Page 15 of Claimed By Fur and Fangs

“If he’s not one of us, then he is one of them. You realize that, right?”

“If he is one of them, then that’s a big problem. Amelia is not safe around him. I need to protect her, but before then, I need to be sure.”

“Who’s going to protect her from you? How do you think she’d react when she finds out your identity?”

“So, what do you suggest?” I asked.

“Either you come clean or stay away from her.”

I leaned back, processing Damon’s words, but they didn’t sit well with me. The thought of staying away from Amelia felt impossible.

“You’re serious, huh?” I asked, my voice quiet as I stared at Damon, trying to gauge if he was just messing with me.

Damon didn’t crack a smile.

“As serious as it gets, man. She deserves the truth. You can’t keep dancing around it forever. You want to protect her, right? Then stop hiding.”

I ran my hand through my hair, frustration bubbling up.

“You don’t get it, Damon. Telling her means everything changes. I’ve lived in the shadows for so long... now, I’d have to drag her into it, and I don’t know if I can do that to her.”

“I’m not saying it’ll be easy,” Damon said, his voice softening just a little. “But keeping secrets? That’s what makes it worse. Look, if she’s in danger, then yeah, protect her. But you can’t protect her by running away from the truth.”

His words hit harder than I expected. I stared out the window, the night stretching out before me, like it held a thousand unanswered questions. I could already picture Amelia’s face when I tell her, the confusion, the disbelief. But... maybe it was better she knew. Maybe she'd see the truth for what it was, not just as something to fear.

“I don’t know, man...” I muttered. “I guess it’s best I get to spend more time with her and decide on if I should or not.”

“That works. Now make me something to eat, I’m famished.”

“Oh my! You ate like an hour ago.”

“When I give advice, I get hungry,” Damon chuckled.

“You are unbelievable… There’s food in the fridge, help yourself out. I’m going to bed,” I said and left.

The next morning, I was restless. I spent the whole night turning over thoughts of Amelia in my head. I checked on Damon, but he was sleeping like a log. I picked up my phone and dialed Amelia’s number, the nerves hitting me right as it rang. When she answered, her voice felt like a balm to my anxious thoughts.

“Hello?”

“Amelia,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Hey, it’s Finn. I was wondering if you were free today. Thought maybe we could hang out. Do something... different. I could come pick you up from the hospital.”

There was a slight pause on the other end, and I braced myself for her response.

“Well, I’m not at the hospital today,” she said, and I could hear the amusement in her tone. “It’s my day off.”

“Oh, your day off? I didn’t know that.”

She laughed softly.

“Yeah, I figured I’d take a break for once. Got a few things I need to take care of, but... I’ve got some free time. What did you have in mind?”

I felt my pulse quicken. Here was my chance.

“How about breakfast? I know a cozy spot. It’s also my day off, and I’m hoping that you’re hungry.”

“That sounds nice.”

A wave of relief flooded through me.

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