Chapter 13:

Bait and Switch

Emma avoided breakfast with everyone, declaring laundry duties before their trip could go anywhere. Not thinking about the Irishman that kissed her within an inch of her clothing's life; both as the man in charge, and as the wolf. Nor did she pay attention to the tingling sensation on her lips every time she most certainly did not remember. Packing became lunch's excuse, even though she had done the bulk of that as the laundry progressed. So to fill up the time, Emma stole into Ruby's place to grab what things she had left behind there. A pink-striped white rose sat blooming and lonely on the dining table. Emma ignored it for the most part, darting between the rooms gathering the things she probably wouldn't need in the middle of the forestry nowhere, giving the flower mistrustful glances on each pass. He had all but told her he gave roses to every date he went on, hers wasn't special, just a dying flower given on a false date. Emma shook her head. She had only known him a couple weeks. It was nothing more than lustful crushes fueled by a gentleman saving her ass. It would pass, and so would he.

Emma stood with her belongings in her arms, giving the rose another rueful look, cursing the small part of her being that viewed the rose as something hopeful.

(The rose was taken back to her place in the end, placed in a small cigar box containing all the other things that once held hope too.)

C–

Taking human female to safe house near Brookside. Containment in New York impossible. Target's fixation sure to draw him to an easily breachable location. Target has unknown accomplice. Discovery of said accomplice imminent. Disposal of human female post capture not advisable. Granny emotionally involved. Alpha One of New York Trinity Packs emotionally involved. Retaliation high. Recommending Change, or integration into NYTP or Brookside Pack.

–Captain

Killian sent the missive to his handler, hoping it was enough to continue her absence from the case, Gods willing his inbox as well. He was missing breakfast, but there were leftovers from last night's feast if he needed the distraction of masticating. He prayed Emma didn't take his absence as personally as he would. He could feel his wolf pulling at the restraints, knowing exactly why the wolf was agitated and unsettled, but unable to indulge its demands this time. More than once that morning, the wolf within caused Killian to swear at the walls about shite timing. Caused him to scream at the furniture that what his blasted wolf was trying to attain wasn't possible. He sounded like a madman, arguing a primal pull with inanimate objects just to force this entity to listen, but there wasn't any other way to behave when half of your being was dragging you down a path that only ends in torment. Not that he wasn't currently tormented. Killian had been hard pressed last night to find a place to rest after she left. His sheets heavy with her scent, he fought the urge to rub and roll in them; to wrap himself in what was left of her. His bathtub wasn't an option with memories of her naked flesh too easily accessed. His kitchen was the only place her scent hadn't invaded; it was also the one place without any viable sleeping platforms. Sleep had proven fleeting when Killian opted for crashing on the couch. Emma's scent was faint, but there regardless; as well as the view of his mangled doorframe, causing the kiss to replay over and over throughout the night.

In this moment however, he sat, staring at his computer screen. Lost in his wolf's efforts of hauling him through the replay of the previous night… again. Her scent filling his senses as if summoned, her absent body bowing to his. The lost tones in her voice as she declared that her own thoughts were of no consequence echoing in the ether. The fire that kept rising within her, and against her, heating the skin on his hands. Killian shook his head to clear his mind, rubbing his hands over his face. Feeling for the first time in centuries well and truly buggered. Once more, doing his level best to restrain his wolf from seeking out the Swan, he dove into the basic responsibilities needed to make the farmhouse as hospitable as possible; having all amenities turned on, alerting the grocer to a delivery of foods and toiletries. Somewhere in the slough of mundane tasks, inspiration struck and he opened his e-mail again.

R–

Oi Mate. Case has me in the boundaries of Brookside Pack in the next night. Details of it have me in need of your ancient mind as what I need originated in your birth town. I, unfortunately, have to dedicate tomorrow night to dropping in on the Nolan's for announcements and politics. Swing through the farmstead any time after?

–KJ

Killian wasn't sure the old man would receive the note in time, or at all. Fortune not only smiled, but delivered early with interest.

KJ–

Will be at the same affair, how convenient. Not in trouble again are you?

–R

Killian wasn't sure what the scheduled affair his friend was referring to, but a boon was a boon. He didn't answer the posted question; there would be enough time to talk later. Midday was arriving, his stomach was howling, and there was only so much he could avoid.

(He wasn't the only one avoiding, and after Ruby's far too knowing glances, Killian began some very childish internal monologues to his wolf.)

Graham returned in the early evening with a text demanding the four of them convene in the back surgical room immediately. Emma was first to arrive –though she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not– and chose to stand in the corner that shared the same wall as the door. Graham and Killian came in within steps of each other a few minutes later, both heads snapping to her direction. For the first time, Emma followed Granny's rules as close to the letter as she could remember, ducking her head to avoid eye contact and studying the stitching patterns on her shoes. They maintained their distance quietly, though not so far as to let the other get closer, leaving Emma to herself as they all awaited Ruby. Each second notched the tension to up, becoming increasingly awkward for Emma and vicious for them as the time dragged on. The men were dancing slightly on their feet and issuing soft growls by the time Ruby strolled in. There was a heartbeat of silence and then a stool was dragged across the floor and placed in front of Emma's legs, Ruby plopped herself down on it, bodily blocking Emma from whatever animalistic battle the men were heading towards. Emma saw nothing overly different, (her shoes had grown incredibly interesting as the time had ticked on) but whatever Ruby had done silenced Graham and Killian completely. The very air lifted away from Emma and she felt able to breathe deep once more; suppressing the urge to do just that. Ruby leaned back just enough to pat the outside of Emma's hip, grab for the belt loops, and pull Emma in closer. This wasn't anything new from Ruby, Emma had experienced the move many times working in the diner and later hoping bars. Ruby was calling dibs. Usually, Emma played up the act, leaning in and draping herself all over Ruby's shoulders and enjoying the smug look that would shape Ruby's face as lust replaced hope in men's eyes; lust was always easier to manage and redirect. Chancing a look, Emma saw both men enjoying the photographs on the walls. Lust wasn't in play here, this was territory, and neither man knew what role they played in Emma-land. Hell, Emma didn't know what role those men played, not unless she would be willing to admit what roles she wanted them to play. Instead, Emma studied the new shades of auburn and red Ruby had color weaved into her hair.

"Are we good now?" Graham's voice came tight and clipped.

No one spoke. It was a full minute and another pat on the hip from Ruby that clued Emma in that the question was directed to her. Emma's first attempt at words came out strangled, so she cleared her throat, and tried again. "Yes, we're good." (But even that sounded far too meek and breathy for Emma's liking.)

"Straight to it then, I called in a favor from an associate of mine. He had to call in a couple favors of his own to pull it off so I'm hoping this works." Graham held up two small glass bottles. Both containing what looked like water. "He told me I would need two strands of hair from both of you."

Killian huffed, "Mind giving the whole story Humbert? Some of us don't live in your head."

"Can't keep up? All right then, these glass bottles are potions-"

Killian's head tilted back in a plea for strength at Graham's condescending tones and Emma couldn't quite hide the hope in her voice as she interrupted. "Potions? Like Harry Potter?"

Graham snickered, knowing where her mind had already gone. "Not quite-"

"Wait… you called in that favor?" Ruby didn't sound pleased with Graham.

"It was the best option. Besides, one less Fae to deal with later. Now, Ruby and I will drink these when we're all ready to leave. Ruby and I will leave first, driving Emma's Bug towards Boston. Hopefully grabbing that freak's attention so he follows us. Emma, you and Killian give us an hour, then take my truck and head to the safe house."

"But he won't see me getting into the Bug. He won't follow the car if I'm not in it."

"That's what these vials are for. Two hairs per vial, Ruby will drink Emma's; I get to drink Killian's. It'll make us look enough like you two to confuse Walsh. This way you can get straight to Brookside without trouble, and if he catches on sooner than we like, you guys will already be closer to Brookside Pack for added protection." He looked to Killian, "I'll be signaling David after you guys send me the all clear and he'll be expecting your visit or call within nine of that. Any later, and we'll assume the worst happened and come looking. Stick to the main roads as much as you can, even if you have to bail the truck." Graham pointed to Emma without taking his eyes from the Loner. "Leave her scent marker as much as you can, our wolves will track those first. If the distraction works however, send us a text once an hour till you get there. If in five days you haven't killed Walsh, Ruby and I will be heading up."

Graham stepped forward only enough to place the vial for the women on the examination table in the middle of the room.

Emma looked to Killian. His body was still turned away, studying that damned picture again, or so he made it seem. She focused on the reflective glass, and there he was, watching her; a soft smile quirking his mouth when their eyes met. She wouldn't ask him outright if he thought this was a good idea –lord knows what the two men would get into after that– and it wasn't that she didn't trust Graham's plan, Emma simply didn't feel comfortable making a call for both of them without at least giving him a chance to weigh in. So she tilted her head towards the table with the little glass bottle, working a quick uplift of her eyebrow. His shoulders tensed a moment before he jerked his head down in a quick nod. He wasn't sure of it either, but willing to give it a shot. Emma ducked her head one more time.

What the hell… not like I have to drink the stuff.

Emma gave Ruby's hair a double tug, earning a double tap on her thigh. Ruby was in too. Emma looked to Killian one more time looking for some sort of assurance, but the predator look was in his eyes now, and the bite he was issuing his bottom lip wasn't conveying anything relevant to the current silent conversation. Her own lip stung in a physical memory of him doing the same thing to her, which helped even less with the problem at hand. Emma tried to give him as much of an exasperated look without letting the other two in on their byplay, but Graham cleared his throat and Emma looked anywhere else but Killian; her skin burning in a blush.

So much for covert….

Ruby rose, picking up the vial. "How soon does it take effect and how long will it last?"

Graham shook his head with a shrug of his shoulders. "Should take no more than a few minutes to set in, and no more than an hour till it's gone. We'll hold off until it's time. We'll hold off on adding the hair as well, just for certainty."

Emma shrugged. "I'm already all packed. Killian?"

"I'm set as well."

Ruby broke in, "Well I'm not ready to let her go just yet. And I'm sure Granny would like to say a goodbye or three." She grabbed Emma's hand, "C'mon, girl time before I drink down Essence of Emma."

The men groaned as Emma was pulled from the back room.

"I'd beg them to stop, but I don't think I could do it without lying." Killian carded his fingers through his hair, sniggering at the females' antics.

Graham stood, hands on hips watching Killian. They would probably never be more than cordial acquaintances, and never actually in the same pack, but Graham tried to view him as another pack member rather than a rival. It was new and odd, but Graham was feeling pity for the Loner. He knew parts of Killian's life, tidbits given via Ruby and Granny when Graham asked. Killian was older, and had lost his family as a human long before his Change and been denied Pack life since. A human without people in that time might have survived, but a wolf without Pack usually went mad if they lived even a quarter as long as Killian. The rumors of Loners like Killian gaining mates were cautionary tales told to Changelings as reasons to stay in Pack; stories of wolves locking their mates away in bunkers and the like to protect them from retaliations of The Council's orders, or other general threats that Pack protection could stave off. The signs were obvious that Killian's wolf was fixating on Emma; Graham did have functioning senses, no matter what Quinn teased. It was also obvious Killian was trying to reel in his wolf's need for a mate, which would only result in a spilt of wolf and man; something that could be fatal if not dealt with quickly. For everyone's sake, and for the hundredth time that day alone, Graham checked his instincts. He had smelled Emma and Killian on each other ever since he returned, scented the mutual arousals when they bantered. And if he guessed right, something happened only just last night. (Both skipping breakfast with half-baked excuses, might as well have worn sandwich boards declaring themselves out on Times Square.) He felt protection for Emma in this situation, of course he did. He loved her. Everything from Walsh to Killian's timing bothered him; this was Emma. His Emma. Graham felt the possessive and the protective, but none of the jealously. A confusing turn since he knew he felt the green-eyed monster with Killian that first night down in the diner with Ruby…

Jesus, Mary, and…

Killian growled softly. Graham let the sensations of revelations and emotions roll over him and fuel the strength he needed to say what was coming. "I love Emma, Killian."

Killian's shoulders tensed up, and the growling touched up in volume. He didn't turn around, keeping his back vulnerable to Graham. A move only testifying to Killian's absolute self-control.

"I love her and that won't ever end. You know as well as I that Pack bonds have existed longer than the legalities and ceremonies we use now. Emma is my Pack and I'm going to love and care for her no matter how much she pushes me off, or where life takes her. I've messed up recently, going over my boundaries with her, and that's my problem. I was reacting; using what happened after Neal as a guide."

Killian half turned, looking over his shoulder, eyebrow high on his forehead.

"A story I will bring you in on once Emma clears it." Graham continued on, "Emma Swan is my Pack. But she is not my mate."

Surprise took Killian's features instead of the open hostility he had been wearing, turning fully to face Graham. "Come again?"

"Don't misunderstand me. I still hate the idea of you two doing anything remotely…" Graham shuddered, "…just no. But for her sake and our adrenaline levels, I don't want Emma as a mate."

Killian gave a slow nod, letting Graham's words hang in the air. Graham half expected a tirade of innuendos and salacious looks, but all Killian gave him was a sad silence. One he broke, eventually, with a deep breath. "I wrote my handler. I informed her of the basics, where we'll be, and the possibility of a second entity. I also told her that disposal of Emma would be a problem. That both you and Granny would be provoked against The Council, dragging along who knows how many wolves with you. I recommended the Change, or immediate integration into one of the Trinity Packs or up in Brookside."

Stunned, Graham dropped his arms. "Integration would mean marriage, Killian."

Killian lowered his gaze for the first time in Graham's presence. "I'm aware."

Graham stuttered, "Marriage to someone in that Pack."

Killian rolled his eyes heavenward, striding to the other side of the room. "I said I was aware, Alpha. As I'm aware that she won't take to being forced into said marriage. I'm even aware that she might not survive the Change either." He spun around, glowering nothing specifically. "But would you be able to stomach The Council's disposal of her? Because I can't. You lot all but begged me and demanded of me to keep her alive; this is the answer."

If Graham weren't already suspect of Killian's feelings, that outburst would have been enough. They might never be able to be friends, but Graham wouldn't doubt the man's loyalties ever again.

Killian paced in his spot. "There is one more thing Humbert. Something about the way Walsh has been behaving lately is different. His words aren't his own half the time, like he's mimicking someone else. Probably this Grandmother he spoke of. I've been hunting him for a couple of months, and this is new. But it's not… it's familiar at the same time, and I can't pinpoint why. I'm going to forward you everything I have, maybe a new set of eyes and instincts will see what I cannot."

"I thought you already gave me everything?"

"I gave you enough. Names, locations, credit card numbers… I have more. Give me an hour as I keep a hefty bulk of it in paper format. It'll contain missives from my handler and The Council; I don't believe I need to stress the importance of discretion?"

Graham made a rude sound and cocked a brow. He was an Alpha dammit; he knew a thing or two about keeping The Council sated and ignorant of reality.

Killian smiled, knowing exactly what Graham had been thinking. "Right then. One hour. Meet the girls after, yeah?"

Graham spit in his hand, "Done."

Killian spit in his own, clasping Graham's. An accord between two Irishmen is stronger than any Fae promise.

Ruby watched Emma as they walked away from the men. She, of course, had a slew of questions for Emma. Why she came back smelling like a woman in heat and Killian, why they both skipped breakfast, what changed overnight that Emma was acting submissive rather than staring down both men and bringing them to heel; for starters. But it would take up more time than they had, and Ruby wasn't about to fill that time with probing questions and awkward answers. If nothing else, Ruby had caught Killian's slight communication with Emma in the reflection of the picture's glass. Killian's eyes were on Emma even when Emma wasn't looking for him; it was enough to assure herself that Emma would be ok. They walked right passed Ruby's door, down the hall to the only other occupied apartment on the floor. Emma gave Ruby a look of shock, knowing where they were going. Ruby only shrugged the reaction away. The floor still held the many doors of what used to be many apartments, but Granny had only kept them to confuse the folks who were simply passing through. None of the extra doors opened anymore, not from the outside anyway. Shortly after the Great Depression, when jobs were few and far between, Granny pulled every man, woman, and child who ate at the diner and couldn't pay for the meal or drink up to this floor to work. Construction, painting, cleaning… whatever was needed and was able to be done by the individual. Granny told them they were working off the bill they had raised, all the while slipping some cash in a purse or coat pocket when the person was busy. The result was Ruby's apartment roughly 1400 square feet, and the rest of the floor belonging to Granny.

Inside resembled an old cottage. Aged hardwood floors scratched and dinged instead of a high gloss. Cushioned seating and area rugs everywhere. Furniture was handcrafted, all made of wood there too. Cabinets and shelving sported framed photos from as far back as when photos were taken and knick-knacks of every ancient and kitschy variety. Blankets knitted by the old woman herself were found thrown over the backs of seating or folded just about anywhere. The woman had even figured out how to keep a fireplace when the world wanted to switch to radiators. Warm colors, soft fabrics, sturdy woods. It was Granny displayed as interior design. Inviting as it was, no one visited it often; it was Granny's space. As Ruby understood it, Granny's temperament lost its balance the older she became. More and more often, she needed to retreat into her haven or chance losing her grip on both her wolf and reality. The ordeal with Emma had just about forced the woman into isolation; suffering the guilt of not helping over chancing the bloodshed she could inflict on the wrong person. Now Emma had to leave altogether, pushing Granny's state into something frightening. The wolf desperate to protect, the human desperate to stay rational and in control. Ruby could only hope to which version they were walking in on. They stopped at the proper door, Ruby knocking a clipped three knocks before cracking the door. Granny was cooking something in the kitchen, something warm and smelling of chicken. Emma's stomach rumbled next to Ruby, and the potpie suddenly made sense. It was a good sign. If Granny was able to cook, and cook with meat, then she was having a good day.

"Emma girl, if you don't your rear-end in my kitchen and eat something now, I'm scalping your hair as my next wig."

Emma's eyes went wide and her eyebrows met her hairline as she mouthed "Scalping".

"Yes. Scalping. Want to test me?" Granny's disembodied voice reached them again, laced with humor Ruby was sure Emma missed.

Emma made her long strides to the kitchen, rounding the corner long before Ruby did. A muffled "oof!" bringing a smile to her lips, knowing Emma fell for Granny's trap yet again. Emma had only become moderately affectionate with Ruby and Graham in the recent years, but Granny was an authority figure that Emma minded –if not avoided. Granny (not one who enjoyed being avoided) would keep just out of eye line, seemingly cross with Emma, waiting for Emma to come barreling in –hoping to bypass a scolding. Instead, Granny would catch Emma in a hug, not letting go until Emma relaxed and hugged back. Ruby slowed her steps, giving them time together, and when Ruby came upon them, she smiled wider. Emma was already embracing Granny –a new record to be sure.

Granny was chortling, "You have a healing hug child; you should use that power more often."

Emma made a snorting sound, pulling away enough to look at the old woman. "Free hugs in New York? Never gonna happen."

Granny's laugh upgraded to a full bark, "God girl, I didn't say hand them out! Not that I would judge if you did, I was here during the 60's and 70's. 80's taught them that lesson though. Ok, I might judge you. But I wouldn't love you less." Granny leaned in, sniffing Emma's neck. "Though it seems you've beaten me to the punch. Been hugging on a dark-haired Irishman have you? The one with bright blue eyes?"

Emma blushed a deep red, trying to take another step away from Granny. She was allowed, if only to give Granny the room to poke at a few of Emma's ribs and boop her nose.

The women gathered at the table, all within an arm's reach of each other, speaking of nothing overly important. The potpie was enjoyed, and the extra packed up for Emma and Killian for the trip. Ruby had wanted the time to needle Emma, all while reclining on the bed, holding the girl Ruby should have stolen long before she showed up dirty and hungry. But this wasn't something she would trade either. Idle time as a family is a treasure many overlook as nothing of consequence. But it's those moments you take with you in the end: a smile, a smell, the way their hair looked in the sun, the sound of their voice as they ramble on excitedly over something. Ruby knew she'd see Emma again, felt it deep through her own soul to that of her wolf's. They'd have more moments like these once everything was over. Didn't mean Ruby wouldn't horde away every single one that came along.

A text from Graham signaled the end, Granny's face falling into a grim look. "Don't move; I have something for you."

The old woman disappeared into one of her many rooms down a small maze of hallways, returning from a different direction entirely, holding a knapsack filled with heaven knows what. "I put this together for you, just a few things. Wait until you're set up at the farmhouse to peek through. I don't need you doubling back just to blubber on my shoulder. Ruby, grab their food." Granny grabbed Emma's chin in her hand, meeting her sage green with pale gold. "You listen well. You come home. I don't care what you have to do, or who you have to kill, don't you dare make me come after you. Things get messy, stay by Killian. Man or wolf, he'll keep you safe. You hear me?"

Emma nodded as much as she was able. "Yes Ma'am."

Ruby gave her Granny a dubious look. The old bat was up to something again, and being cryptic to boot. A man might have his wits about him, but a wolf runs on instinct. Killian's control over his wolf was extraordinary to be modest, but if he lost that control?

Ruby shook her head, too little time to sort out the old woman or her intentions. Another round of hugs, a peck on the cheek, and Ruby was escorting Emma back to the surgical room.

Entering the room again, Emma noticed the tension between the men had all but dissolved, their conversation easy and bodies relaxed.

As if everything else wasn't already confusing…

Graham waited until the girls had settled before commanding the room again. "Alright, we need to make a show of this. We want that bastard's attention. As soon as the glamour's are in place, Ruby, I want you to get to Emma's car; act pissed off or something; you know the face she makes. Pull out into traffic, but time it so you have to slam the brakes to avoid hitting someone. I'll rush out and force myself into the car. We'll argue a bit, and then we'll make our way to Boston. Emma? Killian? Give us one hour, then get the devil out of here. Keep in touch every forty-five minutes. I expect an email every night. If nothing is resolved in five days, Ruby and I are heading up. Any questions?"

No one spoke, so Graham continued on. "Good. Ruby, you drink first since you have to be out there before anyone else."

Ruby pouted, "Why do I get to be the guinea pig?"

Graham gave her an impatient face, "Because if it doesn't work on you, then the rest doesn't matter."

"Alright, alright."

Ruby tugged two strands from Emma's head, sinking them into the vial. The water shimmered and flexed, blazing opalescent hues of green and blue; settling into its water like appearance once more. Ruby cocked her head briefly to the side, regarding it with resigned regret. The potion was slammed back like a shot of tequila; judging by Ruby's face, it didn't taste any better than tequila either. They waited: one heartbeat, two, three. It was there in that blink between the third and fourth beats that Ruby became Emma. Hair, face, even clothing.

The real Emma glanced to Graham. "I thought you said it wasn't like Harry Potter? That's Polyjuice Potion, if there ever was." Killian snickered, causing Emma to shoot him a smile.

At least he thinks I'm funny… still.

Ruby stood, siding up right next to Emma. "Screw Hogwarts. You know how much money twins get in the Industry? And we wouldn't have any of that pesky copy DNA making it weird."

"No Rubles, you're doing that just fine all on your own." Killian was still laughing, even though he had shifted his gaze anywhere but on the women.

Graham cleared his throat. "Go on then Ruby. I'll be five minutes."

Ruby smacked a kiss to Emma's cheek (Because her day wasn't surreal enough right now.) Rushing out to play the part of "Angry Emma". Graham strode over, plopping another kiss on the opposite cheek.

"No way in hell am I kissing you wearing that idiot's face." His hand cupped her cheek, thumb brushing the apple of it. "Stay alive. Listen to Killian as much as you can without killing him."

Emma smiled. "No promises. Stay safe?"

"You first." He brushed a kiss to her forehead before backing away.

Killian held out his hand, two hairs pinched between his fingers. "Come on then Humbert. Time to let me be in you."

Graham reached out and smacked Killian's shoulder, not that it dislodged Killian's grin at all. The bottle shimmered and blazed, Graham choked and grimaced. Emma counted to three again, and then there were two Kilian's' standing in front of her.

She hummed. "I'm starting to understand the appeal to that twin idea…"

The Killian that was Graham looked disgusted. The Killian that was True popped a brow, laughing with her. Graham left on a huff, starting the sixty-minute countdown for the trip to Brookside.

Ruby felt she should win a Tony for her performance on the street, though the people who would have been the most appreciative weren't there to witness it; Ruby had Emma's scowl and barking tones down to perfection. It wasn't till Ruby and Graham were outside New York City limits before they broke character.

"You think he followed?"

Graham nodded. "There's a motorbike following, picked us up a block away from our little show."

The first hour ticked slowly on, the first text coming dead on time. Graham let out a heavy breath. "They're out, taking the 87 up to Albany and cutting over. No tails noticed yet."

Ruby grinned with Emma's face. The potion was lasting longer than they thought. "Still can't believe you called in that favor with Merrick. You've been holding onto that one for ages now."

"Please Ruby, for Emma? We both know you'd sell your soul to a Fairy Queen."

Ruby snorted. "For Emma? I'd sell my soul to a Fairy Queen, sign my blood away to a Hive Queen, all while meeting Granny in the eyes."

Graham nodded. "To start."

"To start."

A/N: Right so: I used Rockland, Maine as a point of reference for where the "Storybrooke" Brookside Pack would be. From New York City, it's roughly a seven-hour drive. Hive Queen would be the leader of an established Vampire "pack". I won't be bringing Vampires in this story as any recurring characters; lord knows I'm barely getting away with this as it is.

Cath: I hope you don't mind that I continue to use Merrick. Hell I don't know if you've caught on that I'm trying this again.

potterfreak2: Ending up together and kissing don't have much to do with each other... I just meant that y'all won't have to endure my shitty interpretation of smoochies again.