Chapter 13

I spent the night with Monroe under his severe protests that I wasn't going home alone tonight. It didn't take much for me to agree. However, this wasn't a typical spending the night kind of thing. This was necessary. Tomorrow was Sunday, so I didn't have to work the next day. Thank goodness I had a day off to recover.

I offered Monroe my car if he wanted to go get a replacement phone in the morning, and then afterwards we could go pick up his VW. Nick probably had it towed to the police station, but we'd know for sure tomorrow. If Monroe went out first it would give me an opportunity to sleep in, because I wasn't ready to get up at the crack of dawn after what had happened tonight. Monroe, on the other hand, had a built-in alarm in his head programmed for six o'clock. I'd joked once before that he'd used his clockmaker skills to secretly install a timepiece in his brain.

The couch was incredibly cozy as I rested with an ice pack on my back while Monroe made us dinner. He had the fireplace going, and I closed my eyes, listening to the crackling of the wood. Hopefully I could distract myself this way, but even though I'd calmed down, my brain wouldn't stop rerunning the night's events. I hummed The Pretenders' 'I'll Stand by You' and was lost in thought, recalling Monroe sitting in that cage.

Monroe poked his head into the living room and grinned at me. I feigned a smile back. Whether he thought he could hold his own or not, I wasn't going to let anyone hurt Monroe if I could help it.

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

Monroe made a vegetable casserole and bruschetta, since he knew I loved it. I wasn't very hungry, but I had a couple of bites and two glasses of wine to dull my senses. I was exhausted, and I tried to pay attention to Monroe's story about an uncle of his… or was it a cousin? Either way, I was doing a poor job at listening. My eyes were trying to close.

Monroe noticed me weaving across the table. "Why don't you head upstairs, and I'll be there shortly," he said, soothingly. The tone contrasted with the big smile on his face. He wasn't trying to hold in his happiness that I was staying tonight. It didn't really count, this was necessary.

"I'm sorry, Monroe," I replied, massaging my temples. "I realize I'm not the best of company." I was starting to get a headache from the constant thoughts running amok in my brain.

"Don't apologize, Renée. It's okay. You know, we've both had an interesting night." His eyes widened on the word 'interesting.'

Yeah, that was one way to put it, although, I didn't recall the definition of 'interesting' being terrifying, reckless, and dangerous. The twinge in my back as I stood up reminded me of just how reckless I'd been. He pointed toward the living room, and I nodded, downing the remainder of wine in my glass.

I hovered on the bottom step, holding the banister. Part of me knew it was silly making such a fuss about spending the night with Monroe. I'd never had an issue spending the night with other guys I'd dated. Not that there were very many that became that serious. Still, I wanted to take this relationship slow. My feelings were so strong for him. I'd honestly never felt this attracted to someone before, not even to Jack, and he and I were pretty hot and heavy in the beginning. I'd always rushed into relationships heart first, but I wanted this one to be different. Monroe was different.

I walked up the stairs to the bedroom and changed into one of Monroe's white t-shirts he'd set out. It hung like a dress on me. At least it was comfortable, and I was grateful to be out of my work clothes. I collapsed on Monroe's bed. Thankfully, the replay button in my head switched to pause, and I fell asleep quickly.

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

My dreams were chaotic and violent. I was in the arena with dozens of savage Wesen crowding around me, ready to tear me apart. I jolted upright, drenched in sweat, and my heart was pounding out of my chest. Oh, my God, where was I? This wasn't my room. A warm hand touched my shoulder, and I turned quickly to Monroe watching me. I was with Monroe… in his house. I let out a breath.

"You okay, Hun?" he asked groggily while lightly stroking my arm.

I relaxed as my pulse slowed down. "Just a nightmare, sorry." I rubbed my eyes, warding off the tears.

"Come here," Monroe said, pulling me toward him as I nestled in the crook of his arm. His embrace with his arms wrapped around me put me at ease. Monroe let out a happy sigh and he kissed me. God, I adored him… No, I more than just adored him. Lying here with him felt so right. But this didn't count. Then I told myself to just shut the hell up as I fell back asleep.

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

I woke up at nine-thirty. Still too early. The other side of the bed was empty, so Monroe must have taken my advice and went to the cell phone company. I looked out the window into the familiar, overcast morning sky as I stretched. The sun was nowhere in sight, but I was getting used to that. It was much colder today, and the chill off the window pane sent a shiver up my arms. My thoughts went back to cages and arenas, and I pushed the negative feelings aside. Instead, I thanked the universe for letting me live to see another sunless morning.

My back was much better, which was a relief, and I took a hot shower, letting the heat soak into my body. I hummed Boston's 'More Than a Feeling' as I used the bottle of vanilla body wash Monroe had bought me as another gesture toward spending the night.

"I looked out this morning and the sun was gone.
Turned on some music to start my day.
I lost myself in a familiar song.
I closed my eyes and I slipped away…"

Once I was out of the shower, I wore Monroe's blue and white plaid shirt that was hanging in the bathroom. It was amply long enough to cover everything, and the sleeves dangled over my hands. I went downstairs, finding a note on the coffee table.

Borrowed the car.
Will be back soon, Hun.
M.

I laundered my clothes, checking the back of the suit and blouse to see if the pin holes had burned through the clothing. Fortunately there wasn't any damage. While I was waiting for them to dry, I checked my phone. The battery was at thirty percent. I didn't have a charger with me. I made a mental note to put one in my bag for next time. I really had to start remembering my phone as I recalled again my carelessness about leaving it behind when I may have needed it most.

It was eerily quiet without anyone else in Monroe's house; the repetitive ticking of the clocks were the only sounds. I surveyed the living room, glancing at all the trinkets and oddities on bookcases and shelves. How long had he lived here? There were certainly many accumulated treasures in his home.

The dryer buzzed, startling me out of my thoughts. I changed back into my clothes. A good cup of coffee sounded delightful right now. Perhaps I could use my newfound coffee skills on the French press, but then again, I wasn't feeling too skillful this morning. I had two eggs, a few strawberries, and some orange juice I found in the back of the fridge. I was craving some bacon, but unless Monroe had some tofu alternative, I wasn't getting any here.

I finished up breakfast and casually thumbed through the titles of his collection of books on one of the shelves. I was missing Mr. Darcy, but maybe Monroe had something of interest.

"The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire," I said aloud as I ran a finger across the big, red book on the shelf. Yeah, that was why he was brilliant. You didn't find this kind of literature in a typical home. I pulled it out and glanced at the cover, which was as savage as what I'd seen last night. Things like Wesen Gladiator fighting arenas needed to stay in the history books, like this one, and not here in Portland. Putting the book away, I read a few more titles, opting for the works of William Shakespeare. Perhaps Monroe carried this off to coffee shops to impress the ladies with when he wasn't quoting Gone with the Wind.

It was no Mr. Darcy, but I turned to Twelfth Night and reclined in Monroe's brown leather swivel chair. I read about Viola and the crazy love triangle she created by pretending to be someone she wasn't. I propped up my feet on the matching leather footrest and relaxed while I read.

About half an hour later the front door opened, drawing me away from my book.

Monroe walked in and took off his tan coat. "Shakespeare, good choice," he said, nodding at the book in my hands. "Which story are ya reading?"

"Twelfth Night," I replied, closing the book as I sat up.

"Ah, the tale of secret loves and deceit." Monroe smiled, shaking his head. "Great virtues ol' Will had, huh?"

"Seduction, treachery, and deceit never go out of style," I replied, smiling back at him. "At least not in the world of Shakespeare."

"You look like you're feeling better," Monroe observed, sitting on the side of the couch nearest my chair.

"Yeah, a little wine and a little sleep, and I'm right as rain," I replied. "Did you get to the cell phone store?" I asked as I stood up and put the book back on the shelf.

"Yeah, I stopped by there, and Nick helped me bring the VW back to the house," he said, not looking me in the eye. Okay, so if Nick drove the VW over, then where was he?

"Is he outside?" I asked, walking over to peek out the window.

"Yeah…" replied Monroe, still not looking at me.

"It's freezing out there," I said, as the Grimm paced on the front porch. "Why didn't he come inside with you?"

Monroe shook his head. "He says you hung up on him last night."

"Yeah, well my finger may have slipped on the button," I replied, rolling my eyes slightly, but Monroe knew I what I really meant.

"He's a good guy, Renée. I swear he is. I told you it was my idea to talk to Sauly, not his," Monroe said, a little sternly. "This wasn't Nick's fault, you know."

I crossed my arms. "Will you please tell Nick to come in before he freezes to death, and I have to tell his girlfriend I killed him?"

Monroe stood back up and went to open the door. Nick stepped inside, rubbing his hands together to elaborate on the coldness outside. It was going to be cold in here, too.

"Hey, Nick," I forced a smile as I stood in the large rounded archway of the living room.

"Renée," he replied flatly, nodding in my direction.

Monroe looked to me then back to Nick and let out a sigh. "All right now, let's, like, chat for a moment, okay?" He motioned us both to sit in the living room.

I took the leather chair again while Nick plopped down on the far end of the couch.

Monroe sat on the side of the couch closest to me, so that he was between us. "Okay, now let's get something straight here, man," he started with his eyes on mine. "You know, Nick isn't trying to put me in any danger." He turned his head toward Nick. "And Renée is just worried, you know, about my safety since I kinda told her about the Reapers, and well, now this Lowen Games thing happened." Monroe continued to move his head back and forth between us as he spoke. "You both care, and while I'm touched, I need you guys to stop butting heads, okay?" He was giving us a serious look, so he was being sincere.

"I'm sorry I hung up on you..." I said, looking into Nick's blue-green eyes. "Twice."

"And I'm sorry I worried you, and then said you couldn't do anything, because obviously you proved me wrong...somehow," the Grimm responded suspiciously, staring back into my eyes.

You bet I proved you wrong. I let the practiced calm wash over me before I said anything too spiteful aloud. Holding in my anger at Nick, as difficult as it was, I smiled again in his direction. It wasn't like me to hate someone right out of the gate like this. I'd even given Madame Dazzles a better chance than I'd given him. Even when I'd first met Nick, I didn't care for him all that much. He wasn't arrogant or rude. He was quite pleasant, actually. But there was something about him, however, that irked me. After hearing about the things Monroe had been through because of the Grimm, the hatred was even worse. I kept worrying that Monroe was going to have something happen to him, and it was going to be the Grimm's fault.

It probably didn't help that all my life I'd been accused of being an evil Grimm, and here one was, sitting in front of me like some legend come to life. I'd just have to work at this and try to be amicable until I knew him better. He was Monroe's friend after all, so if Monroe liked him then he had to be okay.

"See, now doesn't that feel better?" Monroe asked, slapping his legs with his hands and standing up from the couch. "A few apologies all around and some Kumbaya, and we're all good again."

I stood up and nodded silently. Nick made a noise that sounded like, "Uh-huh."

Monroe leaned over and kissed me before walking toward the kitchen. "I'm making some coffee. Anyone want a cup?" he called out.

"Sure," I replied, sitting back down in the chair.

"I'll have one, too, Monroe." Nick said and leaned back into the couch.

It was quiet in the living room between us. There had to be something nice I could say, but nothing was coming to mind. So I did what my grandma had taught me: When you couldn't say anything nice… You shut up.

Monroe returned and was juggling three blue mugs of coffee. He passed one to me and a second one over to Nick. Thank goodness for Monroe's coffee, because that orange juice hadn't done much for me earlier.

I sipped on the hot coffee and closed my eyes a moment, letting it work its mojo on my mood. I opened my eyes and was able to give a genuine smile. "Thanks for the coffee, Monroe," I said, feeling a million times better already.

He nodded and smiled at me. "So, I'm still feeling a little tension in here," he noted, looking at us both again.

I glanced over at Nick. "No, I think we're fine." Between the coffee and the calm, I was able to convey that I was telling the truth.

Monroe smiled again. He looked pretty smug at his success as a mediator.

"I have a question though," said Nick, sitting up and leaning forward from the couch. "So, how did you get Monroe out of the barn last night?" His eyes were deadlocked on me, and this time there was no end call button I could push.

I could do this. I was used to having normal conversations and filtering things. I'd just leave out Wesen stuff and I'd be fine.

"Well, Monroe had told me the name of the bar where he met the bookie," I began, keeping my eyes on the Grimm. "So I figured if this guy gave Monroe the address to meet whoever took him, then more than likely he was in on it. I went to the bar, and fortunately the bookie was still there. I used my feminine charms on the old guy, and he gave me the real address to the farm on Jordan Creek Road."

As I took a generous sip of coffee, Nick said, "That doesn't explain the barn."

"I'm getting there," I replied once I swallowed. "So once I had the address, I drove to the farm, used a side door on the barn that was unmanned, and managed to find Monroe inside one of the cages. The barn was pretty well stocked with tools in one of the corners, and I located a bolt cutter. Monroe, being as strong as he is, was able to use the bolt cutter from inside the cage and clipped the chain. Once he was out, we went back out the side door." There, no talks about mice or lions.

Nick's eyes were wide but he'd followed along and seemed to understand and believe me. Monroe watched me spin the tale, avoiding all the added drama that had happened that night. Was Monroe impressed or was he amazed I could lie so easily?

"Wow that's… pretty incredible," Nick commented after I'd finished.

"I was lucky no one saw me. And it was stupid to go in there on my own." I feigned a look of regret. "I should've let you handle it, Nick, and I apologize I didn't trust your instincts as a Grimm and a detective to take care of this." There, that was my forced apology for today. Monroe seemed pleased and so did Nick, so everyone was happy.

"Well, we're all safe and that's what matters." Monroe smiled at both of us and gave my hand a squeeze. We were all safe except that there was a lion and a mouse in Portland that knew my secret.

Nick took another drink from his coffee mug and shook his head. "I'm still aggravated that the Lowen escaped."

Monroe shot me a wide-eyed look, and I avoided his glare. I'd purposely failed to mention that part to Monroe. Thanks Nick… thanks a lot.

I glanced at the clock. It was already past noon. "I probably should get going." My presentation for Monday wasn't going to complete itself, and I could use a yoga class today to Zen out for a while. "Nick, do you need a ride home?" I asked while standing up. It was the least I could do since Nick helped Monroe with the VW.

Nick hesitated a moment, but then said, "Yeah, that would be great actually. Thanks." The Grimm stood up and put his hand on Monroe's shoulder before walking toward the door.

Maybe I just needed a moment alone with Nick to get some of these angry feelings out of the way. He and I had never really had a chance to talk alone. If we spent some time together, maybe I'd start to see what Monroe saw in him. Or I'd still just hate him, which was probably closer to the truth.

A/N: So, Renée sorta spent the night. She really wants to take it slow with Monroe, but that girl is smitten!
Now she's taking Nick home. Can she keep from yelling at him? LOL!

So, what do you think about the story so far? There's more to come. Stay tuned…