Semua Bab Claimed By The Alpha: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Ryleigh woke with a sense of excitement that hummed just beneath her skin. The memory of Derek’s kiss the day before still lingered on her lips like a forgotten promise, soft and electric. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation—today, she would see him again.But even in the quiet glow of morning, Damien’s presence haunted her thoughts. His voice, low and intoxicating, echoed in her mind. The way he had touched her—possessive, demanding, almost reverent—clashed sharply with Derek’s gentle tenderness. One kiss had left her breathless. The other had left her aching in ways she wasn’t sure she understood.She pushed the thoughts away and sat up in bed, brushing out the tangles from her hair with shaky fingers. Today was about Derek. She wouldn't let Damien poison the little freedom she'd been granted.She dressed quickly in a soft floral dress Natalia had helped her pick out, something simple but flattering, and slipped on a pair of sandals. The tracker bracelet on her ankle was an ever

The sweetness of Sunday had long since faded. The memory of Derek’s warm smile beneath the tree, the kiss that made her forget where she was—all of it had become a flicker of warmth Ryleigh clung to as the cold routine of the manor returned.She rose before the sun each morning, slipping into her plain dress and lacing up worn shoes that pinched her toes. Breakfasts were served, tables cleaned, linens washed. The same halls she had come to resent echoed her every footstep. Monday and Tuesday bled together in a haze of dusting, folding, and scrubbing. Her arms ached and her back throbbed, but worse than the pain was the monotony. The endless repetition made the days feel hollow.By Wednesday, her eyes burned from lack of sleep. She found herself sweeping near Alpha Damien’s office, careful to avoid attracting attention. The last thing she needed was to be reminded that she was only a servant in his house, no matter what his smirk or lingering glances might suggest.She was bending to p

The morning sun rose lazily over the treetops, casting a soft golden light on the clearing that was now almost unrecognizable. What had once been a humble garden used for quiet meals and afternoon chores had been transformed overnight into something out of a fairytale. Twinkling lights were strung from the tall pines and draped along the hedges like glowing vines. Tables covered in cream and gold linens stretched out in perfect rows beneath a canopy of flowering branches, their surfaces adorned with crystal glasses and polished silver. At the center of the clearing, an open space had been cleared—large enough for dancing, with a wooden floor newly installed and still carrying the faint scent of fresh-cut timber.Ryleigh stood at the edge of the space, her hands clutching a tray of goblets as she took it all in. It was breathtaking, almost enough to distract her from the nerves simmering in her chest. Almost.“Doesn’t even look like the same place,” Natalia whispered beside her. Her us

The morning sunlight crept through the curtains, painting golden streaks across Ryleigh’s floor. She blinked against the light, her body heavy, her mind even heavier. Last night had been a blur of emotions—bright, sharp, and clinging like thorns to her thoughts.She sat up slowly, her heart already pounding as her mind replayed every moment she wished she could forget. The way Damien’s hand had brushed her arm so deliberately in front of Celeste. The cruel twist of Celeste’s lips just before she tripped her. The sting of red wine spilling on the floor. The silent, burning judgment in Margaret’s eyes.But worst of all—no, most confusing of all—was the kiss with Derek.It had been warm and real. His hands, his voice, the way he whispered her name like it mattered. And yet… the image that burned deepest in her memory was that redheaded woman standing too close to him, laughing softly, her fingers brushing his arm as if she belonged there. As if Ryleigh didn’t.The heat of jealousy still

The morning sunlight filtered gently through the thin curtains, bathing Ryleigh’s room in a golden haze. Sunday. Her second day off. She lay still for a few minutes, watching the way the dust danced in the light. The pack house was unusually quiet—no clattering in the kitchen yet, no voices in the hallway. Maybe even time had slowed down in anticipation of what the day might bring.Derek was coming. He had said they’d tell his mother about them.Ryleigh turned onto her side and stared at the far wall. Her stomach twisted in knots. What exactly were they supposed to say?Hi, Margaret. I know I’m not allowed to even speak to you, but I’m dating your son now. Surprise!She groaned, pulling the blanket over her head.What if Margaret forbade it? What if she punished Ryleigh—or worse, Derek—for getting involved with someone beneath his station? She couldn’t even imagine what Alpha Damien would say if he found out. Not that he had a right to say anything. He was engaged. Publicly committed.