A/N: I've tried to do as you asked and space out the paragraphs. Please note that I'm dealing with crappy cataracts, so I'm viewing everything on my computer screen magnified with special spacing so it's hard to know if it will be all right for all of you. Please let me know in the review section or pm me if you have suggestions for how to edit. I have my line spacing set to single space, but can go to 1.5 if you need more room between lines. Personally, I use the bar above the page when I read stories. The T+ to make the text bigger, narrow the margins and then expand the text to get more space between lines. Having my foggy vision makes it necessary to read the many great stories I follow on this site.
Thanks for your reviews and I promise that everything will be explained about my version of what happened to Lauren post Taft's Lab. Lots of AU characters along the way that will be necessary when we finally meet the lovely doctor again.
I won't keep you waiting for updates. I have 25 Chapters of this story written… it's taken me about a year to get up the nerve to post this story. Courage gained, I plan to post one a day except for the week I'm on vacation this month. Please be nice even if you have to be critical… I will aim to please as much as possible.
I don't own Lost Girl or it's characters… on to Chatham, Massachusetts, USA!
Chapter 2: Are you here?
As her succubus calmed, she lay still allowing the memories of Chatham to consume her thoughts…
Chatham, Massachusetts
The handsome man approached as Bo cut her engine and dismounted her bike. With her helmet still on, she turned to face the sound of the enthusiastic voice…
"Hey! You must be Bo! Reid wasn't kidding – your bike is a beauty. I hear you're putting a lot of miles on! You going for the hard ass of the year award, buddy?!"
His face immediately reddened when Bo pulled her helmet off exposing the long brown locks as they dropped from beneath the helmet.
"Oh gosh… I'm so sorry… Reid said your name was Bo – I just assumed you were a dude… uh… the hard ass thing… that really wasn't a comment about your ass… I mean – your butt… I mean… what I mean to say is that you have a really nice ass…. It… I… oh God just shoot me now." This seemingly strong man blushed awkwardly as he ended his attempt to cover up his previous verbal rant and resumed with a simple,
"Chase… my name is Chase."
Eyes lowered, he extends his hand as a peace offering more than an introduction. Bo just stood there enjoying this guy falling all over himself… it was precious and she did have to take a moment to admire the grease-tinged tight T-shirt covering his deliciously ripped body. He looked like he stepped off the cover of one of those drug store romance novels. Her hunger flared but one thought of Lauren and it was quickly subdued. She shrugged as she finally decided to let him off the hook before he dug himself any deeper into his own embarrassment. She took the offered hand for a quick shake, then turned to stow her helmet in the bike's rear storage compartment.
"Really, it's okay. I get that all the time. I just thought Reid would have mentioned I was a dudette – not a dude. Thanks for the compliment on my bike… and my ass. As for the hard ass of the year award… I've been on this baby for a little over four years and close to 100,000 miles doing the 'see the world' trip and all that. I started out with only 580 miles on my baby here."
She patted the seat and took a moment to gaze fondly over her beloved BMW, running her hand over the well-worn leather before pulling herself from her musings to redirect her attention to the mechanic,
"A guy had bought the bike and then had to trade it for a mini-van when his wife got pregnant a month later, so most of the miles are mine. She was knocked over once but other than that has never been laid down at speed – just normal wear and tear stuff – oil leak, flat tire – that sort of thing." Bo paused as the mechanic listened.
"She really is at the stage where she needs everything cleaned and checked. I just had a new set of tires mounted a month ago, so they should be fine. I've been doing oil changes and general cleanings myself, but I see you're BMW certified, so I would appreciate it if you would give her the once over. Do you have the time to do it? I can stay the week if you really need that kind of time, but I'm hoping to only stay two nights at the most."
"That gives me three days so even if I need to order parts, that should be enough time for me to get her running smooth as the day you picked her up off the lot. My BMW supplier in Boston has everything I need, so if I break her down today, I'll be able to call for parts before they close at 5pm. The parts would be here by day after tomorrow. We should be able to get you back on your baby at your preferred time."
Bo nods as she locks her storage compartment and moves to the sidesaddles to remove her valuables and overnight bag for her stay in Chatham. "That's great, thank you so much." She turns to walk with Chase as he leads her towards the garage office to do the paperwork.
Bo watches as Chase finalizes the papers, tagging her keys and placing them with her work order. He changes the course of conversation from professional to personal, "Look, Bo… I really am sorry… I feel so bad about what I said… talk about bad first impressions! I'm not a bad guy, really. Let me buy you one of those totally innocent apology dinners… the kind that make a guy feel better about sticking his whole foot in his mouth all the way up to his ankle."
"Honestly, Chase – that won't be necessary…" Bo was cut off as Chase shook his head…
"No… no – let me do this, Bo. Reid told me you were living job to job through your travels, so I'm sure an asshole like me buying you dinner would help your purse and you don't know anyone around here, so I can give you a night with some good people. So how about it – dinner at 7:00pm? You can meet me here – I close up at five, but it takes a while to call in part orders, clean up the garage and then clean up a greaser like myself. What do you say?"
"That would be great, Chase. I'll see you here at seven. Now – can you tell me how to find a decent, reasonably priced place to lay my head for the one or two nights I'll be in town?"
"That would be my Aunt Shelley's Bed and Breakfast," Chase states confidently as he jots down the address and hands it to Bo with a set of keys. He smiles, "Here's the address – I'll call ahead and let her know that the very lovely and very female Bo is coming to stay. You can borrow the Chevy Camaro in the back of the lot there – she's an old muscle car, but she'll get you around town."
Bo almost burst into tears… it was her Camaro… well, it was candy apple red, but it was the same car. She was frozen in place. Chase carefully laid a hand on her arm, "Bo? Are you okay? You look like you're about to cry."
Bo took a moment and swallowed back the tears… memories of home and Lauren were flooding her mind and she was struggling to keep them at bay. She spoke – her voice not quite steady, "That's my car… I mean… obviously it's yours, but… I have the same car in yellow… at home… in Canada. I haven't seen it for over four years… well – I haven't been home for over four years…" Bo was really having trouble holding back the tears – it had been a while since she'd had a good cry and she knew the dam was about to burst. "I'm sorry, Chase. It's just been a long time away from home – memories and all, ya know? I love the car – thank you so much. It will be like driving my car's little sister or something."
"You sure you're okay?"
"I'm perfect. I'll see you tonight at seven, right?"
"You bet."
Bo was walking to the Camaro – she was almost to the car when she turned to Chase and said, "Oh and Chase?" He turned to give her his attention, "I'll drive to dinner." He smiled as she turned to get into the car before walking back to his office to get to work on Bo's bike.
Bo slid in and immediately melted into the black leather. She moved her hands back and forth over the steering wheel feeling the leather wrapped grip beneath her skin and inhaled deeply. She closed the door and stopped to look back at where the door met the body of the car.
She chuckled as she thought to herself, 'it closed without making a sound and it actually closed!'
She inserted the key into the ignition and took another breath as she turned it. Vrroom… the engine roared to life. Bo looked over at Chase and smiled as he waved. Bo would swear in that moment with that pose, Chase could have been on one of those guy-a-month calendars leaning on the hood of this car, shirt off with a wrench in his hand. As she pulled the car out of the lot, she chuckled to herself, "Yes indeed there is nothing quite like American muscle."
Bo arrived at the small bed and breakfast and was cheerfully greeted by a beautiful red headed woman with deep blue eyes. She was strikingly beautiful and as Chase's aunt, looked great for a human woman of her age. As Bo exited the car, she was pushed back up against the door as the excited Aunt Shelley wrapped her in a fierce hug. "You must be Bo! Chase called a while ago to say you would be coming." She hesitated for a moment, staring at Bo, "Oh… you smell… uh… fabulous… let me help you with your bag."
"Really, it's okay. I only have this one so really… no worries. You must be Aunt Shelley?"
"Yes. Oh, forgive me. You must think me very forward… hugging a stranger like this. Well, it's been so long since Chase has sent a friend here. I just… I'm just so excited for him."
"Well, actually Chase and I just met. His friend Reid referred me to him since my BMW was in need of a tune up. He's going to need it for a few days, so I asked for a place to stay and well… here I am."
"Well then, let's get you settled."
Aunt Shelley led Bo through the main entrance to the house and showed her the dining room, common room for all guests, the kitchen and finally her bedroom. "The bathroom is just down the hall. Just remember to knock before you enter. You'll be sharing it with the strapping young man in the room next to yours. We wouldn't want you walking in on a stranger let alone a naked stranger now would we?"
Bo's eyes flashed blue at the thought and she quickly closed her eyes but she feared not quick enough. Had Aunt Shelley seen her eyes?
"Hungry dear?" Aunt Shelley smirked.
"Excuse me?" Bo flushed… she was caught. What did this woman know about the Fae?
"For lunch… you must be starving after your ride here. Can I make you a sandwich? You just missed lunch but I have leftovers."
"Uh… yes, that would be lovely – just something small. I'm having dinner with your nephew tonight so I don't want to ruin my appetite."
"I bet." There's that smirk again, Bo thought. Did she know or not? "This way, dear. You can eat at the counter in the kitchen.
Bo tossed her bag on her bed in the room and followed the red head. Her stomach really was empty and the sandwich would take care of at least that hunger. Sometimes feeding only from chi really wasn't enough. Maybe she would try feeding as her father taught her tonight. She's at the beach, what better place to try it?
Bo downed her lunch and made herself scarce until it was time to get ready to pick up Chase. She dressed casually, not wanting to tempt the man nor herself. She would stay faithful to Lauren. She was not injured and she had vowed not to have sex with anyone other than her doctor unless she needed to heal because of a mortal wound. She pulled away from the house as Shelley watched from the window.
What Bo didn't know was that as she pulled away, the beautiful red head picked up the phone and dialed, "Madge? Yea. It's that unaligned succubus from Toronto. She's here. I thought you should know. Chase said she's apparently headed south along the coast. She's coming your way, darlin'. Get the troops ready. Shit's about to hit the fan, sister."
Bo arrived at the garage a few minutes early. She walked into the garage and yelled for Chase but heard no response. In their conversation over lunch, Chase's Aunt Shelley had mentioned that he had an apartment over his garage that he used rather than rent out since he owned the building. She said Chase always joked about being happy that he could 'walk to work' every day. Bo strolled through the garage, when her eyes fell on her bike in pieces across the floor. She walked over to the scattered piles of metal and sighed. Resting her hand on the seat she spoke,
"Don't worry baby – Chase is going to make you feel much better. I have a feeling he is very good with those hands of his."
Oh God – this was not good. What was wrong with me? I'm acting like a hormonal teenager! Bo took a deep breath in and focused her energy. It had only been two days since she last fed. What was wrong with her? Bo strolled to the back of the shop where she heard water running… she peeked around the corner expecting to find a door but instead her eyes fell on an incredible male form in a glass enclosed shower.
Bo's eyes immediately flashed blue as she stood and watched – mesmerized by the water streaming over tight muscles. She watched as his hands ran the bar of soap over his dark, smooth skin. She felt her eyes flushed as he ran his fist back and forth over an erect shaft. Was he washing it or… Bo could not tear her eyes from the body before her as he moaned. She had no idea how long she had been watching when she was suddenly pulled from her musings as the water was turned off and the man faced her to exit the shower. He stood before her watching her as she watched him. She was finally able to pull herself together,
"Uh… God, Chase… I'm so sorry." Bo turned away as she realized she had been openly gawking at the man she had just met. Now it was her turn to be embarrassed.
"Bo, relax. It's okay – apparently I have that affect on people." His words were not lost on her… they were the same words she had used when she had first met Lauren at the light Fae compound.
"You're Fae." It was a statement of fact – not a question. She began to walk away, her blood boiling as her eyes flashed blue. Her hunger was under control… but this… this was anger. Whatever kind of Fae he was had caused the reaction both earlier today and now. She had been fine all day except when she was around him… and Aunt Shelley. She had seen plenty of other handsome men and beautiful women today – none had turned her head – she had to think about it hard even now to know she had seen beautiful people at all. 'Lauren… I belong to you… trust that,' she whispered.
By the time Chase emerged outside, he was dressed and ready to go. Bo was pacing in the parking lot ready to hand Chase the keys and head back to her room at Aunt Shelley's – not that she wanted to be there either. Whatever the two of them were, it was not good for her to be around them. She was staring at the ground trying to decide what to do when she heard Chase call to tell her that her parts were ready for pickup at the BMW dealer in Boston. She needed her bike working to continue her search for Lauren. She had no choice but to stay but Bo was clear on one thing. She would not cheat on Lauren – she would not fall victim to a selfish Fae who wanted to use her nature for his pleasure – whatever he was – he and his aunt.
"Bo – really. I'm sorry – you know I couldn't tell you and we never really got physically close enough for either of us to know for sure the other was Fae. To be honest, I suspected, but you know the one rule – I couldn't take a chance."
"Okay – but I'm going to head back to my room. Not that your Aunt Shelley is any better. She's like you, right?"
She didn't give him a chance to answer but the fact that his head dropped was answer enough.
"Thanks for the dinner offer." Bo turned to walk away, but Chase grabbed her wrist and stopped her. Bo looked down at the hand on her wrist – yet another Lauren memory flashed through her mind. It's like he knows what to do to trigger every memory of my time with her.
"WHAT?!" Bo snapped.
Chase released her wrist and put both hands up as he saw Bo's eyes flash a brilliant blue,
"Okay, okay… calm the fuck down. I'm not trying anything – I'm just trying to be nice. You've spent a lot of time and miles on the road, Bo. Really - I'm just trying to be friendly. Nothing has to happen between us, Bo. I meant what I said earlier. This is just an innocent apology dinner, which I feel like I need to give you now more than ever."
"Thanks, Chase – I appreciate the offer, but I've done quite well – excellent, actually – all of these years on my own. I don't need Fae bullshit right now, I'm going through enough."
"Bo – really… check what you're feeling right now… calm, right? My 'turn on' powers are 'turned off" so to speak, okay?"
She looked at him – he was burning a solid ten before and now he was a four at best. He was right. She checked herself… she was down to a two at best. He was a good-looking guy, but nothing more.
"What did you do?"
"My kind emits a type of pheromone that we can control… we can send it out or not. I didn't know you were Fae earlier today, so when you turned to walk away and I caught a glimpse of your… uh… ",
Bo interjected, "Ass… say the word, Chase… ASS!"
"Yes – when I saw your ass, my Fae got a little revved and I accidentally released my pheromone. When you entered the garage, well… it had been a long day… I was in the shower… uh… you know… I had an itch that needed to be scratched."
Bo crossed her arms and tilted her head… she wasn't in the mood for this beating around the bush shit. "English, Chase. It's our language. Speak it and quick or I'm out of here."
"I was jerking off, okay?! So when I do, the pheromone is automatically released – a lot of it. It probably actually lured you all the way from the office to the back room. I sensed you the minute you pulled onto the lot – your Fae must work a similar way."
"Okay – let's agree not to discuss what kind of Fae we are. Let's also agree to go to a pizza joint or something very "non-sexual" for dinner. And let me just say that if you do anymore luring me in with your pheromone – intentional or not – and something happens between us, I WILL end you, Chase – I swear! And trust me when I say that I am the type of Fae who could do it with a breath. I am in a committed relationship and will NOT cheat on her. Are we clear?"
"Bo – four years on the road and you're in a committed relationship? Is she a nun?" Chase tried to joke, but realized that Bo didn't find it funny, "Sorry."
"It's complicated. I don't want anything between us and I don't want to talk about my girlfriend. Can you meet my demands or are we cancelling dinner? I'm starving so I want to go to dinner now – with or without you. What's the call here?"
"You said you were driving, so let's go. I know the perfect place to meet all of your requirements."
Bo drove as Chase navigated. About twenty minutes later, they were enjoying clam chowder while waiting for their fish and chips at a bar in front of a stand by the beach. No ambience, no romance, no quiet music, Chase was true to his word, however there was still something about him that Bo didn't trust. She decided to just enjoy the view of the beach while there was still some daylight left. She was tired and wanted to turn in early tonight. Wearing only a light jacket, it was getting chilly and despite her Succubus blood, she was in no mood to be the least bit cold.
"Here you are kids – enjoy." Came the voice from the man on the other side of the bar as he placed their plates on the counter in front of them. They both nodded their thanks. They ate in silence and walked back to the car. The drive back to the garage was made to the sound of 80's pop songs coming from the radio. When Bo pulled into the garage, Chase turned in his seat to face her,
"I'm sorry again for earlier today and tonight, Bo. Really. I like you – you're good company and it's always nice to have good company for dinner. Thank you for not leaving before dinner. I had a nice time tonight with someone I hope I can one day call friend."
Bo smiled at the comment. She was calmer now and Chase had been nothing but kind and respectful all night. "I take it you don't take many people out to dinner?"
"I've lived here all of my life, Bo. Because of my nature, I'm considered well-traveled, so most women don't see me as someone who could be in a serious relationship." There it was again, Bo noticed. 'Well-traveled' was Lauren's reference to Dyson's sex life when she was doing her exam.
"Do you have problems with monogamy then… I mean, due to your nature?" Bo was curious if he had the same struggles she had – one thing Bo could still never figure out was how old Fae actually were. For all she knew, Chase was her chronological age.
"No, actually. I am very capable of monogamy. The problem is finding the right person – you know, the forever one? I'm terrified that I've already found and lost her and will spend the rest of my long Fae life never loving like that again."
"Believe me when I tell you I know the feeling, Chase. Who was she? I mean, if you want to talk." Bo was surprised she was now interested in talking to this man, but despite her mistrust, she cut the engine on the Camaro and turned in her seat to fully face Chase.
"She was human, Bo… the forbidden dance, you know? Anyway, we were so in love and she was aging. She was just forty-two when a wonderful doctor showed up in town and needed work done on her BMW. In this area, I'm the one people run to for all things BMW as you know. When she exited her car that day and I laid eyes on her, it hit me like a brick wall. She had a striking resemblance to my girlfriend, Ashley which also meant she was quite attractive. It caught me off guard so I responded as I usually did around Ashley and accidentally dosed her with my pheromones. It was sort of like I did with you yesterday morning only a bit stronger. She reacted very similarly to you and then she said, "I know what you're doing."
That's it – Bo thought. Again – Lauren's words from this guy's mouth! "And by any chance, my dear Chase, was your response 'Do you want me to stop?"
"Actually, yes… but how would you know that?" The conversation seemed to be getting a bit heated as Chase finally realized it had started to storm. The thunder was rumbling and the rain was coming down hard on the windshield.
"And what did she say in response, Chase? What did she say!" Bo demanded, her eyes flashing blue as she moved into Chase's personal space.
Chase put up his hands and leaned back, "Jesus, Bo! Yes! She said YES! She said, 'Stop what you're doing. I've been gay for as long as I can remember, so the only way I would be feeling what I'm feeling right now is if you are Fae!"
She appeared to be terrified at the thought that I may be Fae and started to walk back to her car. I grabbed her wrist… she looked down at it – just like you looked down when I grabbed your wrist today. I admitted I was Fae but that I intended her no harm. I apologized for accidentally dosing her. It really was an accident, Bo. Then, Ashley showed up. She helped me explain how my pheromones worked and who she was and how the resemblance between them would trigger my powers. The doctor just chuckled and said, "Okay – I believe you."
"And that was it?" Bo was anxious to know more about this doctor, but since he was Fae she didn't want to chance bringing Lauren up and lead any Fae to her.
"No, we started to talk about Ashley being human and asked her not to tell anyone. We were afraid she was sent here by the leader of the dark in this region to prove our illegal relationship was true. She assured us she was not and that she was actually avoiding the Fae as well. We went to that coffee shop over there and had brunch together. She had been traveling from Maine to Boston and stopped here because of a noise her car was making." Chase paused to sip his drink.
"We had been talking for quite some time about our dilemma. Ashley and I were quite emotional and the doctor became quite emotional as well. She said she understood our problem on a very intimate level as well. She said she could truly relate to what Ashley was feeling which I really didn't understand because she smelled Fae. Anyway, she said she was in a Fae-human relationship as well – it was one of the reasons she had left her home and was on the run. By the end of our brunch, we had come to an agreement. I would take care of her car and she would give Ashley injections when she passed through on her way from Boston to Maine or Maine to Boston."
"What would the injections do?" Bo asked.
"They would prevent aging and expand her life to twice that of a normal human, but they wouldn't make her Fae. Ashley didn't want that. I never understood why – I sort of took it personally, I guess. I thought if she really loved me that she would want to spend as long as she could with me. Why only a couple hundred years when we could have had thousands? Why not be able to heal and never feel sick or die before her extended life expectancy was up because she got cancer? Why, Bo? If she truly loved me, then why wouldn't she be Fae? She'd still be alive today if she'd only let the doctor make her fully Fae."
Bo was now fairly certain this doctor was Lauren, but she needed to stay focused on her new friend's pain, "Do you mind if I ask, Chase? How did Ashley die?"
"Car accident." He stated flatly. "Massive head trauma – she was not far from Boston General when it happened, but there was just too much swelling. A Fae brain would have healed… a Fae would have survived." Tears were now rolling down Chase's face. Bo reached out and pulled him in to a tight embrace. He sobbed on her shoulder for a few minutes, then pulled away straightening up. "I guess some things just aren't meant to be, eh?" Chase paused for a moment running his fingers through his curly dark locks as he tried to regain his composure. He finally looked back up at Bo, "Want some coffee?"
"Sure, Chase." She didn't feel right about leaving him right now. It was obvious that he needed company and Bo felt they had made some progress in the trust area, so she exited the car and began to follow Chase across the parking lot.
"Actually, I think a lot of things are within our control when we think they're not. Ashley made a choice that eventually led to her death. Was she selfish for not becoming Fae so that you wouldn't have to know this pain? I don't think so, Chase. She made a choice that could potentially give you the gift of an additional 100 or more years with a body that would be physically capable of sustaining you."
God, I sounded like the old clinical Lauren.
"In my experience, most humans who have spent time with the Fae find them to be arrogant and a bit lacking in morality. I think Ashley didn't want to give up her humanity, so she chose the only compromise that would allow her to keep that much of who she really was and still allow her to be fully with you." Bo paused.
"Listen, I know it's hard, but humans raised me, so I think I understand them better than most Fae – that's the only reason I feel that I can give you any insight into Ashley's psyche. I am not a shrink but I know that I was – for all intents and purposes – human until about 10 years ago. When I found out I was Fae and tried to live among them, I was constantly questioning their laws, their rationale… the whole moral compass thing. I especially hated the whole light and dark thing. I thought it was ridiculous that I was expected to choose a side."
The thought hit him just as he was about to put his key in the door, "Oh my Gods – you're the unaligned succubus!" He yelled as he turned and grabbed Bo by the shoulders, excitement on his face, "You're legendary!"
Bo placed her hand over his lips, "Shhhh… Chase… chill… I'm laying low… remember? Let's get inside so the whole world doesn't hear our conversation."
Chase smiled and placed his key in the door. They scaled the stairs making entry into his living room. The kitchen was off to the side and Bo could see a small hallway that she assumed led to the bath and bedrooms. Chase moved to the kitchen to start the coffee, "Make yourself at home. It's not much but it's free rent. I know the owner."
"Ha ha… very funny."
Bo looked around at living room. She would best describe the décor was quaint vintage garage. Old signs for Coca-Cola and Chevy, what appeared to be an antique bubble gum machine, and a mounted poster of the BMW logo.
Above the fireplace, there was a large picture of a large ship with three masts in rough seas. She noticed the name on the side of the hull 'Sea Nymph'. The power and beauty of the ship was truly brought to life in the painting and was as beautiful as the woman in the picture that rest on the mantle just below the painting. The face… the hair… she reminded Bo of Lauren almost immediately. This must be Ashley. The resemblance was uncanny. She could be Lauren's twin.
Chase handed Bo a cup of hot coffee, "I fixed it like you did your cup at the beach – hope that's okay." Bo nodded yes and then turned back to look at the framed photo on the mantle.
"As you've probably guessed, the picture is Ashley. The painting above was done by my Aunt Shelley about four hundred years ago. It was my Uncle's ship… her husband. Both were lost at sea in the Great Fae War." Chase ran his finger along the wood at the bottom of the frame. Staring at the ship, he continued, "She draws that ship often… says it's because he loved that ship… that he called it his mistress. She says she's happy that he and his mistress are together with the elements now but she misses him terribly. They had been full Fae married so as you can imagine, she still mourns him to this day."
Bo nodded that she understood, "My grandfather still mourns his wife for the same reasons as well, although I never knew her. She died just before I was born."
"Ah, yes. Your grandfather the Blood King."
Bo looked a bit shocked, "You know he's my grandfather?."
"That's not been a secret for more than two years now, Bo. Everyone knows about the argument between the Morrigan and the Blood King over her putting a hit out on his grand daughter, the unaligned Succubus."
"Well, I'm not happy to hear any of that, but I'm also not surprised. She threatened me before I left on my quest to find my girlfriend. She said if I left, I'd be hunted, so... here I am." Bo was frankly shocked that Kenzi had never said anything to her about this but figured it was her best friend trying to protect her.
"Not one to listen to authority, eh? You should have been a child of the 60's… you would have fit in with the crowd perfectly!" Bo chuckled – from what she'd learned of that era in history class, he was probably right. Chase moved to the sofa, kicking off his boots and stretching out his legs. He pointed with his mug to the other end inviting Bo to sit and get comfortable. She did the same, stretching her legs out next to his from the other end.
"I'm sure you've guessed by now that I'm part Nymph… from my Mom's side. She also died in the Great Fae War. She was my Aunt Shelley's sister, Kea. My dad is a Druid…" Bo interjected,
"Really? Well, say no more! I just learned not all that long ago that my dad was a Druid too. I actually got to spend some time with him a few years back. He got me started on my training, although I've not been practicing as much as I should. As for the Nymph side, I've known a few of those as well so no need to explain."
Chase smiled, "So… that's the draw between us… my Nymph to your Succubus and our Druids are kindred spirits. My main element is sun."
"I'm fire… so I guess that explains the heat." Bo smiled and playfully slapped Chase's leg as he chuckled and shook his head in agreement.
"My Mom and Aunt Shelley were inseparable when they were young. After my mom and dad were Fae married, they bought the house next door to my Aunt. Since she was so close, she was like a second mom to me – especially when my mom had to go away on Fae business. My Dad was a Druid elder and my Mom was a Fae elder. Where he went, she went. Well, my parents introduced my Aunt to her husband at a casual dinner one night and they hit it off right away. He moved in when I was about two and they were Fae married when I was six. For how much time we spent together, we might as well have all lived in the same house." Chase paused as he gathered his thoughts about his past.
"She was about three months pregnant when I turned sixteen. My parents and uncle were ordered to serve in the Great Fae war. I had just passed my Druid tests, so was expected to fight as well. We all went off to war, leaving Aunt Shelley on her own." Chase was staring into his coffee, eyes brimming with tears as he recalled the memories of his life during the war.
"Chase – you don't have to…"
"No, Bo. I want us to be friends. I want to talk about it. I never have, really." He smiled warmly at her, not realizing a single tear had escaped and was now trailing down his face. Bo reached up and took the hand resting on his leg as he continued,
"When my Aunt learned of my uncles death at the hands of the Blood King, she was distraught… she miscarried three days later. A month later, we learned that my mother had been taken with my uncle. They had been charged with treason against the Blood King though to this day we don't know what it is they did that could have been labeled treason. Word finally came that my mom had been killed a month after my uncle. We never received either body." Silence filled the room.
"Chase, I…" Bo stammered.
"No, Bo. You are not responsible for the actions of your grandfather. Our generation knows that, Bo. Fae like us that will stop the hatred and prejudice that has existed between the sides since the end of the rule of the Blood and Dark Kings. We will be the change, Bo." He squeezed Bo's hand and looked at her, tilted his head…
"I harbor no ill will towards you… not even your grandfather, really. I'm sure years of war created the king he had become at the point he ordered my uncle and mother killed along with many other Druids. The Fae feared Druids – no Fae could defend against the power of those who could control the gifts of the earth. Killing them was the only way they could see to defend against them." Chase took a long sip before he set his jaw, the emotion on his face changing as he spoke,
"But mark my words, Bo… if a war should happen again, the Druid communities will rise up and end the war swiftly to keep peace. They will seize power in the name of the prophecy when the time comes."
Chase stood and opened the flue on the fireplace, stacking tinder and logs before lighting the contents. He took hold of the poker leaning by the stone facing and moved the logs to allow more air to fan the flame. He stayed quiet for a while as he tended to his masterpiece.
Bo stared into the flame as the heat began to radiate through the space they occupied. Bo could see the look of exhaustion on Chase's face. She understood. Conversations like these could take a lot out of a person.
Bo wanted to end their heavy talking but she wanted to be sure she bowed out gently with a final hint about Ashley and the doctor who treated her. If he still needed to talk about that, she would suck it up and listen. But if he was as tired as she suspected, she would suggest picking up tomorrow.
"So, Chase, tell me how you could possibly know about an unaligned succubus who lives more than ten hours away in a different country?"
"Bo – everyone knows about the unaligned succubus and that doctor that was here, she knew you!"
"I knew it… What was her name, Chase?"
"Okay – all of this is weird so I'm going to tell you everything, Bo. When I accidentally dosed her and then Ashley showed up… we did introductions. She first said her name was Lauren. I'm sure that's what she said. Then, all of sudden, she said she meant Karen – her name was Karen Corrigan. She said she wasn't sure why she had said Lauren. She said it must be from being dosed that she was confused. I didn't pry since all of her paperwork said Karen Corrigan, but I never forgot that name. My pheromones don't work like that, Bo. My feeds have complete control over their mental faculties unless they secrete pheromones themselves."
"Chase – this Lauren or Karen… does she still pass through here regularly?"
"Sorry, Bo, but no she doesn't. Not since Ashley died. She has no reason to stop since she doesn't have to give injections anymore. That one day she was here she was having car trouble. If she needs service, the best BMW service for her would be right in Boston. Bo, what's the deal with this doctor? Is she in trouble? She did so much for us, I would do anything to help her if she were in trouble."
"I'm not sure, Chase but I would still like to hear more about her and about what happened to Ashley… that is, if you still want to talk about it." Chase heaved a heavy sigh as he made his way back to the couch. He lies back placing his arm behind his head, picking up his coffee again.
"I don't know, Bo… I'm…"
"Look, Chase – this is a lot to take in and I was actually looking forward to sleep before we even got our food at dinner. Do you mind if we pick this up tomorrow for… I don't know… some meal?"
Chase smiled, "Thanks, Bo. Talking about all of this stuff sure knocks the stuffing out of a person, doesn't it? Meal tomorrow sounds great but as a warning, I don't usually eat breakfast… brunch, lunch or dinner?"
"I'm not a morning person either. Can I call you? I'd like to say I'll shoot for brunch, but it may turn into lunch – I'm really tired and still have to drive back to the B&B."
"Bo – do you need to feed? I am willing, you know. Our compatibility would give you quite a boost. Since you're not all that into me because you have a girlfriend, you won't really feed me, much but it would work for you. I feed off the attraction others have for me. I can pretty much take off my shirt and walk down the beach and feed as I walk. I'm not pushing for sex – just offering as a friend, you know?"
"Thanks, Chase. I appreciate the offer, but really – I don't need sex to feed… only to heal. I'm good – just tired. You've given me a lot to think about. I'll call you when I'm awake then?"
"Are you sure you don't just want to crash here?"
"No, really… I'm good to drive." Bo stood and put her boots back on, then picked up her jacket and keys.
"Okay. Be safe and have a good night, Bo." She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before giving him a strong, long hug.
"Good night, Chase." And with that, Bo moved back down the stairs to head home for some much needed sleep. Lauren was close… it may not be today, tomorrow, or this week… maybe not even this month… but by the end of this year, she would find her. Bo was sure.
The next day, Bo woke to sun streaming in her bedroom window. She rolled over and was jabbed in the side by something sharp. She sat up and realized it was her pen and journal... she fell asleep while writing again. She pulled the objects from beneath her and sat up so she could stack her pillows behind her.
She sat back relaxing into the pillows, placing her journal and pen on her lap. She wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. As always, her first thought of the day was Lauren… wondering where she was, if she was safe and if she was happy. It was the same thing every night and every morning. Lauren was always the last thing she thought of before going to bed and the first thing she thought of upon waking in the morning.
Last night, Bo couldn't get the possibility of Lauren being so close out of her mind, so she filled the journal pages with thoughts of Lauren and slept very little. She opened to where she had left off and finished her entry about the events of yesterday, then picked up the phone, told Chase she'd see him in about an hour and was off to get showered and ready. Once dressed, she grabbed the keys to Chase's Camaro and hurried off to pick up her new friend.
Bo pulled into the parking lot, hopped out of her car and walked to the open garage door. She stood in the entryway and leaned against the opening, arms crossed, "How's everything look under there, mister?"
Chase chuckled from underneath the lift as he turned to see Bo, "Good morning, gorgeous!"
"Good morning yourself, stud!" Bo laughed.
"I'm just finishing up these brakes, then I'll be ready to clean up and go. So how'd you sleep? I'm guessing thoughts were running amuck all night long and that's why we're having brunch rather than the anticipated lunch?"
"You would be correct in your assumption about my sleep, sir. Mind if I head inside and help myself to some coffee while I wait? I need it in a bad way."
"You bet. I should only be another twenty minutes including the wash up then we can walk across the street to the coffee shop. They make all sorts of fun things I think you might like."
"Sounds great." Bo said as she moved into the office and poured a cup of coffee. She moved into the second bay where her bike was still on the floor in pieces. Not that she expected it to be put together since he was waiting for parts, but somehow she felt like a bad mother leaving her baby here like this.
She made herself comfortable on the small chair as she cupped the mug of hot liquid with both hands, inhaling the aroma of her favorite morning pick-me-up. There was quite a nip in the air this morning and she had unfortunately left her gloves in her room. She sat for a while, lost in thought of how the conversation may progress this morning from last night. She was sure today would bring her the best leads yet to Lauren.
"Okay, Succubutt! I'm ready to go!" Chase entered the office with a smile on his unshaved face. He pulled on a Boston Red Sox cap and opened the door, waving Bo through first.
She smiled and replied, "Thanks, Nympho – let's get movin'." Chase chuckled at her reply and followed her through the door.
They walked in friendly silence the short distance to the coffee shop across the street at the end of the block. Bo had to admit she felt a sense of warmth knowing that Lauren had been in this town – in this very coffee shop a little less than a year ago – maybe less. Chase pulled out a chair and offered Bo the seat, then leaned down and whispered,
"She sat in this chair, you know."
Bo's eyes flashed blue in response – she tried to shut her eyes to hide it from Chase, but he merely chuckled at her late response to the unexpected flash.
"So – the girlfriend. It's Karen… or Lauren. What I don't get is that both of you told me that you understood Ashley's point of view on the whole staying human thing. I gave up a lot last night my new friend… your turn."
The waitress arrived giving Bo a short reprieve to think about how she would answer Chase's question. She wasn't expecting to be the one to share. She still had questions about how Ashley had died and about his statement about Lauren not being human. They ordered, Bo emphasizing that she needed more coffee. The waitress came right back with a smile and two cups of java for the pair. She took a long sip, swallowed and sighed then began,
"Chase, I'm going to need your blood oath that you will not tell a soul about what you are about to learn of our beloved doctor. If anyone new where or what she was, she would be taken into custody by light or dark and either imprisoned for life or executed on the spot without trial. We have a plan to prevent all of that, but I have to find her first. Do I have your blood oath?"
Chase did not pause and his face showed all the resolve of Bo fighting the Garuda as he spoke,
"Bo – I told you last night exactly what I think about Lauren or Karen or whatever the good doctor's name is… to the grave, Bo… what you tell me will go with me to the grave. You have my blood oath that I will do nothing to harm her or tell anyone of her whereabouts or her nature. My blood oath, Bo – I swear." Chase swallowed hard. Shaking his head he continued,
"You have no idea what she did for us. I'm not sure that Ashley would have even taken the injections had the doctor not spoken to her. I'm not sure exactly what they talked about that changed her mind, but Ashley had initially refused even the extended life and vitality that the doc had offered."
Chase took a moment to breathe, then continued, "All I know is that I dropped Ashley off at a lab in Boston and picked her up six hours later at dinner with the doc. When Ashley had gone to the bathroom, I asked Lauren what she had said to convince her to start the injections. She told me she couldn't tell me because of Doctor-Patient privilege…"
Bo interjected "Sounds like Lauren"…
"But she said she did have her first two sets of injections and that the aging process had basically stopped by the sixth hour. We had a nice lunch and continued to meet twice a week, then eventually once a month until Ashley was killed…." Chase shook out his thoughts of that day,
"The doctor showed for Ashley's funeral and spent the night in town, but I haven't seen her since. She was pretty upset about it… maybe guilt over not trying to convince her to be Fae? She always said she had her reasons for not pushing that issue. Do you know anything about that?"
Bo heaved a deep breath, blew it out and began, "Okay, Chase – here's the deal…"
Bo told Chase everything about Lauren… slave, Nadia, helping Bo, Bo's injections, Dyson, Kenzi, their relationship, her bravery, the Garuda, the Una Mens, and of course, Bo's worst moments that created Lauren's worst nightmare when it came to Bo.
She told him all about Lauren's return and 'Mr. Destiny' that led to the doctor leaving again during the fourth year they had known each other. Bo explained the complications in their relationship and all that she had learned in the six years since they'd met as well as the four she had spent on the road trying to find her.
"Look, no offense but… why only four, Bo? Why not all six years? Why didn't you start looking for Lauren as soon as she left if you were so in love with her? I don't get it?"
"I thought she would be back, Chase. I really didn't think she would leave again and not come back. We were her family – she knew that… at least… I thought she did."
Bo paused, remembering all of the times Lauren's so-called family treated her like shit. Bo recalled those first months after her doctor had left,
"For a solid year, I just waited – I would send her texts and at first she replied saying she wasn't sure what she wanted, she just needed some space. After about seven months, she stopped replying to my texts but I did get a letter stating that she was going to stay away longer." Bo recalled the letter,
"In the letter, she said that she had some big decisions to make and she just didn't know what she wanted out of life. At the end of the letter, she promised we would talk – that she would call. She was true to her word and called about a week later…"
"…At first, the conversation was like two strangers talking for the first time, but eventually things warmed up and she said she was doing medical research. I was surprised because she was always so great with patient care. She said she was staying away from patient care for a while because she was tired of the whole "someone's life is in my hands" thing…"
"… Anyway, we talked and laughed for about two hours. Then she said she had to get going. I asked her if she still loved me and she said, "Always, Bo. There will never be anyone I will love the way I love you." I told her I was still very much in love with her and that I was hoping she would be back soon. I still remember our last words to each other before I heard the click on her end…"
"I'll talk to you soon, then Lauren. Please call again. Even if I can't be with you, I love talking to you like this. I'll be waiting."
"I'll always love you. Goodbye, Bo."
Bo paused for a long while,
"So I waited for her to call again. After five months of replaying the end of that conversation over and over in my head, I realized when she hung up, she really meant 'good bye'… as in… the never again kind." Bo sat remembering the words,
"I couldn't wait any longer. I tried to respect her wishes and wait, I really did – but I just couldn't. So I started to text and call again. After a few weeks, I'd had no response, so I started to use my police connections in Toronto to search for her. They worked hard trying to help me, but when there was nothing after another year, they all tried to convince me to let her go. I just couldn't. I made my move and have been physically scouring the globe on my BMW ever since."
Chase sighed and wiped the tears that had started to run down Bo's cheeks some time ago. He felt for the succubus – he had heard of her affair with a human. Wait… Lauren was human?
"Bo – word on the street was that the unaligned succubus was with a human. Lauren is human? She smelled Fae. Are you sure this is the same girl?"
"Chase – the picture of Ashley…"
"Of course… I understand."
"There really is a striking resemblance between the two. They could be twins."
Chase reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He opened it and paused, gazing at his beloved before removing the picture and handing it carefully to Bo.
"You're right", Chase said.
"The resemblance is uncanny. It's amazing really. Like twin daughters from different mothers. Your doctor and my doctor are one and the same, Bo." He pulled back the picture.
"I met your Lauren, but how do you explain her smelling Fae, Bo? I mean, every time I saw her she smelled Fae. It wasn't some sciencey cover-up, although with her brilliant mind, I wouldn't doubt she could create something that would do that."
"Remember what I told you about Taft? Well, after that whole incident, Lauren was wanted for crimes against the Fae. Do you remember about five years ago a declaration by the Morrigan and Dark Elders that made all humans the enemy of the Fae?" Chase nodded.
"Well, as you know, the Una Mens appeared to enforce the laws of the land and yadda, yadda, yadda. The Morrigan started that whole mess. She has wanted me to join the dark or be killed. That was her way of trying to force my hand - by threatening all humans – especially my humans – Lauren and Kenzi.
"I remember that year – not the proudest moment in the history of the Fae - although we've had plenty of not-so-proud-moments in my opinion…" they laughed at the truth in that.
"Well, as I told you, both Lauren and I ended up working for the dark – Lauren, when the Morrigan basically saved her life and offered her a job without a binding contract and me… well, that was during the whole Rainer memory loss and he's my destiny debacle. I always seemed to be dumping her for a guy. No offense, Chase."
"None taken, Bo."
"So, when she was working for the Dark Fae, no one knew that she was secretly continuing the work she had started with Taft. Apparently, the dark had a phenomenal medical facility and she had access to everything she could ever dream of and then some for research. What we didn't know is that at that time, Lauren was already Fae."
"How?" Bo put up a finger as she continued,
"Well, rather than invent something to make a human pass for Fae, we guessed that she had invented something to make a Fae pass for human. I'm thinking she was afraid if anyone knew she was Fae – especially Evony – she would be executed."
"I see…" Chase was catching on to just how brilliant the doctor was.
"So, she kept it a secret since she had been injected by same assholes with unknown Fae DNA when she was in Taft's lab. It's a long story I'd rather not get into and it's really not important for this conversation. What is important is that she apparently didn't know what kind of Fae she was."
"Injected with multiple Fae?!" Chase asked. Bo nodded as she continued,
"Yes, all we learned through interrogation was that some humans claimed to have seen her using Fae powers and others denied she had any powers. We never saw any in the six months we spent with her after getting her back."
"So you don't think she's Fae?" Chase was getting confused.
"We don't know… well… I apparently know now since you're saying you smelled Fae." Chase nodded in response.
"But, back home that singular unknown has put her back on the Fae most-wanted list. The only difference now is, that if we can prove she's Fae, they can't execute her. Of course, if they decide she's a 'dangerous breed' of Fae, they could imprison her or even do testing on her. We're thinking Evony would try to pull that card to enslave her with the dark only to have her in service to her as a doctor."
She paused as the waitress came to the table, coffee pot in hand,
"So Chase, can I get you and your lady friend anything else?"
"Just top off the coffees and I'll take my usual brown bag afternoon snack, Marie."
"Coming right up."
They waited as she filled their mugs and slipped away to get the rest of his order, then Bo continued,
"Chase, we're thinking that she will go through an early dawning and depending on what was done to her, that could come anytime. She would have no Fae to help her through it. She feels alone, Chase – I don't know how I know, but I feel like she feels like she is all alone… not afraid… but … I don't know… just something. It's what drives me to keep looking."
"Bo – you know I'll do anything for Lauren. Just know that goes for you too. I think we've bonded here, Succubus. I've always admired the stories of you and having met you, I can see now – you're the real deal. Human compassion and morals… Fae strength… You really are a force to be reckoned with. I've got your back, Bo."
They put money down with the check and stood to put on their coats as they continued their conversation.
"You have no idea how much that means to me, Chase. I just have one more question… have you got my bike, too?"
Chase chuckled,
"Yes, Bo – your baby will be well cared for. I did need a part, but she'll be ready to go first thing in the morning. I know you want to get back on the trail for your girl. I'll write down everything I know about where she was working. I'll write down the dates I have that her car was in for service since that may show you a pattern or something that may help. Dinner tonight? That chowder was great last night – I could go for another round?"
"You're on… same time?"
Chase nodded as they stepped out onto the sidewalk to head back to the garage,
"…and Chase?"
"I know, I know… you're driving!" he laughed.
"Actually, I was going to say thanks – for everything. But since you mentioned it, yes I'm driving. I'm going to get all the time I can behind the wheel of that Camaro."
They finished their walk in silence, enjoying the fresh air. The sun had fully risen, so it was a little warmer now. It was a beautiful day. When they arrived at the garage, they said their goodbyes and Bo headed off with a smile and a wave.
Chase and Bo went to dinner that evening and walked along the beach, Bo's arm hooked into his. They talked about Ashley and Lauren, about love and commitment, about Fae and humans, about travel and morality. They actually fell asleep on the beach together that night, Chase cuddling Bo close to her. When they woke in the morning, they laughed hysterically about how they had talked each other to sleep. Bo dropped Chase at the shop and said he'd have the bike finished by noon as promised.
When she arrived, the bike was ready and shining like new. "Wow, you polished her too?"
"This establishment gives five star service, M'Lady." Chase bowed as he handed Bo her keys.
"Well I guess that means this will be my regular service station from now on." There was a moment of awkward silence before Bo continued, "Well, I guess this is it. We'll see each other again, right?"
"I'm sure of it, Bo. You have my number and I have your cell. Let's keep in touch – especially if you find that favorite doctor of mine."
Bo moved to her bike and stowed her gear. Moving to the rear compartment to get her helmet, Chase moved to wipe a smudge off the exhaust. "Okay, I think I have everything. Thanks again, Chase… for everything."
"You bet, Bo. Don't let the world feel to big, okay? The fact that we met tells you the world is a much smaller place than you think. You'll find her my friend… I know it."
Bo gave Chase a long hug and a peck on the lips before parting. She hopped on her bike and started the engine. The smooth, quiet BMW hum made Chase smile. The bike sounded perfect again. Chase pushed down the face shield on Bo's helmet and gave her a friendly punch on the arm. "See ya."
As Bo pulled out of the lot, she thought to herself, 'Chatham, Lauren… this is the best place yet. We have real friends here – both of us.'
Present Day
Bo was getting tired, but after reading all about Chatham again, she wanted to be sure to write some things down about what she had remembered, so she plowed through and finished journal entry number 1, 233 before taking a nap.
She wished she could find a place to store all of her journals. At the rate she was doing her 'therapeutic writing' as Kenzi called it, she would be into book twelve by the end of the week. They weren't hard backs, so that helped, but she also didn't want anything to happen to any of them.
Maybe she would open a safety deposit box in this town using an alias of Lauren's. Well regardless, writing about all things Chatham had done her some good. She felt lighter and more focused somehow. Maybe there was a lead in here that she had been missing. Maybe she was just too tired to figure out what that lead was. She would catch a few hours sleep and then continue her walk down memory lane with Boston – her obsession…