Claimed by My Bestie's Alpha Daddy novel Chapter 57

That night I didn’t go to his room.

I didn’t even try

I locked my door to my apartment and slid down it to the floor, pressing my palms over my eyes.

I pictured him with her, Elsa’s laugh echoing in my skull.

Her hand on his chest.

Him choosing her because she was safe, acceptable.

Because she would never be a weakness the council could use.

I thought of him in bed with her, whispering secrets in the dark.

My chest hurt so badly I couldn’t breathe.

I ripped the photos into tiny pieces and threw them out.

But I still saw them when I closed my eyes.

I cried until my throat was raw.

The next morning my eyes were swollen, my voice hoarse.

Emma caught me in the hall, concern written all over her face.

“Amelia? Hey-”

I pushed past her.

Simon called my name from down the corridor.

I ignored him.

My wolf whimpered in my chest, confused and angry. At work, Richardspotted me from across the room.

Relief softened his face. He took a step toward me.

“Amelia -”

His voice broke. I flinched back so hard my shoulder hit the doorframe.

“Don’t. Just don’t.”

My voice cracked on the last word. I couldn’t look at him. I turned and left, leaving him standing there, watching me go. I didn’t go back to his room. Not that night. Not the next.

I lay awake in my own bed, covers pulled to my chin like they could keep the world out. My wolf paced restlessly. She hated this. I hated this. But I wouldn’t do it, I wouldn’t be the weakness he regretted.

Three days later, Adam found me hiding in the archive room, pretending to read while shaking so hard the pages rattled.

He startled me so badly I dropped the binder.

“Jesus, Adam-”

He didn’t smile.

“You’re pulling away now? After everything? When he needs you most?

My eyes burned.

“You saw the photos! You think I’m going to keep humiliating myself while he’s meeting with her? While he’s choosing her? I’m not going to be that stupid. I’m not going to be the one waiting at his door like some Lovesick puppy while he makes deals in bed with his perfect political match!”

Adam’s face twisted in frustration

“You really think that’s what this is? Amelia, he’s dying without you.

You’re the only one who can tell him no. The only one he trusts to be honest. You’re his anchor. He’s out there drowning right now and you’re letting him. You’re handing him to them on a silver platter.

Jenny. Elsa. The council that wants you gone. You’re giving them exactly what they want. You think those photos just happened? You think they didn’t know exactly what they were doing?”

I choked on a sob.

My fingers dug into the file I had dropped.

Adam didn’t soften.

“Look at you. You haven’t slept in days. You look like shit. You’re making yourself sick. And for what? Your pride? Because you’re scared he’ll choose someone else? Amelia, if you push him away, he will. Hell do it because he thinks he has to. And he’ll hate himself for it every second. And you will too. So figure it out. Before you both burn this to the ground just to prove you’re not in love.”

“Adam, whose side are you even on?” I croaked, voice hoarse. “Jenny’s?

Richard’s? Mine? I don’t even know anymore. I used to think you were only on your own side, but now I don’t know. Shouldn’t you be cozying up to your future mother-in-law instead of yelling at me?”

Adam’s eyes narrowed, voice dropping. “You really think I’m on anyone’s side? Come on, Amelia. I’m just trying to keep the Pack from falling apart. And yeah, maybe I’m pushing you because you’re the only one who can actually reach him when he’s like this. If you want to call that picking sides, fine. But don’t pretend you don’t know why I’m doing it.”

I didn’t know what game he was playing, but I wasn’t falling for it.I hadn’t left my apartment in days. The air was stale, thick with the smell of cold coffee and regret. Simon knocked softly at first, then harder. When I didn’t answer, he used the key I gave him for emergencies and came in

“Amelia,” he said quietly, taking in the mess. “Jesus. You look awful.”

I didn’t even turn my head. “Get out.”

He walked in further, voice gentling. “Hey. Talk to me. Please. You can’t just stay in here like this.”

I pulled the blanket tighter. “You don’t know anything.”

He sat on the edge of the coffee table.

“Try me.”

My voice cracked. “He let them humiliate me. He didn’t even defend me. Elsa’s everywhere. Those photos-”

Simon sighed. “I told you he’d do this. I warned you.”

My fingers curled into fists. “You think I don’t know? I know he’s bad for me. I know. But I can’t stop. I can’t help it.”

His voice grew harsh. “Then stop pretending you’re some innocent victim when you keep going back to him.”

Before I could respond, Elsa breezed in, ignoring me. “Richard.

Council’s waiting. You ready?”He closed his eyes, shoulders sagging. “Yeah. I’m coming.”

My heart cracked. I pushed past them both without another word.

That night I couldn’t stand my empty apartment. The walls pressed in.

My wolf whined and snarled inside me. I ended up at the training grounds, moonlight painting the dirt silver. I wrapped my arms around myself, shivering in the cold.

His voice broke the silence. “Amelia.”

I didn’t turn. “Go away.”

His footsteps crunched behind me. “You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

I laughed bitterly. “Worried about what the Pack will think? That you’re playing favorites, letting me on the fancy equipment?”

He exhaled. “You know it’s not that.”

I spun on him, voice raw. “Do I? Because I don’t know anything anymore.

His face twisted. “You know me better than anyone.”

My voice cracked.

“Is that why it feels like I’m the only one fighting for you?”

He stepped closer, voice dropping. “I’m still here. I’m always here. Even when you hate me.”

My wolf clawed at me from the inside, torn between rage and wanting.

I hated that part of me that still wanted to close the space between us.

That wanted to bury my face in his chest and pretend none of this happened.

He held out a hand. “Train with me. Like before.”

We circled each other slowly. The tension between us buzzed like electricity. I could see the way his shoulders tensed, his gaze locked on me. Our breathing was harsh in the cold air. I shifted my weight, he mirrored me, a long tense dance of pushing and pulling.

His voice was low, coaxing, but I snapped at him. He countered with gentle teasing that made my chest ache. I pushed him hard, he grabbed my arm, twisted, breath fanning my face. We moved in close, noses nearly brushing before I shoved him away, breathing hard, eyes burning. The night was quiet except for our breathing. Moonlight caught on his scars. My heart ached. I lunged too hard, shoving his shoulder. He grunted, catching my wrist, twisting.

Bonded mates always fight hardest,” he rasped.

I yanked away. “We’re not bonded.”

His voice lowered, rough. “No. But sometimes it feels like it. Doesn’t it?”

My lips trembled. My wolf howled in my chest, confused and wanting.

And even as I glared at him, I hated how badly I wanted to agree.