Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Amelia’s POV

The first thing I felt in the morning was warmth. Ryder’s arm was heavy around my

His breathing was slow and even, steady like the whole world moved in time with him.

For a few seconds. I stayed still, pretending I hadn’t woken yet. It was too easy to sink into the safety of him. bis me wrapping around me–pine, smoke, something that was just Ryder.

“Awake?” His voice rumbled low against my hair.

I blinked, caught. “…Maybe.”

His arm tightened slightly, pulling me closer until I fit snug against him. “Liar,” he murmured, amusement warming edge of his tone.

Heat crept up my face. “You’re ridiculous.”

One corner of his mouth lifted. “And lucky for me, you don’t seem to mind.”

I rolled in his hold until I was facing him. His hair was a mess, his jaw rough with sleep, but his eyes—gold and steady- wide awake. “You should rest more,” I whispered. “You’ve been working too much.”

He shook his head, brushing a strand of hair from my cheek. “I rest here,” he said simply. “With you.”

Something inside me twisted at that, stealing my reply. I had to glance away before I gave myself away completely.

That morning, when I finally slipped out of bed, I made myself a promise. I didn’t want to just be someone Ryder had to protect. I wanted to do something for him too, even in small ways.

So I went to the kitchens.

At first, the staff stared at me like I’d lost my mind. “Luna, you don’t need to-”

“I want to,” I cut in, cheeks hot but determined. “Please. Just show me.”

They exchanged glances, but eventually, one of the older cooks, Maren, handed me an apron.

That was how it started.

For the next two weeks, I woke early, sometimes before sunrise, slipping into the kitchen whenever I could. I learned to chop without cutting myself, to season soup without ruining it, to bake bread that didn’t come out like bricks.

Flour in my hair, blisters on my palms, pots smoking when they shouldn’t–none of it mattered. Each dish was my way of saying I wanted to take care of him too. And every bite Ryder took felt like I was finally giving something back.

That night, dinner was quiet. Just the two of us. The candles flickered low, the kind Ryder always lit when he wanted me comfortable, and his jacket was draped over the back of my chair like he was already settled in for the evening. He asked about my day, and I smiled through it, answering in half–truths. My chest ached with every word, because I knew what i havd to say next would break everything.

I set my fork down, the scrape against the plate too loud in the silence. “Ryder…. I’ve been thinking”

He looked up immediately, golden eyes catching mine like he always did, like he could see right through me. “About what baby?”

1/3

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I forced the lie past my lips. “I want to leave powinoon”

His brows furrowed, but he didn’t speak yet pest studied me, waiting. That was worse than anger

I swallowed hard. “It’s… because I don’t love your I don’t want this life I don’t want to be Lund I dont wa

The silence after was crushing.

Ryder leaned back slowly, his jaw tightening, though his voice stayed calm. Too Calm. “Is that truly how you!

My nails dug into my palms under the table. “Yes.” The word tasted like ash

His throat bobbed, and for a moment I thought he’d argue, demand the truth, But instead he nodded once, clipped with heavy. “If that’s your choice… I’ll respect it.”

The words sat between us, sharp and final. Ryder didn’t try to touch me again, didn’t ask me to stay. He only stood gathered the dishes, and set them aside. And then he left the room without another word.

That night, sleep didn’t come. I lay in the bed Ryder had carried me to so many times before, the sheets still carrying bas scent–smoke and leather, the quiet steadiness that always grounded me. My chest twisted until I thought it would break in half. I kept telling myself it was better this way. If I stayed, the prophecy would come true. If I left, maybe he’d live

The next evening, the pack gathered in the courtyard. Not all of them–just those closest, those Ryder had allowed. Kara hugged me so tight my ribs ached. Lucas clapped my shoulder, his expression unreadable. Samantha pressed a charm into my palm for safety.

Even the guards bowed their heads as I passed, and the weight of their quiet respect dug deeper into my chest. When I first arrived, none of them saw me fit to be their Luna–they didn’t like me, much less respect me. And now that I’d finally

earned it… I had to walk away.

What cruel timing fate had!

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