Very sorry for the delay, life gets hectic sometimes, but I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Things are getting interesting. Also, thank you so much for the reviews, I appreciate the feedback. It often gives me things to think about in shaping my story, so please keep them coming. Thank you to my Beta, LadyRocks for letting me bounce around some ideas and pointing out new things to think about.

Chapter 7

Under a starry sky, they lie silently facing one another, each lost in thoughts of what they will say. The gauntlet had been thrown, and now comes the first real step in sorting through this mess that is Alex's past life. Sifting through her mind for any new developments that she has noticed, Alex is conflicted, unable to decide if she wants to bring up the feelings in the lab and the research she has been doing or just stick to visions. She desperately wants to solve this riddle that constantly makes her feel like some kind of crazy person. She is tired of always questioning her thoughts and motives, not even sure if what she is experiencing is real or a dream sometimes, because the dreams feel so unbelievably real. Gods knows this connection to Bo feels extremely real, so she opts to lay all of her cards on the table hoping it will finally lead to some answers that she desperately needs.

Alex abruptly pushes herself up to a seated position, to which Bo follows, assuming a similar posture. The woman's gaze drifts from Bo to the night sky. She inhales a deep, shaky breath while Bo waits patiently, being considerate of the obvious fact that Alex is still experiencing great emotional difficulty with her situation. Alex releases her breath in a harsh exhale before falling quiet once again.

"Let me lead by clarifying that I still have no idea what is going on or why I am experiencing these things. There have been a few changes and I have also been researching possible reasons for them, but I still have no real answers" she frowns, her irritation showing all over her face as she steels her jaw and continues "I hate not knowing. It's rare when I cannot figure something out and quite frankly it's extremely maddening to me. I never tell anyone this, but I am going to tell you because I hope that it somehow helps me" she turns her face back to Bo. The sincerity and heartbreak shown in her now glassy eyes make Bo's chest ache, wishing she could help "but, sometimes I feel like I am losing my mind, having these pictures in my head" she turns her eyes down in shame.

Bo is struck with a feeling of guilt for knowing the answer, but having been sworn to silence, her hands are tied. She has to figure out another way to help Alex resolve her problem. This is not about Lauren, this is about the amazing, beautiful, caring woman who thinks there is something wrong with her. Bo's heart drops seeing the distraught look on the woman's face and she swears that she can feel some of her emotional pain. Bo is beginning to realize that she really is falling for Alex herself and not the dream of Lauren. This sudden revelation only drives her desire to help even more.

"I know I said it before, but I don't want you to think that I am a crazy woman and run away. I am afraid to scare you, but Bo" her voice low and soft as she returns her sad blue eyes to the brunette's concerned brown ones "Even though you have consumed my thoughts for most of my life, I have only just met you, and already, I feel an intense connection to you and it frightens me. The only time I feel normal is when I am with you. It's as if I know you and the people in your life, like I have been there with them before and that just doesn't make any sense" Alex runs the palms of her hands down her face and rubs her temples.

Her nerves getting the better of her, she jumps up and with a furrowed brow and begins pacing and playing with her fingers. She really wishes she had her coat pockets to shove her hands into and bring her strength right now. Bo can see the woman retract into herself right before her eyes, her brain going into doctor mode as she assesses her situation. Bo knows that look. She has seen it a million times when her wife would lock herself down emotionally. Quickly getting to her feet, Bo stops Alex in her tracks by placing gentle hands comfortingly on the woman's shoulders, attempting to bring her back to the present.

"Look at me" Bo says softly, squeezing her shoulders slightly when the woman fails to respond. Repeating herself in a harsher but pleading tone, "Alexandra, please look at me."

Following a brief hesitation, recognition in the blue eyes finally returns, bringing a supportive smile to Bo's face. She softly runs her hands up and down the woman's arms. "As I have said before, I do not think you are crazy, nor do you scare me. Alex, I feel it too, like today in the lab. I felt drawn to the room you were in" she explains soothingly.

"Yes" Alex yells excitedly. "So, you really were there?" Her arms reach up to grasp Bo's, eyes dancing with enthusiasm as relief take over.

The brunette could see the wheels in her mind turning, anxious for explanations.

Bo couldn't suppress her grin, the feeling still stuck in her memory. "Yes, I was and I will be honest, it freaked me out when you looked through the one way glass right into my eyes."

"I didn't really know, I just felt an energy, a pull to look at that very spot and it felt warm and inviting and your face filled my mind and I couldn't help but smile" Alex blushes slightly, embarrassed at appearing so love struck.

"After I got over the shock, I felt warm too, so I focused on my feelings and tried to send it to you" Bo's shy expression giving notice that she too is experiencing the same reaction to Alex as the woman is to her.

Alex feels the slow welling of warmth in her chest once again, subconsciously placing her hand over her heart "I could feel your emotions. My senses were flooded with everything you. It was completely overwhelming, yet I have never felt such warmth and devotion in my life. You are amazing Bo! You truly are like no other Fae that has ever existed" she looks on in amazement and pulls Bo into her "I have only found one explanation for that in literature, but we are not mated, so you must have extra abilities" she theorized, in awe of the beautiful creature she is holding in her arms.

Bo looks away, knowing that she and Lauren had never completed the mating, but her succubus had taken ownership anyway, inexplicably giving them many of the same traits as a mate. They were able to sense one another and know what the other was feeling.

Alex clears her throat, seemingly embarrassed about the question she is about to ask.

"What" Bo wonders aloud, attempting to figure out the woman's change in demeanor "What are you thinking?"

"Is that how you really feel…about me?" Alex asks, disbelief written all over the moonlit features of her face.

Bo pulls her in tighter, holding her gaze with a look that speaks of her sinceity "Since I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were special. I felt a connection that made me feel whole. I wanted you in my life" She presses her lips gently to Alex's, sliding her fingers through wavy dark tresses as they share a few soft innocent kisses before pulling back. Since they met, it has been hard for either woman to keep their hands to themselves, always seemingly searching for an opportunity to be close and it has only grown with each meeting.

Alex's heart overflows from Bo's confession. She is having a hard time wrapping her mind around what she is hearing. Separating her heart and mind has always been her forte, though this time, it's like she never even had a chance to put up the wall, like an update to the hard drive of her mind, Bo moved right in, becoming a part of her programming as if she had been there all along.

Having Bo in her arms only makes it harder to talk about her visions of the doctor. It feels so wrong to hold someone and speak intimately of their past spouse. She knows that this is a bridge they have to cross, and feeling Bo's strength is only helping her reveal her secret.

"Sometimes it's like I have her thoughts. Something comes out of my mouth that I don't even comprehend. Even my visions feel more real now. I have feelings for people in them that I have not met, and Dr. Lewis is in the center of nearly everyone. Now they seem to span a greater time period. Occasionally I see her in other places, like a desert wearing a uniform, in a dungeon or in school with short hair" she shakes her head at her inability to make sense of it all.

"The one's where you are both in them are extremely powerful. It's as if I feel all of her emotions. In the beginning, the visions were mostly sad and now they are happier ones. I will tell you, Bo, that I saw her last breath" she looks deep into Bo's eyes "Amongst her heartbreak of leaving you, she felt so happy and proud and relieved. She loved you beyond measure."

Bo releases her hold to wipe some tears away.

"I know that it is still very raw emotionally for you. I am sure it always will be, but I had to let you know. Just know that you can talk to me if you want. I can feel how draining it is on your energy, Bo." Alex tries to maneuver the brunette in order to see into her eyes, but Bo averts her efforts.

"You know what I think?" her voice cracking slightly, eyes still hidden. Bo knows she can't tell her the truth, but she has another idea to help relieve the woman of some pain and frustration and while it is not completely accurate, there is a lot of truth to it.

"What" Alex asks with genuine intrigue, as the brunette is obviously struggling with whatever is on her mind.

With lips and voice trembling, Bo struggles to hold it together, moving a few feet away as she shares her thought. "Lauren may be using you to tell me that it's okay to move on. We will always love one another, but she wants me to be happy. Earlier there was heartbreak because that is all I felt until you. You are a powerful healer, Alex. Maybe you have it in you that she could connect with you, knowing one day we would meet and you would help me heal emotionally, to let me know she is always here and wants me to be happy" Bo breaks down crying on her knees.

Alex runs and wraps her arms around Bo, rocking her and comforting her. Crying herself at such a beautiful idea. She would love if that was the reason she had these dreams and thoughts, but how and what does she have to do to get rid of them? She continues to hold the Queen in her warm embrace for several minutes, stroking her hair softly until she finally calms down.

"I'm...I'm so...sorry" Bo sniffles

"Really, there is no need to apologize, Bo. I understand and I love that sentiment you expressed. I hope that it is true. I would like nothing better than to take away your pain." she places soft kisses on the brunette's head.

Bo begins to unravel, collecting herself and ready to continue the conversation. Alex runs over to grab some tissues while Bo repositions herself on the blanket and clears her throat. Her voice raspy from sobbing "So, I guess it's my turn" she forces a smile, not really sure what she wants to say or if she can even get it out.

"I'm not sure what you want to know, so I will start from the beginning" she pulls her knees into her chest and wraps her arms around comfortably. Her eyes drift up, recalling another time in her life "Lauren and I met when I didn't even know that I was Fae. I thought I was a killer. She was a human slave to the Light Fae but the best doctor around. I loved her from the second I saw her" the memory forces her to close her eyes and pause for a second, a sad smile crosses her lips before continuing "She was highly intelligent and skilled in genetics, biochemistry, diagnosis and hands on skills. She was also like a Fae encyclopedia" she laughs lightly, recalling how many times the doctor fell asleep with her head in some dusty old Fae text.

"She truly was insatiably curious. She did have short hair in school and when she worked undercover to bring down unethical medical labs. She even risked everything to help me behind the Ash's back, including a trip to the dungeon for insubordination, and in time, she became a trusted part of our gang. She was the reason we defeated the Garuda. Over time, I learned about her serving in military as a doctor and other great "save the world" type of adventures she had. She could always surprise me. There wasn't much she couldn't find a fix for" sadness overtakes her, remembering how Lauren was convinced her biggest failure was not finding a cure for her humanity.

"We were on and off again, never being able to deny the attraction but sometimes having a hard time overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles and our own inadequacies " she muses "until we finally accepted what we were and how we were meant to be. We almost lost it all when she ran, unknowingly working for the man that tried to turn humans to Fae. She was on the most wanted list even though she was the one that ended up saving us." Alex remains silent, watching Bo's expressions change and absorbing all of the details.

"Through it all, she was always the one that could get through to me. She is one of the main reasons why I have achieved all that I have. Kenzi, my human best friend, is the other. She used to call Lauren "Hotpants" but that is another story" Bo laughed at the recollection.

"They are the reason I never became dark and instead freed humans and united Fae. But Lauren was quietly passionate and coldly resolved. She was unbelievable and I was so lucky to have her. I know she always said she couldn't believe that a beautiful, highly evolved being such as myself would love her, but I could never figure out why she had a hard time accepting that I was the one that couldn't believe that such a beautiful, smart, peaceful woman like her would love a monster like me. She was the one that finally made me accept myself and the succubus within and believe that I could be better and not what everyone thought I would be" Bo closes her eyes as she finishes with a sad smile while a single tear rolls down her cheek.

Alex soaked up every word like a sponge, eyes fixed as if Bo was telling her a bed time story of heroes past.

"I see so much of her in you" Bo adds softly. Her face still showing the pain that remains from love lost. "Traveling the world in search of helping others. A brilliant, beautiful doctor, loyal to those she holds dear and possessing an insatiably curiosity and a desire to help the world" her lips curl up slightly, almost forcing a smile.

Alex puts a little distance between her and Bo, her energy suddenly evaporating. Bo is taken aback by the sudden change, unsure of what triggered the switch.

"Bo, I'm not Lauren" hurt filled eyes break Bo's heart. She didn't even think about making the comparison. She thought it more of a compliment, but it obviously didn't come across that way to the other woman. Overcome with shame and embarrassment, she reaches out for Alex, only to grab at the air as the woman steps away quickly.

"I...I know that Alex. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way."

"I hope you don't just have feelings for me because of the similarities" suddenly feeling insecure and hurt. "I refuse to be a replacement, Bo, I.."

For the first time Bo has realized that she will never really have the blonde doctor back, but the essence of what made her special. The thing that makes them soul mates is here, right here in front of her. She will never be Lauren again, she will never be any of the lives that they had together again, but she is the embodiment of what makes this soul so special to her. The reason they always reunite time and again, because they complete one another. They are meant to be and they will always have that connection regardless of lifetime, looks, profession or favorite meal, they always have that deep undying love for one another.

Bo cuts her off "Absolutely not, Alex!" her tone is firm and definitive. "I have feelings for you because the moment I laid eyes on you, you are the first person since Lauren that made me feel…anything at all. I never even wanted to move on until I met you. There was an instant connection. Before I even knew a thing about you, I felt like I knew you and that you belonged in my life somehow. I can't explain it, but even my succubus recognizes it."

Looking into blue eyes, she softens, showing the honesty in her brown eyes and hoping the woman can hear it in her words. "I am so sorry if I made you feel like a replacement, like I am using you to recreate another person." She wipes a tear away and moves in closer, her voice almost pleading "You have to understand that I will always love my wife. Anyone I meet will always be compared to her to some degree and I know that is unfair, but it is true. What is also true, is that I do believe that I can love again, for the first time in over a century, because of you, Alexandra. Those qualities I named, they are not something to be ashamed of, they are what make you so wonderful and you should be proud, because I know I am and your family is, too. And this connection we share? Whatever the reason, I am so thankful that you finally found me, because I was a shell of myself, missing that other half that makes life worth living. We will figure this out together because I already know that I never want to let you go."

Relieved and touched, but still apprehensive, Alex can't help but question Bo's true intentions toward her, though it is difficult to ignore the obvious bond that has formed between them in such a short period of time. "In all these years since she passed, you haven't felt that with anyone at all" disbelief filtering through her words, her blue eyes darting around uncomfortably.

Shaking her head no Bo added "As Queen I have met thousands of people since then, and as a succubus, I have pulled Chi from countless numbers of others and I have never once felt any kind of emotion. It was resigned that she was my one and I would just have to deal with it for the rest of my life. I was one of the reasons my grandfather and good friends tried to keep me from falling for her. Probably even one of the reasons she resisted us for a while. They knew, she knew, but I didn't understand. You know what, though? I would do it all over again" she smiled sadly.

Alex takes Bo's hands into her own and looks upon her with understanding eyes. "Thank you, Bo, for sharing that with me. I know it wasn't easy. Lauren sounds wonderful. I hope you take comfort knowing that she is always with you. The one's we love are always part of us" she raises Bo's hands to her lips and kisses them before giving them a comforting squeeze. Despite her own unsettled emotions from the evening, she does recognize how tough it was for the Queen to revisit such intimate memories. However happy the thoughts are, there is always sadness laced in when it involves loved ones lost.

The evening is wearing on, and it is soon time for them to head back to the house. Trying to lighten the mood, Alex makes a suggestion. "I know, how about we enjoy a few more minutes of this beautiful evening under the stars before we head back to the house?"

The woman's endearing smile helps lift a weight from Bo's chest. "That sounds nice" Bo smiles softly, agreeing with the idea. A little time to gather her thoughts is just what she needs right now. The added benefit of doing it with Alex by her side on this picturesque hill? Well…it almost feels like a scene from some romantic comedy she used to watch with Kenzi.

They lie back down wrapped in a comfortable, warm embrace sharing nothing but their warmth and a serene silence that only night can provide.

Pulling up to the house Alex sees that her mother did indeed make it back home. As much as she would like for them to meet, she tries to be respectful of the emotional exhaustion they both feel. "Bo, do you feel up to meeting my mother? If not, I am sure she won't mind doing it again sometime."

"It's okay. I would love to meet her."

Bo looks down to see Alex intertwine their fingers together and lead her toward the house. The gesture warms her soul and causes her to smile.

As they walk through the house, Bo can't help but enjoy the warm, homey feel to the place. You can tell they have a long history with some of the family portraits, and antiques adorning the walls.

"Hello mother, I'd like to introduce you to Queen Ysabeau. This is my mother, Gabrielle O'Brien." Alex presents the brunette with a cheeky grin and a sparkle in her eye, obviously proud to be with her.

Her mother tries to get up and pay her respects to the Queen, but Bo waves her off.

"Please, you don't have to. I am a guest in your home. Mrs. O'Brien, it is a pleasure to meet you." Bo offers her hand in greeting, displaying her usual brilliant smile.

Sharing the greeting Mrs. O'Brien motions to the sofa. "Welcome to our home. I am pleased to have you. Did you two have a nice evening?"

Bo continues to smile as she looks to Alex, "Yes, we did. That sunset on the hill was breathtaking" she said quirking a brow, noticing how it caused Alex to flush. The word triggering her memory only makes Bo smile bigger.

The energy between them is palpable. Mother takes notice of how happy and relaxed they are together, in turn making her feel happy for her daughter, even if she is still a bit suspicious of the Queen and this whole idea of soul mates.

Keeping polite small talk, the older woman states rather than asks, "I trust politics and business are all going smoothly my Queen."

"Indeed they are. After all these years of hard work and sacrifice by so many, things are finally settling in and both sides seem to be in harmony, as it should be." Keeping with the formalities of the conversation, Bo keeps her posture tight and maintains a look of satisfaction, obviously proud of all that has been accomplished.

"Thanks to you" mother added, expertly hiding the fact that she is observing every little detail of the Queen's tone, mood and body language. She has spent several hundred years dealing with politicians and negotiators, so she was quite adept in reading people.

"No, thanks to everyone who was willing to change. I was fortunate to have the voice of influence, but it has been a long struggle to change ideas and minds and see a better way for us all."

Mother nodded, impressed by the humility.

"So what do you have planned next?" her curiosity peaking.

"Next? Well…" she takes a deep breath in "when we complete the medical facility staff and get it fully functioning, I may finally take some time for me. Now that I have a reason to." Her eyes drift to Alex, who is busy studying her mother's behavior.

Her daughter knows all too well what her mother is doing right now. She has never enjoyed having friends or lovers over, knowing that she would be looking for that one thing…that one moment she found something she did not approve of.

"That sounds like a nice idea. You really haven't had a rest since you discovered your abilities have you?" Mrs. O'Brien relaxes back in her seat, deciding it was time for a few minutes of one on one time with this 'Bo'.

"It has been one adventure after another I am afraid" Bo confirms stoically, not letting the woman get a gauge on her.

Bo echoed the woman's posture, settling back into her seat and staying aloof. Feeling a change in the energy, Bo is no stranger to the way things work with many of the higher, more powerful families. She is well aware of Mrs. O'Brien's intentions tonight, not that she can blame her. Regardless of how long she is queen or how many success she has, she will always be the unaligned succubus to many who knew of her then. Sometimes it bothers her, but she has long since ignored opinions of outsiders. Now she lets her actions speak for her.

"Alex, dear, would you please refill my glass? I would very much appreciate it" she smiles lovingly at her daughter.

Reluctantly, Alex takes the glass to fulfill her mother's request, but not before giving her the "mother please don't" expression. She turns to look one last time before finally exiting the room, leaving the two women alone.

"I trust you will take good care of my daughter, my Queen"

Bo nods, "If it's alright with her, that's my plan, and Mrs. O'Brien, I am in your home unofficially, so please call me Ysabeau"

"As you wish, Ysabeau. I am sure that you can understand that as a mother I am weary of anyone interested in my daughter. She is smart, beautiful and sometimes I fear, vulnerable due to her good hearted nature. I will not let anyone take advantage of her and I keep an eye on anyone courting her, regardless of their title" mother narrowed her eyes.

Bo holds her glare with ease and confidence, not backing down and not responding in aggression, one more thing she has learned over the years.

"I would expect nothing less from a concerned, loving parent. I know that actions speak louder than words, and I intend to prove to you that my intentions toward Alex are honorable. I feel a deep connection with her that I have not had since…well, let's just say, she is already very special to me, and I will do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy." Bo knows that her mother is aware that her daughter was once Lauren Lewis. She is also pretty sure that Mrs. O'Brien has no idea that Bo also has that knowledge.

Alex returns quickly with the beverage as requested and looks between the two women questioningly, since they are smiling as if they have been chatting about the weather.

"Thank you my dear. Well then, I will let you two enjoy the rest of your evening. Ysabeau, it has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You are welcome here anytime." signaling that their time together is over.

"Thank you. The pleasure has been all mine" Bo returns graciously

Mother nods to Alex goodnight. Escorting Bo from the room, Alex looks back at her mother suspiciously as the two walk back to her house.

"I hope she wasn't harsh with you. Mother can be a handful." Alex's tone was apologetic.

Bo dismisses her fear immediately. "Not at all. She is protective of you, as she should be. I suspected that her intentions were to size me up the moment you mentioned her desire to meet me."

"Would you like a nightcap" Alex offers, the remaining anxiety slowly dissipating and once again hoping to get every possible extra minute with the brunette.

Bo does but doesn't want to ruin a beautiful date with things getting out of hand again. They both spent their emotions tonight and its best for them, mostly Alex, to process some more before going any further. All that aside, she really finds it difficult to leave her side.

"Maybe we could just sit on that porch swing of yours" she suggests with hopeful eyes and a sexy smirk.

Alex can't bring herself to say no, nor did she have any intentions of doing so. Enjoying one another's company, they engage in some easy conversation and a few more stories from their past. Bo finds it interesting that the woman enjoys classic movies and her favorite actress is Meryl Streep. She even sang in a rock band in her teen years. Alex is fascinated by the evolution of Bo, and intrigued by this "Kenzi" character. Not to metion the origin of Lauren's nickname.

"So…Hotpants, huh? Care to explain? I'd really like to hear that one" she grins, bright blue eyes sparkling.

Laughing heartily, Bo remembers Kenzi having so many nicknames for people and things. It really was amazing that she understood what the girl said half of the time, but they had a bond.

"Kenzi was like the sister I never had. She was my best friend, and always looked out for me. She was also raised on the streets and had a language of her own. She had nicknames for everyone. She would call me "Bo-Bo", "Bobalicious" and so on. Anyway, Lauren was a beautiful woman, with a great body. She could really fill out a pair of jeans. That and the fact that I was always a hot mess when she was around, Kenzi called her Hotpants."

Enjoying the story and the look of happiness on Bo's face upon recalling the antics of her human friend, Alex can't resist her giggle. "Bobalicious. I like that. I definitely want to hear more of those stories sometime, but right now, I really want you to tell me…how I look in my jeans?" Her tone is timid, but her actions are daring, as she stands and models for Bo, soaking in the brunette's look of desire.

Bo bites her lip, her eyes shamelessly raking up and down the long, toned form of her date, "Well I learned recently that it's not good date conversation to compare your current companion with an old flame, but…I'd say Lauren has some very stiff competition. You really are exquisite, Alexandra."

Bo's eyes darken with want. She grabs Alex's hand and pulls her back to the swing, a yelp escaping as she falls onto her lap.

Lightly wrapping her arms around Alex's back, Bo presses their foreheads together and gazes into brilliant blue eyes. "I want you to know that I will be by your side until we figure this out, if you will let me. I really want to give us a real shot, be together" the words similar to what Bo had said to her wife so long ago.

Something resonates deep within the dark haired woman. Those words echoing in her mind, a sort of déjà vu, resulting in a tug at her heart.

Bo looks down into warm pools of blue drawing her in closer as soft lips meet in a loving embrace and they slowly move together, bringing hands up to cup faces and wrap fingers in hair. Both content to bask in the feel and taste of the other rather than partake in a passionate frenzy. Light nips, feather light brushes and velvety tongues cap off the night before Bo bids her adieu.

XXX

Thanks Athena64 for the spelling correction. I love it when you guys keep me honest :)