Page 47 of Beary In Love

Logan clicked through another page of search results, his bear growing restless with impatience. Then something caught his eye - "Bea's Ink & Iron." The reviews were filled with coded language about "magical experiences" and "life-changing transformations."

"Take a look at this," he said, trying to ignore how Serena's soft curves pressed against him as she leaned over his shoulder. His bear rumbled possessively at her proximity, and Logan gripped the arms of his chair to keep from pulling her into his lap.

"These tattoos..." Serena zoomed in on several photos, her breath tickling his ear. "Look at the detail work. Those aren't just decorative lines - they're runes."

Logan forced himself to focus on the screen rather than the way her hair brushed his cheek again. "You sure?"

"Absolutely." Her fingers traced the air above one particular design. "See how the patterns interlock? That's advanced runic magic. And look - some of these have an iridescent sheen that screams potion infusion."

His bear delighted at her intelligence, wanting to nuzzle into her neck and show his appreciation. Logan clenched his jaw, fighting the urge.

"We should check it out," he managed, his voice rougher than intended.

"Yes!" Serena straightened suddenly, breaking contact. Logan's bear whined at the loss. "The tattoos must be how she channels her magic. That's brilliant actually - hiding in plain sight as a legitimate business."

She paced the small office, her excitement making her eyes bright behind her glasses. "We could pose as customers interested in getting matching tattoos-"

"Matching what now?" Logan's bear perked up at the idea of marking her as his, but he pushed that thought away.

"Or not," Serena backtracked, a blush creeping across her cheeks. "Just reconnaissance then. But we should definitely go soon."

Logan nodded, already planning how to keep her safe during their investigation. "Tomorrow. It's too late today, and you need rest."

"I'm fine-"

"Serena." He fixed her with a stern look that made her roll her eyes.

"Fine, tomorrow. But first thing in the morning," she insisted as she shot him an exasperated smile that made his heart skip.

20

SERENA

Serena stood on her porch and adjusted her messenger bag concealing her potions as Logan's truck pulled up. The morning sun caught his gold-flecked brown eyes when he leaned over to open her door for her.

"Ready to confront a possibly dangerous witch?" Logan's smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Serena climbed into his truck, catching a whiff of his woodsy scent mixed with coffee.

The tattoo parlor sat wedged between a convenience store and a laundromat on the other side of town. The neon sign reading "Bea's Ink & Iron" flickered despite the daylight. Through the window, Serena spotted intricate designs covering the walls.

"This is definitely the place." She pointed to a rune hidden in one of the displayed tattoos. "That's for enhanced strength."

Inside, the shop smelled of incense and antiseptic. A bell chimed as they entered, and a heavily tattooed woman with spiky purple hair emerged from the back.

"Can I help you?" She popped her gum.

"We're looking for Beatrice Hemlock," Serena said, straightening her spine.

The woman's expression didn't change. "You found her."

Serena blinked, thrown by the woman’s easy admission. She'd expected denials or at least some hesitation.

Logan stepped forward, practically radiating protective alpha energy as he positioned himself slightly in front of Serena. "You've been helping Silas Regan attack my sanctuary."

His voice carried that dangerous edge that made Serena's stomach flutter - though she'd never admit it. She watched his shoulders tense as he continued.

"Breaking down magical protections, helping him hurt innocent animals - that's low even for a witch who puts spells in tattoos."

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