After leaving Nick's house, the Bear Wesen lawyer wore a rare, relaxed smile as he drove home.
Life had been far from easy for him lately. His troublesome wife and son had caused quite a mess, even drawing a Grimm to their door.
At one point, Labe had even considered abandoning everything he had-his wealth, his status-and taking his family abroad, regardless of the cost.
Fortunately, things had not turned out as badly as he had imagined. This Grimm was not as cruel and bloodthirsty as the legends claimed. He was even quite reasonable.
When that Grimm had come to his door again a few days earlier, Labe had actually been extremely nervous. As a Wesen, he inevitably had trouble come knocking sometimes, whether it was members of his own kind seeking help or dealings with other Wesen.
But as a member of the powerful Bear Wesen species, and with his own social standing, such "exchanges" were generally conducted on equal terms. Sometimes, he even occupied the superior position, bestowing a favor.
Yet when he faced a Grimm, neither strength nor social standing was of any use.
To Labe's surprise, however, the man had come to ask him for leads on another case. Throughout their conversation, he had treated Labe as an equal, without the slightest hint of a threat. There had even been a touch of goodwill in his approach.
If that first visit could only be considered a tentative overture, then this time, when Nick contacted him again to ask for help with a legal matter, even jokingly admitting that he was poor and asking whether Labe could charge him less, Labe was genuinely won over.
Seriously, what Wesen in their right mind would reject a Grimm's offer of goodwill?
Although Wesen had now almost completely integrated into