Title: Sanctuary for All
Author: Athena
Fandom: Warehouse 13/Sanctuary crossover
Pairing: HG Wells/Dr. Helen Magnus
Rating: PG-13is (this chapter)
Spoiler: Season 3 of Warehouse 13, and all seasons of Sanctuary.
Disclaimer: I don’t own these lovely ladies. Not writing for profit, just for entertainment.
Summary: Set in Victorian England. As an apprentice of Warehouse 12 young Helena Wells sets out to seduce the woman of her heart's desire while taking on one of the most challenging 'curiosities' the Warehouse has encountered.
PART II
Warehouse 12
In the weeks that followed the incident in the alley, HG Wells found herself spending more time in the Warehouse, than outside it. She had complained about it, but her teacher, Caturanga had just chuckled and asked her yet another question. Intrigued by the thought behind the question, HG Wells soon found herself immersed in another philosophical conversation with the brilliant man. It would be hours later when she realized what he had done. She frowned and folded her arms, ready to challenge him again. The kind man just smiled and offered her a cup of tea. HG Wells chuckled and nodded. It really was impossible to be angry with this gentle man for long.
When she was not with Caturanga she spent time in the archives reading about artifacts and past cases. She was amazed at the vast amount of information she had access to here. The amazing thing was, she mused, delighted: Caturanga and Mr. Crowley actually wanted her to read it, unlike most people in the outside world who would frown upon a woman engaging in this type of studies.
“What do you know about Tomás de Torquemada, Miss Wells?” Caturanga said cheerfully as he entered the room where she sat reading.
HG leaned back in her chair and smiled at him. “He was the head of the Spanish inquisition. Why do you ask about him?”
HG reached for the tea pot and poured her dear teacher a cup. Adding milk and a lump of sugar the way he liked it she stirred it before handing him the cup. He smiled his thanks as he took it from her.
“One of Torquemada’s favorite ways of torturing heretics was to chain them to a device that would stretch them until their arms and legs were torn off. Did you know that?” he asked and carefully sipped his steaming cup of tea.
HG shivered and shook her head. “I did not. However it does not surprise me. He was supposed to be a ruthless man with no compassion.”
“One of the chains absorbed his anger and need to inflict pain…” He hovered over the plate of biscuits, apparently having difficulties choosing among the options.
“It became an artifact,” HG gasped when she figured it out.
“Indeed,” he said and his peppercorn eyes twinkled with mirth. Settling for a small shortbread he took a bite and smiled as it melted in his mouth. “Very good, Miss Wells.”
“I assume that it is here in the Warehouse,” she said and nibbled on a cookie.
Caturanga tsked and waved a finger at her. “Never assume anything where an artifact is concerned, Miss Wells.”
“So where is it?”
“We don’t know. I thought you might.”
“Me?” she exclaimed. “How on earth would I know where Torquemada’s torture device is?”
“I thought maybe that brilliant mind of yours had figured out something about it after spending all these hours studying.”
HG smiled and nodded. “I have learned a lot, and I have enjoyed it. The fact remains, I have not come across anything about Torquemada.”
“Torquemada’s chain,” he corrected her.
“Yes, exactly, Torquemada’s chain.”
“There have been a few curiosities that make us believe that the chain is here in London.”
HG gasped. “Here?”
He nodded and finished his tea. “I have recommended that you and Mr. Wolcott be assigned to investigate.”
“Are you certain that you can manage not having me around?” she teased.
“Yes, well there is that,” he said and laughed. “Who will play chess with me and challenge me the way you do?”
“Perhaps you could use a rest?” she said and smiled sweetly.
“Miss Wells, you are delightful!”
HG put her cup down. “I better go find Wolcott.”
“You do that my dear. He has the information you need.”
HG Wells jumped to her feet and with a last smile to her teacher she went looking for Agent Wolcott. Caturanga sighed and refilled his cup of tea pondering his latest protégé. She was a handful, but what a brilliant young woman.
*** ***
“Just follow my lead Woolly,” HG said cheerfully and linked her arm with his.
Wolcott looked slightly wild-eyed, but straightened up and smiled at her. HG Wells was stunning in a deep purple evening dress. She was wearing a black cape over her shoulders, keeping her warm in the early fall night. Jewels glimmered around her neck and in her hair. Determined, she steered Wolcott towards the front door of a magnificent Mayfair house.
“Good evening sir, madam,” the footman said and held the door for them.
HG nodded to him, and allowed the maid waiting inside to take her cape. Following the sound of voices and music HG Wells and Mr. Wolcott made their way to the main salon. Wolcott took a deep breath and mustered up a smile.
“Just stay close to me,” HG advised. “We need to figure out if it is here at all.”
“Certainly HG.”
“Helena,” she hissed. “You simply must call me Helena tonight, William.”
Wolcott nodded. Feeling a sudden bout of panic as she stepped away from him to greet an acquaintance, he quickly helped himself to a drink from a passing tray. Sipping it he listened in on the conversation next to him, nodding and smiling now and then all while keeping a watchful eye on HG.
*** ***
HG spotted Helen Magnus first and quickly ducked into the next room. Hiding in the darkness she watched Dr. Magnus for a moment. A noise behind her made her turn her head and she held her breath as the dark shadow passed by within a few feet of where she was hiding. A rustling sound peaked her interest. Once the dark clad person closed the door to the hall, she poked her head into the other room and waved at Wolcott to get his attention. He politely excused himself and slowly made his way over to her. HG grabbed his sleeve and pulled him towards the door.
“He’s here. I think I heard the chain.”
Wolcott had learned to trust HG Wells and he nodded and followed her into the empty hallway. They listened for a moment and heard a door upstairs close quietly. They hurried towards the stairs and rushed upstairs. Another empty hallway greeted them and they looked at each other. There were five doors, all closed. Then a sudden scream of agony came through the one on the left. They ran towards it, HG with her gun out. Wolcott pulled his out just as she flung the door open. A tall dark shrouded person stood in the middle of the room holding a rusty old chain in glove-clad hands. In a chair behind his desk sat their host. He was clearly in pain.
“Agents of the Crown,” HG said assertively. “Drop it! We are armed.”
He turned slowly and their eyes met. She was surprised at the coldness in his pale blue eyes.
“Helena?” a voice said in shock behind her.
HG Wells froze. “Helen, this is not the time. Please return downstairs.” HG took a step back, putting herself between the intruder and Helen Magnus.
“What are you doing?” Magnus asked, angry now.
“Helen, please,” HG said louder.
Wolcott looked from one woman to the other. Realizing that their attention was not on him, the intruder ran towards the other door and disappeared. HG swore and rushed after him. Wolcott grabbed her arm and she tried to shake him off.
“HG, let him go. It is too dangerous. He has seen us but we have no idea what he looks like.”
She sighed and nodded, returning her gun to its secret hiding place. “You are of course correct. Come, let us take our leave.”
As they stepped into the study again they were met by a very upset Helen Magnus. She was leaning over their host, assessing his condition.
“He is going to be all right, in case you wondered,” she snapped. “I want an explanation.”
HG shook her head. “We cannot, Helen. You know that.”
“Helena, enough!”
Magnus grabbed HG by the shoulders and glared at her. “You put yourself in grave danger tonight. I do not need to know what you do in order to figure that out. I care deeply for you, Helena. Please let me know what you have got yourself into. Maybe I can help.”
HG Wells laughed. “Dearest Helen, I am not in trouble in any way. Quite the opposite actually. I work for the Crown.”
Helen just stared at her. “You what?”
“HG, we really should get going,” Wolcott mumbled nervously behind them.
“And who is this?” Magnus asked and stared Wolcott down. He cleared his throat and looked the other way. “A suitor?”
HG chuckled and glanced at Wolcott. “Mr. Wolcott and I are colleagues. I fear that I am not of interest to Woolly romantically.”
Magnus shook her head. She grabbed HG Well’s wrist and pulled her out in the hall. “Come, we are returning to my house, and then I want an explanation.”
*** ***
HG Wells looked out the window during the carriage ride. She was debating what to do with Helen Magnus. Wolcott was sitting across from her keeping silent, but he was clearly uncomfortable.
“Woolly, perhaps it would be best if you returned and informed Mr. Crowley about tonight’s escapade?”
“Certainly HG,” he said, relieved to be freed from the intensely awkward situation between the two women.
When the carriage came to a stop by Helen Magnus’ house, Wolcott helped the two ladies out. Tipping his hat he bade them good night. Giving the driver a new address he climbed back inside the carriage and closed the door. HG watched the carriage disappear down the street.
“Helena?”
HG sighed and followed Magnus inside.
*** ***
Dr. Magnus shrugged out of her cape and the maid caught it smoothly and then reached for HG’s. Magnus continued into her study assuming that HG was following.
“Close the door Helena,” she snapped. “Sit.”
HG raised an eyebrow but gracefully eased down in one of the comfortable chairs by the fireplace. She pulled off her gloves and placed them on the little side table.
“Helen, I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about,” HG said cheerfully.
“Helena, be quiet,” Magnus said and stormed over. She glared down at HG. “You carry a gun and you were approaching a clearly dangerous individual tonight, and you think that is not cause for worry?” Magnus knelt by HG’s feet and took her hands. “Helena, you are so dear to me, please let me know what’s going on.”
HG smiled at Magnus. “Stunning as always,” she whispered. “A kiss and I will tell you as much as I can,” she teased.
Helen got up and laughed. “You cannot be serious?”
HG followed her and wrapped her arms around Magnus’ waist, pulling her close. She grinned and nodded.
“I most definitely am.”
Helen cupped HG’s face and brushed her lips against HG’s full lips. She had intended for the kiss to be chaste, but HG was just too tempting. Soon they were kissing desperately, nipping at each other’s lips, tongues stroking, sharing soft sighs and an occasional moan.
“Helen,” HG gasped and finally pulled away. “Please, I desire you.”
Magnus swallowed and took HG’s hands. She led her over to the small loveseat and the two sat down. HG leaned closer and kissed her.
“Helena, we should not…”
“Darling, I am not that innocent,” HG teased. “I love you.”
“I have mixed feelings about this,” Magnus confessed.
“As you have shared before.” HG leaned closer and whispered in Helen’s ear. “Do you wish for me to tell you about my summer encounters? My delightful dalliances in the countryside?”
“Helena!” Magnus exclaimed, her cheeks suddenly feeling warm and coloring a faint pink.
“I have not been intimate with a woman before, but I can assure you that I am not naïve.”
“Clearly,” Magnus mumbled.
“Helen,” HG asked very softly. “Let me share your bed tonight.”
Helen touched HG’s chin and looked her in the eyes. HG’s eyes were so dark they appeared black in the faint light. In them Magnus saw a longing and need that burned so strongly. She smiled and nodded.
“Come darling, it is late. Let’s retire for the evening.”
HG giggled and jumped to her feet. Linking her arm with Helen’s, she eagerly followed her upstairs.
To be continued…
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