So, it's finally here. After writing the Psych Shassie fanfiction, Shawn Spencer: Gypsy, we now come to My new Grimm fic, The Family Tree! NickRenard is the best pairing EVER! I adore Nick and Renard. I feel they are a strange couple to write, but I love a challenge! This fic is for my NaNoWriMo challenge, so I do have a LOT more written as of right now, but this is the first chapter and I wanted to see what everyone thought.

Well, enough of me rambling about how awesome NickRenard shipping is. ONWARD TO STORYTIME! *claps energetically*


Nick loved running.

Physically, he loved the feeling of the crisp, morning wind rushing across his face as he breathed. He loved the burn in his muscles as he took that extra stride. The crisp air, the subtle burn, all these things fueled him each and every morning. Mentally, it was the one thing that gave him a sense of normalcy in his hectic new life. He could also go through his thoughts and not be distracted by the complex cacophony of life. Here, outside, he could think freely.

He had discovered a while ago that he was a Grimm. He was thrown into a whole new world that he knew nothing about thanks to his mother's sheltering as well as his aunt's. Nick could hardly believe that creatures lived just beneath the surface of a supposedly normal human being, a wesen. The Grimm laughed at the memory of his first wesen nowadays, but in his laughter he also remembered the fear he'd felt, the fear that he had finally lost it. He was happy that he hadn't.

Right now, there was so much to deal with. He was worried about Hank; the man still seemed shaken up by the fact that not only were the creatures in his childhood nightmares real, but that not all of them wanted to kill him. Hank still seemed afraid with each wesen they came across, wondering if this person would be the nightmare that killed him. It was different with normal humans. With wesen, it was the uncertainty that threw Hank into a state of unease.

He was surprised when Juliette only tried to get him to go to a therapist once before she was able to see her first wesen. After that she took it very well. Nick was immensely grateful that Juliette was there. They had been best friends for so long, and Nick was worried that this "crazy talk," as she originally put it, would get in front of their friendship. Now, however, she only said to him every once in a while, "Of course I'd get stuck with the best friend with superpowers. Do you even know how high maintenance those types of friends are?" He knew she was joking, but he still wondered how much of her jokes were truly just that.

Juliette also helped Hank a lot with dealing with the wesen world. Whatever she learned from Nick, she passed on to Hank in simpler terms. As Nick continued to run, he offhandedly wondered if Juliette was better at handling this because she was a vet, therefore seeing wesen as new animals. It made him laugh slightly, picturing Monroe as a dog.

And then his thoughts turned to his wesen friends. Monroe and Rosalie were another concern of his. Ever since Nick had come literally barging into Monroe's life, Nick felt terrible. Before Renard came along, Nick only had Monroe to lean on when he had a question or he needed a partner other than Hank to handle something. He was eternally grateful to the Blutbad, but he felt he didn't show it enough. Even now, when Monroe and Rosalie had a life of their own, he still barged in whenever he felt it was necessary. In the back of his mind, the more selfish, cowardly part of him thought, well, it's either them or Renard, and you definitely are more awkward around Renard.

And that's what it all came down to. Captain Sean Renard. Sean Renard, the bastard prince of the Kronenberg House. Lately, Nick's thoughts always came back to this man. He couldn't quite place why he was so obsessed, but it was starting to annoy him. Nick was starting to annoy himself. It sounded crazy – he sounded crazy – and he probably was, but he just couldn't help it. The man was an enigma. It definitely wasn't because he was attracted to his captain. It was because he was a puzzle that Nick couldn't quite figure out. He had played the part of the innocent captain until he felt it was time to reveal to Nick who he actually was. Renard said it was because Nick wasn't prepared enough to accept the fact that there were wesen royal families, councils, and just politics in general within the wesen world, and he was right. When Nick first became a Grimm, he could barely tell the difference between a Blutbad and a Jagerbar. It was quite pathetic. Now? Now he was as fully immersed in wesen culture as a student was immersed when studying abroad. Except for the fact that I can't leave the country… Nick thought as he took his last step into his driveway before stopping his run for the day.

In the house, he heard the telltale ring of his phone. The screen read "Hank," showing that he most likely had work to do. He picked up the phone. "Burkhardt."

"Hey, Nick. Do you know what time it is?"

The detective rolled his eyes. "I'm not doing this, Hank. I will not fall for your childish antics." Nick said, pretending to be pompous.

"Oh come on, Nick. Humor me." Nick could picture his partner grinning over the phone.

He sighed. "Fine." Then, "What time is it, Hank?"

"It's time to get to work!"

As Hank laughed, Nick could only say in disbelief, his voice heavy with sarcasm, "Hilarious, Hank."

"I know." He boasted.

Nick smiled. "I'll see you down at the precinct in a bit."

"See you."

Nick rubbed his eyes tiredly before making his way to the shower. He quickly cleaned his tired body, wondering just who had been killed today. Admittedly, Nick over thought things and right now, in the shower, he couldn't help but wonder if murderers were basically funding his paycheck. He basically made money from people being killed. A voice in his head that sounded strangely like Renard kept repeating that he made money from catching criminals, but he was stubborn. Not even Renard in his gloriously chiseled face could keep him from his occasional overthinking escapades.

Okay, so maybe the real Renard could, but he didn't have him standing in front of him in his shower right now so it didn't matter. As Nick blushed at the thought of his captain naked in the shower with him he forced his thoughts to move to a different topic completely. Still, a nagging part of his mind wondered how much his captain was hiding under that suit and tie.

It wasn't too much longer that Nick was dressed and out the door to the precinct in his truck. He greeted the receptionist politely before he made his way to his desk. "Hey, Hank."

His partner looked up from the folder – probably the case folder – he was reading to say, "You ready to go?"

"Can I read the file first? Geez, Hank. Have too many cups of coffee this morning?"

Hank shook his head and sighed. "Sorry. The captain seems to be having a shit fit over this case. He's pissed about something."

Nick quickly snatched the file from Hank's hand. "Now my interest is peaked."

Though Nick couldn't see it due to his undivided attention being sucked into the case file, Hank grinned a knowing grin. I don't even know if he knows… Hank thought, grin still plastered on his face. However, that grin quickly dropped when his partner slouched down into his chair, rubbing his eyes and looking like he just found out someone had died.

And that was exactly what had happened. "Nick? Do you know the vic?" When no response was given, Hank asked again.

Nick still didn't answer. Instead his eyes clenched shut for a moment before he slammed his fist down on his desk with a shout of, "Fuck!"

At the outburst, however, the windows on Renard's office doors and surrounding areas shattered with a resounding crack as the pieces hit the tile floor. Officers immediately began scrambling to their captain's aid, though the man was already coming out of his office completely unscathed. His eyes immediately fell on Nick, who was staring with wide eyes at the destruction at the taller man's feet. He quickly came to and stood up to make sure he was alright, but his head began to spin as a shooting pain went through it and he had to sit back down. He whimpered slightly, the commotion only making his sudden headache worse.

Renard, meanwhile, seemed to see Nick's sudden turmoil and ordered the other officers to get a cleanup crew to take care of the shattered glass. After assuring his officers that he was fine, he made his way over to Nick, curiosity getting the better of him. There was no mistaking that Nick would take the death of the victim hard, but with a Grimm in the house and an unlucky one at that, it could not be a coincidence that the windows shattered. And, upon seeing his Grimm in the state he was currently in, he was almost certain the detective had something to do with this, though it was probably unknowingly.

In a soft voice, Renard spoke to Nick. "Look up, Nick." Nick obeyed and Renard saw that his nose was bleeding. The captain lifted Nick to his feet, saying, "Let's get you cleaned up in the bathroom. It's probably quieter in there anyways."

Nick just followed, though he was carried more than he stepped on his own. In the bathroom, Nick sighed in slight contentment, the noise level dropping significantly after the door was shut. His captain then picked him up gently and sat him on the counter, then grabbed some paper towels and held them to Nick's nose with one hand, his other gently cradling the man's head. Nick definitely did not yelp when he was picked up.

After his nose had stopped its downpour and his sudden onset migraine had ceased, he asked his captain, who was leaning very close to him while still leaning against the sink counter, "What did I do now?"

Renard blinked. "Nick, I'm not completely certain that you caused this. It was probably just age on the building that finally shattered the glass."

Nick glared. "You don't really believe that, do you?" It was more of a statement than a question.

Renard smirked. "You are the only person I've ever met who can read me so well."

"I don't know whether to take that as a jab or a compliment."

The older man chuckled. "Consider it what you will, but I merely made an observation."

Nick nodded, then, changing the subject, "This isn't some new Grimm development, is it? I don't really want to be going around shattering windows whenever my body or mind or whatever feels like it."

Renard considered that. Nick brought up a point that the captain hadn't considered. He would have to look into it further before bringing it up to Nick; he didn't want the man to worry about something that might not even be true. But, to appease the worried Grimm, he gave a half-truth. "Grimms are human. Most – if not all – of their abilities revolve around heightened physical attributes. Breaking windows without throwing something doesn't seem like a power a Grimm – or anyone, for that matter – would have."

Nick nodded. "I know you think this still has something to do with me."

Renard smirked. "Now your people-reading skills are just creepy." Nick could only glare and blush, but before he could retort, Renard said, "But judging by your knack for meeting murderers in a dark alley, you're probably only good at reading me. Other people? Not so much."

Nick laughed. "Thanks, jerk."

Renard leaned close to Nick, loving the way the barely suppressed shiver ran through the smaller man's body. "You're welcome."

Nick swallowed. Renard had been acting weird lately. Ever since the incident where he was almost taken by Baron Samedi, Renard had been doing what he could to stay as close to the detective as possible without smothering him. Not only was he becoming protective, but their friendship had only grown since the attack. It wasn't that Nick didn't like what they've grown to be; in fact he much preferred the friendlier side of Renard. It was just different.

But there were moments – moments like this – that made Nick wonder what the older man's motives were. One moment they were acting like friends who had known each other for years and the next? Well, then they were in moments like they were in now. They were moments that Nick didn't really understand.

As Renard whispered to Nick those two words, the shiver that ran through him as the man's subtle breath reached his cheek made him only want to lean further into his captain.

Nick was well aware of his sexuality. He just didn't broadcast his attraction to men across the station. He didn't hide it, but he didn't boast, either.

Renard wasn't that bad looking, either. If Nick were being completely honest with himself, he would probably say that his captain was a walking Adonis, but he decided to not head down that road and instead keep it completely platonic. He knew Renard wasn't attracted to him and he knew even more the consequences at work that would befall both of them if any semblance of a relationship of any kind started between them. Nick would be transferred and he really didn't want to restart his status as a Grimm in another town. He was just now becoming known as the Grimm that didn't kill all wesen in Portland.

Also, Renard was a Royal and Nick was a Grimm. It wasn't likely that a relationship between them would go over well with the rest of the man's family. It would probably go well for Renard; a unity between a Grimm and a Royal was likely to set the wesen population at ease for a while, seeing it as a truce of sorts. But the rest of his family? Probably not.

But, of course, Nick wouldn't have considered any of these possibilities because Nick had never wondered what it would be like to be with Sean Renard. Nope. He didn't think of his captain that way at all. He didn't think of these things when lying in bed every other night. Not at all.

But, looking into the Royal's eyes with a blush on his face, he kind of really wished he could be.

Nick mentally shook his head. What was he even thinking? He sounded like a stalker! Ugh… I'm pathetic… Nick thought. I need to get out more…

Renard's voice broke him from his inner turmoil. "Will you, Nick?"

He blinked. "Huh?" He said eloquently.

Renard let a rare, affectionate smile cross his features. "You are precious, Nick."

He blushed. Any more of that and his face would permanently be red. "S-sorry."

Renard shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I merely asked if you could do me a privilege."

Nick's head tilted slightly to the right in confusion. "What 'privilege' are you talking about? Because the last time you asked me for a favor I about died."

Renard glared this time. "It was a complete accident. I did not know the other Blutbad pack was involved."

Nick laughed. "It's fine, it's fine. Really. What is it you need me to do?"

Inwardly Renard was reveling in the fact that his Grimm was willing to do what he asked of him without reason. Renard needed that kind of control. He needed that kind of power. To hear that Nick was giving him that power so willingly temporarily sated the inner Royal that wanted to force Nick to submit to him.

"I need you to come with me to an event of sorts. It's something the wesen community does every year. All the wesen in each territory come to a formal gathering on what is known as the 'Day of Truce' formal. And yes, it's exactly what it sounds like. Wesen families and species alike come to this formal and put aside their differences for one night to show a unity in the wesen world."

Nick looked a little hesitant. "Does this 'Day of Truce' actually help in any way? I would think that it would only give fighting species an excuse to spit words at each other…"

Renard nodded. "It's completely understandable to think that way, but you've never been to a Day of Truce formal. It is very different. It is more common for arguments to be settled on this day than it is for them to be embedded deeper."

Nick, still a little worried, asked, "Are you sure it would be okay for me to go? I mean, a Grimm at this thing might change the game."

"Like I said, this is different from human truces and ceasefires. Everyone is invited, including the Grimms. One of the reasons I'm asking you to come with me is because a Grimm has never come to the Day of Truce formal since it was established. They haven't exactly condoned it. Most of the Grimms would rather the wesen kill themselves in fights than shake hands in agreement. It means less wesen for them to kill."

Nick looked away. My ancestors really were awful people. Shaking his head, he looked at Renard again and asked, "What were your other reasons for asking me to go with you?"

The older man smirked. "That, my dear Grimm, is my secret to tell at a later date."

Nick flushed at the term of endearment. Renard was turning him into a teenaged girl. Trying to ignore his burning cheeks, he asked with a sigh, "When is it, where do I need to be, and what do I need to wear? Please tell me I don't have to wear a suit…"

Renard smirked. "Oh, come on Nick. It's only for one night, and I imagine you'll look absolutely stunning."

I think I'm just going to assume that I am a teenaged girl, Nick thought as Renard made the redness in his cheeks return once more. "Thanks."

"And to answer your questions, it's tomorrow night and I'll pick you up at your front door."

Nick nodded. "Alright then. I'll go with you. Besides, it'll be interesting to see a Klaustreich and a Seltenvogel getting along in civil conversation for once."

Renard laughed. Nick reveled in the sound. "Well, let's get back to work. I'm not certain if you've heard, but there is a bet going around about us, and I don't want people getting any ideas."

"A bet?" Nick asked.

"Ask your partner."

"Now I'm terrified."

Renard held the door open for Nick, who braced himself, not sure if his splitting headache would return. When it didn't, he started his walk towards his desk. Before he completely left, he said, "Thank you, captain, for inviting me to this. I know everyone is welcome, but I don't want all Grimms to be seen as stuck up assholes. Besides," Nick smirked. "That's the Royals' job."

Renard smiled. "I'm certain I live up to those expectations."

"You live up to a lot more than you think, Captain."

"You're not planning on calling me 'Captain' at the Day of Truce formal, are you?" Before Nick could answer, Renard said, "You can call me Sean. It won't hurt to be a little less formal with each other, at least when we're not at work."

Nick snickered. "Isn't this a Day of Truce formal, though?"

"Go to your desk, detective." He deadpanned.

"Come on. That, you have to admit, was funny."

"You're as bad as your partner." Renard scolded.

"You know you love me." Nick said, feigning conceit.

More than you know, he thought. "Good luck with this case." He said. When Nick's smile dropped, he said, "I'm sorry you have to go through this. I understand that you knew him."

Nick forced a smile. "I'm okay. This is my job. I'll catch whoever did this."

Renard nodded. Then, in a rare awkward moment for him, he said, "If you ever need someone, I will be there for you at a moment's notice."

This time his smile was genuine. "Thank you."

At that, they parted ways. Nick grabbed Hank and headed to the crime scene while Renard went to his office to call an order for new windows and to research as much as he could on whatever Nick did to said windows. He just hoped it wasn't what he was thinking. He hoped, for once, that he was wrong.

In the car with Hank, meanwhile, Nick had finally come to the shocking realization that Sean Renard had just asked him on a date.

Nick braced himself as he got out of the passenger side of the vehicle. Frank Rabe was a good friend of his. Even after he had put his wife in prison, Frank still wanted to help him with as much as he could, saying that Nick was a different kind of Grimm. Even Barry had warmed up to Nick in his own way. Now Nick was here to solve the kid's father's murder. Barry would never go near him again.

Hank's voice broke him out of his depressing thoughts. "Now I remember being here. We solved this case together a while back. The case with the guy's wife and kid, right?"

Nick nodded. "Yeah, and they were all Jagerbars. I stayed in contact with Frank and Barry. They wanted to help me, and now Frank is dead. The kid has lost two parents in the span of a few months. I'm sure he's not taking this well."

Hank nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry, Nick. This is probably hitting you hard, too. Maybe you should stay out of this. Besides, personal involvement doesn't exactly give you a clear head when trying to solve a case."

Nick shook his head. "I'm fine. I'll make sure I catch who did this." He muttered darkly.

"Then let's go see the crime scene."

The moment they walked through the large front doors to the immaculate Rabe house, Nick knew something was off. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and his gut coiled, sensing danger. Whatever Nick was walking into was not going to be good.

And he was right. In the living room, things were destroyed and tossed all over the room, signs of a serious struggle. At the end of the hall, however, was Frank Rabe, his body shredded by what Nick guessed were claw marks. Blood was all over the surrounding pictures and walls. Nick had to look away for a moment, but when he did, he noticed something within the blood spatter on the wall. It was lettering, and Nick shuddered when he read it a second time:

He's dead because of you, Nick Burkhardt. Grimms should never associate with wesen.

"Hank, forensics should have got this, right?"

"No, they're on their way. We're the responding officers. What is it?" Hank looked at the wall too, eyes widening as he looked to his partner in worry. "Nick, they are going to take you off the case whether you want them to or not. This is a direct attack against you!"

Nick really didn't care at this point. Right now all he was thinking about was how he was going to explain to Barry that his father died because some crazy murderer wanted to get at him. "This is my fault." Nick whispered.

Hank's expression immediately softened. His partner was prone to taking things this way. Nick could be a hardass, but he was the kindest detective they had. He had seen so much death and anger and insanity, but he still looked for the innate goodness in people that most others by now would think never existed. Everyone in the precinct considered Nick the 'child of the Portland PD,' though Nick had no idea. They protected Nick just a little bit more than anyone else. He was special in his own way, bringing a light to the department that they hadn't seen before. "No, Nick. Don't think like that. You could never have guessed this would have happened. Whatever happened here was an attack against you, not because of you."

Nick nodded, though he didn't really believe it. "I've got to find Barry."

"He's in school right now, but I already called an officer to pull him out."

At that, Hank's radio went off, telling Nick that Barry was outside. "I'll go talk to him. He'll at least want to hear it from a more familiar face."

"Alright, Nick."

Nick braced himself when Barry ran up to him. What he didn't expect was a hug. "Barry?"

"Nick," he whispered. "Promise me something."

Nick nodded. "Anything."

"Promise me you'll catch the bastards that did this."

Nick was shocked. "I will, Barry. I promise. But do you know of anyone specific that would've had a grudge against him? It would have to be someone who hated the idea of you working with me."

"Are you certain that's the reason they…" He swallowed deeply. This was his father who had died. No matter how level-headed the kid was on the outside, he was probably inwardly suffering. In fact, Nick was certain he had to be in some sort of emotional pain. "Are you sure that's the reason they killed my father?"

Nick nodded his affirmation. "There was a note."

Barry nodded in return. "We knew this would happen eventually. It comes with the territory of working with Grimms with enemies in high places."

Nick's eyes widened. "Why didn't you stop? Why didn't you tell me to go away, or at least tell me you were in danger?"

Barry looked at Nick. "It would have tipped them off that we were on to them. Nick, there's something going on, something huge. I don't know if it's a good idea to talk here, but I've seen enough movies to know what would happen if I told you to meet in another place."

Only Barry could laugh at his own jokes when his father was dead.

Nick nodded. "Who were you two researching? Why didn't you tell me about any of it?"

Barry pulled Nick away from the other cop. "To answer the easier question first, we didn't tell you because, like I said, they would catch on to us. This was very important to us. We wanted to help you. I still want to help you."

Nick felt tears start to form. His father had died for him, and Barry still wanted to help him. "No, I can't ask that of you. Not now."

Barry smiled. "If there's one good thing I learned from my mom, it's that Jagerbars always help their pack members, and you are pack, Nick."

"B-but your father…"

"Death is a part of life. Crying over death isn't a part of a Jagerbar's culture, I guess. We more or less celebrate and get wasted."

Nick laughed through the overwhelming emotions that were coursing through him. He had lost a good friend, but Barry still wanted to help him. "But what did you figure out?"

"You've heard of the Day of Truce formal, right?"

Nick withheld a blush, remembering who he was going with. "Yeah. It's tomorrow."

"Nick, The Kronenberg Royal Family is coming to Portland. I'm not even sure if the Royal Prince of Portland knows his family is coming, either."

Nick thought about that. Renard hadn't said anything about it. Maybe he didn't know? "What's the big deal? It's a Day of Truce. They can't really do anything."

"Do you really believe that? Do you really believe that someone would stop a Royal from doing whatever they wanted? They are the most powerful family on the planet, and not just because they've been in power since the beginning of wesen times."

Nick was confused. "Royals are wesen?"

Barry nodded. "A lot of people think the Royals are humans, but they're not. They're another race of wesen, and the most powerful race, too."

Nick nodded. "So how do you know they are going to attack the formal?"

Barry pulled a flashdrive; a small, wooden box; and a CD from his pocket. "Please. I know you are friends with the Prince. I can smell him on you." Nick blushed, but let him continue. "Give these to him. He will want proof that his family is actually coming to Portland."

Nick nodded. "Thank you, Barry. I never wanted your father to sacrifice himself for this, but I hope he knows that he's probably just saved a bunch of lives for this."

Barry smiled. "That's why we do this, you know. You don't see wesen and humans as wesen and humans. They are all the same to you. They are lives with meaning in your eyes. To my father, that was a big deal. No Grimm has ever been like that."

Nick nodded, taking that to heart. "Thank you, Barry."

"Thank me by taking that to the Prince."

"I will."

They started to walk to the house, but Barry had one last comment to make before they entered the house. "For the record, Nick, you and the Prince will make the perfect rulers. A majority of wesen are loyal to the Prince already, but when you join him on the throne I don't think a single wesen will stand against you."

Nick was genuinely confused by this and it showed on his expression. "Barry, what are you talking about?"

Barry laughed, obviously sensing the wrong reason for Nick's confusion. "Nick, wesen all around the world have heard of you. They are waiting to see what you will do next. You add a kind of spontaneity to our world that we haven't really experienced before. You also add a new meaning to the word 'Grimm.' There are already stories being told about you and how you're some kind of revolutionary sent to destroy the old ways of the Grimms and bring about a new era of arbitrator Grimms."

Nick laughed at that. It felt good to laugh through this. "I'm not sure about me being some great revolutionary, but what does that have to do with me 'taking the throne' or whatever?"

Barry's eyes widened in fear. "Holy shit. You don't know, do you?"

Nick's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What don't I know?"

Hank's call broke through the sudden tension between them. "Nick! Get in here."

It took them several hours to fully investigate the scene and, of course, Nick was asked to go with another pair of detectives to the station for questions surrounding the note on the wall. Nick mostly told the truth. He said he knew the Rabe family after a case he and his partner worked on previously, as well as admitted to becoming quick friends with the family. Nick, of course, lied when he said he didn't know what a Grimm or a wesen was, and they let him go, but not before telling him that he should consider the witness protection program. Nick inwardly laughed at that, knowing that he wouldn't be safe no matter where he was. If Royals were looking for him, they would find him.

The moment he was let out of the interrogation room, he almost ran to the captain's office. Renard seemed surprised to see him there.

"Nick, what's the matter?"

Nick walked closer so that he would be able to whisper. "Barry Rabe told me to give these to you. He said that your family is coming to Portland. His father died trying to get these to me."

Renard eyed the items Nick had placed in front of him suspiciously. "That is a very large accusation. I would have heard about this, Nick. Are you sure he is telling the truth?"

Nick smirked. Barry was right. "That's why they got you proof."

Renard nodded. "Well, we can't very well be looking at these in an office with broken windows, now can we?"

Nick blinked. "This is about your family. I don't have to be here if you don't want me to."

"Nick, you are a detective. You would probably go crazy if I didn't show you what was on this CD."

Nick ignored the comment and followed Renard to an interrogation room. "Funny how I was just in here."

"Were you investigating a suspect already?"

Nick shook his head. "Apparently I'm considered a possible suspect or a potential victim, considering whoever killed Frank Rabe wrote on the wall that it's my fault he died and that Grimms shouldn't associate with wesen."

Renard growled deep in his throat. Someone was going after his Grimm? He would tear them apart before they even got close. On top of that, there was intel that his family was coming to Portland. This couldn't be a coincidence.

Opening his laptop that he brought with him, he inserted the disc and connected the flash drive. First, he played the audio file on the CD. What was on it confirmed what Nick and the Rabes had been saying.

"You failed to capture the Grimm, Viktor."

Renard knew that voice.

"I'm sorry, my King. I will not fail you again."

Viktor was there, too. His cousin was an annoying prick, to say the least.

"No, you won't. What is that saying again? Oh, right. If you want something done right, do it yourself." Renard heard a sigh. "Viktor, tell Natalia and Shane to pack their things. Looks like we're going to Portland."

The CD stopped playing then.

"Captain, who were those people? I recognized Viktor, but who was the other man? And who are Natalia and Shane?"

Renard sighed. "Let me look at the flash drive and I'll explain."

Nick nodded and Renard opened the files. Each file had a different name and, to Nick's horror, he knew every one of them. "It's a hit list! They're going after the wesen that I know!"

Renard grabbed Nick's arm before he could run off. Nick glared menacingly, but Renard ignored it and spoke anyways. "Nick, I only have time to tell you this once and I need you to listen. Natalia and Shane Renard are my siblings. The other man speaking? That was King Frederick Renard. He's my father."

Nick's eyes widened. "You're kidding."

"No, Nick. They're coming here and they're after you."

Nick shook his head. "I don't care about that!"

Renard glared, a growl deep in his throat. Nick held his own. "Nick, they're trying to kidnap you for who knows what! Do you even value your own life?"

"Not when it's putting my friends at risk! These people are those I consider family!"

"I can't let you go around Portland knowing there's another person who wishes to take you."

"Why?" Nick asked. "Why do you care so much?"

Renard tried to ignore it, but he could hear the walls around them shaking and heard the cracks forming in the glass of the tinted glass. "They tried to take you once and for some reason my father wants you for some purpose. I can't lose you again, Nick. You mean too much to me." He admitted.

"Then come with me. Please. I have to save the next person. I can't let another one die because of this."

Renard considered this. He would not allow Nick to get hurt. Every major part of him was telling him to lock Nick up until he could figure something out, but a smaller part told him that his Mate was asking him to do something and that he wanted to please his Mate, so Renard nodded. "If something happens, I won't hesitate to drag you out of there."

Nick glared. "I'll fight you. I won't let whoever is next die because you're too scared to lose me for some reason."

Renard smiled sadly. "I know."

"And Renard?"

"Hmm?"

Nick pointed between the two of them. "Whatever this is between us, you'd better explain to me later."

Renard nodded. "I will."

Nick looked at the computer screen. "Who is the next name?"

Renard opened the file that had the list. Nick braced himself, hoping whoever was next wasn't already dead.

The moment Nick saw the name he was running to his car. Renard quickly closed his laptop and followed. He had so many questions. How did Frank and Barry Rabe figure out what his best spies could not? They obviously had an inside source. Whoever it was he would have to thank. He would also be paying a visit to Barry Rabe to personally thank him for his services. The kid deserved it. He had, after all, led him to an attack against his Mate.

Now? Now he was going to save his Mate's family. Deep down, however, he had a feeling Mrs. Rosalie Monroe was fine. That Blutbad of hers wasn't likely to let her or himself go down that easily.

But it's better to be safe than sorry.


I got nervous when I posted the first chapter of my last story, so of course I'm going to be nervous to post this one, too. I hope you guys like it!