Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Amelia’s POV

The house was buzzing.

Not the kind of stress-buzzing that came with rogue attacks or pack meetings, but the happy kind. Music bounced off the walls. People laughed in the backyard, wrapped in scarves and gloves, holding little mugs of spiced cider. Fairy lights lined the trees, making everything look soft and magical.

Ryder had surprised me that morning with the idea.

“One last celebration before we officially become ‘boring married people,” he’d said with a wink.

I smacked him with a pillow.

But I loved the idea, so we went all in.

It wasn’t huge–just the people closest to us. Lucas brought the pack warriors, who immediately started a snowball war in the side yard. Delilah’s apprentices made sugar-dusted pastries shaped like wolves. Callum, as usual, set something on fire-this time a decorative candle stand-but swore it wasn’t his fault.

It was warm and bright and safe. The kind of night where you forgot how close things had come to falling apart.

And Ryder… god, Ryder.

He wore a dark coat over a deep green sweater, his silver hair ruffled just enough to look effortless. He was constantly by my side, stealing little touches and brushing his hand against mine like he couldn’t believe I was real.

“I still can’t believe you’re marrying me,” he murmured at one point, pulling me into a hug behind the kitchen.

I leaned against his chest. “Too late to back out.”

He smiled. “Good. I’m already planning the honeymoon.”

“Let me guess,” I teased. “Snow. Wolves. More snow.”

“Nope. A cabin. And no interruptions.”

I flushed.

He kissed my cheek and wandered off to find Lucas, leaving me alone for a second to grab more cider.

That’s when I saw Delilah who’s been missing all day.

She stood by the hallway arch, wearing her usual dark skirt and embroidered shawl. But something about her looked… different. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe it was the way she held her cup too tight. Or how she

1/5

94

Chapter 60

didn’t nod politely to people walking past. Normally, Delilah had a kind smile for everyone, even if they were total strangers.

Today she seemed tense.

Still, I walked over. “Hey, you disappeared earlier. I was about to send out a search party.”

She

int

ith a smile-one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You looked busy,” she said. “Didn’t want to r… moment.”

What, me and Ryder acting gross and in love? Get used to it.”

again, but it came out kind of tight.

d to talk to you,” she said, lowering her voice. “Alone.”

mach fluttered. “What’s up?”

glanced around, then pulled me toward the hallway. We stopped near the coat rack where it was quiet.

now it’s none of my business,” she started. “But before you marry him… there’s something you should

low.”

blinked. “About Ryder?”

She nodded. “You trust him, right?”

“Yes?” My answer came out like a question.

She studied me. “You didn’t know him before, did you? Before you came to this pack?”

“No. Why?”

Delilah looked serious. “Ryder wasn’t exactly known for being… faithful. He went through girls like snacks. Dated half the northern territories. Rumor is, he even had something going on with a married Luna.”

I felt my throat tighten. “That can’t be right.”

She shrugged. “Maybe he’s changed Maybe he hasn’t. I just… I care about you. And I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

I crossed my arms.

‘Because tome

the wrong person can ruin your life.”

he word

ng? About his past? About what he did before he met you?”

came out.

0.02

Tue, Jun 30

Chapter 60

No, Ryder hadn’t told me everything. But… that didn’t mean he was lying.

Still, a small voice inside whispered: What if he’s not who you think he is?

I looked at her again. And this time… I noticed something.

22:56 voucher

Delilah always smelled like sandalwood and lavender. But this version? She smelled like sharp roses and smoke.

And her voice-it was just a little too smooth. Not as gentle as usual. Her speech, too polished. Too careful.

“Are you okay?” I asked slowly.

She blinked. “Of course.”

“It’s just… you don’t seem like yourself.”

Her smile flickered. “I’m tired. That’s all.”

94

I nodded, but a weird unease curled in my stomach. She wasn’t acting like herself. She wasn’t even standing like herself-no hip tilt, no relaxed posture.

And she never gossiped.

Never.

So why now?

Still, I didn’t want to start a fight. I forced a small smile. “Thanks for looking out for me. I’ll think about what you said.”

She reached into her bag and pulled out a small silver flask. “Here,” she said. “Chamomile blend. For your nerves. It’ll help you sleep.”

I took the flask. Drank two sips. It tasted faintly sweet, with a metallic afterbite I couldn’t place.

We talked a few more minutes, then she said she was heading home early.

I said goodnight and watched her walk away-her back stiff, her steps too sharp.

Weird.

Still, I brushed it off and went to find Ryder. He was still out back, arm-wrestling Lucas while the others cheered. I stood at the edge of the yard, watching him laugh, and something in me softened again.

No matter what anyone said, this was my mate.

I walked back to the villa alone later, cheeks pink from the cold. The sky was deep blue, stars glittering like frost. I felt heavy from the cider, the food, and maybe that drink Delilah gave me.

By

the time I stepped inside, my eyelids were drooping.

8:52 Tue, Jun 30

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify