Page 48 of Samuel
“Fine, actually,” he replied. “You’ve always been good at first aid. Bet I wouldn’t even need to see a healer now.”
I chuckled, relieved to see some of the old spark in his eyes.
“Years of patching myself up paid off, I guess,” I said.
As I started cleaning up the medical supplies, Finn’s attention drifted to the coffee table.
My sketchbook, lying open where I’d left it, caught his eye. He picked it up, flipping through the pages, his brows raised.
I felt a wave of embarrassment and tried to grab it, but he leaned away, grinning.
“Come on, Finn. That’s… it’s personal,’ I said.
I could feel a warm flush rising up my neck.
I’d been drawing a lot lately—mostly sketches of Samuel, his dragon form, and some wild landscapes.
But there were also sketches of people I missed from my old life.
Finn ignored my protests, a small smile on his lips as he turned each page.
“You’re really talented, Blake,” he murmured, tracing one of the lines with his finger. “I always thought you should do more with your talent.”
I shrugged, feeling a strange mix of vulnerability and pride. “It’s just something I do to unwind.”
He looked up, his face softening.
“You know, I was really worried about you,” Finn said quietly. “When Gordon came back and told everyone you’d died, I was furious. I even picked a fight with him.”
My eyebrows shot up. “You did? Did you win?” I asked.
Finn’s mouth curled into a lopsided grin.
“My brothers pulled us apart before it could get that far. Probably for the best. But even after the Elders declared you dead officially, I couldn’t believe it. Not for a second,” Finn said.
I looked away, my chest tightening.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Finn. I never wanted to worry you like that,” I told him.
He placed the sketchbook down and reached over, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.
“You’re forgiven,” he said, his voice steady. “Just now, when you told me you were mated to a shifter… I assumed the worst. Thought maybe he’d kidnapped you, forced you into it.”
“No, it wasn’t like that.” I shook my head, thinking back to the night Samuel had bitten me. “He bit me to save my life, Finn. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.”
Finn nodded slowly, eyes flicking back to the sketchbook.
“I can see that now. You’re… thriving here, aren’t you? Even if you’re still hunting something, you’re different, Blake. More relaxed. And honestly, I think it’s because of him,” Finn pointed out.
A warmth spread through me, and I knew he was right.
I hadn’t fully realized it until now, but I felt more at ease in Samuel’s presence than I had in years.
“When I first woke up in his bed with his mark, I didn’t trust him at all. But as I got to know him, things changed. He’d risk his life for me, and I think I’d do the same for him, without hesitation,” I admitted.
Finn’s eyes widened slightly, his lips parting in surprise.
“You’re… madly in love with your shifter, aren’t you?” Finn asked.
