21. Logan
21
LOGAN
L ogan's truck rumbled down the winding coastal road toward the sanctuary, the salty breeze drifting through the cracked windows. His hands tightened on the steering wheel as pride swelled in his chest. The way Serena had handled that witch's challenge had been incredible.
Halfway to the sanctuary, he pulled onto a scenic overlook, the truck's tires crunching on gravel. Serena shot him a questioning look, her gray eyes bright behind her glasses.
"Everything okay?"
"More than okay." Logan reached behind the seat, his fingers finding the blanket he'd stashed there days ago. He pulled out the small bouquet of wildflowers - purple lupines and golden poppies he'd gathered the night of the festival. The blooms were still fresh, preserved by the coolness under his seat.
"I, uh, picked these for you the night of the festival," Logan said, his voice lower than usual. "Was gonna give them to you then but... well, the timing wasn't right. But after what you did back there though..." He cleared his throat. "You were amazing, showing up that witch. I just wanted you to know how proud I am of you."
A blush crept across Serena's cheeks as she accepted the flowers, bringing them to her nose. The sight of her smile made his bear rumble with joy.
"Logan Steele, you big softie," she teased, but her voice was warm. "Who knew you had such a romantic side?"
"Don't go spreading that around." He grinned and reached over to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear without thinking. "I need to maintain my tough guy image."
The way she leaned into his touch, just slightly, sent his pulse racing. Her eyes met his, that familiar spark between them stronger than ever.
"Your secret's safe with me." Her fingers brushed his as she lowered the flowers. "Though I might need more evidence to properly evaluate this romantic side of yours."
"That can be arranged." He let his hand linger near her face for a moment longer before putting the truck in gear.
Once they arrived back at the sanctuary, Logan watched in amazement as Serena worked her magic. Her hands moved with precise confidence as she mixed the potion, the same determination in her eyes that he'd seen at Beatrice's shop. The sweet, herbal scent of her brewing filled the air.
"Hold this," she said, passing him a vial of shimmering blue liquid. The glass was warm against his palm.
One by one, they administered the remedy to the sick animals. The fox's fever broke first, then the deer started eating again. Even the sluggish raccoon perked up, chittering excitedly.
"Look at them," Logan said, unable to keep the pride from his voice. He rested his hand on the small of her back as they observed the animals' recovery. "You did that. You figured out the counter-potion all on your own."
Serena shook her head, but he noticed she didn't step away from his touch. "I couldn't have done it without you believing in me. And letting me practice here these past weeks-"
"Stop selling yourself short." His voice came out rougher than intended, his bear pushing forward with the need to make her understand. "Sure, having space to practice helped, but this gift? It's always been in you. You just needed someone to remind you of that."
The afternoon sun caught her glasses as she looked up at him, casting golden highlights in her gray eyes. "You make it sound so simple."
"Because it is simple." He turned her to face him, his hands settling on her shoulders. "You're brilliant, Serena. Always have been. Anyone who made you think differently was dead wrong."
A smile tugged at her lips. "You know, for someone who claims to keep things simple, you can be surprisingly insightful."
"Don't let that get around either." He winked.
The way she looked up at him through her lashes made his bear hum with delight. She was finally starting to see herself the way he saw her - brilliant, capable, and absolutely extraordinary.
Serena's eyes lit up suddenly, her gaze fixed on his face. "Wait - I have an idea." She slipped from his grasp and darted to her workstation in the workshop, nearly knocking over a feeding bowl in her excitement.
Logan smiled at her enthusiasm. This was the Serena he remembered - the one who'd spend hours perfecting a potion back in high school, her hair falling loose from its ponytail, muttering formulas under her breath. He leaned against the workbench, watching as she grabbed ingredients with precision.
"Pass me that moonflower essence." She pointed without looking up from her mortar and pestle.
"Yes ma'am." He handed her the bottle, deliberately letting his fingers brush against hers. The slight catch in her breath made his bear growl with pleasure.
"This should create a barrier that'll resonate at the same frequency as shifter magic," she explained, crushing dried herbs with quick, efficient movements. "Even with his fancy new tattoos, Silas will have to work twice as hard to break through."
The scent of crushed herbs mixed with her natural vanilla perfume, making Logan's head swim. He forced himself to focus on her hands instead - quick, capable fingers measuring drops of silvery liquid into the mixture.
"There's my clever witch," he murmured, more to himself than her.
She paused, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "What was that?"
"Nothing." He straightened, stretching his shoulders. "Just thinking out loud about how we're going to kick Silas's ass with whatever you're cooking up."
The potion turned a deep, midnight blue, sparking with tiny silver flecks. Logan helped her carry it to the fence line, watching as she painted intricate runes that seemed to sink into the wood.
"Hold this steady," she instructed, balancing on her tiptoes to reach a higher section. Logan stepped behind her, one hand on her waist to steady her, the other holding the fence post.
"I could lift you up," he offered, fighting back a grin.
"Don't you dare." She jabbed him with her elbow, but he caught the smile in her voice. "The last time you tried that, I ended up with potion in my hair for a week."
"That was ten years ago. I've gotten much better at lifting things since then."
"Uh-huh." She finished the rune with a flourish. "I'll take my chances with gravity, thanks."
Later that night, Logan's bear practically purred as he watched Serena do one final check on the fox kit. Her gentle hands moved with care, and the way she cooed at the animal made his chest tight with emotion.
"Everyone's looking good," she said, straightening up and brushing her hands on her jeans. "That counter-potion worked better than I expected."
"Never doubted you for a second." Logan's stomach growled, and an idea struck him. "Hey, you hungry?"
"Now that you mention it..." She glanced at her watch and blinked. "Wow, is it really that late?"
"Come on." He grabbed his keys. "I know just the place."
The neon sign of Betty's Drive-In cast a pink glow across Serena's face as Logan pulled into a spot. The place hadn't changed since high school - same checkered awning, same roller-skating waitresses, same mouthwatering smell of burgers and fries.
"I can't believe this place is still here," Serena laughed, her eyes lighting up behind her glasses.
"Best milkshakes in three counties." Logan caught the server's eye and placed their order, remembering exactly how Serena liked her burger. His bear practically smiled with pride when she noticed.
"You remembered my order after all these years?"
"Some things just stick with you." He shifted in his seat to face her better, enjoying how the neon light played across her features. "Like how you always steal my fries even after claiming you don't want any."
"I do not!" She protested, but her smile gave her away.
Their food arrived, and sure enough, within minutes Serena's fingers were sneaking toward his fries. Logan caught her wrist, his thumb brushing over her pulse point.
"Caught you."
"Fine," she sighed dramatically. "I admit it. Your fries just taste better than mine."
"Here." He pushed the container between them. "We can share. I'm feeling generous tonight."
"My hero," she teased, popping a fry into her mouth.
Logan watched her enjoy the food, his bear contentedly rumbling at providing for her. The way her eyes closed in pleasure as she sipped her strawberry milkshake made him want to kiss the sweetness from her lips.
"What?" she asked, catching his stare.
"Just thinking how good today was. Seeing you stand up to Beatrice, healing the animals..." He reached over and touched her hand on the seat. "Having dinner with you."
The blush that spread across her cheeks was more beautiful than any sunset he'd ever seen.
Logan soon pulled up in front of Serena's small house. The evening had been perfect - better than he'd dared hope for. He rounded the truck to open her door before she could reach for the handle.
"Such a gentleman," Serena teased, accepting his offered hand as she stepped down.
"Only with you." The words slipped out, but he didn't regret them. Not when her cheeks flushed that pretty pink color he loved.
The porch light cast a soft glow over them as they reached her door. Logan's bear pushed forward, wanting to pull her close, but he held back. He wouldn't rush this.
"Thank you," he said, his voice rougher than usual. "For coming back. To Saltwater Grove. To the sanctuary." To me, he didn't add, but his eyes said it for him.
"Thank you for letting me in." Serena's eyes sparkled with happiness. "The sanctuary's become my favorite place in town."
Logan's heart raced as he leaned down, pressing his lips to her cheek. Her skin was soft, warm, and he caught the slight hitch in her breath.
"Sweet dreams, Serena," he murmured against her skin before pulling back.
He waited until she was safely inside before heading back to his truck, his bear purring with contentment. The spot where his lips had touched her cheek tingled all the way home.