CHAPTER FORTY THREE – THE ODD ONE OUT

As she approached her door, she noticed Logan standing there, waiting for her. "Laura," he said, his voice serious. "We need to talk." Laura's heart sank. What now? Logan led her to a small sitting room nearby. "I've been informed of your encounter with Axel earlier." Laura tensed. "It was nothing. Just a misunderstanding." Logan shook his head. "It wasn't nothing. Axel's behavior was unacceptable. I've spoken to him, and it won't happen again." Laura was surprised. She hadn't expected Logan to take her side. "Thank you," she said softly. Logan's expression softened slightly. "Laura, I know this is difficult for you. But you need to understand – you're not just here for protection. You're here because you have potential." Laura looked at him, confused. "Potential?" Logan nodded. "You've seen things most humans never do. You've survived encounters that would break most people. That makes you valuable." Laura wasn't sure how to respond. "I... I don't understand." Logan stood