Page 52 of Claimed By Fur and Fangs

“Aidan,” he said again, his voice calm but firm. “You can’t keep carrying this guilt. It’s been over a century. Alma wouldn’t want this for you. She wouldn’t want you tearing yourself apart over something you can’t change.”

“How do you know what she’d want?” I shot back, my voice cracking. “She’s gone, Fergus. Because of me. And now Amelia… she’s in danger because of me too. History is repeating itself, and I don’t know how to stop it.”

Fergus stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. His grip was firm, grounding.

“You’re not the same man you were back then. You’ve changed. You’ve grown. And you’re not alone in this. You have me. You have Julian. Even Finn, as much as you hate to admit it, is on your side. We’ll protect Amelia. We’ll stop Orson. But you have to let go of this guilt. It’s only going to cloud your judgment.”

“I don’t know if I can,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “Every time I look at Amelia, I see Alma. And every time I think about Alma, I remember how I failed her.”

Fergus’s grip tightened.

“You didn’t fail her. You loved her. And you love Amelia. That’s why you’re fighting so hard to protect her. Don’t let Orson twist that into something ugly. Don’t let him win.”

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply. Fergus was right. Orson wanted me to spiral, but I couldn’t. Not with Amelia’s life at stake, not with everyone counting on me.

“Alright,” I said finally, opening my eyes and meeting Fergus’s gaze. “We focus on the plan. We find out how Orson’s back, and we stop him. No matter what it takes.”

Fergus nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“That’s the Aidan I know.”

“Come to think of it, Orson isn’t that powerful to defy me, it could only mean that someone is fueling his ego…” I said.

“That’s true Orson is known for being a lap dog but who could be the person behind it?” Fergus asked.

“I can only think of one person…” I said as my eyes narrowed.

“No way! It can’t be! Are you sure? But she has been in exile for years,” Fergus said.

Chapter Thirteen

Amelia

The helicopter's blades drummed a restless beat, mirroring the storm in my mind. The silence between us was suffocating. Finally, I broke it.

“Finn,” I said softly, my voice barely audible over the noise of the helicopter. “Do you think we’re safe? I mean, really safe?”

He turned to me, his sharp features softening slightly.

“As safe as we can be,” he replied, his voice steady. “This place is off the grid. No one knows about it. You’ll be protected here.”

I nodded, but my hands still fidgeted in my lap.

“It’s just… everything’s happening so fast. Orson, Alma, all of it. I feel like I’m losing control.”

Finn reached over, his hand covering mine. His touch was warm, grounding.

“I know it’s a lot,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “But you’re not alone in this, Amelia. I’m here. And I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

I looked down at our hands, his larger one enveloping mine, and felt a lump rise in my throat.

“Finn, I… I don’t even know who I am anymore. If I’m really Alma’s reincarnation, what does that mean for me? For us?”

His grip tightened slightly; his gaze unwavering.

“It doesn’t change who you are,” he said firmly. “You’re Amelia. Strong, kind, brave. Alma may be a part of your past, but she doesn’t define you. You’re your own person.”

I met his eyes, searching for any hint of doubt, but all I saw was sincerity.

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