Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16: You deserve more than that, Baby.

Amelia’s POV

The voice inside my head was faint, like it had traveled a long way just to reach me.

Amelia…

I froze. There it was again.

My chest tightened in a way I couldn’t explain. “No way,” I whispered to myself. “I actually have a wolf…”

“Uh… hello?” I tried saying in my mind, feeling ridiculous. “Can you hear me?”

This time, she spoke back–only it wasn’t clear. Her words were muffled, like she was trying to talk to me through a wall.

…strong… always… mine… protect…

I pressed my hands to my temples, straining to hear her better. “Wait–say that again. Please.”

But the connection was too fragile. Her presence flickered like a candle in the wind, and then she was gone.

“No… don’t go,” I murmured out loud, my voice barely above a whisper. But it was already too late.

Still, I couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips. Even if it was brief and unclear, my wolf had reached out to me. That had to mean something.

I slipped on my robe and padded toward the adjoining room where Kara usually stayed during her shifts. She wasn’t at a desk or with a clipboard–she was sitting cross–legged on the floor, folding a neat pile of freshly laundered sheets, humming softly to herself.

“Kara,” I said quickly, my voice breaking from the rush of excitement, “she called me. My wolf. I heard her voice.”

Her head snapped up, her face lighting instantly. “That’s wonderful news, Amelia! That means your bond with her is waking up. She must feel you’re safe now.”

I bit my lip, suddenly unsure if it was as big of a deal as she made it sound. “I just… I thought she’d talk longer. But she disappeared.”

“That’s normal,” Kara said reassuringly. “Sometimes it happens in short bursts at first.” She tilted her head slightly, studying me. “You know, I’ve been wondering… are you sure you’re a descendant of the old Silverlight Alpha?”

The question caught me off guard. “Why?”

“Just looking at your features,” she said thoughtfully. “You don’t look much like them. The old Alpha’s line had darker hair, sharper cheekbones, and eyes almost black. Yours are lighter, softer… it makes me think your family might have come from somewhere else before joining Silverlight.”

I thought for a moment, trying to remember anything solid. “All I really know is from the gossip I heard around the Silverlight Pack. Some of the older members used to say my mom was a powerful Luna–strong, respected. And since my dad never said anything different, I just… always assumed I was from the Alpha’s bloodline.”

Kara gave a small nod, like she was filing the information away, but before she could say more, the sound of footsteps and light chatter came from the hallway. Ryder appeared in the doorway with one of the pack maids trailing behind him, her arms full–balancing several large garment bags while still managing to bow her head politely.

“Baby,” Ryder called out when his eyes landed on me, his tone warm and teasing. A faint blush crept up my neck. He glanced between Kara and me with a smirk. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Kara chuckled under her breath, stacking the last folded sheet. “Of course not, Alpha. She’s all yours.”

I instantly looked toward the maid instead, deciding she was the safer option if I didn’t want my cheeks turning any redder.

She stepped forward and carefully unzipped one of the garment bags, revealing fabric so rich and detailed I almost didn’t want to touch it.

“These are handmade by top craftsmen,” she explained, her voice respectful but proud. “Imported from the Far East.” My breath caught. The colors were deep and vibrant, the embroidery so fine it looked like it had been painted on. “Ryder… I don’t need all this. I just need a place to sleep.”

His gaze softened, but his voice was firm. “You deserve more than that, Baby. A lot more.”

My instinct was to argue–I didn’t know how to he someone who wore clothes like this. But Ryder didn’t give me a chance. “ Try them on. Please.”

Successfully unlocked!

Kara grinned and took the dress from the maid, my u het stanu. The fabric slid over my skin like water, and when I turned toward the mirror, I hardly recognized the girl staring back at me.

1/2

Chapter 16: You deserve more than that, Baby.

Kara let out a low whistle. “Well, look at you. If Alpha Ryder wasn’t already staring, I’d tell him to start now.”

I felt my face heat up and swallowed hard. “I’ve never worn anything like this before.”

“Well, you are now, and you look so damn gorgeous!” Kara said, flashing me a cheeky grin before excusing herself and promising to come back later.

Ryder didn’t say anything right away, but when I glanced at him, the way his eyes softened made my chest feel warm, like his gaze was wrapping around me. I felt… pretty, in a way I wasn’t used to.

“Baby,” he said quietly, his voice low but certain, “you’re beautiful.”

The words made my heart skip. I ducked my head a little, tucking my hair behind my ear. “You’re just saying/that,” I mumbled, but the small smile pulling at my lips betrayed me.

“I mean it,” he said, stepping closer. “You could wear anything and still be beautiful to me.”

I tried on two more outfits at his request–each one making me feel more like I was stepping into a life l’d only seen from the outside. Ryder gave his opinion on every look, never once making it feel awkward.

When I was done, the maid gathered the clothes and said she’d take them to the guest room Ryder had assigned me- directly across from his own. Ryder walked with me to my door, stopping just outside.

“Rest well, baby,” he said with a faint smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I nodded, clutching the doorknob. “Goodnight, Ryder.”

When I closed the door behind me, the room felt too big, too nice, too much. I sat on the bed, staring at the neatly folded dresses, the soft sheets, the warm light. Ryder was giving me more than I’d ever had, and it was overwhelming. Still… maybe life in Pawmoon Pack wouldn’t be as bad as I thought.

I lay down, letting the quiet and warmth settle over me. My eyes started to close. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this

safe.

Then I heard it.

Jasper’s voice.

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