Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Do You Remember Me?

Amelia’s POV

Ryder’s shout still echoed in my ears as he stormed toward Jasper, his eyes blazing with fury. Before Jasper could react, Ryder’s fist slammed into his jaw, sending him stumbling back. Jasper hit the wall with a thud, clutching his face.

“What the hell, man?” Jasper yelled, scrambling to his feet. “It was just a joke! Chill out!”

Ryder stepped closer, towering over him. “Get out,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Now.”

Jasper’s face twisted, but he didn’t dare argue. He shot me a nasty glare, muttered something under his breath, and bolted out the door, leaving me alone with Ryder. My cheek stung from Jasper’s slap, and my shoulder throbbed where he’d punched me. I was still shaking, my torn shirt hanging off one arm.

Ryder turned to me, his expression softening. He held out his hand. “You okay?” he asked, his voice quieter now. “Let me help you up.”

I stared at his hand, my heart racing. I wanted to take it–the goddess knows how badly I needed to feel something safe even if just once.

I looked up from those veiny, wheat–toned hands to meet his gaze. Those dark eyes and that gorgeous face beckoned to me like a siren, urging me to rely on him. But could I trust him?

In the end, I pushed myself up, wincing as my shoulder protested. “I’m fine,” I muttered, avoiding his gaze.

Ryder dropped his hand, nodding like he understood. I didn’t stick around to talk. I hurried out of the room, my mind a mess, and headed to the tiny bedroom they’d shoved me into at the safehouse. It was more like a closet–peeling walls, a lumpy mattress, and a single bulb flickering overhead. I sank onto the bed, clutching my torn shirt.

Was Ryder really different from what everyone said?

I couldn’t help but replay my memories of him since we met. Aside from threatening me with the knife–which, honestly, I could understand, given his situation at the time–he hadn’t treated me cruelly at all.

Even now, he’d barged in at the right time to stop Jasper.

If he truly was what they said he was, then why was he treating me well? Did he just want to lure me in now so that torturing me later would hurt more?

That couldn’t be it… right?

Goddess, when will this nightmare of my life end?

I was still tangled in those thoughts when the door creaked open. I flinched, my heart leaping into my throat.

Ryder stood there, filling the doorway.

Chapter 7: Do You Remember Me?

feelings like that.”

“You’re not just a slave,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. He took a step closer, his dark eyes locked on mine. “What’s your real name? Not the one you gave me on the train.”

I hesitated, my throat tight. “Amelia,” I said finally, barely above a whisper.

“Amelia,” he repeated, like he was testing it out. “How many times have they hurt you? Like what Jasper did just now?”

I looked down, my fingers twisting in the hem of my sweater. “I don’t know,” I mumbled. “Too many to count.” The memories–Jasper’s slaps, the branding, all the years of being treated like dirt–felt like a weight crushing me/

Ryder’s jaw tightened, and he shook his head. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice rough. “You don’t have to tell me anything. But I promise you, Amelia–I won’t let you suffer like that anymore.”

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