Chapter 3: Claim Me or Lose Me

Maybe that last line was too harsh, because Jenna finally couldn’t hold back. I’d barely taken two or three steps before she pulled me into a burning embrace.

Her arms wrapped around me, fierce and desperate. I felt her tears soak through my shirt, her body trembling against mine.

“No... no, you can’t leave me...”

Her voice was raw, barely more than a whisper, but it echoed in my chest. I stood frozen, unsure whether to push her away or pull her closer.

She hugged me tightly from behind, holding me closer and closer. I didn’t have to look to know her eyes were red and brimming with tears.

Her grip was iron-strong, as if letting go would mean losing everything. I felt her pain, sharp and real.

Her voice was so desperate, it tugged at my heart.

It broke through every wall I’d built, flooding me with guilt and love in equal measure.

“It’s not that I want to leave you,” I said quietly. “You’re the one pushing me away, aren’t you?”

My words were gentle now, no longer cold. I wanted her to see the truth, to finally reach out for what she wanted.

“If you think so little of yourself, why should I try to lift you up?”

I let the question hang, hoping she’d find the answer inside herself.

“That’s not true—” she shook her head, hugging me even tighter. “How could I ever push you away?”

Her voice was thick with tears, her arms trembling. I felt her desperation, her need to make things right.

“You know, Logan, that’s not what I meant...”

She buried her face in my back, her words muffled but clear. I closed my eyes, letting her warmth seep into me.

I did know, but I wouldn’t accept it.

I needed her to say it, to claim me as hers, out loud and without shame.

So I told her, “I don’t know.”

My voice was soft, but there was an edge to it. I wanted her to fight for me, for us.

“All I know is, you want to watch someone else grow old with me, raise a family together—isn’t that what you’re saying?”

I laid it all out, every fear, every doubt. I wanted her to see what she was risking.

Every word was a stab to the heart.

I felt her flinch with each sentence, but I kept going. She needed to hear it, needed to feel it.

“No!”

Her cry was sharp, cutting through the silence like a knife. She spun me around, her eyes wild with emotion.

Jenna covered my mouth with her hand, hoping that would stop me from saying anything more hurtful.

Her palm was warm, her fingers trembling. I tasted salt on my lips—her tears, or maybe mine.

“You’re mine—mine alone!”

Her voice was fierce, but her tears burned against my neck.

She stared at me, daring me to argue. I saw the fire in her eyes, the strength she’d hidden for so long.

I sighed inwardly. I’d really pushed her too far this time. Except for that one time I got hurt, I’d never seen Jenna cry like this.

I’d seen her patch up wounds, face down storms, handle anything life threw at her. But this—this was different. I’d never seen her break like this.

Such a gentle, self-possessed person, and yet, every time, it was me who broke her heart. I hated that.

I hated myself a little for it, but I knew it was necessary. Sometimes, you have to break something to make it whole.

How could I really bear to treat her coldly? But she kept saying such foolish things, and wouldn’t listen to reason.

I wanted to sweep her up, tell her everything would be okay, but I held back, just a little longer.

I hated playing games with her, but if I didn’t, with her sensitive nature, who knew what she’d imagine next?

I’d learned that lesson the hard way—Jenna’s mind was a maze, full of hidden fears. I had to guide her out, even if it hurt.

Now that I’d heard what I wanted, I dropped my cold act.

The relief was immediate, like stepping into sunlight after a long night. I let my guard down, letting love replace anger.

I shifted, planning to turn and comfort her, but she thought I was leaving and clung to me in a panic, hugging me even tighter.

Her grip was frantic, her breath hot against my neck. I could feel her heartbeat racing, matching my own.

My earlier harshness melted away.

I let out a shaky laugh, the tension draining from my body. There was no point in pretending anymore.

“Logan, Logan...” she kept calling me softly, pleading, “Don’t leave me, and don’t go to anyone else—let me be the only one by your side, please...”

Her words were a balm, soothing every raw edge inside me. I turned, wrapping my arms around her at last.

“Alright!”

I pried her hands off, agreeing without hesitation.

There was no more need for games. I pulled her close, holding her tight, letting her know I wasn’t going anywhere.

In that moment, I was no longer distant or cold, but the same gentle Logan Jenna knew so well.

I stroked her hair, murmuring soft reassurances. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of us, tangled up in each other.

Feeling her arms loosen, I quickly turned, pushed her back, and we both fell onto the bed.

We landed in a heap, laughing through our tears. The mattress bounced beneath us, and for a second, everything felt light again.

Jenna was still in shock, just staring at me.

Her eyes were wide, her lips parted in surprise. I grinned, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.

“Alright, alright.”

I leaned over her, voice gentle. “You’re my favorite person, Jenna Taylor. How could I ever leave you?”

I pressed my forehead to hers, letting her see the truth in my eyes. There was no one else—there never would be.

“You say I’m yours—then I’m all yours.”

I said it with a smile, teasing but true. I wanted her to know she could claim me, just as I claimed her.

“As long as you’re willing to say it out loud.”

I waited, holding my breath, hoping she’d find the courage.

“Logan—” Jenna was too choked up to speak. She closed her eyes, but the tears kept coming.

I kissed her eyelids, tasting salt and hope. Her vulnerability made me love her even more.

Her nose was straight, lips beautifully colored, the corners of her eyes red from crying.

She looked like a painting—fragile and fierce all at once. I cupped her face, memorizing every detail.

My heart melted. I wiped away her tears with my fingers, promising, “I mean it—I always keep my word.”

I spoke softly, letting each word sink in. I’d never broken a promise to her, and I wasn’t about to start now.

“I know,” she said, opening her watery eyes. “If you say it, I’ll believe it.”

Her voice was steady now, the fear fading. I smiled, relief flooding through me.

It seemed she was still upset by what I’d said earlier.

I couldn’t blame her. I’d been harsh, but it was over now. I brushed her hair back, kissing her forehead.

I sighed, cupped her face in my hands, and kissed both cheeks hard.

She giggled, the sound bright and clear. I felt the last of the tension melt away.

“I only said those things to make you face your feelings.”

I wanted her to know it was all for her, for us. I’d never hurt her without reason.

Jenna finally calmed down, but started getting embarrassed again. I nudged her chin up, not letting her look away.

“Whether you like it or not, my mate can only be you.”

I grinned, letting my cockiness show. It was the truth, plain and simple.

“I’ve already made up my mind—if you won’t agree, I’ll just steal you away and make it official!”

I winked, half-joking, half-serious. In Silver Hollow, everyone knew I was stubborn as a mule.

Who cares if I have to rattle a few cages—as long as it’s mine in the end. That’s how I see it.

I laughed, the sound filling the room. Jenna rolled her eyes, but I could see the smile tugging at her lips.

That’s exactly the attitude a little troublemaker like me should have.

I shrugged, grinning wider. I’d always been a troublemaker, and Jenna loved me for it.

“Logan...”

Her voice was soft, full of affection. She reached up, brushing her fingers along my jaw.

Jenna finally relaxed, murmuring, “...Alright.”

Her cheeks flushed pink, but her eyes were clear. She’d made her choice, and I felt a surge of joy.

“What was that?”

I teased, leaning closer, pretending not to have heard. I wanted to hear her say it again.

Her voice was so soft I couldn’t catch it, so I leaned in close to her lips to listen.

Our faces were inches apart, breath mingling in the warm air. I could feel her heartbeat, steady and strong.

Jenna gathered her courage and repeated her request.

“Logan... kiss me again.”

Her words were shy, but full of longing. I smiled, knowing I’d never get tired of hearing her ask. I leaned in, ready to show her just how much she meant to me.