Chapter 14: Blutbad Feud and Old Flames
The explosion ripped through the quiet Portland night like a bad bass drop at a techno concert, rattling the windows of Adam's Library. He spilled his lukewarm tea, cursing under his breath. "Seriously? Can't a guy enjoy a quiet evening without a sudden, dramatic house explosion? What is this, a Michael Bay movie?"
[CASE ALERT: Blutbad family feud. High potential for violence. Key Player: Monroe. Objective: Prevent lethal escalation.]
Adam's eyes widened. "Oh, no. Not this one. The Blutbad family feud. And Monroe's caught in the middle. This is going to be messy. Like a family reunion at a werewolf convention, but with more actual biting."
Wanda, already on her feet, sensed the raw aggression emanating from the direction of the explosion. "I feel… anger. Old anger. And a deep, simmering resentment."
"That's the sound of ancient grudges, sweetheart," Adam explained, mentally pulling up files on Blutbad family histories. "These guys hold grudges like I hold onto my sarcasm – for dear life. And when they clash, it's usually less 'civilized debate' and more 'full-blown, fur-flying brawl'."
The Library's lore on Blutbad feuds was extensive: generations of conflict, honor codes that demanded blood, and a history of violence that made the Hatfields and McCoys look like polite neighbors. And right in the middle of it was Monroe, his reformed Blutbad status about to be tested by his past, specifically by his ex-lover, Angelina.
"Angelina. Monroe's ex. She's… intense. Think 'femme fatale werewolf' with a penchant for explosives," Adam mused, a wry grin touching his lips. "This is going to be a classic 'Romeo and Juliet' situation, but with more fur, more fangs, and significantly less poetry. And probably more property damage."
They subtly followed the police activity, keeping a discreet distance. Nick and Hank were already on the scene, looking bewildered by the sheer scale of the destruction. Adam could practically feel Monroe's internal struggle: the pull of his violent past, the loyalty to his family, and his desperate desire to maintain his reformed status.
He saw Monroe, his face a mask of grim determination, trying to mediate between the two feuding families. He was a lone voice of reason in a sea of snarling, woged Blutbaden.
"He's trying to stop them," Wanda observed, her voice filled with concern. "But their anger… it is so strong."
"Yeah, well, anger is a powerful motivator, especially when it's been simmering for generations," Adam replied. "We need to find a way to de-escalate this. Before someone loses a limb. Or, you know, their entire house. Again."
He considered the Library's vast resources. What would work? A calming charm? A forgotten Blutbad treaty? Or maybe just a really big, really loud air horn? He found a piece of obscure lore: an ancient Blutbad ritual of "blood-binding," a way to symbolically end a feud without further bloodshed, if both sides could be convinced. It was risky, but it was an option.
"Alright, Wanda," Adam murmured, a strategic glint in his eye. "Time to play 'Wesen Family Counselor.' This is going to require a delicate touch. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit of ancient magic to convince these overgrown puppies to play nice. Or, you know, at least not kill each other. Priorities." He forced a grin. "Let's go save Monroe from his ex-girlfriend and a whole lot of family drama. Because apparently, even werewolves have relationship issues."
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