Chapter Six
Logan
“Axel! I’m headed to work,” Logan called out. He could scent that his alpha was in the next room.
“Do you still have Noah with you?” Axel asked as he strolled into the kitchen.
‘Meow,’ Noah answered for him.
“Yes.” Logan smiled at his alpha. “I’ll not be far from the bakery if he wants to go home. I’m looking at the land that the mayor wants to put the new playground in. I need to get the measurements so I can place my bid.”
His landscaping business was the biggest in town. There were a few smaller, family-run businesses like his but Logan was on friendly terms with them. When he needed extra hands, he always reached out to them first in case they needed the work.
He was excited about this new project.
Their town didn’t have a park like the mayor had planned. Logan had so many ideas that he could do with the space to bring in an inviting atmosphere for the park. It would benefit the entire town. And Logan could have a hand in doing something nice for the community.
“Proud of you,” Axel said as he kissed Logan’s forehead. “Let us know if you need some help.”
Logan grinned. He loved it when he made his alpha proud.
Noah hissed before swiping Axel’s leg.
“Noah!” Logan picked up his furry friend and tapped him on the nose. “That’s not nice! That’s my alpha!”
Axel chuckled. “It’s fine.” He leaned closer to the feline in Logan’s arms. “I’m already mated,” Axel told the cat. “I’m no threat.”
Logan shook his head. “Sorry, Axel.”
“It’s fine. Now go on before you’re late. We’ll see you home later.”
“Okay!” His cheeks were red as he carried Noah toward the back door.
He waited until he was outside before lifting Noah to his eyes. “You shouldn’t have done that. Axel is my alpha. He is a good man. You can’t hiss or strike him.”
‘Mer. Mer Mer Mer.’
He had no idea what Noah was saying. Oh well! He cuddled Noah back to his chest. Logan wasn’t mad at his new friend. Just embarrassed. They made their way to the truck where Logan carefully set Noah in the passenger seat. He placed his backpack behind Noah, making him a little nest so he wouldn’t slide around in the truck.
“I don’t know how long you want to stay with me,” Logan said as he started his truck. “I have to pass the bakery if you're ready to go home.” The thought made him sad. “You can come back whenever you want!”
‘Meow.’
That gave Logan an idea. “And Sam and Ansley would be happy to give you a ride back to the house if you're in town and can’t make it on your own. It’s a long walk. And you have little legs.”
‘Mer.’
“That didn’t sound good.” Logan backed out of the drive. “I’ll text them though and let them know if they see you in your human or feline form that they can bring you home with them. Just in case.”
‘Meow.’
He felt better once that was out of the way. Logan wanted Noah to have options. Of course, Dean might not want to be away from his familiar. Logan didn’t know where he could find out more information about mages and familiars. If Noah was in human form, Logan could ask him, but it was pretty hard talking to a cat.
Huh, it was something to think about. His family might know, but if it was common knowledge, then he didn’t want to sound dumb by asking.
Logan needed to think about something else.
“Did I tell you about the project I’m looking at?” He was really excited about the chance.
‘Mer.’
“The mayor wants to put a park for the community up in that open space when you turn onto Main Street. I think that’s a great idea.”
He spent the rest of the drive sharing his ideas with Noah, who purred in encouragement. Or at least that was how Logan was taking the sound.
Passing in front of the bakery had him holding his breath.
The open sign was on. The lights that had been dark for so long shone through the windows. Dean really had come back. After so long Logan didn’t think he would ever see the other man again.
Now he didn’t know how to feel.
Dean wasn’t his mate. The scent just wasn’t there. While Logan felt a strong pull toward the mage, that merely confused him. Maybe Dean was connected to his mate? Could Logan be picking up something like that?
Noah wasn’t his mate either.
Which was probably a good thing because Logan was looking for someone more like the Daddies in the family. Someone who would look past Logan’s pretty face and see that there was a person inside that would love and cherish the man that claimed him.
He would make a good mate. Logan would do everything in his power to make his mate happy. To be someone that his mate could lean on. Logan just wanted a chance.
Reaching his destination, Logan pulled his truck to the side of the road.
He looked over the empty space in front of him, already having so many ideas. Logan reached over and opened his backpack to pull out his iPad. Noah climbed into his lap as Logan powered on his device.
“I just want to get this rough draft down really quick,” he told Noah.
Noah remained on his lap as Logan braced his iPad on the steering wheel. Using the tablet, he messily sketched out what he was thinking. He wasn’t the sort of artist like Levi that could draw freehand. He’d use his programs to make his vision come to life.
His little furry friend watched with bright eyes, nodding his head.
It felt good to share this with Noah. With anyone. Logan loved his family but they were always so busy with what was going on in their own lives and Logan didn’t want to be a bother.
Once he got what he needed done, Logan set his tablet aside. “I need to walk around. Are you coming with me?”
‘Mer.’
“Going home?”
‘Meow.’
“Okay, good. Thanks for hanging out with me. I…I really enjoyed it.”
Climbing his chest, Noah nuzzled against Logan’s chin.
Logan kissed the top of his head before he opened the door.
Noah jumped down before taking off down the road.
He found himself sniffling. Logan knew that Noah wasn’t just a cat. He was a shifter and a familiar. And even though he didn’t know what that meant, he knew that Noah needed to be with Dean.
Noah wasn’t his to lose but it still hurt his heart.
Allowing himself a few minutes to be upset, Logan felt better once he climbed out of his truck. He grabbed his tablet so he could make notes as he walked around. There wasn’t much traffic. This really would be the perfect spot for what Logan had planned.
Maybe he could bring Levi by.
Levi had a real eye for seeing the beauty in things. He also enjoyed plants and flowers nearly as much as Logan. And Logan missed his friend. He couldn’t blame Levi for wanting to be with his mate. Logan would never want to come between two mates. Plus, the attack on Levi and Mason had to be hard to get past. But Logan still missed going up on the roof and sitting with Levi.
They didn’t even have to talk. Truthfully Levi wasn’t much of a talker anyway. They could just sit and peer out over their home and territory.
If he didn’t find his mate, would Logan need to leave? Part of him feared the answer to that question. The other part realized it was his insecurity making him think that way.
His family wouldn’t send him away. Axel and the others loved him as much as Logan loved them. Logan was just being silly. He knew this.
Logan made sure not to forget his wheeled measuring tape and set off to get what he needed.
The winter wind chilled him but in jeans and hoodie he was comfortable enough. The sun was fighting to break through the clouds above. It wouldn’t be long before spring would be here. Logan was looking forward to long naps under his favorite tree with the warm sun beating down on him.
The beginning of spring would signal the start of a whole new season. Maybe a happier season. Anything could be possible.
Working hard, Logan was sweating by the time he finished an hour later.
He shouldn't have skipped breakfast.
Logan was both hungry and thirsty.
Heading back to his truck, Logan considered his options. There should be someone from the family in town and maybe they’d want to meet him for breakfast. He’d send a few text messages when he got back to his truck.
Logan was near his truck when he spotted the person waiting for him. He stumbled over his own feet.
Oh! Oh, Logan hadn’t expected this.
Dean waved at him.
Should he wave back? Logan lifted his hand. Dang! Now he was just standing there like a dumb-dumb. He quickly dropped his hand before he got his feet moving again.
Dean looked good.
It had been so long since Logan had seen the other man. Dean’s dirty-blond hair was ruffled by the wind and Logan wanted to run his fingers through those shiny locks. No! Logan wasn’t going to do this anymore.
Just because Dean came back didn’t mean that anything had changed. Dean was not Logan’s mate. And Logan wanted to find his special person so bad. He wanted to be loved and cherished. He deserved it. Logan had to stay far away from Dean.
With a roll of his shoulders, Logan tried to remain calm as he approached Dean where he stood beside Logan’s truck.
“Hey, Logan,” Dean said, smiling at him.
Logan nodded his head. “Dean. Did you have a good trip?” He still didn’t know where Dean had gone or what had been so important that he’d closed his business for months.
“Uh, yeah, sure. It was fine.” Dean looked at him strangely.
“That’s good.” Not really a look that Logan wasn’t used to. It did hurt that Dean would look at him that way. No, it didn’t matter. Logan brushed past Dean to set his measuring wheel back into his toolbox. With his back turned to Dean, it was easier to ignore the effect that the baker had on him.
Dean cleared his throat. “I was hoping we could talk.”
Talk? No! Logan was being good. He was going to stay far away from Dean! He didn’t want to be rude though. “Uh…I…” He played with the lock of his toolbox, trying to figure out how to gently say no.
“Did you get breakfast?” Dean asked. “I would be happy to provide you with something while we talk.”
Logan sighed but eventually turned around. “Is this important? It can’t wait?”
Dean shifted from foot to foot. “It could but I’d really like it if you would give me a few minutes. There are some things that I need to explain.”
“Do you want me to call Axel for you?” Logan didn’t know why he would need to hear anything. Axel would tell Logan what he needed to know and if there was something for him to do.
“No.” Dean smiled. “I want to talk to you.”
Logan shrugged. “Okay.” His mouth was already watering, thinking about the sweet treat he might get. It had been months! No one baked like Dean. Even though Drake had really tried to help with the family’s sugar needs. Drake was a chef, but nothing compared to Dean’s yum-yums.
“Thanks!” Dean held his hand out.
That…huh, that was different. Oh! He must mean for Logan to go first.
Logan passed Dean, heading toward the bakery, but caught Dean’s quick frown before he quickly schooled his expression. The closer that Logan got to the bakery, the more nervous he became. What could Dean want to talk to him about? Maybe…Oh! Noah! This had to be about Noah.
Nothing had happened between Logan and Noah. Logan would never come on to someone who might be in a relationship with another. True, he didn’t know the full extent of Dean and Noah's relationship, but he would have asked.
Logan also wasn’t sexually attracted to Noah. He liked him but he hadn’t wanted to do anything.
Dean probably didn’t know that.
He felt better. Logan would eat his sweet treat, tell Dean that he was no threat to his relationship with Noah, then go work on his bid. Everything would be fine. There was no reason for his tummy to be upset.
Inside his lion side woke up and stretched. Pushing at Logan’s subconscious, wanting to look at Dean.
No, he’s not ours , Logan mentally told his lion half. Stay calm. We’re gonna find our mate someday. We just have to be patient.
Dean stepped up beside him and they walked with their shoulders brushing slightly. Logan tried to move away but each time he shifted to the left, it appeared Dean did as well.
The baker probably didn’t realize it, but the small touch was messing with Logan.
Finally, they made it to the front door of the bakery.
Dean reached out to open the door for him.
“Thanks,” Logan said brightly. He could be friendly without giving away his true feelings. He just wanted to get his yum-yum. Logan was planning for this to be his last indulgence. He had a new plan. To forget all about the delicious baker.
“My pleasure,” Dean practically purred.
He wasn’t even a feline. So unfair.
Looking around the bakery, Logan spotted Noah behind the display cases and waved.
Noah grinned and waved back. His black hair was wet as he boxed up an order. He must have come straight home and showered.
“Kitchen,” Dean said. He placed his hand on Logan’s lower back. So much touching!
“Sure.” Logan allowed himself to be guided but as soon as they were through the swinging door, he stepped away. Dean was really testing his resolve.
At one of the stainless-steel counters, two stools were visible.
“How amount a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant?” Dean offered.
His tummy rumbled. “Yes please.”
“Milk, right?”
He remembered! No! Don’t get excited, Logan! he scolded himself. “Yes please.”
“Coming right up.”
Logan sat at one of the stools, making sure to pull it farther away from the other. It didn’t take long for Dean to set a plate with a steaming croissant and a glass of milk in front of him.
“Appreciate it.” Logan said, leaning forward to take in the gooey goodness.
“Consider it payment for taking care of my wayward familiar last night,” Dean told him.
He was right! Dean was concerned about Logan and Noah. “No payment needed. I enjoyed having Noah as my guest. He stayed in his cat form all night.” There that should clear up any misunderstanding.
“I’m not surprised,” Dean said as he crossed back over to the other side of the kitchen. “Noah usually stays feline when he’s upset with me.”
Had they gotten into a fight? Not that it was any of Logan’s business. The thought made him sad though. Logan didn’t like it when anyone fought.
Dean returned with a mug of tea and a gorgeous pink box. Was that for him?
“This is for later,” Dean said while sliding the small bakery box over. “After you eat something with more substance.” He nudged Logan’s plate.
“Okay.” Like Logan would complain about the food that had been offered to him. Any food.
Dean sipped his tea, so Logan scarfed down his breakfast. Since Dean wasn’t saying anything, Logan figured he’d set the other’s mind at ease. Let him know that he had no interest in Noah. He’d just keep his true feelings for Dean all to himself.
Once he was done, Logan wiped his mouth and fingers on the paper towel that Dean had thankfully provided.
“Would you like another?” Dean asked.
It really was time for him to go. “No, thank you.”
“Okay.” Dean set his half-empty mug down. “I wanted to talk to you about my trip.”
Oh! They weren’t done yet? Logan placed his hands in his lap. “Okay.”
“My coven was involved in dark magic. I didn’t know until the night that I ran away.”
Logan gasped. “You had to run away?”
“Yes, they wanted to use my power for themselves. I couldn’t allow my magic to be used that way.”
“That’s good.” How horrible that must have been.
“Noah and I left that night, and we did not look back.”
Smart.
“We traveled around doing odd jobs. Several of them were at bakeries. That was when and where I learned how to bake.”
“You’re really good at it.”
“Thank you.” Dean smiled again. “Everything was going according to plan. We would stay about a year somewhere before moving on. I knew there was a possibility that my coven was still looking for me. That worked until I came here. This area called to me like home.”
Logan understood. He had felt the same way. “I get that.”
“I know you do,” Dean said softly. “There’s just something about this place.”
“It’s Axel,” Logan informed him.
“It's more than that,” Dean told him. “But Noah and I both felt that this was where we were meant to be.”
“I’m glad.” Even though Dean confused him that didn’t mean Logan regretted meeting him.
“Me too.” Dean grasped Logan’s hand. “I still feared that my coven would come after me. That’s…that’s why I made some of the decision that I did.”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to do something that might shock you,” Dean told him.
Logan tilted his head at him.
“I block my scent. From everyone. I know that my coven uses shifters to do their dirty work sometimes.”
He nodded. It wasn’t like Logan knew what to say. Or why this was even something that he needed to know.
Dean stared into his eyes as he did something. Logan knew something was happening as suddenly the kitchen filled with the most alluring and wonderful scent that he had ever smelled.
His entire body stiffened as need filled him.
Inside his lion was roaring.
Mate!
The word echoed around in his head.
Breathless, Logan had to bend over. He clutched his knees as he fought to remain in control of himself.
“Do you smell it?” Dean asked quietly.
Logan nodded.
“I’m sorry, Logan. I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you.”
Hurt him? Why would Dean be sorry? Unless… Oh! Logan got it. Dean didn’t want him for a mate. He’d hidden his scent even after knowing what Logan meant to him. Had kept this secret for a very long time.
Logan was a fool.
A dumb lion shifter that wouldn’t get his happily ever after.
Logan fought the tears that wanted to fall. His lion tried to take control, but Logan knew his shifter side wouldn’t understand that Dean had rejected them. He breathed deeply.
“…hope you can forgive me someday,” Dean was saying.
There was a whoosh in his ears. The words not penetrating the confusion and hurt in his mind. The softness in Dean’s voice made everything worse.
Logan needed to get out of there.
“…understand my reasoning.”
Understand? How could Logan understand something that he hadn’t expected.
They’d first thought that Levi’s mate had rejected him. It was horrible. If this was half of what Levi felt, then Logan didn’t know how he had survived.
Luckily that had been a misunderstanding.
Not like this.
Like this horrible turn of events.
“Logan? I know you’ll need time. That this isn’t easy to hear.”
Time? Like time would fix this.
Dean placed his hand on Logan’s shoulder.
He didn’t jerk away but he wanted to. Dean was being very…calm about this. Logan was about to lose his mind. Logan might just be a dumb shifter but even he knew that this wasn’t the way that things were supposed to go.
“If you want to leave, I get it. Maybe we can talk later?”
Later. Yeah, Logan would deal with Dean later. Much later. Like never. He managed to nod his head.
“I get it.” Dean sighed. “Do you want me to drive you home? Or I can have Noah do it.”
Home? Home where Logan would have to admit that his mate had rejected him. No, he wasn’t going home. Not yet. “No thank you. I’ll make it on my own.”
On his own.
Logan would forever be on his own.
Oh! The tears were going to come.
Hang in there, Logan! You are strong. This isn’t going to break you. If you can survive being dragged out of the only home you’d ever known and thrown away by Dad, then you can get through this. Logan gave himself the best pep talk he could think of.
Don’t let him see you cry.
Logan slid off the stool. Away from Dean.
“I’m so sorry,” Dean said again.
He was strong. A brave boy! Logan lifted his head for the first time.
Dean stood with his arms wrapped around his waist. There were tears falling down his cheeks.
His devastation didn’t make Logan feel any better.
“Please say that you’ll forgive me,” Dean pleaded.
Logan didn’t want his mate…no, Dean, he didn’t want Dean to suffer. “I forgive you.” It was all he could get out.
“Thank God! Thank you, Logan! I swear I’ll make this up to you.”
No, no he wouldn’t. Logan nodded anyway. “I need to go.” Was that his voice? He sounded so calm. Logan could do this.
The back door was just across the room. Close. His closest escape. Logan headed for the exit.
Dean was still talking but Logan was done. Just done. He didn’t run though. Calmly Logan pushed out of the back door and left. He walked away from his mate. From the promises that word, mate, was supposed to mean. The one person that was supposed to be perfect for him.
Maybe it wasn’t Dean’s fault and Logan was just unlovable.
His parents hadn’t loved him enough to keep him around. His blood brothers hadn’t come after him. Maybe Logan should be on his own after all. He didn’t want to hurt his chosen family by being the reject they would know he was now.
Logan just walked.
He didn’t head for his truck.
No, he didn’t need to be driving. Logan needed to walk.