Page 27 of Beary In Love

Logan's bear huffed in satisfaction. His witch's magic was strong. His? When had he started thinking of her as his again?

Silas dropped back to all fours, clearly frustrated by the barrier. He let out a challenging roar of his own.

"That potion won't hold forever," Serena whispered.

Logan knew she was right, but his bear refused to back down with her still exposed. He nudged her again, more insistently this time to get out of sight. He couldn’t risk having Silas see her.

"Fine, fine. I'm going." She slowly backed away toward the cabin.

Logan's bear roared as Silas slammed into the fence again. The sight of Serena in danger, even with the barrier between them, made his blood boil. His bear's protective instincts surged and overwhelmed his usual careful control.

When Silas's next charge cracked one of the metal posts, Logan exploded into action. He burst through the gate, his massive form barreling into Silas with the force of a freight train. Their bodies collided with a thunderous impact that shook the ground.

Silas stumbled backward, surprised by the ferocity of Logan's attack. Logan didn't give him time to recover. He slashed with his claws, catching Silas across the shoulder. The other bear's blood matted his fur, but Logan's bear didn't care. All that mattered was protecting what was his.

Silas tried to rear up, but Logan's jaws snapped near his throat. The message was clear - back off or die. For a tense moment, they circled each other, both bears breathing heavily.

Finally, Silas shifted back to human form, his laugh bitter and cold. "Well, well. Looks like I found your weakness after all." His eyes fixed on something behind Logan. "Or should I say, someone?"

Logan's bear whirled around. There was Serena, watching wide-eyed through the glass patio door. His heart stopped. She hadn't listened. Of course she hadn't listened - she never did.

"I'm going to destroy everything you love, Logan," Silas taunted. "And now I know exactly where to start."

Logan shifted back, not caring about his nakedness as he faced Silas. "Touch her and I'll rip your throat out."

"Big words from someone who couldn't even keep her the first time." Silas's smirk grew wider.

Logan lunged forward, but Silas was already backing away. "See you soon, old friend. Give the witch my regards."

Logan watched him disappear into the woods, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles went white. His bear growled demanding they chase Silas down and end this now.

The soft click of the patio door opening made him turn. Serena stood there, her face unreadable. "I told you to go inside and stay out of sight," Logan yelled from across the yard.

"Since when do I listen?" She crossed her arms. "And for the record, I've seen you shift before. You're not exactly scary."

"Serena-"

"Also, you might want to put some pants on before continuing this conversation."

12

SERENA

The moonlight cast shadows across the sanctuary grounds as Serena watched Logan's massive bear form shrink and transform back into his human shape. Her heart still raced from witnessing the fight. The raw power he'd displayed, all rippling muscle and primal strength, had left her breathless in a way she hadn't expected. Sure, she'd seen him shift plenty of times when they dated, but this was different. This was Logan protecting what was his.

The patio door clicked softly behind her as she stepped outside. Logan turned at the sound, moonlight highlighting every perfectly sculpted muscle of his very naked form.

"I told you to go inside and stay out of sight," Logan called across the yard, his voice rough with lingering adrenaline.

Serena crossed her arms, refusing to be intimidated. "Since when do I listen?" The familiar stubbornness that had characterized their relationship years ago surged through her. "And for the record, I've seen you shift before. You're not exactly scary."

"Serena-" His tone held a warning edge that made her stomach flutter, though not entirely from fear.

"Also, you might want to put some pants on before continuing this conversation," she added, fighting to keep her eyes on his face. The last thing she needed was to get distracted by all that... everything.

Logan's jaw clenched, and she could practically feel the frustration radiating off him. But there was something else in his expression too - a flash of worry that made her breath catch.

"This isn't a joke," he said, taking a step toward her before seeming to remember his state of undress. He suddenly stopped.

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