Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Fight Me Like A Real Wolf

Amelia’s POV

The elder raised his hand, signaling for silence. “For the second round, you’ll both be blindfolded. First one to hit a deer wins.”

Two guards stepped forward, each carrying a strip of black cloth. My throat went dry as one of them tied the blindfold securely around my head. Darkness swallowed me instantly.

The crowd murmured with excitement, some already whispering their bets. I could practically feel the weight of their doubt pressing on me.

Camille’s voice rang out, loud enough for everyone to hear. “This is pointless. She can’t even shift. She’s going to be stumbling around like a lost child.”

A few people chuckled, and the sound made my stomach twist. My hands clenched around my bow, the leather grip slick under my sweaty palms.

The elder’s voice cut through the noise. “Prepare yourselves. The deer have been released.”

I forced myself to take a deep breath. But all I heard was the rustling of leaves and the faint stamping of hooves somewhere in the distance.

Camille’s mocking tone carried across the silence. “Hear that, Omega? Those young deer have been trained. Even seasoned hunters struggle to catch them, and you–blindfolded? You’ll never manage it. Save yourself the humiliation and quit now.”

I bit down hard on my lip, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a response.

Then, out of nowhere, a voice brushed softly into my mind.

Baby… focus.

My breath hitched. “Ryder?” I whispered under my breath, though I knew no one else could hear me.

I’m here, his voice said firmly inside my head. I won’t let you get lost. Just breathe. Listen. Trust your instincts–and trust

1. me.

My chest tightened, not from fear this time but from something stronger–like an anchor pulling me back to steadiness. 1 straightened my back, nodding slightly to myself. “Okay. Let’s do this,” I murmured.

Camille must have heard my whisper, because she laughed. “She’s talking to herself already. Maybe she’s praying for a miracle.”

The elder didn’t scold her. Instead, he said smoothly, “Camille’s wolf is fierce. She’s always been quick to find her prey. Honestly, it’s no contest.”

I stiffened as another elder leaned closer to him, his words low but sharp enough for me to hear. “Camille has the qualities of a Luna. Skilled. Confident. She’d lead the Pack well.”

Their words stung, making me nervous and afraid. My palms started to sweat, and my hands shook, so I quickly adjusted my grip to hide it.

Then Ryder’s voice slid into my head, calm and steady. Baby, don’t panic. Only you can hear me. Trust me.

I let out a shaky breath. Ryder, I can’t do this. I don’t have a wolf-

Yes, you can, he cut in firmly. Forget the others. Just listen to me. Do exactly as I say.

I nodded slightly, though no one else could see my expression under the blindfold.

“Ready!” the elder announced. “Go!”

The moment the word left his mouth, Camille was off. I heard her horse thundering forward, her laugh sharp and cruel.” This is nothing!” she shouted. “My wolf will guide me right to the deer. You don’t stand a chance, Omega!”

My stomach knotted, but Ryder’s voice steadied me. Baby, focus. First–listen. Block out everything but the forest. Can you hear the hooves, the branches snapping, the wind?

I inhaled, pushing down my fear. Slowly, the noises came alive around me. The rustle of leaves. A faint shuffle in the underbrush. My grip tightened on the bow.

Good, Ryder praised softly in my head. Now, sro Successfully unlocked!ve lightly, but their scent is strong. Sweet,

musky. Search for it.

I did as he said, pulling in the air. At first it was all dirt, wood, and horse. But then–faintly–I caught it. The deer.

1/4

Chapter 20: Fight Me Like A Real Wolf

My heart raced. I think… I found it.

Then trust it. Steady your arms. Wait for the right moment. Not yet… not

Camille’s voice echoed from the left. “I’ve got it! Watch and learn!” A sht

Gasps spread through the crowd.

“Missed!” someone called out.

Camille cursed loudly, anger in her tone. “That was just practice!”

Ryder’s voice pressed through my panic. Now, Baby. Release.

I let go.

twang followed–her arrow flying through the air.

The arrow cut through the air, and for one terrible second I thought I’d failed. But then a loud thud echoed across the clearing. A cheer followed.

“She hit it!” an elder shouted. “The deer!”

1 yanked off my blindfold, my chest heaving. And there it was–lying just beyond the tree line. My arrow had gone clean through its side.

Camille tore off her own blindfold, her face twisting in shock. “No!” she yelled, her voice raw. “That’s impossible!” /

But it wasn’t. I’d done it. With Ryder guiding me, I’d won.

The elders murmured among themselves, their expressions shifting between surprise and uncertainty. Some even looked impressed.

Camille, however, looked like she wanted to rip me apart. Her eyes locked on me with pure hatred, lips curling in disgust. She turned sharply, storming off without another word.

By the time evening came, I thought I would finally get some peace. I was resting in my room when there was a knock at the door. A servant I didn’t recognize bowed slightly.

“Luna,” she said politely, “Alpha Ryder is asking for you. He wishes to see you right away.”

I frowned. “Ryder?”

Still, I didn’t want to look suspicious, so I went with her. But the moment we reached the far side of the compound, I knew something was wrong. Ryder wasn’t there. Camille was.

Her smirk widened as her eyes glowed gold. Her bones cracked, claws sliding out as her canines sharpened.

“Shift,” she spat. “Fight me like a real wolf.”

My chest tightened. “Camille, stop–this isn’t-”

She didn’t let me finish. With a furious growl, she lunged.

Her claws raked across my arm before I could dodge, blood spraying hot down my skin. I staggered back, clutching the wound, but she was already on me again.

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