Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Dance

Amelia’s POV

The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was Kara slumped in a chair by my bed, her head against the wall like she hadn’t slept in days.

When I shifted a little, she jolted awake. “Amelia!” She grabbed my hand, eyes wide with relief. “You’re awake. Finally.”

My throat was dry, and my voice came out scratchy. “What… happened?”

Kara’s smile softened, but there was worry in her eyes. “You were in a coma for a week. Camille… she nearly killed you Ryder carried you back and refused to leave your side.”

A sharp ache went through me at the memory of Camille’s claws, her rage, the blood–my blood–everywhere. My hand shook, and Kara squeezed it gently.

“It’s okay,” she said quickly. “You’re safe now. Ryder saved you.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “The doctor said something strange, though. He thinks you might be a healer. That’s why you survived wounds no one else could.”

“A… healer?” I echoed, confused.

Kara nodded. “And not just that. He was shocked you healed so fast. A week, Amelia. Most wolves would still be fighting for their lives, but you-” She let out a breath, shaking her head. “Even Ryder couldn’t believe it.”

Her smile returned, brighter this time. “And you know what? Ryder is throwing a celebration tomorrow night. For you.”

I blinked. “For… me?”

“Yes! You survived, Amelia. That’s something worth celebrating.”

I wasn’t sure if I was ready for a party, but when the next evening came, Kara helped me dress. She chose a flowing gown the color of moonlight, soft and elegant. She fussed with my hair until it framed my face, then pulled me toward the mirror.

“You look beautiful,” she whispered, eyes shining.

I didn’t recognize myself. For once, I didn’t look like the broken, wolf–less girl who didn’t belong. I looked different. Strong. Whole. Almost enough.

By the time we reached the great hall, music and laughter spilled out into the night. The room was alive with light–candles flickering, people twirling across the polished floor, the air buzzing with excitement.

But the moment I stepped inside, whispers followed me. Silverlight. Weak. Lucky. My chest tightened, but I lifted my chin, refusing to let them see how much it hurt.

felt it before I saw him–warmth brushing my hand. Ryder. One second I was alone, drowning in doubt, and the next he was there, tall and commanding in his dark suit. But when his gaze found me, the hard edge in his face softened.

“You’re here,” he murmured, like he’d been waiting all night for just this moment.

Before I could answer, a mocking laugh cut through the air. A young warrior lounged against the wall, a cruel smirk twisting his mouth. “Guess miracles do happen. The weakling survived.”

The words hit hard, heat rushing to my cheeks. Shame burned hot and fast, and for a moment I couldn’t breathe. But Ryder‘ s fingers closed around mine, strong and steady, and it was enough to hold me up.

His eyes never left the warrior. “Careful,” he said, his voice so sharp the room went silent. “She’s mine. Show respect–or regret it.”

The smirk vanished. The boy’s face drained of color, and he bowed his head. “Forgive me, Alpha.”

Ryder didn’t spare him another glance. He turned back to me, and the change in him was dizzying. His touch gentled, his thumb brushing over my knuckles like he wanted to erase every cruel word. Then he lifted my hand to his lips. “Dance with me.”

My breath caught, but I nodded, letting him lead me to the center of the floor.

The music slowed, soft and sweet, wrapping around us like it belonged only to us. Ryder’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me against him, and the rest of the world faded. No whispers. No stares. Just his steady heartbeat and the warmth of his body pressed to mine.

“Thank you,” I whispered, leaning close so only he could hear. “For saving me. For everything.”

His eyes searched mine, but there was no pity in them. Only something fierce, steady, unshakable. “Don’t thank me,” he said quietly. “You’re mine, Amelia. My mate. You’ll never be a burden.”

My throat tightened. “But I don’t even have a wolf. A Luna should be strong, capable. You only protect me because you feel

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Chapter 23: The Dance

you have to. I don’t want to be a weight you have to carry. I know my place.”

His grip tightened at my waist, pulling me closer. His jaw was set, his voice low and unshakable. “No, baby. I don’t pity you. I want you. I choose you. You’re the one I want as my Luna.”

The words slammed into me, stealing my breath. My heart raced so fast it hurt, each beat a mix of disbelief and aching need.

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