Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nick didn’t understand what was happening. He killed Zeostorer. The body that had been there just moments ago was proof of that, along with the bloodied staff he was holding. He had just figured out, or partially, how to bring Adalind and the rest of his friends back to life. Maybe even Renard as well. But now there seemed to be a new problem.

            Trubel’s shocked shout caught his attention, and he watched as the body disintegrate, even the severed arm, and turn to dust just to get caught up in an abnormal breeze that caused it to swirl around in the air and combine to form a new portal. A portal that seems to be drawing the staff to it.

            “Nick!” Trubel called again.

            Nick grunted as he tried to hold onto the staff, trying to pull it back away from the dark abyss in midair. He had enough of portals and secret worlds and death and destruction. He just wanted Adalind back. He wanted his kids and his friends. He wanted the life they were creating together after all the pain and heartache and suffering they had endured the last few years.

            That didn’t seem to be what would happen. The harder he tried to stop the pull the harder it seemed to tug. His feet dragged in the dirt leaving skids behind as he tried to dig his heels in. maybe he should just let the staff go. Maybe he should just stop trying and let the abyss have it. If he was lucky, it would destroy it, never to be seen again. He stopped pulling intending to let it go and stumbled forward. The staff glowed briefly a shimmering gold and his hands were glued. He couldn’t let go and he couldn’t stop the pull. Only a few feet now from the portal he took a panicked look at Diana who was smiling at him as if she was not worried.

            “Nick, no!” Trubel shouted reaching for him only to hit an invisible wall. She couldn’t get to him; she couldn’t help him.

            “Take care of Kelly and Diana.” He called to her right before he was pulled through to the other side.

            Black, all there was, was darkness and nothingness. He seemed to be just floating along now, as if he were on a guided tour with the staff as the guide. Slowly images started to show, like a picture reel. Pictures, images voices, from his life.

            From the moment he met Juliette, loving her, to losing her and wanting to kill her. To watching her become a whole new person, Eve. Meeting Monroe and becoming friends, to meeting Rosalie and watching them fall in love and marry. He watched realms of Hank and Wu finding out about this whole other world, them choosing to fight with Nick, fighting for him. Learning what Renard was and seeing just what kind of man he was, one out for only himself and using any means he could to get what he wanted.

            Finally, Adalind. From the moment he first saw her, watched her woge, watching her do things that she later regretted. His eyes watered as he watched Adalind pregnant with his son, feeling him kick from inside her. Seeing her hold him in the hospital after a difficult birth. Getting to know her, seeing the beautiful person she had ended up becoming away from cruel influences. Falling in love with her beyond anything he imagined he could ever feel for another person. Watching the first time they made love for real before he headed off to the black forest. Watching how hurt and aching she was as she had to make the difficult decision to leave with Kelly in order to save them both from Renard. Getting her back and being happy if only for a few weeks with her and Kelly and even Diana.

            He gasped for breath as he watched the last scene, standing in front of the old cottage, telling her he loved her, kissing and holding her one last time.

            The film faded and he felt the drop immediately. Landing hard on the ground knocking the breath out of him. Standing, staff still in hand he saw absolutely nothing. A complete void. He looked at the staff still in hand and wondered what had happened, where it had taken him.

            “Hello? Anybody out there?” He shouted; his voice echoed but there was no response.

            “Anyone?” he called again turning in his spot and squinting hoping to catch a glimpse of something, anything.

            The staff started to warm in his hand, and he dropped it, finally able to let go. A buzzing sound as if electricity was being turned on started softly and slowly got louder. The staff vibrated on the ground turning a bright red and orange as if lit on fire from within. The noise was getting louder, and Nick instinctively covered his ears in response but wouldn’t take his eyes off the staff that seemed to be disintegrating until it was nothing but a pile of ash. The noise became unbearable, and Nick fell to the ground screaming. The buzzing felt as if it were hammering against his skull. His eyes rolled into the back of his head when it became too much to take. Collapsing, his body jerked and seized, his muscles tensed, and he started to choke on whatever was blocking his windpipe. The feeling of drowning overtook him, but he couldn’t move enough to clear it. He felt when the life left him, one beat at a time his heart slowed and stuttered until there was nothing left.

Chapter Text

Startled awake from a horrific dream of a tall man with blistered and cracked black and red skin and a skull for a head, he looked around trying to orient himself. The beeping of machines, the sterile smell, and prone figure of his dying aunt before him brought him back to awareness. Grabbing her hand, he tried to shake off the anguished feelings that the now fading dream brought. He wasn’t sure what it was about anymore. The man, now just a blur in his mind, reminded him of loss, pain and anger.

It wasn’t important he decided. He had enough to deal with. His last living relative dying of cancer, dealing with the information she had told him just before they were attacked. He still wasn’t sure if he believed her or any of it. But it did bring on memories of the pretty blonde he saw earlier and how her face had transformed into something else completely. He was playing it off as his imagination but knew it wasn’t, not after the man that had attacked him and his aunt outside of his home had also transformed into something else, something he couldn’t explain.

A Grimm. That’s what his aunt had said he was, what she was. Someone that could see the true nature of some people, things no one else could see.  This isn’t a fairytale…You are one of the last Grimms. Shaking his head, he stopped thinking about it and focused on his aunt. The woman who raised him from the age of twelve after his parents died in a car crash. She said they were killed. By whom?

Footsteps caught his attention as a doctor walked into the room.

“Hello.” He greeted.

The woman smiled at him before turning to his aunts IV. She pulled out a filled syringe from her pocket and something about that didn’t feel right. He had the sudden feeling of danger and before she could stick it in the port, he grabbed her hand stopping her, a shock like static electricity sparked quickly. Now the feeling had changed to one of comfort and serenity. Strange, he thought.

“What is that?” he asked. She turned to him. Familiarity washed over him. “Do I know you?” he asked.

She looked at him in confusion and then at the needle in her hand and then at his aunt.

“Oh my God.” She gasped dropping the needle to the ground. “What am I doing?”

She backed away pulling her hand from his.

“I’m so sorry. This isn’t right. I shouldn’t… I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.” She stuttered out and then ran. Nick got up to follow after her to find out what was going on. He looked down both sides of the hall, but she was gone.

“Excuse me.” he stopped a passing orderly.

“Yes, how can I help you?” 

“Did you see where the doctor that was just in here went?”

“I don’t think so. What did they look like?”

“Pretty, blonde, thin. I didn’t get her name.”

“Sorry. I must have missed her.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Sure. Visiting hours are ending, just so you know.”

“Of course. Thanks again.”

“Sure. Have a good night, sir.”

“You too.”

They smiled and continued down the hall. With one last look down the hall he went back into his aunt’s room, placed a kiss on her head. He was about to leave when he remembered the syringe the doctor had dropped. Going around to the other side he picked it up and left. It was filled with something, but it didn’t look like medication, it was green and swirled in the barrel. He grabbed a glove from the wall and broke off the needle portion throwing in the waste container, then grabbed another and wrapped the rest in it. Pocketing it and leaving.

He parked the car behind Aunt Marie’s trailer in his drive. As tired as he was and as much as sleep was calling his name, he was too curious about what Aunt Marie said was in that trailer to actually rest.

The door creaked as he opened it. Stepping inside he shut it firmly behind him and looked around. He felt as if he had just stepped inside of a battle-ready station. Ancient looking weapons hung from the walls, stacks of books with faded spines and worn pages, documents with weird pictures and misshapen letters sat on a table that took up the center of the small room. A bed was off to one side, disheveled. It must be where Aunt Marie was sleeping. He walked towards a closet at the other end and opened it. His eyes widened at the weaponry inside. Axes, swords, crossbows, knives of all shapes and sizes. A small shelf with tiny bottles filled with who knows what in them. Picking one up he couldn’t make heads or tails of what it was or what it was supposed to be. The label on it was old and faded and he could just barely make out that it was in a different language, one he did not know.

His mind wasn’t able to process any of this right now. He decided that bed sounded better. He just wanted to hold Juliette, his long-time girlfriend, and sleep. Maybe tomorrow would bring about a better understanding. Exiting the trailer, he locked it back up and headed into the house. It was dark and quiet; Juliette must have gone to bed already.

His body agreed with the decision still feeling the aches and pains from the fight early and the stress of his aunt being in the hospital. He took a quick but hot shower, dressed and climbed into bed pulling Juliette into his arms. Again, there was a shock when he touched her, but this one didn’t bring about feelings of comfort and serenity. This one was different, and he couldn’t figure out what it was.

“Nick.” Juliette’s sleepy voice called.

“Yeah.” he sighed.

“How’s Marie?”

“She’s… okay for now. But I don’t know about the long run. Let’s get some sleep, I will tell you about it in the morning.”

“Okay.” She murmured drifting back off to sleep.

He tried to ignore the weird, unsettling feeling and closed his eyes, sinking into an uncomfortable sleep.

This dream was surreal. He didn’t know why but it warmed his heart. The same blonde woman he had seen in the hospital, the doctor. It was still in the hospital but instead of a lab coat she was in a hospital gown, in a room, holding a baby. Her smile was luminescent as she bounced him, staring at him as if he were her whole world.

Nick entered the room after having a muffled conversation with someone in the hall.

*****

“You, okay?” he asked her.

“Better now.” She sighed looking up at him. He stepped further into the room sighing.

“I wasn’t sure you’d want to be here… I don’t know. Maybe you don’t want to be here.” She rolled her eyes.

“But at least you are here.” She attempted to smile but it fell flat.

He looked at her, not saying a word.

He got the sense he was angry at her.

“Don’t hate me anymore, Nick.” She pleaded.

“For our son’s sake, we can’t be like we were.” She told him.

He felt shocked. Son. He had a son. With her?

“I don’t want to raise him by myself. And he’s as much of you as he is me.”

“I don’t know if that’s good on either side.” He told her.

“Well maybe he won’t be like either one of us.” She said with a self-deprecating smile.

“I know I can’t force you to be there for him.”

“I will be.” He promised her.

“Want to hold him?” she asked.

*****

Nick suddenly felt overwhelmed. He wanted to go to her, needed to go to his son. To hold him. But another part of him didn’t understand what was happening. Why he felt like his actions weren’t his own. It was a dream, he knew. but it didn’t feel like a dream. It felt real. It felt like something he had already done. He felt himself move toward them. Arms ready to take the baby. Want to hold him?

Nick shot up in bed, gasping for breath. He could feel the chill on his damp skin and shivered. Looking over he saw he had not wakened Juliette. Lying back down he scrubbed a hand over his face and turned on his side away from Juliette. It was just a dream. It may have felt different, but it was just a dream. Then why did he suddenly feel as if a big part of him was missing.

Want to hold him?

*GRIMM*

            Adalind left the hospital shaking. What did she just do or didn’t do. It was a simple task. Just inject her with the serum and leave. She could have gotten it done. She could have just said it was medicine to help with her cancer. She could have. But him grabbing her stopped her. Why? She could have just jabbed him with it before running. She had thought about it briefly but even that thought made her feel sick.

            She made it to her car after discarding the lab coat in a nearby trashcan. Her head was clouded, and her emotions were all over the place. This was supposed to secure her place by the side of the man she loved, or could love, maybe. She was to be his queen as soon as they secured the key, and he took the throne from his father. But now even that felt wrong. Suddenly she didn’t want that. She didn’t want to kill a woman she barely knew on orders from someone else, even if it was a Grimm. And why did she have to be the one to do it anyway. Why couldn’t he do it? It would have been easy for him as a police officer, the captain at that, to go in there under the guise of checking on the victim and done it easy peasy. Why did he want her to do it? Was it to prove to him that she was loyal to him?

            Shaking herself out of her ruminations she started her car and made the journey home. It wasn’t long, she had a flat in an upscale downtown neighborhood which was only about fifteen minutes from the hospital. But her mind still wondered to the Grimm sitting by the bed. She remembered seeing him earlier in the day outside of a jewelry store. She remembered woging in front of him and then the fear as she recognized him as a Grimm. She had never met one before. In her learnings she was taught that Grimm’s were the boogeyman, the monster under the bed. Their meant to kill any wesen for any or no reason. She never questioned it. She had heard enough stories growing up and read enough books to have a healthy fear of Grimms.

            Now, she wasn’t so sure. In the room, she didn’t fear him. When he grabbed her hand, it wasn’t fear she felt it was… longing. She felt at peace and happy for a split second and so much longing that her heartbeat stuttered. There may have been a bit of lust as well. He was cute, the hair didn’t fit him but still he was easy on the eyes.

            “Finding a Grimm attractive? Get it together Adalind.” She scolded herself as she pulled into the garage.

            With a sigh she exited her car and made her way to the elevator only to be startled by Sean Renard, her sort of boyfriend and the man who sent her to kill a woman already on deaths door, coming out of the shadows near it.

            “Jesus, you scared me.” she told him pressing a hand to her racing heart.

            “I’m sorry. That was not my intention.” He told her.

            “Well, it happened anyway. What can I do for you Sean?” she asked, her voice not holding the usual affection she had for him.

            “I’m just curious on how it went.”

            “It didn’t.” she said pressing the up button.

            “It didn’t. You didn’t inject her? Why?”

            “No, I didn’t. And that would be because of the Grimm by her bedside, he stopped me.”

            “You mean Nick? He was there?”

            Nick. That was his name. Why did her heart pound at hearing it? Shaking it off, she answered him.

            “Yes, he was there, sitting right beside her. He saw I was going to inject something and grabbed my hand stopping me and making me drop the needle. I ran after that.”

            “Damn, I was hoping he would have been gone by then.”

            “Who is he anyway?”

            “Nick Burkhardt. A detective in my unit and her nephew.”

            She snorted looking up at him.

            “He’s her nephew, she’s in the hospital and you didn’t think he would be there?”

            “Visiting hours should have been over by then. He wouldn’t have been able to stay.”

            “Except he’s a cop and her nephew and she was in there because she was attacked. Gives him a bit of leeway, don’t you think.” She snarked and was surprised at herself.

            “Fine, fine. So, we try again tomorrow.”

            “No, I’m done. You want her dead you kill her. I’m not going back there. Besides I dropped the needle, so I don’t even have the serum anymore.”

            “You dropped it and didn’t think to grab it before running out.”

“No, I didn’t. Being in the same room as not one but two Grimms, even if one is bedridden, I wasn’t thinking about picking up a needle full of poison before running out of there.”

“Adalind.” He sighed exasperatedly.

“Whatever Sean. I’m tired, I’m going up to my place and going to bed. You can do your own dirty work.” she said as the elevator dinged, and the door opened.

“Okay, wait. I’m sorry.” He said grabbing her arm as she stepped into the elevator. Another shock, but this one wasn’t the same. It felt wrong and for some reason she felt a surge of anger at him.

“Maybe that wasn’t the best plan, but we can come up with something else. I’ll come up with you, and we can talk it out and then I can help you relax a little, hmmm.” He grinned cockily.

Prince charming bastard, literally and figuratively, she thought.

“No thanks. I’m tired and I just want to go to bed… alone.” She told him when he opened his mouth. He looked taken aback and let her go. She pressed the button for the fourth floor while he stood staring.

“Goodnight Sean.” She said, giving a little wave, as the doors closed.

As soon as she opened the apartment door she groaned. She could smell her mother’s, Cathryn Schade, expensive perfume before she got to the living room.

“You’re back. Good. How did it go?” her mother smiled delightedly.

“It didn’t and I don’t want to talk about it, I just want to go to bed.”

“It didn’t. Why ever not.” Her mother asked hands planted on her hips, her lips in an angry line.

“Because it didn’t. Like I said I don’t want to talk about it. If you want a debriefing, go call Sean.” She told her, heading to her bedroom. Of course, her mother followed after her, already ranting.

“It was such a small task. How did you screw this up?”

“Enough mom. I’m going to bed you know how to let yourself out.” Adalind told her, kicking off her shoes and unzipping her skirt.

“Adalind you are such-.”

“Such a what?” Adalind whipped around to face her mother, her anger at Sean making her voice sharp. “A disappointment. You should be used to it by now. You have been telling me such since I was a kid.”

Her mother jerked back in shock. Adalind had never spoken to her quite like this before and she didn’t know where it was coming from.

“I am in no mood to be belittled by you right now. It’s been a rough night and I want to go to bed. If you still feel the need to cut me down tomorrow, then come back after I have had my coffee. Now I am going to bed. You know how to let yourself out. Good night.” she said with finality.

Her mother gaped at her trying to figure out what had just happened. Finally with a dignified straightening of her back she scoffed.

“Fine. I will leave but we will be speaking about this later.”

“Can’t wait.” Adalind answered sarcastically.

Her mother left and Adalind spelled the door so it would lock and then spelled it again so her mother couldn’t use a skeleton key to get in. dragging herself to the bathroom she ran through her usual routine and decided she was too tired to take a shower and it would have to wait until morning. She collapsed in bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The dream was just as surreal as Nick had experienced, feeling more real than fake but Adalind snuggled into her covers and smiled.

*****

Adalind walked up the stairs of the loft, fear clogging her throat. She knew he had to go but didn’t want him to. She was scared he would not return, and he would never know.

“Look I know you’re worried.” His voice said as he followed her into the bedroom.

“Yeah, I am.” She said with her back to him. Her eyes teared up.

“You’re probably right. It’s probably nothing.” He said from right behind her.

“What if I’m wrong?” she said turning to face him.

Adalind felt surprised as she came face to face with the Grimm from the hospital, the detective. he looked different. More rugged with shorter hair and stubble lining his jaw.

“What if what they buried is something evil, something they never wanted found, and for good reason?”

“Well then, they wouldn’t have made a map. They would have just destroyed it.”

“What if it couldn’t be destroyed?” she asked.

“Then they would have just buried it.”

She sighed heavily, closing her eyes.

“I know I can’t keep you from going. It’s something you have to do.”

Opening her eyes, she looked into his, her feelings bubbling to the surface, and she knew she couldn’t let him go without telling him.

“But I also know there’s a chance that you won’t come back.”

“Adalind--.”

Steeling herself she cut him off.

“And I can’t let you go without you knowing how I feel about you.”

Confusion crossed his face along with a certain awareness. Taking a chance, she stepped closer to him and leaned into him for a kiss. It had been over a week since she had kissed him before, and she missed the feel of his lips against hers.

Her fingers slowly worked the buttons of his shirt, opening them one by one, giving him the chance to stop her but praying he wouldn’t. He didn’t take the chance but instead stared at her, warring with himself it seemed.

“And I don’t care if this is a mistake… I love you.” she told him.

*****

Adalind was startled to hear herself say those words to the Grimm and even more startled to know she meant them from the bottom of her heart, she loved him.

She didn’t wait for a response just kissed him again. He took the initiative and took off his shirt while she took off hers. He kissed her again pulling her in close and wrapping strong arms around her. Falling onto the bed he really touched her for the first time in what felt like years to Adalind.

Adalind sat up ram rod straight in her bed, shaking. What was that? Why did it feel so real? And why could she taste him in her mouth, feel him on her lips? Why did her body suddenly ache to be with him? Her fingers traced her lips as she remembered the kiss, the passion, the need. Her heart hammered in her chest as she thought about the things she had said.

I don’t care if this is a mistake… I love you.

Chapter Text

            Stretching out still sore muscles, Nick cracked open one then the other eye. Sunlight. He wasn’t sure when exactly he fell back to sleep, his thoughts had been spinning from everything that had happened the previous night. but they always landed back on the blonde which eventually led to thinking about the dream, again. He was making too much out of it, he knew. It was just a stupid dream about a pretty girl, that’s all.             

He could hear the clinking of dishes and pans from downstairs and smell bacon frying and coffee brewing. He decided he better get a start on his day. It was bound to be a long one. He and his partner were working a case about a kidnapped little girl, and he didn’t want to delay, her life could depend on it. With one final stretch and a groan as his back cracked, he climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom, stopping to pick up Juliette’s discarded wet towel from the carpet. It was an annoying habit that she refused to break which left him cleaning up the mess.

He was still tired and contemplated not shaving today. He actually hated doing the activity on a daily basis. He didn’t mind a bit of stubble; it never bothered him. He only shaved because Juliette preferred it. Running a hand over the scruff he wondered if it would be worth her pouting at him for it.

“Screw it.” He sighed and grabbed the brush instead, running it through his hair. Another thing he did for her, kept his hair on the longer side of short. It might be time for a trim he thought as the locks fell back over his eyes. Teeth brushed, he dressed quickly then made his way downstairs just as she was setting two plates on the table and going back for the coffee.

“Morning. How are you feeling today?” she asked chipperly.

“Morning. I’m okay. Why?” he told her, taking a seat. She set a hot cup of black coffee in front of him and kissed his cheek, then scrunched her nose at the growth still there.

“Because you were tossing, turning and moaning a good part of the night.” she said, taking a seat herself.

“Oh, yeah just weird dreams.” He told her, taking a sip of his coffee, which was never quite prepared correctly for his taste. Where Juliette loved the sweet milky version of coffee, Nick preferred his with light cream and 1 sugar. No matter how many times he has said that she still prepares it too sweet and too creamy, not as much as hers but still more then he cared for.

“Oh, what about?” she asked.

“I don’t really remember. It was just weird, I think.” Nick lied, not wanting to explain about the dream or answer any questions on it, he had asked himself enough as it was.

“I hate those dreams. You wake up with vague images of it and a shaky feeling.” She said with a shiver. He nodded in agreement because that’s almost exactly what happened, only he did remember ever detail of this dream, down to the last word.

Want to hold him?

“You were going to tell me how Marie is doing.” Juliette reminded him. He sighed, a hand curling on top of the table as he chewed on a piece of bacon.

“She’s… not well. Turns out she has cancer, end stage. The doctors are giving her weeks at most but thinks a week tops before she is gone.” He explained.

“Oh Nick, I’m so sorry.” She said placing her hand on top of his, giving it a comforting squeeze.

            “Me too.” he answered with a tight smile, sliding his hand from under hers and picking up his coffee cup as the reason.

Scarfing down a few mouthfuls of food and chugging half his coffee he got up. “Sorry, I need to get going. Looking for a kidnapped little girl.”

He wasn’t sure why but ever since last night, he has felt uncomfortable around her. He was chalking it up to the stress of Marie being in the hospital and this current case. He had a soft spot for children and was extremely intense when it came to any case involving them.

“Oh no. I hope you guys catch a break.” She said, not thinking twice about it and going back to her breakfast.

“Me too. See you later.” He called heading for the door, grabbing his jacket on the way.

“Nick.” Juliette called rushing after him.

“Yeah.” he had one foot out the door and had the sudden urge to escape.

“No kiss goodbye?” She grinned at him.

“Oh, yeah. sorry.” He leaned in pressing his lips to hers. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! His mind screamed at him.

“Have a good day, love you.” She told him. Inwardly he cringed at the endearment and couldn’t bring himself to say it back.

“Yeah, you too.” he said giving her one last look before closing the door behind him.

Nick’s mind was a race of thoughts and emotions as he drove to work. He wasn’t sure which to focus on first or at all. He was disregarding the dream all together. Maybe it was just his brains way of saying he needed to man up and propose to Juliette now instead of pussyfooting around it, though that thought had him physically flinching at the idea. He was chalking the blonde up to her being one of the last people he saw last night and the fact that she was planning to inject his aunt with something. The way she suddenly changed her mind, apologized, and ran out of there made her suspicious.

Right now, his mind was swirling with thoughts of Grimms, trailers full of weapons and old books, and people that turn into creatures. He really needed to look at those books and he really needed to find a safer place for that trailer. If they were looking for it and his aunt, then they couldn’t know where it was. He would have to look into places that could house it inconspicuously.

The workday started off slow. No new cases and no emergencies, leaving Nick and his partner, Hank, to continue looking into their current case, which was top priority. Kid cases usually were. Nick’s focus had been understandably off, and he had been staring at the same report for at least 20 minutes unseeing.

“You’re kind of quiet this morning.” Hank noted.

“Yeah, long night.” he sighed, placing the report on his desk, and rubbing at his tired eyes.

“I heard. How’s your aunt doing?” Hank asked in all sincerity and concern.

“She has cancer. She told me just before we were attacked.” Nick told him.

“Oh man. I’m sorry. I know how close you two are. Is it treatable?” he came around and sat on the edge of Nick’s desk.

“No, she’s past that stage. She’s in end life stage now. They think she has weeks tops.”

“Damn, that sucks.” Hank said slapping a hand on Nick’s shoulder in sympathy. He startled when an electric shock hit him.

“Yeah, that’s been happening a lot lately. Maybe I need to change fabric softener or something.” Nick said in regard to the shock.

“Yeah… maybe.” Hank agreed, a weird feeling of déjà vu hitting him.

            “Anyway, she did drop another bombshell on me last night.”

            “Another? And what is that?” he asked with a raised brow.

            “Remember when I told you about my parents?”

“Yeah, they died in a car crash, right?”

“that’s what I thought as well, or that’s what I was told. Turns out they were murdered.”

Hank's head snapped back in shock.

“Get the fuck out of here. Seriously?”

“I shit you not.” He grimaced, shaking his head. it was still hard for him to fathom. At the time it happened he knew nothing about Grimms and Wesen, as he aunt referred to those that can turn into creatures. Now, knowing what he does, or at least hearing and seeing what he did he wasn’t sure if he was surprised at this piece of news.

“Did she say how or who or…”

“We didn’t get that far. It was in the hospital right before she seized. She’s been asleep since then. I’m going after work to visit her, maybe find out more.”

“You think you might want to look into it?”

“I’m not sure. I’m still processing everything right now.”

“I get that. Well let me know if you do, I’ll help. Hopefully, we find out the bastards are already dead.” Hank said, with another pat before returning to his own desk.

“Thanks. And yeah, I hope so but with my luck lately I doubt it.”

Both partners went back to their work and were fully engrossed searching for potential suspects in the kidnapping when he happened to glance up and saw his captain come into the bullpen and head straight to his office with passing nods at officers. Though he didn’t even glance at him, Nick had a strong feeling of distrust for some reason. He wasn’t sure why. He had never had an issue with his captain before. Sure, he found him to be a bit pretentious and arrogant but nothing Nick really had to deal with on a regular basis. So why the sudden feeling as if he needed to be on guard around him?

“Hey partner, I think I found something.” Hank said, rolling his chair around to Nick’s side. He was holding a statement from a neighbor of the missing girl’s family.

“What is it?”

“There’s a guy, name’s James Monroe, who made a statement about seeing the girl walking home from school. According to him she was skipping along down the street. Stopped to wave and then kept going like she normally does. He said that he went inside and was in the middle of repairing a clock when he heard a cut off shriek. He didn’t think anything of it at the time but now wonders if it was her.”

“Huh… well that’s interesting. Think we should go check it out?”

“Maybe. I mean he saw the girl so maybe he might have caught someone at least walking the same path or seen a car that might have been out of place. Couldn’t hurt to question him a bit more.”

“Okay, let’s do that.” Nick said, grabbing his jacket from off the back of his chair. Pulling it on he stuck his hands in his pockets and fingers wrapped around something square, fuzzy, and hard. Pulling it out he realized it was the ring that he had gotten just yesterday. His plan to propose to Juliette. Why did the idea of that make him feel cold and clammy?

Shaking his head, he pushed those thoughts aside. Maybe it was just with everything that happened yesterday and Aunt Marie’s warning to break things off with Juliette before something happens with his newfound Grimm that was making him feel this way. Or maybe it was just nerves, he thought putting it back in his pocket. He would hide it in his dresser when he got home until he figured out when to propose. Something else for him to think about later.

“Nick. Before you go, a word.” Reynard leaned out of his door to call, just as Nick and Hank were heading out to talk to the witness.

“Sure.” He said before telling Hank that he would meet him in the car and heading into the captain’s office.

“I just wanted to check in with you about your aunt.” Reynard started closing the door.

“What about her?” Nick tried to keep the suspicion out of his voice, even as his body tensed. He couldn’t figure out what it was about him or why now and not when he first transferred but he had a strong feeling that he could not be trusted, no further then as his superior at work.

“Well, how is she after the attack?”

“Not good actually. She has end stage cancer, she’s not expected to live long. Maybe a week.” Nick admitted. He didn’t see the harm in telling at least that much, especially since the concern seemed genuine. Seemed being the operative word. He wasn’t sure if it was or not. He always prided himself on being able to read people. But there was a feeling that he couldn’t explain that said that his captain was good at lies and evasion.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I had hoped for good news.”

“Me too.” Nick sighed.

“Listen, I know the attack is still under investigation but unfortunately I will have to remove the protection detail from your aunt.” He said then raised his hand against the protest Nick was preparing to give. “I know and I am sorry. I just can’t justify it to the higher ups and with us being understaffed, it’s not feasible. I can keep her under watch for at least another day but past that, it is out of my hands so to speak.”

Nick slumped in his seat feeling a headache coming on.

“I understand. Thank you for the allowance so far.”

“Of course. You were headed out?” Reynard asked, flipping open a file on his desk. Nick took that as a dismissal and stood.

“Yes, going to question a witness in that kidnaping case. We are hoping he saw something more than just her. It’s a long shot but we want to try.”

“Sounds good. Let me know if you get anything new.”

“Yes sir.” Nick said as he exited, closing the door behind him.

*GRIMM*

Adalind, dressed, prepped and ready for her day, stood at her kitchen island enjoying a cup of coffee. The dream, though it had rattled her, had also filled her with warm and fuzzy feelings. There was confusion as well. She had never had a dream like that, one that felt so real and that felt as if it was a memory more than anything. She had read enough in her spell books to know not to take it lightly and she planned to go through them after work to see what she could find.

In the meantime, she was flipping through a magazine and mentally relaxing, already knowing today would be brutal. She had a meeting with a client first thing this morning, a court case on the docket in the afternoon and two meetings with clients right after lunch, one of which would prove to be difficult as they were already demanding things that were not possible with their situation. Not to mention the mountain of paperwork she still had to go through that would likely cause her to work late. She was not looking forward to any of it even if it was her job. It was a good thing she decided to wear her power suit today, black formfitting pencil skirt and jacket, which was currently strewn across a chaise in the living room, with a blood red silk shirt underneath. Never mind what she was wearing underneath it. It was her don’t fuck with me suit and never failed to make her feel smart, powerful, and competent, not to mention sexy. Something that she didn’t feel a lot of the time thanks to her mother and in part Sean.

Speaking of, she could hear her door unlock and sighed. She had un-spelled her door when she woke up expecting a visit from her mother and not wanting to hear the extra nagging for that. She already knew she would hear about last night and just like last night she was in no mood. But she knew she couldn’t hold her off forever. It was always best to get it over with so she could go on with her day.

“Adalind.” Her mother called, her voice chipper as always in the beginning. It always gave a false sense of security to Adalind, like her mother actually enjoyed her daughters company and not that she had a hidden agenda. She was used to that tone so didn’t even bother looking up from her reading.

“In the kitchen.” She called to her, her voice as dry and bland as over cooked and under seasoned chicken.

“Ah, there you are.” Cathryn said as she floated into the kitchen area, grabbing a cup of her own and pouring herself some coffee.

“Please, help yourself.” She muttered.

“No need for the attitude. I just came over to chat, why not do that over a cup of coffee.” She said doctoring her beverage. Adalind inwardly cringed at the amount of cream her mother used. She didn’t understand the point of drinking coffee if you were just going to dilute it like that.

“And what would you like to chat about?” she asked, going back to her copy of The Advocate.

“Adalind.” Cathryn reprimanded. Sighing she looked up at her, placing her cup on the counter.

“What can I do for you mother?” she asked, pasting on a saccharine smile.

“You can start by telling me what exactly happened yesterday.” She responded, ignoring the derision.

“It’s like I told you last night, nothing. She wasn’t alone and I dropped the needle.” She answered, taking her cup to the sink, rinsing it, and placing it in the dishwasher.

“Sean mentioned that there was another Grimm there and he stopped you.”

“How long after you left here did you wait before calling him?” Adalind snorted as she strides out of the kitchen and into the living room to put on her shoes and jacket.

“I didn’t have to contact him at all. He was in the garage area when I left.”

She nodded, briefly wondering why he had stuck around after she basically dismissed him.

“He also said that you told him that you would no longer work for him.” Her mother said, hand on hip and stiletto nail tapping impatiently on the marble tile.

“Well, since I don’t actually work for him that’s an overstatement. But no, I will no longer be his puppet and don’t intend to help him in his quest for power.”

“It’s not puppetry. You’re dating a prince Adalind, why would you not want to help him become king?”

“Correction, I was dating a prince. If you could even call it that.” Adalind paused from straightening her collar and thought it over.

Could you even call it dating? In the beginning it was like a fairytale. Dates at fancy restaurants, unexpected drop-ins with wine and chocolate when she was having a bad day. Cuddling on the couch and talking about their day. But that all started to drop off once they slept together. The dates were far and few between and the drop-ins started to feel more like business transactions. There was still wine and candy and there was still sex, really good sex but most times she felt as if she needed to send him a bill for a consultation.

“Adalind, what is going on with you? Just yesterday you were gung-ho to help him finally gain the throne. What changed?” her mother sighed in exasperation.

“What changed, mother, is that I realized that I didn’t want to be a toy, weapon or whatever for him to use at his convenience. Despite what you both seem to think I am not an idiot and I refuse to be a pushover anymore. If I had succeeded, then it would be my life on the line not either of yours. Nick, the other Grimm- who we have no confirmation on whether he is or not, saw my face. He’s a detective, it’s his job to find criminals. Me injecting a defenseless woman in a hospital with some unknown to him substance that would have killed her, would make me a criminal.”

“They’re Grimms, it’s not the same.”

“They’re still humans. It’s absolutely the same. And we don’t know that Nick is a Grimm. We only know that his aunt is.” Adalind reminded her. She never mentioned to her mother or Sean that she had seen the Grimm in question earlier in the day and she knew for a fact that he was one. She would never reveal that.

“You’re looking at this the wrong way.” Cathryn insisted. “Who cares if Sean wants you to do these things? He does it because he trusts you to get the job done, without getting caught. And we may not know for sure if this Nick,” the disgust in her tone emphasized. “Is a Grimm or not. Doesn’t mean he couldn’t be, maybe he will after she dies. She probably thinks he will if she just arrived, knowing she was dying, to see him. She has given him the key.”

“How do you know she is dying?” Adalind asked with a tilt of her head.

“What? well Sean must have mentioned it or something.” she said waving it off.

“And how does he know? I mean she is in the hospital for the attack as far as anyone knows. I didn’t even know she was dying, until you just said it.”

“That’s not the point, Adalind. The point is we have to get that key.”

“Ugh, I am so sick of hearing about this key. What is so important about it? What does Sean need it for? Is it magical? a weapon? does it unlock some secret artifact that can destroy enemies? Why does he want it?” she asked, annoyance creeping into her voice.

“To get the throne.”

“Okay, we are just talking in circles now and I have to get to work. Are you staying or going?” She asked grabbing up her briefcase. Sighing Cathryn approached her, bracing her hands on both arms.

“Sweetheart,” she started. Adalind found it funny that she never really noticed before that every time her mother used that endearment that it sounded forced. Or maybe she just never acknowledged it before. She spent so much of her life just wanting her mother to love her for who she was that she happily accepted it and caved to her demands.

“You have to think of the bigger picture here. Getting that key will secure Sean’s place in the family and possibly get him the throne. Killing a Grimm, a monster whose only goal is to behead our kind, would definitely show the rest of the families that he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep us safe and keep the laws for Wesen.” Her mother said with a wistful smile on her face and a vicious gleam in her eyes. “As a hexenbeist you would finally have what we all desire. Be it as a queen or just an ally. We would finally have the luxuries we have worked so hard for.”

“Mother,” Adalind said, using the same sweet voice she had used. “Those are things you have worked for and want. I have no desire to be Sean’s or any man’s concubine for the rest of my life. I am perfectly happy using my intelligence to get the things I want.” She said breaking her mother’s hold and opening the door.

“Honey-.”

 “Nope, not happening mother. If you want all those things so badly and think Sean can get them for you, then have at it. I’m sure he will jump at the chance to bed you if it will get him what he wants.” She said, then studied her mother closely. She wasn’t as adapt at reading some people as Nick was, so she wasn’t 100% positive about this but still it niggled in her mind. “Unless you are already sleeping with him.”

Her mother huffed rolling her eyes, but Adalind caught the slight stiffening of her back as she did, she nodded.

“Of course you are. Why does that not surprise me? I want to say that I am hurt or angry about that. But honestly… I don’t think I care. You two are perfect for each other, so have fun with that. Now, again, I have to get to work and the option to stay is off the table. So, let’s go before I am late.”

Shaking her head, Cathryn put her cup in the sink and followed her daughter to the door that she had standing open.

“I’m not sure what has gotten into you lately but this newfound… morality is very disappointing. Give me a call when you come back to your senses.” She said exiting, head held high and the disapproval rolling off her in waves.

“I’ll be sure to do that.” Adalind muttered as she locked the door and spelled it again so that her mother or anyone else could not get through.

Chapter Text

                Adalind made it to her office with only a few minutes to spare to prep for her first meeting of the day. She hadn’t planned to, but she made a detour to her favorite little boutique coffee shop on the way in. She sipped at her chai latte, the usually two sweet beverage helping to ease the tension her earlier conversation with her mother brought on. Something about the warmth of spices in it settled her.

 Getting to her office she set down her briefcase and unbuttoned her jacket before taking her seat and gathering the documents she would need for her first meeting. She tried to shake her mother’s words from her head as she reviewed the paperwork, but she couldn’t. She could never seem to please the woman. Too pretty but not pretty enough. To intelligent but not cunning enough. Powerful but not powerful enough and she was never willing to go the extra mile to cut someone down to get what she wanted.

                Catherine wanted all the benefits but never the work it took to get them. Its where they clashed the most. Adalind didn’t mind working for the things she wanted. In fact, she thrived on it. Something about accomplishing a goal and reaping the rewards of it was exhilarating to her. But the one goal she always wanted to reach but could never grasp was her mother's acceptance. Catherine didn’t see the benefits of hard work and always looked for the easy way of things. If there was no man for her to sleep with or person to spell or bewitch to get what she wanted, then she took to bullying, manipulating and control someone into getting it for her, mainly her daughter.

Adalind’s childhood consisted of being groomed to be no more than a trophy wife or mistress for a man with deep pockets and possibly only months left to live. Catherine made sure her daughter had the finest clothes, ones that, as she grew, showed off her shapely figure, the shiniest of jewels because if you wanted to attract money you had to look like you came from money and that she went to the finest schools because no man wanted an idiot but don’t flaunt it either.

That last one seemed to have backfired on her though. Since Adalind used her opportunities given to her to gain knowledge and not wealth. Where her mother encouraged her to flirt with the business tycoon’s easily cajoled son and entice the mayor’s spoiled and rich nephew Adalind instead studied hard, hung mostly with the smart kids, and graduated at the top of her class with honors. Not to say she didn’t have fun with the boys in school, but it was never for the reasons her mother wanted her too.

Still, all she wanted, for even a moment in her life, was for her mother to feel proud of her for all her accomplishments. She wanted her mother to see her as more than a tool or weapon at her disposal. So, it saddened her greatly when she never received the praise, she so craved from her, not even when she was promoted 3 years in a row at her first and only job, and now she was a junior partner in one of the most powerful law firms, not only in Portland but in the Wesen community as well.

It took until yesterday for her to stop wanting that acknowledgement from her mother. She wasn’t sure what happened but on that drive home, it just clicked. She realized that she was tired of trying, tired of desiring something she knew she was never going to get. Not without giving in and being who her mother wanted her to be. She was finally ready to accept that she would just have to be proud of herself and that would have to be enough.

“Adalind, you’re 8:30 is here.” the receptionist buzzed in to say.

“Send them in, thank you.” she replied before standing and walking over to the door.

“Mr. Fengrer, how are you this morning?” Adalind greeted the elderly Pfichttreue. He was coming in to finalize his will and estate plans for his eventual departure. He was heading into his 80s and knew he did not have long for this world, having been sick for the last few months. He had made his money through investments and had a very healthy portfolio and a money-hungry family all clambering for it.

                “I’m doing as well as can be expected, my dear. Thank you for meeting with me today. I fear that soon I will be gone, and I want to make sure that my son and his twin can’t get their hands on my money. As ruthless as they are they would leave my sweet Cindy destitute.”  He said, speaking of his youngest daughter who he had late in life and was the product of his second wife who preceded him in death only a year ago.

                “It’s my pleasure. Please have a seat let’s finalize the details and I will make sure its iron clad.” She said closing the door.

                “Thank you.” he said sitting in front of her desk. Adalind fiddled with the camcorder she had set up for this meeting. Mr. Fengrer wanted his will not only in writing but on tape. Adalind thought it was a smart idea to have video evidence. She had met the man’s sons, and she was not a fan. She had a feeling that they would not take this well.

                The meeting lasted all of an hour, with the majority of the will already having been prepped weeks ago. Today was just to record the video, dot the I’s and cross the t’s, so to speak. Mr. Fengrer left with a smile on his aged face and a lot less tension in his shoulders, knowing that he accomplished what he had come to do.

                After he left Adalind finished up her part and packaged everything to send to the courthouse and have notarized and make everything official. She was just sealing the box when a knock sounded on her door.

                “Come in Richey, I’m just finishing. Make sure this goes to the right dept, please and make sure they expedite it.” she said, just as the door opened. The scent of Armani stilling her hands. She looked up as Sean Renard entered, closing the door behind him.

                “Hello Adalind.” He greeted with a charming smile, making himself comfortable on the loveseat in her office. She wanted to be surprised to see him, but she wasn’t. She had a feeling this was her mother’s doing.

                “Sean, what can I do for you?” she asked, folding her hands together on top of her desk. She kept a professional tone with him, not wanting him to think he still had a chance to get to her. his smile dimmed before brightening.

                “I thought that we should talk.”

                “What do we have to talk about?”

                “I spoke with Catherine this morning.”

                Losing professionalism, Adalind snorted relaxing back in her chair.

                “She didn’t waste any time running to you to tattle on me. Did she call you or were you in the garage again?” she asked, a small smirk on her face.

                ‘She’s just worried Adalind. She feels you have lost sight of what we are doing all this for.”

                “I’m sure she’s worried, but not about me. More like she’s worried about losing her chance to finally live like the queen she believes she is.”

                “Can you really blame her for wanting to finally have the things she wants. She has worked so hard-.”

                “Worked? My mother doesn’t work for anything. Unless you mean the work, she does to manipulate me into doing her bidding, no matter what danger it puts me in. Or maybe you mean her work in the bedroom. She is old, I’m sure she has a lot of tricks and moves at her disposal to keep a man like you satisfied.” She said, arching a perfectly manicured brow in his direction. At least he has the decency to look abashed, she thought, though she was sure it was just an act.

                “Look, I am sorry I let things go that far with her. I got caught up in… the moment. But we have broken things off. We both realized it was unfair to you to carry on in such a way. Especially with the way I feel about you.” he said, layering on the sweet and caring tone. Adalind huffed a laugh, her head tossed back.

                “Let’s be honest here Sean. The only feelings you have towards me is that of a puppeteer to a puppet, a ringmaster to an attraction. You liked having control over me, having me at your disposal willing to do whatever you wanted in order to keep your affection. Affection that I never really had but you want me to believe I do.” She stated in a no-nonsense tone.

Sean looked at her in surprise. He never really thought she would put that together. he had been sure he had her hook line and sinker and that this little rebellion of hers was a product of being face to face with the Grimm in the same room. He was sure that it had spooked her enough that she considered backing off. But he had been sure that all he needed to do was show up and feed her more promises, more half-truths to get back on her good side. he had been wrong.

“Let’s get one thing straight. I am not as stupid or naïve as you and my mother seem to think. I will admit that at first, I fell for your act of actually giving a damn about me. But I will not be your patsy anymore. You want someone who will follow you like a dog on a leash, find another girl, sleep with her, and make her all the promises you made to me. You’re a handsome man, I’m sure there are a line of women willing to do your bidding.” She shrugged.

                “I understand you may be a little hurt after finding out about me and Catherine, but-.”

                “I’m not hurt, a bit annoyed at myself for not seeing it sooner but not hurt at all. You both are free to see and sleep with whoever you want. I’m just no longer willing to play Lady Marion to your Robin Hood. You becoming king is no longer my priority or my problem. I wish you luck in doing so but you are barking up the wrong tree if you think I will continue to help you.”

                “Alright Adalind.” He said, standing and straightening his jacket. “If that’s the way you want it. But consider this. Helping me would be a hell of a lot better than whatever the Royals would do if they ever got their hands on that key. A Hexenbiest of your skill and power would not do well under there thumb.”

                Adalind considered him as he gave a parting smile before opening the door and leaving.

*GRIMM*

                Nick took one last look back as he and Hank left James Monroe’s, Monroe as he said he preferred to be called, house. It had been an odd experience all around. The static electricity made an appearance again which caused the older man to woge unintentionally. That in itself could have caused a problem but Nick subtly put his mind at ease. Introducing himself as a cop and just there to ask some questions on the missing girl.

                Monroe tensed on instinct, hundreds of years of history flooding his mind when he recognized him as a Grimm, but Nick’s words along with a feeling of familiarity that fill him, made him relax. It still didn’t stop him from keeping a wary eye on the Grimm, watching his every step. He wasn’t happy that a Grimm knew where he lived and even though his guard was up he still felt he wasn’t in any danger from the man. After serving everyone a cup of coffee he sat with the two detectives giving them the same information he had given the other officers but when asked if there had been anyone else close by that he noticed he thought for a minute and mentioned that it was only the postman that trailed behind her not to long after she has passed his home.

                For some reason, Nick had a gut instinct to look into that. A postman walking the street delivering mail shouldn’t have been at all suspicious, but Nick couldn’t shake the feeling that it was important all the same.

                Monroe stood in the doorway watching as the two detectives got into their car and drove off, only feeling comfortable closing and locking his door when they were far enough away that he could no longer see the car.

                “Was he acting strange to you?” Hank had asked as they drove away, turning onto another street.

                “Kind of. I didn’t get anything sinister or anything from him, I don’t think he’s involved. But he seemed to be a bit tense as well.” Nick didn’t mention that the man had changed into a wolf like creature of some kind. It was the third one he had seen, and he didn’t think he could play it off as stress or emotional distress, not like the previous night.

                “Yeah, he tensed up right after shaking hands.”

“I know. that static thing happened again. Maybe it threw him off guard or something. I don’t know.”

                “How often has that happened so far?”

                “Just four times so far. It started last night when I was at the hospital. A doctor had come in and I touched her hand and there it was. Then again last night when I went to bed while I was holding Juliette.”

                “Then me today and Monroe a few minutes ago. And you think it’s your fabric softener?”

                “I honestly don’t know but it’s getting annoying.” Nick sighed, scratching his eyebrow.

                “Has there been anything else strange going on that might explain it.”

                “What, like I’m the product of a mad scientist experimenting on me at some point in the last 24 hours? No, nothing.” Nick snorted. “Though, I do keep getting these strange feelings after it happens.”

                “What kind of strange feelings?”

                “It’s hard to explain, really. With the doctor it felt like I knew her from somewhere but that whole situation was already strange to begin with. With you and Monroe it just felt comforting… not really the right sentiment but I just felt like I could trust you implicitly.”

                “Hmmm… and Juliette?”

                “That I’m still trying to figure out.”

                “Not the same comforting, trusting feeling then.”

                “No. not at all. maybe it is just the stress of everything that has been happening. I’m not going to worry about it right now and just hope it dies down.”

                “Probably will but maybe keep an eye on it for a while, just in case. As cops we learn to trust our guts. If you’re feeling some kind of way about things then maybe don’t completely write it off.”

                “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll keep note of it at least. I’m still hoping it dies down but at the same time I don’t want to be caught off guard because I didn’t pay attention to signs and warnings.” Nick sighed.

                “What did you think about what Monroe said?” Hank asked switching topics. Nick appreciated that. he would do as he said but he still didn’t want to think about it right now.

                “I think we should look into the postman?” Nick said, tapping a finger against the window thinking it over.

                “The postman? Why?”

                “I don’t know. I just have this feeling.”

                “You and your feelings. They just rule you today, don’t they?” Hank chuckled shaking his head.

                “Seems like it.” Nick agreed with an easy grin.

                They drove the rest of the way back to the precinct in silence, both thinking about their own thing. Hank about more leads to look into for the missing girl and Nick his strange instincts that were taking over and the fact that all his aunt had told him seemed to be true. He vowed to himself to go through those books a bit tonight after work.

                The rest of the day was just as slow as they continued to go over the facts of the case, getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of information. By 3 pm Hank was ready to stop for the day and Nick took the opportunity to head to the hospital for a visit with his aunt. She still wasn’t awake, they were still keeping her sedated, so he really didn’t need to be there. it was disheartening to look at his aunt in that state, but he wasn’t ready to go home. Really, he wasn’t ready to face Juliette and his strange feelings all of a sudden.

                When visiting hours were over and he waved goodbye to the officer standing guard he could no longer put off going home. He took the longer route home still feeling that unease weigh on him. By the time he pulled up in front of his house he just thought to get it over with, go inside, give her a chaste kiss and head straight to bed with the excuse that work had been more stressful than usual. It wasn’t really a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either.

                His plans changed as he looked at the trailer still parked in his driveway. Instead of heading inside the house he headed for the trailer, going in and closing it tight, locking it behind him. he wasn’t sure where to start as he looked around, turning on the light. The bed still unmade from before. weapons hung as they had last night, really nothing had changed from yesterday to today except that Nick was a bit more alert to look at it. again, he opened drawers, and looked in cabinets. He picked up tiny bottles and tried, in vain, to read the labels before giving up on it all together. Finally, he took a seat at the small desk that was stacked with old, dilapidated books.

                He gingerly picked up one, surprised by the weight of it as he set it down in front of him. cracking it open to a random page, he ran his fingers over the page with a picture of what the name said was a Blutbad, it was similar to what he watched Monroe turn into. Flipping a couple of pages, he read up on the description of what a Blutbad was, feeling more amazed by what he was reading.

                He flipped a few more pages looking at other pictures and other descriptions, wondering exactly what language most of this book was in, until he stopped at a whole new picture and description. He froze, staring.

                “Hexenbiest, a witch-like creature that somewhat resembles a demon/goblin. They work at the behest of royalty. Identifiable from a dark birthmark under their tongues in both human and morphed forms.” Nick read quietly to himself. “Among the most powerful of wesen due to their many powerful abilities.”

                His mind went back to yesterday morning, in front of the jewelry shop when he saw the pretty blonde change forms. “hexenbeist,” he said again, tracing the drawing. He was completely sure this is what the blonde had changed into the previous morning. Just as he was sure that the ‘doctor’ in the hospital was the same blonde, which he also dreamed about last night.

                “This is seriously starting to creep me out.” he sighed to himself. The ring of his cellphone pulled his focus away from the picture and he answered already knowing what it was going to be about. Both he and Hank were on call tonight, so he was sure they had just caught a case.

                “Burkhardt.” He answered, already closing the book, and heading for the door.

                “Got a murder. Texting you the address now. 2 dead and 1 injured. Already called in Hank.”  Sgt. Wu said over the line.

                “On the way.” Nick told him, hanging up. he took one last look back before shutting off the lights and closing and locking the door.

Chapter Text

                Nick woke up the next morning, still fully dressed on the couch. He wasn’t sure what time he got home the night before, only that he was extremely tired and ready to drop. Checking the time, he saw that he had less than an hour to get ready for work. Sitting up, he shook off the fog and stretched before getting up and heading upstairs. He thought briefly of using the bath across from the guest room, but it made no sense to him since he would still need to go into his room to dress and shave.

He glanced into the bedroom, saw Juliette still sleeping and felt relieved as he quietly crept into the bathroom, gently closing the door behind him. He brushed his teeth then started the shower before undressing and getting in. for a moment he just stood under the hot water, thinking about the dream he had last night. This one didn’t involve the blonde but a tall lumberjack, Monroe. It was weird to dream of the man he had only met once but it had the same tinge as the other dream, surreal. It felt familiar and like a lost fond memory.

                The conversation came back to him, the only lingering part of the dream.

                “Ooh, what happened to you?” Nick asked, looking at his friend battered and bruised..

“Funny you should ask… You happened to me. Get in here.” Monroe says beckoning him inside. Nick passes him in the house surprised and confused about how this was his fault and what actually happened. “Shut the door will you?”

Nick does and follows Monroe into the kitchen. Monroe groans in pain.

“Who did this to you?”

“I don’t know.” Monroe says, shaking his head.

“I can track them down.”

“Look, I don’t know who these guys were, all right? All I know is if they wanted me dead, I would be dead. So… I can only imagine they were sending me some kind of message.” Monroe says and he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a drawing, tossing it on the table. “You ever see that before?” he asks.

Nick studies the drawing of a scythe.

“Yeah… Reapers.” Nick answers looking back at a beaten Monroe.

“You start messing with the status quo, there are some people who might not be exactly sanguine about that. And what I am doing with you is definitely messing with the status quo.”

Nick is suddenly filled with guilt and anger that his friend was beaten just for helping him. Nodding Nick is resolved.

“I’m not going to ask for any more of your help.” He assures him planning to leave and not return.

“Screw that.” Monroe calls to him. Nick turns back to him. Monroe goes to the fridge and pulls out two bottles.

“You ask me for all the help you need. I’ve never been much of a status quo kind of guy.” Monroe says setting one down and opening the other. “And next time… we’ll be ready for them.” 

Monroe tips his bottle to Nick, who hesitates minutely, studying the older man. Finally, he picks his up, chuckles softly and clinks his against Monroe, shaking his head that the man just may be a bit crazy.

                Nick smiled at the memory but also, for some reason, felt guilty. He would never want anyone to be hurt helping him. Especially if it wasn’t their job. He also wondered why he was dreaming, again, of someone he spoke to briefly. With the weird feelings and the odd dreams, he was starting to wonder if there was more going on. Was this Grimm related? He let it go, for now, and continued with his shower.

                Grabbing the shampoo he seriously considered cutting his hair, it was a hassle to deal with on a good day and today didn’t look like it was shaping up to be that. He didn’t hear the curtain but felt soft hands slide across his skin and fingers splay over his stomach. He started, turning his head to see Juliette smiling up at him. He gave her a perfunctory smile in return before turning to her. He had to get over this aversion to being around her. Even if its stress related he felt bad for his feelings and thoughts as of late.

                Pushing himself past his instincts to push her away he grabbed her face, kissing her soundly. His mind still screamed at him to stop but he ignored it as he backed her up against the shower wall. His hands slid down her wet skin as hers pulled him closer and got a firm grip on his ass. As his hands gripped the soft familiar curves of her body he tried to get himself in the mood. His mind conjured images of the previous times they had made love, trying to pull up the feelings of lust and desire he usually felt for her, the love he was always consumed with when they were together but to no avail. His body only minimally responded to having her naked form pressed against his. Even as he deepened the kiss gaining a whimper from her in return it wasn’t working. After minutes of trying he gave up, gently separating from her.

                “As enticing as this is, I’m going to be late if I don’t get dressed.” He told her, trying to soften the blow of rejection.

                “Oh, I should have come in sooner then.” She smiled.

“Maybe.” He chuckled as he turned and quickly finished washing before leaving her to take her own shower.

                He dressed just as fast as he grabbed his badge and gun and was out the door before she had even finished. Glancing at the trailer still in his drive he made a mental note to grab it on lunch to take to the storage facility he had found the day before to house it. With it being outside-based storage and 24 hours it was perfect for him to use so that he could go there whenever he needed, if needed.

                His hand reached into his jacket pocket and again met something soft and hard. The ring, he thought as he pulled it out. He knew it would be perfect for Juliette, she would love the flashiness of the ring with the gold banding and 3.5 karat square diamond. Pulling it out he twisted it around in his hand, watching the sparkle cast prisms on the roof of the truck. He would have to remember to hide it before she discovered it. Looking at the ring, he thought of the jewelry shop and the coffee shop right next door which led to thoughts of the blonde. Placing the ring back in his pocket he drove away. His mind conspiring against him as he found himself thinking about the blonde. She should not have this much space in his head, it was one possibly two encounters with her and both were brief.

                He pulled to a stop, sighing as he parked. Looking around he found that he wasn’t parked at the station but at that very coffee shop from two days ago. Groaning he closed his eyes, resting his head back. he had no clue how he had gotten there, driving on autopilot as his mind wondered. As he thought about just driving away, instead he pulled his key and opened the door. He did need coffee and since he was already going to be late, might as well grab one for his partner as well and maybe some pastries for the department.

                The smell of fresh baked bread and roasting coffee filled his nose at first entrance, followed closely by the enticing scent of perfume. Looking around the area he studied the patrons individually wondering who was wearing it when his eyes landed on shiny blonde hair, cascading over delicate shoulders, framing high cheekbones, blue eyes, and a beautiful smile. It was her. he never expected to see her again and found himself longing to talk to her. Not because of what happened at the hospital but because she has been haunting his dreams and mind since first encounter.

                Before he could look away she spotted him, her smile dropping and fear appearing in her eyes. Hoping to put her at ease he offered her a friendly smile and nod before turning away and approaching the counter. He ordered the coffee’s and enough pastries for everyone to have seconds, or possibly even thirds. As he waited for his order to be filled he stood off to the side and pulled out his phone. Mostly to keep himself from staring at her but also to let his partner know he was running late but was on his way. he felt the presence before he saw them, but that same perfume filled the air around him telling him exactly who it was.

                “Excuse me.” a nervous female said softly. He looked up and smiled, putting his phone away.

                “Yes, how can I help you?” he asked politely. He caught the small tick in her hands as she clasped them in front of herself, looking up at him. he could tell she was nervous to even approach him, and he had the strongest urge to pull her into his arms and comfort her.

                “Hi, I uh… this is more nerve wracking then I thought it would be.” She murmured, pressing fingers into her forehead, and biting her bottom lip. Nick followed the movement, and the longing grew. “You’re Nick Burkhardt, right?”

                He nodded and his hand jerked in her direction.

                “You don’t know me, which is odd since we have run into each other a couple of times now. My name is Adalind Schade. God, why did I just tell a Grimm my name.” she sighed. Nick could no longer fight the instinct any more and placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her nerves. The electricity didn’t make another appearance, but a warmth spread through him and lingered. She relaxed under his touch, and he wondered if she felt it as well.

                “Regardless of my status as  Grimm, which I am still wrapping my head around. I am just a guy who happens to be running late for work but refuse to go without coffee. So, take your time and breathe. What can I do for you Ms. Schade?”

                “Adalind, please detective.” She said. he was surprised she knew he was a detective until he realized his badge was on full display on his belt.

                “Then please call me Nick.”

                “Nick. Look, I just want to apologize to you. When you saw me the other night at the hospital… I wasn’t really thinking about what I was doing or what I was going to do. I was just… I got some bad advice from someone I thought cared about me and I acted without really thinking.” She said, shaking her head. “I want you to know I don’t usually go around doing things like that. But I was acting out of fear and influenced to do something that I would have regretted I’m sure. And you being a Grimm, the things we, those of us in the community, have heard about Grimms-.”

                “Adalind. I’m not sure exactly what happened in the hospital, or what was supposed to happen, but since nothing actually did let’s just forget it. As long as you aren’t planning to go through with whatever it was.” He said and she furiously shook her head.

                “No, after I left there I did some thinking about everything that led to that moment, and I have no plans to listen to that person any longer. I’m just really sorry that it took until that moment for me to realize what I let myself get involved in.”

                “I would love to hear about what exactly you got involved in that led you there that night and who the person you trusted was.” He said just as his name was being called for his order.

                “Adalind, come on. we have to go.” a woman that had been sitting with her called from the door. Adalind nodded to her and held up a finger.

                “But it seems we are both being summoned.” He chuckled, finally removing his hand, and missing the contact instantly. “Let’s just put this behind us and if in the future we cross paths again, we can start new. Okay?” Nick said. Adalind breathed a sigh of relief.

                “Thank you. I would tell you that I will explain it to you the next time I see you, but since you are a homicide detective, I’m hoping we don’t actually have to cross paths again.” She laughed. He raised a brow at her wondering how she knew he was in homicide. But neither of them had time for further conversations as the barista called his name again and her friend beckoned her.

                “Have a good day Adalind.” He told her.

                “You as well Nick. Stay safe.” She told him. he nodded at her wave of goodbye before collecting his order. By the time he got outside she was gone, and he was 30 minutes late.

*GRIMM*

                “So,” Adalind’s coworker and good friend Michelle said, stepping into her office later in the morning and taking a seat on her sofa. “Who was the hottie you were talking to at the café this morning?” she smirked salaciously at her. Adalind grinned in response.

                “Cool your jets, he’s just a detective in Sean’s department.”

“A cop, huh? Well, he can feel free to arrest me any day.” She said licking her lips. Adalind laughed.

“Before you get too excited, you should know he’s also a Grimm.” Adalind told her. Michelle’s brows went up at that bit of news.

“Seriously? A Grimm? In Portland? And he’s a cop? I feel like there should be a law against that kind of thing. Wait, you said he was in Sean Reynard’s department, meaning he’s his boss. How is that working out? Does he know?”

“Yes, he knows. He’s actually the reason I met him in the first place, well the second time. the first time I saw him was accidental. He was getting in a car when I was coming out of the café.”

“Okay, so how is Sean responsible for the next time you saw him?”

Adalind, feeling the need to confide in someone, got up to close her door then took a seat on the couch with her.

“So, Sean found out that a Grimm was in town, and found out that that Grimm was related to Nick, the hottie with the badge. He got it in his head that she was a threat, so he sent me to… take care of her. turns out the woman has cancer and was dying but Sean wanted her gone as soon as possible. But when I got there, Nick was sitting by her bedside. And… I don’t know. something just clicked in my head, and I couldn’t do it. so, I ran. I didn’t find out until later that night that he was a cop. Sean didn’t share that bit of information with me before sending me to murder a bedridden woman.”

“Well shit. I hate to say it, but your boyfriend is a fool. No offence.”

“None taken, and he’s not my boyfriend, not any longer. Not sure if he ever was, actually.”

“Oh, did you finally wise up and dump him?”

“Not really. I just told him that I was no longer going to be his puppet and if he were looking for someone he could manipulate into doing his bidding then he needed to look elsewhere. Its not like he didn’t have other’s to choose from.” Adalind told her shrugging. It was still odd to her that after spending so much time trying to earn and keep his affections she was not bothered by the thought of him bedding other women.

“Wait, was he cheating on you?”

“Yes, I’m sure he had more then one on the side, or maybe I was the one on the side. I mean he was sleeping with my mother so.”

“Hold it, your mother? He was really sleeping with your mother?”

“Yep, not sure how long its been going on. I just found out about it recently. But I’m honestly not bothered by it. I mean the thought of it really squeaks me out but other then the fact that we both know how good he is in bed, I’m not really bothered. She can have him, and he can have her.” Adalind shrugged, waving off the concerned look in Michelle’s eyes.

“Oh my God, I have no words for that. just the thought… ugh.” Michelle gave a disgusted shiver.

“I know, but off of that.”

“Yes, let’s get back to the hot Grimm with a badge.”

“You are relentless.” Adalind laughed.

“Hey, a girl can dream can’t she?”

“Yeah… she can.” Adalind answered wistfully, remembering the dream she had just last night.

“Nick, is that you?” She asked from the bathroom, though the voice sounded different. a little higher and perkier then normal. Looking in the mirror, She didn’t recognize the woman staring back at her. long dark hair, cute little button nose and pouty lips, sultry green eyes. She didn’t know this woman in the least, but it felt like she should.

“Yeah.” the familiar male voice answered back.

“You had me worried. I thought you were going to be late.” She called back turning away from the mirror. Cool air brushed against her skin, and she noticed she was wearing next to nothing, a silky skin tight nighty covering her form.

“No, we’ve got plenty of time.”

Opening the door, she leaned against the frame taking in the detective. He looked a bit different from before. his hair was shorter, and the stubble suited him very well.

“Whoa.” Nick said as he turned around and faced her. His eyes clouded with lust as he drank her in from head to toe.

“Whoa what?” Adalind asked. Her movements felt deliberate and almost stiff as if she were forcing herself to walk towards him.

“Whoa, you wearing that to the wedding?” he asked as she stepped into his arms. His fingers and palms left a burning path across her back and hips.

“Unless somebody takes it off me first.” she teased.

“Really?” he asked with a smirk. The sexy smile and the firm grip of his hands on her body was ramping up her lust as well and she clung to him, pressing as close as humanly possible to him.

“Yeah. This whole wedding thing has kind of put me in a romantic mood.” She murmured as she leaned up for a kiss.

“I support that.”

“You do, do you?” more kissing, the feel of his lips pressed against hers, his tongue demanding entrance as he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. He pulled away and kissed a path down her neck, his hands slowly lifting the scrap of silk up over her hips.

“I wish our friends would get married more often.” He said, slipping the negligee off and tossing it on the floor.

“Adalind, hey Adalind. Where’d you go?” Michelle said, breaking into Adalind’s day dream. She blinked and stared back at her friend.

“Sorry, lost in thought for a minute there.”

“About what, pray tell. Could this thought have anything to do with the Grimm?”

“You are way too stuck on that.” she sighed, getting up and going back to her desk. She had no plans to mention either the feelings she’s been having in regard to Nick nor the dreams. She still had yet to look through her books to see if there was anything in there that could explain it all. And until she had a solid answer on if it meant anything or not she was keeping all of that to herself.

“Like I said, a girl can dream. But honestly its kind of freaking me out that you even know one.”

“I don’t know him, not really. I just know of him. besides running into him a few times I know nothing about the man.”

“So, what were you talking about today then?”

“I was just apologizing to him about the whole hospital incident. I didn’t want any bad will between us. The last thing I want is to end up on a Grimm’s hit list.” She told her.

“And you trust that he won’t still come after you? Grimms aren’t known to be forgiving, especially of our kind.”

Adalind thought about that for a minute. As she told her she knew nothing about Nick besides him being a cop and a Grimm. She had no way of knowing if she could trust that all was forgiven between them. But she had a feeling, a gut feeling, and she was going with it.

“I do. Call me stupid or naïve, but there’s just something about him.” Adalind said, smiling softly. Her mind fluttering over their encounter this morning along with the dreams she has had. “He’s different.”

Chapter Text

                The pastries went over well when Nick finally made it to the station. He even went back and got an extra coffee and a specific pastry for his captain to soften the blow of his being late. He personally delivered it to him with a smile and a polite ‘you’re welcome’ when thanked. He still had a niggling feeling that he couldn’t trust the man, but he tried not to let it show too much when he was in the vicinity.

                The morning went by quickly with phone calls and one call out they attended to but most of their focus was on the girl that was missing. When lunch time came around Nick did as he said and went back home to grab the trailer. He made sure the locks were secure before transporting it to the storage facility. He splurged on a stall that had a fingerprint scanner as a lock so that no one could access it without him being there but made sure to have a backup code for it just in case. Again, his instincts were screaming at him to do it.

                On his way back to work, after stopping at a fast-food place to grab a quick bite his phone rang. He glanced at it quickly from where it was hanging on the dashboard hook to see that it was Juliette calling. Grimacing he debated on whether to answer or not then internally smacked himself at the hesitation. These feelings were getting old quickly and he was determined to push past them until things went back to normal. Hitting connect he put on the happiest voice he could.

                “Hey. Are you off already?” He greeted.

                “Not yet. But I will be soon. I was just checking on you. You’ve seemed off the last few days.” She responded.

                “Yeah, it’s just this case. It’s getting to me.”

                “The kidnapping case?”

                “Yeah, that’s the one. We have yet to get a lead on this girl and I’m worried we will be too late.”

                “I’m sorry Nick. I’m sure you will catch a break soon and find her.” She said, the concern evident in her voice.

                “I hope so.” Nick sighed.

                “Listen, I was thinking. What if I make us a candle lit dinner tonight? You know help to take your mind off things for a while. We can finish what we started this morning.”

                “Uh…” he hesitated. He thought for a second to make an excuse, working late or something like that but reminded himself he was ignoring the strangeness he had been experiencing. “Actually, that sounds good. I’ll be home around 6, after I visit Marie.”

                “That works. I’ll make your favorite dish and pick up a bottle of wine and we can just relax tonight.” She said and he could hear the smile in her voice.

                “That sounds perfect. Maybe wear that little blue thing you know I love on you.” He teased. She giggled in return.

                “To dinner?”

                “Well, it’s customary to have dessert right after dinner.” He told her salaciously.

                “Hmm… I see you are in a rare mood. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” She said. The chime of an incoming call interrupted their conversation. He saw that it was Hank and was immediately on alert.

                “Juliette, I have to go. Hanks calling.”

                “Okay, see you at home later. Love you.”

                “Yeah, love you too.” He choked out before hanging up and connecting with Hank. “Hey, I’m on my way back. What you got?”

                “Hey, I think we might have something. That postman you were so adamant to check out. It looks like he’s also on the same route as the college girl that went missing along with another girl that disappeared in the last few days. Esposito is running that investigation. But get this, when we compared notes all three girls were last seen sporting red jackets of some kind and in all three cases someone mentioned the postman watching them closely.”

                “Huh, interesting. I guess I know where we are heading.”

                “Yep. I’m texting the address now. I’ll meet you there.” Hank said before disconnecting. Nick sped up hoping that this would be the lead they needed and that they weren’t too late to find her.

                Nick parked in front of the house at a quarter to 6. He was tired but also less stressed. The day came with highs and lows, as did most of his days, but this one felt like it was more so. They found the missing girl. She was in the basement of the postman they had gone to question. That was the high of his day. However, the low happened when Nick went to visit his aunt in the hospital. Another reaper had come for her. Nick was barely able to fight him off, receiving a slice to the arm for his troubles. Security was quick to help subdue him, and the cops were quick to arrive to arrest him as Nick was checked out by a doctor to make sure that the wound wasn’t too deep, it wasn’t.

Between the rescue and the attempted murder, Nick completely forgot about the dinner plans he had with Juliette. But now that he has closed the case causing him the most stress, he felt he needed to make up for his attitude as of late, to her. Besides, he didn’t think he would have the same problem he did this morning. Be it the adrenaline rush from the knife fight or the euphoric high of saving a child, he felt amped up and just the thought of sex was rousing a certain part of his body.

After a few moments he exited the car and jogged up to the door.

“Nick, is that you?” Juliette called from the kitchen.

“Yeah, it's me. I’m going to go get cleaned up, I have… work on me. I’ll be back down in a few.”

“Sure. Dinner is just finishing. I’ll get it on the table.”

“Okay.” he said before taking the steps two at a time upstairs. Taking the time to put away his weapon and badge, he stripped out of his jacket, remembering the ring still in the pocket. He pulled it out before tossing the jacket on a nearby chair.

“Nick?” Juliette called from downstairs.

“Coming, just a minute.” He said as he fumbled to close the little black box and hid it in his sock drawer inside a pair of ugly maroon ones that someone got him for a Christmas gift one year.

Heading to the bathroom he took a quick shower and dressed in a pair of track pants and a t-shirt. He padded back downstairs on bare feet just in time to see Juliette set two plates on the table, but it was her outfit that made him pause.

“Whoa. Well, this isn’t the little blue number I requested, but it might just be better.” He told her as he took her in. her hair was put up in some intricate do that left whisps around her face and she was clad in a see-through black lace number with matching bra and panties underneath.

“You like? The blue one was in the laundry, and I remembered I bought this one recently.” She said as Nick wrapped her up in his arms, his hands roaming over every curve. “I figured that it would do the same job as the blue one.”

“It's definitely doing something.” he grinned. She smiled wrapping her hands around the back of his head as he leaned in for a kiss. his body responded despite the warning bells ringing in his head. “As good as you look and as much as I would really enjoy skipping dinner and going straight for dessert, I’m starving and… I think we are both going to need our energy for tonight.” He promised her with another searing kiss. she giggled as she let him go and they both sat to eat.

“So how was your day?” he asked as he took a sip of wine before starting on his bolognaise. Usually, it was his favorite and her sauce was pretty good, but he could tell she used store bought pasta and it wasn’t his favorite. He was pretty good at making pasta, a skill his mother had taught him before she passed. he was nitpicking and he knew it. The effort was there, and he couldn’t fault her for using it.

“Same old, same old. Sick dog here, sick cat there. Nothing out of the ordinary. You? how was the rest of your day? Oh, and I noticed the trailer is missing.”

“Yeah, I moved it to a storage place, just to get it out of the way.”

“Okay, and how is Marie? Any improvement?”

“Not really no. She was awake for a while, and we talked but prognosis is still the same. Right now, they are just keeping her comfortable.” He told her, feeling the sadness and pain of his last living relative leaving him.

“That’s so sad. I’m so sorry she has to go through this but it’s a relief, I guess, that she’s as comfortable as they can make her. Did you want help with starting preparations?” she asked. She was being practical, and he knew it. there was no cure and no hope that she would bounce back but he still didn’t want to think about the inevitable.

“Uh, no she actually already has everything set up for when the time comes. Just have to give the funeral home a call when it happens.”

She reached over and took his free hand giving it a squeeze. He turned his over and gripped hers tightly, enjoying the brief moment of comfort she offered. He picked up the hand and placed a kiss on the back of it before going back to eating.

“So, what happened with the phone call from Hank?” she asked, switching topics.

“Oh, we caught the kidnapper.” He told her excitedly.

“You did? That’s fantastic. How did that happen? Did you find the girl?”

“It's funny actually. It was the mailman that took her. We went to his house just to question him. we barely got a greeting out when he just kind of flipped out. Started spouting random nonsense. He actually sounded like a gangster from the roaring 20s.” Nick chuckled as he remembered the guy shoving him and saying, ‘you’ll never take her alive.’ “Then charged at Hank. We tried to calm him down and get him to stop, but he was dead set on violence or escape. Can’t really be sure. But Hank ended up firing. He’s still alive, just injured. Anyway, turns out he had a room underneath his house, and we had to look for the door, it was hidden under a rug. It was the creepiest thing, the whole basement was set up as if for a little girl, pink accessories, and dolls, the whole nine yards. Makes me ill to think of how many little girls he had kept down there before.”

“What do you think he was planning to do?” she asked.

“I’m not really sure. I mean, the little girl was the first we found alive. I really don’t want to think about it though. Two other detectives are taking over the interrogation. I’ll check the report in a couple of days to see. But I’m honestly not sure I even want to know.” He left out the part about the man woging, not sure if he was ready or even if he wanted to share that with her. He was pretty sure that the man was a blutbad, the equivalent to the big bad wolf in the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood. It would explain him targeting girls with red jackets.

“Wow, that’s crazy. But she was okay, right?”

“Yeah, scared and probably traumatized but physically she was fine. It was weird though; he had the whole basement set up for a little girl as if she actually lived there and he hadn’t just grabbed her off the street. But we got her back to her parents unharmed.”

“That’s great Nick. See I knew you would catch a break in the case. I’m happy everything worked out.”

“Me too. I’m glad that’s over. Maybe now I can relax a bit before the next big bad comes through.” He told her.

“Well,” she said, setting down her fork and getting up. Knowing what she was going to do he scooted back and waited for her to settle on his lap. “I think I can help with that.”

“Is it time for dessert already?” he grinned, his hand stroking the skin of her thigh, going higher and higher.

“I think you deserve a treat after today.” she said placing a light kiss on his lips. He reciprocated but grabbed hold of her head to keep her there, plunging his tongue into her mouth, licking every crevice. His fingers danced lightly over her apex. She whimpered against his lips before breaking away. “Let’s clean up and then I think burning some of the calories we just consumed is in order.”

She hopped up grabbing both plates to clean. He drained his glass, blew out the candles and then took the rest of the glassware and dishes into the kitchen. After packing away the leftovers and putting everything away he crept up behind Juliette, again his hands finding bare skin. His groin pressed right against her ass as his hands splayed over her breasts. Her head came back against his shoulder as he placed a kiss on her neck.

Finally, his body was responding as it should to being in contact with her. quickly he turned her around and set her on the counter. Lips found each other as he pressed into her, her legs wound around his waist. His hands immediately went to the scrap of lace, gently tugging at it and pulling it up over her head, tossing it behind him. His mouth made a path down her chest and over each silk clad breast. His tongue licking at the fabric and his teeth gently nibbling at peaked nipples.

“Nick, we should…” she groaned as his fingers found their way into her panties and started to stroke her languidly. “g-g-go to the… to the bedroom.” She panted, her hands gripping his hair.

“there’s a perfectly good counter right here.” he said as he continued to kiss down her body. She gasped as the heat of his breath brushed against her sensitive area. She gripped tighter and yanked at him when he kissed the spot.

“we are not having sex in the kitchen, its unsanitary and we have to eat here.” she told him firmly, even as lust clouded her eyes and her skin flushed.

Nick pushed back the urge to roll his eyes and stood up, picking her up and rushing up the stairs. He set her down just inside the doorway to their room. She slipped off the rest of her clothes and settled on the bed. Nick made quick work of his own as he stalked closer.

“I want my dessert.” He growled. She smirked, lifting a finger to beckon him.

“Come and get it.” she taunted.

He dove onto the bed, straight between her legs, finishing what he started in the kitchen. Kissing and sucking on the skin of one thigh then the other he ignored the essence of her as he lavished her skin. The sounds she was making in response was driving him crazy and he finally put them both out of their misery, his mouth making contact with her center.

“Gah, Nick.” Juliette gasped, fingers in his hair as he devoured her. he looked up at her to see her eyes closed and her lips parted in pleasure. He closed his own eyes relishing in the action. When he opened them again, he jerked to a stop. Instead of seeing Juliette, the woman above him was someone else now. Hooded blue eyes staring at him as a small tongue licked at shiny pink plump lips and blonde strands starting to stick to flushed face, her peaches and cream complexion looking dewy. “What’s wrong?” she panted. He closed his eyes again, shaking his head to clear it then opened them again, Juliette.

He gave one more kiss to the area before moving back up her body and settling over her. he made sure not to kiss her as she hated when he did that after he would finish devouring her. Instead, he reached for the nightstand for a condom, but she stopped him.

“I renewed my prescription.” She told him, indicating her birth control was up to date. He grinned as he buried his face in her neck, gripped her hips and connected them.

 As good as it felt and as much as he loved being surrounded like this, he didn’t feel the same sense of coming home that he usually did with her. it was scratching an itch, but it felt like nothing more. He almost deflated at the thought. But her cry of ecstasy fueled him on. he wrapped himself completely around her, moans and whimpers meeting his ears as he groaned with every stroke.

Eyes closed, he nipped at her collar and breast, taking a peak into his mouth to suck before switching to the other. From one minute to the next his mind went from blank, taking pleasure in the moment, to a vision of blue eyes staring into his, bottom lip between teeth and cries of want and need being emitted. The image spurred him on, and his moves became deeper, harder, each stroke becoming more powerful.

“Yes, Nick. God yes.” She panted, nails against his back.

“Ad-… oh God Juliette.” He groaned, correcting himself.

Trying to dispel the image he flipped them over, so she was on top. He had a firm grip on her hips as he watched her ride him, head tossed back, showing the long column of her neck. His mood was waning after the interruption in his thoughts, and he met her stroke for stroke, trying hard to keep his mind on Juliette. He was mostly successful, only slipping up a couple more times. By the time they were done he was satisfied if not feeling guilty about the whole experience and Juliette was spent, falling against his chest, breaths heaving.

He gently pulled free from her before rolling her back over on the bed and getting up. taking a trip to the bathroom he cleaned up before going back to clean her as well. hitting the light on his way out he pulled the sheets free from the bed to cover them both before pulling her into his arms. She was already half asleep by the time he turned off the lamp and he cuddled in behind her. Except sleep didn’t come as easily as it should have because now, he was worrying about the sudden obsession with Adalind.

*GRIMM*

While Nick was enjoying a passionate night with his girlfriend, Adalind was sitting at home bored and now horny since she couldn’t get that dream out of her mind. The feel of his hands on her skin, the way his lips dominated hers, the look of pure desire in his eyes. In actuality she knew that all of that was for the brunette she had been in the dream, but she couldn’t help but revel in it anyway. The love making had been slow and romantic… and incredible but she couldn’t help but wish it had been more. She loved the sweet romantic stuff, but she had an urge to be completely dominated by him, for him to take control of every aspect of it.

She squirmed as she sat on her couch. She was supposed to be reading, just something light to occupy her mind before bed, but her mind wasn’t on Diana Bishop or Matthew Clairmont even though she has been dying to read it since it came out. closing the book, she turned off the lights and headed for bed. There was nothing wrong with going to bed early to get a good night's sleep, even if it was only 8:30.

She slipped under the covers after her shower and tried to will sleep but it was to no avail. She tossed and turned and then threw off the covers as her skin was starting to feel overheated. She could have sworn she heard the beginning of her name in a whisper in the air and it did nothing to quell her growing desire. She felt slickness gather between her legs as she rubbed them together suddenly needing some friction. She conjured up the dream again, but it was her in the nighty and not the brunette. Her own hands found purchase against her breast before slipping down into her sleep shorts. It only took one visual of a shirtless Nick for her whole body to catch fire with need.

“Are you being a bad girl, Adalind?” A deep, dark, full of gravel, voice said close to her ear.

She opened her eyes to see Nick hovering over her, staring at where her hands were touching herself.

“Nick?”

“You are being a bad girl. Tsk, tsk. That’s a criminal offense. I might have to punish you.” he purred, and he removed her hand, sucking on each finger until they were clean.

“Wh-what are you doing here? how did you get in here?” she asked. Nick settled his weight on top of her, forcing her legs to part to accommodate him. She could feel the heat from his skin seep into her and feel the press of something long, thick, and hard against her aching core.

“You ask too many questions. No more talking. Just enjoy this.” He said, his lips whisper close to hers. He ground himself against her and she arched up against him. her hands landing on and gripping his shoulders.

Nick yanked at her top, popping buttons as he went. His teeth found a hardened nipple and bit down. “I’ve been dying to get my hands on you since the first moment I saw you. Needing to know what you feel like, how you look while I’m deep inside you. I want to hear every moan, every whimper. I want you to cry out my name.” he growled as he tugged at her shorts, shoving them down her legs. She helped by kicking them completely off when they were low enough.

“Nick.” She sighed, rubbing against him.

“Don’t hold back, I want it all.”

“I won’t. Just… I need you inside me, now.” she begged.

“You need to know… once I have you, I will not let you go. Do you understand?” he asked her seriously. She was already nodding before he could finish. Being his felt right, felt familiar and she had no objections to it.

“Yes, Nick please.”

His lips crashed against hers as he lifted her leg, setting it on the crook of his arm before pushing inside of her. she tore her mouth from his and cried out. he moaned as he licked at the seem of her lips, pulling part way out and thrusting in hard.

“Hold on baby, it’s going to be a long night.” he whispered to her before completely ravishing her. she held on for dear life as his strokes hit just the right spot and sparked something deep inside of her. They seemed to share the same breath as his forehead pressed against hers, his mouth only inches away from hers. He gave one command, one that she was trying hard to follow, “Do not close your eyes. Do you hear me? You keep those pretty blues on me.”

“Ah.” She arched into him as he found that magic button inside her. she gasped and nodded. Hot wet kisses interspersed with moans and grunts. Skin slickened with sweat as they came together over and over again. She was so close; she could feel it. She wanted to chase that feeling, tackle it and force it to consume her, but it came to a screeching halt when Nick pulled away. Before she could complain, he flipped her over and gripped her hips, and in one fluid motion he was making her grip the sheets and beg for more.

“Ah, Nick.”

He pulled her up so that her back was flush against his chest, arms wrapped around her waist and her shoulders, holding her in place.

“Do you feel that. Feel me deep inside of you. This is home Adalind. You are my home. Your body, your heart, your mind. All of you is my home. Damn, you feel so good baby. I don’t ever want to part from you. So incredible. God, I could live inside you forever. Feeling you wrapped so tightly around me. Adalind.” He groaned, biting against her neck.

“Yes, please. Don’t stop. So good.”

“So soft, so beautiful. So perfect. Come for me baby. Let me feel you.” he told her, his hand trailing down to stroke against her. “Come beautiful.”

He snapped his hips against her, and Adalind screamed, her voice echoing around the otherwise quiet and dark room. He did it again and stars appeared before her eyes as her body readily took the assault. She turned her head, gripping his hair and bringing his mouth to hers. She whimpered into his mouth with each snap of his hips as the orgasm danced closer and closer.

“Fuck, Adalind, come.” He said as he stroked faster and thrust harder.

“Yes… yes… Right there. Coming… coming. NICK!” she shouted, falling over the edge and feeling him swell inside her before he held her tighter against him, groaning into her neck, sucking on the soft skin, as he fell over as well. She shivered feeling the warmth coat her walls. His movements slowed until he was just rocking his hips against hers, but his hold didn’t relent.

When both had caught their breath and both orgasms had subsided, he laid them down on the bed, gently separating from her. he grabbed the sheet and covered them both before pulling her back against his chest again.

“Sleep sweetheart. I’ll wake you in a couple of hours for round two.” he told her, kissing behind her ear. She hummed and folded her arms over his. She fell into a dreamless sleep, feeling completely satisfied for the first time in forever it seemed like.

Adalind’s eyes popped open, and she sat up in bed, alone.

“What the hell?” she muttered, looking around her empty room. She was in bed, completely covered, though she could have sworn she had tossed the covers off earlier in the night. “It felt so real.”

Her skin felt sticky, and she felt sensitive down below. She tossed off the covers and blinked when she realized she was naked, though she distinctly remembers putting on clothes before going to bed. Her fingers trailed over her lips, which felt a bit swollen, then moved down to her neck, to one spot in particular. It was warm to the touch and a little sore. Hopping up she raced to the bathroom and turned on the light, staring at her neck. It was clear as day, a hickey, in the area between her neck and shoulder, exactly where Nick had bit her.

Turning the light back off she went back to bed, flopping back, not bothering to reclothe, and contemplated what this meant. She had heard of this before but never experienced it. it would have to take an image really strong and a deep-seated yearning for it to happen. But there was no mistake in what she just did, what just happened.

A conjuring.

Chapter Text

                Nick woke with a jolt, heart racing, skin sticky with sweat and completely aroused. He checked to be sure and found the other side of the bed empty. Juliette had gone to work. Checking the time on his phone he saw that it was going on 11 am. He was off today and was grateful for it since sleep had been off and on.

                It didn’t help that all of his dreams the night before had been about Adalind. For some reason he dreamed of being with her in the most animalistic of ways, taking her over and over again. hearing her scream his name. feeling her slick skin under his fingers. tasting the saltiness of her skin on his tongue. smelling her scent as it heightened in passion. Feeling her surround him, hot, wet, and tight. He couldn’t dispel the images or urges. It was what prompted him to wake and wake Juliette in the middle of the night. Though he had to bite his tongue to not call out the wrong name.

                “This is seriously starting to annoy me.” He murmured to himself as he looked down at the tented sheet covering his lower half.

He was over the weird feelings and over the inconsistent dreams and frankly over this Grimm business. He needed help and he needed answers, but he wasn’t sure where he could get either of those. Aunt Marie was out, she still wasn’t up to really talking. Juliette and Hank knew nothing about any of this and frankly he wasn’t sure if he would tell them. Maybe Hank somewhere down the line since this Grimm thing would prove to affect his job at some point but Juliette, she wasn’t good with change, and this would be a major one.

                He didn’t really have a lot of friends outside of work and none of them would believe him let alone know how to help him, at least he didn’t think they would. But even if they could how could he possibly bring it up without sounding crazy. No that was definitely out of the question. He needed someone already in the know, someone who…

                “Monroe.” Nick whispered sitting up. Monroe was the only person he could think of that he could talk to about any of this. He was wesen, Nick knew that for sure, and he apparently knew about Grimms judging from his reaction upon first meeting him.

                Picking up his phone he checked the time again before pulling up his contacts. He knew he shouldn’t have but he copied his number from the police report and added to his phone, another foreign instinct in play. Before he could doubt himself, he hit connect.

                “This is Monroe.” He answered professionally.

                “Hi Monroe, this is Nick Burkhardt, detective Burkhardt.” Nick greeted, adding the detective part in case the man forgot who he was. Monroe had not forgotten at all. There was silence on the other end before he spoke again.

                “What can I do for you detective?” he asked cautiously. Nick decided to be blunt.

                “Look I know this is unorthodox, but I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind meeting with me.”

                “Is this related to the case? I’m not sure if there is anything more, I can tell you about it. I’ve mentioned everything I could think of in regard to what I saw.”

                “Uh, no this has nothing to do with the case.” Nick paused trying to get his thoughts together. “I know this is weird, me calling like this, out of the blue, and it is not police related but I promise this is not some ploy or anything to get to you. I just need to talk and honestly you are the only one that I think I can talk to about any of this.”

                “I don’t know man. Talking to a Grimm is not something we do and meeting with one voluntarily is definitely not something we do.”

                “I get that, kind of. But that’s kind of what I want to talk about. I’m really new to all of this and I have so many questions and no one to answer them.” Nick sighed. Monroe remained silent on the other end. “We can meet anywhere you want, somewhere public where people can visibly see us together.”

                “I’m not sure if that’s better or worse.” Monroe sighed. “Alright. Do you know that little coffee shop on 3^rd and Marcy?” he asked. Nick breathed a sigh of relief as he started nodding, happy the man was willing to at least meet with him.

                “Yes, I do.”

                “Okay, it should be almost empty this time of day. Let’s meet there.”

                “Is 30 minutes enough time?”

                “That’s fine. I can’t believe I am doing this.”

                “I know, but you won’t regret it. Thank you. I’ll see you soon.”

                “Yep.” Monroe said before hanging up.

Chuckling, Nick got up and went to take a quick shower and once again contemplated cutting his hair, maybe he would do it today since he had time. He again skipped shaving before dressing and making his way out the door.

The little bell over the door tinkled as Nick entered the shop, he looked around before spotting Monroe in the back, away from the sparse number of patrons enjoying a leisurely lunch. Monroe waved to him, and he nodded, heading in his direction.

“Hi, thanks for meeting with me.” Nick said as he took a seat.

“Don’t thank me yet. I’m not sure how I can help you.”

A waitress came over and quickly took their order, just coffee for Nick though Monroe ordered lunch with his coffee.

“You’re paying.” He told Nick as the waitress left to put in the order. Nick snorted but agreed. “So, what is it you think I can do for you?”

Nick scratched at his scalp as he put his thoughts in order, trying to figure out where to start with it all. Now that he was here and could possibly get answers to his questions, he was nervous and the stress that he thought he had released last night came back in full bloom. Sighing he started with information first.

“Well first off, thank you for your statement, it really helped. We found the little girl. Turns out the postman you told us about was the culprit. He had her in his basement.”

“Really, well that’s a relief. That you found her I mean not that he had her in his basement. Was there a reason he took her? do I want to know?”

“Actually, part of that I think that maybe you could explain. Turns out that the postman…” Nick took a second to look around before lowering his voice and leaning in slightly. “Was a blubod. Am I saying that right?”

“It’s blutbad.” Monroe groaned, closing his eyes in resignation. “And I was afraid of that. Its wesen like him that give all of us a bad name.”

“Do you know what he would have done?”

“Unfortunately, I do and its nothing good trust me. You really saved that little girl from a certain fate. What happen to him? is he…?”

“No.” Nick said, already shaking his head. “He’s in jail now. there are other detectives handling the case from here. She was not his first victim, just the first we found alive.”

“Huh… that’s unexpected. Usually when a Grimm is involved, we lose our heads.” Monroe mused.

“Yeah, that’s not how I do things. Despite my new title or status or whatever, I am and always have been a cop first. I will never unjustly kill someone regardless of who or what they are.” Nick told him in a tone that breeched no argument. Monroe nodded slowly then tilted his head studying Nick.

“How much do you know about Grimms and wesen, any of this really?”

Nick considered that as the waitress came back dropping off cups and food before disappearing again.

“Not much really. A week ago, I was just a normal guy heading to work then I saw a woman literally turn into something I couldn’t wrap my head around. Then my aunt, who raised me, came into town, and told me that not only was she dying but that I was next in line to inherit the family curse I guess you could say.” He said as he added sugar and a splash of cream to his cup.

“And she didn’t bother to tell you the history or what it means?” he asked as he doctored his food. Nick noticed that Monroes lunch consisted of some kind of meatless pie and a side salad.

“Well, that same night we were attacked by what she calls a reaper, so we didn’t get far enough into that conversation. She’s in the hospital now, dying of cancer so not really a conversation she is up to having.”

“Dude, that sucks. I’m sorry man.”

“Thanks. But you can see why I feel lost. I’m told this big news, and I’m seeing things I have never seen before. Besides an old trailer full of books, weapons, and other stuff I have no clue what I am supposed to do with any of it.”

“Well, you said there were books. Wouldn’t they be able to tell you what you need to know?”

“I don’t know. I can’t read most of it. it's all in some foreign language that I can't read so not really helpful for my situation. I just need information; even basic information would help. I’m hoping it will help me make sense of some of the things I have been experiencing lately.”

“You mean the woges you have seen.” Monroe queried.

“That and some of the dreams and feelings I have been having. Its why I called you. besides you I have only met one other wesen and though she was nice, and she might answer some questions for me, I don’t know her really. I wouldn’t even know where to find her.”

“What was she?”

“I think it was called… a hexenbeist?” Nick told him and Monroe’s eyes widened.

“You met a hexenbeist… and talked to her. And you are still alive to talk about it. Did she curse you or something?”

“No, she didn’t curse me.” Nick rolled his eyes. “She was actually very nice. She apologized to me about a misunderstanding we had when I first, or well second time I encountered her. that’s a story for another time. But is it really that unusual for a Grimm and wesen to not be at war?”

“Yes and no. I mean it depends on the context really. We as wesen are taught at a very young age to fear Grimms. To us they are the boogey man under the bed, you know. the history between Grimms and wesen is a long and bloody one, which usually ends with a beheading.”

“Great. That’s the last thing I need. For people to fear me before I can prove I mean no harm.”

“To be fair, back when the legends began wesen weren’t as… civilized as they are now, well mostly. We do still have those like the postman that want to continue with the old ways.”

“You don’t seem to be like that.”

“I’m considered abnormal for my kind. I’m what you would call a Wieder wesen. Which basically means that I have given up the old ways. I don’t eat meat or hunt like my ancestors or even my family now.”

“So, the postman that we caught, he was planning to…”

“Yep. there are those that not only still hunt like what’s considered normal but the most vial of them don’t care who they hunt, women, children, elderly, they don’t care.”

“Is there a correlation between hunting and the color red?” Nick asked, curiously.

“What, like bulls?” Monroe snorted. “No, why?”

“Because this guy was only going after girls that had the color red on, jacket, sweater, anything like that he was taking them.”

Monroe blinked at him in surprise before chuckling and shaking his head.

“He really took that story to heart, didn’t he? No there’s no connection, that was just his preference.”

“I feel so under qualified to handle this.” Nick said, sitting back in his chair.

“Well, you kind of are. I mean if you just learned about this stuff a week ago and only really ran into a few of us then you absolutely don’t know what you are doing yet.”

“Yeah, I know. But I need to get a handle on this. I need to be able to do my job and it would be nice to know what I am getting myself into before I get into it.”

“Okay, so let's start at the beginning and I will fill in some of the blanks for you. why don’t you start by telling me what you know, and we will go from there.” Monroe said, setting down his fork.

Taking a deep breath Nick went over everything he learned from his aunt and what he has seen so far, even some of what he was able to make out from the books he has. Monroe listened, interrupting to correct some things and explain others. Nick was starting to feel much better about, not only his decision to call Monroe but to finally have someone to talk to about all this. He was more relaxed about what being Grimm meant but still had questions on one area.

“Okay, so what about these strange dreams I have been having and these instincts and feelings that seem to accompany them?”

“What kinds of dreams?”

“One of them actually involved you.” Nick admitted. Monroe’s eyebrows went up in surprise.

“Me?” he asked, and Nick nodded explaining about the dream he had about Monroe and the feelings that went with it along with the feelings and instincts when they first met.

“Well, that’s new. Never heard of that before. Could be its your Grimm instincts coming into play telling you who you can and can't trust. The dream though, never heard of that. and you said it felt real, like a memory?”

“Yeah, I mean when we met it felt like I was doing it for a second time. Like we had met before. Even the dream felt as if it was something we had already done or a conversation we had already talked about before.”

“Hmmm… what about the other dreams. Were they the same?”

“Yes and no. the first few were the same feeling, surreal, as if I had already done it before. but last night was different on so many levels.”

“Okay…”

“Let me start by saying that usually I wouldn’t talk about something like this, especially with someone I just met, but I’m at a loss.”

“Oh boy. Okay, hit me.” Monroe told him. Nick explained with as little detail as possible what happened last night. Monroe listened only wincing a little at the small details that were provided.

“Wow, can I just say that your dream love life is a hell of a lot better than my real-life love life.” Monroe said with a sad sigh. Nick chuckled.

“Yeah, well nevertheless, it’s starting to drive me crazy. I’m dreaming about some random woman while in bed with my current girlfriend, not really a good thing. And to top it off the woman in the dreams is the hexenbeist I mentioned earlier.”

Monroe fumbled his coffee cup, dropping it clumsily back onto the table with a clatter as he stared at Nick. Nick was quick to grab some napkins and clean up the slight mess he made.

“You… had a sex dream… about a HEXENBEIST!” Monroe whisper yelled. Nick looked around to make sure no one heard him but since the place was still practically empty, they were safe.

“Yes, and hexenbeist part aside, it is really starting to worry me that she keeps popping up in my dreams and my head.” Nick whispered back.

“And you’re sure she didn’t put a curse or anything on you?”

“Pretty sure. I mean I have only encountered her a few times.”

“Did she touch you or anything weird during those encounters?”

“No, I don’t think so. I mean the last time I saw her I touched her shoulder because she seemed nervous even talking to me but other then that there has been no contact between us.”

“Hmmm… let me ask this, and this is purely for scientific purposes.” Monroe said and Nick snorted but nodded for him to continue. “Last night's dream was it only one time you two… had coitus?”

Nick laughed loudly, drawing a few glances.

“Coitus… no, it was multiple times. I mean there were rest periods in between each time but it was kind of like-.”

“Okay, okay, I get it. And when you woke each time do you remember smelling or feeling or anything afterwards in regard to her?” he asked. Nick thought about that for a minute before nodding.

“Now that you mention it, I do remember smelling her perfume and feeling… well a lot actually. But yes, for a minute after I woke it was like she was right there with me, which made it awkward since I was still holding Juliette at the time.”

“Okay not even going to go into the weird love triangle you have going on, but this sounds like a conjuring.”

“A what?”

“A conjuring. It something that only hexenbeist and zauberbeist are able to do.”

“Zauberbeist?”

“Male equivalent of a hexenbeist. Very rare, not a lot of them roaming around and for good reason.” Monroe shared with a shiver.

“Getting back to that later. But if this is something only, they can do does that mean she did put a curse on me?”

“No, they have no real control over this kind of thing. Its more a subconscious link that forms between a beister and another person.”

“Okay, so what exactly does this mean.”

“It means that the hexenbeist you are dreaming of, most likely has been dreaming about you as well and those dreams, be it shared or not, created a connection between the two of you. Which means that if she was thinking about you in that way last night then she kind of called you to her, subconsciously. You didn’t sleepwalk there and back, its more metaphysical. But what you need to know is that if this is a conjuring then you, or a version of you, did sleep with her last night.”

“Great, so I am metaphysically cheating on my girlfriend, that’s just perfect. That’s all I need right now. Is there a way to stop this from happening?” 

“On your end, I’m not sure. I know in theory there is a spell to stop it but it's something that only a beister can cast.”

“So, I have to, what? Wait to see if she stops it on her end? And in the meantime?”

“Take on extra shifts so you are not home when they happen?” Monroe shrugged.

“Awesome.” Nick sighed.

“Sorry man. But you said she didn’t seem like she was out to get you. So, if you already have an instinct that you can trust her, then maybe you just have to trust that she will end this on her own.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Well.” Monroe said, putting down his cup. “You are a Grimm.”

*GRIMM*

Adalind called in sick today. She had neither the energy nor motivation to go into work. After a night of wild, sweaty sex with her conjured Grimm, she was still feeling the pleasant aftereffects of it. she couldn’t help the sly smirk that crossed her lips as she remembered her night.

When she woke in the morning, she was still exhausted and sore in all the right places. She took a nice long hot bath to ease the aches while still flashing back to moments, especially those moments where he put his mouth to very good use.

She knew she should feel guilty for last night, and on some level she did, but she couldn’t help but also relish in the feeling of being with Nick in that way. it was something she never thought she would experience in her lifetime in real life so why not enjoy it while she could.

Even still, after her bath she made herself a cup of tea and cracked open one of her spell books trying to look for answers in the vast amount of information at her disposal, hoping to break it. She knew a sure way to get those answers would be to call her mother but that was not an option she wanted to utilize. Instead, she went through her books, soft music playing in the background. She was hoping that with the music and her absorption into her books she would be able to block out the night before but to no avail. She couldn’t help herself when her mind wondered, and she ended up flipping quickly past pages until one caught her attention.

Stopping she set her cup down and pulled the book closer, reading intently.

“Arrêter une conjuration.” She whispered, running her fingers over the lettering, translated it mean halting a conjuring. She read the description quickly.

A conjuring is an act of making something appear by magic and is considered a defiance of natural law. Usually involves using an invocation but can happen when there is a connection between the conjurer and the conjured. It is unclear what kind of connection since there are many types of conjurings to consider. The connection, either conscious or subconscious must be very powerful for to be successful. Usually these fail at first attempt because both parties would need to be on the same page at the same time….

“So, what because I’m  hexenbeist and he’s a Grimm we had enough power for a conjuring?” Adalind questioned. Shaking her head she went on to read, skimming the pages until she got to how to stop a conjuring.

Stopping a conjuring is very easy if it has not been happening long. The longer the conjurer retains the conjured the harder the connection is to break. After so many instances of conjuring it becomes a permanent bond between the two parties. If the conjured is still unaware of the connection, then breaking it only takes a few steps.

Be aware that stopping a conjuring does not mean it cannot come back, you must be very careful not to reconjure the other party or else it will reinforce that bond again.

The rest of the entry, to Adalind’s delight, listed the steps and the ingredients needed for the spell. She quickly grabbed a pad and pen from the end table drawer and jotted down the ingredients. Though she had some of them there were some she would need to visit the local apothecary for. Slamming the book closed she quickly got up and dressed in jeans and a hoodie, throwing her hair into a loose ponytail before heading out the door.

Adalind sat in her car outside of the shop staring at the sign, Exotic Spice & Tea Shop, before looking at the list in her hands. She couldn’t believe she actually had to do this. She had never experienced this before and a part of her didn’t want it to end. There was something about these dreams and this conjuring that she was aching to have to let go of. It felt comfortable and familiar to her, but she also didn’t want the Grimm to become aware of this. That was the last thing she needed for a Grimm who carried a gun to know that she has been having crazy hot sex with him in her mind.

Sighing she exited the car and rushed into the shop. The dark atmosphere inside felt warm to her as she looked around the shop at all the different products and supplies. She has visited the shop many times, it was the best in town and always had top products. She knew on some level the owner, Freddie, feared her. Not of her doing but her mother’s, who liked to use her power and intimidation to get what she wanted for the price she wanted with no care for the person who makes his living selling the items. Whenever Adalind came in, she tried to be extra nice to him to make up for whatever trauma her mother might have caused.

“Just a moment.” A voice Adalind recognized as Freddie, called from the back. she approached the counter to wait, fingering a few crystals and glass vials resting there. “Sorry about that how can I-. Oh, Ms. Schade, how are you today?” Freddie asked coming from the back, his voice holding a slight tremor. Adalind smiled patiently at the fuchsbau.

“Freddie, you know you can call me Adalind.” She reminded him gently.

“Yes, of course, Adalind. What can I help find for you today?” he said with a smile, relaxing minimally.

“I need these ingredients please.” She said handing over the sheet of paper. Freddie took it reading the ingredients before looking back up at her. Adalind couldn’t help the blush that painted her cheeks as she smiled gamely at him.

“These look like ingredients to stop a conjuring.” He said.

“Ahem, yes that is correct.” She said reverting to her business voice. Setting the list down he smiled softly at her.

“Can I ask a few questions to get you the right thing?” he asked, and she nodded. “Is this just a regular conjuring or is there a specific intent to them?”

“Uh, its, uh, its specific.” She answered.

“And is it sensitive in nature?”

She nodded.

“Is the conjured aware that they are being conjured?”

“God, I hope not.” She sighed. “This just happened last night, for the first time. I have never done this before.”

“Okay, so what you want is a potion powerful enough to break the connection between you and the unknown, so to speak. Which means that instead of the anemone you want lilies and lotus. And will need to eliminate the cinnamon all together, since that is really a binder when it comes to this kind of potion. it would have the opposite effect in this case. The potion you have here is for a general nonspecific potion and it's really meant to substitute the person being conjured for someone or something else. More so, it kind of stabilizes things so that you are more focused on a current partner, or something as opposed to the conjured. Unless… that is your intent.”

“No, not my intent. I just need to break this conjuring, there is no one else to substitute.” God forbid Sean is conjured in Nick’s place, Adalind thought to herself.

“Well then. Let me gather the right ingredients for you.”

“Thank you.” she breathed a sigh of relief as he nodded and went to get what she needed.

She continued to look around the shop stopping at a display of bracelets. The sparkle of the jewels calling to her. She may not want to be like her mother, but shiny things still distracted her. she combed through the selection stopping on a pretty glittery one that held four stones, two different purple ones, one black and one silvery white. She picked it upholding it delicately in her hand, examining it. she knew the stones and what they meant. She could feel the power behind each one as she stroked over them.

“Charoite, Amethyst, Jet and Moonstone.” Freddie said as he approached her with a bag in hand.

“Yes.” She said quietly, continuing her caress.

“Do you know what they mean?” he asked. She looked over at him and nodded with a smile.

“I do. Side effect to being a nerd in high school. I loved learning the meaning of things.” She admitted with a soft chuckle. “Anyway, are we ready.” She said.

“Yes, I have everything you need here.” he said leading her back to the counter.

“Is there anything I need to know to do differently. The book gave instructions, but I want to make sure I am doing this right since we are changing it up a bit.”

“Well, this potion needs to stew for 24 hours. It cannot be used before the 24-hour mark and only a few hours after that will it be effective. If not used with in 3 hours of it being ready, then you will have to start all over again.”

“Okay, that was in the book. I can handle that.”

“Also, since this is a specific kind of breaking you will have to do it the same way you did to conjure the other person. So, whatever you were doing when it happened you will need to repeat.”

She blinked, thinking that part was not in the book.

“Does it have to be down to the exact-.”

“No, not the exact same thing but the act itself will need to be done. Unfortunately, it’s needed.” He said almost uncomfortably. She blew out a hard breath.

“Okay, anything else.”

“When you do this, the intent must be clear, and it must be strong. Not only do you have to use a smudge stick, that has been dipped in the potion, to cleanse the air around you, but you also must ingest some of the potion since its… a making of your own subconscious.”

“Okay, I can do that, I think. Thanks. How much do I owe you?” she asked. Freddie tensed up again and Adalind visibly deflated. She thought she had been making progress with the man, but she knew this is where her mother’s tactic usually came in, so she could get the price she wanted, sometimes even no price at all.

“I’m happy to apply the normal discount.” He hurriedly told her, a bit of fear clouding his eyes.

“My mother really did a number on you, didn’t she?” Adalind sighed heavily.

“Oh no, it's fine.” He told her. she shook her head.

“No, it's not. Freddie, I am not my mother. I wouldn’t dream of cheating you out of what is owed to you, okay? your prices are fair for what you do and what you provide. So please, no discount is needed unless it’s something you offer to everyone. Just charge me what its worth and we will be fine. I promise.” She told him. he relaxed and nodded.

“Thank you, Ms.-, I mean Adalind. The total is $75.”

Adalind pulled out four $20 bills and handed them to him. he processed the payment and gave her the change and receipt.

“As a token of thank you for being so understanding, please keep the bracelet.” He told her.

She hadn’t realized that she was still holding it. she looked at it, admiring it, before placing it on the counter.

“Oh no, I couldn’t do that. it's beautiful. I’m sure someone will come in willing to pay you for it.” she said. he picked it back up and fastened it around her wrist.

“I insist. Consider it a gift from me to you for being such a loyal customer.” He said with a warm smile.

“Thank you, really.”

He nodded, handing her the bag as well.

“You’re welcome. Have a nice day Adalind and please come back anytime.”

“I will. Thanks again.” She said with a wave before leaving.

Back in the car Adalind placed the bag in the passenger seat then looked at her wrist. She watched it shine in the sun coming through the windshield and smiled. It was delicate with a white gold thin chain and the stones dangling slightly from it. she turned her wrist this way and that, feeling the power from the stones resonate through her. it warmed her that Freddie thought highly enough of her to gift it to her. The ringing of her phone interrupted her, and she pulled it out seeing it was the office.

“This is Adalind.” She answered.

“Ms. Schade, I am sorry to disturb you while you are off. But a call came through the office for you. Mr. Fengrer’s daughter called. Mr. Fengrer is in the hospital and is asking to see you.”

“I’ll head there now. thank you, Penelope.” Adalind said before disconnecting and speeding off towards the hospital.

Chapter Text

                Adalind, drained and saddened, walked into her apartment, dropping her keys on the side table along with her shopping bag before falling back onto her couch. She had known before she even got to the hospital what was going on. But walking into the room to see the elder  Pfichttreue lying in the hospital bed, looking far more fragile than he had just a day ago, it broke her heart. Cindy, his daughter was right by his side. Her face streaked with tears as she held his hand and stared at her father with all the love a child could possess for a parent. Even in his prone state she could see the same affection on his face for her.

                For a moment Adalind had been jealous of that relationship. She already knew how much Mr. Fengrer loved his daughter but to see it reciprocated was a beautiful sight to her. it was the kind of relationship she had always wanted to have with her own parent. Her father left before she was old enough to really remember him. Her mother was never the affectionate kind, so it stung a bit to see that other people could have this and made her wonder why she couldn’t.

                She stayed with Cindy and Mr. Fengrer, who insisted she call him Harry in his last moments, until his last breath. She stood comforting his daughter as she cried, and she was there when his sons finally showed. She tried not to let her disdain show as they waltz into the room, one typing something into his phone and the other as blasé as possible flopping into one of the chairs in the room. Neither of them seems to have cared that he was gone. Only staying long enough to belittle their sister and sign whatever papers they needed too before waltzing back out as if nothing special had happened.

                Adalind offered to give Cindy a ride home after learning that her car was in the shop, so she took a cab to be with him. She gave Cindy her card and told her to contact her if she needed anything. Mr. Fengrer, Harry, had paid to retain Adalind’s services for 6 months for his daughter, thinking she would need it, after he passed. But Adalind knew the young woman didn’t have anyone else. She wasn’t married and had no children. Both her parents were gone now, and her brothers couldn’t care less about her. Adalind didn’t want her to feel as if she was alone in this. She may not have known the man for long, but she knew him long enough to want to make sure that his pride and joy, his daughter, had someone she could lean on if needed.

                As Adalind rested her head back and closed her eyes, trying to decompress from the day she heard the clinking of glass and silverware and inwardly groaned. Of course, her mother would show up today of all days. Adalind was not in any kind of shape or mood to deal with her, but it doesn’t look like she was given a choice.

                “There you are. I heard you had taken the day off, I thought I might catch you at home so we could talk but you weren’t.” Her mother said in a cheerful tone.

                “Good observation.” She muttered, not bothering to open her eyes, though the smell of food did call to her. she hadn’t eaten a thing today and only had a few sips of tea before she had left.

                “Well, I ordered take out, why don’t you join me for a meal.”

                “I would love to argue with that but I’m starving. Let me just go change and I’ll be back out.” Adalind sighed, getting up and heading for her bedroom. She contemplated for a moment what to change into, knowing her mother would critique her if she put on what she really wanted, but she just didn’t have the motivation to dress up just for one meal, so she compromised, putting on a fluffy warm sweater and a nice pair of lounge pants. She brushed her hair into a tidy low ponytail before heading back out.

                “What are you doing?” Adalind asked, seeing her mother rifling through her shopping bag.

                “Why do you have these ingredients? This looks like the making for an anti-conjuring spell.”

                “Yes, it is.” she answered snatching the bag off the table away from her and going to deposit it in her room. She would need to make sure to start that tonight. she wasn’t sure if she should be happy or not that it would take twenty-four hours to brew before she could even perform the spell. It meant there was a possibility that she could have yet another night with her Grimm before it was over.

                “Why are you making a Arrêter une conjuration? Who have you conjured?” Catherine asked when Adalind came back out.

                “Why is that important? Didn’t you say you wanted to have dinner?” Adalind countered heading straight for the table that was set for the two of them.

The smell of Italian making her hum in appreciation. She was grateful that her mother wasn’t trying to force one of her overly complicated, overrated meals down her throat and instead went for some of Adalind’s favorite comfort foods. She went right for the arancini, placing two on her plate before ladling a bowl full of ribollita.

“Here, this should off set the carbs in those.” Her mother said setting down two side salads. Adalind glanced at them and snorted.

“Yeah, I can't eat that.” she told her.

“Why not?”

“Because I’m allergic to raw tomatoes. Did you forget?”

“Oh, that’s right. Well never mind then.” She said, taking her seat, not even apologizing for her faux pas. “So, who have you conjured? Was it Sean?”

“It doesn’t matter. Thanks for dinner. I haven’t eaten all day.”

“You know you can have the real deal. you don’t have to stoop to conjuring.” Her mother persisted.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Was there a reason you decided to come over?”  Adalind evaded. There was no way she was willing to tell her mother about her night with Nick. Catherine huffed but let it go.

“Do I need a reason to visit my daughter?”

“No, but you usually have one. So, what is it? Here to try to talk me back into Sean’s employ again?” she asked, savoring her spoonful of soup.

“I’m just worried about you. You seem to have done a 180 overnight. One minute you are gung-ho to help and be his amor, and the next you want nothing to do with him. What changed?”

“We have already talked about this. You already know what changed. I don’t want to be used. Especially since I know that once I am no longer of use to either of you, I will be discarded.”

“What makes you think that?” Catherine asked in shock.

“Call it a feeling or a hunch.” She shrugged.

“Come now. You know -.”

“Do you know where I was at, mother? I was at the hospital.”

“The hospital? Whatever for?”

“I lost a client today.”

“Did they fire you at the hospital? Why?”

“No, they…” Adalind sighed, setting down her spoon. “I was there because he was dying, and he wanted to see me. Do you know what I found when I got there? I found his daughter sitting with him. He has three kids, but she was the only one there with him, giving him that last connection before he died. I sat with them as he slowly passed away. I was there when his last words breathed were that he loved her with all his heart. I stayed to comfort her because she just lost her last parent, her last family because her brothers could give two shits about her or him for that matter.”

“That’s awful.”

“That man loved his daughter more then anything in this world, short of his wife who passed last year. I had only known him for a short time and mostly in a professional compacity but in that short time he always managed to tell me small tidbits about her and how proud of her he was. How he was happy that she found her passion even if it wasn’t the same as his. she found her passion and became great at it. Sure, it didn’t make her as much money as what she would have if she had followed him, like his sons, but she was happy with her path. She worked hard for it, and she did it on her own. She chose not to use his money and status to blaze that path and he was proud of her for that.” Adalind said looking her mother straight in the eye.

“And do you know what I thought about through it all. You, mother. I thought about you and about how, not once in my whole life did you ever say you were proud of me, that you were happy that I found my passion, that I made my own path and followed it. And sure, it won't give me the same accolades that using my hexenbeist powers would, but it was my path, my dream, and my happiness.”

“Adalind-.”

“When you found out that I wanted to pursue a law degree instead of being a trophy wife you told me how disappointing it was. I worked my ass off in school to graduate top of my class and to be hired right off the bat at a prestigious law firm and you never once congratulated me or even acted as if you cared.”

“Of course I care, you’re my daughter.”

“I’m your daughter in blood only, not in actual affection or connection. I’m your daughter when you need something from me, not because you actually care. And that became apparent once Sean came into the picture. I can’t remember the last time, before him, that you showed actual care. Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time you even told me you loved me.”

“Adalind, you know I love you.”

“Do I? you don’t say it. I’m not even sure if you can say it. I’ve said it, just last week I said it and all you did was hug me. When was the last time you said it to me or any one for that matter?”

Her mouth opened but no words came out.

“Never mind, its not important. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m a tool for you to use if you can. And that’s why I will no longer go along with your and Sean’s scheme. Because just like you Sean only comes to me, only shows care and affection if he can get something out of me. the first sign that I am no longer of use to either of you, and you will both go back to ignoring my existence again.” Adalind said picking her spoon back up and continuing to eat.

“I had no idea you felt this way.” Catherine said with a bit of consternation in her tone.

“Of course you didn’t. It would require you to pay attention to me long enough to hear me.” She snarked back but then regretted it when she saw a tiny bit of hurt in her mother’s eyes. “Mother, I love you. for some insane reason I really do but I don’t want your life. I don’t want to survive on my powers, charms, and wiles. I may be a hexenbeist, but I am also still a woman and I want things that a lot of women want. I want real love, real happiness, real connections, and I want those things without having to resort to scheming and trickery and without using my powers to get them.”

The silence that followed was thick with tension, Adalind pushing her spoon through her bowl without actually taking a bite. Her appetite waned as she finally spoke her truth. Catherine shocked at what all her daughter revealed and not sure how to salvage this. She tried to find some way to dispute what was said but couldn’t think of how. Finally, she settled on resignation.

“Well, I’m sorry that you feel that way.” she said setting her napkin down on the table and moving to stand. “Maybe its best if we take some time apart to… re-evaluate things.”

“Maybe we should.” Adalind agreed. Catherine stood, trying to keep her composure and hesitated, not knowing what to do next.

“Do consider giving Sean a call. If you are conjuring him then there are still feelings there.” She said.

“Goodbye mother.”

With her head held high Catherine left and Adalind spelled her door to keep her from re-entering. Pushing her plate away she stared off into space thinking over everything she just told her mother. She has never really spoken this way to her before and though she felt it was overdue she was left feeling empty and sad. She wasn’t sure how much of her relationship with her could be saved.

*GRIMM*

Adalind’s dreams were interspersed, and none of them involved the Grimm. Instead focusing on her mother, Sean and even Mr. Fengrer. So, it was safe to safe that this morning she was not in the best of moods. She did manage to get the potion brewing the previous night and it was gently simmering when she checked. She didn’t dare touch it, not wanting to interrupt the process, not even to stir it. She had until midnight to perform the spell and she was actually looking forward to it. as amazing as the dreams were, she felt that she needed peace. Peace from everything. She wanted a good night's sleep for once, one where she didn’t wake either exhausted or aroused.

She stood at her counter, dressed for work, munching on leftovers as she thought over her schedule for the day. Not too busy, mainly in her office going over paperwork and since she was there when he passed, she wanted to get started on Mr. Fengrer’s trust and will. She would call to check in with Cindy later today, just to make sure the woman wasn’t drowning in despair.

After one last check of her cauldron, she grabbed her briefcase and left. She made sure to spell her door this time so she would not come back to any unwelcome visitors. She wouldn’t put it past her mother to contact Sean after she left and fill him in on all that Adalind had said the night before. She was sure she would receive either a call or visit from him.

She stopped at the café and got an extra-large coffee before making her way to her office. She wanted to turn around and leave again when she saw who was waiting for her in reception.

“Let me guess, my mother called you.” she said, walking right past him on her way to her office. She knew he would follow.

“She’s just worried, Adalind.” Sean said, following her in and closing the door.

Adalind set her cup and brief case down before taking off her suit jacket and hanging it on the hook and taking a seat.

“Let me be honest Sean. I have had a rough night, and this morning is already not starting off the best. I am in no mood to keep defending myself against the two of you or to keep rebuking your attempts to get me back on your side and help you get the key.”

“That’s not why she called me and that’s not why I am here.”

“Okay, so why did she call you, which prompted you to come here, again?”

Sean, undoing a button on his jacket and sitting regally on the couch, pierced her with his gaze. There was a little amusement there but mostly just concern.

“She told me that you had plans to do a Arrêter une conjuration.” He said and Adalind choked on a laugh.

“Have neither of you ever heard of privacy. Why would she tell you that? and why would it concern you?”

“Of course it concerns me. I had no idea you felt that strongly about me to do a conjuring.”

“Who said that it was for you? Have you been having dreams about me that I don’t know about?” she asked with a quirked brow.

“Well no. But Catherine told me that you said you were conjuring me, so-.”

“I didn’t tell her that I was conjuring you. she asked who I was conjuring and mentioned you. I just didn’t correct her. But rest assured this has nothing to do with you.”

“Well, if it’s not me then who are you conjuring? Have you been seeing someone?” he asked and there was an edge to his tone that shot a sick thrill through Adalind.

“Jealous?” she smirked, leaning forward on her desk.

“And if I am?” he asked in return. She jerked back and blinked at him.

“No, you’re not.” She said shaking her head.

“Adalind, despite what you may think I really do care for you, and I hate to think that my actions or your mothers could make you doubt that.” 

“No, you care about power and how to get it.”

“That may be true but that doesn’t mean that I don’t care about you. I know I messed up on a lot of fronts. I do regret making you feel like you were nothing more then a tool, that was not my intention. I genuinely thought we were on the same page with things.”

Adalind took a moment to study him, seeing that on some level he actually did feel that way. she slumped back in her chair, grabbing her cup and taking a sip of the cooling beverage.

“I believe you Sean… to an extent.” She said before he could relax anymore. “I believe that in your own way you do care about me. I believe that on some level you didn’t intend to use me, and I even believe that you actually thought that we shared the same goal. Honestly, I thought the same at one time. I could imagine myself with you as your queen helping you rule. I was ready to give up everything I achieved to do that because my feelings for you were real.”

She held up a hand when he opened his mouth to speak.

“However, now I know it would have never ended up that way.”

“Why wouldn’t it? that sounds like an amazing picture of what our future could be.”

“You think that your constituents, your subjects, the community as a whole would except a hexenbeist as part of the ruling family? It would be hard enough to get them to except a zauberbeist, even a half one, as king. But there is no way they would want two beisters ruling it all. If, and that is a big if, you were to pull off this plan to take the throne, what do you think would happen? Your father has already tried to hunt both you and your mother down to have you killed for how long? You think that any of the other ruling families, your brother, are just going to sit back and let you take control without a fight? You would be constantly looking over your shoulder, we would be constantly looking over our shoulders. Trying to figure out who is against and who is for us. Who we can trust versus who we have to eliminate. And what if we had a kid, is that the kind of life you would want to have for any child you have. One that would have to constantly be on guard against assassination attempts. Does that sound like a pretty picture of what a future with us together would be?”

“But it wouldn’t be like that. I have enough-.”

“Yes, I know. you have enough people in support of you taking over to pull off this coo you are planning. I get that. But how many of them do you actually trust? How many of them would you trust to have your back without stabbing you in it if given the chance, if they got a better offer.”

He said nothing, taking in what she said. he knew she was right in her worries about that kind of future, but he was adamant that he could still get the throne and prove his worthiness.

“Look Sean, I respect you, I do. As a police captain because you are very good at your job, and you take pride in it. But us being together again is not something I want any longer. I have my own goals and aspirations and they don’t line up with what you want. I have enjoyed the time we had together, but this is it for us. I really do wish you the best in finally getting what you want, just leave me out of it.” she said with a wave of her hand and shake of her head. Sean looked at her wondering where this new Adalind had come from. She was nothing like the simp he had known before and though he respected the change he was disappointed that she would no longer be an asset.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” he asked carefully.

“I just want to be happy Sean, on my terms, no one else’s.” she admitted with a sigh.

“Okay, if this is really how you want things.”

“It is. But I do hope we can stay civil. We both work in law and at some point, I am sure our paths will cross.” The last thing Adalind wanted was to be on his bad side, but she wasn’t willing to sacrifice herself for him any longer.

“Absolutely. I will never let personal matters affect my professional life.” He said standing.

“Thank you, I appreciate that. Now, I should probably get some work done.”

“Of course. Have a good day, Ms. Schade.”

“You as well, captain.” Adalind said with a smile as she picked up her phone. He took that as a dismissal and left.

Chapter Text

                “Good morning.” Adalind greeted as she entered the conference room with an intern, John, on her heels. She brought him along with a dual purpose. One to stand as witness of the reading and two as protection of some sort. He was a blutbad, young but still strong to make sure proceedings didn’t get out of hand. She was sure the young man had developed a bit of a crush on her, which is why he agreed so easily to be there. Adalind hadn’t encouraged him but also never brought it up to discourage, not wanting to embarrass him in anyway. For his species he was a sweet kid. “Thank you all for coming. Before we begin, I would like to offer my condolences for your loss. I did not know Mr. Fengrer well but he always came across as a sweet man who loved his family dearly.”

                Cindy sniffled softly from her seat, a crumpled tissue clutched in her hand, eyes, and nose red as she nodded, her brothers-twins, remained unaffected. Though their spouses did put on an act of quietly sobbing against their husbands. Adalind wanted to roll her eyes at them, but she had to remain professional. She knew that soon those fake tears would turn into anger at what was about to happen.

                “Can we get on with this. I need to get back to work, I have a meeting in about 90 minutes.” Sighed one of the brothers, Anthony, while he seemed to be scrolling through his phone. The other brother, Marcus, slumped in his seat looking bored to even be in the room. Cindy glared at them from her seat across the table from them but said nothing. Adalind nodded to John to join Cindy at her side. he nodded and quickly made his way to her, setting down a thick folder on the table.

                “Of course.” Adalind answered, smiling tightly in his direction. “Your father has decided to make a video for the reading, though there is a physical copy of the will for each of you as well. John.” She said gesturing to his folder. John took out three thick packets of paper giving the specifics of the will and stating that there would be no way to change it. the video was really a message to his children along with a verbal statement of what was decided.

                “A video? Why the hell would he do that?” Marcus asked, his interest peaked but not enough for him to lose the bored expression.

                “it's my understanding that he wanted you all to hear exactly what he wanted from him so there would be no question of what he decided. So, unless there are any more questions, I’ll start the video.” She said looking around at everyone. While Cindy hadn’t touched her packet, fear in her eyes as she looked at it, Anthony was quickly flipping through his while Marcus just handed his off to his wife to handle. Satisfied there were no more questions Adalind started the video and stood off to the side, keeping a watch on everyone in the room as it played.

                Mr. Fengrer’s image appeared on the screen looking just as he had when it was recorded in Adalind’s office over a week ago. The smile on the aged face brought one to her own. She wasn’t really sure what it was about the man that made her sentimental. She’d had plenty of nice clients over the years, but he felt special to her. Maybe it was the way he loved his family, was there for them, regardless of how they treated him. she especially loved the affection he held for his daughter, and she had always thought that if it had been a different man that her own father would have loved her just as much. It would explain the soft spot she had for Cindy as well. she envied her but at the same time wanted to protect her.

                “Hello to you all. If you are viewing this then I have passed on.” Mr. Fengrer started. Adalind looked when she heard more crying to see Cindy with tears pouring down her face as she stared at the screen. She fought not to go to the woman but saw John grab her hand in support and relaxed. “This race has been long and hard, and I like to think that I gave it a good go. I’ve spent my life trying to do what’s right, what I thought was the right thing to do for my company, for my friends but most of all for my family. I have provided and supported even when it was not welcomed.”

                Cindy let out a loud sob while the others rolled their eyes at her. John leaned into whisper something to her and she nodded. he got up and went to the mini fridge in the room grabbing a few bottles of water and handing them out to everyone. Taking his seat again and pressing a firm hand against Cindy’s back in comfort.

                “As much as I would love to go on about my love for my family I will not. I’m pretty sure that there are some that won’t appreciate it if I did and others that don’t care one way or another. But I do have letters for each of my children that Ms. Schade has been gracious enough to hold on to for me. So, let’s get down to the brass knuckles of things, shall we?” he continued, and the twins sat up expectantly. John pulled out three envelopes, addressed to each of the children in attendance. There was one more, thicker, and bigger than the others, still in the folder. It was for a fourth child that none of them knew about that is set to be mailed out later today.

                “I have left my company in the hands of the employees. Each of them now holds a share in the company, the amount depending on how long they have worked there. It has been dictated and agreed upon by the board that starting January first of next year each employee who holds a share will have a say in how things are done. That includes any family member that works for the company. There will be no nepotism, favoritism, or seniority from then on. Despite how many shares each employee gets they will have equal say. This has been put in writing and filed with the courts.”

                “What.” Marcus bit out angrily; his eyes narrowed. He was the only family that still worked at the company. Anthony had his own career that had nothing to do with the business at all. Anthony jabbed his brother and gave him a look. Marcus settled back in but continued to glare at the screen.

                “Not what you expected, is it Marcus?” Mr. Fengrer grinned from the screen. “Maybe if you had taken the job I had given you more seriously than I would have considered leaving a majority of it to you and you alone. But I have heard the stories of the things you have done and that is not how I want my company run.”

                Marcus mumbled a litany of curses under his breath, his hand clenched on top of the table. His wife, a buxom redhead with more plastic on her then a Tupperware company stocked, placed a hand on his which he immediately yanked away. She didn’t seem bothered by the gesture.

                “To my favorite three charities, which I support religiously, I leave the sum of $1.5 million each in hopes that they use the funds to continue research and helping others as they have done for decades. I pray that this helps them continue and grow for decades more.”

                Anthony rolled his eyes and sighed.

                “Now, let's get to the part you are all here for, what I am leaving to my children, Anthony Samuel Fengrer, Marcus Finnegan Fengrer, Cynthia Michele Fengrer and Annabelle.”

                “What the hell?” Anthony said.

                “Who the fuck is Annabelle?” Marcus growled.

                Both men standing in outrage. Cindy didn’t look at all surprised by this news. Adalind wondered just how much she knew about Annabelle. It was a question for another time, if at all.

                “Gentlemen, please take a seat.” Adalind said firmly. They obliged but were turning red.

                “Yes, there is a fourth child. One only few people know about. She is the eldest of my children. I will not disclose her whereabouts or give any information on her as she as stated she doesn’t want to be involved with the family. I will respect her wishes but she still deserves to be recognized and deserves a share of my estate. So, with that being said, to Annabelle I leave 3.5 million dollars so that she may grow her own company that she has worked so hard to build from the ground up. I also leave my antique figurine collection. It was started by her mother and I and something I know she would love to have.” the pride and love that Mr. Fengrer had for her showed even through the screen.

                “To my sweet Cindy, Cynthia Michele. Words cannot express how happy I am that you decided to forge your own path and that, even though you didn’t know it, you are following in your sisters' footsteps. To you I leave 10 million dollars, the painting of your mother and I hanging in my study, the deed to your condo that you now own outright, and my pocket watch that was given to me by my father when I turned 21. I know how much you admired that watch. Let it be a symbol that time marches on. My time may be up, and I may be gone but will always be looking out for you kids. Mourn now but don’t forget to live.” he said grinning. His eyes soft as he spoke directly to her.

                “Dad.” she cried, shaking her head. It was never about the money for her, she loved her father very much and she would give anything to have him back.

                “Don’t cry pumpkin, I’m alright, I’m finally rejoined with your mother, and we will both be watching out for you.” he told her. “Now to my sons.”

                The boys, forgetting their anger, leaned forward ready to hear what they would be getting. Adalind bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. she hated to admit it but she would enjoy seeing them brought down a peg and a sick thrill ran through her as she watched them closely.

                “To Anthony and Marcus, I hate to say I spoiled you boys rotten when you were growing up. I wasn’t there enough for you or your mother. I truly regret how much my work got in the way of me being a father to you boys and a husband to your mother. But there is more about those regrets in the letters I have written to you. As far as what I am leaving you. you two grew up never wanting or having to work for anything. I gave it to you without pause but it is time to correct that. To Marcus, I leave my mansion and all inside, except what has been stated goes to your sisters and I leave the summer home in the Hamptons along with everything inside to Anthony. I also leave the sum of $500,000 to each of you to do with as you please. Since you both have taken the equivalent of $25 million each from me over the years, I see no need to leave more than that. I am hoping that you boys invested what I have already given you wisely and didn’t blow it all over the years.”

“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!” Marcus stood shouting.

Anthony said nothing just sat there staring in shock, not moving a muscle.

                “Marcus, sit down.” his wife commanded him, yanking his arm and pulling him back into his seat.

                “Are you really that surprised? You shouldn’t be. Maybe I would have left more if I had not overheard you both plotting to leave your sister with nothing after my death and to kick her out of her home. I am so disappointed in you boys. I may not have been the best father to you but to take out your anger at me on her is just unforgivable.” He said, shaking his head. Sadness at the state of his children ringing true in his eyes.

                “This is ridiculous. How could he leave almost all of it to… her.” Marcus said, jabbing a finger in Cindy’s direction. She shrank back from her brother’s fury filled gaze. “You are not getting that money. Do you hear me? I will take you to court to make sure of it.”

                “I don-.” Cindy started but John squeezed her hand and shook his head.

                “And before either of you decide to try and contest any of this, let me just say that there are no loopholes, no backdoors, no way around what I have decided. I made sure that it is iron clad. Not that it will work, but anyone that decides to contest, even a spouse, will forfeit their inheritance in total. Meaning if you go after either of your sisters or the company for money or ownership then you get nothing.” Mr. Fengrer’s voice turned hard at the end and his stare matched his tone.

                “Son of a bitch.” Anthony uttered. The first words he has said since the viewing started.

                “Now that it has all been straightened out, let me leave you with some last words. Anthony, Marcus, I truly hope that one day you will both open your eyes and appreciate all that you have. I hope that you will learn to stand on your own two feet and to stop expecting others to do the work for you while you sit back and do nothing. I hope that I was able to provide you with some tools to do so. But from here on out it's up to you to use those tools and grow or crash and burn, but you will be doing it on your own.”

                Marcus ran a hand through his perfectly coiffed hair as he stared down at the table. Anthony just continued to stare, though his face had gone blank.

                “Cindy, I am so proud of you my dear. You set out to blaze your own path and never let any bump in the road keep you down. you fought for everything you have. you never once asked for a handout. in fact, you adamantly refused to use my money to help you. I admire that so much. Don’t look at what I gave you as a handout. look at it as a reward for a job well done. What you choose to do with your money is wholly up to you, but I do hope you use part of it to grow your own business. Just remember to enjoy life now while you still can. You work too much for one so young. Don’t do like I did. don’t put living and enjoying life on the backburner until you are too tired and old to enjoy it. Live, laugh and love as you put it.” he said with a raspy laugh.

                “I will.” She said, her voice cracking as she nodded.

                “Now, it's time for me to go. remember, I love you all, with all my heart and I pray that you go on to live happy fulfilled lives. Goodbye my children.” He said with a smile before the video cut off. The silence left behind was deafening. The twins were radiating anger and disbelief. Cindy was looking as if she wanted to restart the video just so she could see her father again. John stayed glued to her side but was watching the room tense. Adalind just stood silently back waiting to see what would happen. She was completely sure that this was the calm before the storm so to speak. When nothing happened a few minutes later she thought that maybe she had been wrong and stepped forward to wrap things up.

                “Well, everyone-.” She started but was cut off by another enraged yell.

                “This is insane. $500 grand. He left us $500 grand and some stupid properties. While he left that little bitch $10 million, and who the hell is this Annabelle? Why does she get a cut? It's not like she was there for him at all.”

                Adalind wanted to snort at the pot calling the kettle but remained calm as she let him rant. Cindy, though still red-eyed and sad was slowly starting to become angry as well. her eyes narrowed as she watched her brother jump up and pace from one end to the other.

                “He’s lucky he’s already dead or I would kill him myself.” He snarled and Cindy snapped. Slamming her hands down on the table, rattling the bottles and glasses and cutting into the vitriol spilling from Marcus’s mouth.

                “And you think you were there for him? Either of you?” She said, looking from one to the other. “You abandoned him. How many times has he tried to contact each of you? How many times has he tried to make amends for the things he did? Neither of you gave a damn about him unless you need something from him.”

                “Why should we have given a damn? Like he said he was a piss poor father.” Marcus shouted back at her.

                “Was he a piss poor father when he paid off your gambling debt so you could keep your kneecaps? Was he a piss poor father when he bailed Anthony’s company out of crisis when they were on the verge of bankruptcy?” she asked him, brow arched in challenge. He clenched his jaw as he stared at her. “He has bent over backwards time and time again to help you both out and got nothing in return for it.”

                “You little rat. What gives you the right to mention any of that?” Anthony’s wife said standing, her eyes piercing Cindy.

                “Oh, go get some more Botox, your face is slipping.” Cindy bit out at her before turning back to her brother. The wife sat again, self-consciously touching her face. Anthony stood slowly his ire plain in his features now.

                “Okay, maybe we all need to take a step back and settle down.” Adalind said firmly, raising her hands as if to hold someone back.

                “You’re sounding a bit self-righteous for someone who came from the same opportunities as us, you entitled brat.” Anthony spoke quietly, not really coming to the defense of his wife. Cindy gave a hysterical laugh.

                “Me? Entitled? Are you serious? I’m the only one that never asked for anything from him. Yeah I got to go to the same private school that you did, but I worked hard while there, despite being bullied by you and your friends. Yes he paid for my education but that’s where it ended. I never once took money from him after I graduated. I worked and worked hard to build my own life. No one even knows I’m his daughter because I refused to use either his money or his name to make one for myself.”

                “Maybe if you had, you wouldn’t be failing now.” Anthony sneered.

                “Okay, that’s enough. Everyone needs -.” Adalind tried to cut in again, pitching her voice a bit louder.

                “Maybe I wouldn’t be.” Cindy stated coldly as she stared him down. “But I would rather fail on my own then to ride his coattails to success.”

                He jerked back as if she had slapped him, and Marcus gave a guttural growl and was held back by his wife to keep from attacking.

                “Dad always held out hope even to his last breath that you two would finally see he was trying to make up for the past but neither of you ever did. I’ve tried hard to be your equal; to finally get some kind of recognition from you but you never even acknowledged me. But I’m done. I just lost my last parent, my last real family. All I have left now is my memories and the trinkets dad left me.” she said, deflating as more tears sprang to her eyes.

                “And $10 million.” Marcus snarled, reminding her. she shook her head.

                “I would give it all up to have him back. he was what was important to me, not the money. I just want my father back.” she said, her voice cracking again.

                “John, why don’t you escort Miss Fengrer to my office. I’ll wrap up here and meet you there.” Adalind suggested.

                “Are you sure?” John asked, looking between the brothers and her. Adalind nodded and he gathered his folder and Cindy and ushered her out of the room.

Once the door was closed again Adalind turned back to the remaining parties. While Anthony had taken his seat again, his wife clinging to his side, Marcus remained standing and his wife took steps away from him, watching him nervously. Both men now looking at Adalind as if she were the enemy.

“Did you know about this?” Marcus asked.

“Know about what exactly?” Adalind asked calmly. His rage reached a boiling point, and he picked up a glass from the table and threw it in Adalind’s direction, hitting the wall next to her head. She didn’t flinch but it was a near thing. Marcus woged piercing her with his beady eyes.

“YOU FUCKING BITCH. YOU DID THIS. YOU’RE THE REASON THIS HAPPENED. I’M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU.” he screamed. Adalind woged in response, making the other three skitter back away from her but Marcus stayed poised to leap at her.

“Just fucking try it.” she snarled at him just as the door opened and a new body entered the room. Adalind and Marcus both woged back but Adalind was in shock now.

“Nick?”

Chapter Text

                “Hey partner, we got the tox screen back for that streetcar case.” Hank said, pulling Nick from his stare off with his computer screen. It’s not like he had been paying attention anyway. His eyes had glazed over ages ago. The last two weeks had been a roller coaster. He was only just now getting back into the swing of things at work after losing his aunt last week and the funeral just this past Sunday.

                He had been feeling out of sorts, as he knew he would, since it happened. Even though he had friends and Juliette, who had been wonderful throughout all of it, he still felt alone for some reason. He found himself pulling away more than before and he wasn’t sure how to stop it. coupled with the fact that even though they had toned down the dreams were still happening he wasn’t sure what to do.

                He’s been spending a lot of time at the trailer, more so to just be close to his aunt again but he has also taken the time to do some studying as well. if his new life entailed dealing with creatures that he never knew actually existed he thought he should learn as much as he could. He’s placed a few calls to Monroe to ask questions as he did and contemplated bringing him to the trailer himself. His instincts were telling him that he could be trusted with his legacy. He thought minutely about why he never considered trusting Juliette with the information but for some reason he didn’t think it would go well if he did that. shaking off the multitude of random thoughts in his mind he focused on his partner again.

                “Oh yeah. What did they say?” he asked, moving his mouse to reawake his computer that was on a timer to lock after 15 minutes.

                “Bee venom.”

                “So basically, she died of anaphylactic shock.” Nick mused.

                “Yes… and no. First, she wasn’t allergic to bees and second, there were 50 milligrams of apitoxin in the vic’s system.”

                “Okay…”

                “According to the ME, a single bee only carries about .1 milligrams.”

                “So, she would have to have been stung by hundreds of bees in order for her to have that much in her system.”

                “Yup, which means that there is no way this was not a homicide. Someone purposely injected her with enough venom to kill her.”

                “Great, a creative criminal. Okay, do we have the tape from the streetcar yet?”

                “Got it right here.” Sgt. Wu said, holding up a laptop.

He placed it on Hank’s desk and Nick wheeled over to view the surveillance. The three men watched it in its entirety then went back and slowed it down. stopping at some points to look for any details or clues. But once the flash mob started dancing, they lost track of the victim on tape.

“Yeah, we got nothing past that. the camera is stationary so we can’t even pull up a different angle.” Wu said, shutting off the video.

“Right, we need to speak with the mob that was on that train. Wu, see if you can get this onto the news. Have anyone that was a part of that performance come in for questioning.”

“Got it.” Wu said taking the laptop and rushing off.

“Guys, you got anything?” Reynard said stepping up to the desks and men.

“Not really. The video gave us no ideas of who is behind this.” Hank answered. He nodded.

“I want this case to be your top priority. I don’t want the people of this city to be afraid to use public transportation.”

“Yes sir.” Nick answered, standing, and grabbing his jacket.

“Now, Harrison Berman, the head of the vic’s law firm, I know him. he’s going to be upset about this, but he will cooperate. Just tread lightly.”

“We are headed there now to talk to him and. See if maybe she had any enemies from previous cases that could have orchestrated this.” Hank said.

“All right. Well, anything you need, you let me know.”

Both men nodded as they headed out the door.

In the car, Nick nervously tapped his fingers against the door as his mind yet again wondered. He tried to stay focused, but it was a useless effort. Hank noticed his partners agitation and questioned him.

“You alright man?” glancing at him from his peripheral. Nick sighed.

“Yeah, I am. Just a lot on my mind.” He said squeezing his eyes shut and rubbing them.

“About your aunt, you mean.”

“Among other things.”

“Things okay with you and Juliette?”

“Yes, kind of. Sort of. I mean we haven’t been fighting or anything.”

“But your still not feeling normal around her again.” Hank said, knowingly.

“No, I’m not and its really bugging me. She’s been great through all of this and right now she’s giving me space to sort out my thoughts on things. But I don’t know how long that will last since I was feeling this way before Marie died.”

“True, but you’ve been kind of preoccupied as well. between Marie being sick, and that kidnapping case and being attacked on the night she came into town. Plus, learning about your parents' death. It's understandable that you haven’t really been yourself.”

“You’re right but she doesn’t even know what I learned about my parents. I haven’t told her. not sure if I will or when I will either. I’m not even sure I want to know what actually happened.”

“There’s no rule that says you have too either. If you ever do decide to look into it, then maybe mention it to her. That would be a lot of stress to carry on your shoulders alone.”

“Yeah, maybe. I’ll think about it.”

“And if you do decide to look into it, you know I’ll help you. Maybe we’ll discover that whoever did it died a horrible and painful death.” Hank said, grinning. Nick grinned back.

“One can only hope.”

They made it to the law firm quickly and headed for reception. Hearing raised voices along the way.

“Detective’s Hank Griffin and Nick Burkhardt. We need to speak with Harrison Berman.” Hank said as they both flashed their badges.

“Yes certainly. Just a moment.” The receptionist said, picking up her phone and dialing. More raised voices.

“Is everything alright? I hear yelling.” Nick asked, curiously.

“Oh, yes. There’s a meeting happening in one of the conference rooms. Those can get heated.” She told them before speaking into the phone then hanging up a few seconds later. “He will be right out.” she said.

“Thank you.” Hank said. Nick was staring in the direction the yelling had come from. Something telling him that this particular meeting was quickly becoming out of hand.

“Gentleman, I’m Harrison Berman. What can I do for you?” a grey-haired man, wearing glasses and a charming smile greeted.

“Hello. Detectives Burkhardt and Griffin. We need to speak with you about Serena Dunbrook.” Nick said, bringing his attention back to the moment.

“Serena? Is everything alright?” he asked in concern.

“Is there somewhere private we can speak?” Hank asked.

“Sure, follow me back to my office.” He said, gesturing for the detectives to follow him.

just as they turned to the hall leading to the offices a door partway down opened and a young man was leading an upset young woman out of the room, closing the door behind him. Nick tracked them to see them head into another room. As they were passing the room that the man and woman came out of, the sound of glass breaking, and a booming voice stopped them.

“YOU FUCKING BITCH. YOU DID THIS. YOU’RE THE REASON THIS HAPPENED. I’M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU.”

“What in the world.” Berman said, whirling to face the still closed door. Nick, acting quickly grabbed for the handle just as another voice, feminine this time but gravellier, responded.

“Just fucking try it.”

He opened the door and caught a quick glance at a man, though he didn’t look like a man at the moment. He looked like a white panther. For a moment it shocked Nick then he looked at the rest of the occupants, noting three others by the mans side staring in horror across the room. Following there gaze he caught a quick glimpse of what looked to be a rotting corpse. Hair greyed and stringy, skin ashen and sunken in in some places, teeth rotted showing gaps in some places, eyes glazed over and looked to be partially closed as it stood staring at the man. Then they changed forms into a pretty blonde, a familiar pretty blonde.

“Everything okay?” Nick managed to ask, even as his mind raced to keep up with what just happened.

“Nick?” Adalind said, surprised to see him there. He moved deeper into the room, followed closely by Berman and Hank.

“We heard something shatter and then a death threat. What in the world is going on?” Berman asked, looking from one party to the other.

“Everything is fine.” Adalind stated, straightening herself out. “Things just got a bit heated. Considering the circumstances its understandable.

“So, its usual for someone to threaten to kill you over a heated situation?” Hank asked.

“Its fine, really. They were just leaving.” She said looking first at the one that had been a panther, who was still red with anger but attempting to keep it concealed in the face of three other people, and then to the other man that was an exact replica of him, who gulped as he held onto his wife, keeping her behind him.

“Yes, we were just leaving. Thank you for your time.” the other man said. gathering their belongings they exited the room, him corralling his brother out.

“This isn’t over.” the first man sneered, pointing in her direction before allowing himself to be led out.

“Sorry about that. it was a will reading and those can sometimes get out of hand.” She said, sighing in annoyance but pasting on a smile anyway.

“I don’t like what I just heard. Things can get out of hand during these things but threats like that…” Berman said.

“Hank, do you mind conducting the interview alone for a while? I want to talk to Ms. Schade about this.” Nick asked.

“Yeah sure. I’ll get things started.” he said.

“I would appreciate that. This makes me uneasy.” Berman said, then waved Hank on, leaving the room. Nick closed the door when they were gone and approached Adalind.

“Are you alright?” he asked, twitching to reach for her.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Honestly, I should have expected this. His father use to say he was the hot head out of the two of them.”

“Did he hurt you at all?”

“No, that glass came close but missed me. Not to say it didn’t freak me out a little though. Its why I…” she trailed off nervously.

“Woged?” he questioned. She nodded, wringing her hands.

“Sorry you had to see that, again.” She snorted. He smiled.

“It’s fine. I have to get used to it at some point right, given what I am. Still shocking to see though.” He smiled.

“I bet. But really, I’m fine. I knew beforehand that this meeting wouldn’t go well. maybe I should have taken more precautions.”

“Maybe. What was he? When he woged, he looked like a tiger or panther.”

“a Pfichttreue. Basically, a panther wesen. They are smart, fearless, and loyal. In this case, those two are loyal to each other and that’s it.”

“Twins usually are but I guess being a… Pfichttreue makes them more so. I saw a man leading a woman out of this room not long before.”

“Yes, that would be their sister, Cynthia Fengrer- Cindy, and she got the lion’s share of their father’s money. They weren’t happy about it. its why I had an intern, John- the one who was with her, be here for it.”

Nick hummed, nodding.

“Do you think I can talk to her? is she still here?”

“She is but why do you want to talk to her?” Adalind asked, curiously.

“Because though you didn’t take his threat seriously, I did. I have seen far too many cases like this that led to people getting hurt. And if you say she got the bigger portion of the inheritance, I want to make sure she is safe.”

“Ah, right. that makes sense. Of course. She’s in my office. Follow me.” she said leading Nick out of the room and down the hall to her office. She knocked lightly, giving the woman a chance to collect herself if she needed too.

She opened the door to see Cindy, sitting on the loveseat, John still by her side, holding her hand and listening to her speak quietly about her father, looking sympathetic. Adalind entered with Nick on her heels, closing the door behind them.

“Cindy, this is Detective Nick Burkhardt. He wants to speak with you if you have the time.”

Both Cindy and John looked up, blinking at the detective standing in front of them. Cindy nodded.

“that’s fine.” She said quietly, her voice hoarse. Nick pulled a chair from in front of Adalind’s desk and turned it around, sitting to face her.

“Hi. First let me say that I am sorry for your loss. I just recently lost my aunt who raised me. I understand how difficult this time may be for you.”

“Thank you. my condolences for your loss as well.” She said, staring down at her hands.

“Thank you. I wanted to ask a few questions about your brothers.”

“If you can even call them that.” she snorted, rolling her red rimmed blue eyes.

“So, you are not close then.”

“No, not at all. If you ask them, I’m just the mistake. Our dad divorced their mom when they were like seven or something. met my mom when they were 10 and I was born when they were about 13, I think. They never considered me their sister, not once.”

“Is it just the three of you?”

“No, we have an older sister. But we don’t know much about her. Well, they know nothing about her. Dad kind of kept that a secret. He just recently told me about her, maybe two months ago.”

“Have your brothers ever threatened you or attempted to hurt you in anyway?” he asked.

“I mean, they bullied me when we were in school. Now I hardly ever see them. If I ever see them out in public, they just pretend I am not there. If we ever are forced to be in close proximity of each other for an extended time they might throw insults at me but nothing I can't handle.”

“Ms. Schade said that your father left a majority of his estate to you. Why is that?”

“Because I’m the only one that really cared. Neither Anthony nor Marcus cared enough to even visit him when he got sick. I was the one there for every appointment, holding his hand and making sure he was taken care of. They didn’t even show up to the hospital until after he had died and even then, they stayed just long enough to see his… body before leaving.” She said, breaking at end.

“So, you, being on the receiving end of the majority of what was left of his estate, would give them reason to come after you.”

“It would but they can’t. It was in the will that contesting it would lead to them not getting anything at all. They would forfeit the right to their inheritance.”

“But would they physically come after you?”

“I…” she said, looking up at him. “I don’t know. I would hope not but…”

She closed her eyes and woged for the first time and Nick looked away, not wanting her to know what he was. He didn’t want to spook her.

“Okay. Ms. Fengrer, what I heard as I was passing that room, makes me a bit nervous about this whole situation. I think it might be a good idea for you to get out of town for a while. Just until things die down here. I’ve seen anger like that before and I’ve seen it escalate into violence or murder one too many times. Do you have somewhere you can go for a while?”

“Yes. I mean I can ask. I had planned to go visit Annabelle, that’s our sister, in a couple of weeks but maybe she would be okay for me to come sooner.” She said, looking alarmed at the possibility that her brothers would actually try to harm her.

“That might be best. I’m going to keep track of your brothers for a while just to make sure. But the sooner you can leave I think it would be better. I’m going to call in another officer to escort you back to your place so you can pack a bag. Do you think you can call your sister and ask while I do that?”

“I can go with her.” John said.

“I would feel safe with him there.” Cindy agreed.

“That’s fine if he can. But I would feel better if there was someone with a gun also there. Just to be on the safe side. You just call your sister and wait here until I can get someone to escort you. okay?”

“Yeah sure. thank you.” she breathed a sigh of relief. Nick nodded and smiled.

“John, why don’t you take Cindy down to that little café on the first level. Use the company card to get something for the both of you.” Adalind said.

“Sure. Come on Cindy.” John said, guiding her up and out the door, shutting it behind them.

Nick made a quick call to Wu, explaining the situation and asking if he was available. Wu agreed. Adalind had collapsed on the loveseat as he talked, rubbing at her temples.

“Is it always this exciting around here?” Nick joked. Adalind giggled.

“Not always. For the most part its calm and quiet. But every once in a while we’ll get something like this.”

“So, you have been threatened like this before?”

“On occasion. They usually back off when I woge. Most wesen are afraid of Hexenbeist because of what we can do.”

“I can see that.” Nick said, remembering what he had read in the books.

“What are you doing here anyway?” Adalind asked, just now remembering that he had to have come for a reason.

“Uh, I’m actually here to speak with your boss.”

“A homicide detective wants to meet with the head of a law firm. That doesn’t bode well. Is everything okay?”

“No, it doesn’t. And no, things aren’t really okay. we were meeting about  a colleague of yours. Serena Dunbrook?”

“Serena? Is she alright?” Adalind asked, sitting up straight, looking concerned.

“Unfortunately, Serena was killed on a streetcar this morning.” Nick broke the news. Adalind gasped, her hand coming up to cover her mouth as her eyes widened.

“Oh no. How? What happened?”

“We aren’t really sure. there was some kind of coordinated flash mob performance on the car, and she got caught up in it. when everyone got off the driver found her lying on the ground, dead.” He informed her, not sure why he was telling her all of this. The death wasn’t really public knowledge, and he was supposed to be talking to Berman first. But something compelled him to continue. “our ME said that she had an over abundant amount of apitoxin in her system.”

“Apitoxin? Bee venom?” Adalind questioned; her brow crinkled as she thought.

“Yes, about 50 milligrams and since a single bee cannot produce that much there’s no way this wasn’t a murder.”

“Was there any puncture wounds, like big enough to shove a finger into?” she asked.

“Yeah, there was… do you know what this is?” he asked. she sighed and nodded.

“Millifer. It’s a bee wesen. They have the ability to control natural bees. If she had that much in her system then that’s probably why. Millifer and Hexenbeist are natural enemies.”

“Was Serena a Hexenbeist?”

“She was. Not strong though, she didn’t really use that part of her self often.”

“Can you think of any reason a… Millifer would come after her?”

“Besides just not liking hexenbeist at all?” she snorted. “not that I can… actually maybe. A while back we worked on a case together, me, her, and Camilla Gotleib, another attorney here. It was for a takeover. the company we represent wanted to acquire a papermill that was owned by one. it wasn’t an easy acquisition. But do you think they would do something like this in retaliation for that? I mean we were just doing our jobs.”

“Some people don’t see it that way. Just like that will reading you were just apart of. Some people like to blame the messenger. Its too early to tell if this is what her death was about but is there any way we can get a copy of the files for that case so we can review.”

“Absolutely. Let me call down to records and have them pulled for you.” she said, getting up and rounding her desk to pick up her phone to make the call. Nick turned his chair back around. He decided since he had the chance, he would ask her about the dreams. Maybe he could finally get some answers about it.

“While I have you and we are waiting for those records, I need to talk to you about something.” he said, hesitantly.

“Sure. What can I do for you.” She eyed him warily as she sat in her seat. He kept his eyes on her, studying her. trying to catch any change in demeanor.

“I want to talk to you about something called a conjuring.” He said and he didn’t need to watch her closely to see her go rigid and her eyes to widened minutely.

“A conjuring? What about a conjuring?” she asked, hurriedly. Her face already starting to bloom red.

“Your expression and body language tells me that I really don’t need to explain why I’m asking.” He said. she slumped back, ducking her head in embarrassment.

“This is so humiliating.” She whispered to herself before forcing her eyes back up to meet his. “I am so sorry about that. I never meant for that to happen. I don’t even know how it happened. I have never done one before, not consciously.”

“So, this wasn’t something you sought out to do.”

“No, not at all. I was shocked as hell when I figured out what it was. But I did take care of it.” she rushed to assure him.

“You did?”

“Absolutely. I didn’t know if you knew about it or not. Usually something like this would happen if a beister is seeking someone specific to connect with for various reasons. I had never heard of one happening at random between people who didn’t even know each other.”

“So, what’s the cure or whatever for this?”

“It’s a combination of a spell and a potion. Most beister magic happens like that. but its one of those where the potion takes 24 hours to brew and then…” she blew out a breath looking away from him again. “you have to repeat the actions that happened in the conjuring in order to break it.”

“So, since the conjuring involved the two of us being…” he said gesturing between them, his brows quirked. She nodded.

“then to break it I had to repeat the same actions that happened, yes.”

“That explains a few things.” Nick muttered thinking about the repeat performance he had in his head two days after the first occurrence. “So did you perform this ritual or whatever.”

“Yes, I brewed the potion that next night and… broke it the night after that.” she told him, looking just over his shoulder as to not look him in the eye.

“Why am I still having dreams then?” he asked, frustrated. Her eyes snapped to him, and she blinked.

“You’re still dreaming? About me?”

“Yes I am. Which is really starting to get to me. especially since its not exactly a comfortable thing when I’m in bed next to my girlfriend. Thank God I don’t really sleep talk or things could get really awkward.”

“And you have a girlfriend. That’s just perfect. Nick, I promise you I did break the conjuring. I followed the instructions I was given to a tee.” She said, fiercely, wanting him to believe her. “But, I am also still having dreams about you. its not like that though. Not really. These dreams just feel surreal, almost like-.”

“Deja vu? Like you have already lived those things, and these are the memories?” he asked. she nodded slowly.

“Yes, exactly like that. they started that first night after I saw you in the hospital.”

“Same for me.” he said, leaning back in his seat. “And you don’t know what’s causing them?”

“No, I don’t. I have looked but I can’t find anything with this president. Usually when two people are dreaming about each other its because they are connected somehow. But we don’t even know each other, not really.” She said. Nick thought about that and asked another question.

“That first night we met, in the hospital, when I touched your hand, did you feel anything?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been having these episodes where I would sometimes touch someone and there would be this static shock that passes between us and then I would get these weird feelings each time. But it only happens once per person, its never a repeat with the same person and not even with everybody I happen to touch. Its happened a few times, once with you, my girlfriend, Juliette, my partner and once with a witness that I was questioning.”

“That’s a weird combination of people. But yes I did feel a strong electric shock but then I felt…” she trailed off not sure how to explain it.

“What?” he asked.

“I don’t know if this exactly fits with what I felt but it was a warm sensation. Like that feeling of coming home. That’s the closest way to describe it. it sounds stupid and a bit creepy I know.”

“No, not at all. I felt it too along with the feeling that I knew you. But I’m chalking that up to having seen you that morning. it kind of threw me off though. I asked a friend about it.”

“You have a friend in the know about being a Grimm and spell work?”

“Kind of. That witness I mentioned that I questioned. Well, he’s a blutbad and I met with him after that first night of the conjuring. He’s been helping explain things to me. But we met and he was the one that told me what it was. He also doesn’t know what the static thing is or what it means. I’ve checked the books my aunt left me and there’s nothing in there either. Not sure what other avenue to look for information.” He sighed.

“I might. I have a friend of sorts as well who knows a lot about this kind of thing. He helped me with the potion for the break. I can contact him and see if he knows anything.” she offered.

“If you could that would be great. I really want to put an end to this if I can. No offense but this is starting to feel like I am cheating on Juliette.”

“I completely understand, and I want the same. I’ll give him a call later to see if he knows anything.”

“Thank you I would appreciate it.”

“Sure. it is a little unsettling to be dreaming about each other when we have only met in passing before now and had maybe a 5-minute conversation while waiting for coffee.” She chuckled and he agreed with a laugh. “Can I ask, what exactly have you been dreaming?”

Before he could answer there was a knock on the door before it opened. In stepped a young woman with a stack of papers clipped into a binder. She handed the file to Adalind before heading back out.

“Thanks Bonnie.” Adalind said.

“No problem.” She winked before closing the door again. Adalind’s phone rang indicating a call from the front desk. She hit a button before answering. “Yes Patricia?”

“Ms. Schade, there is a sergeant Wu here.”

“that would be Cindy’s escort.” Nick said standing.

“I’ll be right there. Thank you.” she answered before disconnecting. “I’ll follow you out. I want to check on her one last time.” she said handing him the binder.

“That’s fine. And I want you to take this. I know you think he was just blowing smoke but if anything else happens, or you need help then call me. like I said, I’ll keep watch on them both but its better to be careful with these types of things.” He took out a business card with his desk number and his cell on it and handed it to her.

“thank you. I appreciate that but I’m sure this will all blow over soon. But I will give you a call if I find out anymore about the dreams.”

“thanks. I’ll get out of your hair now. I’m sure you have other things to attend too.”

“Don’t remind me. out of one fire and into the next. The story of my life.” She sighed.

“Same.” He said, agreeing with her.

They both exited the office, meeting up with Hank as he was leaving Berman’s office. It reminded him again of the reason he was there in the first place.

“Before I go, again I don’t know for sure if this incident relates to that case. But be careful. If you come across something strange call the station.” Nick warned her.

“I will. Thank you, detective.” she said, back to her professional persona. He nodded and followed behind her and Hank down the hall.

Chapter Text

                “So that last guy we interviewed? You seemed really intense there for a minute.” Hank said to Nick as they got back to their desk.

                It had been a grueling afternoon for them. After coming back from the law firm they were met with a room full of people, all from the flash mob performance. Wu took great pleasure in informing them of such and wishing them luck on the interviews. After sharing a tired glance, they first went to fill in their captain on what they have found so far before setting up for the multitude of people they would be questioning.

They all basically said the same thing, they got notice of the performance on social media and decided to join in. it wasn’t until the last man they questioned, Doug Shellow, that Nick got that familiar gut feeling he had been having lately.

                At the time he couldn’t pinpoint it but there was something about the man that seemed off. That proved to be true when Nick questioned him about the paper mill, he remembered Adalind mentioning that morning and the man woged right in front of him. at first, he had been worried about how Hank would take seeing something like that but when he looked at his partner, he realized that Hank seemed nonplussed. He was sure seeing something like that for the first time, regardless of how seasoned Hank was, would be a shock to the system but he didn’t even seem to notice. It took him a moment to realize that Hank didn’t see what he had seen. Monroe had explained to him that there were two kinds of woging, one that everyone could see regardless of who it is and the other that only Grimms could see. This would make his partnership a bit tricky.

                “I know, I was just working on a hunch.” Nick answered.

                “And what hunch was that?”

                ‘I don’t really know. it was just something in his demeanor when we asked if he knew the victim and then when I asked about the papermill. He just seemed off, like he was hiding something.” he tried to explain.

                “Is this your gut feelings again?” Hank asked, quirking a brow.

                “Probably. And I could be way off. But I think I want to look into him a bit. See if I can find anything.”

                “Well,” Hank said as they both took seats at their desks. “Your last hunch or feeling led us to a kidnapped little girl, so I’m willing to trust it again. You start looking. I’ll order dinner, Chinese sound good?”

                “Yeah, that’s fine. My usual.” Nick said as he started researching.

                Both men were focused completely on the new case, having looked at every angle they could on the motive and culprit of the crime. Food sat, half eaten on their desk and multiple empty cups of coffee littered around them. It wasn’t until they heard footsteps coming towards them that they took in their surroundings and saw that the department was a skeleton crew.

                “You guys planning to spend the night?” Wu asked as he approached them. Both men blinked at him in confusion before seeing how dark it had gotten since they sat down.

                “What time is it?” Hank asked, picking up his phone. Nick copied the action and saw that it was going on 9:30. He noticed the multiple missed calls and texts from Juliette and checked the date. He hadn’t realized his phone had been on silent for most of the day.

                “What’s today?”

                “Thursday the 18^th, why?” Wu asked.

                “Shit.” He sighed, standing, and grabbing his jacket and keys.

                “What’s wrong?” Hank asked.

                “I completely forgot that Juliette wanted to have dinner out tonight and I didn’t call her to tell her I would be working late.”

                “Uh oh. I see a night on the couch in your future.” Wu said before walking away. Nick snorted but agreed with him. If she were angry enough to leave 10 text messages and 5 voicemails he wouldn’t even be allowed to sleep in the guestroom.

                “My advice is to stop and get her favorite dessert. Flowers are too cliché and obvious. Something personal is better. It worked for my second wife.” Hank told him.

                “Did it? Is that why you ended up with a third wife?” he teased. Hank grinned.

                “Not necessarily.”

                Nick shook his head and waved goodbye before leaving. Though he didn’t think taking advice from a man that has been married three times was a good idea, he was desperate and did just as advise. Stopping off at the store for Juliette’s favorite gelato along with a bottle of wine he knew she loved. He made his way home and saw all the lights were off, including the porch light that she usually kept on when he worked late. He groaned realizing just how angry she was.

                Sighing he exited the car, bag in hand and walked, exhaustedly up to the porch, key already in hand to unlock the door. Heading straight for the kitchen he put up the wine and gelato before crossing through the living room, seeing a pillow and blanket folded neatly in the corner. With another sigh he took off his weapon and dropped it on the coffee table along with his phone and keys. He collapsed onto the couch and closed his eyes.

                He didn’t remember falling asleep. He had been thinking about how to make up for his faux pas when he drifted off. But when he woke, it was to the sound of dishes clattering loudly in the kitchen and a crick in his neck since he hadn’t bothered to lay down. he sat up straight to stretch out the kinks when the loud slam of a dish or cup made him flinch. Getting up he cautiously made his way into the kitchen, watching as she moved around it in a whirlwind. she was dressed for the day already and was preparing a to go cup of coffee.

                “Morning.” He greeted, clearing his throat. She glanced in his direction minutely before going back to the task at hand.

                “Morning.” She said, curtly. Her lips set in a thin line and her face red. She was still angry. He hadn’t expected anything else but had hoped.

                “Juliette, I’m sorry-.” He started. she slammed down the lid she had been holding, on to the counter and turned to face him, hands planted on hips.

                “Sorry for what exactly, Nick. For standing me up last night or for how you have been acting lately? Which one?”

                “Both. I didn’t mean to stand you up. I got caught up with work and lost track of time. I should have called, and I didn’t realize my phone was on silent all night. I really am sorry.”

                “Work. Sure.” she said, turning away again. Picking up the lid and screwing it onto her cup. “Are you sure you weren’t busy with something else, or maybe someone else.”

                His brow crinkled in confusion.

                “Someone else? Like who?”

                “You should check your phone. You missed a call. I have to get to work.” She told him before breezing by him.

                “Juliette-.” He said just as the door slammed closed. He sighed again before going to grab his phone to see what she was talking about. Unlocking it he saw that he had a missed call from this morning and since his phone had still been on silent, he had not heard it ring. The name on the call was Adalind Schade, her business line. Groaning Nick now understood what Juliette had been insinuating and though he could almost understand her reasoning with the way he had been acting of late and the fact that he didn’t call her last night when he usually never forgets to, he was still angry that she could even think he would do something like that. he pulled up the voicemail to listen.

                “Hi Nick, detective Burkhardt. It’s Adalind Schade. I just wanted to let you know I did get in contact with my friend and he’s going to look into the issue. I will let you know what he finds. Also, I found another record that was not included in the original file I gave you about the papermill. It's an employee list. Not sure if it's needed for your case or not but you are welcome too it. I can have it faxed to the station if that would be easier. Please give me a call here at the office, if I can be of any further assistance.”

                Nick was relieved that he would, hopefully, soon get some answers about what was going on with him. I made a call to her office as he went upstairs to get ready to head back to work. He ended up leaving a voicemail of his own with the department fax number. After a quick shower and changing into clean clothes he headed back out the door.

                “Hey partner, how did the rest of your night go?” Hank asked when Nick made it to work. Nick slumped into his chair with a frown. “That good, huh?”

                “Worse.” He stated. “Not only did I end up on the couch last night, but she doesn’t think I was working. She thinks I was with another woman.”

                “Why would she think that?”

                “I missed a call this morning from Adalind Schade.”

                “Adalind Schade? The attorney at Berman? What was she calling for?”

                “Mainly about the case. There were some documents that weren’t in the original file I got from her about the paper mill. She wanted to make sure it was okay to fax it over for us to look at.”

                “Oh, well that’s not so unusual. Did you explain that it was work related?”

                “Didn’t get a chance to. She walked away before I even checked to see who had called.”

                “Sorry man.” Hank said, with a wince. “What are you going to do about it?”

                “Right now, I’m going to work. I’m still kind of pissed that she actually could insinuate that I would cheat on her. I know eventually we’ll talk.”  Nick told him then pulled out his file. “We got anything this morning?” he asked, getting off that topic. He didn’t want to think about the fact that he did actually feel like he had cheated, even if it wasn’t physically. He hoped Adalind’s friend could provide some kind of information on it.

                “Well, nothing has turned up on Doug Shellow, yet. He has no record, and his social media is sparce. Besides the post about the flash mob there wasn’t much there.” Hank shrugged.

                “Hmmm… that’s weird, isn’t it. the guy doesn’t really do social media but that one post out of any was right there. When was his last post before then?”

                “Uh…” Hank clicked around on his computer. “About two years ago.”

                “So, the guy hasn’t posted or even commented on anything in two years but decides on a whim to check and join a flash mob.”

                “Could be he heard about it from someone else and decided to check it out before deciding to do it. there’s a lot of reasons he would go.”

                “True, but something just feels off about that.”

                “Hot off the fax. Got something from Berman’s office, from and Adalind Schade and it's addressed to Nick Burkhardt...” Wu said waving some papers around before dropping them on Nick’s desk.

                “Thanks Wu.” Nick said.

                “No problem. So, who is this, Adalind Schade? is she pretty? Is she single?” Wu inquired. Nick and Hank chuckled.

                “She’s just an attorney we met yesterday during questioning.” Nick told him.

                “And she’s gorgeous.” Hank added.

                “Really? Single?” Wu asked again.

                “No clue. Not one of the questions we asked during interview.”

                “Well put it on your list next time, would you? it would be nice to cuddle up to something other than my cat for once.” He said as he walked away. Hank snickered and Nick shook his head flipping through the stack. Scanning through the names he stopped part way down the list and smiled.

                “Bingo.” Nick said.

                “Are you talking about the dog, the game, or do you have something?” Hank asked.

                “It’s funny how someone who said they didn’t know much about the mill, or the case was employed with the company for ten years and received a payout when they were shut down.” He handed over the page. Hank hummed looking at the list before turning back to his computer, typing quickly, and reading before leaning back.

                “You know what else is funny? The fact that the previous owner of the mill, does have a social presence, an old one but among her friends list are several of our flash mob participants and also one Elliot Spinella.”

                “Spinella? Wasn’t that the bee expert we talked to?”

                “It sure was.” He smiled.

                “I think we need to pay another visit then.” Nick said, standing but was hit with another one of those gut instincts that seem to come at the oddest of times. “On second thought, do you think you can handle that on your own, or take Wu? I want to head back to Berman’s.”

                “Instinct?”

                “Instinct.” He confirmed.

                “Okay, call if you need back up.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey Wu, feel like going for a ride?”

                “Only if you buy me ice cream.” He answered. Nick chuckled as he headed out the door.

                In the car Nick dialed as he sped out of the parking lot, a sense of urgency hitting him.

                “Thank you for calling Berman and Associates. How may I direct your call?” A chirpy voice answered.

                “Yes, I need to speak with Adalind Schade please.”

                “She’s in a meeting. Can I take a message?” the receptionist asked.

                “This is detective Burkhardt from Portland PD. this is kind of an emergency situation. Can you please pull her from her meeting?”

                “Certainly, detective. hold for one moment.”

                “Thank you.”

                He was placed on hold, listened to the wait music, and weaved his way through traffic, going a little over the speed limit. He was three blocks from the firm when the line was picked back up.

                “This is Adalind Schade.” She answered in her sweet yet professional voice.

                “Adalind, its Nick. I think you and Camilla are the next targets for the Millifer.”

                “What? Are you sure?”

                “Not really. I just… look I’ll explain when I get there. Is Camilla in today?”

                “She actually should be at lunch right now.”

                “Damn, do you know where she might go for lunch?”

                “No, I mean… wait, yes. She’s into this new yoga thing in the park. It should be starting soon.”

                “The one across from your building?”

                “Yes, that’s the one.”

                “Okay, you stay there, do not leave the building. I’m going to see if I can get to her.”

                “Okay, yeah sure.”

                “Good. Talk soon.” He said before disconnecting as he turned into the parking lot of the firm. He got out slamming his door as he raced across the lot and across the street to the park. Dread filled him as he saw a group of people crowding around one area that was set up with yoga mats.

                “Portland PD, move back please.” He instructed once he reached the group. They were quick to disperse, leaving the body of a woman, just as bloated and grotesque as Serena had been when she was found dead. Kneeling over the body he pulled out a pair of gloves to put on then gently moved her head, pressing two fingers to her pulse point, no pulse. Nick sighed as he pulled out his phone and stood.

                “Okay, no one leave the area please, this is now an active scene. We will need statements from everyone here.” he announced before dialing.

                “Hey Nick, did you find anything?” Hank asked when he answered.

                “Yeah, another body.”

                “How did you stumble across another body?”

                “It's my lucky day, I guess. We are gonna need units out here. I can’t be sure until we get prints, but I think its Camilla Gotleib, the 2^nd attorney on the mill case.”

                “Damn, I guess you were right. I’ll call it in and see you in ten.”

                “Yep.” Nick said before disconnecting. Pulling up another contact he made another call.

                “Nick? Did you find her?” Adalind answered, anxiously.

                “Yeah, I found her, but I was too late.” He told her.

                “Oh God, no. Camilla.”

                “I’m sorry. I’m going to wait here for back up and then I’ll be over to talk to you. Just don’t leave the building. I don’t know how far away the culprit is.”

                “Of course. I’ll see you soon.” She breathed, her voice cracking. That feeling of wanting to comfort her was back and he had to hang up before he said or did something that he shouldn’t.

                Units started arriving and soon the park was filled with cops. Nick filled Hank and Wu in on what he learned and left them to lead the rest of the interviews. He rushed back across the street and up to the top floor of the law firm.

                “Hi, I need to speak with-.”

                “Nick.” Adalind called as she hurried up to him in the reception area. He placed a hand on her back and turned her around.

                “Your office.” He told her. she nodded and led the way, ignoring the curious glances she was given by those they passed. Once inside they closed the door. “Are you okay?” he asked, bracing his hands on her upper arms. He couldn’t control his urge this time, he had to be near her, make sure she was alright.

                “Freaked out but I’m fine.” She told him shakily. “I just can’t believe this is happening. We were just doing our jobs. Why come after us and not the company that actually initiated the take over?”

                “I wish I knew. But we need to find a way to keep you safe. Is there anything that can combat the venom from a Millifer?”

                “No, not that I know of. Technically it really is just bee venom it's just on a more concentrated level and quantity. There doesn’t seem to be a magical version of an epi pen for this.”

                “Okay, what about your friend. The one you contacted about the dreams. Would he know of anything?”

                “I don’t know. Maybe. He runs a wesen apothecary so even if he doesn’t maybe he has a way to help.”

                “Alright, let’s head there. I don’t want to give them the chance to get to you.” he said. she nodded and quickly gathered her jacket and bag. Nick opened the door to Berman standing there poised to knock.

                “Adalind, is everything alright? Patricia said that you sounded upset about something.” He asked, concern lacing his voice and crinkling his brow. Nick answered before she could.

                “Actually sir, there is something, come in and I will explain quickly. “He said ushering the older man inside. The man hurried inside, and Nick shut the door again.

                “We have reason to believe that Adalind’s life might be in danger. The person that killed Serena Dunbrook just killed Camilla Gotleib. We think this is related to the paper mill case the women worked on.”

                “Oh no. I can’t believe it. what can I do? How can I help?” he asked.

                “Right now, just go on as if everything is normal. I’m going to take Adalind somewhere safe to protect her. Just in case this goes on for a while, is there a way for her to work from home?”

                “Yes, absolutely. Adalind dear, you just let us know what you need from the office, and we’ll have it brought to you or send via the police to your location, alright?”

                “Yes sir. Thank you.”

                “Of course, of course. You get going. check in and let me know you are safe.”

                “I will.” She promised. Nick nodded once to the man then ushered Adalind out the door. Nick was hyper aware as he looked around the open reception area.

                “Is there another way out of here besides the front door? I don’t want you in open areas until we get this solved.”

                “We could go through the garage, my cars there anyway.” She told him once they were in the elevator.

                “We can’t take your car. We don’t know if they are watching it or not. We’ll take mine. but we will go through the garage.” He said, pressing the button for G1.

                “Yeah, okay.” she said, shuffling restlessly on her feet. Nick could see her nerves appearing and turned her to face him, the fear apparent in her eyes.

                “I will keep you safe, I promise.”

                “How?”

                “I don’t know but I’m going to do everything I can to make sure of it.” he told her. She nodded, putting her complete trust in him.

                The doors opened and Nick took a look around before exiting, putting an arm around her waist, and keeping her close. He pulled out his phone again to make a call as they walked fast through the underground parking lot.

                “Hank, it's me. I need you to cover for me. I have Adalind Schade with me, I’m going to get her somewhere safe.”

                “No problem. I’ll wrap things up here.”

                “Thanks.” he said, disconnecting. He spotted the exit just off to the side. “Okay, this is going to be a mad dash to my truck, just keep your head down and don’t leave my side.”

                “Trust me, I’m clinging to you like a koala.” She told him. he almost smiled at that but was too tense and aware.

However, not aware enough to see the man that had been hiding between two cars and bum rushed him from the side. at the same time another person, a woman, grabbed Adalind yanking her away from him. he heard the cut off shriek right before his instincts kicked in and Nick was in a scuffle with the man. Trading punches, both trying to get the upper hand. He heard an inhuman scream and fought not to lose focus on what he was doing. He needed to hurry. He had to get to Adalind before it was too late. He shoved the man back and pulled his gun. John Coleman, another flash mobber they questioned the previous day. John woged and Nick wasn’t shocked. Maybe he should have been, but he almost expected it.

                “You don’t know what you are doing.” John said in a hissing voice.

                “I know that you are killing innocent women for doing their job.” Nick said.

                “We are doing you a favor. As a Grimm you should appreciate us eliminating the threat so that you don’t have too.”

                “I think I can handle things on my own. Thanks. Down on your knees, hands behind your back.” he told him. the man followed instructions just as he heard Adalind.

                “Nick!” she yelled. Quickly Nick handcuffed the man to the bumper of a nearby car and ran off towards the sound of the scuffle. He found Adalind woged and wrestling with another Millifer. This must be Melissa Wincroft, he assumed.

                “Freeze.” Nick shouted, aiming his gun. “Melissa, I need you to step away from Ms. Schade and put your hands up.”

                Both women woged back and Melissa, grabbed Adalind, positioning her in front of her, with a needle in hand, dangerously close to her neck. A cover of bee’s appears as if out of thin air blocking his sight of the women.

                “Adalind.” Nick called.

                “Nick.” She answered back.

                “I have to kill her detective. You don’t understand.” The woman said. the bee’s moved away again giving him clear visual.

                “Drop it. I’m arresting you for the murder of Serena Dunbrook and Camilla Gotleib.

                “I did it to protect you.” the woman said defensively.

“There's no excuse.”

“We're clarions. We send the warning call. We're on your side. The lawsuit--it was a conspiracy to get rid of us. They're not just lawyers.”

“Doesn't matter. You killed two people.”

“Two Hexenbiests. Closing the mill was their way of stopping us from warning you.”

“I was just doing my job.” Adalind argued, wincing when the needle pierced the side of her neck.

“Don’t. withdraw the needle and let her go and I won’t have to shoot.”

“You just don’t understand. This is for the best.” She said, pushing the needle in further. Nick took aim and fired, hitting the woman in the head. Adalind screamed. Melissa dropped, staring with dead eyes at nothing. Adalind pulled the needle out and threw it before running over to Nick and throwing her arms around his neck, her face buried in his chest as she cried. He rapped an arm around her as he put his gun away and pulled out his phone, yet again.

                “Nick?” Hank answered.

                “Yeah, I got another dead body for you.” he sighed, stroking a hand up and down Adalind’s back.

Chapter Text

                Nick opened the door to his house and all he wanted to do was take a shower and go to bed. But he heard the sound of the television in the living room and decided to get this talk over with. He hasn’t talked to Juliette all day, both angered at her but also remorseful for how he’s been acting lately. He didn’t want to let the argument go on when it could be easily cleared up. setting his weapon and badge down on the table near the stairs he made his way into the living room.

                Juliette was there, already in pajama’s, eating the gelato he brought, the bottle of wine sitting, recorked, on the inn table next to her with a half full glass beside it. She didn’t once glance in his direction even hearing him come in. he sighed and took a seat on the couch, keeping some space between them, and turned his body so he was facing her.

                “Juliette, we need to talk.” He started. she shoved another spoonful in her mouth.

                “I don’t think we do. It’s not like you have been really talking to me for weeks. why start now?” she said, never taking her eyes off the television. He reached for the remote, muting the show and placing it on the arm next to him.

                “That’s what we need to talk about, along with what happened last night and this morning.” He said. she dropped her spoon back into the carton and set it down rather hard on the coffee table before turning to face him, arms crossed, a blank expression on her face. He took that as his cue to talk. “Look, I know I have been acting out of character lately. I truly do apologize for that. I’ve been feeling… off kilter ever since Marie came to town.”

                Her expression softened minutely, and she was listening, even if her body language still seemed defensive to Nick.

                “After she told me she had cancer, end stage cancer, dealing with the attack and then that case with the little girl, I kind of just shut down and that was wrong and unfair to you. I never meant to cut you out, that was not my intention. I’ve been just… trying to work through some issues and I thought it was best to work through them on my own.”

                “But why? It's what I’m here for. It's been weeks now that you do nothing but work and come home to sleep if you come home at all. Why didn’t you think you could talk to me about what you were feeling and going through?” she asked.

                “Honestly, because I didn’t think you could understand.” He told her bluntly. She started to say something, but he held up a hand. “I just lost the last member of my family, my last blood relative, my last connection to my parents. I have no one else. If we ever get married or have kids, I have no family to be there for any of that. And knowing that is taking a toll on me.”

                “But I would be your family, I already am.”

                “I know and even though I cherish that its different. you still have your parents. you can pick up the phone right now and call your mom or dad just because. You can call your aunt in Wisconsin and vent about how frustrating your mother is when she badgers you about getting married. I don’t have that. I know that’s not your fault, but it does sometimes cause feelings of jealousy because I want that. I have very vague memories of my parents, my mother being the strongest memories I have been able to hold on too and that’s mostly thanks to the fact that I still had Marie. We may not have stayed in contact on a regular basis, but I knew that if I needed her, she would be there. It hurts to think that I no longer have that. and I have been trying to come to terms with that which has made me distance myself from you. I really am sorry about that.”

                Juliette studied him before deflating, uncrossing her arms and sighing.

                “I’m sorry too, I should have been more sensitive to what you were going through. I can only imagine how I would feel in your position. But I wish you had just come to me and told me. I would have understood if you needed some space to think.”

                “I know and I should have. If I had been thinking clearly or paid attention to how much I had pulled back from everything I would have. But I promise that from now on I will talk to you and tell you where my head is.”

                “Thank you, that’s all I ask. I’m more than happy to be your sounding board or give you space if you need it, but I need to understand what it is you need when you need it, not after the fact.” She pleaded. Nick nodded.

                “I understand. Now about last night and this morning.” He said, getting to the next point. She frowned and tensed up again. “I should have called last night. I hadn’t been planning to work that long but we caught a case about a woman murdered on a streetcar and we had a few leads that we were looking into. I got caught up in the case and before either Hank or I knew it, it was 9:30 and Wu was asking if we planned to spend the night in the precinct. My phone had been on silent from an earlier interview we were doing at a law firm, as to not be interrupted.”

                “A law firm?”

                “Yes, the victim at the time was an attorney at the firm we went to. The same one that Adalind Schade works at.” Nick told her, watching as realization dawned across her face. She turned away feeling embarrassed about the conclusion she had jumped to that morning. Nick went on. “The call I missed this morning was about a file that was not included in the information we had gotten that morning.”

                “Why call your cell phone? Why not just leave a message for you at the precinct?” she asked.

                “This isn’t the first, nor will it be the last time I have ever gotten a call from a witness, family, or friends of a victim or even informants on my cell phone. It’s part of my job. You know this. The reason she called my cell this morning is because she wanted to see if I wanted to stop by before I went in to work to grab it or if it was okay to fax it. She called from her office phone.”

                “Oh. I didn’t realize…”

                “Yeah. I can almost understand how you drew the conclusion that you drew but it still makes me angry that you could even think I would cheat on you, even if it was a fleeting thought. Have I ever given you reasons to not trust me? Once in the 6 years we have been together did I ever give you reason to think I was a cheater?”

                “Where are you when you decide not to come home?” she asked avoiding the question.

                “I’ve been at Aunt Marie’s trailer. Sometimes it helps to be surrounded by her things. And with how I’ve been feeling lately I just end up there.” he sighed. She looked away. “Juliette, if after years of being together you honestly think I could cheat on you, then we have bigger problems them me forgetting to call to tell you that I’m working late.”

                Rubbing a hand over her forehead she sighed, feeling guilty about even suspecting him.

                “No, you’re right. I know you wouldn’t cheat, and I shouldn’t have insinuated that you would. I was just so angry. I was already frustrated over your distance the last few weeks and last night was kind of just the last straw. I should have stayed to talk to you or at least woken you up so we could talk before I left for work. I’m sorry.”

                “Me too. Let’s just forget about it. we both made mistakes and assumptions, but they are in the past now.”

                “Maybe… what do you think about us going away for a while. Just to get away from everyday stress. It could be good to help clear your mind.” Juliette suggested, hopefully.

                “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. I still have some time stored up. where would you like to go?” he asked.

                “Well one of my coworkers suggested this cabin called Whispering Pines. I can see if they have any openings.”

                “Sounds good. Let me know. I’ll request the time off for it.”

                “Good. I’ll check tomorrow.” She leaned over, pressing her lips to his before scooting over to snuggle into his side. “Love you.”

                “Love you too.” he whispered back, fighting against the same instincts he had been for a while. The ones telling him that this was wrong, that she was wrong. He forced them back and held her tight.

                “So did you get the files you needed for your case?” she asked, changing the subject. Now that their fight was over, she was feeling better and just wanted to be with Nick, like they usually were.

                “I did and they helped. We caught the killer, well actually they are dead now.”

                “Well, that seemed to have escalated. How did that happen?” she asked, and Nick relayed the whole tail from the suspect they questioned the previous morning to the showdown at the parking garage with the killer. He even mentioned Adalind in his retelling and was relieved when she didn’t even tense up. He hoped this meant that she no longer suspected anything happening between him and the attorney even though, in the back of his mind, he still remembered how she felt in his arms.

**GRIMM**

                The adrenaline rush Adalind felt earlier when she was almost killed had truly worn off by now but still, she was too jumpy to rest. After Nick shot the Millifer, Adalind had cried in his arms, relieved. When she had finally found the strength to separate from him, she couldn’t help the cold that swept over her in his wake. She tried to reason with herself, telling herself that he was taken and even if he wasn’t he was a Grimm. She should not feel as safe and comfortable with him as much as she does. But she couldn’t help it. Sitting on her couch, still in her work attire, she still felt the imprint from his earlier embrace.

                After giving her statement and reporting back to her boss, she had explained to him that she would feel better working from home the rest of the week and Mr. Berman had whole heartedly agreed with her. So, with an accompanying officer, Adalind had gone back to her office and grabbed enough work to last her a few days. Nick had stayed with her as long as he could before he had to go back to the precinct but made sure she knew she could call him if she needed and thing and that he would be in touch about the other thing they were working together on. She had yet to hear back from Freddie, but he did say it may take a few days as he had to reach out to his sister who knew more about this then he did. She thanked him profusely and made sure he had her contact information.

                She was sipping on a glass of wine she had poured upon first arriving home, eyes closed, stockinged feet propped up on the coffee table and soft music playing. Her jacket strewn across a chair, her shoes kicked off in the middle of the living room and her briefcase thrown on the couch next to her. She heard her door unlock and didn’t even turn to see who had entered, already knowing and already too tired to deal with them. Still the scent of her mother's perfume filtered closer as the door shut and the smell of it started to give her a headache.

                “Hello mother.” She sighed.

                “Adalind, what is this I hear about you being attacked at work?” She asked, her voice tinged with outrage. Adalind raised her head to look at her.

                “Where did you hear that?”

                “Well…”

                “Let me guess. Sean called you since it was one of his detectives that saved me.” she said before draining her glass and refilling it from the bottle she had set in a bucket of ice on the coffee table.

                “At least someone told me, its not like you called to inform me, your mother, that you almost died.”

                “I didn’t…” she sighed, knowing it was pointless to continue that thought. “As you can see, I’m fine. The detective that was with me killed the Millifer before she could poison me.”

                “Yes, I heard about that too. A Grimm. A Grimm saved your life. I don’t think that has ever happened before.” Catherine said, taking a seat beside her daughter, moving her briefcase to the floor.

                “What does it matter if it was a Grimm or not? The fact of the matter is that I’m alive and here now because he did his job as a cop and took care of the problem.”

                “Adalind-.”

                “Mother, if you came here just to bitch at me because of Sean, the Grimm, or the key or to issue another warning about who’s side I should be on, then just save it please. I am really not in the mood. I just want to sit here and drink my wine and try to forget this day even happened.”

                “I just came to check on you. Despite what you think I do care about you, and I wanted to make sure you were really okay.” Catherine sighed. Adalind didn’t miss the fact that her mother said she cared for her, not that she loved her, which she still has yet to hear from her.

                “I appreciate it but I’m perfectly fine, still a bit shaken from what happened, but I’ll get over it soon enough.”

                Good, I’m glad.” She said before falling into silence, not sure of what to do now. She knew that if she tried to talk to Adalind about Sean or the key she would be thrown out and she didn’t want that. She still was optimistic that Adalind would come to her senses and go back to Sean. She even cut off her affair with him, in preparation for that day. But first she needed to find a way to salvage her own relationship with her daughter, what little there was of one. “Well since it’s still early and we have the whole day, why don’t we spend sometime together, we’ll have a mother/daughter day.”

                Adalind’s eyes snapped open again and she gave her mother an incredulous look.

                “A… what?” she asked, not understanding what her mother was saying.

                “It’ll be fun. We can just lounge here and… order comfort food, drink wine and whatever else you want. Just the two of us, like we used to do.” Catherine smiled brightly. Adalind blinked at her.

                “We have never once done something like that.” she deadpanned. Her mother deflated, looking defeated.

                “I’m trying here Adalind. I know I haven’t been the best mother, but I want to work on that. I understand that you are skeptical of my intentions, but I just want to be on better terms with you. I want to show you that I do cherish you.” she insisted. Adalind didn’t for one second believe her but there was still a small part of her that wanted this to be an honest attempt to bridge the gap between them.

                “Fine mother. if you really are trying to be closer then let’s do a girl's night. You call and order the food and I’ll go get comfortable.” She agreed, sitting up.

                “Fantastic, I’ll order your favorite from that little Indian place you like, and I promise to make sure to request no tomatoes.” Catherine said, contritely. Remembering how she had messed up last time she ordered for her daughter.

                “Thank you.”

Catherine got up to head to the kitchen for the take-out menu to place the order. Adalind picked up her briefcase, preparing to take it into her room. An envelope, the size of a card, fell out as she did, front side down with a wax seal on the flap holding it closed. She picked it up, flipping it over to see her name printed in calligraphy on the front of it. Curious as to what it was, she broke the seal removing the singular one-sided card inside with only one sentence on it.

                You won’t get away with what you have done.

                A shiver ran through her as she reread the words. Could this be from the Millifer? It wasn’t the first time she had received something like this. Being an attorney, especially a corporate one, it wasn’t uncommon to have those angry at her or her associates for doing their jobs.

                “What’s that?” Catherine asked looking over her shoulder. Adalind quickly slipped it back into the envelope and shoved it back in her bag before standing and heading for her room.

                “Nothing important. Make sure to get extra naan please, the garlic kind.”