Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Alpha Ryder’s Here

Amelia’s POV

“What? Scared now?” Jasper turned to me with that same nasty grin. “Get moving, Amelia,” he snapped. “Make some tea. And fix yourself up. You look like a mess, and we’ve got an important guest coming.”

I glared at him, my throat still sore from where he’d choked me. But I didn’t argue. I knew better than to push him when he was in a mood like this.

I shuffled out of the room, my hands shaking as I headed to the safehouse’s tiny kitchen. It was a disgusting place–greasy counters, a sink full of dirty dishes, and a kettle that looked older than me. I boiled water for the tea, my mind racing. Alpha Ryder was really coming. In a couple of minutes this would no longer be a possibility but my new reality. The more I thought of it, the more I pictured just how miserable and tortuous the rest of my life was going to be and the more panicked I became.

While the water heated, I caught my reflection in a cracked mirror on the wall. My hair was a tangled mess, my face pale and bruised from the soldiers‘ rough handling. I tried to smooth my hair down and wiped some dirt off my cheek with my sleeve. It wasn’t much, but it’d have to do. I wasn’t here to impress anyone, especially not some ruthless Alpha who’d probably drag me off like a dog.

I carried the tray of tea back to the room, my hands unsteady. As I pushed open the door, I froze. Jasper and Estrella were on the couch, all over each other. Her hands were in his hair, his lips on her neck, and they were making these gross noises. My stomach churned, and I almost dropped the tray.

Estrella’s eyes snapped to me. “What are you staring at, you little rat?” she hissed, pulling away from Jasper. Before I could say anything, she stormed over and slapped me hard across the face. The sting burned, and the tray wobbled in my hands, hot tea splashing onto my fingers.

I didn’t think. I just reacted. I dropped the tray, the cups shattering on the floor, and slapped her right back. Her head jerked to the side, and she gasped, her hand flying to her cheek. “How dare you!” she screeched.

Jasper laughed, leaning back on the couch like he was watching a show. “Know your place, Amelia,” he said, his voice cold. “You’re just a servant. Your father ditched you ages ago. Nobody wants you.”

My chest tightened, his words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. “I want out of here,” I snapped, my voice shaking. “I’m so sick of this place.”

Jasper’s voice broke through my thoughts. “What’s wrong, Amelia? Jealous of Estrella?” He grinned, leaning forward. “Wish you were the one in my arms?”

Jasper’s head whipped around, his face red with rage. “You think that’s funny?” he roared, raising his hand to strike me. Before he could move, the door swung open, and the Beta with the shaved head and scar walked in. “Alpha, what’s going on?” he asked, glancing at the mess on the floor.

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