"Alright, we'll be in touch, Eurion. Diolch yn fawr iawn."

Walden disconnected the call and put the phone on the kitchen table. Evey glanced up from her book – a rather thick novel called A Game of Thrones. She seemed quite invested in it. "Well? Will the Swansea pack join the Order?"

Walden shrugged. "Same answer as usual – only if we can protect them from Greyback and Voldemort."

That was indeed a recurrent concern among the Alphas. The only one who'd agreed to join their cause unconditionally was the leader of the Belfast pack. Unfortunately, there were only seven werewolves under the command of Darius Gallagher, two of them wizards.

Still…it was better than nothing.

Recruitment among the werewolf population of Great Britain was going comparatively better than among the vampires. Tracking them down was difficult enough, especially from the manor, and the few undead they'd contacted had either turned them down or hadn't bothered to reply at all.

Following these disheartening results, they'd decided to reach out to part-vampires. They'd had a few encouraging responses; so far, a dozen witches and wizards had joined their ranks. To be fair, Greyback was unlikely to give them trouble, if he ever found out about it. Greyback believed that he was better than Voldemort, but deep down he was just as contemptuous of the people he thought to be inferior to him, or to werewolves in general. Vampires and part-vampires belonged in that category. They simply weren't worth his time.

All in all, they weren't doing so bad. Less than four months had gone by since their first official meeting with the Order, and they'd been the most successful at recruiting allies. During the last meeting, a week ago, they'd learned that Remus hadn't made any major progress with his adoptive pack, and that instead of gaining new allies at the Ministry, Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt seemed to have lost several in the past few months.

"Wal…" Evey said hesitantly. "It's been two months since we saw Greyback, and he hasn't resurfaced. Do you think maybe we could…visit the storage facility Alice told us about?"

"I really don't think that's a good idea, V," he replied apologetically. "Just because we can't see him, doesn't mean he's not around."

"Ted assured me that he hadn't spotted anyone. I know you don't fully trust him," she said with a faint trace of reproach, "but he has no reason to lie about this. He doesn't like Greyback anymore than we do."

"We've been through this, V. Doesn't matter if he likes him or not; Greyback is family to him. Like…Tony is hardly fond of Jeanne, but if anything happened to her, he'd be devastated." That was the best analogy he could think of, and it was nothing but the truth.

Now that he'd had some time to get used to Ted's near-omnipresence around the house, Walden had realised that he'd been wrong about the Wolf. He was a good person, and he truly seemed to consider Evey as a friend, nothing more. He'd watched over her during the blood moon, and Evey had survived the night unscathed. Walden had apologised to both of them for his…misjudgement. But the fact remained that Walden knew better than most wizards how strong pack connection could be, how much it meant to werewolves and, like it or not, Greyback and Ted were pack. Evey ought to know this, given the time she'd spent with Greyback's pack.

And speaking of Blackbeard, there he was again.

Having him around was not as pleasant as having Alice as a guest; Ted was loud, he had no respect for personal space, and he cared little about privacy. He also randomly yelled things like Shiver me timbers or All hands hoay.

And yet Evey didn't seem to mind. Therefore, Walden had no choice but to accept that this was his life, now. At least until they dealt with Greyback, one way or another.

Ted walked into the kitchen as though he owned the place. Nana barked happily when she saw him; Walden sometimes wondered if she liked the Wolf better than him because Ted was alive. Ted gave Walden a teeth-rattling slap on the back, then ruffled Evey's hair, before helping himself to some coffee. "How's it going, lovebirds?"

"No luck with Swansea," Evey reported. "No luck with convincing my husband to go to the storage container, either," she added without looking at Walden.

"Well, I would strongly advise against it," Ted said.

"Why?" Evey said with a pout. "There's been no sighting of Greyback. You said so yourself."

"No, but according to his second, he's keeping watch."

The statement left Walden staring at the Wolf, and Evey gaping. She recovered from her shock first. "Wait…you saw Scabior? You talked to him?"

"Uh-huh. Hey, don't give me that look, bloodsucker. I only just found out." He sat down next to Evey. "I think he wanted me to catch him. Wanted to let you know that he and the pack were doing fine." Evey sighed in relief. "Also wanted to know how you were doing, though he wasn't straightforward about it."

"What did you…do to him?" Walden asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just chased him off. I did ask if someone was watching the place, though, and he said no, not someone, but Greyback magically monitors your comings and goings, somehow. That's why I must agree with Walden: it's not safe for you out there, doll."

Doll. How could Evey possibly accept that someone call her doll? Sure, Tony still occasionally called her ridiculous pet names, but he was just messing around. Ted meant it unironically, Walden was certain. Well, it bothered Walden to have to side with the Wolf, but if it kept Evey alive… "Guess that's settled, then. I'm sorry, love, I really am, but it's in your best interest."

Evey groaned and let her head fall on her arms. "I'm so sick of being confined here."

"Hey," Walden said gently. "I know it's frustrating, V, but you'll have to suffer it a while longer, alright?" She grumbled indistinctly in reply.

"I know what'll cheer you up," Ted said. "That storm you were desperately waiting for, so you can complete that silly Animagus ritual? It's coming soon."

Evey did look up at that, a slow smile spreading on her face. She'd just spent an entire month with a mandrake leaf in her mouth, only removing it two days ago – Merlin be praised, she'd finally brushed her teeth – and they'd managed to gather all the ingredients needed for the potion, but now she had to wait for an electric storm to drink it. In truth, if Ted was right, she was luckier than Walden. He'd had to wait five months before he could consume his potion.

That had been on his third try to complete the ritual. The first time, he'd accidentally swallowed the mandrake leaf in his sleep – and nearly choked on it – and had to start over. Then, after finally brewing the potion, he'd forgotten to say the incantation Amato Animo Animato Animagus once at sunrise, and had to go through everything yet again. That was mainly what had taken him so long to master the ability. To be fair, he'd done it all on his own, without help.

"Now that's a great birthday present," Evey said gleefully.

It was late April, and they'd been discussing birthday presents for nearly a month now, though if he was being honest, Walden had already received his in advance, despite Tony's insistence that it was only natural that he should have a prosthesis for his missing forearm. The enchanted object worked like a charm. Walden could move it just as well as his right arm, and he could cast magic with it besides. Count on Tony to think of something so absolutely crazy and brilliant.

When Evey had asked Tony what he wanted for his birthday, he'd assured them that he didn't need anything. "How about…a stripper popping out of a birthday cake?" Evey had suggested. Tony had mumbled that he couldn't eat cake. "You can eat the stripper," Evey had replied slyly.

In the end, they'd asked Ted to purchase some human blood for him – enough to last him several years, so that he wouldn't have to worry about getting supplies. Evey and Walden knew how much Tony hated to deal with the blood himself, no matter how he acquired it. The blood could be kept magically fresh indefinitely, and stored in the garage.

Apparently, Evey and Tony had already found a present for Walden, though he didn't know what it was. Truth be told, he didn't really need anything, either – nothing except a way to break the physical connection that linked his wife to Greyback.

As for Evey… Walden couldn't give her any of the things she wanted. He really wished he could give her access to her family's belongings, but it was simply too risky, especially with what Scabior had just told Ted. He'd hoped to take her somewhere nice for their honeymoon, but the problem remained the same. They already had a domestic pet, not to mention the magical creatures that inhabited the woods behind the house. Evey didn't care much for jewellery, clothes or perfume. Tony claimed that he had something for her – some enchanted trinket, Walden was willing to bet; his brother spent most of his time in his workshop, even now that the prosthesis was done.

"What will happen when I drink the potion?" Evey asked him, interrupting his train of thoughts.

"You'll transform for the first time. It will determine your Animagus."

"A vixen." When Walden had detailed the full ritual required to become an Animagus, Evey had been surprised to learn that she wouldn't decide of the animal herself, just like Walden hadn't chosen to be a bear; he liked his animal avatar well enough, but something more discreet would have been nice. For some reason, Evey was persuaded that she would turn into a fox. The fact that her Patronus had turned out to be a fox – which she'd at last been able to produce barely two weeks ago – had only comforted her in that idea. Walden was worried that she'd be disappointed if she changed into anything else.

But he didn't contradict her. There was no point. She was too stubborn.

"But what I meant," Evey continued, "was: will it hurt? Like…when the blood moon forced the werewolf transformation on Ted and me?"

Walden hesitated. He hadn't thought so far ahead. "It's…not a pleasant sensation. Depending on the animal you'll turn into," – Evey gave him a flat stare – "your body will either expand or shrink, but I understand that neither option is painless. On the contrary. But that being said," he went on, "it's only truly painful the first time. It gets easier afterwards, the more you do it."

Evey remained silent for a moment. Walden wondered if she would reconsider, though he'd already told her, several times, that becoming an Animagus was a difficult, painful process, and she hadn't appeared to mind. Maybe the blood moon had changed her mind, or lowered her tolerance for pain, somehow. Eventually, she smiled. "Still less painful than a letter opener in the liver, I'll wager."

Walden winced at her casualness. Evey hadn't given him all the details of her captivity at Asgard, but he'd heard about that part. "If you say so." Walden had suffered many injuries in the past, but he'd never been stabbed in the liver before.

Evey turned her attention to Ted, who was petting Nana. "Did Scabior say anything else? Any clue as to where Greyback relocated the pack?"

The Wolf shook his head. "I asked, but he either wouldn't or couldn't tell me."

"Wherever it is, the place must be warded like Asgard used to be," Evey said, sounding somewhat disappointed but unsurprised. "But the most important thing is that everyone is alive and well. Couldn't have lived with myself if Greyback had hurt or killed any of them."

"Don't say that," Walden chided her. "If he'd done anything of the sort, it wouldn't be your fault, V."

"I can't help but feel responsible for them," she admitted. "Most of them are so innocent, no matter their age. They just don't know any better. They believe that Greyback is their messiah, their saviour. If I'd managed to break through his influence on them, to convince them to leave with me…"

"Then they'd all be dead," Ted said bluntly. "Unless you were willing to welcome them all here at the estate." From Evey's expression, Walden could tell that she would have, without hesitation. Without seeking Walden's opinion, either. "I think you worked their minds a lot more than you give yourself credit for," the Wolf went on. "I mean, Scabior risked his hide just to let you know that they were safe." He sighed. "But if they'd deserted, Greyback would have hunted each and every one of them until they were all dead. You planted the seeds; now they must free themselves, somehow. They will bide their time, and seize the opportunity for liberation when it presents itself."

"I guess you're right," Evey said reluctantly. She glanced at the clock. "Where's Tony? Still in the garage?"

"Well, he practically lives there now," Walden said. He had a vague feeling that Tony was distancing himself from them. He wondered if his brother was somehow jealous of Ted, of how much time he spent with Evey. Maybe he felt a bit excluded. All the more reason for the Wolf to give them all some space. "We should watch a movie together tonight," he suggested. "The three of us," he added with a emphatic glance at Ted.

Evey seemed to catch his meaning. "Good idea. Ted…"

"Yeah, no worries. There's something I need to do, anyway." He stood and stretched, yawning loudly. "And by 'something', I mean sleep in an actual bed. I'll try that quaint little inn in the village. Call me if something comes up, alright?" Evey nodded, and he departed.

Silence fell in the kitchen, stretching on for several minutes. "Merlin's lacy knickers," Walden murmured. "It's so quiet and peaceful, all of a sudden."

Evey chuckled. "I know, right?" She picked up her book. "Let me finish this chapter, then we can fire up the telly."

"I'll go get Tony," Walden said. Knowing his wife, she would be lost in her fantasy universe by the time he reached the door. When he looked over his shoulder, she didn't even notice that Nana was licking her hand in an appeal for attention.

Tony eyed his phone for the hundredth time that day, for the billionth time since Alice had suggested giving Jeanne a call. He'd started writing several text messages. He'd gone as far as to dial Jeanne's number.

And he'd chickened out at the last moment, every single time.

He didn't feel angry at her anymore. He just…he had no idea what to tell her. Sorry for rescinding your invitation, despite the fact that you suggested sacrificing my best friend's life to accommodate yours? Sorry for yelling at you, although you did burn down her childhood house without a warning, without a valid reason? Sorry for not keeping in touch, even if you turned me into an immortal, indestructible, guilt-ridden, blood-drinking monster without my consent?

Ah, the familiar sensation of self-loathing. It felt almost…comforting. It was certainly better than unreciprocated love, and the mindless horror at the possibility of ever being exposed.

"I'll call her for you, if you want," Walden said.

Tony startled. He could hear them moving about in the house if he paid attention, but when his mind was wandering, he could be spooked like anyone else. Calm down, idiot. He looks at you suspiciously enough already. Or was Tony being paranoid? Walden and Evey didn't know, did they? Ted knew. Alice knew. Jeanne most definitely knew. Either they were all very perceptive, or it was written all over Tony's face. But if Walden and Evey knew, they would have mentioned it, wouldn't they? They would have kicked him out. Banished him from their lives.

One thing Tony was thankful for, in his present condition, was that he could neither blush nor sweat. That would have given him away, if nothing else already had. As it were, Tony simply stopped fidgeting with his phone and smiled at his brother. "So you can tell her to stay away forever?"

Walden didn't return his smile. "I don't understand why you're so eager to make peace with her, after everything she's said and done, but she's your maker. I guess it's important to you. I will call her and…apologise, if that's what you think we should do."

"Hell no," Tony said hastily. "We definitely shouldn't do that. It's just…well, we were tasked with recruiting allies, and Jeanne…would make a powerful ally, if she could be…controlled." The very idea was laughable, but it had to be said. "She'll never agree to assist you hapless mortals, though. Me, sure. But no one else." Jeanne didn't understand that Tony would die a hundred times rather than watch Evey get hurt or captured again. "I just don't know how to convince her that helping me begins with helping the rest of you." Mostly Evey, really. She was in as much danger from Greyback as Harry Potter was from Voldemort, if not more. Voldemort, at least, could be killed. Perhaps not as easily as the Order would like, but it was feasible. It had to be. Finding out exactly how he'd survived the first time would probably be helpful, but Tony was more interested in finding a way around the Evey-Greyback connection. Let Dumbledore handle the Dark Lord, or at least manipulate Harry into doing it.

"Any Ancient would be a powerful ally," Walden pointed out. "And some of the others might actually want to help just for the sake of it. I know we told the Order that-"

"That they'd kill us all if they found out that we outed them? Yeah, they will. Make no mistake, Wal. Gorgo and Imhotep may look tame compared to Jeanne, but they believe in secrecy as much as the others. And they will protect that secrecy at all costs." In truth, he'd been terrified that Alice would somehow find out while she was living here.

Ted already knew that Evey had revealed the existence of the Wolves to Greyback's pack, but he didn't seem to mind. Tony believed that Ted's comrades wouldn't be too happy about it, though. Ted was an exception among his kind. They were lucky to have him on their side, but Tony doubted that it would be much help, if the other Wolves came looking for justice and blood. They didn't seem to have a high opinion of Ted, and likely wouldn't listen to him.

"You know what?" Tony said, pocketing his phone. "Jeanne can wait. We're both immortal; we'll make up when I don't have so much on my plate. We should be focusing on Evey, on getting rid of her connection with Greyback, don't you think?"

Walden nodded approvingly. "I like the idea, but where do we even begin? Evey said that Greyback was researching the situation, that it's likely why he was gone for so long, but if he'd discovered anything relevant, the connection would be gone by now."

Tony considered it, and an unpleasant thought struck him. "Maybe he does know how, but he needs Evey to remove it." He hesitated, scratching his hair absently. "Maybe we should…ask him."

Walden stared at him, dumbfounded. "I beg your pardon?"

"I mean…Greyback obviously wants the connection gone as much as we do, right? Shouldn't we, um, work together to try to find a solution, maybe?"

"Work together. With Greyback," Walden repeated, his voice as flat as a robot's. His brain couldn't process the concept. "Are you out of your bloody mind?" he exclaimed after a pause.

"We could talk with the ward between us," Tony said quickly.

"I would sooner welcome Jeanne as a permanent house guest than negotiate with that…monster," Walden growled.

"Alright, alright, it was just an idea," Tony said defensively. "I didn't mean anything by it, Wal."

"We're not that desperate," his brother went on. "And Evey would never agree to it anyway. She'd hate you for even suggesting this."

Tony stood very still, feeling faint. "You…won't tell her about it, right?"

"Of course not. I don't want her to be miserable and angry with you. But next time," Walden warned him, "think before you speak."