Page 4 of Claimed By Fur and Fangs

“What the hell was that? How’s it possible his burns healed so fast?” I whispered.

Suddenly Marco threw a towel at me, and it jolted me back to reality.

“Ever since we got back you barely said anything … sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“I’m fine… just tired”

I grabbed Marco’s arm as he passed by, trying to keep my voice casual. “Hey, do you know who Aidan Hale is?”

Marco shot me a look, brow furrowing. “How do you not know who he is?”

I raised an eyebrow, the question feeling even stranger as soon as it left my lips. "I don't. Why? Should I?"

Marco let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “You’ve been in this city how long, Harper? Aidan Hale is the owner of Hale Refinery, the one that just went up in flames. And—” he paused, looking me over with a grin. “He’s the wealthiest bachelor in the city. Every headline, every gossip column. The guy’s got more money than anyone around here, and no one knows a damn thing about his family.”

I blinked. “What do you mean?”

Marco’s grin widened, like he was about to drop a bomb. “Rumor has it, the guy just appeared out of nowhere. He practically fell from heaven. No background, no family ties. Just started the refinery, turned it into a goldmine, and bam—suddenly he’s on every socialite’s radar. Some people think there’s more to his story, though. People don’t just get that rich that fast without some questions.”

I shook my head, trying to process it. "So, you’re saying his wealth is... suspicious?"

“Let’s just say it doesn’t add up,” Marco said with a shrug. “But don’t take my word for it. It’s all just talk. What’s more interesting is how no one knows where he came from.”

I chewed on that, my mind racing. Aidan Hale. The mysterious, wealthy, reclusive businessman. It didn’t make sense. I had pulled him from a burning building, and now I was supposed to believe that this guy had no real past. Nothing to trace him back to?

“Something definitely doesn’t sit right,” I muttered, more to myself than to Marco.

“Oh shoot! My baby mama has been calling me, I totally forgot I was meant to take my daughter to the hospital for her immunization… I have to go. Bye!” Marco said and ran out.

“Damn! It’s almost 8 am, my shift is over” I whispered.

As I walked down the hallway of the fire station, I kept on thinking about Amelia. I couldn’t get her out of my head.

I need to get to know her,I thought.

I needed answers, so I headed straight to Lieutenant Carter’s office. The door was ajar, and I knocked lightly before stepping inside. Carter was hunched over his desk, scribbling something in his logbook. He didn’t look up as I walked in, but he grunted, acknowledging me.

“Harper. What’s up?”

“I need some information,” I said, leaning against the doorframe. “About the nurse. Do you know which hospital sent them to the refinery?”

Carter glanced at me, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You looking to follow up on that nurse, Harper?”

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t have to pretend with me, we all saw how you both looked at each other” he chuckled and grabbed his phone.

I felt a flush creep up my neck. “This is so embarrassing…”

“Alright, give me a second.” He dialed quickly and spoke with someone on the other end. A minute later, he hung up, turning to face me with a raised brow.

“St. Luke’s Hospital. Downtown. 345 West Magnolia St. That’s the one.”

I nodded; my mind was already racing. I was going to see her. No more second-guessing. I had to get to her, even if it meant pretending to have an injury just to get in the door.

“Thanks, Lieutenant.”

The drive to St. Luke’s was a blur. I barely remembered the street signs as I navigated my way through the city.

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