Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Challenge Accepted

Amelia’s POV

After Beta Lucas spoke up for me, things stayed calm–at least for a while. Ryder led me to the long Alpha table at the front. He sat at the head, I was placed on his right, and Beta Lucas on his left. The elders filled the rest of the seats, their eyes sharp even as servants laid out roasted meat, bread, and fruit.

Every time Ryder’s gaze swept over them, their expressions shifted–tight smiles, polite nods. But the second he looked away, their real thoughts showed, especially with Camille. Fake sweet one moment, glaring daggers the next

I tried to focus on the food, but halfway through the meal, the calm broke.

One elder set down his glass. “Alpha, I’ve heard you’ve placed Miss Amelia in the west wing. In that room.”

The table went quiet. My chest tightened.

“That room is off–limits,” another elder said sharply. “Why would you let her stay there? Unless…” His eyes cut into me. She‘ s playing you. A spy from Silverlight, acting weak to gain trust, then stealing secrets.”

Murmurs rippled.

Another elder pushed back his chair. “We can’t ignore this. Lock her in the cells until the council decides.”

Several voices agreed. “Guards-”

Ryder tensed, ready to speak, but I quickly squeezed his hand under the table. Not yet.

Silverlight had been my prison, my nightmare. And now they dared accuse me of serving them? I sat straighter, forcing my voice steady. “You’re determined to accuse me of a crime I didn’t commit. Why would I spy for the very people who made my life hell?”

One elder leaned forward. “Then prove it. It’s been nearly two weeks, and none of us have seen you transform. Do you even have a wolf?”

Another turned to Ryder. “Why make her Luna? She’s probably wolf–less. Weak.”

Ryder’s jaw clenched. His grip on my hand was firm as steel. “Because she’s mine. And she’s enough as she is. Her wolf isn‘

t ready yet–but when she is, she’ll be one of the strongest wolves this pack has ever seen.”

I tried to give his hand a small squeeze, silently begging him to stay calm, but he wasn’t having it this time.

The elders exchanged looks, their expressions growing harsher. One of them spoke up. “Alpha, this is irresponsible. To

even consider giving such an important post to a weak Omega–on baseless assumptions? Without proof? What proof do you have that she will ever be powerful, or a good Luna for this pack?”

Ryder’s chair scraped slightly as he leaned forward, his voice like steel. “Are you questioning my decision as Alpha of Pawmoon?”

The room went silent for a beat, but then Elder Miriam, an older woman with sharp eyes, spoke carefully. “We are speaking for the good of the pack. You know as well as we do that all packs signed the alliance oath. No open wars. No

unnecessary conflicts. Yet you openly went to war with Silverlight, breaking that oath. Now the other packs watch us with suspicion. Already, there are whispers of attacks.”

Another elder nodded. “For years, Pawmoon thrived because you were feared and respected as the strongest Alpha. But taking Silverlight’s land, breaking alliances, and now choosing an outsider–an Omega girl–to be Luna? You are putting yourself and this entire pack in danger.”

Ryder’s expression didn’t waver. “I understand your concerns. But whatever you think, I made those choices myself. Amelia had nothing to do with it. She is my Fated Mate.” His voice dropped lower, firmer. “And soon, I will hold the ceremony to officially make her your Luna.”

The air went still. I felt all eyes drilling into me.

Elder Miriam’s lips pressed into a thin line before she spoke again. “An Omega from another pack? Who hasn’t even wolfed out yet? Who has no experience with politics, no idea how to run a pack, and cannot even protect herself?” She shook her head. “No. That is not who Pawmoon deserves as Luna.”

Her gaze shifted across the room. “Camille would be a far better choice.”

The words hit like a slap. My chest tightened as Camille straightened proudly, her eyes gleaming with something sharp and hostile.

She stepped forward, her smile laced with challenge. “Then let’s settle this the old way.” Her voice carried easily across the table. “A hunting contest. If you lose, Amelia, you will not be qualified to be Luna.”

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