Page 45 of Beary In Love

Logan hammered the last board into place later that morning. His muscles ached from the night's work, but satisfaction coursed through him at having repaired most of the damage. Beside him, Serena applied the last of her protective potions to the fence line.

"That should hold for now," Logan said. "Though I'd feel better if we knew who helped Silas break through your magic in the first place."

Serena stretched, her messy bun even messier than usual. "I need a shower and fresh clothes before I can think straight about any of this."

"Go home and rest. I'll pick you up this afternoon - we can start tracking down this mystery witch."

"You have a plan?"

"Nina." Logan leaned against the newly repaired fence. "If anyone knows about a rogue witch in town, it'll be her."

"Smart thinking." Serena gathered her supplies, stifling a yawn. "Though I'm not sure how much help I'll be running on almost zero sleep."

"You've already done more than enough." Logan caught himself reaching to brush a stray hair from her face and quickly dropped his hand. "I shouldn't have called you in the middle of the night."

"Don't be ridiculous. These are my patients too now." She gestured to the sanctuary around them. "Besides, I'm invested in stopping Silas."

Later that afternoon, Logan pulled up to Serena's house in his truck, freshly showered and changed. She opened the door before he could knock, looking refreshed in a soft sweater and jeans.

"Ready to go witch hunting?" he asked.

"That sounds way more ominous than what we're actually doing." Serena locked up behind her. "But yes, let's go see what Nina knows."

As they walked to his truck, Logan's protective instincts flared. Having Serena involved put her at risk, but he couldn't deny how much he needed her help - or how much he simply wanted her around. He'd have to find a way to keep her safe while they tracked down whoever was helping Silas. His bear wouldn't accept anything less.

The bell above the Cauldron & Cup chimed as Logan held the door for Serena. His bear's protective instincts purred at having her close, though he tried to ignore it. The café smelled of fresh coffee and warm pastries, with hints of various magical brews underneath.

Nina orchestrated a symphony of floating mugs and ingredients behind the counter, her constellation-speckled apron twinkling in the morning light. "Well, if it isn't my two favorite customers."

"Nina, we need your help," Logan said, leading Serena to the counter. "Someone's been messing with Serena's protection spells."

Nina's hands stilled mid-conductor wave. "Tell me everything."

As Logan described the previous night's attack, Nina's expression grew serious. Purple sparks danced around her fingertips.

"The magic just... disappeared from the fences," Serena added. "Like it was never there."

"That takes serious power." Nina absently wiped down the counter with her enchanted cloth. "Most potions witches I know couldn't manage that."

Logan leaned forward. "But you know someone who could?"

"Beatrice Hemlock." Nina's voice dropped low. "She's always had a knack for undoing others' work. And she's not exactly particular about who she helps, as long as they can pay her."

"Where can we find her?" Logan's bear stirred at the prospect of confronting their enemy's ally.

"That's the problem." Nina sent a dirty mug spinning toward the sink. "Beatrice moves around. Last I heard, she was living in an old lighthouse up the coast, but that was months ago."

Serena touched Logan's arm, sending warmth through his skin. "It's a start, at least."

"Be careful," Nina warned. "Beatrice isn't known for her sunny disposition."

Logan nodded, already planning their next move. "Thanks, Nina. We owe you one."

"Just keep each other safe." Nina's knowing smile made Logan's ears warm. "And maybe name your firstborn after me."

"Nina!" Serena sputtered while Logan tried not to think about how much he liked the idea.

Logan's truck soon rumbled down the coastal road, the scent of Serena's lavender-vanilla shampoo mixing with the salt air through the open windows. He was getting very comfortable having her in the passenger seat again, just like old times.

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