All Chapters of Claimed By The Alpha: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The first pale light of Monday morning spilled softly through the sheer curtains of Ryleigh’s small room, stirring her awake with its gentle insistence. She blinked open her eyes, the familiar quiet of the mansion settling around her like a heavy cloak. Today promised little more than routine—but for Ryleigh, that was a small mercy.Sliding out of bed, she dressed with practiced efficiency, pulling on the modest servant’s clothes she had laid out the night before. The faded gray dress clung lightly to her slender frame, and she smoothed her straight hair back from her face in the mirror, trying to tamp down the unease that simmered just beneath her skin. She had learned to keep her head down, to stay out of trouble, but trouble had a way of finding her nonetheless.By the time she reached the kitchen, the air was already warm with the scent of herbs and baking bread. Natalia was there, humming quietly as she set the table.“Morning, Ryleigh,” Natalia greeted with a smile. “Ready for a

The streets of the pack town buzzed softly with the quiet life of late afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden patches across the cobblestone walkways. Ryleigh walked beside Derek, their hands brushing occasionally, sending tiny sparks through her fingertips each time. She couldn’t stop thinking about the check in her pocket—the hundred thousand dollars that had bought her silence. It weighed heavy despite its lightness, like a secret she couldn’t yet bring herself to share. She glanced at Derek, his profile calm and steady as he walked with that easy confidence she found so infuriating—and comforting. She wouldn’t tell him. Not yet. The soft strains of Italian music drifted through the air, growing stronger with each step. They neared a small building tucked neatly between two shops, with an old-fashioned wooden door and a chalkboard sign boasting the daily specials. The scent of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs enveloped Ryleigh the moment they approached th

Ryleigh closed the door to her room with a soft click and exhaled, her back pressing against the wood as the outside world slipped away.For the first time in days—maybe weeks—there was no one barking orders at her, no calculating eyes watching her every move, no Alpha Damien brushing too close or Margaret whispering just loud enough to be cruel. The silence wrapped around her like a thick blanket, and for a brief moment, she let herself feel it—peace.Then her eyes fell on the shopping bags neatly stacked at the foot of her bed, and a different kind of warmth spread through her chest.Bright boutique bags with satin handles. Tissue paper peeking through. A bottle of delicate perfume. Folded jeans, pastel tops, silky bras and panties, a dress she hadn’t dared wear yet—it was all hers.She blinked at them, stunned she’d almost forgotten.Her feet moved slowly across the worn floor as she stepped out of her flats. She knelt beside the bed, brushing her fingers over one of the bags like

Ryleigh stirred beneath the soft sheets, blinking slowly as the early morning light slipped through her window. A sliver of sun stretched across her blanket, warming her skin. She stretched, letting out a sigh before blindly reaching for her phone on the nightstand.1 New MessageDerek: Heading out this morning. A hospital across the country requested emergency assistance. I’ll be gone a while. Text me anytime. I’ll miss you.Her stomach sank, the sleepiness washing away in an instant. She stared at the message a moment longer than she needed to, fingers hovering over the screen.Ryleigh: Be safe. Text me anytime too.The reply came back almost immediately.Derek: Always.A small smile pulled at the corners of her mouth, even though her heart felt heavier. She missed him already.Ryleigh climbed out of bed and moved through her morning routine quickly. After dressing in her normal everyday servant dress, she pulled her hair into a low ponytail and stepped into the hallway, determined

Ryleigh moved quickly, forcing her hands to stay steady as she finished straightening the Luna's suite. Her mind was still spinning from the encounter that had just unfolded—an encounter that left her both shaken and disturbingly exhilarated. She smoothed out the final pillow, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and practically bolted for the door.Her pulse thundered in her ears.She needed space. She needed air. She needed to get out of here before Damien came back.The hallway was mercifully empty, and Ryleigh kept her head down as she turned the corner—only to nearly collide with Natalia."Whoa," Natalia said, steadying her. "You alright? You look kind of... flushed."Ryleigh forced a smile, but she could feel the heat still lingering on her cheeks. "I—I don't feel well. Think I caught something. Maybe the flu."Natalia narrowed her eyes, studying her. "Want me to call the doctor?"Ryleigh’s stomach twisted at the word. The doctor. Sweet, beautiful Derek. The person she wa