A/ N: Anyone see potential for Meisner to protect Adalind and Kelly while Nick's gone to the Black Forest? I wonder if the jealousy plot I predicted way back in November may finally come into play? Nick needs a little kick in the butt to get him to take his relationship with Adalind seriously. And why is everyone so surprised that Adalind's a great mother?! Really people, her love for her daughter drove all Adalind's actions after Diana's birth. (Taking a deep breath) Sorry, back to my AU storyline.

Chapter 13 Nick

Nick smiled happy and relieved that Monroe and Rosalee were safely on their honeymoon. They needed this respite. The night of the tribunal, Rosalee had been on an emotional rollercoaster and Monroe was almost killed. With few people from his past that Nick could say he had a good relationship with, he had been terrified to lose Monroe. Hank was a great partner no doubt, but Nick had to admit Monroe was probably his best friend. He took a deep breath, happy to know his favorite couple was relaxing on a beach at that very moment.

Sitting at his desk in the station, Nick contemplated their current case. They were investigating the double homicide of a couple who were fortune tellers. The witness who had seen them last, described a session that sounded like a Woge. Just then, the captain looked out of his office and said he needed to speak with Nick. Heading that direction, Nick was a little leery. His captain still gave him a bad vibe, even though Renard had been helpful during their investigation into Monroe's disappearance. Hank had insisted they should consult him. When it came time to take the group down, Renard had assisted so Nick couldn't really place the reason he didn't trust the captain.

When Nick closed the door behind him, Renard said, "Adalind just arrived back in town with the Royals yesterday." How did his captain know Adalind, Nick wondered.

Deciding it was best to play dumb, Nick simply asked "Adalind?"

The captain shook his head saying, "I've forgotten how much information you've lost. Adalind is the woman, the Hexenbiest that cursed you taking your powers." Nick felt like someone had sucker punched him. "She's been out of the country since the day I was shot and Monroe and Rosalee got married, but I just pulled up her passport," he said turning his monitor so Nick could see. There goes the thought that they might be thinking of two different women, Nick accepted. "She just returned with Victor and Rispoli. They're with the Royal family," Sean finished.

Still suspicious of Renard, Nick felt defensive. "Now did she curse me before or after she was doing your dirty work against me," Nick quipped not ready to believe him.

His captain was taken back, then raising his hands as if to surrender, he replied, "That's ancient history. We've put that behind us."

"You forget I don't have a history, only facts. How do I know she hasn't been here longer or never even left," Nick responded revealing his distrust of the man as well as searching for answers. Something didn't add up.

"Look for yourself. Customs has her logged as arriving in New York about a week ago," Sean motioned for him to verify for himself. Nick swallowed. Then who was that woman that I slept with nearly a month ago? Nick asked himself confused. Abruptly a conversation with Renard's mother at the spice shop came back to him. Juliette! Nick was furious. Now it all made sense, especially the return of his Grimm powers the very next day. This meant that Hank was a part of this plan to deceive him.

Mumbling something along the lines of, "Thanks for the heads up. Got to go," he left the office and made straight for Hank's desk.

"I need to speak with you outside right now," Nick said trying not to growl. As soon as they stepped outside, Nick questioned, "You want to tell me how Adalind Schade has just arrived back in the country. The captain just informed me by showing me her passport logged with customs. Why did you deceive me?"

Eyebrows raised in surprise, Hank replied, "You mean you didn't know until now? Juliette was supposed to tell you."

"Now that I agree with," Nick spat.

"Nick, I was just trying to protect you. You've seen how Wesen are constantly attacking us all, including Monroe and Rosalee. I'm sorry we did it the way we did. Even if it was for your own safety, I should have talked to you," Hank admitted.

"Yes you should have," Nick responded. Accepting Hank's explanation didn't mean he agreed with it. This was not over. "I understand, but I don't say I agree. Right now I have a bigger fish to fry," he finished and left marching towards his car.

Fortunately Juliette was at Monroe and Rosalee's alone, he found out after calling Rosalee at the spice shop. It was time to have this out. Knocking on the door, Nick had no kind words for her. Juliette opened the door with a happy look on her face, which didn't help her case. "Nick," she said expectantly. He came in gathering his thoughts so that he could do this calmly.

"Captain Renard warned me today that Adalind Schade just arrived back in the country," Nick started in watching her closely. Juliette looked away obviously not wanting to meet his eyes. Did she think he wouldn't realize what happened? "I know it was you that night," he said in a flat voice.

Her eyes showed her panic as she faced him. "I did it for you," she stammered.

"What gave you the right to take advantage of my lack of memory? You violated any trust I might have had in you," Nick replied with a glare. "I never want to see you again!"

In shock her mouth dropped open and then her whole visage changed. It must have been a Woge, Nick's analytical brain registered without emotion. Juliette now resembled something like a zombie with decayed skin, eyes, and teeth that were exposed under the rotting flesh. "What are you supposed to be?" he asked rather revolted. She tilted her head quickly and the face he knew returned with a petrified expression. "A Hexenbiest?" he inquired.

"No, I'm supposed to be normal. This has only been happening since Monroe was taken," she said miserably. Then rage replaced that look she gave him. "This is all Adalind's fault," she spoke, voice dripping with venom.

"No!" He had nearly cut her off, then continued, "You did this to yourself. No one asked you to dabble with a spell you couldn't possibly understand. I know I didn't. In fact, I distinctly remember saying the opposite." Nick's voice was hard and unyielding.

"You're defending that slut?" She asked in an astonished voice.

Nick gritted his teeth before saying in a threatening way, "Be careful what you call her. You might want to say that to the person you look at in the mirror." With that he turned on his heel and left slamming the door.