Chapter 15: He's back

Decades had passed since the end of World War II. It was now the 1960s, and Howlett Enterprises had established itself as one of the most innovative and influential companies in the world, rivaling Stark Industries in both technology and business acumen.

The two companies frequently collaborated on groundbreaking projects, pushing the boundaries of science and technology.

Selene, a powerful and ancient sorceress, had taken the helm as the CEO of Howlett Enterprises. Under her leadership, the company diversified into various sectors, becoming a global leader not just in technology but also in medical research.

Hank McCoy, Logan's trusted friend and a genius in his own right, headed the medical departments of the company, making significant advancements in genetic research and biotechnology.

Laura, driven by her unyielding determination to find Logan, had left the corporate world behind to search for him.

Along with a select group of pack members, she traveled the globe, following every lead, no matter how faint. Her journey eventually led her to the Sorcerer Supreme, the mysterious and powerful master of the mystic arts, known as the Ancient One.

Believing that magic might hold the key to finding Logan, Laura approached the Ancient One with humility and determination.

Knowing the future, Impressed by Laura's resolve and her natural affinity for the mystic arts, the Ancient One agreed to teach her.

Laura dedicated herself to her training, learning to manipulate mystical energies, cast powerful spells, and even glimpse into other dimensions.

A few other Betas from the pack joined Laura in her studies, seeing the potential of combining their natural abilities with magic.

Under the Ancient One's tutelage, they showed promising results, mastering techniques that could bend reality and alter space-time. Laura remained focused on her goal: to find Logan and bring him back, no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, back at Howlett Enterprises, Hank continued his research. He had been working on a new serum, combining the genetic material of Shaw with the Super Soldier Serum.

His intention was to create a new generation serum that enhances werewolfs, but ethical concerns held him back.

Hank, ever the moral scientist, knew Logan would never approve of using unwilling subjects or turning people into experiments. Without a suitable volunteer, the project remained in stasis, awaiting a future breakthrough.

One evening, the routine calm of Howlett Enterprises was disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious figure.

A man with a wild mane of hair, a thick beard, and rugged, tattered clothing, barefoot and seemingly out of place in the modern world, with a bag on his shoulders, appeared at the entrance of the building.

His eyes, however, were sharp and bright, and he exuded an aura of confidence and familiarity.

As he approached the entrance, the human guards stationed there tried to stop him, sensing something unusual about this man. But with just a smile and a quiet, unspoken command in his demeanor, they backed away, their instincts telling them that this was no ordinary visitor.

The man strode confidently into the building, his senses guiding him to something—or someone—he knew was inside.

Inside, Selene, Hank, and Laura were alerted to the familiar scent moving swiftly through the halls. They also sensed a powerful, familiar energy.

As they turned a corner, they froze, staring in disbelief at the man standing before them.

There he was standing, Disheveled, covered in hair, and wearing a simple, rugged outfit that looked like it had been through countless decades.

But there was no mistaking him. The bond they shared, the presence they felt.

"I'm back home, guys," the man said with a grin, his voice carrying a mix of exhaustion and relief.

In an instant, all three rushed toward him, enveloping him in a tight, emotional embrace. "Logan!" they cried out in unison, their voices filled with joy, relief, and disbelief.

The tension and worry of years melted away in that single moment.

Tears of happiness streamed down their faces as they held onto him, feeling the warmth and strength that was so uniquely Logan's.

As scent of Logan spread throughout Howlett Enterprises, more members of the pack gathered around, each eager to see their Alpha again.

They all knew that Logan had always been more than just a leader—he was family. The atmosphere was electric, filled with joy and celebration.

The pack members, who had remained steadfast in their loyalty and hope for Logan's return, were overjoyed to see their Alpha back where he belonged.

Logan, looking around at his pack—his family—felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief. It has been years since he saw them, seeing the love and loyalty he saw in the eyes of those around him. He knew he was finally home.

Laura, still holding onto Logan, looked into his eyes with tears in her own. "I knew you'd come back, We never gave up on you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "And we never will."

Logan smiled softly. "I know," he replied. "I could feel it. And that's what brought me back."

As the pack continued to celebrate Logan's return, United once more, stronger than ever, they were ready to take on the future—side by side, as a family.

----

The evening air was filled with a sense of anticipation and joy as Logan stepped out of the bathroom, freshly cleaned up and looking like his old self again.

He had shaved off the wild beard and tamed his hair, returning to the familiar appearance that his friends and family knew so well. As he adjusted his shirt in the mirror, he felt a comforting presence behind him.

Laura, who had been waiting patiently, immediately wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace.

Logan could feel the warmth of her body against his, a sensation he had longed for during his time away. He smiled, his heart full of emotion, and hugged her back just as tightly.

"I missed you," Logan whispered softly into her ear, his voice tinged with the raw emotion of all the time they had spent apart.

Laura pulled back slightly, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. "No, I missed you more," she replied with a soft smile.

Logan gently lifted her chin, his eyes locked with hers, and leaned down to kiss her. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, a release of all the pent-up feelings and emotions they had held onto during his absence. For a few moments, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their own little universe.

But the kiss eventually slowed, and they knew they had to join the party downstairs. "We'll finish this later," Laura whispered teasingly, a mischievous grin on her face.

Logan chuckled, nodding. "Yeah, after the party," he agreed, his voice filled with a mix of humor and anticipation.

----

Dressed and ready, Logan and Laura made their way downstairs to the grand hall where the celebration was already in full swing. Friends, family, and pack members were all gathered, their faces alight with happiness and excitement at Logan's return.

The room was filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses as people toasted to the occasion.

Logan was immediately surrounded by familiar faces, all eager to greet him and welcome him back.

He exchanged hugs, handshakes, and warm smiles with each of them, feeling overwhelmed by the love and warmth of the people around him.

He saw Howard Stark and his wife, Maria, standing off to the side, along with Peggy Carter and a few other familiar faces from his past.

Making his way over, Logan grinned at the sight of Howard and Peggy, both of whom looked a bit older than he remembered. Howard's once-dark hair was now streaked with gray, and Peggy's face bore the gentle lines of age, but their spirits were as lively as ever.

"Howard, Peggy," Logan greeted with a friendly smile. "It's good to see you both. And Peggy, you're looking as sharp as ever."

Howard chuckled, giving Logan a hearty slap on the back. "Logan! You're a sight for sore eyes, my friend. You've been gone a long time and you didn't age a bit."

He also introduces his wife to Logan.

Maria smiled warmly at Logan, and he couldn't help but tease her a bit about Howard. "Maria, I don't know how you put up with this guy, he's a Playboy." he joked, earning a laugh from her and a playful glare from Howard.

"We missed you, Logan," Peggy said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Things haven't been the same without you and Steve. If don't mind me asking where were you all these years."

Logan's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Steve, but he quickly recovered. "Yeah, I know," he replied. "But that's a story for another time. Tonight, let's just celebrate being together again."

The crowed cheers and the party had began.

----

As the night wore on, the party continued well past midnight, with music, dancing, and plenty of stories being shared.

Laura eventually pulled Logan aside, a knowing smile on her face as she led him to a corner of the room where a serene figure stood.

Logan's eyes widened slightly in surprise when he saw who it was—the Ancient One, the master of the mystic arts.

"Logan, this is the Ancient One," Laura introduced. "She's been teaching me magic."

Logan blinked, taken aback by the revelation. "Magic, huh?" he said, glancing at Laura with a mixture of surprise and admiration. "Didn't see that coming."

The Ancient One smiled gently, her eyes twinkling with wisdom and amusement. "Laura has been a diligent student," she said. "And she has a strong will. I'm happy to see that both of you united again."

Logan nodded, his expression serious. "Thank you for taking care of her," he said sincerely.

The Ancient One inclined her head slightly. "It was my pleasure," she replied. "But Logan, you're about to get busy tomorrow. It's time for you to meet someone." Her tone was cryptic, but Logan knew she was referring to Jean Grey, the host of the Phoenix Force.

Logan's expression darkened slightly. "Yeah, I figured," he said quietly. "And I'm guessing you're telling me to hand over the Tesseract to S.H.I.E.L.D. too."

The Ancient One nodded. "It's for the best of our timeline. Such a powerful artifact should not remain in one person's hands for too long."

Logan sighed but nodded in agreement. "I understand," he replied. "Thanks for the advice…and for watching over Laura."

The Ancient One smiled again, her expression calm and serene. "You have a good heart, Logan," she said. "Take care of her—and yourself."

As the Ancient One moved away, Logan turned back to Laura, who was watching him with a thoughtful expression. "Looks like things are about to get interesting again," he said with a wry smile.

Laura nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "Whatever comes, we'll face it together," she replied.

But he quickly lifted her up in a princess carry as she giggles.

"It's time for us to catch up." With that he went into the forest nearby to have some private conversation with Laura as he knows if they do it here, the house will collapse tonight.

The night gave birth to earthquakes around Logan's house.

Hank, Selene and the pack facepalming themselves remembering the previous scenario.