Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Amelia’s POV

Ryder’s expression had gone granite-hard, his jaw working like he was physically restraining himself from breaking something.

“We can’t just confront her,” he said, leäfting forward with his elbows on his knees “If she realizes were onto her shell ther run or call in whoever she’s working with. We need to trap her-draw out her partner so we can deal with them both t

once.”

I nodded, twisting my hands together. “What if I invite her out? Pretend I’m falling apart over us. She already thinks In barely holding it together after that video.”

Something softened in his eyes for just a second. “That could work. You tell her you’re done with me, that you want to leave the pack. If she’s really here to hurt you, she’ll see an opening. She might try to drug you again or worse.”

My stomach turned over, but I pushed the nausea down. “And you’ll be nearby? With backup ready to move when her partner shows?”

“Exactly.” Ryder reached across and squeezed my hand. “But the second anything feels wrong, you signal me. That earpiece in your necklace-it’s working, right?”

I touched the pendant at my throat. It looked like any other piece of jewelry, but the tiny mic and speaker were built into the clasp. “Yeah. I’m ready.”

We spent the next hour mapping out every detail. I’d text the fake Delilah from my phone, tell her I needed to talk somewhere private-the old gazebo by the lake. Quiet, isolated, perfect for an ambush. Ryder would position himself in the surrounding trees with Callum, Lucas, and a few others he trusted completely. No one else could know. Not yet.

By early evening, I sent the message:

Hey, can we meet? I’m falling apart over Ryder. Need to talk. The gazebo by the lake? Please?

Her response came almost immediately: Of course, sweetheart. I’ll be there in 20.

I paced my bedroom until it was time to leave, nerves buzzing under my skin like static. Ryder caught me before slipping out the back door, pulling me into a brief, fierce hug. “I love you,” he whispered against my hair. “We’ll get them.”

“Love you too.” I tried to sound braver than I felt.

The walk to the gazebo stretched longer than it should have. The sun hung low and heavy, painting everything in shades of amber and shadow. I sat on the weathered wooden bench and touched my necklace, making sure the earpiece was active. “I’m here,” I murmured.

Ryder’s voice crackled softly in my ear. “We’ve got eyes on you. You’re doing great. Just stay calm.”

A few minutes later, footsteps crunched through the gravel path. Fake Delilah appeared wearing that same shawl, her smile dripping with manufactured concern. “Amelia? Sweetheart, your message worried me. What’s wrong?”

I let my face crumple. The tears came easily-I was still raw enough that summoning them took no effort at all. “Everything. Can you sit? Please?”

She settled beside me, close enough that her perfume invaded my space-too heavy, too sweet. Nothing like the real Delilah’s soft floral scent. “Tell me what happened. Is it Ryder again?”

I nodded, snuffling. “He’s been so distant. Cold. That video you showed me… I can’t stop thinking about it. He won’t even look

me Delilah I really do”

“Oh. honey.” She rubbed my back in slow circles, but her hand lingered too long, like she was checking for sonichung Men like Ryder… they’re complicated. Maybe it’s time you started thinking about what you need.

“That’s the thing.” My voice broke convincingly. “I want to leave. Get away from here, from him, from all of thus. But I don know where I’d even go. What if I make everything worse?”

Her head tilted, and something calculating flashed behind her eyes “Leave? As in.. for gori” She paused, then her expression smoothed into sympathy. “You know, that might not be such a bad idea. You deserve better than being like you don’t matter.”

I wiped at my eyes. “You think so? I just feel so lost.”

“I do think so.” Her voice went silk-smooth. “Here-you look like you need something to settle your nerves. She reached into her bag and produced a small flask, pouring amber liquid into a glass that seemed to materialize from gowhere. She must have brought it prepared. “Whiskey. It’ll take the edge off.”

She extended the glass toward me. As I reached for it, I caught it-a faint dusting of white powder clinging to the inner wall. slowly dissolving into the alcohol. My pulse spiked, but I kept my expression steady.

“Thanks,” I said softly, bringing the glass to my lips. I pretended to drink, barely letting the liquid touch my mouth, then took an exaggerated second gulp and set it down heavily. I let my head loll to one side and slumped forward across the gazebo table, eyes half-shut but watching her through my lashes.

She waited a beat. Then another. “Amelia?” Her hand touched my shoulder, poking lightly. “Amelia, can you hear me?”

I stayed limp, breathing slow and even.

“Good.” Her voice lost all pretense of warmth. “That should keep you under long enough.”

In my ear, Ryder’s voice came low and tight. “We heard everything. Hold on, baby. Just a little longer.”

Fake Delilah pulled out her phone, her fingers moving quickly across the screen before she lifted it to her ear. “Jasper? It’s done. She’s completely out-the dose you gave me worked perfectly. Yeah, same as last time. Get over here now. She’s all yours, but make it quick. We can’t afford anyone stumbling across this.”

Of course it was Jasper.

A wave of bitter irritation cut through my anger. Why was I even surprised? This was exactly the kind of pathetic move he’d pull. Again.

She ended the call and muttered under her breath, “Stupid girl made this too easy.”

Fury burned through me, but I forced myself to stay motionless. My arm started going numb beneath me, but I didn’t so much as twitch. Minutes dragged by, each one stretching impossibly long, knowing who was coming for me.

Finally, movement rustled through the trees. Jasper emerged from the shadows, and even with my eyes barely open, seeing him in person only confirmed what I already knew.

“Where is she?” His voice came out low and rough, like he thought he sounded intimidating.

“Right here.” Fake Delilah gestured toward me with a casual wave! “Told you it would work. Go ahead. Do what you want— just don’t leave visible marks. We still need her breathing. For now.”

Jasper laughed, and the sound made my skin crawl-not because it was terrifying, but because it was so predictably smug. He crossed to me and grabbed my arm, yanking me halfway upright. “Look at you. Completely helpless.” His hands slid down my side, rough and possessive, tugging at the fabric of my shirt. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”

His breath was hot against my neck as he leaned in.

1

hapter 64

The revulsion that crashed through me wasn’t just fear-it was anger. Anger that he was still doing this Still taking could get away with it.

Still underestimating me.

I kept absolutely still, waiting for Ryder’s signal. Just a few more seconds, and Jasper would finally get what was going to

him.

Then everything erupted.

“NOW!” Ryder’s roar split the air. “Take him down!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify