Adalind frowned as she looked at the photos on the wall in Sean's living room. The man that she had known would never have let crime scene photos decorate his walls. Adalind then took in everything else around her. The paintings and tapestries were gone and the furniture looked more modern and well laid out. There was a light scattering of items around the place which she was sure the Sean that she'd known wouldn't have allowed.

"You must be Adalind."

Adalind turned at the woman's voice, to see a slim dark-haired woman with sharp eyes. She held herself evenly as her dark eyes looked her over from head to toe and Adalind smiled.

"Yes," Adalind answered. "And you are?"

"Trubel," Trubel stated mildly and stepped forward. "You're a Hexenbiest, right?"

"Yes," Adalind answered, wondering why the woman was in Sean's house and what was taking him so long.

The man appeared and glanced at Trubel as he held the book that they'd taken from Adalind's mother's storage unit. He held it out to Adalind and she took it with a coy smile which he ignored.

"Here," Sean offered, still looking pale and moving carefully. "Did you want me to get a knife?"

Trubel pulled a flick knife out and Adalind focused on her more as Sean stepped back towards the kitchen.

"Sean," Trubel called and Sean paused as she held the knife out towards him, hilt first.

"Thank you," Sean said casually as he took the knife from Trubel's hand. "Do we class this as training?"

Trubel gave Sean a smile and Adalind felt on edge at that look. She seemed out of depth with all these changes. Sean held the knife out to Adalind and she took it, making sure that her fingers brushed Sean's. If the man noticed, he didn't show it, as he settled into one of the armchairs. Trubel moved to stand next to his chair and Adalind gave them a look over. It was a protective move and she was sure that Sean was aware of that but didn't give the woman a glare.

"Where's Nick?" Adalind asked, watching them carefully.

Sean looked up at Trubel and she shrugged.

"Said something about training and walked out," Trubel said and Sean groaned.

"Training?" Adalind questioned. "At the station."

"I doubt it," Sean muttered, then pointed at her hands. "Book, Adalind."

Adalind sniffed at the order but placed the book on the table and cut her hand. She could feel her Hexenbiest nature at the front and brought it forward and heard a gasp. She looked up and locked eyes with a woman and started badly when she saw her nature reflected back at her.

"Grimm," Adalind uttered while Sean grabbed Trubel's arm. "You have two Grimms!"

Trubel stepped forward but no more as Sean held her arm. She squinted at Adalind and the Hexenbiest shivered at the look. She'd only gotten used to that look on Nick and now was faced with another Grimm. She let her nature slip back and that look disappeared from the woman's eyes.

"The book, Adalind." Sean prompted casually as if he didn't hold the arm of a Grimm.

Adalind started and let her blood fall on the pages and the book fell open. She looked up again when a young man walked into the room. She focused on him before looking at Sean.

"Don't tell me that you have another Grimm!" Adalind squeaked.

Sean snorted and gave her an amused look.

"This is Josh Porter," Sean introduced. "Josh this is Adalind Schade."

"Hi," Josh greeted and stepped forward with a grin. "Did you want me to get you something for your hand?"

"Yes, thank you." Adalind said with a smile.

Josh slipped form the room as Sean pulled himself up and Trubel grabbed his arm this time. Adalind expected Sean to glare at her or shake off the hand but he took it with humour. He stepped forward and stood next to Adalind to look at the book. Trubel stood on the other side of the table as Josh came back in and held a cloth out. Adalind held her hand out and Josh tied it in place as Sean flicked through a few pages of the book.

"How many people do you have living here, Sean?" Adalind asked as she looked around.

"Four at the moment," Sean replied absentmindedly.

Adalind pulled back from that, Sean had always been a loner the whole time that she'd known him until now. Especially two Grimms and she focused on Josh in interest as the young man looked down at the book that Sean had open. He didn't seem surprised by the images on the pages.

"What's your story, Josh?" Adalind demanded and the young man stared at her.

"Um, I'm…" Josh stuttered.

"None of your business, Adalind." Sean cut in with a hard look and tapped the book before him. "Tell me about this spell."

"Using your charm, Sean?" Adalind purred and she noticed the flash in the man's eyes and knew she could still stroke his temper.

Sean just thrust the book at her and she took it in hand with a sly smile before she looked at the spell then grimaced.

"This spell is used more by your kind than mine," Adalind reported. "I wouldn't recommend using it."

"This spell was used on Nick," Sean stated and Adalind noticed Trubel tense.

"Oh," Adalind muttered. "That was not a very good idea. The back fire from that spell would have knocked the Zauberbiest out for sure. Nick has a strong mind."

"And how would you know that?" Sean asked with a deadly edge to his voice.

"He's a Grimm," Adalind replied casually. "And your partner, he would have to have a strong mind."

Sean gave her a glare that she hadn't seen for a while and knew that she'd toed a little too close to that line.

"What else do you want to know?" Adalind questioned, diverting his attention.

Sean pulled out a piece of paper and held it out.

"These herbs and items were found at a crime scene," Sean told her, that edge still around him. "What could a Hexenbiest make with them?"

Adalind laid the book down and Trubel was quick to grab it. Adalind opened her mouth to have a go at her until she saw the look in Sean's eyes and she closed her mouth again. She gave him a smile to cover up her nervousness as she looked at the list. It wasn't written in Sean's hand and she frowned at that as she slowly read through it.

"A sedative," Adalind replied. "A powerful sedative."

"Nothing else?" Sean questioned and Adalind shrugged.

"Not with just these," Adalind answered. "Add in a few more items and ingredients and you could make a few different potions."

"Do people really do these spells?" Trubel asked and held the book up.

Sean and Adalind cringed at the picture of a man being disembowelled on the page. They shared a look before focusing on the Grimm.

"Let's hope not," Sean commented.

xXx

Sean woke with a start when a smell touched on his nose and he looked over to see Nick disappearing into the bathroom, wearing very little. Except dirt and the smell of the Blutbad.

"Who won?" Sean called out and Nick appeared back at the door with a grin. "Pay back for Monroe bitting you?"

"No," Nick replied innocently as he stood there, just in his underwear. "But he saw it that way. I paid for the first two rounds, so I'm not sure who won."

Sean chuckled and waved his hand for Nick to have a shower. Nick chuckled but knew that he wouldn't be welcomed in the bed while he smelt like the Blutbad. Sean laid out on his back as he listened to the sounds of the shower start up. It was still early for them but Sean had felt tired and had headed to bed after dinner. He'd listened to the soft sounds of Trubel and Josh for a while before sleep had tugged him down.

"So, I have an idea," Nick announced as he came into the room.

Sean focused on him completely as Nick stood there naked as he dried his hair with the towel. He finished and Sean snorted in amusement as the man's hair stood up in a mess.

"What would that be?" Sean asked as Nick slipped back to the bathroom and the towel disappeared.

"I think that we should meet the council," Nick said. "I'm sure that Rosalee could pass along my request."

"Why?" Sean asked as he pulled the blankets back.

Nick slipped into the bed with him and carefully curled along his side with an arm over his chest and his leg over his. Sean snaked and arm under the man and tugged him a little closer.

"Something is nagging at me about all this," Nick replied. "I have a feeling that we are missing the big picture."

"And you believe that the council would know?" Sean asked in interest. "Or be willing to share that information?"

"They may be able to get us in contact with the Reapers," Nick stated and Sean tensed.

"Nick," Sean said slowly. "You are a Grimm."

Nick snorted.

"I also believe that Agent Chavez knows more than she's letting on," Nick remarked. "I called her to set up a meeting but haven't heard back yet."

"Why are you outsourcing?" Sean questioned.

"All my other sources have hit dead ends," Nick said dryly.

"I have someone that might be able to help us with the Verrat," Sean mused. "I'll see if I can get a hold of him."

They fell into silence as they lay there and Sean took in the feel of Nick. The Grimm suddenly shifted around and drew him into a kiss, being careful not to put too much weight on him. Sean tugged him closer and deepened the kiss. They hadn't been this close since he was shot as Nick wiggled until he lay between his legs and drew him back into a kiss as he braced himself above Sean. He ran his hands down Nick's back and gently eased him down to settle on his chest.

"Right there?" Nick asked in concern.

"For now," Sean answered.

Nick gave him a grin before kissing him as he rested on his elbows beside his head and Sean grabbed Nick's ass. He moaned as Nick rocked forward and he twitched in interest then winced at the tight feeling in his chest.

"Roll to the side," Sean gasp and Nick quickly did that.

They lay side by side, facing each other, as Sean kissed his neck and wanted to grab the man and roll on top of him but he knew that he wasn't up to that. He growled in the back of his throat in frustration before Nick curled his hand around him and stroked. He moaned and Nick took advantage and licked up his neck and he shivered at the feeling. He rolled onto his back as Nick gently stroked him until he was rock hard as he licked around his nipples.

Sean grabbed Nick's hip in a hard grip as he rocked his hips into Nick's hand. Quickly coming to the edge as Nick hit just the right spots. Everything else faded away as he got closer and his eyes locked on Nick's and the sly grin the man gave him. Sean then growled as he forced Nick onto his back and settled between his legs. Nick just let him as he held the lube out and Sean quickly coated his hand before thrusting a finger into the man below him.

"Hey!" Nick yelped and Sean held himself back.

"Sorry," Sean gasped, finding it had not to take the man hard. "Change places."

Sean rolled onto his back this time and Nick eased a finger into him as he kissed down his neck as he teased him. Sean bucked up as a second finger was added.

"Nick," Sean panted.

Nick settled between his legs and rocked forward as he bit down on Sean's shoulder. Sean just grabbed his hips and pulled him forward harshly and groaned.

"I get the point," Nick gasped and quickly pulled back then forward.

Sean groaned and laid his head back as he brought his legs up on either side of Nick. They moved together as one as Nick braced himself and rocked forward. Sean looked up and into Nick's face as the Grimm watched him carefully. Before he lost control as they picked up the pace. Sean was sure that his nails were digging into Nick's back and he pulled him in time to his thrusts until with a gasp Nick pushed forward harshly as he came. Sean groaned as he tipped over the edge. Pleasure ran through him as he held Nick, pulled him down and bit down sharply on his shoulder as the urge overtook him.

Nick yelped and Sean could taste blood in his mouth. He groaned as he bucked his hips up. Nick moaned this time and thrust forward, still in him before stilling.

"Sean," Nick whispered. " I have to move before I fall down on you."

Sean released him and Nick rolled to the side and collapsed out beside him. He grabbed the towel from the side table drawer and wiped himself down before dropping it on Sean's lap. Sean grumbled as he cleaned up and just lay there feeling satisfied and with the taste of Nick's blood in his mouth.

"I wish you wouldn't do that," Nick complained. "I have enough bite marks on me."

Sean gave him a sidelong look but he could tell that Nick wasn't angry.

"Sorry," Sean offered. "It just comes over me…impulsively."

"Did you do that with other partners?" Nick asked in interest.

"No," Sean replied as he lay there boneless. "Can't say that I had the impulse to taste their blood either."

Nick just groaned and rolled onto his side and removed the towel and placed it back in the drawer. He turned back towards Sean and placed an arm over him.

"That didn't sound creepy at all," Nick grumbled as he curled into his side.

xXx

Nick watched Sean carefully but didn't say a word as the other man dressed in his suit. If Sean believed that he could go to the station, then Nick wasn't going to say anything. That way, if Sean landed on his ass, it was his own fault.

"I can tell what you're thinking," Sean intoned as he looked at him from the mirror before him.

"Then there is no reason for me to say it," Nick stated mildly and Sean chuckled. "Oh, I forgot to say that Wu has almost finished copying my books. He's going to put them on a USB for all of us-"

Nick's phone going off interrupted him and Nick pulled it out.

"Burkhardt," Nick answered.

"Good Morning, Detective." Agent Chavez greeted. "Sorry for my delay in getting back to you. I can meet with you at ten today, if you have time?"

"No problems, at your office?"

"Yes, I'll see you then. Good bye."

The woman hung up and Nick looked over to Sean.

"Did you hear that?" Nick questioned and Sean nodded. "I'll just send a text to Rosalee about meeting the council?"

"Only if I come with you if they agree to a meeting," Sean added and Nick nodded.

"Sure," Nick said with a smile. "I have to have my Zauberbiest bodyguard."

Sean groaned and finished tying his tie.

xXx

Sean paused when he noticed the dark-haired man in his office and looked over to Wu.

"Said he knew you," Wu explained. "Said you were old friends and that he wasn't in town long."

"And how did he know that I would be in today?" Sean drawled and Wu shrugged.

"He gave me the creeps," Wu confessed. "Thought he was your kind of people."

"Don't get cheeky," Sean intoned.

Wu gave him a lopsided grin and held up a familiar leather-bound book and Sean took it in hand. Sean turned back to his office and got glimpses of the man and frowned. He stepped in and looked at Martin Meisner seated comfortably.

"Meisner," Sean greeted and held his hand out. "How are you?"

Meisner looked thrown by the greeting but took his hand as his eyes strayed to the book in Sean's hand.

"Well," Meisner replied. "I heard that you had been shot."

"Yes," Sean answered as he placed the book on his desk and took a seat before Meisner. "Did it get too hot in Europe?"

"The Royals are doing our job for us," Meisner said with a smirk. "The Verrat seemed to have turned on them after your father received a parcel. You wouldn't know anything about that?"

Sean snorted and his eyes flicked to Nick and Hank as they walked into the pen.

"I just informed him of the situation," Sean said. "What he did with the information…"

Meisner gave him a look over, just as Nick knocked at his door.

"Yea," Sean called and Nick walked in and shut the door. "Meisner, this is Nick Burkhardt."

Meisner stood and looked put out as Nick looked them over and held his hand out.

"Nice to meet you," Nick offered and Meisner shook his hand.

"The Grimm," Sean added and Meisner quickly pulled his hand back.

"Are we working off titles today?' Nick asked casually but his eyes were sharp.

"Are we Meisner?" Sean questioned mildly.

"No," Meisner replied evenly, giving nothing away.

"Why are you here?" Sean asked and Meisner's eyes flicked to Nick. "You can say what you want."

"Two of those men that were killed with the Verrat and your daughter were working with a rebel group of Wesen," Meisner reported as he retook his seat while Nick perched on the edge of Sean's desk. "So far, we have been able to beat them back and the council have had their hands full."

"Which doesn't answer why you are here," Sean repeated.

"I go where I am needed," Meisner answered. "We were concerned when a Grimm and a Royal baby are killed. Not to mention the involvement of the Verrat."

"My mother was the Grimm," Nick added with a cold look in his eyes. "She believed that she was safe, so the attack was an ambush."

Meisner nodded sharply.

"Sorry for your loss," Meisner offered. "I only met her once but I knew of her work. She was a good woman."

"She was a Grimm," Nick stated and an awkward silence fell. "To get the upper hand on her, took skill."

Yeah," Meisner agreed and pulled his bag close. "I brought a file with me."

Sean and Nick watched the man carefully as he pulled out a file and held it out. Sean took it from his hand and opened it.

"We believe a group called the Black Claw was behind the attack," Meisner told them. "With the help of the Verrat."

Nick stood close to Sean as he flicked through the file.

"Do they have a Zauberbiest?" Nick asked and looked at Meisner.

"How did you know?" Meisner countered.

"An educated guess," Sean muttered. "Should we be concerned?"

"Not yet," Meisner answered. "They are still gathering support but don't have many high-profile allies…"

"Foot soldiers," Sean remarked and pointed to the file. "I can understand why the Council have gotten involved."

"There have been many deaths of Wesen already," Meisner reported. "They are wide spread but are not very well organised. Something has drawn their attention here."

Nick pulled out his phone and dialled Bud's number while Meisner looked between them.

"Hey Nick," Bud greeted. "How can I help you? Not that I can offer much help, unless it's a fridge that needs fixing then I'm the man for you-"

"Bud," Nick cut in. "Can you do me a favour?"

"Sure Nick, anything. Well, not anything but most things-"

"Can you call a meeting?"

Bud went quiet.

"With who?" Bud asked.

"Everyone," Nick answered.

"Everyone?" Bud echoed. "As in 'everyone', everyone?"

"Yes," Nick answered. "Just message me once it's set up."

"Um, sure Nick-"

"Thanks, Bud."

Nick hung up and focused back on the other two men.

"The council have agreed to see us," Nick told Sean. "They are sending Alexander."

Meisner stated at that.

"The Council have agreed to see a Grimm?" Meisner uttered in disbelief. "You knew that something was happening?"

"Yes," Sean answered. "But not what it was. Now we have an idea."

Sean glanced at his watch then looked at Nick.

"Yep," Nick stated. "I'm going. Nice meeting you, Meisner."

Nick gave him a nod and went to walk out of the room.

"Nick," Sean called and held up the leather-bound book.

Nick walked back and grabbed it and gave him a nod before leaving.

"He's…" Meisner started to say. "Not what I was expecting."

"He gets that a lot," Sean muttered as he looked through the file.

"And you, Sean."

Sean looked up to see Meisner giving him a look over.

"What about me?" Sean purred.

"Nothing, my friend." Meisner said easily as he leaned back in his chair. "I suppose that change can be good for everyone."