Page 23 of Claimed By Fur and Fangs

“Finn,” I said evenly, keeping my stance firm. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Yeah? Well, imagine my surprise walking intoherhouse and findingyouhere,” his laugh was sharp, humorless.

I stayed silent. Amelia's breath was steady, but I sensed her unease. She hadn’t stepped away and Aidan noticed.

“You really don’t know when to quit, do you?” Finn took a step closer, eyes burning into mine.

“I could say the same about you,” I squared my shoulders.

His jaw tightened, a muscle ticking as he exhaled sharply through his nose.

“Amelia, tell me this isn’t what it looks like.”

Amelia hesitated, but only for a second.

“Finn…”

“That’s not an answer.” His voice was sharp now, edged with something dangerously close to desperation.

“Finn, just listen to me …” Amelia stepped toward him, reaching out, but he pulled back before she could touch him.

“No,” he snapped, his eyes cutting back to me. “You don’t belong here.”

“That’s not your decision,” I clenched my jaw.

Finn took another step, close enough now that I could see the storm brewing in his eyes. “Then tell me—whyareyou here?”

I glanced at Amelia, who was watching me carefully. My voice was calm and deliberate.

“Because she wants me to be.”

That was it. The final straw.

Finn’s hands curled into fists. His breath came hard and uneven. For a moment, I thought he’d swing at me. Then—Amelia moved.

She stepped between us, her hand pressing lightly against Finn’s chest.

“Finn,” she said softly but firmly. “You need to leave.”

“I can’t believe you are choosing him over me.”

“I’m not choosing anyone…”

“This guy right here is not who you think he is. He is a dreadful killer, and he will ruin you, Amelia.”

“What the hell do you mean by that! How dare you call me a killer!” I snapped.

“Will you tell her who you really are Aidan, or should I do the honors?”

What does he know?I thought.

“What are you talking about?” Amelia asked as she looked at me confused.

“He is a Vampire!”

“What!” Amelia exclaimed.

Chapter Seven

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