Luke and the team sat in the sitting room claimed as their evening sanctuary, a fire crackling. Pablo’d just returned with a tray full of beers. The kids were all in their rooms with TVs or sleep to occupy them.
Sam took a drink of the Chimay Red Pablo had brought for her. “Dang, Luke. You’re going to turn me into a beer drinker.”
Pablo, the owner of the pack’s brewpub, looked shocked. “You cut me deep, Sam. Real deep.”
Luke, smiling, could tell his friend wanted to dramatically flounce away from Sam, but he couldn’t with the rest of the beers still to distribute. As was becoming usual, Delilah and Simone snuggled under a blanket on the love seat. Luke slightly narrowed his eyes at Delilah, a twinkle in them drawing the corner of one side of his mouth up in a quirk. Delilah, noticing his gaze, raised an eyebrow in challenge. Luke smiled and looked to his beer when Pablo dropped it off.
“So he can probably recognize who was speaking?” Sam asked, picking up where they’d left off their conversation when Pablo went for refills.
“He says so,” Luke replied.
“Now the trick is to get him in the right place with the right voice without endangering him,” Delilah said.
“That is the trick, thought that’s probably only a last resort. I’m going to need to talk to Pieter, but beyond him, I’m trusting no one from the Flanders Pack until we can cross them off the list as a suspect.” Luke sniffed his beer, then took a drink.
“Still haven’t heard from Pieter yet?” Delilah asked.
Luke shook his head. “No. And that’s worrying. I’ve tried calling a few times. I’d have thought he would have wanted to talk after we missed the opportunity to free his father. I hope he’s OK.”
“Do you suspect someone on the pack’s leadership council?” Pablo asked.
“I don’t know, but the kids and the leaks have to be related. There’s some kind of alliance between the vamp called Le Mousquetaire and a rogue element in Pieter’s pack,” Luke said, taking a drink of his beer, then letting out a satisfied sigh.
“Do you know if you can trust this Pieter?” Simone asked.
The young woman was usually fairly quiet during discussions as a probationary member of the team and as the least experienced. Also, she still hadn’t fully shed the pack subservience forced on her from her former pack.
“That’s a fair question,” Luke replied. “We’ve worked with him in dangerous circumstances. He’s earned my trust for now, but I’ll be cautious.”
Simone seemed grateful to have her opinion heard and taken seriously. If they could get her trained on weapons, she’d make a fine addition to their squad. She’d held her own against vampires and werewolves in their raid in Cambrai.
“I think I have an idea how to maybe smoke out our traitor, but I want to go over it with Pieter first, so I can get the information I need. We’ll have a few days to iron out any kinks in the plan, unless something new crops up. We can’t do anything really until we get our folks here to help with the kids.” Luke’s phone vibrated. “Speaking of which.”
Luke picked up his phone and saw Maggie’s name on the screen. He answered. “Hey Maggie. Can I call you back in a bit? We’re expecting a call from Holly regarding the situation here.”
“I’m the call, Luke,” Maggie replied.
“OK. So what’s the plan?”
“I have a small team ready to go as soon as you give us our destination,” Maggie said.
Happy to hear Maggie’s voice, he smiled. “I’ve been thinking about that. I don’t want anyone near Paris or Brussels. Frankfurt is the best option. Everyone can take the train to Cologne; I’ll pick the team up there. You can give them my description if they’ve not met me before.”
“I don’t think the team will have a problem picking you out. I’ll be leading them,” Maggie replied.
“You’re coming to Belgium?” Luke asked.
“I lived in France for twenty years after the war. I’m fluent in French, and Holly wanted, and I agree, for you to have medical staff on hand since you’re isolated. Don’t worry about Gwen, Zel is going to watch her while I’m gone. She’s sad she can’t come, though.”
Luke chuckled, excited to see Maggie sooner than he’d expected. “I bet she is. Let her know I’ll bring her for a vacation when we can.”
“I will. Is there anything else we need to know?”
“Not that I can think of,” Luke replied. “If I think of anything, I’ll message you.”
“I’d like to finalize plans so I can get our tickets. Once I have them, I’ll give you our ETA.”
“Sounds good, Maggie. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
“Me too. Take care, Luke.”
“See you soon.” Luke hung up. “Maggie is leading the team over. Should probably know when they’re arriving by tomorrow when we wake up.”
Simone looked at Delilah. “Who is Maggie?”
“Luke’s girlfriend,” Delilah replied.
“I’m going to need a volunteer to come with me to Cologne. I’m guessing we’ll have more people and luggage than is probably convenient for just the BMW.” Luke looked around the room.
“I should stay with the kids,” Simone said.
Delilah’s eyes flicked to Simone. “I’ll stay and help with the kids as well.”
Luke looked to Sam. “Sam, you in?”
“No. I think I’ll stay and relax.”
“Looks like it’s just you and me, buddy. But I ain’t driving that bus,” Pablo said.
Luke nodded. “You can have the beemer. Want to go a day early? I’ll show you around one of the great beer cities of the world.”
“I’ve always wanted to do a beer city tour of Europe. The city of Kölsch is a great place to start. Plus, it’s not that far if we have to hustle back for any reason.
“Good. I’ll get us a hotel,” Luke replied. “But before that…”
He tried Pieter one more time. When the call went directly to voicemail one more time, the knot in his stomach tightened. “Damn it.”
“Still not picking up?” Sam asked.
Luke exhaled sharply and pursed his lips. “No.”
* * *
It had been a few years since Luke had been to Cologne, but between his memory, his map app, and taxis, he was able to take Pablo to several major bars operated by the various breweries of Cologne. They ended the evening at a cool little bar operated by Früh. Luke rarely got to spend non-vampire time with Pablo, but showing him around Cologne and getting to talk beer with his brewery-owning friend had been a rare joy.
As they chatted about the different Kölsch beers they’d tried, Pablo pulled out a notebook to take some notes on ideas he had for a Kölsch-style beer to brew when he got home. The server dropped off another round of .25cl stanges of Früh and marked two more hash marks on the coaster on the table.
Pablo picked up the cylindrical glass and admired it in the candlelight glowing in the center of the table. “I need to find someone who can make these glasses. Don’t you think they’d look good with the Howling Moon logo on them?”
“It’d look pretty great.” Luke knew Pablo wanted to do more beer activities in Belgium, but he’d been a good sport. Fortunately, they’d started their foray into southern Belgium with a visit to the Chimay monastery, and Pablo seemed happy with the beer selection Luke had provided at the cottage. Luke, letting Pablo admire the glass and beer, sent a message to the caretaker to pick up a few different beers from the local market or distributor.
Luke sipped his beer, relaxing and letting his mind wander.
The server cleared his throat to get Luke’s attention. “Excuse me, sir. There’s a lady who says she’s a friend and would like to join you for a round of beers, on her.”
Luke and Pablo exchanged a look. Luke turned to the server. “Certainly. We’d be more than glad to share our table.”
The server nodded and disappeared, returning a minute later with a tall, blonde woman in a gray business suit. The server gestured toward the table then disappeared. Pablo stood.
“I don’t recall having a friend in Cologne,” Luke said, rising to join Pablo.
“You always have friends among those who aren’t friendly to the vampir,” the tall woman replied.
Luke gestured toward the table. “Please. Join us.”
They sat down. The server returned with three stanges of Kölsch, then disappeared again.
“How should we call you?” Luke asked.
“I’m Heidi Sauerwein, the beta of the Rhein Pack, and you are the Centurion Immortal,” Heidi said.
“I see you’re well informed,” Luke replied. “I’m known as Luke in this time and place. This is my friend Pablo.”
Pablo nodded. “Pablo Sandoval, second of the North Portland Pack.”
Luke looked at his friend, raising an eyebrow.
Pablo shrugged. “Werewolf pack protocol. She gave me her name and position. It’s considered poor manners to withhold the same information.”
“Ah. I see. When we get a moment, you’ll have to update me on werewolf protocol, since I’m on the council now.” Luke lifted his glass. “It’s nice to meet you, Heidi. I’m Luke Irontree. The Centurion Immortal and recent addition to the North Portland Pack council. I guess I’m their war leader.”
Heidi tapped the bottom of her glass against Luke’s and Pablo’s. “It’s a pleasure.” She took a hearty drink. “So what brings you to Köln?”
“We’re simply enjoying your city’s beers, and then in the morning, picking up some packmates from the train station. We’ll be out of your territory before the end of day tomorrow,” Pablo said.
Heidi waved off Pablo’s concerns. “There’s no need to worry about that. We assume most American wolves moving through our territory are tourists. I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t brought a myth into my city.”
“How did you know who I was?” Luke asked.
“We’ve been paying attention to what’s going on in the United States and in Belgium. Some of our pack were at the EDM festival in Liège. We’ve also got contacts within the Flanders Pack. We keep well informed. Until recently, we believed you to be a legend from the past, but you’ve been shaking the vampire world pretty hard. And the werewolf world as well.”
“Luke does get around.” Pablo chuckled.
Heidi fixed an intense gaze on Luke. “Are you intending to bring your war to the vampires in our territory?”
Luke shook his head. “No. We’re currently engaged elsewhere and not available to expand this far east.”
“That’s too bad. The vampir are growing thick in the city, more than I’ve ever seen. More are filtering in by the night. They’re going to great lengths to keep themselves concealed and out of trouble.” She picked up her glass and took a drink.
“Are they feeding here?” Luke asked, leaning on the table and peering at Heidi.
Heidi nodded. “They have been very careful to cause no lasting harm, only feeding a little then releasing their victims largely unharmed.”
“Catch and release,” Pablo murmured.
“Hmm?” Heidi, eyes curious, turned to Pablo.
“It’s a term commonly used by fishers who catch a fish, then release it—it’s mostly for the sport of it,” Luke explained.
“Ah, that makes sense.” Heidi smiled at Luke, looking him up and down.
“Have your people had any run-ins with the uninvited guests?” Luke asked.
Heidi thought about it for a moment. “No. We’ve had a few close encounters reported. A vampir stalking one of our people but probably discovering they were a wolf and not a human.”
“It makes sense,” Pablo said.
Heidi tilted her head, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m guessing they don’t want to risk turning your pack into firm enemies.” Luke exchanged a look with Pablo who shrugged. Turning back to Heidi, Luke rubbed his chin, thinking. “Do you pay much attention to the packs in Belgium and France?”
“They’re our neighbors,” Heidi’s responded vaguely.
“We’ve discovered that the Bordeaux Pack has come under the control of a powerful vampire lord known as Le Mousquetaire.” Luke waited to see what her reaction would be.
Heidi sat, her face a calm mask. After a while, she tapped her finger on the table and shook her head. “Scheisse. I’d heard rumors that something was happening in western France. The vampir’s name isn’t unfamiliar to me.”
“Well, neither the Bordeaux Pack nor Le Mousquetaire and his vampires are in Bordeaux anymore. We left them a few days ago in Cambrai, and some of them are now in Liege, reclaiming that city and the mansion where I killed The Mistress after the EDM festival you mentioned.”
“They’ve moved back to Belgium?” Heidi narrowed her eyes, leaning closer to Luke.
“I believe so.” Luke pushed his glass around on its coaster, fidgeting.
“I will need to consult with my alpha.” She sat back, pursing her lips. “I wondered why I haven’t heard from Pieter in a while.” Seeing the look on Pablo and Luke’s face, she clarified, “The pack alpha’s son. He’s a…a friend.”
“We’re familiar with Pieter. He’s our friend as well,” Luke replied.
“Yes. He mentioned you a time or two. That’s one of the other ways I know about you.” Heidi scowled, looking Luke in the eyes. “I was excited to meet you—a real life myth in the flesh.” She turned to Pablo. “Does he always bring dark tidings?”
“That’s my pal—Gandalf Stormcrow.”
“Nerd,” Luke murmured.
Keeping her eye on Pablo, she smirked. “He’s not nearly as dignified and stodgy as I thought he would be.”
Luke hitched his thumb toward Pablo. “You can blame my friend here for that. He’s worked hard in the short time we’ve known each other to knock off some of my stodgy edges.” Luke paused, then shifted to a more serious face and tone. “I lost my dignity a long time ago.”
Heidi raised an eyebrow at Pablo. He shrugged in response.
“You get that from him too,” Pablo said. “Along with random historical snippets.”
“I bet.” She returned her gaze to Luke, appraising him. “Is there anything else you can tell me about what’s happening in France and Belgium?”
“We’ve just met,” Luke said. “A lot of what’s happening isn’t mine to relay to an unknown third party. I’m here to fight vampires and help a friend who’s helped me fight them. As long as you don’t align your pack with the forces of evil, you’ll have no problems from me.”
Any humor she’d kept in her expression was wiped from her face at the tone of Luke’s words. “What happens to those you do have problems with?”
“I’m still alive, and almost none of them are.” Luke kept his face neutral.
“That’s plain enough.” Heidi sat back and waved the server back for another round of beers. “Can I tempt you two into something a bit stronger? They have a fine schnapps list here.”
Luke nodded, smiling. “If they have a good kirschwasser, I’d take a snifter of that.”
Seeing Luke and Heidi relax, Pablo let the tension drop from his shoulders and leaned back. “I’m not terribly familiar with real schnapps. Just the garbage they make in the US and call schnapps. I’ll take whatever you think is a good choice to start with.”
Heidi picked three schnapps. The server nodded, dropped off three more stanges of Kölsch, and disappeared to retrieve their schnapps.
Picking up her glass of Früh, Heidi took a deep drink, sighing happily after. “I can give you my word that our pack has nothing to do with the undead, certainly no alliances.”
Luke nodded. “Then we shouldn’t have a problem and can be friends.”
“It’s that easy?” Heidi asked.
“I don’t have time to make more enemies,” Luke said. “I have too much to do already, and too many vampires to deal with. I can’t afford to pick fights with people who I can just as easily leave alone or befriend.”
The server returned, setting three snifters on the table, then disappearing again.
Heidi lifted her glass and tipped it toward Luke. “I think I’d like to be your friend.”
Luke lifted his glass toward her. “I think I’d like that as well.” He took a sip of his kirschwasser. “Excellent choice. Thanks.”
Next to Luke, Pablo was smacking his lips, making nummy noises over the glass Heidi had selected for him.
“I think my friend likes schnapps.” Luke chuckled.
They chatted amiably for a few more minutes while Heidi finished her beer and schnapps. When she tossed back the last sip, she stood. Luke and Pablo rose to join her.
Extending her hand, she shook Luke’s hand, then Pablo’s. “Gentlemen, it was nice to meet you both, but I need to report in to my packleader. Don’t worry about your tab. It’s taken care of.” She reached into the pocket of her suit jacket and pulled out a card, handing it over to Luke and locking eyes with him. “This is my number. Call if I can be of service.”
After Heidi disappeared around the corner, Luke and Pablo took their seats to finish their drinks.
“I think she was flirting with you, buddy,” Pablo said, a grin spreading across his face.
Luke waved him off. “She was just being polite.”
“Dude. She was checking you out.” Pablo smiled broadly.
Luke blushed, picking up his beer and taking a sip to cover. “Well, if she was, it’s nice to be flirted with.”
Pablo chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m amazed and impressed Maggie landed you. You’re impossible.”
Luke laughed. “You’re not wrong.”
They finished their drinks and ordered another round of the tiny glasses of low alcohol beers and talked about anything but vampires until they decided to head back to their hotel and retire. Otherwise, they’d face the consequences the following day. Luke couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a friend like Pablo who he could be himself with and not have to hide behind a façade of an imagined Luke.
Today had been a good day, but despite the fun with Pablo, the growing undercurrent of tension caused by the lack of contact with Pieter couldn’t be pushed aside. He hoped his friend was OK.