All Chapters of A Spy's Gambit: Forsaken by the Pack, Claimed by the Alpha.: Chapter 41 - Chapter 48

Liora's POV"Good girl."The words echoed through the study, and I felt my cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and something else—something I refused to name.Good girl.Who the hell did he think he was? I wasn't some obedient puppy to be praised and patted on the head. I was a spy. A strategist. A woman who had outmaneuvered generals and politicians and—And you melted the moment he kissed you.I shoved the thought down with a growl of frustration and forced myself to move. My legs were still unsteady, my heart still racing, my lips still tingling from the force of his kiss. I needed a moment. Just a moment to collect myself before I faced him again.I crossed to the small mirror near the door and studied my reflection. My cheeks were flushed, my lips swollen, my hair slightly disheveled. I looked like a woman who had just been thoroughly kissed—which, I supposed, I was.Get it together, Liora. I took a deep breath, smoothed down my hair, and straightened my pajamas. It was

Liora's POVSeraphina's assistants descended upon me like a flock of determined birds, armed with brushes and combs and pots of color I couldn't name. I sat in the chair, my hands folded in my lap, trying to ignore the way my heart was still racing from Seraphina's words.He looks at you like you're the only person in the room.I shoved the thought down and focused on the present.The next hour was a blur of activity. My hair was washed again—with something that smelled faintly of roses—then dried and styled into an elaborate updo that left several loose tendrils framing my face. The makeup artist worked with practiced precision, applying layers of foundation and powder and blush until my skin glowed like it had been kissed by the sun.And then came the dress.Seraphina helped me into the midnight blue gown, her hands gentle as she adjusted the fabric and smoothed the silk. The dress fit like it had been made for me—which, I supposed, it had. The bodice hugged my curves, the neckline

Cassian’s POVThe rain hammered against the roof of the jeep as we rolled to a stop at the Harrington border.I sat in the back seat, my eyes fixed on the window, watching the two guards approach through the downpour. They were armed, their expressions suspicious, their hands resting on the weapons at their belts. The driver rolled down his window, letting in a gust of cold, wet air."State your business," one of the guards demanded.The driver held up the Moonstone seal—a silver disc engraved with the pack's crest. "Alpha Cassian of Moonstone, here for a scheduled meeting with Alpha Harrington."The guard studied the seal for a long moment, then nodded to his companion. The gates swung open, and the driver rolled up the window.I let out a slow breath.The tension in my shoulders didn't ease. It never did when I was away from my territory. There was too much at stake—too many enemies who would love nothing more than to see me fall.And now I had another vulnerability.I glanced at Li

Cassian's POV The doors swung open, and I rose from my chair. Alpha Harrington entered the sitting room like a man who owned every space he walked into—which, to be fair, he did. He was older than me by at least two decades, his dark hair streaked with silver, his face weathered by years of leadership and the burdens that came with it. But his eyes were sharp, calculating, the eyes of a man who had spent his entire life navigating the treacherous waters of pack politics. "Cassian," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "It's been too long." "Alpha Harrington." I inclined my head, the gesture respectful but not submissive. "Thank you for hosting us on such short notice." Harrington waved a hand dismissively. "Nonsense. You're always welcome here. Though I must admit, I was surprised when you requested this meeting. You're not usually one for social calls." "This isn't a social call." I gestured toward Liora, who had risen to stand beside me. "Allow me to introduce my Luna. Lior