Page 2 of Beary In Love

Serena nodded, grateful for the change of subject. The weight of unemployment pressed less heavily when Julie was in full gossip mode.

"Well, turns out the parrot wasn't sick at all. It had picked up some rather colorful language from Mrs. Peterson's new boyfriend." Julie wiggled her eyebrows. "And I mean colorful. The kind that would make a sailor blush."

A laugh bubbled up from Serena's chest, surprising her. "No way."

"Oh yes. Right in the middle of the waiting room, this proper little bird starts cursing like it's auditioning for a mob movie." Julie gestured with her coffee cup. "And that's not even the best part. Remember old Mr. Jenkins from the hardware store?"

"The one who used to give us candy when we were kids?"

"He retired last month and opened a dance studio. Ballet! He's got the little tutu and everything." Julie's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Half the town's grandmothers have signed up for his senior citizen class."

The mental image of Mr. Jenkins in a tutu sent Serena into a fit of giggles. She wiped tears from under her glasses, realizing it was the first time she'd really laughed in weeks.

"See?" Julie reached across the counter and squeezed her hand. "Saltwater Grove might be small, but we're never boring."

Julie then led the way into the living room, navigating through the piles of boxes. "Let's tackle these next. Your books aren't going to unpack themselves."

Serena trailed behind, coffee cup in hand, watching as Julie sliced through packing tape with a flick of her finger, water droplets crystallizing into a makeshift blade.

"Show-off," Serena muttered, though she couldn't help but smile.

"Speaking of showing off..." Julie paused, a stack of veterinary textbooks hovering in mid-air. "You know who's doing really well for himself? Logan Steele."

The name hit Serena like a splash of cold water. Her hands fumbled with the cup, nearly spilling coffee on her sweater. "Oh?"

"He runs that wildlife sanctuary on the edge of town now. Does amazing work with injured animals." Julie's voice was deliberately casual as she arranged books on the shelf. "He's changed a lot since-"

"Since I left?" Serena busied herself with unpacking picture frames, hoping Julie wouldn't notice the tremor in her hands. "Or since he decided vet school was a waste of time, and I was being ridiculous for wanting to go?"

"That was ten years ago, Ser. He's grown up." Julie turned, her expression softening. "And from what I hear, he's actually working with a lot of vets now for his rehabilitation program."

Serena snorted, placing a photo of her graduation day on the shelf. Richard's face smiled up at her, and she immediately turned it face-down. "Well, good for him. But I didn't come back here to rehash ancient history. The last thing I need is to run into another ex who broke my heart."

"Fair enough." Julie held up her hands in surrender. "Though technically, you broke his heart when you left."

"I broke-" Serena stopped herself, taking a deep breath. The scent of cardboard and dust filled her lungs. "Can we just... not?"

Despite her protests, memories flooded back - summer nights at the beach, the warmth of Logan's arms around her, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed. The bear shifter had been her first real love, before Richard, before everything went wrong.

"You're right," Julie said, mercifully changing the subject. "Let's focus on getting you settled. Though I should warn you, this town isn't exactly big enough to avoid anyone forever."

"Watch me try," Serena muttered, but her mind wandered traitorously to thoughts of Logan working with injured animals. To those strong hands that once held her now gentle with wounded creatures. She shook her head, banishing the image. She had enough complications in her life without adding Logan Steele to the mix.

2

LOGAN

Logan crossed his arms as Dr. Henderson scratched his balding head, peering at the young fox through his wire-rimmed glasses. The animal lay listless in its enclosure, its normally bright red fur dulled to an ashen gray.

"I've never seen anything like this," Dr. Henderson said, flipping through his notes. "The blood work's normal, no parasites, no infections. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this fox, except..."

"Except it's turning gray and barely moving," Logan finished, his jaw tightening. The scent of magic clung to the fox's fur - sharp and electric. Not that he could explain that to the human vet.

"Could be environmental toxins. Maybe heavy metals in the water supply?"

"Already tested. Water's clean." Logan replied, frustration building in his chest. Three other animals had shown similar symptoms this week. All of them touched by the same otherworldly signature.

"Well, I could run more tests-"

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