9. Chapter Nine
Chapter Nine
Aidan
N ineteen hours ago …
As soon as I stepped out of Amelia’s house, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Julian.
“What is it?” I answered, my voice still edged with frustration.
“We have something,” Julian’s voice was low but urgent. “It’s about Finn Harper.”
That caught my attention.
“Go on.”
There was a pause, as if he was making sure no one was listening. Then, “He’s a werewolf, Sir.”
For a second, I almost laughed. Almost. But the weight in Julian’s voice told me he wasn’t joking.
“A werewolf?” I repeated, just to be sure I’d heard correctly.
“Yes. And not just any werewolf. He comes from a long line of them—his father was an Alpha before he was killed. Finn has done well to keep his identity hidden, but I dug deep.”
I exhaled sharply, running a hand down my face. A damn werewolf. That explained a lot—his aggression, the way he was always on edge around me. It wasn’t just jealousy. It was something deeper. A predator recognizes another predator.
“And you’re certain?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
“Beyond a doubt,” Julian confirmed.
“Well, isn’t this interesting, thank you for the information, Julian,” I smirked, shaking my head and ended the call.
A drove to my mansion and met Fergus in the lounge holding a glass of whiskey.
“You won’t believe that Finn Harper revealed my secret to Amelia.”
“I don’t follow… You mean he told her that you are vampire? Because that’s the only secret I can think of.”
“Well, you thought right. Amelia doesn’t even want to see me, to her I am a monster.”
“I’m so sorry but how on earth did he find that out?”
“I don’t know but I found out something very interesting about Finn.”
“Do tell,” Fergus raised an eyebrow.
I poured myself a drink and leaned against the counter, letting the weight of my discovery settle before I spoke.
“Finn Harper is a werewolf.”
Fergus stilled, his glass hovering just inches from his lips. He studied me for a moment before setting it down.
“A werewolf?”
I nodded.
“Julian confirmed it. He dug deep and found records. Finn’s father was an Alpha before he was killed. Finn’s been hiding it for years.”
“That explains a lot,” he murmured, swirling the whiskey in his glass.
I took a slow sip of my drink, my thoughts still tangled.
“So, not only is he your rival, but he might also be as strong as you. How convenient,” Fergus let out a low chuckle.
I placed my glass down with a little too much force.
“The problem is, I can’t just tell Amelia. She won’t believe me.”
“She might if you show her,” Fergus smirked.
I met his gaze, and he leaned forward, eyes glinting with something dangerously close to excitement.
“We set a trap,” he said, echoing the thought that had been forming in my mind. “Make him reveal what he is. Make her see it.”
“Are you sure about this?” I exhaled, nodding slowly.
“Hell yeah,” Fergus grinned.
I considered it. It was ruthless, but it was also the only way.
“And how do you plan to make him shift?”
“The easiest, pressure him till he does,” Fergus chuckled, swirling his whiskey.
“You can have some of our guys bring him to one of our warehouses and then set the plan in motion, the only problem is how you are going to convince Amelia to come.”
“That will be very difficult.”
“Come on now, you are Aidan Hale. Nothing is difficult for you.”
Later that night, I leaned against my chair, my fingers tapping idly on the table as I dialed Amelia’s number. The phone rang twice before she picked up.
“Aidan?” she sounded hesitant. Exhausted.
“I need to see you,” I said, cutting to the chase.
“Aidan, I told you I need time,” she sighed.
“This isn’t about that.” I softened my tone, though urgency still laced my voice. “I just need you to come somewhere. It’s important.”
“Where?” She hesitated.
“I can’t explain over the phone. You need to see it for yourself.”
“Aidan…”
“Please, Amelia.” I let the desperation seep into my voice, knowing it would get to her. “I promise, after this, if you never want to see me again, I’ll respect that. We need to meet up tomorrow morning.”
Silence. Then, “…Fine. Where do I need to go?”
I gave her the address.
“I will wait for you,” I said.
The next morning, Amelia arrived first, just as I planned. The inside of the old warehouse was dimly lit, its steel walls echoing with every sound. It was secluded enough that no one would interrupt what was about to happen.
“Aidan,” she said, her voice wary. “What is this place?”
“You’ll see soon enough.” I stepped forward, my eyes searching for hers. “Just trust me for a little while longer.”
She exhaled, clearly conflicted, but she didn’t leave.
“You have to stay in this room, you’d get to see everything from here. Please don’t leave the room. All you have to do is watch everything going on through this window. I need to reveal something to you.”
“What’s with all this mystery Aidan?”
“You’d find out soon enough.”
Amelia entered the room and minutes later, some men arrived carrying an unconscious Finn and tied him to the chair.
“What the hell is going on? Finn!” Amelia exclaimed as she rushed out of the room.
“Amelia, please trust me, he is completely fine.”
“How the hell do you expect me to trust you? He isn’t moving, what have you done to him?”
“I know that I have broken your trust, but I really need you to just be patient with me after what you see today, then you can decide if you want me out of your life for good.”
“Fine … don’t hurt him,” Amelia said as she reluctantly walked back into the room.
Finn slowly regained consciousness.
Present time …
I leaned on the railing, watching Finn recover from his transformation, blood dripping from a gash that would soon heal. Amelia stood frozen, pale and shocked, as morning light spilled through broken windows.
"Finn?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but I heard the fear laced within it.
Finn swallowed hard, his golden eyes fading back to their usual blue color.
"Amelia, I…"
"No. No, this… this isn’t real," she stepped back, shaking her head.
I scoffed, pushing off the railing and shoving my hands into my pockets.
"Oh, it’s very real, love."
Her gaze snapped at me, anger flashing through the confusion. "You knew about this?"
"I just found out," I said smoothly, watching her carefully. "I just thought you needed to know too."
Her breath hitched, and she turned to Finn. Her hands were clenched at her sides, like she was trying to hold herself together. "How long?"
"Since I was born," Finn’s jaw tightened.
"You both lied to me."
"Amelia, I was going to tell you…" Finn’s expression twisted with regret.
"When?" she snapped, her voice rising. "Before or after I found out like this?"
"And you? You set this up. You wanted me to see this," her glare could have set me on fire.
"You needed to see the truth," I met her gaze without flinching.
She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head.
"And what? You thought traumatizing me was the best way to do that?"
“I’m sorry, I knew that if I had told you, you wouldn’t believe, I just had to show you" I said.
Amelia stared at Finn, betrayed, then bolted for the door, her footsteps echoing across the cracked floor.
“Amelia, wait!” I called after her.
I found her outside, leaning against a rusted fence, sobbing and shaking, until she stumbled, clutching her chest, gasping for air.
“Amelia!” I reached her just as her legs gave out, catching her before she hit the ground.
Her face was pale, her eyes wide with fear, and I realized she was having a panic attack.
“Breathe, just breathe,” I said, trying to steady her, but she was spiraling.
Her eyes rolled back, and she went limp in my arms. My heart pounded as I scooped her up and carried her to my car. The nearest place was one of my cottages, a secluded spot just a few minutes away. I drove like a man possessed, my mind racing.
When we arrived, I carried her inside and laid her gently on the couch.
“Get a doctor. Now!” I barked at one of my men, who immediately rushed out to make the call. I knelt beside Amelia, brushing a strand of hair from her face, my chest tight with worry.
It didn’t take long for her to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked around, disoriented. When her gaze landed on me, she stiffened.
“Where am I?” she asked, her voice hoarse.
“My cottage,” I said, keeping my tone calm. “You fainted. I brought you here to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m fine. I want to go home,” she sat up abruptly, pushing me away.
“You’re not fine,” I said firmly. “You just had a panic attack. You need to rest.”
“I’m a nurse, Aidan,” she snapped, her eyes blazing. “I think I know when I’m okay. And I don’t want to stay here with you. Not after what you did.”
Her words stung, but I didn’t back down.
“You’re not leaving until the doctor checks you out.”
“You don’t get to decide that!” she shouted, her voice trembling with anger. “You don’t get to control me! You lied to me, manipulated me, and now you think you can just…just keep me here? I don’t want to be anywhere near you!”
I clenched my jaw, struggling to keep my composure.
“Amelia, I did what I had to do. You needed to see the truth.”
“The truth?” she laughed bitterly, tears streaming down her face. “You think this was about the truth? This was about control. About winning. You don’t care about me, Aidan. You care about yourself.”
Her words cut deep, but as the doctor entered, Amelia turned away, defiant, and though I stepped back, I stayed, watching her stiff shoulders and crossed arms, unable to shake the sinking feeling that I’d lost her for good.
The doctor checked Amelia’s vitals, his expression calm but concerned.
“Your blood pressure is quite high,” he said, adjusting his glasses. “You need to rest and avoid stress. I’ll give you something to help stabilize it, but you must take it easy.”
Amelia took the pill silently, refusing to look at me, so I retreated to the kitchen, prepared a meal, and returned to find her still on the couch, her gaze distant.
“You should eat something,” I said softly, placing the tray on the table in front of her.
“I’m not hungry,” She didn’t even glance at it.
“Amelia, please,” I said, my voice breaking slightly. “You need to keep your strength up.”
“I don’t need anything from you,” she replied coldly, her tone cutting through me like a blade.
I sank into the chair beside her, my shoulders heavy with guilt and regret. For a long moment, I just sat there, staring at my hands, trying to find the right words. Finally, I took a deep breath and spoke.
“I want to tell you something,” I began, my voice low and hesitant. “Something I’ve never told anyone before.”
She didn’t respond, but I could feel her tense beside me. I pressed on, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Over 150 years ago,” I started, my voice trembling, “there was a fire in my village. It wasn’t an accident. It was set by a rival village…they wanted to wipe us out. I was just a boy then. I survived, but barely. I was burned… everywhere. I was in so much pain, I wished I had died with the rest of my family.”
Amelia’s breath hitched, but she still didn’t look at me. I continued, my voice growing thicker with emotion.
“I was lying there, at the edge of death, when a man appeared from the shadows. He carried me to his home. He gave me something to drink…I didn’t know what it was at the time. But as soon as I drank it, my wounds started healing. The pain faded. I thought it was a miracle.”
I paused, swallowing hard.
“But it wasn’t a miracle. That man… he turned me into a vampire. He saved my life, but he also took away the life I knew. My family was gone. Everyone I loved was gone. And I… I became something else. Something I didn’t understand.”
Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced myself to keep going.
“The man and his family took me in. They became my new family. But I’ve carried the weight of what I am—what I’ve lost—every day since then. I’ve spent centuries trying to make sense of it, trying to find some kind of purpose.”
I turned to her then, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I didn’t tell you because I was afraid. Afraid you’d see me as a monster. Afraid you’d look at me the way you’re looking at me now.”
Amelia finally turned to face me, her eyes glistening with tears. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The weight of my confession hung heavy in the air between us.
“I didn’t choose this,” I said, my voice breaking.
She didn’t say a word, but the tears streaming down her face told me everything I needed to know. I reached out, hesitating, before gently placing my hand over hers. She didn’t pull away, but she didn’t hold on either.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice raw with emotion. “I’m so sorry, Amelia.”
Amelia’s tearful gaze met mine before she kissed me, tentative at first, then deep and desperate, and I kissed her back, pouring all my pain and longing into it.
“Amelia,” I whispered against her lips, my voice rough with emotion. “I’m so sorry… for everything.”
She kissed me again, harder, her hands clutching my shirt, pulling me closer, her breath ragged and body trembling, and when she pulled back, her eyes blazed with anger and desire.
“You hurt me,” she said, her voice shaking. “You lied to me. You manipulated me.”
“I know,” I said, my voice breaking. “And I’ll spend the rest of my existence making it up to you, if you’ll let me.”
“Why should I trust you? Why should I believe anything you say?”
“Because I love you,” I said, the words spilling out before I could stop them. “I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you.”
Her eyes searched mine, then she kissed me fiercely, hands in my hair as I pulled her closer, desperate to feel her.
“Aidan,” she whispered against my lips, her voice trembling. “I’m still so angry with you.”
“I know,” I said, my voice rough. “And you have every right to be. But let me show you how much you mean to me. Let me prove it to you.”
She hesitated, her breath hot against my skin. “How?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I cupped her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away her tears.
“Let me love you,” I said, my voice low and urgent. “Let me show you that I’m not the monster you think I am.”
Her eyes softened, and she nodded, her hands sliding down to my chest.
“Then show me,” she said, her voice trembling but resolute.
I kissed her slowly, savoring her lips, then hesitated at her shirt, seeking permission; she nodded, a soft moan escaping her lips as I left them, revealing her smooth skin.
“You’re so beautiful,” I murmured, my hands tracing the curve of her waist, her hips. She shivered under my touch, her eyes never leaving mine.
“Aidan,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m scared.”
“Of me?” I asked, my heart clenching at the thought.
“Of this,” she said, her hands gripping my shoulders. “Of how much I feel for you, even after everything.”
I kissed her again, softly this time, my lips brushing against hers.
“You don’t have to be scared,” I said, my voice low and steady. “I’m not going anywhere. Not ever.”
I kissed her again, deeply and passionately, my hands exploring every curve, every inch of her. She arched against me, her breath coming in ragged gasps as I trailed kisses down her neck, her collarbone, her chest.
“I want you inside me,” she said as she looked deep into my eyes.
I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You have no idea how much I've wanted you," I replied, my voice low and husky.
She moved closer, her body pressing against mine. "Show me," she challenged, her lips curving into a sly smile.
I didn't need any more encouragement. My hands slid down her back, pulling her even closer. Our lips met in a searing kiss, full of pent-up longing and need. She moaned softly into my mouth, her fingers tangling in my hair.
"God, Amelia," I murmured against her lips. "You drive me crazy."
"Then take me, Aidan. Make me yours."
I kissed her again, more urgently this time. My hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve and dip. She gasped as I found the sensitive spot on her neck, my lips trailing down to nibble at her skin.
"Aidan," she breathed, her voice shaky. "Please..."
I could feel the heat radiating from her, the way her body trembled under my touch. "Tell me what you want," I demanded, my voice rough with desire.
"I want you," she said, her eyes blazing with intensity. "All of you."
I lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to bed. She lay back, her hair fanning out around her like a halo. I knelt beside her, my hands trailing up her thighs, pushing her dress higher.
"You're so beautiful," I said, my voice filled with awe. "I can't get enough of you."
She reached for me, pulling me down for another kiss. Our tongues danced together, the kiss deepening as our passion grew. My hands found the hem of her dress and I pulled it over her head, leaving her in nothing but her lace underwear.
"Amelia," I groaned, my eyes drinking in the sight of her. "You're perfect."
She blushed, but her eyes never left mine. "Aidan, I need you. Now."
I stripped off my shirt, tossing it aside. Her hands were on me immediately, exploring my chest, my abs, her touch setting my skin on fire. I leaned down, capturing her lips once more as my hands found the clasp of her bra.
With a quick motion, it was undone, and I pulled it away, revealing her perfect breasts. I couldn't resist, my mouth closing over one nipple, sucking and teasing until she was writhing beneath me.
"Aidan!" she cried out, her back arching. "Don't stop!"
I moved to the other breast, giving it the same attention. Her hands were everywhere, pulling at my hair, clawing at my back, urging me on.
"I want to taste you," I said, my voice thick with desire. "Every inch of you."
"Yes, please," she nodded, her breath coming in short gasps.
I kissed my way down her body.
“Aidan…” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Your lips… they feel like fire.”
“I want to take my time with you,” I said, my voice low. “Savor every second,” I smiled against her skin, teasing her with slow, deliberate kisses.
When I reached her underwear, I hooked my fingers in the waistband and slowly pulled them down, revealing her wet, waiting pussy.
"Fuck, Amelia," I groaned. "You're so wet for me."
"Aidan, please..." she moaned, her hips lifting off the bed.
My tongue found her clit, swirling around it as she cried out in pleasure.
"Aidan, I'm going to..." she gasped, her voice breaking as her hands fisted in the sheets, her body trembling as I licked and sucked, driving her closer and closer to the edge.
I increased the pressure, my tongue working magic as she came undone, her body convulsing with pleasure. I didn't stop until she was spent, her breathing ragged.
I moved back up her body, kissing her deeply. She tasted herself on my lips, and it only seemed to heighten her desire.
"Now, Aidan," she demanded, her eyes dark with need. "I need you inside me."
I didn't need to be told twice. I positioned myself at her entrance, my dick throbbing with anticipation.
"Are you sure?" I asked, wanting to hear her say it.
"Yes," she said, her voice firm. "I want you. All of you."
I slid into her slowly, savoring the feel of her tight, wet pussy around me. She gasped, her nails digging into my back.
"Aidan," she moaned. "You feel so good."
I began to move, my thrusts slow and deliberate, building the tension between us. Her legs wrapped around my waist, pulling me deeper.
"Fuck, Amelia," I groaned. "You're so tight."
She met my thrusts, her hips moving in sync with mine. The room was filled with the sounds of our passion, our moans and gasps echoing off the walls.
"Aidan, harder," she begged. "Please, harder."
“With pleasure…” I moaned as I obliged, my thrusts becoming more urgent, more powerful.
She cried out, her body tightening around me as she neared another climax.
"I'm close," she gasped. "So close."
"Come for me, Amelia," I urged, my voice rough.
“Aidan!” she cried out as her body convulsed around me as she reached her peak.
“Oh fuck!” I moaned as my own release crashed over me as I spilled inside her.
We collapsed together, our bodies tangled, our breaths coming in ragged gasps. I held her close, my heart still racing.
"Amelia," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion. "You're incredible."
"Aidan, I need to confess something to you," she said as she looked up at me, her eyes soft and her voice trembling. "And I don't know if this is the right time to do so."