All Chapters of A Spy's Gambit: Forsaken by the Pack, Claimed by the Alpha.: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Cassian’s POVI walked out of the dining hall, my boots echoing against the marble floors as I made my way toward my private study. My mind was already spinning, calculating, strategizing. The Council was coming. Julian had reported to them and now everything I had carefully constructed over the past three months was about to be tested.I pulled out my phone and made a few calls—to my border patrol, to my intelligence network, to the handful of contacts I had within the capital. If the Council was coming, I needed to know exactly what they knew, exactly what they wanted, and exactly how much time I had before everything went to hell.The calls took fifteen minutes. When I was done, I had a clearer picture of the situation—and it wasn't good. Julian had been thorough. He had gone directly to the Council elder assigned to oversee the Ashfall Pack, and he had spun a tale of cruelty and imprisonment that had apparently gotten their attention. The elder was on his way, along with a small c

Cassian’s POVThe door to my chambers closed behind me with a soft click, and I crossed to my wardrobe, pulling open the doors to reveal rows of impeccably tailored clothing. Ostentatious displays of wealth had never been my style—unlike the Council elders, who draped themselves in gold and jewels like peacocks desperate for attention. My taste was simpler. More refined.A dark charcoal suit caught my eye—Italian wool, the fabric soft against my skin, the cut sharp and precise. I paired it with a crisp white shirt, leaving the top button undone in a calculated display of casual authority. Silver cufflinks engraved with the Moonstone crest fastened at my wrists. And finally, a single obsidian stud earring that had belonged to my father, and his father before him. A symbol of the Alpha lineage that stretched back centuries, unbroken and unbowed.The mirror reflected a man I recognized. Blonde hair, carefully styled. Blue eyes, cold and calculating. The scar on my chest hidden beneath

Liora's POVMy mind went blank.Absolutely, completely, utterly blank.One moment I was standing there, playing the part of the composed Luna, watching the tense exchange between Cassian and the Council elder like a spectator at a play. The next, his lips were on mine, and the world ceased to exist.What the hell just happened?I stared up at him, my heart hammering against my ribs, my lips still tingling from the force of his kiss. The taste of him lingered on my tongue—something dark and warm, like aged whiskey and something uniquely, devastatingly him. My knees felt weak. My hands had somehow found their way to his chest, fingers curled into the fabric of his jacket like I was holding on for dear life.Because I was.He kissed me. He actually kissed me. In front of them. In front of everyone.And the worst part—the part that made my stomach flip and my cheeks burn and my thoughts scatter like startled birds—was that I had kissed him back. Somewhere in the haze of shock and sensatio

Liora's POV"Wait!"The word tore from my throat before I could stop it—sharp, desperate, utterly unguarded. I heard the crack in my own voice, the raw edge of panic that I had been trying so desperately to hide.Elder Marius stopped.He didn't turn around, but he stopped. His shoulders stiffened beneath his ceremonial robes, and I saw one of his guards glance back at me with something that might have been surprise.Breathe. Compose yourself. You are a Luna, not a beggar.I forced my spine straight,my chin up and my hands to stop trembling at my sides. The desperation was still there but I buried it beneath layers of practiced composure."Elder Marius," I said, my voice steadier now. "Please. You cannot kill my mother."He turned then, slowly, his cold eyes finding mine. "And why not?""Because she has had enough.." The words came out fierce, unwavering. "She has already suffered more than any person should. Killing her would be—""Justice," the elder interrupted. "She is a traitor a

Cassian's POVThe doors closed behind me, and I let out a calm breath.The encounter with the Council elder had been exhausting—not physically, but mentally. Dealing with men like Marius required a particular kind of patience, a careful balancing act between defiance and diplomacy. I had walked a razor's edge tonight, and I had done it for reasons that I was not entirely ready to examine.I climbed the stairs, my footsteps echoing against the marble floors. The manor was quiet now, the servants having retreated to their quarters, the guards positioned at their posts. Only Oliver remained, falling into step beside me as I made my way toward my chambers."That was... interesting," he said carefully.I glanced at him. "Interesting?""You bowed. You apologized. To Elder Marius." He paused. "I've known you for fifteen years, Cassian. I've never seen you bow to anyone."I didn't respond immediately. I simply kept walking, my jaw tight, my thoughts churning."There's a first time for everyth