"Hunters rarely put an end to violence, Miss Argent. You should know that. Emissaries have a better track record, but we haven't had one of those in Beacon Hills in a long time."

Regan relents slightly and nods. "Sometimes violence is necessary. That's why we exist. But if you have another way to stop the current violence, I'm more than willing to hear you out."

"Emissaries tend to associate with packs. Druids as a class are more often free agents. I'm sure you've met one or two, in your time."

"So you're not going to do anything. You don't think you have a responsibility to this town, these people?"

"How do you suggest I discharge that responsibility? Working alone can be dangerous. Without a pack to represent, a druid is nothing more than an amateur magician, acting out rituals from fairy tales and legend lore that may never work. I might as well learn card tricks."

"You don't have to work alone. If you won't work with Hunters, then work with me and my pack."

She leans back in her chair.

"I'm listening."

"You obviously have a lot of experience with my kind, being an Emisserery. You could teach us - me - so much. I plan to take McCall into my pack, weaken the alpha that turned him and use the strength that McCall brings and stop it. But I've never had a pack before, always run with Hunters. Been alone. Hunters have a lot of knowledge and experience with killing werewolves, but if we want to save as many people as we can... I'm going to need your help."

"How does your family feel about this? In my experience, hunters can be very hardline when it comes to dealing with packs."

"My sister and I are the future of our family. We're running this mission. Doesn't matter what the rest of the family thinks."

"That's promising. Does it matter what other hunters think, or do you think you can keep them out of our town?"

"Other hunters stay out of our business."

"If my old alpha comes calling, I can't promise I'll stay loyal to you. Some bonds are too old, and some people too dangerous, to ignore."

"I might not be powerful enough now, not without help, but eventually... I'm not going to stand around while people - especially my people, are hurt."

"An alpha who takes responsibility for their people- now, I have seen it all. Tell me, what makes the people of this town yours? They're not pack."

"It's my duty to protect those that can't protect themselves."

There's a pause. She shuffles some papers around to fill the air.

Then: "You need an emissary. I'm currently on the market. What's our first order of business?"

"We need to figure out who this alpha is and what their intentions are. The latter likely leading to the former. I also think we can be doing more to prevent them from hurting more people. Which is where you come in, presumably."

"There are a few things I can add to the equation. For one, even if this alpha is beyond diplomacy, not all of them will be. I might be able to recruit allies in this fight. Additionally, I can offer knowledge that even your bestiaries don't provide- possibly, magical techniques to help aid you. I know the Argents tend to avoid magic more than some hunters, but I recommend keeping a druid on retainer."

"Adding more alphas to the mix seems likely to make the situation worse, especially if what this alpha wants could be instead applied to another willing alpha. They might just decide to take it for themselves. Magic is useful when used correctly. Do you have a recommendation, outside of yourself?"

"There are druids I know, but few I would recommend. Regan, I can't serve as a consultant for hunters and an pack emissary at the same time. We should be clear on whether my job is talking to other packs, or helping you kill monsters."

"I don't see a difference between the two. My pack is hunters that kill monsters and protects the innocent. Is that going to be a problem?"

"No, not at all. We both understand where our first loyalties lie. In the meantime, we can help each other. Thank you for taking the time to see me, Miss Argent. I'll look into the problem we discussed, and share my findings with you tomorrow."

Regan pauses and stares at her, ignoring the very clear dismissal.

"What exactly is your definition of monsters, Ms. Morrell?"

"Monsters aren't that different than people, on a good day. A monster needs saintly patience and self-discipline not to bleed dry every person that they meet. My job is to work with them, and help them work with each other. Hunters tend to take a different approach."