Fondest Dreams Ch. 10

They were led by a blonde male who appeared to be in his early forties. The man bore two small gold pips on each shoulder of his uniform jacket, had a revolver holstered on each hip, and carried a battered leather briefcase. A vicious white scar ran from ear to chin on the left side of his face. Brett assumed him to be the leader.

Following were two adolescent females. One had dark hair, gave off a bookish air, and was wearing a uniform skirt rather than pants. She smelled nervous, but was hiding it well by human standards. The other had fiery red hair and seemed very energetic. She was smiling, looking at the two Weres with open, friendly interest.

Then the front passenger door opened. Out stepped a human male in his early twenties, dressed in a light gray suit that screamed "FBI" to Brett; presumably this was the BPA agent. He seemed as jumpy as the dark-haired female, and carried a sleek attaché case. Awfully young, Brett thought. Is he a rookie? The young man looked up at Brett, his mouth hanging open ever so slightly.

"You're catching flies, Godwin," the older man remarked, then stepped forward and held out his hand to Brett. "Edward von Helsing. Pleased to meet you."

Brett took his hand and shook it automatically. "Brett Hall. Welcome." The pistols made him uneasy, but there was a straightforwardness about the man that made it hard to be hostile. Not wanting to be rude, Brett extended his hand to the younger male as well.

"Um, nice to meet you," the kid managed, still staring up at Brett with something akin to awe.

"What's your name?" Brett asked, giving him what he hoped was a reassuring smile. It was nice to meet a Fed that didn't think he was the cat's ass for once.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! I'm Lance. Err, Agent Lance Godwin, USBPA." He pulled out a black leather holder and flipped it open to display a badge and an ID card.

Edward chuckled. "And this is Vera Parker and Evony Rawlins." He indicated the brunette and the redhead in turn.

"Welcome," Brett repeated. "Who's he?" He pointed to the van's driver, who had neither moved nor smiled since the Weres arrived.

"Samuel Gordon. He's here to secure the vehicle, and won't be coming with us."

"Alright. We're here to escort you to your meeting with the Alpha. You'll have to leave your weapons in your van, though."

"No," Edward replied, calmly but firmly. "Blue Stars don't disarm. It's a rule."

The Werewolf wanted to growl the human into submission, but the man was so... so matter-of-fact and businesslike that Brett just couldn't take offense. But he wasn't about to back down either. Brett crossed his arms over his chest. "Well, you're not setting foot on pack lands until you do. Up to you." Bryant stepped up beside Brett and crossed his arms as well.

Edward crossed his arms behind his back, planting his feet and meeting Brett's gaze levelly. The two stared each other down for a few moments before a soft throat-clearing drew everyone's eyes.

"Excuse me, but under Article II, Section 5 of the 1672 Cooperation and Assistance Treaty between the North American Werewolf Council and the Order of the Azure Star, no Knight of the Order may be prevented from bearing arms on the territory of any Werewolf pack. So, the Knight-Commander is fully within his rights." Lance's tone was hesitant but earnest, and he managed to meet the massive Were's gaze without flinching.

Brett just stared at the young agent for a full minute. "Is that true?" he finally asked the older male, who gave him a wry smile and nodded. "Alright, then. Tell me, what are the rules about dealings between Werewolves and the US government?"

"That was all set down in the Treaty of Baltimore, signed in 1779," Lance replied automatically. "Article I states that—"

"Does it say anything about Feds being allowed to carry weapons on pack lands?" Brett cut him off.

"Umm... no."

"Then you leave your weapon in the car," Brett growled, giving the kid his best cop glare.

Lance blinked for a moment, then pulled his sidearm from its holster under his suit coat, looking chagrinned. He opened the van's passenger door and dropped the gun on the seat.

Edward grinned. "You're a smart guy, Brett," he remarked. "I like you."

"Backup piece too," Bryant chimed in.

With a soft sigh, Lance knelt down and plucked a snub revolver from its holster on his ankle.

Edward grinned, and the redheaded Initiate giggled. "Can't pull anything past an experienced cop. Good instincts, Godwin, but like I told you we're among friends here. You'll see. Shall we?" Edward concluded, turning to Brett. "I'd rather not waste your Alpha's time, or the Council's."

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Carr reluctantly let go of his mate's hand and stepped forward as the two Suburbans pulled to a stop in front of the house. Brett and two human males got out of the front SUV, while two human females and a slightly harassed-looking Bryant emerged from the other.

Everything alright, Bryant?

The redhead wouldn't stop asking questions, Alpha. Nice kid, though. No big deal.

Shaking his head and smiling, Carr turned his attention to the male visitors, quickly sizing them up. The one in the suit screamed inexperience, but Carr thought he saw the makings of a good cop in the way the boy scanned the area around him. A single glance at the older human made Carr instantly wary, and respectful. He was a soldier, and a very good one—Carr could see it in his eyes and the way he held himself, the way he moved. Presumably, this was Knight-Commander von Helsing. The Alpha was distinctly unhappy about the weapons the human wore, but Brett had already explained that through the bond and Carr had confirmed its veracity with Alistair.

The Knight-Commander walked straight up to Carr and held out his hand as if this were a normal, everyday meeting. "Edward von Helsing. Pleased to meet you."

The Alpha automatically shook the human's hand. "Carr Baxter."

"Thank you for receiving us at such short notice, Alpha. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience."

"It's fine."

"Good. This is Agent Lance Godwin of the USBPA," Edward continued, gesturing to the man beside him.

The human stepped forward and, after a moment's hesitation, held out his hand to Carr. "A real pleasure, Alpha Baxter," he managed. He was growing pale.

"You all right?" Carr asked.

"Just a rookie on his first assignment," Edward replied. "For God's sake, Lance, grow a spine. These are Weres; you only have to watch your front here."

"And just what does that mean?" Lee had come up behind her mate, and was eyeing the blonde-haired human suspiciously, not sure if her pack had just been insulted.

Edward gave her a charming smile. "Pleased to meet you too, Madame Alpha. I mean that you folks don't stab people in the back. Not like, say, vampires."

Lee blinked. "Oh. Thank you. I think."

The human chuckled. "And lastly, Vera Parker and Evony Rawlins. They are Initiates, here to get some firsthand contact with Werewolves. And Werepanthers too, it seems," he added, raising an eyebrow and glancing over Carr's shoulder to the largish group that had gathered for the meeting. "We really do have a lot to talk about," he noted, as the American Council came up behind Carr.

"Let me introduce the Council," Carr began, stepping to one side so he could make introductions.

"We've met, Carr," Alistair informed him gently, favoring the younger wolf with a wry smile. "A pleasure as always, Edward." He extended his hand.

"Likewise, Alistair." Edward took it, then introduced an awestruck Agent Godwin and the two young women to each of the Councilors in turn. Two familiar faces were missing, though. "Say, where's—"

"ED!" a familiar voice boomed. Rhys and Katy had come around the side of the house, wearing sweats. Carr remembered that they had decided to take their breakfast and eat out in the forest.

"Rhys!" Edward called back, his face lighting up. He strode forward to greet the massive Were. "How are you, you old nut?"

The two clasped hands and embraced with the familiarity of very old, close friends. "I am very well indeed, youngster. May I introduce you to my mate, Katy?"

"For real? Awesome!" Edward took Katy's hand and shook it vigorously. "Very pleased to meet you, honey. You're one lucky gal."

Katy lit up when this stranger praised her handsome mate. "Yes, I am. But who are you, and how do you know Rhys?"

"Oh, right." Edward explained who he was. "Rhys and I are old war buddies, so to speak. Nobody better to have at your back in a tight spot."

"Which war?" Carr asked as he and the councilors joined the old friends. Lee hung back, talking with the other humans and trying to put the two nervous ones at ease. You are the perfect hostess, my love, Carr thought to her.

Oh hush. Flattery will get you everywhere.

"Double-u Double-u Two," Edward answered.

Katy's eyes nearly popped out. "No way!"

"Yes way. Your mate's a bona fide war hero, kid. Helped the Order take apart the Nazis' collection of magic-wielding lunatics. Saved my butt more than once, too."

Rhys grimaced. "I prefer not to think about those times too deeply, my friend."

"I know, buddy, but you have to admit your little lady looks pretty funny with her mouth hanging open like that." Edward glanced around quickly and whispered to Rhys, "Where's the asshole?"

The Welsh Were's eyes flashed. "Metzger? He is dead."

"Seriously? You're not just trying to cheer me up, are you?" Edward barely managed not to jump for joy; Niklas had been a grade-A pain in his ass for nearly eighty years.

Rhys tried his best not to smile. "I killed him myself. I'm sure it will all be explained during the course of the meeting." The brief exchange was missed by those nearby.

Alistair cleared his throat. "Edward, Rhys, you will have time to reminisce later. I believe you came here for a reason, Edward, did you not?"

In an instant the human was all business. "Yes I did, Alistair. Let's finish introductions and all find someplace to sit down. I think this is going to take a while."

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

It turned out that Edward already knew Leonardo. When asked why the Order hadn't informed the Werewolf Council about the Creighton pack, his reply was simply: "You never asked." Agent Godwin seemed calmer after talking to Lee, and kept his composure as he was bombarded with a series of names, faces, and handshakes. Meanwhile, Lee and a few of the Baxter betas had taken the Initiates off for a tour of the compound.

The next major surprise of the morning came when Edward and Lance were introduced to the Seven Sisters, whom the Council had asked to attend the meeting. When his eyes landed on Kelly, Edward looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

"I know you..." he told Kelly slowly as he shook her hand, looking at her with a peculiar intensity. "How very interesting..."

Naturally, this provoked a flurry of questions. A very confused Kelly backed up against Drago, who started growling at the human for upsetting his mate. He seemed ready to shift and attack on the slightest excuse.

Agent Godwin blanched, but stood his ground. Edward held up a hand to Drago and Kelly. "Peace. Please forgive me; I did not mean to upset you, Miss Creighton," he explained. "It's just that I've seen your portrait, or rather the portrait of a Werewolf who looks exactly like you. I was given to understand that the subject was deceased."

"What portrait? Where?" Drago asked, openly suspicious.

"At Schloss Helsing, in the main library. Anyone who's entered that room since the painting was hung would remember it, I should think. It's a very striking piece, done in the classical style for Were portraiture. She's wearing a blue dress, facing slightly to the right, and her wolf is sitting beside her, facing slightly to the left. It's a night snowscape, full moon and starry sky, with a pine forest and a mountain range in the background. A really wonderful painting," Edward concluded.

By the lack of reaction, nobody else present had ever seen it. "At where now?" Drago's expression hovered between suspicion and curiosity, unsure what to make of this.

"Schloss is the German word for 'castle,'" Rhys explained. "It's the Helsing family seat, back in Europe. I never did have the chance to visit."

Jenna nodded slowly and stepped forward. "Tell me," she asked, "was there a name given with this portrait you saw?"

"Yes, a little plaque on the frame. It says: 'Zsálya Kardos, 1837 -- 1858.'"

This provoked a variety of strong reactions. Guillame and Zsigmond growled loudly. Orsolya went white as a sheet. Jenna half-smiled as if at some private joke. Drago stepped forward, about to attack before he was restrained by a mental command from his new Alpha.

You will find that I have saved you from a great deal of pain that would have elicited little satisfaction on your part, Drago, Leonardo told him. This is not a normal human. When it comes to dealing with these Knights, diplomacy is the best course of action, for many reasons. Leo stood nonchalantly, as if he hadn't just dressed down his new second. No need to publicly humiliate the boy.

The Knight-Commander gazed impassively at Drago. "Peace, child," he finally told the young Were in a warning tone. "You are newly mated, feeling overprotective, yadda yadda. I get it. I suggest that you get it through your wolf's head that I have no interest in either harming or stealing your mate, before he tries to challenge me. I only know how to teach hard lessons, you see."

There was no malice in Edward's eyes or voice, but there was a sense of power there that sent a shiver down Carr's spine. Who is this guy? he wondered.

Before Drago could reply, Leonardo clapped a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, hard. Drago's stance relaxed and he bowed his head. "I beg your pardon, Sir," he told Edward contritely.

"Nothing happened, Drago. Nothing to forgive." Edward's smile broke the tension, and everybody sighed in relief.

"Excuse me," Jenna interjected, laying a hand on Kelly's shoulder and smiling in her regal manner. "Kelly is Zsálya's reincarnation, Commander. I was not aware that Zsálya ever sat for a portrait, though."

"Interesting... Very interesting... I don't really know what the deal is, Madam, just that Old Father Eagle—err, my uncle Wilhelm von Helsing—painted it, and that it hangs in the Schloss' library. Here, hang on." He reached inside his tunic and pulled out a smartphone, tapped a few commands, and held it to his ear. "Hey there, Jake... Yes, I know you're very busy... Just go to the main library, please. I need you to snap a picture of the painting on the west wall and send it to me... Yeah, that one... Important enough, kiddo... thanks. Love ya." He hung up.

Less than two minutes of chitchat later, Edward's phone buzzed. He tapped a few more commands, then flipped it around and handed it to Kelly. Most of the Weres gasped in turn as the phone was quickly passed from hand to hand; even on the tiny screen it was clear that the young lady in the painting was a dead ringer for Kelly.

Kelly gave Edward a questioning, confused look while the phone was passed around. He just shrugged, looking apologetic.

"Pardon me for prying," Jenna asked, "but did Wilhelm ever say anything about Zsálya?"

Edward shrugged again. "I asked him about the painting once, and all he said was 'It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.' Just that, nothing else. I gather that's all he ever said about it, to anyone." His phone buzzed again, and he glanced at it. "Miss Creighton, may I take your picture?" he asked, looking at Kelly.

"What for?" Kelly, Drago, and Leonardo chorused.

"I'm honestly not certain. Apparently my son told the castle's butler, Senzir, about my interest in the painting. Senzir just texted me; if I've found a woman who looks like the portrait, he wants to see a picture. Says it's important. Look," Edward continued, in response to their incredulous expressions, "I don't know why, but I guarantee that it's not going to be splashed across the Internet or anything malicious. And if Senzir says it's important, then it is."

Kelly looked up at Drago for a moment, then nodded and stepped forward. "Okay."

"Say 'cheese.'" Edward held up his phone and snapped the picture. A few more taps on the screen sent the image on its way. "Now then, as much as I love using this newfangled toy, with everyone's permission, we really need to get this meeting started. We're burning daylight." The humans, Alphas, Councilors, and Sisters all moved into the house. Since they couldn't hope to all fit into Carr's office, the Alpha had ordered some omegas to rearrange the tables in the dining hall for use as a temporary conference room.

As everyone was finding seats, Edward pulled a cheap steno book and a pen from his briefcase and Agent Godwin took an expensive-looking laptop and an audio recorder out of his. The two humans found themselves seated roughly in the center of the room, surrounded by a large collection of very important Weres.

The BPA agent seemed very impressed, and a little intimidated, by the company in which he found himself. Edward didn't even blink. "Alright," the Knight-Commander began, clicking his pen open. "In accordance with a bunch of different treaties, blah blah blah, we are here on behalf of our respective organizations to debrief you folks on recent events. If there are no objections, we'll start with the big picture, then go back for more detailed questions afterwards.

"So. What in earth and heaven has been going on out here these past few weeks?"

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Two weeks after that very long meeting, a well-dressed young human appeared at the Creighton Pack lands in Idaho. He insisted, very politely, on seeing Kelly, handed her an envelope, and left without another word.

Kelly sat down with Drago and opened the envelope. Inside were two letters. One was in German, handwritten on expensive, old-fashioned paper. The other was in English, laser-printed on cheap copy paper. The second letter read:

Schloss Helsing, Thule Island

22 October, 1939

Dear Madam,

Let me first apologize for any confusion or upset this letter may cause you. I must also apologize for not addressing you by name; though I believe you will come to be, I do not know what you will be called. I knew you by the name of Zsálya Kardos, during your previous life. I will not write about our time together; if you remember your previous life you will need no reminders, and if you do not then there is no point. Suffice it to say that we were close friends.

It is my hope that, in your new life, you have already found your True Mate. If you have not, I entreat you to never give up hope. If you have, then I wish you and him every joy and blessing that life has to offer. You deserve a life of peace and happiness, more than you likely know.

I write to you because I have a duty to care for you, even beyond my own lifetime. I believe my life is fast approaching its end, and have therefore made arrangements. I have set aside a reserve of gold bullion and several interesting and useful magical items, for you to utilize in whatever manner you see fit.

To access this inheritance at any time, contact Senzir, the butler of Schloss Helsing. Despite appearances he is extremely reliable, and I have entrusted the keys and location of the vault to him. He is instructed to see that this letter, together with a translation into your native tongue, is delivered to a female Were who precisely matches your portrait as soon as he becomes aware of her existence. Thereafter, he is to convey the means to access the vault to this woman should she ask for them, no matter what the circumstances.