IRON Chapter One

"Please have a seat. Mr?" An FBI agent said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

"Wulfsbane. My codename is Wulfsbane." A man in a darkly colored outfit said, as he walked over to the chair and sat down. His knees were starting to ache from the night's activities and they clearly had earned a break. "Spelled W-u-l-f-s-b-a-n-e." He added almost glaring at the Fed. This jumped up little brat had better not waste too much of my time. That Rogue is still out there. Wulfsbane thought annoyed at his situation. Wulfsbane was about 6' 3" and fairly fit. He was certainly way older than he looked but didn't move like either age. He looked around 45 years old but he moved almost like a teenager. He wore dark clothes so as to better blend in with dark places and to ensure the things he hunted didn't see him coming. All his equipment was coated in anti-reflective compounds to aid in his attempted invisibility. His hair had traces of gray around the temples. It used to be dark blonde almost brown but due to him hunting at night his hair and skin had lightened in color. His eyes had long lost any form of 'softness' as his wife had called it. Mostly because of all he had lost but also by his own choice.

"I'd like your real name. If you don't mind." The FBI agent said, taking his seat and opening up an app on his tablet. The Fed was dressed in the standard issue FBI suit and tie, his holster was currently empty but normally held his standard issue pistol, there wasn't really anything that made this agent stand out physically in the FBI but he was far from ordinary mentally. He could easily track any target he was given and was a superior marksman with both pistol and rifle. He had been tracking Wulfsbane for months and had finally caught him.

"My 'real' name doesn't matter anymore. I've long since forgotten it and any files that might have had it have long been destroyed." Wulfsbane responded in a tone so cold the Fed could have sworn the temperature in the room dropped at least ten degrees. Only part of that was true. The records had been destroyed by Wulfsbane's own hand but he could still remember his name from before he had joined the organization.

"We could just use your fingerprints." The Fed said, smiling.

Wulfsbane responded with a chuckle and removed his gloves revealing his fingerprints had been removed. "What fingerprints?" He said with a smile.

“I'm willing to bet you filed your teeth too.” The Fed almost growled in frustration.

“The organization I work for is very thorough when it comes to protecting our secrecy.” Wulfsbane chuckled, letting a smile grace his face for a moment before returning to his more serious demeanor.

"Very well. Mr. Wulfsbane." The Fed said starting to lose his temper.

"It's just Wulfsbane or Wulf. None of this 'Mr' stuff please." Wulf said, keeping calm and taking a drink from his flask. The flask, like the rest of his equipment, was coated in the anti-reflective material. It didn't contain what one would expect though. It had an elixir that granted Wulfsbane the agility and speed he had despite his advanced age, it heightened the five senses as well; it has other uses such as it could be used to counteract poisons. Wulfsbane had spent years developing it and even though this latest batch did everything he wanted he still wasn't satisfied with one aspect of it; the taste. It had a slightly moldy taste that he tried to ignore with limited success.

"Very well Wulf. Do you know why you are here?" The Fed said, trying to calm down. Where did that flask come from? We searched and scanned him for anything that could be considered a weapon. The Fed wondered, choosing to ignore the failure of his team.

"Yep. According to your agency I'm a mass murderer/mega psychotic who should be in line for the electric chair, noose or something along those lines." Wulfsbane responded, taking another drink from the flask.

"Could you please refrain from drinking whatever that is in here?" The Fed said getting even more annoyed.

"If you want me to not drink out of my flask that's fine, but please provide me with some water. If you couldn't tell I'm thirsty and it's really not a good idea to make someone uncomfortable when you want information out of them." Wulf said calmly and with the slightest hint of snark.

"Fine." The Fed said, getting up and going to the door. "Could we get some water in here?" The Fed yelled into the hallway impatiently, keeping his eyes on Wulfsbane as much as possible.

After a few minutes a pitcher of water was brought into the room, which Wulfsbane emptied in one swift movement. "If you'd be so kind as to bring a few more of those, I'd be grateful." Wulfsbane said gently. “And don't bother with trying to get my ID via DNA testing. Those files were destroyed as well.” He added with a smirk on his face.

"If, somehow, you're proven innocent, remind me not to take you drinking." The Fed said shocked.

"I don't drink alcohol." Wulfsbane responded hoping to put the Fed at ease.

"You realize saying that means eliminating one of your legal defenses." The Fed said calmly.

"Yep." Wulfsbane almost chuckled, looking over his shoulder at the door. "Look, I'm a busy guy. If you want to waste my time then I feel free to visit my house and do so there. Right now I need to get back out on the streets and find a threat to your way of life." He added bluntly, tapping his finger on the table in an attempt to emphasize his point.

"What kind of threat are you talking about?" The Fed asked, his curiosity peaked.

"Lycanthropic, Hemophagic, demonic, mystic and, possibly, angelic." Wulfsbane said, narrowing his eyes.

"Come again?" The Fed said confused.

"In Layman's terms Werewolves, Vampires, demons, magic and angels." Wulfsbane responded after taking a deep breath and rolling his eyes.

"So going for the insanity plea?" The Fed asked, feeling like he was being played with.

"You'd be surprised what all exists in this world." Wulfsbane said calmly.

"Okay. Surprise me." The Fed said, leaning forward onto the table.

Wulfsbane leaned back and crossed his arms. "Where would you like me to start?" He asked, realizing he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

"Where it started for you I think is the best place to start." The Fed responded, mimicking Wulfsbane’s movements.

"It's been a long while since then. I was a cop in Boise Idaho. It was an honest living, I didn't go out of my way to get rewarded for doing my job, and I tried to be friendly with most of my coworkers. Some of them rubbed me the wrong way and I gently let them know. And some I invited over to my house for a BBQ or some other stuff. Anyway I made sure never to switch my radio off just in case they needed me after my shift ended. One night I'm driving home and I hear dispatch say something about an animal attack, and I'm thinking I'll investigate it on my way home. Then I hear the address. I'd never used my siren for personal reasons before but this time I had to. I already knew I was going to be late getting there but that didn't make me feel any better when I arrived and saw three body bags being hauled away. When I got out of my car my buddies asked me something but I didn't hear them. I walked over to the bags and opened them up to see if I was wrong about who was in them. I used to pray to God that no one would experience what I did that night, now I do my best to ensure it doesn't." Wulfsbane said, recalling part of his past.

"So then you turn vigilante and start killing people who hurt others? This isn't a comic book, novel, movie, or video game. This is real life. We're not just ink on a page or pixels on a screen." The Fed said, fairly upset.

"Only if you don't keep a journal." Wulfsbane responded, somewhat seriously. "And if you're planning on interrupting me while I'm telling you my story I'll shut up and let you make a fool of yourself." Wulfsbane said sternly.

"Sorry. Continue." The Fed said only feigning his apology.

"So after I talk to my buddies who got there, six of these huge, like six foot five three hundred pound all muscle, bouncer type fellas with thick Scottish accents show up and tell us they've taken over the investigation and tell us to buzz off. I tell them my family had been murdered and I don't care who they think they are but I'm going to bring the perp to justice. They respond by grabbing me by the shoulder and try to take me out of my property. Needless to say I got into a fight with the punks, only for my oldest friend, a five foot five, 100 pound soaking wet, never went to the gym a day in his life, kinda guy, to break it up by throwing one of them across my front yard." Wulfsbane said as the Fed's face went blank. "I think my face had the same look on it that yours does now." Wulfsbane added with a chuckle.

"There are martial arts that allow people who are smaller to perform acts of strength like that." The Fed said, trying to regain his composure.

"Except my buddy basically lifted the guy off his feet standing toe to toe and pushed him backwards to send him flying." Wulfsbane said, clearing up his statement.

"That paints a different picture." The Fed said, the color leaving his face.

"Well that's when I saw my first werewolves." Wulfsbane said, looking at the door again. "Anyway the other five guys didn't like how my buddy had thrown theirs so they ripped off their shirts and jackets and transformed into their half wolf forms as an intimidation display. By this time I had lost control of my bowels and bladder. My buddy maintained his composure and flashed a badge I'd never seen before, and I’d known this guy for at least 10 years before this happened. And the guys went back to normal, and backed up." Wulfsbane said calmly as the door opened, and another member of the FBI entered the room pushing a cart covered with water pitchers.

"Here's the water you asked for." They said parking the cart by Wulfsbane.

"Thanks." Wulfsbane said, giving a nod to the agent.

"You're welcome." The agent said leaving the room.

"Don't touch the water." Wulfsbane said removing a pouch from his inner coat pocket. He opened the pouch and removed a small vial. He opened the vial and put one drop in each pitcher, stirring each pitcher with a small wooden stick he pulled from the pouch.

“What the? We searched you for weapons and other things that could possibly be used against us. How do you still have that?” The Fed asked, clearly confused and annoyed.

“Like I said there's things in this world you don't know about.” Wulf replied, trying not to laugh.

"What are you doing? You drank the last pitcher without hesitation." The Fed said, very confused.

"There's ten pitchers here, the last one took around two minutes to get to us. These took more than 30 minutes. Plus that agent didn't smell completely human." Wulfsbane said as all the water in the pitchers turned black. "Called it. Poisoned." Wulfsbane said as he poured a few drops from his flask in each pitcher, each one turning blue, then clear again. "Should be safe now." Wulfsbane said downing one of the pitchers.

"Why, who would want to poison you?" The Fed asked, clearly confused.

"I've made a lot of enemies in my life. Some human, some Lycan, some Hemos, and a lot of others." Wulfsbane said, looking at the Fed. "You might want to take a drink." He added quickly, popping his knuckles and neck in preparation for a fight.

The Fed did as instructed. The water tasted off but he felt slightly different. Stronger, lighter and his head felt clearer than it had in years, his senses sharper than ever. He could hear Wulfsbane's heartbeat, smell hundreds of different scents, and feel the air moving against his skin. "What did you put in there?" He asked the man he had been interrogating.

"I'll tell you later." Wulfsbane said as he closed his eyes. “Six Lycan are coming. Two from each direction outside the room. There's almost a dozen outside.” He added after a few moments of silence. “We're both unarmed so if you have any experience with Hand-to-hand combat I recommend you get ready.” Wulfsbane finished taking a stance.

“They're in here?” A voice with a very thick Irish accent asked just before the door handle rattled.

“Stand down little guy. They're my buddies.” Wulfsbane chuckled, after hearing the accent.

“How do you know?” The Fed asked, very confused.

“First, the accent, second, the scent, finally the way he gripped the handle.” Wulfsbane stated as the door opened, revealing a 5 foot five, very skinny, redhead who didn’t even look like he was out of his 20’s yet, he smelled slightly like a wet dog and cheap cologne. “Hello Seamus.” Wulfsbane said, seeing his friend.

“Whata fine mess ya got yerself inta this time boy-o.” The man responded in what felt like a single breath and word. “Ya realize Athena is gonna be right fine pissed wit ya fer losin’ that rogue.” Seamus added speaking even faster that time.

“Hey I didn't know the feds were going to be there.” Wulfsbane responded in a defensive tone.

“‘hat’s not a good ‘nough re’on ta los’ a rogue ‘nd ya ‘now it.” Seamus responded, poking Wulf in the chest with his index finger. “Also now I ‘ave ta fill out at least two desks worth of paperwork ta keep yer sorry backside out o’ jail again.” He added his eyes turning a shade of yellow.

“How about I help you with the paperwork, I do seventy percent better yet eighty percent, and get you a couple of two inch thick porterhouse steaks as an apology?” Wulf offered, trying to calm his friend down.

“Just the steaks?” Seamus asked, his eyes turning a darker yellow.

“Okay some of my famous twice baked potatoes, and your choice of salad. Happy?” Wulf retorted, the remark involving the salad clearly laced with sarcasm.

“Okay tha’s better. I'll bring th’ drinks.” Seamus accepted, his eyes returning to normal before he spotted the Fed in the corner. “Ya ne’er met this man, ‘or myself before an’ yer ne’er gonna see us ‘gain. Is tha’ clear?”

“Yes, sir.” The Fed answered, almost squeaking.

“Oh wait, can I get my gear back?” Wulfsbane asked before exiting the room. Barely turning his head to face the Fed.

“I'll have to come with you.” He replied, slightly more composed.

“So be it.” Seamus growled, clearly annoyed.

It took a little longer than Wulfsbane expected to get his gear back but, like a stubborn child, he refused to take a single step until he knew he had everything back. As he unpacked the bag he counted the items double checking it against the list in his hand. Except for the rounds he had fired at the rogue everything was there.

“Everything's in order.” Wulfsbane declared quietly, as he started putting things back in the bag. “By the way Seamus this kid was able to keep up with me, so he’s worth keeping an eye on.” He added pointing his thumb at the Fed.

“It’s not my call, but I'll suggest it ta Athena.” Seamus responded, taking a breath to try and calm down only to detect a scent he didn't like. “Ya smell tha’?” He asked Wulf.

“Yep. It's here.” Wulfsbane answered, clicking his tongue between the sentences. “You're going to need this kid.” He added handing the Fed a 9mm pistol.

“What are you talking about?” The Fed inquired, almost sheepishly taking the firearm. Just before the smell of wet dog and blood filled his nose. The smell almost made him gag.

“The rogue I was hunting tracked me here I guess.” Wulfsbane answered, picking up another pistol cocking it.

“Quick tip fer ya: Aim fer th’ head. If ya able ta help us kill it I’ll put in a good word fer ya wit’ our boss and try ta convince Wulf ta save ya a steak.” Seamus almost snapped at the Fed, grabbing one of Wulfbane’s pistols.

The next few moments were all a blur for the Fed as the ceiling fell revealing what Wulfsbane had told him, a full-blown werewolf just like he had seen in multiple B grade horror movies down to the blood dripping from its mouth. The next thing he knew a gunshot rang out and the rogue was on the ground with a bullet hole between it’s eyes, smoke rising from the pistol in his hands.

“I’ll be. So you actually can shoot.” Wulf half teased the Fed, a smile on his face. “Seamus will pick you up and bring you to my house for the steak. How do you like your’s cooked?” He added, trying not to laugh when he saw Seamus’ face.

“Th’ devil was tha’? almost no hesitation?” Seamus said, shaking his head to snap him out of the trance he had gone in. Seamus bent down and examined the rogue as it started to revert back to its human form. “Just as I thought he was tortured till he turned.” he added after examining the body for a few moments.

“Same with the last one I took down. This isn’t good. The fact it took out 10 of our best hunters makes it worse.” Wulf stated, pulling out a small medical kit from his bag. He quickly extracted some blood and other samples to hand to Seamus. “I want to know what pack they were kidnapped from.” He added handing the various vials to Seamus who took them. Giving a quick nod.

“I’m sure th’ pack will wanna know as well.” Seamus responded, his calm demeanor covering the rage he felt at the moment.

“S-so werewolves are real.” The Fed slightly stuttered, he knelt down to examine the body.

“Yeah. I'm sorry this was your first experience with one. They're normally quite fun to hang out with.” Wulfsbane said, his thumb pointing at Seamus.

“Oi don' go pointin’ a finger at me, I'm not nearly as much fun as some of my pack members, get some beer, stout or ale in ‘em an’ they'll start bellowin’ all sorts o’ songs ya ne’er heard before.” Seamus responded, giving Wulfsbane a displeased look.

“Just be careful with whiskey.” Wulfsbane whispered to the Fed.

“Technically meeting Mr. Seamus was my first experience with a werewolf.” The Fed corrected.

“He's got a point.” Wulfsbane conceded.

“At least it was better than yours.” Seamus said, slightly amused but annoyed at the same time. He still felt guilty about not catching the rogue that had killed Wulfsbane’s family earlier. Wulfsbane had forgiven him but it was like putting a bandaid on a wound that went to the bone. “An’ I will be talkin’ ta Athena abou’ ya. We could use more like ya on the team.” He added, looking the Fed in the eye.

“I don't know if I'll be able to.” The Fed responded, trying to be calm.

“Neither did Wulf, but look at hi’ now.” Seamus said, tilting his head in Wulfsbane's direction.

“You need to get back to work. We'll take care of things from here. See you Saturday.” Wulfsbane ordered the Fed patting him on the back.

“I'll see you then, and I like my steak medium rare.” The Fed responded, realizing he never told Wulfsbane how he likes his steak cooked. “Do I need to bring anything?” He asked.

“Just yer appetite.” Seamus answered with a mischievous smile.

“Will other members of your team be there?” The Fed further inquired.

“Maybe a couple.” Wulfsbane responded, after thinking for a bit.

“No more questions boy-o go get back ta work.” Seamus calmly chastised the Fed.

“Sure.” The Fed responded, swallowing air for one reason or another.

Once Wulf and Seamus were out of the building Wulf grabbed Seamus by the shirt. “Where was my backup? You guys should have been able to keep the feds off me easily. What happened?” He demanded, the fire in his eyes made Seamus nervous. “And drop that dumb stereotypical Irish accent.” He added with a growl for emphasis.

“We were ambushed by vamps who thought we were attacking their coven. By the time we were able to explain what was going on it was too late.” Seamus answered, his accent now closer to standard Southwestern.

“Somehow I don't believe you.” Wulf responded, letting Seamus go. “You just lost a steak for that, and the paperwork is being split fifty-fifty.” He added, walking over to the car waiting outside the building.

“Now that's not fair. I'm telling you the truth. Heck Tony and Bill can back me up.” Seamus whined like a heartbroken puppy.

“I don't care.” Wulf snarled, his eyes turning yellow for a moment.

Seamus backed away, his blood froze in his veins. “I think this batch isn't as balanced as you want.” He added once he felt his heartbeat start again.

“My eyes turned yellow. Didn't they?” Wulf responded, a barely noticeable smile forming.

“Yep. I've never been on the receiving end of that trick.” Seamus admitted trying to recover from the shock.

“Then the formula is as balanced as I can get it. I just wish I could do something about the taste.” Wulf said calmly, allowing his smile to show.

“Have you tried mixing it with a flavoring?” Seamus inquired, preparing to give a list of recommendations, all of them alcohol based.

“I tried fruit punch once. Never again.” Wulf answered, remembering the resulting flavor made him gag.

“Okay, I guess you're not interested in any of my recommendations then.” Seamus said, nodding slightly.

“Not at the moment.” Wulf responded as he opened the car's rear driver's side door and pulled out his cellphone to call Headquarters. “It's Wulfsbane. The rogue has been taken care of, I have a potential recruitment, and I need confirmation on an interference with my task tonight.” He spoke as calmly as he could just before Seamus got in the passenger side of the car.

“One moment please.” An androgynous voice responded, Wulf tapped his fingers to try and maintain what little patience he had left. “Will the potential recruitment be at the normal recruitment spot?” The voice asked, almost robotic.

“Yes. Make sure Dwr knows to dress normally this time.” Wulf answered, rolling his eyes as the memory of his last recruit not lasting long because of the Leiason's outfit.

“Request noted, please give more information on the interference of your task tonight.” The voice said, the coldness of the voice sending a shiver down Wulf's spine.

“According to Seamus he and his team were attacked by Vampires while providing support in my hunt for the rogue.” Wulf responded, taking out a stick of homemade jerky to munch on.

“There are multiple reports of this event from at least 7 sources. I can give the codenames of the agents if you so desire.” The voice informed Wulf who nodded, his anger and heart rate decreasing.

“That will not be necessary. Thank you. Have a great night.” Wulf said as he hung up. “You were telling the truth. Sorry Seamus.” He added turning his head to see Seamus half chuckle.

“So do you really think that guy has what it takes to join our organization? I mean it was just one rogue wolf.” Seamus asked changing the subject to something he felt was more important.

“He spent months tracking me. Studied any patterns he could see and knew exactly how to catch me. Just like I would have in his shoes. I couldn't be more sure of anything.” Wulf responded as he tapped the glass in front of him. “Take me home and Seamus to local HQ Stiggy.” He instructed the driver.

“You got it boss.” The driver responded so quickly it sounded like the sentence was all one word.