beneath layers of thick black rubber, and the rhythmic crash of waves against the hull. Each wave sent a spray of saltwater into the air, soaking Alec’s tactical gear and leaving a bitter taste on his lips. But he barely noticed; his mind was focused, his senses heightened by the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

He glanced at the men around him, members of the SEAL Team under his command, each one a seasoned warrior, their faces obscured by camouflage paint and night-vision goggles. They moved with the quiet efficiency of professionals, checking weapons, securing gear, and preparing for the imminent assault. Alec’s heart pounded in his chest, but outwardly, he was the picture of calm. Years of training had drilled into him the importance of maintaining composure no matter the situation.

Ahead, the outline of the unflagged ship came into view, a dark silhouette against the even darker horizon. The ship was small, barely more than a blip on the radar, but it was carrying a deadly cargo: Iranian-made weapons bound for Yemen, destined for the rebels. Alec knew the stakes. The rebels had been wreaking havoc in the region, their missile and drone attacks becoming increasingly brazen. If these weapons made it to their destination, the consequences could be catastrophic.

The mission had come together quickly. Intelligence had pinpointed the ship’s location, and the SEALs were launched from one of the US Navy’s mobile sea bases that had become a critical asset in the Navy’s efforts to try and restrict arms shipments in the region. Backed by drones and helicopters, the SEALs were tasked with boarding the rebel vessel, neutralizing any threats, and seizing the illicit cargo.

As the inflatable craft drew closer to the rebel ship, Alec signaled to his team. The men rose to their feet, their movements synchronized and fluid. The boat slowed, and Alec could hear the faint creaking of the rebel ship’s wooden hull as it rocked in the waves. With practiced ease, the SEALs tossed grappling hooks over the side, the metal claws biting into the wood with a satisfying thunk. Alec was the first to climb, his gloved hands gripping the rope tightly as he ascended. His boots found purchase on the slick wood, and in seconds, he was over the rail and on the deck.

The rest of the team followed in quick succession, fanning out silently, weapons at the ready. The ship was eerily quiet save for the gentle lapping of the sea against its sides. Alec moved forward, his M4 carbine sweeping the shadows, searching for any sign of the crew. His earpiece crackled to life as he spoke into the comm system.

“Alpha team, with me; we’re moving to the bridge. Bravo team, secure the cargo hold. We’re on the clock.”

The way they had planned it, Alpha team was tasked with securing the bridge and neutralizing the crew. Alec moved quickly, his steps light and measured. The ship was small, and it didn’t take long to reach the narrow staircase leading to the bridge. He could hear the faint murmur of voices from above, the low tones indicating that the crew was unaware of the SEALs’ presence.

He signaled to the man behind him, and they began to ascend the stairs, weapons trained on the door at the top. Alec’s heart thudded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears. He was acutely aware of the weight of his rifle, the tension in his muscles, the steadying breath he took before reaching the door.

In one fluid motion, Alec kicked the door open and swept into the room. The crew inside barely had time to react. Alec’s M4 barked twice, the suppressed shots barely more than a whisper in the night. Two men went down before they could even reach for their weapons. The third froze, his hands in the air, his eyes wide with fear. Alec’s team moved in, securing the room and cuffing the survivor.

“Bridge secure,” Alec reported into his mic, his voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through him.

“Copy that,” came the reply.

“Bravo team, what’s your status?” asked Alec.

There was a brief pause before the voice of Bravo team’s leader crackled over the comms. “We’ve secured the cargo hold. Confirmed Iranian-made weapons. Looks like cruise and ballistic missile components, along with air defense parts.”

Alec allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. The mission was going smoothly, but they weren’t out of the woods yet. They needed to get the crew under control, secure the ship, and rendezvous with the mobile sea base without drawing attention from any hostile forces in the area.

He turned to the crewman who had surrendered. The man was shaking, his eyes darting around the room as if looking for a way out. Alec crouched down in front of him, keeping his voice low and calm.

“Who’s in charge here?”

The man hesitated, his gaze flicking to the bodies of his comrades before settling back on Alec. “The captain,” he said in broken English. “He’s…he’s in his quarters.”

Alec nodded. “Take me to him.”

The crewman didn’t argue. He led Alec and two other SEALs down the narrow passageways to a small cabin near the aft of the ship. Alec motioned for the others to take positions on either side of the door before kicking it open.

Inside, a middle-aged man with graying hair scrambled to his feet, his hand reaching for a pistol on the table beside him. Alec was faster. He crossed the room in two quick strides, slamming the man against the wall, the barrel of his rifle pressed to the man’s chest.

“Don’t,” Alec warned, his voice cold.

The man froze, his hand hovering above the pistol before slowly raising it in surrender. Alec shoved him against the wall, pulling the pistol from its holster and tossing it to one of the other SEALs. The captain looked at Alec with a mixture of anger and fear, his breath coming in quick, shallow gasps.

“Are there any other crew members?” Alec demanded.

The captain shook his head, but Alec could see the lie in his eyes. He tightened his grip on the man’s collar, bringing his face closer. “Don’t lie to me.”

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