CHAPTER ONE: Dysfunctionality, Our Specialty
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B/L-Loft-7:23 a.m.
(LAUREN'S POV)
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Something is coming.
I run my hands through my hair, drawing in a deep breath through my nose. Trying desperately to shake the thought that's haunted me since the sound of my clumsy children shuffling around the house pulled me toward consciousness.
Maybe it wasn't a thought so much as a feeling. One that if I'm being completely honest with myself, has been stalking me for days now. Lingering just beneath the surface. Always enough to keep me on edge, yet never enough to allow me the comfort of a piece of mind.
"Last night was-fun." The sound of my wife's voice pulling my wandering mind. I look up from tying my shoe to find her leaning against the edge of the bathroom doorway. She's just smirking from ear to ear and I'm not exactly sure why. It could be at the fresh memory of last night's escapades, or the fact that I can't seem to keep my eyes from dancing over her naked body. Her velvet like skin glistening as the light hits her at just the right angle.
"Air drying?" My brow raises, smirk of my own making an appearance.
"Always."
"I approve." Drinking in one last look I force my eyes back down to the floor, twisting my foot back and forth trying to get my shoe on right. Nothing seems to fit right this morning, not even my own skin. "What time do you think the kids got home?"
"Not a clue."
"You're not worried they heard us?" I glance back up.
"Nope. They knew it was date night, I'm sure Kenz kept them downstairs pretty late anyway."
"We were at it pretty late." I laugh to myself, standing up from the bed with a sigh.
"Well, we did get our room sound proofed for a reason."
"You just have an answer for everything, hm?"
"Oh yeah." She nods with this goofy grin, closing the distance between us in a few short steps. "I know all, see all."
"Is that right?" I can't help reaching out, my intended destination her waist, but somehow my hands end up on her hips. My thumbs brushing over her pelvic bones, earning a very soft moan, but a moan none the less.
"Careful, I'll get you wet." Her warning a whisper, the intense look in her eyes telling me not only was the pun unintentional, but also unnoticed. Tongue darting out to moisten my lips as I find myself leaning into her, eyes falling to her lips.
"You always do." I can't help matching the hush of her tone, eyes fluttering shut as my lips find hers.
Gentle lingering of lips, the tip of her tongue begging my lips for a permission it's denied, only to have me do the same moments later. Our teasing play continuing for at least another three-or maybe four times before her tongue finally slips passed my lips, quickly finding my own. A dance of graceful exploration rather than a duel for dominance.
I find myself falling back onto the bed, her body atop of mine, lips never once parting. My hands running up her back, as hers press into the mattress trying to keep herself from resting too much weight on me. The awkwardness of our position of little consequences in terms of comfort, though one wrong move and we'd both end up on the floor. The edge of the mattress digging into my lower back, her thigh slipped between mine distracting me from whatever discomfort should be present. Her lips moving down my jawline to my neck.
The sound of a loud crash stealing our attention, both of us looking toward the bedroom door as if somehow we were suddenly able to see through walls.
"One, two, three-we're okay." Bo laughs softly, looking back down at me.
"That's your scale?"
"Mm-hm." She nods. "If it was something serious, we would have heard something else by now."
"I see." I laugh, smiling up at her. She leans down for a quick kiss before pushing herself off of me. "Thank you." I flash another smile as she pulls me to my feet.
"You're all wet." She laughs yet again as she looks over me. Even with the dark material it's not hard to tell.
"In more ways than one." I shake my head, soft chuckle escaping me. "Do you-I'm going to kill our children." My previous train of thought derailed at the sound of another crash.
Sighing to myself I quickly make my way toward the living room, eyes already narrowed to scope out the damage. Surprisingly-there is none, just a small mess, but nothing broken.
"Did you forget you're supposed to put your clothes on after the shower, not before?" My daughter's voice filling the room before I've even fully stepped into it.
"Mommy." I hear my son's voice behind myself. His arms wrap around me pulling me into a bear hug before he kisses the top of my head.
"Seriously?" Dani's snort pulls my attention back to her. She's just sitting at the kitchen counter staring us through narrowed eyes. "Call her mother, you freak."
"It's sweet." I can't help but to smile as I lean back against him. I don't need to look up to know he's smirking, his sister's scowl more than an adequate form of confirmation.
"You're just mad because I'm the favorite."
"First born doesn't mean favorite."
"In my case, yeah, it actually does."
"Blow me." She barks, dropping her spoon into her bowl.
"Enough." I snap, stepping out of his embrace. My brow raising as I look between the two, I may as well have been looking between night and day. "Sean, don't antagonize your sister. Dani, watch your language." They both give me this little nod, satisfied enough I start picking up the bowls left on the table. God could my son eat, not even Kenzi could eat as much as him.
"Sorry mother." I hear her say. "Sean, fellatio me."
"That's an image I never, ever wanted." I hear Bo laugh out, my scowl turning from my daughter to my wife. "What?" She laughs, folding her arms as she stands next to our son. "You told her to watch her language, she did."
"Right." I snort, nodding. "Thank you so much for the support." Shaking my head to myself, bowls in hand as I walk toward the kitchen.
"I was going to clean that mother."
"You are such a damn kiss-ass Sean!"
"That's enough, from both of you." Bo quickly interjects. "Go grab your things, it's almost time to leave."
"She started it."
"And I'm finishing it."
"Bo," I sigh, shutting off the water before walking back into the living room. "You need to stop encouraging her." I whisper, the sound of the kids bickering still within earshot.
"I'm far from an expert, but I'm pretty sure encouragement is part of parenting." She smirks, kind of wiggling her eyebrows.
"Jesus Bo," I scoff, shaking my head. "It's all just a joke with you, isn't it?"
"Hey." Her eyes narrow, a seriousness to her tone now, but it's not harsh. She reaches out, taking my hand into a reluctant embrace. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." I shake my head again, looking away from her.
"Lauren."
"Bo, we have a sixteen and seventeen year old who can barely stand to be in the same room with one another. They also have a tendency of thinking they can do whatever they want, especially Dani."
"It's not as bad as you're making it seem."
"It is."
"They're teens Lauren. Teens who are only a year apart. Teens who have one of the most powerful families ever. Teens who are a bit spoiled. Teens who are a product of you and me-with Kezni and Iel doing a lot of babysitting. What do you expect?"
"I expect some help."
"You don't think I help you?" Her hand drops from mine as she takes a step back.
"I think," Hesitating, I run my hand through my hair glancing around the room. "I'm tired of always being the bad guy. I'm tired of always being the one who has to enforce every single rule around here."
"So, you don't think I help with the discipline?"
"I know you don't." My jaw tightens as I watch her fold her arms across her chest. "I'm always the one stuck disciplining them. I can see it in their eyes, they're beginning to fear me."
"That's ridiculous Lauren."
"Right, easy for you to say." I nod, arms folding across my chest to mimic her. "You don't think I want to be the cool mom too? The mom who gets to laugh at the constant inappropriate jokes? The mom who thinks that sneaking out and skipping school isn't such a big deal? The mom who thinks that them getting into relentless fights is an acceptable way to show their alpha status-that it's something to be proud of?"
"Lauren-"
"No Bo, I'd love to be the cool mom for just once."
"You're right." She whispers out, nodding slowly. I can see the pain in her eyes, it's so obvious, but I can't bring myself to apologize. I wasn't lying. I wasn't saying it to be mean. Could I have said it more tactfully? Sure, but what's done is done.
"Just," I draw in a deep breath, letting my head fall. "Please make sure they're ready for tonight."
"Where are you going?" She asks, stopping me just as I pass her.
"I forgot my keys." I answer quickly, walking back down the hall need a moment alone more than anything.
"You're such a bitch." Sean's words force me to a stop, I lean against the wall just out of their sight.
"Well we can't all be brownnosing, suck-ups, can we?"
"You didn't have to antagonize mother like that."
"Oh give me a break you Backstreet Boy reject, mother can't hear you." She snaps, the sound of steps worrying me, but it's only four-she's at his door now.
"You're just pissed because our mother loves me more." There's this chill to his words now, much like the one Bo can achieve.
"You know big brother," She chuckles icily. "It's times exactly like this that I just can't help but to wonder."
"Wonder what?"
"If you really do have an Oedipus complex."
"It really bothers you doesn't it?" I hear his tone drop, much to the way mine can-obviously we didn't only pass on our best attributes. His words so sharp, I just know the look he has.
"What?"
"That you were a mistake." He snorts. "That our parents didn't actually want you."
"Guys, let's go!" The sound of Bo's voice traveling down the hall catching me of guard as I jump slightly.
I was ready to step in. I already knew the next step in their little game would be a violent one, but using my wife's technique, I count to three and there's nothing. Hearing my wife calling for them again, I continue on my delayed journey. I glance over at the pair, looking at me like two deer caught in the headlights. Dani quickly backing away from him and he forces a smile.
"Goodbye mother." Sean says when he walks by moments later.
"Mother," The sound of Dani's voice forcing me to turn around. She leaning into the room, using the doorframe to keep her balance. "Sorry about before-PMSing, you know." She gives me this shrug, her features forming this genuinely apologetic look. The only problem was that my daughter was never fully apologetic for anything she ever said or did.
"It's fine baby, hurry along before you're late."
"Yeah," she nods. "I-I love you." She says it hushed, and almost uncertain.
"I love you." I force a reassuring smile through my anger. Her brother's words getting to her, though she'd never admit it aloud. I honestly don't know if she'd even admit it to herself.
I find myself coming to sit on the edge of the bed as I watch her walk off, disappearing down the hall. My wife and children's voices blurring together, until the ding of the elevator silences them all together. Eyes roaming around the room as if I was looking for something, some type of answer to a question I wasn't even asking.
I can't help but wonder how we got from the joys of last night to this morning.
I wasn't saying Bo was a bad mother, she was a great one. She just has a problem when it comes to the serious stuff. She has a problem saying no. She has a problem disciplining them. She has a problem with any of the serious aspects of parenting. Sure she'll defend them harder than need be to anyone, thus why went through thirty-six babysitters in a month once. She'll be their best friend. She'll take care of them when their sick. She'll do everything, and she'll never know how much I truly appreciate how much responsibility she's taken with them over the years.
But she refuses to face the truth.
Our children's rivalry goes far beyond the parameters of acceptable-or normal.
I used to say I had given birth to the sun and moon-correction, I still say it. It's just that it used to be endearing, and now it was near painful. The two of them running around, so different, but yet the so many similarities. Then somewhere along the way something seemed to break. The ironic thing though was that this dissimilarities weren't only internally, but externally as well.
Dani mostly took after Bo. Beautifully deep and dark brown eyes, her hair just as black and thick. She took her body type too, thankfully. Five-five, a perfect balance of muscle and curves, yet still so graceful. She also has that effortless sultry thing about her like Bo, but there was just something a little-darker. Her features beautiful, but slightly harder than Bo's ever were, her natural skin tone as well, just a shade or two, but noticeable. In some ways it would be easy to mistake her for a stranger compared to us-but then there were those rare times when she genuinely smiles. In those moments, she looks exactly like Bo.
Sean on the other hand took more after me, lighter skin and dark blonde hair. He was much more slender, reminded me sort of a tennis player-who just so happened to eat like a linebacker. Though at seventeen and already five-eleven, we weren't quite sure where that came from. He too like Dani had such defined features, but there was just something softer about him. Something that even when he was testing your patience, you couldn't help but give in. Kind of like with Bo.
I hope they have a lot more of her in them than myself.
Sighing as my eyes shift up into the hall, this heavy weight on my chest as that familiar nagging feeling returns.
Something is coming.
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Saint Xavier High School—8:02 a.m.
(DANI'S POV)
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'And I'm sorry I don't believe, by the evidence that I see, that there's any hope left for me'
How perfectly fitting?
Smirk firmly on my lips as I nod along, index finger tapping the volume button higher. Swear these two are trying to annoy me. No one needs to speak this loud.
I glance over at mom who is laughing as she looks up into the rearview mirror. Of course she's laughing, Golden-Boy is here. He's just so perfect and funny and smart—pfffffft, I've shit out things more interesting than him.
Leaning back in the seat, feet tapping against the dashboard as I look out the window. Eyes falling upon that stupid statue in the front of the school. Saint Xavier, patron saint of Japan or some bullshit-no, yeah think that's it. Got to love hypocrisy. A study once found that only forty percent of Fae had traditional religious ties, and only twenty-five percent were Christian. Yet here we are, hundred percent Fae school for the elite bastards of so called important parents, learning about feast days and prayers as if that somehow means something. Well, I guess if they were going to be hypocrites they may as well follow the humans.
"What the shit?" I snap, looking over at her as she drops my earphones in my lap.
"I asked you what you were listening to."
"Music."
"Really?" She glances over at me, brow raised. I'm so on her nerves-or maybe it's mother on her nerves and I'm just a good punching bag. "I never would have guessed."
"Is it suddenly illegal?" I glare as we finally reach the drop of point. "The Nazis already did the whole book burning, so we have to one up them and do music instead?"
"The Nazis outlawed specific music too, might want to pay a little more attention is history."
"Sieg heil!" I can't help laughing as I do the Nazi salute, several members of the football team looking into the car as I do. "Hey, that's kind of a fun salute. Maybe we can do it for mother tonight."
"You will behave tonight." She warns, nostrils flaring.
"Jawohl."
"What is with this attitude?"
"I think that's just her personality." Sean laughs, getting out of the car.
"Hey baby!" The sound of Kim's unbearably chipper exclamation pulling my attention to her. She's got her legs wrapped around my brother's waist, hands in his hair.
"Inappropriate much?" I don't even bother trying to hide my disgust filled snort as I get out of the car.
"Oh my God!" She shrieks jumping down from my brother. I can't help wrenching at the sound. "Hello Mrs. Alreyna." She forces this bogus ass embarrassed smile, like this bitch knows what humility is. "So sorry."
"It's cool babe, ma don't mind.
"Still, so not appropriate." She and my brother wave as I hear her pull off. Run away now while there's still time mom. Soon this will be his wife, and then there's no escaping the plastic surgery addict. I glance over at her, botched boob job anyone? "Besides, she could tell your mother and then I could be-like sentenced to exile or something."
"If only God was real." I laugh, shoving my earphones back in my ears.
"You know, after three years I really would have thought it would have come to an end already."
"And what would that be?" I bite, glancing over at her. Curiosity always seems to get the best of me.
"This apparently permanent cycle of PMS you've been on since I met you."
"Trying out for standup now?" I snort, looking back down at my phone. "Needs a bit of work sweetheart."
"Isn't it time for you to go stand on your corner or something?" Sean smirks, looking down at me as we reach the steps.
"Naw. I got another half hour of clenches to do, they pay extra the tighter you are." I laugh, jogging up the stairs. "But it is time for you to call your mommy again. Lord knows if you don't contact her every fifteen minutes that umbilical cord just might finally sever."
"Don't even pay attention to her. I like a man who loves his mother." She leans again him, hand running over his chest. How painfully disgusting, if my gag reflex wasn't so strong I'd barf. "Means he knows how to treat a lady."
"No, I fully agree with you there." I nod, pulling the door open. "But doesn't it bother you just a little that every time you two are curled up in bed together, he'd rather it be with his mommy?"
"Screw you Dani."
"Tisk. TIsk." I wag my finger at him. "You couldn't afford me." I mockingly blow a kiss at him.
Laughing to myself, pressing play as I walk into the building. Swarms upon swarms of annoying little bastard. Might dress them up in uniforms and give them fancy haircuts, but they're all the same underneath. One dimensional, cardboard cutouts. Even the 'rebellious' kids who try ever so desperately to stand out still at the end of the day will put on the suit and tie to follow in daddy's footsteps.
Pathetic. All of them.
I on the other hand like being invisible. It's fun. I see everything. Like a spider in the corner of the room, I see all. No dirty, little secret unknown to me. Not my parents' or my brother's. Not the football or cheerleading captains. Not the musical geeks or violent so called outcasts. Not even the teachers.
My own personal little playground.
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Saint. Dymphna's Mental Institute-12:23 p.m.
(LAUREN'S POV)
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"My name is Dr. Lauren Alreyna, and I am here to determine whether or not-"
"To kill me."
"To be quite candid, yes." I nod, more to myself than my company. I try not to make a face at the sound of metal scraping against the floor as I pull out the chair opposite him. "Would you please tell me why you killed them? Why you selected these specific victims?"
"I didn't kill anyone."
"Mr. Cane, please do not insult my intelligence and in return for that overdue sliver of respect, I will not insult yours. I know who you are, what you have done and more importantly, what you are."
"Just give the execution order bitch, all this chit chat is giving me a migraine."
"In 1870 you were known as the Gray Man, in 1930's the Butcher of Rostov. From the 1960's to the early 2000's Javed and after that the Butcher of Cosgrove. And now Carter Alexander Cane, yet to acquire a nick name. Do I have your attention?" I pause, making sure he understands I'm not some naïve simpleton he's used to dealing with. "I'm just going to assume I do. Now what you need to think about is that if I know this, then I know exactly what you are. And if I know what you are, then I know how to kill you and believe me when I say, I do not just mean this body. I mean you."
"I've lived a millennium and I'll live another. Long after your pitiful excuse for a reign has run its comical course."
"Are you willing to bet your life on that?"
"You already know everyone is gonna die," His low, raspy voice wasn't filled with fear or even anger. No, it was calm. As though he knew without a shred of doubt what he spoke was an irrefutable truth. "But," He pulled back on the wrist restraints that kept his arms firmly trapped on the table. The sound of steal against the metal table top causing an unsettling echo throughout the small and otherwise silent room. Leaning forward from the chair, his chest now digging into the edge as he emerged from the cover of the shadows. "She's going to make you suffer."
"She?" Markus asks, stepping out from behind me. Despite who the question was for Markus' eyes stay focused on me. The single, dim dangling light above the table illuminating the hideousness of our company's face. I can't help looking away. "Who's she?"
"Look at me."
"Cane, answer me. Who is she? Who are you talking about?"
"Look at me doctor."
I draw in a deep breath, attempting to keep last night's dinner down. I had seen more than my share of stomach turning things in my life, especially since becoming part of the Fae culture. Though at this moment in time, even with all of my life experience, both personally and professionally, I'm seemingly having trouble facing him.
Maybe it is what he is; a child molesting, mass murdering sadist. One who took something far beyond pleasure in torturing his victims before killing them. Maybe it is just the sight of his horrifyingly disfigured excuse for features. The fact that his eyes are empty, grayish orbs. The rare skin that wasn't covered in infected, picked at scabs which filled the room with the distinct smell of rotting flesh, is covered in scars. Maybe it was the two facts combined that made everything in my body scream for me to turn and walk away.
"Look at me!" He screams, forcing me to do exactly that. "Don't like your work?"
"Please answer Agent D'Angelo's question."
"Please? Please?" His head tilts toward Markus, and then back to me. A snort escaping him as he continues to jerk on the restraints, adding a bit more strength with every jerk. "I take indescribable pleasure in knowing what's going to happen to you. Mmmm, they're going rip you shreds. You're organs pulled out one by one."
"Hey!" Markus takes a step forward, his once crossed arms now dropping to his sides, fists balled.
"I can only imagine the how your screams will sound when your flesh tears from your bones."
"Enough!" His fists slamming against the metal, coming dangerously close the red warning line drawn across the table top at three-fourths the way. His normally gentle and inviting features turning statuesque.
"Sympathizer." He snarls, saliva dripping down his mouth after spitting on him. "Disgusting."
"Agent," I say standing up, reaching over to touch his shoulder. "He knows nothing, he's useless. Let's go."
"Yeah. Let it go. Take orders from the human filth, you traitor." Markus' normally warm, chocolate colored eyes now a nearing maroon shade as he looks down at me. "Sooooo much pleasure."
"You know what gives me pleasure Cane?" He takes three steps back while wiping his face with the sleeve of his jacket. "Knowing you're heading for an eternity of burning in hell."
"Gladly."
"He's yours." I say flatly, the door behind us opening. Four guards in full swat gear tightly surrounding the exit. I don't imagine Mr. Cane's night will be a pleasant one. "My recommendation." Pausing, I pull the cream colored folder off of the door before maneuvering past the non-budging guards. Doctor Balzac standing just beyond them, waiting for me. I smile politely, handing over the folder after quickly scribbling my decision on the front.
"I was right." Markus says rather calmly now, as we make our way through the thinning crowd. "U.R.N.I."
"U.R. Unquestionably. Non-Informative? You don't know that for sure." I finally respond, once out of earshot from the small group of onlookers.
"Do you really think he'd ever tell you anything?"
"Tell me? No, of course not." I snort out a laugh at the thought. "But there are other types of information to be obtained such as behavior, speech patterns, and so on."
"Studied? It's taken four years to catch the little freak. Four years is how long you've had to study him, now it's time for him to be put down."
"If it were up to you they'd all be put down."
"Sorry I don't have the warm and fuzzies for a child murdering freak." He pauses at the last security point. A uniformed officer patting him down, before handing him back over his service weapon. "Which side are you on any way?" He asks quietly, pushing the door open for me as we come to our exit.
"I'm not on any sides. Is he a repulsive, disgusting waste of space? Yes. Do I believe he should be put down? Yes, and then some." I pause, waiting until he reached the driver's side of his standard issue SUV. Not sure why I decided SUVs would be standard, such a pain to get in and out of on a frequent bases. Note to self: next budget meeting suggest cars-environment friendly cars. "But I do believe in doing what is fair and right. Even animals deserve-."
"And this right here is why you're the Doc, Doc and why I'm the Special Agent." He smirks, for some reason he liked being called 'Special Agent'. Something about when he was a boy her wanted nothing more than to be in the FBI-then he found out he was Fae.
"Markus it is a very thin line between hate for something that is like one's self and self-hatred." His once boyishly charming grin vanishing. A glimpse of anger making its self-present in his eyes, while his left hand on the steering wheel tightened making a faint noise. Turning away, his free hand idly smacked the little dial on his radio inviting a heavy base, alternative-rap song to immediately flood the air.
Nodding in defeat, I run my hand through my hair removing the few annoying stray strands that had begun to fall into my face. Sighing, I rest my head back against the uncomfortable leather, eyes wandering from him to the passenger side window. Already heavy eyelids growing heavier and heavier with the passing of each identically abandon block we pass until the noise of the speakers drowns out.
I can hardly remember how many bodyguards I had went through the first few years of my reign. Some because they didn't exactly favor change. Some because Bo found fault with them for one reason or another, primarily she felt they wanted something more than to protect me. A few others lost their lives in various attempts on mine.
Markus though was something special. Not only does he share my bloodline, a third cousin on my mother's side, but he was also a friend. Sure, I have Kenzi and Iel, but that is family. Markus was simply mine. My friend alone, not my wife's or Kenzi's or Iel's-or any combination thereof. Sure, in public he bows, and despite our friendship he's never once forgotten his place. In private though, when it was just us? He isn't my bodyguard and I'm not his queen, we're just friends.
A rare escape.
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Holy Cross Hospital-3:29 p.m.
(KENZI'S POV)
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"What the hell are you doing?"
My foot tapping the shitily tilted floor, eyes focusing on the little, pink zip-bag resting on the sink. One breath, two breaths, three breaths-come one! What happened to the little badass who saved Bo like ten hours after meeting her? What happened to the little badass who was Hale's Lil' Mama?
One last deep breath-grabbing the syringe from the bag with one hand, pushing up my shirt just enough. Shit-freakin'-balls! I shove the needle into my bellybutton. I watch as the silver, sluggish liquid vanishes faster than I can down a bottle of cheap vodka. I have to bite my lip to keep from whimpering as I pull it back out.
I look up in the mirror, the sudden knock on the door scaring me. Syringe slipping from my hand, shattering.
"Shit." I mutter, flicking the faucet on trying to wash the pieces down. "I hear you. Just a second." Turning the water off, I scoop up the little bag before pulling the door open. "Ever hear of something called patience?" I look the nurse up and down before brushing past.
"Hey." I let out softly, small smile on my lips as I shut the door behind me. "I'm so sorry I missed last week, but I got caught up and," I trail off as a rush of guilt washing over me. "I don't know why I'm lying to you. Guess I still have a problem with that, huh?" I chuckle, taking a seat. "Iel is finally growing suspicious about where I disappear to. After so many years our luck ran out, huh? To be honest he's beginning to be suspicious about a lot of things, things I don't have the answers to." I can't help pausing again, my voice beginning to shake. "I wish you were here, you'd know what to say. Although if you were here I wouldn't have to be worrying about him."
I can't help the guilt riddled snort that escapes as I lean forward in the chair. My eyes dancing over his body, all the wounds had healed long ago. It had been almost two decades and he looked just as he always did. In some ways he looked peaceful like he did when he was just taking a nap. On some days-the hardest days, that's what I pretended. I would rest my head on the bed, close my eyes and fool myself into believing that when I opened my eyes he would already be awake staring down at me just the way he used to.
Blinking back tears, I reach for his hand.
"The doctors are beginning to say it's time to let you go. One brave nurse even tried to tell me it was the merciful thing to do. Boy did she get a can of Kenzi's-viscous-venom, but they would never tell Lauren that. She hasn't given up either, just so you know. I mean she's busy being a Queen and mother and wife so she can't visit you like she used to, but she hasn't forgotten you. Bo either, but she's busying being a mom and supportive wife. She gave up trying to reign with Lauren a while ago, she just didn't want to anymore." My free hand running across my face, wiping tears away. "I wish you could see our niece and nephew, they'd love you. You could have taught Sean some of that smooth, laid back swag you always had. Right now his is more lemme shove it in your face, I'm a pretty boy."
I can't help but chuckle thinking about all the moments when Hale should have been there with Sean instead of Iel. Leaning back into the chair my one sided embrace falling as I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket, even slightly hare the slight buzzing it gave off. I don't need to look to know who it is.
"I visited the boys the other day, Dyson and Vex. They were slightly more talkative than you, only slightly." Another chuckle escaping as I shake her my head at myself. "Visited Eric and Reyna too, but they're buried in a tomb so it's a bit different. You know I wonder where we'd go. Obviously Lauren and Bo and the kids would go there, but I mean me and you. Do you think we'd be there? Or is it just blood? Cause in that case Bo is SOL-" My meaningless rant coming to a halt when the day nurse peeks into the room.
"Mrs. Kenzi, Iel is here. I thought you would like to know."
"For me?" I nearly jumped out of my seat. "He's looking for me? Did you tell him where I am?"
"No, ma'am. He's here on the Queen's business, but he is here. Thought you would like to know."
"Thank you," I let out in a sigh, my sudden shit-storm of panic slightly calming.
What are you doing Kenz?
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Lauren's Office—4:00 p.m.
(LAUREN'S POV)
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"Hey." I greet softly, leaning back in my chair as my free hand idly plays with my pen.
(Hey.)
"How's everything at home?"
(Fine.)
"Good, good. Did you pick up everything for tonight?"
(I told you already I would.)
"Yeah, I know just checking in." I nod, pointlessly.
(Well the detailed list you left made it pretty easy.)
"I'm sorry."
(It's fine.)
"Babe," I can't help sighing, setting my pen down. "I hate it when we're like this. I am sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."
(It's fine.)
"Bo really. I'm just under so much stress about tonight and everything else. I'm just so on edge, it's no excuse though for snapping at you."
(I know.) I hear her sigh before falling silent. (Look, I heard what you said and I promise I'll try not to be so lax. I already talked to Sean and in a way Dani.)
"So they'll be there tonight?"
(Oh yeah, with bells on and everything. Now let's hope they wear something other than just that.)
"I'm sure Dani will, I don't know about your son."
(My son? What happen to our son?)
"That boy gets his lack of modesty from you." I laugh, fingers going back to playing with the pen.
(If you got it flaunt it.)
"I'll remember that."
(No, not for you. I don't want you flaunting anything in less it's for me. Just like last night, which by the way, I wouldn't mind a repeat performance.)
"Well maybe if I get home quick enough, I can definitely do some flaunting for you to make up for this morning."
(Well you know-I was actually pretty devastated by your words.)
"Oh, I bet you were."
(Mm-hm. immensely.)
"I am so sure." I say in yet another laugh, the knock on the door forcing me to sit up straight. "Work is calling, sadly I must go."
(Okay, I'll see you tonight.)
"See you tonight."
(Hey Lauren?)
"Yes?"
(I love you.)
"I love you too Bo." I smile, dropping my phone on my desk. "Come in." I call out after another bothersome knock.
"My Queen."
"Please don't, Kaori." I raise my hand, stopping her from bowing.
"As you wish." Despite not bowing, she still dips her head in respect.
It's ironic how I used to pray for obedience in the early days, the days when there was a steady stream of Fae trying to either kill me or ignore me. Now-I wish I could go just a single day when no one bowed to me. Where no one tried to please me, no matter the coast. A day where I didn't remember even my own wife and children have to bow to me in certain situations. That was never going to happen though, the day I accepted this destiny-as they call it, my life was no longer mine. Sure as time has passed my restrictions have become less, and I even have time to myself occasionally, but it was never the same. Nor would it ever be.
I look at her, flashing a polite smile. Her obedience and devotion near mindless, something that never stopped puzzling me. She was a three-hundred year old sorceress, or as her job title was now, an adviser. She unlike most sorceresses had some age to her, she looked as though she was in her thirties rather than late teens. Not to say she wasn't beautiful, she was like most of the Fae population. Her jet back, flowing hair rested at the middle of her back, her eyes a dark brown that most times I could swear was back. The woman was slender and small standing no higher than five-four and a half. The first time we met, I could have sworn she was related to Akuma, but that thought eventually passed in time. After all Akuma was the one of his kind, well him and myself-in a twistedly complicated way I prefer not to dwell on.
"What is it?"
"Just checking on you, making sure you are well for tonight."
"As fine as I can be." I hesitate. "Please shut the door." I ask, making my way around the desk. "I think I'm going die. I can't do this." I sigh out, letting my body relax.
"Hey, hey," She quickly closes the once gaping distance, hands on my shoulders. "You will do fine. Everything will be fine."
"Is that a vision?"
"I don't need a vision to know that you are the best queen we've had since your mother." She says gently, hands falling away. "Some may even say better."
"Right." I laugh. "I feel as though everything is just spinning out of control. I can't-" I find myself silenced as she cups my cheek, leaning in ever so slightly. I don't move, but my eyes narrow. I had learned long ago not to react to every single thing that happened.
"Your wife is not taking proper care of you."
"Bo is taking care of our children." I sigh, turning away from her before making my way back to my seat. "Of me as well, but there is only so much she can do currently."
"Is your hunger growing?"
"No. Maybe. I don't know. I don't have time to know between handling the coming events and dealing with my children's daily visits to the principal's office."
"Bo should be handling that."
"She is my wife, not a servant," I say sternly enough for her to understand she's skated out onto thin ice. "Besides, they are my children too."
"Of course," Her head bows. "I spoke out of turn."
"No, I'm sorry." I sigh, unclenching my fists, unaware I had even balled them in the first place. "I'm just on edge, I took Bo's head off this morning as well. I'm counting on you and Markus to make sure things go in my favor tonight. Please."
"No need to worry, my Queen. You will reign in all your glory and perfection." She bows once again, I don't bother trying to stop her.
Tonight is going to kill me.
.
Saint Xavier's High School—5:00 p.m.
(DANI'S POV)
.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Defusing a bomb," I glance over at him as I maneuver myself through the seats. "I'm about to teach our Kevin Costner wannabe over there a lesson." Slipping into the driver's seat, twisting the key that was oh, so brilliantly left in the ignition.
"I repeat, what the hell are you doing?"
"He's supposed to be protecting us, no?" I smirk, the sound of the tires peeling out sure to get his attention. If you're getting paid a hundred thousand a year to watch someone, probably should be watching them and not flirting with the adulteress math teacher. In my opinion. "Now just imagine if it wasn't us commandeering this vehicle and say-someone who was actually crazy?"
"Jesus Dani!" He yells out, earning a laugh from me. His hands on the dashboard, he can't help but to flinch as I swerve in and out of traffic. "There are more humane ways to kills me."
"If I was ever actually going to kill you," I slam on the brake, smirk tugging on my lips as I watch him jerk. "I would be a lot more creative than this."
"Thought about it a lot have you?"
"I wouldn't say quite a lot." I hold his gaze, idle hand flipping the gear into reverse. I watch as his pupils slowly expand, his eyes narrowing. He's actually afraid-interesting. "You're scared." I taunt.
"Of you?"
"Mm-hm." I nod.
"I'd sooner blow a teletubbie than dignify that with an answer."
"Hm," I laugh, nodding. "Fair enough."
Let's play.
Pushing my foot down on the gas stopping only when there's resistance. Swerving past one car and then another, just missing both of them. My eyes never once leaving his. I love the way my heart pounds within my chest, begging to break free. I love the way he's got this look of fear in his eyes, he wants to look behind us as we fly backward through the street, but his pride won't let him. Boy has some balls after all.
Without warning I jerk the wheel to the left, sending us skidding through the intersection. For a brief second the car leaning on two wheels-damn thought for sure we'd flip. Oh well. The sound of horns blaring everywhere, but the one that cuts through the rest is a truck-I think a big one by the sound.
I don't bother to look though.
"Watch the road Dani."
"You first pretty boy." Smirk only growing, shifting back into drive.
"Watch the fucking road!" He yells, as I see his resolve starting to falter. Consciously or unconsciously his head is starting to tilt, he wants so badly to look out on the street. "Red light! Stop the car!" He's practically screaming now. He's lost though, eyes now on the street as we flying through the intersection. "Stop the car!"
"Fuck that was fun!" I laugh, slamming on the brake once more. "We're here."
"Here?" He asks through a clenched jaw, but it sounds kinda funny. Guess its cause his balls still haven't dropped yet. "The Black Orchid?" Needless question asked as he looks over at the club, it was infamous. So infamous in fact our own mother couldn't even get it shut down despite upward of ten attempts.
"Ding, ding, ding. We do have a winner."
"We don't have time for this."
"Right," I snort. "Like you weren't thinking about it, I saw the text Kimberly sent you about meeting her here."
"Going through my phone now?" He looks away from me. "We don't have time for this."
"Relax, it'll be quick. We'll have more than enough time to get back and escort mother in."
"If we're being technical little sister, I'll be walking her in and you'll be shoved somewhere in the back following us like some sort of deformed stalker."
Patience dropping to an all-time low with him and his constant nagging. Reaching out I grab his wrist forcing him to look at me. Oh he's so angry-love how ridiculous he looks when he gets upset. The sound of a snap forcing my hand too release my grip. Ooops.
"Sorry, you probably need that huh?" I laugh, pushing the door open with one hand, the other mimicking jerking off. Pretty sure he does it quite frequently.
"Mom said no abilities on each other!" He whines, snapping his wrist back into place.
"Mom isn't here, is she?" I lean into the car, raising an eyebrow as I looking to the backseat. "Nope, not here."
"How are you even related to us?" He continues to whine, slamming the door behind himself as he finally moves his ass. "How?"
He follows behind me like the good little Labrador he is. That's what my brother reminds me of, a big, dumb, Labrador. Always drooling on someone shoes, begging for attention. More like begging for approval.
The bouncer-guard-whatever the fuck they call the no-neck, Hulk-wannabes here steps aside without a second of hesitation. Interesting. I shrug it off, glancing behind myself to make sure I haven't lost the little Labrador.
"Come on boy." I whistle at him, patting the back of my thigh. Laughing, my attention getting grabbed by the woman walking passed us in nothing more than a thong.
"She's a little old for you." He leans against my back, I was going to push him off me, but something catches my eye. Don't you just love when opportunity comes knocking?
"Hey, look." I tap his chest with the back of my hand, nodding up toward the woman dancing in one of the hanging cages.
"Yeah, she's fine." I watch his eyes run over her body.
"I figured you'd like her."
"Why's that?" He laughs.
"Well," My lips fix into this irrepressible smirk, body leaning against his. "She looks almost exactly like mother." I can't help but to laugh, though I fall silent when he grabs my shoulders with surprising force. "What?"
"You know what your problem is Dani?" He grips me tighter, fingers digging into the back of my arms. "You push and you push-and then you push some more."
"And?"
"One day you're gonna push the wrong person. You're gonna push someone who will push back."
"Maybe," I lean up on my tiptoes, arms reaching up around his neck. "But that someone, isn't you."
.
B/L-Loft-6:21 p.m.
(BO'S POV)
.
"Bo?"
"Here!" I call out, turning the water off.
"What are you doing?" She sort of laughs.
"Finishing up the dishes. Spent all day cleaning," I make a face bouncing down the four wooden steps from the kitchen that led to the living-room. "Don't worry already have what I'm wearing tonight, and the kids took their clothes with them." Smile curving my lips, hands being wiped on my sweats as I make my way to her.
"Thank you. I don't think I could handle another issue today."
"That bad, huh?" I ask genuinely concerned, but I can't help the way my lips find hers. "Missed you." Then her jaw and then her neck. "I really, really did." Leaning back, her hands in mine as I start walking backward toward our room.
"I missed you too." She giggles softly, following me.
"Yeah?"
"Mm-hm."
"How much?" I tease, pulling her to my body. The sound of her laugh filling the hall, and I can't help smiling like an idiot at the sound. God, it was so rare to hear laugh like this, so genuine.
"A lot."
"Yeah." I nod, hands gripping her ass as I push her against the wall. "But how much?"
"Enough that I want to cancel tonight and just stay in your embrace until morning."
"Hmm." I nod, kissing her lips teasingly. Nipping at her bottom lip, her hands resting firmly on my shoulder blades. "That's a lot."
"See, I told you."
"Have I told you how sexy you are lately?" My eyes dancing over her face.
"I believe you did tell me last night-several times, but I never tire of it."
"Oh, is that so?" I can't help laughing, looking back into her eyes. "Well my love, my wife, mother of my children, you are still the sexiest woman I've ever laid on eyes."
"Trying to earn sweet points I see."
"I would never," Leaning in, lips finding hers once again though this time I can't help letting them linger. "I'm just being honest." My words unintentionally a whisper as I kiss down her jaw. "Is there no place on you that doesn't taste amazing woman?" I pull back, forcing myself away.
"If there is, you haven't found it yet."
I just stare at her for a second, she could be so sexy when forgetting to be overly modest. Sighing to myself I head towards the room, we still had plenty of time, I could spare a few minutes to hear about her day.
Falling back onto the bed, maneuvering up onto my elbows as she wastes no time getting into the ridiculously long list of people who have pissed her off today. The list always seems to grow somehow, which is rather odd considering she's been only working with the same people for the past year. I make sure to nod when appropriate. I'm listening, I really am, but I've heard this same rant so many times I could probably finish each sentience for her.
I find my legs idly moving back and forth, the memories of last night coupled with my sparing session from this afternoon and our little hallway make out session having a little more effect than I thought. I nod, jaw clenching as my eyes begin to wander. Smirk pulling at my lips, she hardly ever had time to make it to the lab anymore, but she still wore scrubs religiously. Something about how it reminded her of before. I think she just always found subtle ways to rebelling.
My focus slipping as she pulls off her top. My wife's body is simply amazing, far more than you'd ever imagine just by looking at her those baggy scrubs or even in regular clothes. No matter what she wore it just never seemed to highlight her body perfectly. Better for me in a way actually. I mean sure you can tell she is slender no matter what covers her skin, but there was such definition, such curves that never seemed to be accentuated enough. Lauren always laughs at me when I tell her I'm obsessed with her body, but it's true. Without hesitation I could just marvel for hours, the less clothes the better, and honestly it didn't even need to be sexual-though who am I to complain if most times it was.
Eyes beginning at the arch of her neck before slowly moving down to the small, curve of her back. The memory of her smooth, silky skin on my tongues last night rushing to the front of my thoughts. My breath hitching slightly as she turns around, eyes moving up her tight stomach.
"I knew it," She laughs out, shaking her head as she leans against the dresser. "You aren't even listening."
"I am."
"No you're not. You were ogling me."
"Ogling?"
"Yes, ogling." She repeats, arms folding across her stomach blocking my view.
"I was paying attention, so much attention that I was," I trail off, there's no way back from this one. "Okay, well I was up until you started stripping and then my mind went a little off, but you know it's your fault."
"My fault?"
"Yes, you know that when it comes to your body I am completely unable to think about anything else."
"I see, well I'm just going to put this back on so-"
"You don't need to do that," I assure her, jumping off the bed to close the distance between us in record timing. Pulling the scrub top from my wife's hand and tossing it back to the floor, as I maneuver so she's trapped between me and the dresser.
"Really?"
"No." I shake my head playfully. Lips fixing into a pout while my eyes dance over her flawless features.
"Well then I don't think you need these," She smirks as she manages to tug my sweats hard enough for them to fall around my ankles.
She wasn't normally an aggressive person, sure she had her moments in situations, but that was what they were-moments. Though, as the years pass I find her giving into her passions, her desires much easier. Giving into the part inside of herself that was no longer human. It was equally arousing as it was sad in a way. I have no illusions, I know one day I'll wake up to find what was left of the human in my wife gone.
My eyebrow raises, a devilish smirk playing over my lips realizing she is more than welcoming my current train of thought. Hands resting on her hips while I gently guided her around. Her hands gripping the edge of the dresser, bracing herself. A moan escaping her as I run my hands down her back, thumbs rubbing in circular motions over the small of her back.
"You're so tense baby." I lean in, whispering against her ear. My thumbs switched for my palms now, trying to loosen the up the tightness.
"You have no idea." I watch in the mirror as my wife's eyes close, her breath hitching. My lips lingering on her shoulder as my hands move up her back. "You're amazing." She whispers, words that bring a smile to my face.
The complement sparing me on. Soft kisses being laced from the base of her neck down her shoulder and then back up. Coming to slowly tease the sweet spot in the crook of her neck with soft bites. Hands sliding up the tensed muscles of her stomach to find her breasts. Tip of my tongue drawing her earlobe between my lips. The moan she makes sending tremors beyond excitement through me, the muscles in my stomach tightening. With another moan escaping, she tries to turn around within my hold.
"No, no." I giggle, biting her shoulder.
"Now." She breathes out, eyes opening.
"What?" I stare at our reflection, we stumble a bit as she's no longer holding herself up. The dresser hitting the wall making a thud, but I can't seem to tear my eyes away from us. She reaches up, one hand grabbing the back of my neck as the other grabs my wrist, guiding my hand under her waistband.
"Now."
.
UNKNOWN—7:42 p.m.
(DANI'S POV)
.
"Well this sucks." He states the obvious, finally speaking after who knows how long. I watch as he struggles against the layers upon layers of duct tape wrapped around his wrists and ankles.
"And the award for stating the most obvious goes to-my brother." I trail off, letting my head fall back as I stare at him. "If I could, I would applaud."
"You don't always need to be a bitch Dani."
"And you don't always have to be so stupid, yet here we are."
"Would it kill you to be civil?"
"Civil? What are you mother?" Snort accompanying my eye roll. "Reality check Sean, you're a seventeen year old playboy, nothing more and nothing less."
He manages to flip me off, oh every so often he shows potential. Too bad it'll never amount to anything. He likes to pretend he's more than he is, something special. Guess all the pats on the head have convinced him he's more than what he is. See, I'm well aware what I am. Doesn't bother me one bit, why it bothers him on the other hand is most interesting.
I let my head fall back straight, eye focusing in on the light that's obviously been tampered with to be this bright. At first it stings-then it hurts-and then there is nothing. Funny thing about pain-it always dulls. You just have to be strong enough to deal with the initial rush.
"You know, at least I can get a date." He lets out after another several minutes of silence.
"I can get a date." I look back over at him, eyes slowly adjusting.
"Really?" He finally looks over at me. "Could have fooled me."
"Shut up." I snap, jerking at my restraints.
We fall back into silence, if I believed in God, I'd thank him.
I'm not sure why juvenile attempt at an insult irked me. It's was childish, stupid and simply false. I could get a date, I just didn't want one. We were supposed to be at this stupid thing for mother, not to show off our dates. For someone overly obsessed with her, he seemed to forget what tonight what about. Good. Maybe I'll get his pat on the head, not that I needed one.
I glance over at him, fucking hate dogs.
"Are you okay?" I'm not sure if it's the sound of the door or the voice that follows which pulls our attention to the door. "I'm really sorry about this."
"K-Kimberly?"
"Yeah." She nods hesitantly, as if my brother really needed confirmation. "I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay."
"No-I'm not okay." He shakes his head, sweat being shaken off. "I-I don't understand. What are you doing?"
"This isn't about you baby, and if I could, I would have left you out of it. I tried. I really did, but they said Dani wasn't going to be enough."
"Do you know what's going to happen to you if-."
"This is about mother, stupid." I snort. "She knows."
"Y-you want to stop the merging? That's what this is about? You could have talked to me. You could have talked to my mother. She's always thought of you as part of the family." Oh brother, please stop begging. It's so unbecoming.
"This isn't about the merging, not completely anyway."
"Our parents are gonna find us." His words stopping her just as she starts to pull the door shut, her head turning slightly to speak, but decides against it.
"I'd just like to point out," I turn back toward him. "I always told you she was an untrustworthy bitch."
Should have listened to me.
.
B/L-Loft-8:51 p.m.
(LAUREN'S POV)
.
Something is coming.
I sigh, staring into my own eyes. These three words finding a way slither into every unfocused thought. God what I wouldn't do to find a different tune to sing.
"You look amazing." Bo's words gentle. My eyes shifting to her reflection in the mirror, as she's lingering in the bathroom doorway once again. Her eyes dancing over my body, the dress of tonight's event more revealing than the last. Black, thin, sleek and strapless-never would I have thought this would be something I would wear-in public anyway.
"Thank you."
"Lauren," She pauses, forcing me to turn to face her. "You look amazing." This time I can't help returning her smile.
"Thank you." Now it was my turn to let my eyes dance over my wife's body. Sure, I would have preferred her in her leather pants, after all who wouldn't? The slacks she found herself in though were nothing to scoff at, hugging every little curve, and oh boy did she have so many. She's got on a matching shade of black, sheer, V-neck shirt that is cut way too low. "So do you." My eyes wandering back down to her thighs, walking over to her. "I don't suppose we have time for another round?"
"Mm, I wish."
"We could just not show," I offer, arms wrapping around her waist. "Stay here. Just you, me and our big, comfy bed. We can let our children run amuck, no one will even notice we're missing."
"Mm," Her lips curve into a smile, she leans in kissing my lips just long enough to tease me. "We have to go."
"Fine." I huff, watching her as she walks toward the door giving me no choice other than to follow.
"When we get back tonight though," She glances back at me, the devilish smirk I know so well fixed on her lips. "You're all mine."
"Awful presumptuous aren't you. What makes you think you're getting anything tonight?"
"You really think you can resist this?" She makes sure to poke her ass out as we reach the elevator.
"When you do that? Yes." I desperately try to keep from laughing as we slip in, a task I fail miserably at when she gives me these ridiculous puppy-dog eyes. "Oh stop that."
"Does that mean yes?"
"Maybe."
"Maybe? Really? I thought once I married you I wouldn't have to work for it. Seems like I'm working twice as hard now."
"You think it's hard now?" I smirk, looking over at her. "Keep this up and-."
"And what?" She challenges.
"And-" I find my entire train of thought derailed as her lips crash into mine, with surprising force. "You're a pain." I whimper, pulling away as the doors began to part. "Where are they?" My once playful tone quickly changing to annoyance as we make our way down the obscenely long corridor.
"Lauren, relax. I'm sure they'll be here."
"They are supposed to make the entrance with us."
"I know."
"I can't believe they are doing this after they promised. They promised, Bo."
"I know." She cups my cheek as we come to a stop in front of a pair of large, double doors. "I am sure that they just got tied up and will be here soon." Her words desperately trying to reassure me, her tone though doing little to hide her disappointment.
"Bo."
"Shh." She brushes a strand of hair behind my ear. "You need to focus on this and nothing else. Once we make our entrance, I'll find out where they are."
"Good and when you do let them know they are grounded." I let my eyes close, taking a calming breath. "Again." I snort, looking at the doors. The light seeping through the bottom, laughter and overzealous voices overflowing out into the hall. "When did we become this couple?"
"Which couple?"
"The annoyingly overly pretentious and uninteresting couple who dreads these things, yet continues to go to every single one?"
"Pretentious-maybe a bit at times." She laughs. "Uninteresting though? I don't know about that."
"No?"
"We just spent roughly ten of twenty-four hours having multiple, and I do mean multiple orgasms." Her lips curving into yet another smirk, hands moving onto my waist. "You are about to go in there and change the world. Not to mention our kids seem to find new and inventive ways to cause trouble. I hardly think that classifies as anywhere near boring."
"You always did have a way with words." A chuckle hushed on her lips. "Let's go." I nod, her hands slipping away from me as she goes to pull the door open.
The elegant dining hall pact wall to wall fell silent as we make our entrance. Nothing new. Each and every single one of them kneeling, heads tilted slightly to the left as bow. Oh how the world changes. I can't help sighing as I walk passed them, up onto the podium where a single long table is placed. The customary six seats facing the public. My eyes falling onto Kenzi and Iel at the far left end of the table-bowing to me as if they aren't family.
"Welcome all." I raise my hands for them to stand. "First and foremost I want to thank you for taking the time to be here. I hope the accommodations are adequate. I'm not one for public speaking as some of you know, so I will make this short so you all can get onto the real reason you're here. The food and complimentary liquor." Softly I clear my throat, a small wave of confidence creeping in as my joke earns a few laughs and even more smiles. "In the past fifteen years we've been able to completely overcome centuries of conflict between the Light and the Dark to where we now operate as one cohesive family."
"Family is a bit of a stretch isn't it?" I hear Kenzi whisper, my head tilting to my shoulder as I pause.
"The last step is to make full integration within not only Light and Dark, but with humanity as well. A notion I know many, including several here tonight share reservations about. Keep in mind though that this is the same fear, same reservation that was shared when my mother tried so many years ago. This is the same fear and reservation that was present when I implemented the beginning changes sixteen years ago. Now look around, the Fae species has not thrived this fruitfully in a millennium."
I glance around the room, smiles were easy to fake, but the head nods were often genuine. Mention thriving fruitfully to a room full of people who love money and watch how quickly they change their tune. Morals and convictions alike often falling wayside in a matter of seconds. Not sure why I went through all the formalities, should have just made a flow chart of all the money they stand to profit and I would have been done.
I glance toward the door, looking for my children. Instead I find Markus slipping in as quietly as possible, but by the way he whispers in the ear of another guard I know something is wrong.
"I want no misunderstandings here, I am not suggesting we out the existence of our kind to every human, but to bring trustworthy, useful people into the fold rather than using tactics of manipulation and intimidation. I am not speaking of no longer having human workers, but making them just that. Workers not slaves. I wish not to disturb the laws and traditions that we have held since the beginning of our time, but rather to further implement the laws and traditions that were in place when our kind was first joined in union." The rapid movement of Markus moving toward the stage grabbing my attention. "I of course look forward to hearing all of your thoughts, suggestions and concerns—tomorrow. Tonight, we feast!" I raises my hands up, polite smile and of course there is a roar of applause, but all I can focus on now is wondering why Markus is interrupting,
"My Queen." He tilts his head to the side, slightly bowing.
"Markus what is it?"
"I took the liberty of going to retrieve Sean and Dani, to make sure they were here in time for your big night-"
"Everything okay?" Bo interrupts, her hand on my lower back as she comes up beside me.
"I found the car they commandeered near The Black Orchid, but there was no sign of either of them."
"Commandeered a vehicle?" I'm unable to contain my angered chuckle. "Never mind, what exactly do you mean no sign? My son likes to make himself known wherever he goes."
"It's okay. I'm sure they're just-"
"Don't tell me it's okay Bo." I snap, pulling my arm away from her touch.
"I have three trackers out right now, but I need to know how you want to proceed."
"I don't want anyone knowing about this. Use my personal guard only and for the love of God, do it quietly."
"Ma'am." With another bow he scurries away. Several guards from around the room already hurrying after him as he snaps his fingers.
"You have the entire Fae species at your disposal and you want to send your own guard? What happens if you're attacked? What happens-."
"What happens when it's public knowledge our children are missing? If they are just out joyriding you don't think anyone would take the advantage to grab them? What happens if someone took them and they get spooked when the find out every Fae in North America is looking for them? Think Bo." I find myself storming out, I can feel Bo on my heels, but I can't turn around.
"My Queen."
"Ambassador Akapabio," I force the politest smile I can, my eyes shifting passed him to the door. So close. "So wonderful to see you, please enjoy yourself tonight." I nod, taking a step to pass him.
"I am, I am." He laughs. "Listen, I was quite oppose to this merging, humans having rights." He laughs again, and despite our current position we'll say, my hand goes to Bo's arm. It's subtle, but enough to pull her focus to me rather than him. "But thinking about it now, I think after hearing you speak I can get behind this."
"What's happening?" Kenzi interrupts, coming up beside me earning a disgusted look from the ambassador.
"Semi-human-thing." He does his best at forcing some type of respect for her.
"Ambassador with all due respect, we have more pressing issues to deal with than exactly how much you can weasel out of my family to get behind something that anyone with an ounce of morals would do willingly." Bo snaps, the sound of Kenzi chuckling from behind me. "Why don't we just call it a quarter million retainer, and then you can haggle for more when we have the time?"
"That-was interesting." Kenzi continues to laugh, watching the ambassador walk off somewhat dumbfounded. "Been a while since mama Bo was talking shit. Kick someone's ass and it's just like the old days." She applauds, much to Iel's displeasure. My attention shifting to him momentarily, I hadn't even realized he was standing behind her. "Very nice."
"Kenzi, we have to attend to something, handle this." I say, walking toward the door before she could even answer.
"Lauren." She calls for me once we've finally made it into the corridor.
"Not here."
"Look at me." She tries again after several more steps.
"I said not here." I snap, reaching the elevator.
I can hear her breathing, the way she hits the button when we enter giving me an idea of just how pissed she is. Actually the mere fact she spoke in what would be considered out of turn to the ambassador lets me know just how pissed she is. I keep counting to ten, but I can't seem to calm my own self, so how I can I try and calm her? My heart is pounding within my chest so hard it hurts, so hard if it were possible it would burst through. I run my hand through my hair, another round of counting to ten-and then twenty.
"What the hell was that down there?" Bo asks the second the confined space fills with that irritating ding. The door narrowly opening as I slip through. Not now Bo. Not now. "Lauren I'm talking to you."
"I heard you. I'm choosing to ignore you."
"Nothing new there."
"Excuse me?" I find myself spinning around so fast I almost lose my balance.
"You heard me." She mumbles, pushing passed me to go into the kitchen.
"Oh, so you're just going to start a fight and walk away? Very mature."
"Thanks." She rolls her eyes as she slams cabinet after cabinet. Eventually she finds what she was looking for, a wine glass accompanied by a bottle.
"No wonder we can't keep them under control." I scoff, shaking my head.
"What does that mean?" She barks, stomping down the steps.
"It means what it means."
"What?"
"It means that I trust you to discipline them. To do what you say when you tell me every single time, 'oh I got it babe. No need to worry babe. I'll take care of it babe.' I trust you to do what you say and obviously that is a lapse in my judgment."
"They are your children too!"
"You don't think I know that?!" I find my hand going over my mouth. Not only the volume, but the harshness in my tone surprising to even myself.
The loud dig of the elevator pulling our attention. I find myself holding my breath as the doors seem to open in slow motion. Everything in me hoping against hope to find our children stumbling out with those puppy-dog eyes that they've given a million times. Some elaborate excuse as to why they've broken another promise to us.
The doors open though, and it's only Markus.
He stands there, just a single step outside of the elevator. His hands folded in front of him, head down and I know right now he isn't Markus my friend. Right now he's Markus my bodyguard, my head of security.
"It's not good you heard something already, is it?" Bo asks, taking a seat on the couch.
"Ma'am." A single word accompanied with a simple shake of the head.
"Oh God." Words escaping me as I turn my back to him, the feeling of something warm and wet running down my cheeks. Blinking back the onslaught of tears desperately fighting to be free, my reflection in the window catches my attention.
This little voice in the back of my head, this voice that doesn't even sound like myself taunting me, 'I told you something was coming'.