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"You can't come with me," I told my friends with crossed arms

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"You can't come with me," I told my friends with crossed arms.

"What why—"

"Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for all your help, but I don't think you guys coming with me would be a good idea. Callie, you're human and barely know Fen; Arlo, you being around makes him jealous which isn't what I want; and Reuben, he dislikes you."

"What about me?" Eli questioned.

There wasn't a real reason why Eli couldn't come. He was one of Fen's closest friends for years and his alpha was there, but it didn't feel right.

"I think this is something I need to do on my own," I told him honestly.

I appreciated his help but when it came to actually trying to mend my relationship with Fen, that was something I needed to do myself. My friends only knew what I revealed to them about Fen and my...situationship. They hadn't experienced it firsthand and because of that, I didn't think they'd be much help even if I did bring them with me.

"Okay," Eli agreed even though there was a bit of hesitation in his tone. "But you know if you need us then we'll come in a second, right?"

"Yeah, I know," I told him.

I knew that my friends would have no problem rushing to my side if I needed them there, but hopefully, it wouldn't come to that.

"Just be careful, okay?" Callie chimed in. "The last thing I want is for you to get hurt."

"Fen wouldn't try to hurt me," I answered immediately.

I knew Fen could be unpredictable when he was upset, but I knew him well enough to know that he wouldn't try to lay a hand on me.

"I didn't mean Fen," she retorted. "Rogues, nature, feral wolves—you never know what you're going to run into. Promise me you'll protect yourself."

My eyes softened at her words. This wasn't my first time heading off into the woods, but it was Callie's first time seeing me off like this so I could understand her worry.

"I promise."

"What are you going to do about CJ?" Eli asked me.

That was what I'd been debating about. The easy solution was to leave the feisty feline with one of my friends until I, and hopefully Fen, returned but if I knew CJ then he'd wreak havoc on the poor soul who tried to watch him. He would never fully relax because that person wasn't Fen.

"I'm going to take him with me," I decided.

"You are?" Reuben questioned. "It'll be difficult to take care of a cat and yourself—"

"Fen will want to see his cat," I cut him off. "He'll want to know CJ is okay."

"If you're sure."

"I am."

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