Page 4 of Beary In Love

Logan leaned against the fence post, memories suddenly washing over him. "A witch who knows animal medicine. Real convenient how that'd be useful right about now."

His fingers traced the rough wood grain, remembering how he'd built these enclosures with his own hands after Serena left town. Back then, the physical labor had been a welcome distraction from the hollow ache in his chest.

"Should've supported her dream instead of being a stubborn ass." He kicked at a clump of dirt. "But no, I had to run my mouth about how vet school was just a big waste of time."

The fox whimpered again, drawing his attention. Logan crouched beside the enclosure, his bear's protective instincts churning beneath his skin.

"You would've loved her, little guy." He watched the fox's labored breathing. "She always had this way with animals. Could tell what was wrong just by looking at them. Used to drive me crazy how right she was all the time."

A squirrel chittered overhead, almost sounding like laughter. Logan shot it a look.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. The big bad bear shifter admitting he was wrong." He straightened, brushing dirt from his jeans. "Wonder if she ever finished that degree. Probably running some fancy city clinic by now."

The image of Serena in a pristine white coat, helping some pampered poodle with a tummy ache, made him snort. She'd always been meant for more than that - her magic had practically hummed whenever she worked with injured creatures.

"Should've seen her potential instead of my own stupid pride." He stared past the fox, looking at nothing in particular. "Real smooth, Steele. Chase away the one person who could've made this place everything it should've been."

The bear within him paced restlessly, remembering how Serena's magic had always made his shifter side feel more... balanced. Complete, somehow. Not that he would’ve ever admitted that to her.

"Ten years." He shook his head. "Ten years of building this place, and I still catch myself thinking 'Serena would know what to do' every time something goes wrong."

The squirrel suddenly ran past Logan's boot, tearing him away from his thoughts.

"Don't suppose you know where to find a potion-brewing vet in Saltwater Grove?" He asked the squirrel as it ventured off.

Logan turned away from the fox enclosure. His boots crunched on gravel as he headed to his truck. The old Ford F-150 had seen better days, its navy paint scratched and dented from years of hauling supplies and rescued animals.

"Time to swallow that pride, big guy," he muttered, climbing into the driver's seat. The leather creaked under his weight. "Nina might know someone who can help, and those animals can't wait for your ego to catch up."

The engine roared to life, and Logan pulled onto the winding road leading into town. His bear bristled at the idea of asking for help, but he shoved that instinct down. The sanctuary came first.

The Cauldron & Cup's neon sign flickered in the afternoon sun as Logan parked. Through the window, he spotted Nina orchestrating a symphony of floating mugs and ingredients behind the counter. The bell chimed as he pushed through the door, and the smell of coffee and magic hit his nose like a punch.

"If there's another witch in this town who knows their stuff about potions, Nina will know," he reminded himself, ducking to avoid a levitating teapot.

The café buzzed from the large afternoon crowd. A group of teenage witches giggled in the corner as their Moonbeam Macchiatos lifted them inches off their seats. At the counter, a mermaid sipped her Siren's Song Smoothie, her green scales shimmering with each gulp.

"Logan Steele!" Nina's apron twinkled like a miniature galaxy as she turned to face him. "What brings the sanctuary's resident grumpy bear to my humble establishment today?"

"I need your help, Nina." He leaned against the counter, watching as she directed a dirty mug to wash itself in the sink."I’ve got some animals showing weird symptoms. Magic-weird. Do you know anyone who might be able to take a look?"

Nina's hands danced through the air, sending ingredients spinning into a waiting blender. "Magical veterinary issues? That's quite specific."

The vintage espresso machine hissed and steamed behind her as she considered his request, purple sparks dancing at her fingertips.

"Yeah, well." Logan scratched his jaw. "The regular vet is stumped, and I'm running out of options."

3

SERENA

The familiar tinkle of the bell above the Cauldron & Cup's door wrapped around Serena like a warm hug as she stepped inside. As she made her way toward the counter, the scent of coffee and magic followed her. Suddenly, memories of late nights studying potions recipes while Nina coached her came rushing back.

"Look who finally came home!" Nina's hands paused mid-air, a floating teacup freezing in its trajectory. Her constellation-speckled apron twinkled as she rushed around the counter.

"Nina!" Serena melted into the older witch's embrace. "I've missed your Dragon's Breath Hot Chocolate."

"And your potions lessons?" Nina pulled back, her eyes crinkling. "You were my best student."

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