The Wolverine & The Black Cat

22 // The Wolverine Effect

C H A P T E R   22 :   T H E   W O L V E R I N E   E F F E C T

Logan's POV

"I don't like the idea of Felicia being trained by Longshot." I told Ororo that Monday morning as I sat on a table with her in the cafeteria for breakfast. Scott and Jean weren't here yet; probably still cuddling together in a sweaty, warm bed. The thought made me want to kill or at least slash somebody.

"Why not?" Ororo questioned, one eyebrow raised. I watched her spread strawberry jelly on a toast before answering.

"It's just every time he's in the mansion the humidity in the air increases."

Ororo stopped her knife mid air, looked at me and laughed. "Logan..."

"I'm serious." I said blankly. "I can smell it, unfortunately. You know the effect he has on women."

I looked around to observe the room. We were surrounded by happy chatter and laugher and being able to be a part of a comfortable place these kids would not find anywhere else... it made even the worst things worth it.

"Well, we both know you have a similar effect, Logan. And you don't need a power to boost it."

Yes, I was aware of the Wolverine effect. I knew women were attracted to my short temper and rough edges. I knew they were tempted by the idea this lone wolf would invite them into his pack. Even now I could see some girls glancing at me lustfully and they were my students. I blocked them like I always did.

"Longshot doesn't need his power to cause a good impression." I argued. "All it takes is his looks and smiles. And it's obvious I'm far from being all charms and smiles, so don't compare the both of us."

In a far corner of the room I caught sight of Felicia and I couldn't help but feel satisfied that she was paying me no attention. I knew I had been lucky in that department; if it were another girl in the private lessons I would perhaps have to deal with her drooling over me. Fortunately, Felicia didn't get impressed easily. She didn't lose her composture over a guy just because he was good-looking. I mean, the only time I had seen her slightly flustered was Saturday when she walked in on me, but she hadn't even seemed that impressed, so I could only blame shock for her initial reaction. Then she had been all calm and collected and I knew not many people in her place would have been able to be so indifferent to my half-naked body.

Of course occasionally in class I did catch her stare at my muscles, after all fighting clothes were revealing; but every time, she looked at them as if she wanted to murder them, not touch them.

"I know, Logan. What I'm saying is your bad temper ends up doing the trick anyway. Many women are dying to put a true smile on that face." Ororo smiled at me and munched on her toast.

"Few can." I retorted and my eyes darted to Felicia again. She could. And I hated that she could. This time her head turned to me, as if sensing somebody was watching her. I felt annoyed that she had caught me staring but didn't look away because that would just make me look guiltier. She smirked at me before tossing a raspberry into her mouth and focusing on her friends again. I watched her laugh with them. I liked them, especially Rogue, Kitty and Piotr. They were good company for her. That Lewis kid, however... 

"So, what are you so concerned about?" Ororo questioned with an amused smirk. "Are you afraid of some competition, is that it?"

I rolled my eyes at her.

"No, I couldn't care less about that. I'm concerned he'll disturb my students' attention. He always does whenever he comes around."

"Hum..." Ororo pressed her lips, her eyes narrowed. "So you're worried he'll steal Felicia's focus?"