28. Serena
28
SERENA
S erena wiped sweat from her brow as she helped Logan clear more charred debris from what used to be the wolf enclosure. The acrid smell of smoke still lingered weeks after the fire, making her nose wrinkle. She glanced at Logan, noting the tight set of his jaw as he examined another burned support beam.
"This one's completely shot too," he said, tossing it onto their growing pile of unusable materials.
"We could try reinforcing it with a strengthening potion?" She suggested, though they both knew it wouldn't work on wood that far gone.
Logan shook his head. "Need to replace it entirely." He pulled out his phone, making another note in what she knew was an increasingly expensive list of repairs.
The insurance adjuster had taken one look at the magical residue from Silas's attack and declared it "outside their coverage parameters." Serena had never seen Logan so close to shifting and mauling someone in frustration.
"At least the animals are doing well at the temporary shelters," she offered, trying to stay positive. The local zoo and several nearby sanctuaries had taken in Logan's rescued animals while they rebuilt.
"Yeah." Logan attempted a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Though that wolf keeps giving the zoo staff attitude."
"She always was particular about her dinner being served at exactly sunset." Serena laughed, remembering the picky wolf's habits.
They worked in companionable silence for a while, but Serena's mind raced through possibilities. Nothing seemed like it would generate enough money fast enough.
"I found another one of your hair ties," Logan called out, holding up a slightly singed elastic band.
"Add it to the collection." She gestured to the small pile of recovered items on a nearby stump. "Though I'm pretty sure half of those belonged to me before the fire anyway."
"True. Your hair ties have been multiplying around here like rabbits since you moved in."
"Says the man who leaves coffee mugs in every corner of the sanctuary."
Logan's genuine laugh made her heart lift, even as she caught him sneaking another worried glance at the extensive damage around them. She wished she could wave her wand and fix everything, but even magic had its limits. There had to be a way to save this place.
Serena could barely contain her excitement as Logan's truck wound along the coastal road toward town. She kept sneaking glances at him, fighting back a smile at his adorably grumpy expression.
"We should be working on the sanctuary," Logan muttered, though he still reached over to take her hand.
"The sanctuary will still be there in an hour." She squeezed his fingers. "Besides, you haven't had a proper cup of coffee in days."
"I have coffee at home."
"That sludge you make? I'm pretty sure it could strip paint."
"I like my coffee strong."
She watched the ocean sparkle through the trees, her stomach doing little flips of anticipation. "Turn here."
"I know how to get to the Cauldron it was theirs.
"We should probably rescue Nina's napkin supply before you redesign the entire sanctuary on them," Serena said, watching him start on his seventh sketch.
"Just one more. I want to show you where we could put that meditation garden you mentioned. For the recovering animals."
"And the bear who needs to learn to relax once in a while?"
"I'm perfectly relaxed." Logan pulled her closer, his warmth seeping through her sweater. "Especially now that I have my favorite potions witch to keep me in line."
Serena was filled with joy as she looked around at their friends and neighbors. Julie caught her eye and mouthed "I told you so" with a knowing grin. Even Nina's constellation-speckled apron seemed to twinkle more brightly as she orchestrated another round of floating coffee cups.
This was home. Not just the town, but right here, in Logan's arms, planning their future together. The sanctuary would be more than just a haven for animals - it would be their haven too.
"You know what?" Serena tilted her head to look up at Logan. "I think this is the happiest I've been in years."
"Even with all the chaos of rebuilding?" he asked with his half-grin that made her heart race.
"Especially with the chaos." She smiled back at him. "It's our chaos."
Logan's warm chuckle vibrated through her. "Our chaos. I like the sound of that."