Mag-log inClaire's POVSophie tried to interrogate me about the fitting room all the way to the car."So, what exactly happened in there?""Nothing.""Claire. You expect me to believe my brother just happened to be standing in the fitting room with you?""He helped me with a zipper."She stared at me.I stared back."That's it?""That's it."Sophie looked deeply disappointed. I suspected she would have preferred a scandal involving secret affairs, stolen kisses, and at least one dramatic confession.Unfortunately for her, I had a dress to wear and a reception to attend.By the time we arrived at Luca's residence, she'd moved on to discussing shoes.I considered that a victory.The emerald-green dress fit perfectly. Sophie had paired it with understated jewelry and heels that looked elegant without making me regret every step I took. Luca was waiting downstairs. He wore a black suit, his usual careless confidence sharpened by the formal setting. His gaze settled on me for a moment before he off
Claire's POVSophie took shopping very seriously.By the time we reached the third boutique, she'd rejected two dresses, declared one designer a personal enemy, and somehow convinced me that buying a new wardrobe was an essential part of my recovery."Trust me," she said, pulling me toward another rack. "You cannot show up to a formal reception looking like you've spent the last week hiding from civilization.""I have spent the last week hiding from civilization.""Exactly. It's time for a comeback."I stared at her.She grinned. "What? Too dramatic?""A little.""Perfect. Drama is what makes life interesting."I was beginning to understand how Sophie had survived growing up with Luca. Anyone less stubborn would have surrendered years ago.She pulled out a dark emerald-green dress and held it against me."Oh, this one. Absolutely this one.""It's rather low-cut.""It's elegant.""Those aren't mutually exclusive.""See? You get it."Before I could object, she handed the dress to a sale
Claire's POVA slow smile spread across her face."So, this is her?"Luca closed his eyes briefly, as though asking the Moon Goddess for patience."Don't start, Sophie.""Oh, I'm absolutely starting." His sister swept into the room, her blonde hair bouncing over her shoulders. Dressed in a pink sweater, fitted jeans, and white sneakers, she looked more prepared for a shopping trip than a visit to an Alpha's residence. "You disappear for days, refuse to answer half my messages, and then I find out you've been secretly teaching a gorgeous woman to dance?""I wasn't aware I needed to submit a report on my daily activities.""Not to the pack. To your favorite sister? Absolutely."Luca gave me a look that clearly said now you see what I deal with.I almost smiled.Almost.Sophie noticed anyway."Oh my God, you smiled!" She pointed at me as if she'd just uncovered a major conspiracy. "Luca, she smiles. Why didn't you mention that?""Because I value my peace and quiet.""You live in a pack f
Claire's POVBy the end of the week, I could walk without holding on to the walls.I still tired easily, and the ache in my abdomen returned whenever I pushed myself too hard. The physician remained unconvinced that I was ready to resume normal activities.Unfortunately, I had never been particularly good at sitting still.I was halfway through fastening my blouse when Luca appeared at my door."I need a favor."I glanced at him. "Should I be worried?""That depends on how much you dislike dancing."I stopped buttoning my blouse."No.""You haven't even heard the details.""I heard the word dancing. That's enough."Luca's mouth curved slightly. "There's a reception tomorrow evening. Several Alphas will be attending, along with their partners. My original arrangement has fallen through, and I need someone to accompany me.""Surely you have a long list of women willing to volunteer.""An impressive list, actually. Unfortunately, most of them come with opinions about whom I should marry.
Claire's POVThe first thing I learned as Luna of Blackridge was that the loudest person in a room was rarely the one who held the most power.The second was that people seldom fought over what they claimed to want.I kept both lessons in mind as I entered Luca's council chamber the following morning.Three elders sat around the long table. Adrian stood near the windows, a report in his hand. Luca occupied the chair at the head of the table, looking as though he had been born there.His gaze flicked toward me."Come in, Claire."One of the elders frowned. "Alpha, I wasn't aware this meeting was open to guests.""It isn't," Luca replied. "She's here because I invited her."That was all he said.No explanation. No apology.The elder's mouth tightened, but he said nothing more.I took a seat at the far end of the table, well aware that every pair of eyes had followed me. Luca didn't introduce me, nor did he offer any explanation of my presence. He simply gestured for Adrian to continue.
Claire's POVI didn't know whether to take that as an insult."What's interesting?""You've spent three days refusing to tell me anything about yourself. Now you're offering me your professional services.""I'm not asking you to employ me. I'm asking you to let me contribute while I recover.""And what happens when I tell you I don't need help?"I held his gaze, though my heart was beating harder than I wanted him to notice."Then I'll find another way."He watched me for a long moment."You're stubborn.""I've been told.""I'm sure you have."There was a faint trace of amusement in his voice now, but beneath it, I sensed something more calculating. He was weighing my offer, not dismissing it.That alone was enough to make me sit straighter."What do you actually need?" I asked.Luca's eyes narrowed slightly."Why?""Because if I'm going to make a useful offer, I'd rather know what I'm offering to do."He rose and walked toward the window. Beyond it, the pack grounds stretched beneath







