Summary: Things in the shadows are beginning to move against the prince and his Grimm, but when it starts to spill over into the PD Renard realises, he had to act.

Notes:

Exécuteur Yannick – Enforcer Yannick (French)

mo ghrá - my beloved (Irish Galic)

Mon coeur – My Heart (French)

Secrets & Shadows

In the dead of the night while the sky was lit up with a multitude of colours, former Councillor Jackson watched on from his former office. Or at least it will be in a few days. Investigations into his affairs were done and he'd been given a choice, behind closed doors, step down or pay the price publicly. He knew his royal high and mightiness had his prints all over this, what made his blood boil more was as his whole world crumbled around him rumours ran wild around the wesen of Portland. Of the upcoming union of the Prince and the Grimm, how not only had he bent his knee to the Grimm but whispers of a soul bond formed between them.

This made him growl loudly into the darkness, as two figure slipped into the darkened room watching the agitated Lowen as he growled into the window. Dressed in black and emotionless both men stood unaffected by the tensions in the air, Councillor Jackson turned round and faltered for a second before the evil smile crept over his face.

"I'm presuming Yannick sent you?" he asked as he reached into his briefcase and pulled out a packet of cigarettes, lighting up he sat down at his desk.

" Exécuteur Yannick sent word about his meeting with the bastard Prince, he's been bewitched by the charms of the Grimm. Exécuteur Yannick was banished from his Canton and threatened if he attempted to return, we are not welcome here and his spies are watching out for us" hissed one of the Reapers in a heavy French accent cooly.

"So, what your saying is that you can't do anything" growled another man who was sat in the corner, the two Reapers barely recognised the other man as they sneered at him causing him to woge and growl at them.

"Sal's right, things are changing around here, those who are lower on the food chain are forgetting their place. Because of this Grimm the meek are growing bolder and we can no longer control them as was before" growled Councillor Jackson as he slammed his fist down on the table, yet the Reapers barely moved on continuing to look down their noses at him.

"What we are saying is the payment you promised has doubled, we are not welcome and must tread carefully. The Grimm is protected here, not just by the Prince but many Wesen of this Canton have too fallen under the Grimms spell. Blood may run in the streets if they choose to defend him, are you ready for that fall out?" questioned the Reaper as Councillor Jackson swallowed hard and after looking at Sal Butrell the other man in the room, he stilled his emotions.

"If it means the Prince and his pet fall then so be it" he growled

"Good for now we must lay low, we know of an agent we can seek assistance from. In the mist of the chaos, we can strike" the smirk on the reapers face added fuel to councillor Jackson's hatred

The new year had rolled by quickly but the high they both had been on had yet to die down, this had only fanned the fires of the rumour mill around the South Precinct about their Captain and his mysterious companion. Hank actually enjoyed redirecting or adding to the rumours that came too close to the truth, he'd even become accustomed to sharing some of the funnier or more outrageous within the group chat consisting of Himself, Monroe, Frank, Rosalee, Sam, Serena, Bud, Nick and of course the Captain. The replies drifted from outraged, to humour to disbelief and more, Hank had to admit he'd come to enjoy being part of this dysfunctional group of misfits.

The Pd had been quiet for the most part recently so Hank wasn't surprised when Renard had told those without active cases to go home, as he pulled on his jacket grateful to be free from the chains of paperwork Hank wasn't surprised to see Renard stood in his office on his cell. Though this time the smile upon his face and relaxed stance made him chuckle, he knew that there was only one reason to put Renard in that mood. Nick must have been on the other end of that call, after he'd witnessed the proposal, he'd come to see his Captain in a new light and he was happy to see the older man in love.

Catching Renard's eye, he smiled and waved good night as Renard nodded towards him, before he headed out the door and off home to enjoy his night.

Renard bid Hank good night through his office window as he listened to Nick's happy babbling on the other end of the call, with a warmth in his heart Renard gathered up his things and after informing Nick he was on his way home he headed to his SUV. The drive home was peaceful but he suddenly felt the aches and pains of sitting behind a desk most days, more so for a man of 6'4. Pulling into Nick's driveway felt like a home coming for him, between their bond and the engagement Renard finally found himself allowing his heart to open up.

Nick was a boundless source of life and energy, opening the door the smell of dinner made his neglected stomach grumble. Placing down his briefcase, coat and suit jacket, rolling up his sleeves and removing his tie Renard headed over to were Nick was moving around the small kitchen. Placing his hands upon his hips Nick turned to face him and capturing his lips Renard could feel the love from the other man rolling off him, turning round Nick wrapped his arms round Renard's neck as he pulled Nick closer.

"Something smells good" said Renard as Nick chuckled

"Well dinner's almost done" said Nick as he went to move but Renard pulled him back

"Who said I was talking about dinner?" chuckled Renard flirtatiously as he pushed his hand under Nick's top as he latched onto his neck.

Nick let out a groan but pushed him back before his knees would give out and his mind turn traitor, he had plans for tonight and his overly horny mate was not changing them.

"Food first Mo Ghrá, celebrations later" said Nick making Renard look at him strangely as Nick playfully slipped out of his grasp.

"Celebrations?" asked Renard as he followed quickly behind pinning Nick to the kitchen counter.

He barely had enough space to reach into his back pocket and pull out a small box before passing it to Renard, opening it Renard was confused as he pulled out a key ring that read 'Welcome Home' upon it

"Nick?" he questioned

"It's symbolic, I was going to ask you this Christmas eve but the whole soul bond and marriage proposal kinda made it slip my mind. Sean Renard seeing as you've already asked me to be your husband, I figured it was only fitting I ask you to move in with me?" Nick asked the playfulness gone from his words; a hint of Nick's insecurities hung on his question as silence fell between them but before it could linger Renard lent in a kissed Nick hard.

"I'd love for nothing more Mon coeur" with that Renard pulled Nick in closer and kissed him once again before they both parted and carried dinner to the table.

They both dug into the wonderful meal Nick had put out for them both, but as they ate a few questions rattled round Renard's mind as the same walm feeling he'd felt after proposing settled into his heart.

"Nick"

"Yes"

"Before you asked me to move in what did you call me?" asked Renard as he'd been taken back at Nick's pet name for him, he spoke many languages but he couldn't place this one.

Nick let out a hearty chuckle as he picked up his beer and while watching the confused look cross Renard's face, he savoured both the beer and for once knowing something his mate did not.

"What Mo Ghrá? Don't worry Sean it's a term of endearment, my mother used to call my father it. The translation roughly means my beloved in old Irish. My mother was born there and immigrated with her whole family shortly after she came into her Grimm gifts at ten years old, she didn't talk about it much I always figured they moved because of that. Her and my aunt hunted like the rest of the family, my uncle hated it, he refused saying that he wanted no part in hunting people wesen or otherwise for sport.

He and my grandfather got into a fight and he left the family, after my parents died, I lived with him for a while. He's the one who taught me how to cook, he's a chef back in New York, married his husband of ten years and has two kids. He hated that I was forced to become like them but proud that I didn't think like that" said Nick with a painful sigh, Renard gripped his hand in comfort.

He knew Nick still had a lot of ghosts in his shadow, many of which he was yet to embrace or come to terms with. Over time Renard hoped he'd help his mate chase the worst of them away, allowing the younger man to forgive whatever burden he's been forced to carry all these years. They continued to eat in a comfortable silence eventually though the conversation turned to lighter things, as Nick spoke more of his uncle and the normal life he'd lived for a while. By the end of dinner both men had come up with a plan on moving Renard into the house along with Nick, mostly it consisted of roping there friends into helping by offering good food and beer as a payment.

Climbing the stairs at the nights end both men's heart's felt lighter as they once again, had turned a chapter in their lives and it was leading towards a journey were both their fates were interwoven. Both Renard and Nick found that this held little fear and greater excitement for them. Renard stood by the closet as he stripped out of his clothing for the day, but no sooner had he dropped his boxer shorts did he find himself being pulled down on to the bed and with a lap full of a playful Grimm.

Growling playfully to himself at the insolence an evil smirk appeared on his face as he woge and rolled Nick onto his back, claiming his mouth and pinning both his hands up over his head Renard began taking advantage of the restrained Grimm. Though no sooner had they started getting into it did the shrill sound of Renard's cell bring both men back to reality, with Nick still pinned Renard groaned as he reached for the offending item and answered it.

"Captain Renard" growled Renard a little harshly at the unsuspecting participant on the other line.

/Sorry to interrupt Captain but your gonna wanna see this/

Wu's voice was unusually stoic making Renard snap from Sean to Captain in an instant, realising this Sean released Nick so he could sit up. The young Grimm felt the shift in mood as he watch the older man and awaited explanation.

"Send me the details, I'll be there in twenty" Renard commanded as he hung up, seconds later an address flashed up on his messages.

"I'm sorry to cut this short Nick but something tells me tonight's going to be bad" said Renard as he got up, Nick followed kissing him before disappearing downstairs.

Renard looked round deciding to forgo his usual suit and tie for his jeans and jumper, after all he'd just finished for the day a few hours ago. If he was going back to work this late, he was going to be comfortable, once dressed he followed his mate down the stairs and was greeted with a cup of coffee and some leftovers.

"Figured you'd need it tonight" said Nick with a smile as Renard took the offered coffee and food before kissing Nick deeply.

"I'll keep in touch, looks like I'm going to be home late. Keep your phone on I have a feeling that you'll be joining us soon for this" added Renard as Nick nodded and followed him to the door.

"Understood stay safe Mo Ghrá" Nick added at the door

"You too Mon coeur" with that Renard gave Nick a peck on the cheek before heading to his SUV and off to the crime scene.

Hank was the first on the scene after Wu and Officer Amanda Torres had called it in, he'd been the first to lay eyes on the devastation and recognised the victim. Judge Logan Patterson was a well-respected judge within the Portland court circuit, well known to all law enforcement he was firm but fair.

"Unbelievable, this is going to make a lot of people angry" sighed Renard as he arrived at the scene and took one look at the body before crouching down beside it.

"Patterson was one of the best judges we had, worked a lot of cases that ended up in his court. He had over 30 years on the bench" Renard added as Hank nodded beside him.

"Same here, We requested all of the judges case files" Hank said as he looked over the few notes he had

"Start with the most recent see if there's any registered threats, he's sure to have a lot of enemies in all those years" Renard instructed Wu who was stood beside Hank as Officer Walsh finally joined them.

"Sir we have a print off the gavel" he offered as Renard got to his feet.

"Let's find out who it belongs to?" said Renard as they headed toward the door and back to the station.

Oleg Stark stood at the riverbank, after throwing the severed hand he'd been carrying he just watched the water going by. He didn't even flinch as one of the Reapers Aloïs Lubatti emerged from the shadows, coming to stand beside him he didn't turn to look at him.

"I'm pleased to see you received our gift" Lubatti as Stark just snorted

"I care very little for your cause, I'm just here because you promised me my revenge on those who took my freedom and my gold" growled Stark as the other man didn't even flinch as he passed Stark a file filled with photos.

"The last two's locations, ones easy to get to. The last one the cop is now a detective and is under the Prince's protection. He's recently become part of his inner circle; he will be harder to get to but something tells me that you will find away" Lubatti said with a smirk before walking way leaving Stark looking through the images.

Renard stood staring out the window of his office as he listened to Nick's sleepy words on the other end, pangs of guilt didn't sit well with him as he reassured Nick that he'd make time for them soon.

/Sean it's fine, I'll go back to sleep since it seems your going to be out all night again. I'll message you once I'm awake, if I get lonely, I'll see if I can pick up some work at the Spice Shop/

"I still feel awful that our night ended like this, it feels like every time we get some time together, we get interrupted. I will make it up to you Mon coeur" Renard wanted nothing more then to be at home with his arms wrapped round his mate, but they both knew the life of a cop was bad enough but given that Renard was a Captain made things much worse.

Nick was one of the few people that saw the true side of his mate, the side he hides from those outside of his people. The man who cares deeply for his people and sharing in their highs and supporting them through their lows. Nick understood but also couldn't help but feel a little guilty about wanting time with Renard now and again, he'd never stand in his way but sometimes he wished he'd become a cop so he could also be able to do more then he could now.

They bid each other love, affection and goodbyes before Renard hung up with a sigh and rested his head against his arm as he continued to look out upon the world outside.

Hank had been watching all of this from his desk, he felt for his Captain. Three ex wives had given him a sense of empathy when it came to relationships other then his own, he'd watched the change in Renard as Nick had entered into his life. The usually stoic man had become warmer and more open, he'd never been closed off professionally, his door had always been open to those who needed to talk. But when it came to his own life very few knew anything more about him then what was in his record, he was always first in and last out and Hank felt for him.

The life of law enforcement was a hard one, and going it alone seemed to make it harder. Seeing the change in Renard had been subtle but his mood had become lighter, he joined in more with Pd related celebrations even turning up at the bar after hours a few times. Now Nick was a more public figure around the station Renard had become accepting of the few cat calls and genteel ribbings he'd received from the other officers and detectives.

From the body language he was currently giving off Hank figured tonight was one of those 'I'd rather be anywhere but here nights'. Getting to his feet Hank headed to his office door to fill him in on the case. Knocking at the door Hank made sure not to make anything about the ghosts that passed over Renard's face as he schooled his features and concentrated on the case, they both passed ideas over to each other.

"We've done a cross check against any of the judges parolees, so far we have three of interest released in the last six months" sighed Hank as Renard looked through the files Hank had open

"Any of them back here in Portland?" he asked as Hank gave him a 'you don't wanna know' smile

"all of them" Hank sighed

"Karl's checking alibis" answered Hank as he heard the faint sigh from Renard, looking round to see that they were fairly alone Hank spoke up.

"You doing ok Captain?" Hank asked lowly making Renard look up from his reading confused as he too looked round.

"It just seems that you seem to be carrying a hell of a lot since Monroe's" Hank said cryptically, it took a moment for Renard to understand what he was referring to.

"I know I'm new to all this, but from what I've see you and Nick have got a good handle on all things. Lately though your moods seemed heavy" Hank said as he watched the shift in his boss.

He'd heard Monroe joke about being able to see Nick shift from himself to the Grimm and had even heard Nick talk about Renard and Sean being like two different people, he'd not truly believed it until he'd been let into his Captain's inner circle of friends and he's seen firsthand the difference between his Captain and Sean. The shift was always subtle but Hank knew that with the sigh his Captain had given out, as well as the change in his stance he was no longer talking to the leader of the Pd but instead he was talking to a man carrying to much alone.

"I'm…we're good Hank, I just wish I didn't feel like I was letting Nicky down so much. I love that man with everything I have and he has the patience of a saint…..."

"As well as the temper of a demon" Hank added making Renard smile a little and chuckle.

"That too, but I feel like the job is taking most of my time and my duties to my people the rest. Monroes dinner was one of the rare day's we've had together since he returned to Portland, some days I think he deserves more than this" sighed Renard as Hank nodded.

"I can't speak for you both but in my experience, keeping things from each other will make small things seem bigger until they eat you up. Talk to Nick ask him how he feels" Hank was interrupted by his phone.

"We have an Id and an address" said Hank as Renard flipped back to Captain mode as they both headed out.

Nick pulled up outside the Spice Shop early the next morning he smiled to himself; Rosalee had been shocked when Nick had offered to give her a break but grateful for a chance to spend time with Monroe. As his bike pulled into his usual spot Rosalee had setup for him when he works, Nick got an uneasy feeling come over him. Looking round he positioned his arm allowing his hidden blade to slip down for easy access, as he used the key to open the door.

Heading in he closed the door behind him and locked it, before pulling his helmet off and shutting down the alarm. Changing out of his leathers he set out to go over the stock while he message Sean letting him know he was helping out at the Spice Shop. After cleaning up he read through the reply from Sean, who was just letting him know that they were waiting on the swat team so they can make a move.

Grabbing his shades Nick put them on and headed to open up, he knew so may we're more open to him being around them but he still used his shades so not to aggravate anyone who's come seeking help while emotional. He'd no sooner sat upon his seat behind the counter that the bell above the store sounded, looking up the man that entered made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Nick made it look like he was more interested in his phone as he kept an eye on the man as he moved around the shop, two other customers passed through before he finally approached Nick.

"Where is the young lady that usually works here?" he asked creepily as the man looked Nick up and down making him feel dirty as he all but leered at Nick.

"The owner is currently taking the day off; can I help you?" Nick asked cautiously as the man kept watching him.

"You could, maybe you could convince Miss Calvert that it's in her best interest to accept my offer" said the man as his features change and Nick realised, he'd woged, he felt the Grimm within chomping at the bit as he realised this was the man who'd threatened his friend.

Shaking himself Nick allowed some of his Grimm to rise up as he looked up at the man, a dark smirk on his face as the man woged back and shuddered a little as he eyed Nick aggressively.

"Oh boy you fucked up now, so you're the fool who messed with my friend" Nick growled lowly as the man gritted his teeth.

"You're not welcome here Geier, I'd take her advice and leave now before I get bored" Nick hissed

"HOW DARE YOU, WHO ARE YOU TOO…" the man froze as Nick grew bored and took off his shades allowing the Geier to see who he was.

"GRIMM" he hissed as he made a foolish mistake, lunging forward he went for Nick but he was quicker.

Nick side stepped and dropped his concealed dagger off Sean into his hand, using it to slash the Geier across his arm making him draw it back. As he did, he lashed out catching Nick's face slightly and his shoulder, the wounds were shallow but jagged. Nick cleared the counter as he grabbed the Geier by the collar, grabbing his phone Nick snapped a pic of the man before he threw him out and locked the shop. Heading into the back of the shop Nick pulled out his first aid kit, while patching himself up he called Sam to give him the heads up.

Renard found a headache growing as he returned to the Pd, the case was just a maze of dead ends and false starts. Just as they seemed to be making headway another twist will happen and they'd end up with more questions than answers. Turns out that the print on the gavel had led to another body and a woman's watch engraved with a woman's names on the handless body, Renard had mentioned to Hank about seeing to the watch and that Monroe might be able to help with that. So now he needed to call Nick and see if he could ask Monroe if he can help them.

Seeing Sam waiting for him in his office made Renard's headache grow, entering he closed the door and didn't even sit down as he turned to Sam.

"Sam?" he questioned making Sam sigh

"Nicky had a visitor, a Geier. Apparently, some time ago Miss Calvert was approached by one peddling their 'cures' she turned them down but warned Nicky. Apparently, he decided to try again this time and when Nicky shut him down, he pushed back so Nicky let his Grimm out and the idiot attacked Nicky. He's ok and the Geier fled, he has a few scratches but I've watched the security footage. He held his own" Sam said as Renard barely registered much more them hearing Nick was injured.

Throwing his jacket back on he took off out of the office, it took Sam a second before he followed watching as Renard grabbed Hank on the way. When they reached Renard's SUV Sam took the keys informing Renard, he was in no position to drive safely, Hank was confused until Sam filled him in and Renard gave up trying to argue.

When they arrived at the Spice Shop it was evident that Serena was there, as too was Monroe's bug. Seeing the door closed Sam knocked at the door and was happy to see Rosalee, seeing as she had a calming affect on Renard. Opening up she moved out the way as Renard shot straight to Nick who was being patched up by Serena, pulling Nick into his arms Renard felt himself finally calming.

"Sean I'm fine, he got a shot in but not a good one" said Nick as he showed Renard the marks across his chin and neck as well as the one over the same shoulder.

"How did GEIERS get into my territory?" Renard growled making all shudder

"SEAN chill, its no ones fault here, even if Sam and Serena do run your networks. You have been dealing with Reapers on top of other things, your running your people two thin" said Nick calmingly, making Renard calm down.

"Forgive me" Renard said as he looked at them both.

"There's nothing to forgive Sire, we will see that they are delt with. Rosalee with your permission I'd like to ward the shop against Geier's. Last time we checked no Geier's currently reside within this Canton, they are a heavily watched species given their nature" explained Serena as Rosalee nodded.

"Good Geier's are trouble, no good come from having them around" Monroe added as he came through with a drink for Nick as Hank looked confused.

"Geier's are a Vulture-like Wesen with an innate ability to move through trees. These vile creatures are harvesters who take pleasure in the pain of others. Geier's gut human for their organs and blood as homeopathic medicines and aphrodisiacs within the wesen community" Nick explained as Rosalee looked uncomfortable and Monroe shuddered.

"Not one of our finest kin" said Monroe with a small growl.

"So not a good one?" asked Hank as Nick nodded.

"Oh, if its ok I'll change the subject, Monroe any chance you can help us out on a case" asked Hank as he handed Monroe the watch.

"I can look this over, is it ok for me to take it out?" he asked

"Yeah, it's been cleared, I'll pass you my number. Call me once you know anything that can help me" answered Hank as he excused himself and said he'd head back to the Pd, Renard checked Nick again before agreeing to drive Hank back.