Page 35 of Beary In Love

"Logan." She touched his arm. "I would have come back. For you. If you'd just supported my dreams instead of fighting them."

"I know that now." He covered her hand with his. "I was young and stupid. Thought keeping you here was the only way to keep you."

"And I should have fought harder instead of running away." She squeezed his fingers. "We both messed up."

"We did." He smiled slightly. "But look at us now. All grown up and actually talking about feelings."

"Will wonders never cease?" Her familiar teasing tone returned. "The mighty Logan Steele, admitting he has feelings."

"Don't tell anyone." He bumped her shoulder with his. "Friends?"

"Friends," she agreed.

15

SERENA

The spring sun warmed Serena's skin as she mixed another healing potion for the baby deer Logan had brought in yesterday. The familiar scents of herbs and animal feed mingled in the air, creating what had become her new normal over the past few weeks.

Every morning she'd arrive just after sunrise, check on their current patients, and spend the day treating whatever new creature Logan had managed to find.

"Here, hold her still." Serena passed Logan the bottle of healing potion as she entered the fawn's enclosure.

Logan scooped up the fawn with one arm, cradling it against his chest while Serena administered the potion. His hands, rough from constant work around the sanctuary, were impossibly gentle with the small animal.

"By the way, the owl's wing is healing nicely," Serena said. "Should be ready for release by next week."

"Good thing you're here. That bird would've taken twice as long to heal without your potions."

The praise sent a warm flutter through her chest. The sanctuary had become more than just a job - it was her anchor in a world that had felt unstable for so long.

"Got another raccoon with a broken leg," Logan said. "Want to take a look?"

"Sure thing. Just let me get my supplies."

Serena went and quickly gathered her supplies. She soon fell into step beside Logan as they crossed the sanctuary grounds. The morning dew still clung to the grass, and somewhere in the distance, a wolf howled at the rising sun.

This was exactly where she needed to be right now. No city life, no uncertainty - just animals that needed her help and a bear shifter who trusted her skills enough to let her provide it.

Later that afternoon, Serena balanced precariously on a stepladder, paintbrush in hand as she applied her latest defensive potion to the sanctuary's fence posts. The mixture smelled like burnt cinnamon and sparkled with an iridescent sheen in the afternoon light.

"You're missing spots." Logan's deep voice carried from below.

"I am not." She dabbed more carefully at the wood. "And if you're so concerned, why don't you do it yourself?"

"Because you said, and I quote, 'Don't touch anything, you'll mess up the magical resonance.'"

"That was three potions ago." The ladder wobbled and Serena grabbed the top of the post. "This one just needs even coverage."

"Then let me help before you fall and break something." His hands settled on the ladder, steadying it. "I don't need another patient to treat."

Serena glanced down at him, noting how his shoulders tensed every time the ladder shifted. "Fine. But use straight strokes, not that circular motion you tried last time."

"Yes, boss." He grabbed another brush and ladder, setting up a few feet away. "What's different about this batch anyway?"

"Added crushed moonstone and cedar oil." She dipped her brush again. "Should create a stronger barrier that adapts to magical attacks. In theory."

"In theory?"

---