I've known Logan longer than anyone else I know. I'm pretty sure I know him better too. I met Logan at a bar in Laughlin City, Alberta. Well, okay I didn't exactly meet, so much as ogle at him, save his life (highly debateable), and stow away in his trailer.

I had been on the road for just over seven months. I'd been taking rides from anyone going in my direction, even if it was vaguely. But at this time I'd hitched a ride with a trucker named Henry Sussex. He was all right by me I guess. He was old and listened to Elvis, but he was nice and took me where I wanted to go. Even if I wasn't sure of it at the time.

The first thing I remember thinking about Laughlin city, was that it wasn't really a city at all. It was a collection of bars. More of pit stops than anything. Henry had already walked inside. His duty to me was over. I hastened to follow after.

When I first walked in I had heard over the others in the bar a man on a megaphone. I walked quickly, keeping my head down. Even with all my time on the road, I was still a sheltered girl from Mississippi. I saw a cage. I'm not going to lie and say I've never seen a fight before. Please. I'm not that sheltered.

The cage was big and took up the mass majority of the room. Benches where all over, going this way and that. I took a seat close to the cage. There was little else to do there. The man with the megaphone started talking again.

"Is this man going to take all your money?" a loud chorus of boos rang out. "Who will challenge him?" this is the first I saw of the man in the cage. Before I saw him he was just a hulking mass leaning on the other side. Now he paced back and forth, stretching and snarling. He leaned up against the cage, almost right in front of me.

He was breathtaking. He was very muscular and his shoulders were extremely broad. His chest was a washboard. I don't think there was a part of him that didn't have muscle. He was also quite tall. He towered over the averagely tall, -if not portly- announcer. I'd put him at 6'2.

He was also quite ahem, handsome. He looked to be in his early to middle thirties. I'd put him at 32, but that is just a guess. His eyes were light but I couldn't really distinguish a colour. His hair was gelled too. It was quite weirdly styled, but it was wild and seemed to suit him exactly.

"I accept that challenge!" I looked back to see a man running towards the stage. He was pretty big too. He was very tipsy already and kind of staggered his way to the stage. The crowd went wild. Everyone was on their feet.

"A challenger to the Wolverine! Do you except?" The question was fired at the man already in the cage. What kind of name was Wolverine? He nodded still leaning up against the cage.

The man came up behind him. WHAM! Wolverine was on his way down. The challenger –Bob? - hit him a couple times, but the wolverine barely moved.

Finally Wolverine straightened. He hit the guy right in the stomach and the guy was down. A sickening crack rang out. Wolverine had won. Everyone paid up and started to walk away.

I walked to the bar and ordered a drink of water. I had a bit of money left. I was thirsty and hungry. That tip jar was looking pretty darn tempting.

Minutes went by and I plotted operation: steal tip jar. What? I hadn't slept in a few days and I was hungry. You try coming up with something better.

The grating sound of a chair pulled across concrete startled me from my thoughts. The Wolverine had sat down. I looked at him and noticed he was staring at me too. Was there something on my face? I tried to nonchalantly bring my hand up to my face. This however did not go to plan. I knocked my water over in the process. I heard a snort coming from down the bar and chanced a peak. He was laughing at me.

Disgruntled I mopped up the water. Damn! It had cost me 25 cents! I fumed for a while, debating buying another one. My cash stash was so depleted I couldn't really afford another glass.

I tried to get my mind off me incredible hunger and thirst by distracting myself. I looked over and saw him sipping his beer. He was rather tired looking it seemed, but I would be too if I got in a fight. I saw the guy that had challenged him coming up behind him and knew it wasn't going to be good. The guy was more wobbly than when he had first challenged the Wolverine. Forget about one foot in front of the other, the guy could barely walk.

"I want my money" This was not good. Wolverine did not look impressed.

"I beat you. Get over it, bub."

"No one can take a beating like that and not have a scratch" Here I would agree. Sometimes drunk people do make sense.

"Beat it" The guy turned around but spun around just as quickly. The guy had pulled out a knife.

"Look out!" Was that me? Why was I getting involved in this? Darn my strong sense of right and wrong! The wolverine dropped his drink on the bar and extracted claws. I had never seen anything like it before. Was he like me? Was he a mutant?

The bartender brought out a gun. He was trapped. In final act of defiance he sliced through the gun. Then he held out his hand. The barista, who I hadn't noticed before this moment shockingly, gave him the money owed to him. He nodded and left.

I looked around. Henry had left a while ago. What was I to do now? I scanned once more before running out of the bar. This was the stupidest thing I've ever done.

I tried to stay really still when the car stopped moving. I waited with baited breath when the sound of crunching snow fast approached my little hiding spot. A finger poked at my hip. I inhaled the breath I had denied myself and the tarp I'd hidden underneath was wrenched away from me.

I blinked a couple of times getting used to the light. When my vision was finally sub-par I looked at my unknowing chauffer. His brow was raised and a cigar was between his teeth. "What the hell are you doin', kid?" To tell you the truth, I have no idea. He shakes his head. "Get out."

I do as he says not all that shocked. I mean he is a little rough around the edges. What more could I expect? Still. "I'm sorry" I said. "I just needed a ride and thought maybe you could help me."

He slowly inhaled and exhaled. A waft of his cigar came rushing at me. I tried not to cough. He looked me over.

"Look," I said. "I just need a ride. I won't bother you." Seeing this was not working I tried another tactic. "I'll work for my keep" I looked at his camper trailer. "I'll clean and cook and stuff if you just help me." Another exhale.

"Sure, kid."

He put his arm around me and walked me to his vehicle. He carried my duffel bag for me. He seemed like a gentleman to me.

I got in and climbed into the passenger seat beside him. He started the engine and we were off. After a few moments of silence I looked behind me. His mobile home wasn't awesome but it wasn't bad either. Behind us was a kitchen dining area. A little hall branched off into a bathroom and a bunk bed and behind that was a bedroom. It wasn't big, and it definitely wasn't clean but it had potential. I turned around and stared at the road ahead of me.

"So how'd you get here kid?" He asked me. H barely looked at me, but since I was the only one here I answered.

"My name is Marie" I said.

"Logan. You still didn't answer my question, Marie."

I debated what to say. I thought the truth would be the best. "I was kicked out. My parents found out I was, well, like, a mutant. "I paused to see his reaction. He gave none. "Anyway they found out I was a mutant and kicked me out. Well I sort of ran away but they were about to kick me out anyway so I did them a favour." I breathed. "I always wanted to go to Anchorage. You know where that is? Yeah? Cool." I nodded. "So I decided now was as good a time as any to come take an adventure."

He nodded and didn't say anything for a while. Then "Look, Ki-Marie, I don't want you to get the wrong Idea. I'm taking you to the next town and that's it." He looked uncomfortable so I just agreed to it. The rest of the way was silent.

A few hours later we pulled up to the fated stop. I got out and left. It was another bar. Great.

I felt really uncomfortable. There were no female at the place and I was getting leered at quite a bit. A few hand strayed where they shouldn't have. I tried to ignore them. Logan walked in and headed to the back. I bored and intrigued so I followed. It was another cage thing. He got in and started to fight. I watched for hours. And betted a couple times on Logan. I won a little.

The fights lasted hours. I was so interested I barely noticed. Logan fighting is something extraordinary. He's confident and smooth. There is also something wild. He has so much passion when he fights. And his instincts are killer.

When the fights wrapped up I walked to the front and ordered a little plate of fries and a soda. I munched heartily. After I was done I reflected. What was I going to do now? What were my options? I pulled out my wallet and started counting.

I was half way through when some guy sat down across from me. He started a barrage of pick-up lines. I quickly grew annoyed but tried to ignore him. He persisted.

When I finally had enough I looked up. The guy was wasted. Not just pleasantly flushed, or tipsy. No. This guy was off his rocker drunk. Why was it that in the last few days I've been with more drunken people than I have ever been before in my life?

"Baby doll, why don't we get out of here?" He was sneering at me. I started to feel uncomfortable. Before he had only said those stupid pick up lines that were pure flattery. Even if they were stupid and over used. Now I started to feel threatened. I started to get up when his hand clasped around my wrist.

I tried to break out of his hold, but all my efforts proved futile. There was no worth to all this struggling. I slumped resigned. I turned to face him. The creep was leaning in trying to kiss me. I closed my eyes preparing for the worst. It never came.

I opened one eye and peered out through my lashes. He wasn't there. I blinked and opened both eyes. A crash was heard behind me. Logan!

I was right Logan was pounding the creeps face into the ground. Everyone was ignoring the fight but I raced up behind. "What are you doing!? Get off him! Logan stop!" He stopped and got up. And started to walk away. Then he turned back and looked at me.

"Hey!" I cried out in surprise when he suddenly grabbed me by the waist and shoulder leading me out of the bar. He deposited me in my former seat and then got in himself. He turned on the ignition and drives off.

We didn't talk for awhile. I was still in shock. And I don't know what Logan was thinking. Why had he helped me?

He looked over at me again. He'd been doing that for an hour. Finally he said his piece. "Does the offer still stand?" He looked at me expectantly. I was totally blanked. What offer? Offer, offer, offer, off- Oh wait. I remember now. Yeah. "Um, sure." I was taken by surprise. I'd never been this relieved. For the time being I was saved.

Life was surprisingly easy with Logan as he didn't talk much, which was fine by me. I woke up earlier than him most days and took a shower. We usually parked at a camp ground which gave us fresh water. Then I cooked breakfast which usually woke him up. He'd shower and I'd do up the dishes before we went on the road again after filling up the water storage unit in the truck. Than we were on the road. We drove to different bars that had fights and Logan participated in them.

Some nights I went in and bet on the fights. Sometimes Logan lost purposely to keep them on their toes.

It was alright. Neither of us spoke very often, but I was getting curious. Who was this guy? I'm not going to lie. I found him very attractive. Henry was easier. He talked about his kids and wife and sang along to Elvis. He never fed me or took care of me, just offered me a ride. Logan takes care of me. He is all I have in this world. He is my shelter and my caretaker. Is it wrong to fantasize about being lovers?

This was a day like any other. It started off well. I made scrambled eggs for breakfast and because the pan was not non-stick it took awhile to clean. Logan took a shower and more than once I was tempted to peek. Who me?

I've only been living with Logan for a few days but I feel like I should clean his trailer a little better. I've been tidying here and there, but I think I should do a massive Cleanup. It's pretty dirty. Liveable but dirty. I should ask him. I should also ask if I could purchase a couple things for around here.

The shower turned off and the dishes are done so I decide to sit at the little kitchen and wait. It doesn't take him long. He enters the kitchen/living area. He sits down across from me and lights a cigar. I've gotten used to them already.

I clear my throat and he looks up. "I was wondering" I began. He gives me his full attention and I blush a bit. He is gorgeous! "Ahem! I was wondering if it's okay with you um, but if it's not that's okay, Yeah I see you point" Why am I rambling like an idiot? He's raised his eyebrow but is still being patient with me. Okay deep breath. "I was wondering if you'd mind if I spent the day cleaning the trailer like really good. And I was also wondering if it would be possible to get new curtains and stuff." I looked up to see his response.

"You trying to be my little housewife?" He's grinning and I take it as a good sign. He leans back and surveys me. I wait patiently. I start to fidget under the heat of his scrutiny. He grins a little wider. "Sure." He leaves shortly after and I get down to the task. I had bought a few supplies a couple days ago when I took over the cleaning. Grabbing the cleaning supplies from out of cupboard under the sink I got busy. I mopped and scrubbed and dusted till I was completely exhausted. It was around 5 when I was done and Logan returned.

I turned around. He let out a low appreciative whistle. "Looks good, darling" I blushed at the new nickname. He usually calls me kid or Marie. But I'm fond of this darling name. I could get used to it.

He looks around. He goes into the bedroom. The only room I haven't touched. It's his after all. I sleep in the bed across from the bathroom. He comes back out. "Let's go out tonight." That's definitely the last thing I thought he'd say.

Okay. I shouldn't be surprised. I mean when I think "go out" I think you know, dinner, movie, and yadda yadda. Apparently that's not going to happen. Nope I get to go shopping for curtains and stuff. Yay.

I wanted to do it anyway so it should be fun. Even still though, I raised my hopes to high.

We went to a mobile home store for all are nick knacks. We agreed on mostly everything. My bedding was the only difference of opinion. It was this gorgeous green silk material that was all ruffles. It was probably not an investment piece, but it was still something I could brag about. Not that I have anyone to brag to.

The night was fine. It wasn't great, but considering I was taking LOGAN shopping, it turned out to be pretty fun.

That night was another fight night. I decided to come along. We both got ready and I took some cash so I could bet. I never told Logan I do this. It's not that big of a deal to me. Besides the money comes in handy come grocery day. I don't have to ask Logan for more cash and he doesn't have to fight more than a couple of rounds a night to get it. It's a very sustainable lifestyle.

"Marie, Darling, Come on I gotta go."

"Be out in a minute sugar" I replied. He just doesn't realize that –this- is not natural. Men! I hear any angry huff and I sigh in return. I take one last glance and exit the bathroom. "What do you think?"

He gives me a once over. "Stay here" is all he says. I'll take that as a compliment. I skip past him and walk out the door. He grabs my arm before we go in. "Don't attract to much attention, okay?" I nod, puzzled. What is with him tonight?

We do our usual that night. I place bets, he fights. He wins, I win. I count my cash on the way to the bar. I made a pretty good profit tonight. $150 in bets is not bad. I've had better though.

"I'll have a diet coke" I say handing the bartender a 5. "Keep the change." I walk over to a small booth in the corner and wait for Logan. Instead I get some goon. By now I'm pretty used to drunken guys in bars. They usually don't get the hint. So you chat them up for a bit and then go talk to someone you "know". It practically works like magic.

"Hey little girl, should you be here alone?" The guy asks me flirtatiously. Seriously, if you wanna get in someone's pants DO NOT use their age as a pick up line. Not sexy. I look up at him.

"No, I'm not alone. I'm Waitin' for someone." Please go away. I think to myself. He is not all bad. He's quite average looking. He'd be fun I'm sure. I just don't feel all that chatty right now.

I look down at myself. I am wearing some tight black jeans and a tube top over a blouse. Not overly sexy but definitely not close to modest.

The guy has sat down across from me. He is all smiles. I think his name is Evan, but I'm not too sure. With the way he is going on I think I'll call him chatty Kathy. It really describes him.

Half way through Kathy's speech (he he) I hear a growl. I look up and see Logan standing beside my chatting buddy. He doesn't look to friendly. I move over so that he can sit next to me. As soon as he sits down his arm is around me. He presses so close I feel are bodies could be melded together. It's a little hot.

Evan (I feel kind of bad calling him Kathy) has watched are exchange with extreme puzzlement. "Are you two an item?" He asked. I look to Logan for the answer. What are we in his eyes?

Logan just looks at him. "What's it to you, bub?" He pulls me closer, all though I'm not sure how. Evan stares for a minute longer and leaves. I breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe Logan will let go now? No he just stays beside me his arm less tight around my waist. It is still there however.

We sip are drinks quietly until Logan stands up and yanks me with him. I stumble to keep up because he is so much taller than I am. When we get to the trailer he wrenches open the door and we stand there for a moment. I try to make eye contact but he is avoiding me. Well, avoiding me as much as one can with No space between them.

After standing there for a second he pulls me towards the back of the trailer. He doesn't stop at my bed but continues on to his room. He unlocks the privacy curtain and throws me gently into the room. He reaches out for my night gown and then closes the curtain again.

He turns to me and places my gown in my outstretched hand. He watches as I take it off. I'm a little scared right now. I try to focus on something else. My hands shake as I pull of my clothes. I put on my gown in seconds flat. He climbs on the bed and motions me to come over. I do.

I settle beside him and he puts an arm around my waist. This isn't so bad. "Don't do it again" he mumbles behind me. Do what I think. Then I ask.

"Don't talk to guys like that, it's weird." I want to laugh, but he's fallen asleep. I snuggle closer. My skin is covered so it's no big deal. I've never slept so well. Too bad it had to end.