I am extending my thanks to everyone who is enjoying this story and who have reviewed. Your reviews are incredibly helpful and I appreciate them so much.
Author's Note: As many of you could tell, I am a big fan of music and literature and I enjoy incorporating those aspects into my stories, this one especially.
Dammit! His thoughts were all over the place and he felt nothing but aggravation. The past week of his life was truly a roller coaster ride. Damn that redheaded bitch and her mutant abilities. His beast still yearned for retribution against her, but he'd had to deny his beast justice. He wasn't thrilled about denying his beast his way in dealing with any wrongs committed against it, but his mate had demanded he was better than the animal inside of him and had encouraged him to walk on the side of humanity. So he had to forego his thirst for revenge because his mate needed him to not give into the animal and everything else was secondary to his mate's needs.
He still had a hard time accepting that Jean had resorted to manipulating his mind for her own selfish pleasures. Although he had long ago pegged her for a selfish, shallow, petty woman, he was still willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, believing her to be an ethical professional. He snorted. Decency didn't appear to be in any part of Jean's world. He couldn't wrap his mind around her sinking to such an all-time unethical low, especially knowing that she had some knowledge of his past experiences with mind altering.
He couldn't seek his retribution the way he craved, but there was nothing stopping him from confronting her and letting her know her jig was up. He was itching to confront her. It was one of the most important things on his immediate to-do-list that would enable him to put the entire sordid affair behind him and concentrate on his relationship with 'Ro. But even that he was being denied because the bald-headed mind manipulator had arranged it so that Jean, Rogue and Warren were away at a conference in Washington, D.C for the next four days, conveniently leaving earlier this morning. Apparently, Xavier was still a bit wary about him going berserk on Jean. It wasn't like he didn't have a legitimate right to go after her, however, everything in due time, he promised himself.
Logan rose up from under the hood of Ororo's Mini Cooper Hardtop to turn on his trusty satellite radio. He needed some good music to soothe his distress, until he saw his ladylove. He went back to fixing his mate's car, nodding his head to the fading strains of The Temptations' My Girl. As Fleetwood Mac's The Chain took over, he grunted along to the lyrics.
Listen ta the wind blow. Watch the sun rise. Run in the shadows. Damn your love, damn your lies....
A quick sniff of the air lets him know he was about to have company. Another thing on his to-do-list to take care of. At least, he would be saved the time in tracking him down. He looked up from under the car's hood to see Scott leaning against the garage door. From the look on the strait-laced man's face, Logan knew it was time for some hard truths.
"What do you know about Fleetwood Mac?"
It was the first time he was seeing the spectacled man since the entire fiasco a few days ago. Nonchalantly, Logan closed the car's hood and went over to the cooler and grabbed two cans of beer. He tossed one to Cyclops. "I should be askin' ya that question," he replied. "I know more 'bout good music than ya."
Scott caught the beer in mid-air and popped it open. He took a healthy swig. "That song is called 'The Chain' isn't it?"
Logan grunted. "So ya came ta discuss music? Or ya came ta bring back my Jack Daniels?"
Scott's eyes widened behind his glasses. "You and your damn hyper senses."
"And don't ya ferget it." Logan reached out and turned off the satellite radio, then walked over to sit on the floor, his back resting against the wall, his hands dangling between bent knees. He didn't even bat an eyelash when Scott came to sidle up next to him and took up a similar position to his.
Both men sat enjoying their brew, staring straight ahead, looking at nothing in particular. Their minds were on the changes they had gone through in the past week. Minutes of silence passed between them until Logan spoke. "I don't know if ya believe me or not when I said that I was wrong fer comin' between ya and Jeannie, but…" Logan exhaled loudly, then took another mouthful of beer. "I know what I put ya through and I had no right ta do that."
He was attempting to amend the wrongs he had inflicted on Scott from the beginning. It was something he had a hard time with and most certainly didn't like because he felt it revealed a weakness he was nowhere near ready to admit existed, but he owed it to Ororo and the fearless leader himself to take a crack at living a more harmonious existence.
Scott's head, as if mechanical, swiveled slowly towards Logan. There were no other words to describe his expression other than one of being spellbound. Did the "don't give a damn" attitude feral just utter those words? Scott was in total disbelief. Was he dreaming? "Did 'Roro put you up to that?"
"Hell no. But she did…uh…encourage me ta get it together."
"Damn. You came up with that apology all on your own?"
Logan glanced at the younger man then grinned. "What? Never said I was a dummy."
"You sure acted like one though."
Logan grunted. Score one for Scooter. He got up and went to the cooler for another beer. He raised one towards Scott's direction and upon getting his nod, tossed it to him.
Scott sighed, popping the new can opened. He was here to start mending fences, extend an olive branch so to speak. He had a lot of time to do some inward reflection and believe that it would be for the best that he and Logan bury the hatchet. Without looking at the beer guzzling mutant, Scott spoke, "Look, Logan, since you're man enough to admit you were wrong, I can be man enough to admit that I should have taken a hands on approach in letting you know that Jean was off limits."
Logan remained silent, sensing his younger teammate wasn't finished. "I should have stepped to you and let you know to take your sniffing elsewhere."
Logan chuckled. "Ya should have," he admitted. "Maybe I would have gotten it sooner, than waitin' fer 'Ro ta set me straight."
Upon hearing Ororo's name, Scott had to know what the Wolverine's true intentions towards his sister were. "So you and Storm, huh?"
Logan quirked an eyebrow. A faint whiff lets him know that Scott was genuinely curious. "Yeah, so?"
"Just treat her right and we won't have any problems," Scott replied.
"I thought ya wasn't so keen on the idea of us bein' tagether in the first place."
Scott sighed. "Despite what you may think, Logan, I want 'Roro to be happy. She deserves it after the whole debacle she went through with Forge. She needs some lasting happiness."
Logan growled upon the mention of 'Ro's ex's name. She had laid out the entire wretched ordeal from start to finish before him. When she was done with the retelling, he had the overwhelming desire to seek the mutant maker out and gut him like the spineless coward he was. He only saw red and got a thirst for blood whenever he thought about the hurt she suffered at the hands of Forge. The mutant inventor had to pay for his actions against Ororo and Logan had no problems dishing out the payment. His lifelong experience in reading people and his acute senses had made it known to him that some hurt from the fiasco still simmered below the surface for her. He was hell bent on seeing all her previous hurt be driven away and if that meant maiming Forge, then so be it.
"Why Scooter, I didn't think ya cared," Logan joked, but he quickly put the joking aside before he replied, "Hurtin' 'Ro ain't on my ta do list. It ain't even somethin' I wanna think 'bout. I've thought 'bout the pros and cons of bein' wid 'Ro, 'specially knowin' I got enough enemies out there that can use her 'gainst me. But know one thing, I will die protectin' her, not hurtin' her."
Scott peered at the older man through his quartz glasses. What he saw astounded him for the second time since he sought the feral out. "Well, I'll be…you're really in love with her."
Logan grunted before finishing off the beer. He turned his head to address his teammate. "Ya got a problem wid that?"
"No. No. I'm glad she has you in her corner. She needs someone equally strong as her." Scott stated. "Although your manners and disposition are in serious need of improvement. Not to mention you could benefit from anger management." He couldn't help adding the jibe.
Logan nodded, a facsimile of a smile twisting his lips. Score two for Scooter.
After a few minutes of silence, Logan murmured. "What 'bout ya and Jeannie?"
Scott sighed. Any questions about or simply thinking about his wife was incredibly painful. "Honestly, I have no idea," he answered solemnly. "One minute, I want to call a divorce lawyer and get the ball rolling and at another time, I want to..." He trailed off.
Logan admired the man's honesty. "Work it out? Look, Scooter, I ain't in the business of givin' advice, but all I can say is ta take ya time and think 'bout what is best fer ya."
Scott exhaled loudly and nodded in understanding. Scott rose from his position on the floor, tossing the empty beer can into the trash. "For the record, 'Roro loves you too." With that said, he moved towards the exit. "And I'm sure as hell not going to give you back your whiskey," Scott threw over his shoulder. "I figured you owed me anyway." He made a speedy exit through the door after delivering the dig, as if at any minute the clawed man would attack him.
Logan simply threw his head back and laughed, thinking about Scooter's sudden nerve and their ceasefire.
Damn! She was a sight for sore eyes. Still the most stunning woman that ever graced the earth. Forge's body thrummed with arousal as he eyed the regal Goddess dressed in a faded pair of blue jeans, sneakers and a blue flannel shirt from the window of the room he had been sequestered in for the time being. Only an hour had elapsed since he had arrived at the mansion and he was anxious to be reunited with her. She was obviously heading to her precious greenhouse, as she briskly walked in that direction, with a lovely smile on her exquisite face. As he looked at her from his vantage point, he couldn't help but realize that there was something very different about her, something that was not present before.
Looking at her more intently, he noticed that she appeared extremely happy and self-assured. She carried them with an air of authority that made them seem tangible and he could almost feel it from where he stood peering at her. He continued to look at her as she walked regally and purposefully to her destination. The impulsive need to go to her and reveal himself came over him, but he quickly tapered it down. Soon enough, he thought, he would reclaim his woman.
He shook his head as he thought about his stupidity in giving her up years ago. But not this time around, he mused. He was here to remedy his past mistakes. Thank the spirits that Jean had given him that last ounce of courage he needed to return and do what was right by her. The Goddess was his, there was no denying that, as he had laid claim to her from the very first time they had met. Jean's encouragement to return was a bonus, making him believe for the first time in a very long time that he now had a legitimate shot at recapturing his relationship with his wind rider. He wasn't the same man that had walked out on her. He was now a man with a purpose and a new lease on life. And he was a man who needed Ororo by his side. Nothing and no one was going to stand in his way and he could actually see the light at the end of the tunnel.
He was about to turn from the window when he saw Beast frantically summoning Ororo. Hmm…I wonder what that's all about, he thought, before he slowly backtracked from the window, resolved to seek Jean out, then accost the weather Goddess herself after unpacking his belongings.
Ororo turned at the panicky call of her name, to see her friend and resident doctor Hank McCoy's big frame walking briskly towards her.
"Where is the fire, Henry? Is everything alright?" She inquired, worry marring her brow.
"My dear, Ororo. I am so glad I caught you," Hank panted.
"What is the matter, my friend?"
"There is a grave potential for disaster, my dear. A disaster of epic proportions. I fear before this day is out, we shall have bloodshed." Hank gasped. "Where is the Wolverine?"
Ororo's eyes widened. "Did something happen to Logan?"
"No. No. Nothing of the sort. But I am afraid that what I have to tell you will undoubtedly cause Logan to go into an epic rage."
Ororo frowned. "Spit it out, Hank!" She replied impatiently, already tiring of the feral's long winded explanations.
Hank smile apologetically. "I shall feel much better talking to you inside your sanctuary. Shall we?" He said, indicating for her to proceed.
Ororo opened the door to the greenhouse and stepped inside, flipping the light switch on. Hank followed her inside, silently admiring the paradise Ororo had turned the greenhouse into. She calmly placed the items in her hands on the workbench that was behind the door, then closed the door. She turned towards Hank, giving him her undivided attention. Hank was fidgeting, not bothering to hide his nervousness.
Ororo patiently waited for him to get it together. When it became evident that if they continued at this pace, she wouldn't be getting any work done today, she asked with a touch of annoyance, "Henry, what is the matter? You are acting uncharacteristically nervous."
"You have always been able to see through me, my dear Ororo," he murmured. "You may want to sit down for this."
Ororo simply rose a delicate eyebrow as if telling him to get on with it. "Henry," she said rather sternly. "I have a bit of gardening to do today, so please, let us not waste time."
With his eyes trained on her and taking a deep breath, he delivered the news the Professor sent him to impart. "Forge has returned."
The color drained from her face and Ororo took a few steps backward. Her hand flew to cover her chest, as if to stop her heart from pounding out of her chest. "Goddess!" she whispered. "When did this happen?" She had to sit down. After all this time, the man whom she had thought that she would be spending the rest of her life with was back. She moved towards the same workbench she placed her tools on earlier and sat down.
Hank, who was now very concerned at the lack of color in their resident weather Goddess' face, moved to contort his massive frame and bent down before her. "My dear? Are you unwell?"
She had buried her face in her hands, so like the gentle giant he was, Hank gently wrested them away from her face. "Ororo?"
She shook her head and raised expressionless eyes to Hank. "Charles sent you."
It wasn't a question, but he answered her anyway. "Yes. He wants you to keep an eye on Logan, while I keep an eye on Forge."
"Why?"
The simple question caught Dr. McCoy unawares. He was expecting the question, but still, he was caught off guard. He knew why of course, but he was a bit unsure if to reveal the reason to a woman who can bring on total destruction with a mere flick of her wrist. His eyes suddenly found a weird plant off to his left known as Glasswort Samphire, interesting.
Ororo knew that there was more to his tracking her down and notifying her that her ex-fiance was back. "Henry?"
Her tone brooked no argument.
Hank sighed. He loved Ororo dearly. Besides Charles, she was the only one who had helped him to realize his worth as both man and beast. She was the one who encouraged him to embrace who and what he was. He absolutely hated this task Xavier had bestowed upon him because he remembered the state Ororo was in after Forge had left her. He remembered being fearful for her and feeling completely powerless as how to help her, during that dark period in her life. He knew the strength, character and determination it had took for her to rebuild after that and to get to the point in her life where she was now. She was at a level of happiness that he had never seen in her and knew that the Wolverine, of all people, was responsible for that. Now, Forge was back, intent on causing her more pain and there was no way for him to help her again.
"Henry, please tell me…" Ororo beseeched.
Hank looked into her beguiling eyes and revealed the truth. "Charles believes that Forge has returned to revive a relationship with you."
"What?!" The weather Goddess cried.
Beast lowered his eyes, uncharacteristically mumbling, "That is all Charles revealed to me. I suggest having an audience with him for more information."
Ororo stood frantically, all thoughts of gardening forgotten. "I shall speak to Charles later. Right now, I must get to Logan. If he receives a slight indication that Forge is here, then there is no telling what he would do. I have no doubts that there would be bloodshed and I am afraid Forge will be the one shedding the blood."
"Yes, of course, my dear. I shall see to Forge and make sure he stays out of the Wolverine's and your paths."
"Thank you, Henry," she tossed over her shoulder before dashing out of the greenhouse.
Hank stood slowly and sighed. He really hated this. There was enough disharmony in existence in the school already and they most certainly didn't need any more discord. He made his way out of the structure, sincerely hoping that this dilemma would soon be rectified. He honestly didn't wish to spend his time being a babysitter to a man whom he deemed puerile and pugnacious.
Logan inhaled deeply... sandalwood, vanilla and freshly fallen rain. His beast awoke from its slumber, knowing its mate was on her way to him. He grinned and took another whiff just for the hell of it…hmm…there was another odor attempting to mar her perfect aroma. A third whiff revealed the undesirable scent…anxiety. He frowned. Anxiety or any other negative emotions rarely besieged 'Ro, so he was a bit freaked as she stepped into his domain.
Ororo had barely entered the garage, when Logan stalked to stand in front of her and snarled, "What the hell is wrong, 'Ro?"
She was struck speechless. She had no quick reply. Her eyes found his and he immediately growled, seeing the uneasiness in hers. He hope that he didn't have to tear someone apart.
From the fearsome look he was giving her now, she knew she had no choice but to let him know what was going on, because she knew it was only a matter of time before he jumped to conclusions and went on a rampage. She took a deep breath. "My love, I need you to promise me something."
"I ain't promisin' ya nothin', 'til I know what the hell is goin' on," he retorted harshly.
Ororo closed the remaining distance between them and wrapped her arms around his muscled body. He had no choice but to return the embrace. He ran his callused fingers over her mark before stroking her hair gently, allowing her sweet aroma to calm him. "Come on baby, tell me what's the matter," he urged less gruffly.
"I need to speak with you about something very important."
A scary thought popped into his head and rattled his cage. "Christ, 'Ro. Ya ain't dyin', are ya?"
She lifted her head from his chest and frowned at him. "No, I am not. I assure you, I am in perfect health."
"So, talk ta me. I don't have ta kick anybody's ass, do I?"
She laughed lightly. "No." Goddess, I hope not, she added silently.
Ororo heard the low rumbling of a growl in the making, signally his loss of patience. "Promise me that you would not do anything rash after hearing what I have to tell you."
"'Ro…"
"Promise me."
Christ! When she was looking at him the way she was now, he knew he was sunk. This was like the last conversation they had in this very same place, when she had goaded him into revealing things he didn't want to admit. And like the last time, he caved. "Alright, darlin'. I promise. Now tell me what the hell is goin' on 'round this circus."
Ororo sighed before stepping out of his arms. She immediately missed the contact and from the slight grimace on his face, she knew he did too. "Forge is back," she stated softly.
Rage immediately consumed Logan, as his feral clawed to break free at hearing of the threat. "I'm gonna kill the bastard, 'Ro."
"No. You would not," she said calmly.
"Dammit Storm!" He roared. "Why the hell not?"
"If you should end up in prison for murdering him, where would that leave me?" She inquired with an arched brow.
Just as fast as his rage claimed him, it left him. "So Chuck sent ya ta make sure I don't go off the deep end."
Guilt flashed in her eyes momentarily, but he picked up on it. He imitated her action from a few moments ago and cocked his brow in inquiry.
"Not directly. He sent Hank to let me know that our tasks are to keep you and Forge out of each other's way," she answered.
"He does realize that that plan can only work fer so long, right?"
Ororo sighed. "I just want all this conflict to end, Logan. And now, here comes another complication to add to the mix."
"It's ok, babe. I ain't gonna do anythin' ta jeopardize us. But I will be havin' a nice chat wid Forge."
"No. Please do not do that," she replied sharply.
Logan frowned at her sharp retort. Then, an atrocious thought bombarded his mind. "Ya don't still have feelings fer the fool, do ya?" His heart constricted painfully as he awaited her answer. He needed to know the answer, yet dreaded hearing it at the same time. He didn't think he could endure it if she did. It would simply kill him to know that he had come so close to having everything he so desperately wanted and needed.
Holding his gaze, there was no denying her answer. "No. I do not." Calmly, categorically and wholeheartedly stated.
A slow relieved smile crept up on his face. Her own smile relaxed him greatly. His arms went around her and he brought his lips down to hers. She melted against him, sighing in his mouth before her arms interlocked around his neck. Her small hands caressed the back of his strong, muscular neck and he lost himself in the taste, scent and feel of her.
A few minutes later, he lifted his lips from hers and smiled lazily. "Ya wanna get outta here fer a few hours?"
"Absolutely. Where are we going?"
"Don't question me woman. Just go get ready and meet me back here in twenty."
She stood up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips. "I shall be right back, handsome."
Logan's smile was pasted on his face until she exited, then it morphed into a dark scowl when his mind immediately posed the questions…what the hell was Forge doing back here and why now? Logan was a man who, thanks to his enhanced senses knew all the tricks and games other men play. He was damn sure that the mutant was back for no other reason but to try and get 'Ro back. His instincts were screaming that at him and he was willing to bet money on it.
Ever since Ororo had informed him of their unexpected visitor, it was already a done deal that he would get to the bottom of why Forge was back. But, he had something for Forge if he think that he could just return to the mansion and waltz back into 'Ro's life as if nothing had ever happened. All bets were off should the mutant maker trespass on the Wolverine's territory. 'Ro was the Wolverine's and the Wolverine did not share.
