Again, I would like to extend my thanks to all of you who have been enjoying this story so far. To all who have favored, reviewed and followed, many thanks. It was meant to be a one shot, but the encouragement to continue has yielded this so far. I started this chapter one way, then it sort of had a mind of its own and I followed it. I hope you guys enjoy it.


He fidgeted underneath Xavier's pride and joy, the gorgeous and extremely rare 1957 Maserati convertible. He was taking his time with this one, not because it was one of the most difficult pieces of the vintage collection to work on, but Xavier had threatened to have him speak like a girl for a month if he so much as put a scratch on his baby. Logan grinned. Who would have thought that good ole Chuck was so in love with a car? But Logan didn't fault his baldheaded friend, because he too lusted after the prized beauty. He had decided to get some work done on the treasure before he sought out 'Ro. Logan knew something was off with her. The weather for the last three days had been gloomy, with a wicked thunderstorm looming. The ozone he had scented in the air, told him that the dismal weather clearly reflected her mood. He had thought to give her space to work out what was troubling her, but so far, her troubles seemed to persist. Something was deeply upsetting her and the tension roiling off of her was disturbing to the point that his beast was restive, ready to do damage at the thought that someone or something had hurt her. He knew she wasn't going to come to him and lay her worries at his feet, so he had made up his mind to seek her out before the day was over. It was imperative he did because he didn't want whatever progress they have made in relating to each other go up in smoke.

Relating to each other? He tried it out again, allowing the phrase to roll off his tongue. He was surprised that the words didn't break him out in hives and the mere thought of a relationship didn't send him running for the Canadian wild. Well, maybe a relationship with anyone else would have. But not Ororo. Why? Because he decided to stop running like a wimp and man up, claiming what he should have a long time ago. He had finally decided to take his head out of his ass and see the wind rider as his beast has always seen her, their match. From the very beginning, he had been drawn to everything that made her who she was. Her grace, intelligence, beauty, serenity had all called out to him, but she was successful in keeping herself out of reach. Her seeming rejection of him had broken something in him, something he saw as dangerous and extremely complex for him to grasp. So, dejectedly, he had allowed himself to become sidetracked by Jean's phony brilliance.

Now, it was a different ball game. He can readily admit that Ororo resonated with something deep within the very fibers of his being. It was that resonation that was quickly becoming a life force for him, keeping him grounded and keeping him here, between Xavier and his ragtag band of misfits. He crawled out from underneath the vehicle and stood swiftly. Reaching for the grease rag, he wiped his hands and then turned on the satellite radio, at the same time glancing at the watch he had placed next to it. It was a little after one o'clock, which mean that a cigar and beer were definitely in order. He was reaching for a cold Molson in the cooler, when the first strains of Seals and Crofts Diamond Girl began to play. Logan grinned as he uncorked his beer and he sat on the ground, his back against the wall and his knees bent. He nodded and sang along to the lyrics of the song, which eerily described Ororo perfectly. Taking a swig of the barley liquid, he let the lyrics of the song flow through him. The lyrics were definitely suited for 'Ro and what she meant to him. She sure did shine, but she wasn't his. But she will be soon enough, he reasoned. She was definitely a precious stone, a part of earth where heaven had rained on. She was without a doubt a shining star and he couldn't shine without her. A rare thing she was indeed and he knew that in whatever was left of his life, he would never find another one like her because part of him was deep down inside her.

It was the perfect song and now that he knew she was part of his soul, he wasn't going to let her go. And he dared anyone to stop him or even try. Suddenly, Logan got to his feet, a driving need to see her filling him. The need to be in her presence overpowered him. Downing the remainder of his beer, he tossed the empty bottle in the trash, turned the radio off and purposefully strode out of the garage. The lyrics of the song were still echoing in his head as he followed the trail of her delicious scent.


He had made his way into the greenhouse as stealthily as only he can. Her back was too him and he grinned as her glorious backside seemed to wink at him. He continued to silently admire her as she primped and lovingly prune an unusual but incredibly beautiful flower, humming to a tune only she knew. The angst still permeated the air around her and he couldn't help it as his passions surged to the surface and he became fiercely possessive and protective towards her. "Ya wanna give me that grand tour now?"

The shears Ororo was holding dropped with a resounding crash to the floor. She whirled around quickly to face the owner of that gravelly voice that did funny things to her insides. With a scowl, she rushed out, "Goddess, Logan. Do not do that. Do you want to give me a heart attack?"

He gave her a wolfish grin, not sounding the least bit contrite when he said, "Sorry, darlin'. What's that flower ya workin' on?"

She placed a hand on her chest, willing her heart to stop hammering. Bending down to retrieve the shears, she murmured, "It is called the Bird of Paradise flower." She turned towards the flower in question and smiled. "It is one of the most beautiful flowers present in the world."

"Just like you, darlin'. It's exotic and unique, wonderfully beautiful," he muttered, gazing at her intently.

Ororo felt her heart skipped a beat and her mouth go dry at his words. Who knew he was so philosophical? "Thank you," she replied softly.

His expression was unguarded and for a moment, she got a glimpse of the real Logan, the man she knew that was hidden beneath the brusque exterior. "Is everything alright, Logan?"

Remembering his initial reason for wanting to see her, his expression reverted back to one of seriousness. "Ya gonna tell me why ya been so miserable lately?"

Ororo's eyes widened. It was unsettling how much he was in tuned to her moods. It said an awful lot about the man standing before her, his expression now one of impatience.

He tapped his nose. "Don't bother sayin' it's nothin'."

She sighed. "I am not sure that I should tell you." She placed the tool on the table and turned to face him. "I do not want to upset you again by talking about this."

Logan growled, immediately understanding what, or rather who aggravated her. He moved closer to her, her scent beckoning him to her, controlling him like a puppet. "Talk ta me, 'Ro."

She looked at him. He was so close that she felt the heat emanating off of him and smelled the beer flavored breath that fanned her face and neck and smelled the manly scent that was his and his alone. Her heart began to race. "Jean is the source of my upset."

She heard the low rumble of his growl and felt warm on the inside that it was on her behalf. "What happened?"

Ororo moved away from him, the temptation to reach out and run her hands over his pectorals was becoming stronger the longer they stood so close to each other. "She tracked me down, wanting to know if…"

"If what?" He walked up behind her and turned her around. Without conscious thought, he enfolded her in his arms. "If what?" He repeated gruffly.

Goddess! It felt wonderful being wrapped in his arms. Giving into the temptation, she reached up and touched the side of his face, running her fingers through his stubble. "She said I was acting strangely and you were not your usual grouchy self," she murmured. A soft smile tugged at her lips. "She wanted to know if you and I were seeing each other. She claimed that you and I were seen spending a lot of time together."

He stiffened at her touch for an instant, then became powerless, as she weaved her magic around him. "I wonder if that was before or after she tracked me down." He caught her hand in his and she unconsciously moved closer to him, causing a low uneven growl to rumble in his chest. "She wanted to know why I wasn't comin' on ta her anymore."

Ororo lifted an elegant eyebrow. "Oh?" She whispered. "She did mention that you were not paying her any more attention."

Their bodies were pressed against each other now. Involuntarily, his eyes dropped to the swell of her breasts just under the blue v-neck T-shirt she wore. "What did you tell her?" He whispered, running his tongue across his canines.

"I wanted to zap her with a lightning bolt, but rational thought prevented me from doing so." Logan chuckled. "However, I blew up at her. I wondered aloud why a married woman would be concerned about another man pursuing her." Ororo was quickly becoming drugged by the incredible feel of his rugged, muscled body pressed against hers. Such strength and raw power. "What did you tell her when she came to you?"

"I told her I wanted more fer myself, more than what she'd been givin'."

"Oh?"

"Oh yeah." He slanted his head closer to hers, his nostrils flared as he soaked up her scent coupled with blatant desire. His arms slipped around her, pulling her even more closely and up against his steely erection.

"And what would that be, Logan?" She asked breathlessly, reflexively grinding her hips against him.

"You tell me, 'Ro," he rasped, the sensation she stirred grinding her hips against him was bare torture. "Anythin' ya want, darlin'."

She shuddered, his gravelly voice doing funny things to her insides. "Anything?"

He didn't answer, couldn't answer, because suddenly, he could feel her, all of her. Her breasts were heaving against his chest. Her hips were cushioning his hardness and her thighs were straining against his. She had never looked more beautiful to him than she did at that moment. Her eyes were wide, burning into his and her breath came out in rapid puffs through slightly parted full dewy lips. Without thinking beyond the moment, Logan bent his head and stamped his mouth over hers. She didn't resist when his arms swept around her and molded her body into his until it was imprinted on his. He twisted his mouth over hers, until her lips parted and his tongue slipped inside. Their tongues danced and dueled in a clash of rapid thrusts. She slipped her arms around his neck when she felt her knees giving out beneath her. Her soft sweet moan was answered with his deep growl. Kissing her deeply once more, he rubbed his tongue against hers before gradually withdrawing. His mouth lingered, dropping random delicate kisses on her swollen lips and her face, before he pulled away completely and took a step backward.

He stood perfectly still as he stared down at her. Christ! He wanted her so badly and his beast was making it incredibly hard for him to stay away from her. Ororo met his stare with desire-laden eyes. Goddess! That was the most carnal kiss she had ever experience.

"When you said anything, I had no idea that was on the table," she said softly.

"Ya regret it?" He asked harshly, tearing his eyes away from her and taking another step back, unable to bear the rejection he knew was coming.

Ororo reached for him immediately, not giving him the chance to withdraw from her. She knew what he was doing. She knew he was bracing himself for her rejection. Oh, Logan, she thought, how wrong you are. Turning him around, she forced him to look at her. Speaking clearly, she enunciated her words carefully, so there was no misunderstanding once they left the greenhouse. "Logan, I do not regret what just transpired," she smiled coyly. "As a matter of fact, I have wanted it for a long time now."

Logan's crooked grin was confirmation of receiving her message loud and clear. "Is that so?" His arms went around her waist, drawing her to him once again.

"Yes," she whispered shyly.

"So what does this mean fer us, 'Ro?" He asked his voice rough.

Ororo sighed. This was what she had waited for a very long time. This was what she had made up her mind to fight for. She didn't know what the future held, but what she did know was that this was what she wanted and with this man. She'll be a fool to not pursue this. "We take it one day at a time and see where it leads?"

"If ya're sure this is what ya want, darlin'."

She nodded but he still beheld some insecurity in her eyes. He cupped her face between his hands and tilted it up. He ran his thumb along her lower lip. "What is it?"

"Jean," she mumbled.

"What 'bout her?"

"You were right about her. She is not as innocent as she would have us believe."

"And?"

Ororo stubbornly remained silent. He stubbornly cocked his brows, awaiting her answer.

She sighed, instinctively knowing that he wasn't going to leave her alone until he got her answer. She stepped back from him and his hands silently fell away from her. "I got the distinct impression that she wants you and I am afraid she will jeopardize her marriage to get what she wants."

Logan shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, suddenly annoyed. "Look, 'Ro. I sent Red packin'. I gave ya my word that I would stop sniffin' after her and I've kept it."

"Oh Logan," she murmured, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I do not doubt you. I know you are honorable. But I think that Jean is more than likely to try something that will have detrimental consequences."

"Ya can't be worried 'bout everybody else, darlin'," he said sharply. "Jean ain't yer problem and she sure as hell ain't mines."

"I know that, Logan."

"So worry 'bout yerself fer a change, 'Ro." He leaned down and nuzzled her neck. "Let's concentrate on us and like ya said, see where this goes."

She nodded. "You are right."

"And the good thing is that we both know what she's up ta."

"Yes, she was quite transparent." Reaching up, she drew his head down towards hers. Their mouths met in the sweetest kiss, with just the tips of their tongues touching.

"Hmm…darlin'," he murmured against her mouth, before taking over the kiss. Breaking away for some much needed air, he buried his face in the softness and luxuriousness of her hair and breathed in deeply.

Attempting to luxuriate in the feel of being in arms, Ororo felt a prickling sensation in her head. Recognizing the familiar psionic prod from Jean, she hastily erected her mental shields.

Logan moved to draw her closer, but felt her stiffened, immediately scenting the change in her. "What?"

"Jean," Ororo responded without hesitation.

"'Ro, we talked…"

She cut him off, knowing he had misunderstood her. "No, not that. I felt her trying to reach me psychically."

"Yeah, me too. She's been tryin' wid me since I got here," he replied honestly. Reaching for her, he pulled her to him. Kissing her forehead, he said, "I'm not goin' ta let her ruin this fer me…fer us. Okay?"

His sincere sterling grays transmitted many messages at that instant, but only one stood out to her, Trust me. Message received, she nodded in assent.

"Good. Now let's talk 'bout how long ya had the hots fer me," he said, a smirk quirking his lips.

Ororo pushed herself away from him. "What?! Why you…you…" She sputtered.

Logan laughed, enjoying flustering her. Hugging her to him, he said, "Don't worry Goddess. Yer secret's safe wid me."

"Keep it up and you will see how conducive to electricity adamantium is," she threatened lightheartedly.

Glad that he had effectively shifted her thoughts away from Jean, he laughed heartily before leaning down to capture her lips in another searing kiss.


As the weeks flew by, Ororo and Logan grew closer together. They elected to keep their relationship low-key, as they were both extremely private people and they just didn't care for outside distractions and unsolicited advice. With the exception of Charles, whom nothing escaped, no one knew of the change in status of their relationship. Many times, he was seen entering her greenhouse and she was seen entering the garage with his favorite beer in hand. They were each other's plus one when they had to leave the mansion's grounds, as Charles' rule was still in effect. They constantly learned more about each other and from each other, becoming best friends and each other's confidantes. The effects were staggering, especially the effects on Logan. He was less ill-tempered and agitated and more efficient and precise in the field. As for Ororo, she was still the same composed, loving, caring woman she had always been, but now, she smiled more and it was apparent for all to see that she was more confident in herself and her abilities.

Tongues wagged about the budding romance between the feral badass and the serene weather witch, but there was no concrete evidence to prove otherwise. Only speculation ran rampart. Many were happy to see the change in the two and held out hope that they'll be privy to anything that would suggest that the two were indeed in a relationship. However, as many were thrilled at the prospect of a Storm and Wolverine pairing, a few were disgusted at the notion of the two, who seemingly had nothing in common, becoming a couple. Both Jean and Scott were unhappy for different reasons. Jean, because she simply wanted Logan for herself and detested the fact that he was interested in Ororo. Scott, because he thought that a woman like Ororo could do so much better than an uncouth savage animal like Logan. But deep down, the X-Men first in command knew it was more to it than that. He didn't like Logan, didn't trust him and where there was no trust or common ground, there was no basis for any type of relationship. From where he stood, from the very beginning, the seeds of distrust were planted where Logan was concerned. The volatile Canadian's dogged pursuit of Jean was the first seed. His seemingly memory loss, his penchant for attracting trouble and bringing it to their doorstep, his lack of respect for authority and his uncivilized nature all added to the mix. But he had sucked it up as a good leader did and for Xavier, who thought that Logan was an asset to their cause and had unlimited potential. Scott didn't see Logan as an asset or any type of benefit to their fight for peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans. Scott saw him as an opportunist and a liability. The man was unstable, always ready to buck authority to get what he wanted. The fact that he was an amnesiac with three fatal nine inch blades protruding out of each arm was definitely a cause for alarm in his book. So, warily as team leader, he had kept a watchful eye on the feral and was ready and willing to do anything, anything at all to put him down at a moment's notice.

Deeper still, what really ruffled Scott's usually unflappable feathers and threatened his ascetic, downright staid existence, was Logan's persistent pursuit of his long time lady love. He didn't understand how Logan could have disregard all propriety and chase behind a woman who was clearly spoken for and committed to another. Logan proved time and time again how much of a fool he was by sniffing around Jean like a sick animal, hoping that she would succumbed to his pathetic charms. Scott knew he held Jean's love, always had and always will, but even that wasn't enough to stop the seeds of doubt that continued to grow whenever he saw Jean seemingly welcome the animal's attentions. That was a source of constant contention between the two of them, at times threatening to destroy their relationship. He fought tooth and nail against Logan's disregard for his relationship and also against Jean's susceptibility to Logan's charms. Yes, he was man enough to admit that his woman showed vulnerability when Logan was around and it was more than enough reason for him to propose marriage to Jean. Notwithstanding his unconditional love for her, he simply couldn't sit back and let Logan undermine the relationship he knew he needed more than life itself.

Then one day, it had all stopped. Logan no longer showed interest in pursuing Jean and pressing his buttons. Scott had spent many a waking moments thinking about the whys of Logan's sudden loss of interest in his wife. Well, no more wondering and thinking now. The answer was clear as day. Logan had apparently set his sights on their elegant Ororo. And Ororo, like Jean, was falling for the animal. Apparently, he was missing something, because what did a woman as beautiful and sophisticated and intelligent as Ororo see in a savage like Logan? The feral man was nothing but trouble and he was worried that she was setting herself up for a major disaster. He could only hope that Ororo would soon wise up and realize that she deserved so much more than what Logan can possibly give her. But for now, all he can do was just sit back and wait for what he was sure to be her heartbreak.


Logan growled menacingly. From the scent wafting up his way, he was about to get another unwanted session of Jean and her shenanigans. He wasn't in the mood, seeing that he had five minutes to meet Ororo for their date. Tonight was the peak of the Leonids Meteor Shower and with both of them being nature buffs, it was an ideal way for them to spend the evening together. Besides, he wasn't about to miss spending time with his favorite girl for anything. He was ramming his feet into his boots when there was a discrete knock on his bedroom door. He ignored the sound as he walked into his bathroom to grab the watch he had left on the sink. He heard the faint sound of his door opening and closing and the shuffling of feet walking across his oriental carpet. As he stepped out of the bathroom, he was momentarily taken aback at Jean lounging casually on his bed, one leg crossed over the other.

"I knocked," she greeted him with her best seductive smile. The green silk robe she was wearing fell open just enough to give him a hint of the creamy flesh of the swell of her breasts. He had to force himself from shuddering in disgust.

Logan heeded his instincts and threw up his mental blocks. He continued to ignore her as he walked over to grab his Stetson off the leather recliner. Poor thing didn't know that she was wasting her time. What the hell did he ever saw in her? She looked so desperate and pathetic sprawling there with her bogus demure smile, that he actually felt queasy.

"I thought that maybe you and I can have a little fun, Logan," she said softly. "You game?"

"No," he barked succinctly, indicating that he wasn't interested in what she was selling.

Jean stood and sauntered up to him. She assessed him with liquid green eyes, eyes that promised him a great deal more than fun. "Hmm…Scott is away, which means that you and I can finally have what we've wanted for so long." She untied the robe for emphasis to reveal her naked body under the material.

What the…? Was she serious? Logan peered into her eyes and what he saw disgusted him. He then eyed her naked frame. He became even more repulsed. He hadn't seen Ororo naked as yet, but he knew without a shadow of a doubt that Jean had nothing on his weather witch. Ororo was right. Jean was willing to throw away her marriage just to have him. Christ! The woman was nuts. His expression was guarded when he replied, "Yer serious?"

"Oh yes," she replied coolly.

"Not interested." There was no qualifying that.

Jean placed her hands on his chest and fidgeted with the buttons of his flannel shirt, purposefully rubbing her naked breasts against his chest. "You've never played hard to get before, Wolverine. Is there something I can do to change your mind?"

"No," he answered without thought. "But ya can do yerself a favor and get the hell outta my room. I said I ain't interested and I ain't."

She pierced him with telling eyes and then ran her hands down the length of his torso then lower to cup his manhood. "This tells me differently."

Logan jerked away from her, his temper quickly surfacing. "Get out," he stated through clenched teeth. "I want nothin' ta do wid ya."

"You know you want me, Logan," she screeched, refusing to give up.

"Like hell I do," Logan growled. "Now get the hell out before I toss ya ass out." He emphasized his threat by pointing a stern finger to the door.

As if by magic, said door opened and in stepped Ororo. She summed up the situation in one glance and calmly walked over to Logan. Barely sparing Jean a glance, she stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his possessively. Logan growled as he moved his mouth over hers and she parted her lips, ready for the penetration of his tongue. Ororo melted against him, aligning her curves to his solid frame as his arms closed around her. She moaned against his lips before dragging her mouth free and pressing her forehead to his chest.

His breath was uneven, as his hands rubbed her back. Then, slightly forcing Ororo's head up so he can look at her, his eyes implored her to not jump to any conclusions. Looking over to where Jean stood nervously, he barked, "Leave."

The sound of Logan's voice caused Ororo to wince. Before Jean can scamper, she slipped out of his arms and went to stand in front of a nervous and naked Jean.

"'Roro…I…ah…" Jean stuttered. "I…

"I do not want to hear it, Jean," Ororo cut her off snappily. "I just have one question for you. Does Scott know you are here throwing yourself at Logan?"

Jean looked away, thoroughly shamed. Hot, embarrassed tears gathered in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Gathering what was left of her pride, she tightly pulled her robe to her and without looking at Logan and Ororo, quickly left the room.

Ororo drew a deep breath then turned around to face Logan. He came to stand before her, knowing she was hurt, but uncertain as to what was going through her head. "Darlin'…" he began.

With a soft smile she murmured, "We shall talk about this later." Then, reaching her hand out to him, "Now, let us get to our date. We have wasted enough time."

Logan stood stunned. How in the hell did he ever get sucked into Jean's web and for this long? His head had truly been in his ass for a long time. But no matter now, he had come to his senses and there was no way he was going to jeopardize what he had going with her. Taking hold of her outstretched hand, Logan gave her a lopsided grin before letting her lead him out.