Page 22 of Tempting Alec

Langley, Virginia

Alec stood in the shadows, the night air cool against his skin as he watched the building across the street. The Cerberus team was in position, every member keyed up and ready to execute the plan they had spent the last forty-eight hours meticulously crafting. The weight of what they were about to do hung heavily in the air, a mixture of tension, anticipation, and adrenaline that always accompanied a high-stakes operation.

Grier was beside him, her expression focused as she checked her equipment one last time. Alec watched her out of the corner of his eye, his mind racing with everything that had led them to this moment. They had come a long way since their harrowing escape from Moscow, navigating a treacherous path of deception, betrayal, and danger. And now, they were about to bring it all to a head.

Tyler Simmons, the mole who had betrayed them all, was inside the building, along with several key players in the broader conspiracy they had uncovered. Alec’s jaw tightened as he thought about the man Grier had once called a colleague, a man who had betrayed not only her but the entire intelligence community. Tonight, that betrayal would come to light, and Alec was determined to see justice served.

But it wasn’t just about justice—it was about protecting Grier, ensuring that the truth was revealed and that the people responsible for this mess were held accountable. It was about making sure that the woman he had come to love more than anything in the world could finally have some peace and safety.

“Are you ready?” Grier’s voice broke through his thoughts, bringing him back to the present.

Alec nodded, his gaze locking onto hers. “I’m ready. We’re going to take him down, Grier. And we’re going to make sure this never happens again.”

She offered him a small, determined smile, her green eyes gleaming with resolve. “We do this together.”

Together. The word echoed in Alec’s mind, filling him with a sense of purpose and determination. He had been a lone wolf for so long, relying on his instincts and training to get him through the toughest situations. But with Grier by his side, he had found something more—someone to fight for, someone who made him believe that maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than the mission.

Alec reached out, his hand brushing against hers in a brief, reassuring touch. “Let’s finish this.”

With a final nod, they moved into position, the Cerberus team converging on the building from all sides. Alec led the way, his movements silent and precise as they slipped through the shadows, the plan unfolding like clockwork. Every member of the team knew their role, and Alec trusted them implicitly.

Grier’s role was crucial. Her skills as an analyst and cryptographer had been instrumental in uncovering the evidence that would bring Tyler down. Her skills hadn’t gone unnoticed by those at Cerberus. Perhaps it was time they hired a cryptographer of their own. Now, she would be the one to upload the files, ensuring that the entire Agency as well as those of several allies saw the truth. Alec’s heart pounded in his chest as he thought about the danger she was walking into, but he pushed those fears aside. She was strong, capable, and he had no doubt she would get the job done.

They reached the back entrance, and Alec signaled to the team. In unison, they breached the door, moving swiftly and silently through the dimly lit corridors. The building was a maze of offices and storage rooms, but Alec knew exactly where they needed to go. The intel they had gathered indicated that Tyler and some of his co-conspirators were meeting in a secure conference room on the third floor, discussing their next move.

As they made their way through the building, they encountered several guards—FSB agents who had been stationed to protect the meeting. Alec took them out quickly and efficiently, his training kicking in as he neutralized the threats without hesitation. Kane was right beside him, his movements fluid and controlled as he provided cover, his focus unwavering. Kane’s primary role in the op was to ensure Grier’s safety. Unbeknownst to her, Alec had made him swear if things started to go sideways, Kane would get Grier out and back to Cerberus in Chicago.

They reached the stairwell and began their ascent, the tension building with each step. Alec could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, sharpening his senses as they neared their target. He could hear the faint murmur of voices as they approached the third floor, the sound growing louder as they moved closer.

Alec held up a hand, signaling for the team to stop. He pressed his ear against the door leading to the conference room, listening intently. Inside, he could the sound of a man’s voice, calm and confident as he discussed the next phase of their operation. The arrogance in his tone made Alec’s blood boil, but he forced himself to stay focused. They needed to catch him in the act, to expose him for what he was. Grier met his gaze, and Alec nodded. It was time.

He signaled to the team, and they moved into position. Alec counted down silently, his heart pounding in his chest. Three. Two. One.

They burst into the room, weapons drawn, and chaos erupted. Tyler and his co-conspirators reacted instantly, reaching for their guns, but Alec and the Cerberus team were faster. Shots rang out as they engaged the enemy, the sound deafening in the enclosed space.

Alec’s focus was razor-sharp as he moved through the room, taking down targets with lethal precision. He caught a glimpse of Grier out of the corner of his eye, her expression fierce as she fought her way to the computer terminal where she would upload the files. Despite the chaos around them, she moved with purpose, her every action deliberate and controlled.

As Alec dispatched another agent, he turned just in time to see Tyler trying to make a run for it, darting toward the door on the far side of the room. Without hesitation, Alec gave chase, his legs pumping as he closed the distance between them. He tackled Tyler to the ground, the two men grappling for control.

Tyler was strong, but Alec was stronger, years of training giving him the edge. He pinned Tyler to the floor, his hand gripping the man’s collar as he stared down at him, fury and betrayal burning in his eyes.

“It’s over, Tyler,” Alec growled, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re done.”

Tyler sneered, his lips curling in defiance. “You think you’ve won? You have no idea what you’re up against.”

Before Alec could respond, the door to the conference room burst open, and Deputy Director Mendelson strode in, flanked by several armed agents. Alec’s blood ran cold as he realized what was happening—Mendelson was part of this, had been all along.

“Alec McKennon,” Mendelson said, his voice smooth and confident. “I have to say, I’m impressed. You and Grier have caused quite a bit of trouble for us.”

Alec tightened his grip on Tyler, his mind racing. “Us? So, it’s true—you’ve been working with Tyler this whole time.”

Mendelson smiled, a cold, calculating expression. “Tyler was just a pawn. The real power lies with those who control the flow of information, who manipulate the truth to serve their own ends. You and Grier were never supposed to make it this far, but I underestimated you. A mistake I won’t make again.”

Alec’s jaw clenched as he stared down Mendelson. He could see the smug satisfaction in the man’s eyes, the confidence of someone who believed he had already won. But Alec wasn’t about to let Mendelson walk away from this.

“You’ve underestimated Grier, too,” Alec said, his voice low and steady. “And that’s going to be your downfall.”

Mendelson’s eyes flicked to Grier, who was standing by the computer terminal, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she completed the upload. Alec could see the moment Mendelson realized what was happening, the brief flash of panic in his eyes before he masked it with anger.

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