Chapter Ten: Family Matters
June Twenty-Third-12:03 a.m.
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"You look-"
"Kind of like a drowned rat?" My eyebrow raising as I linger in the doorway of the bathroom. Pruned hands idly using the towel to dry my hair.
"I was going to say beautiful."
"No you weren't," I chuckle a little to myself, tossing the towel on the desk. "But you definitely get points for effort."
"That's something I guess." Smiling, she picks up the remote beside her to turn off the television. "How are you feeling?"
"Well, I think I finally got the smell of nature out of my hair along with the layers upon layers of mud."
"Well, that's very-good." Chuckling she looks away, placing the remote on the nightstand. "That wasn't what I mean though."
"I know." I nod, a slight sigh escaping as I linger back near the desk. "I'm good."
"Lauren."
"I'm tense. I'm really, really tense. I feel like my heart is going to pound right through my chest. Bugs crawling under my skin. Head pounding as well. It's pretty-"
"Intense?"
"Exactly."
"Do you want to go for a run?"
"I hate running."
"Kate sent me-"
"I don't know how I feel about this new line of communication happening."
"As I was saying," Her brow furrows, trying to appear more serious than she really is. Trying to appear more playful than concerned. "She sent me a short list of activities that could help. Running works. We can run together."
"You hate running."
"I do, but it could be something we do together. You know, couple activities."
"Couple activities?"
"Yeah, I read they strengthen a marriage. Well the bond which ends up strengthening the marriage."
"Where would you read something like that?" I can't help but to laugh, folding my arms over my chest. "Last time I checked playboy didn't have that in depth of articles."
"I only-that was one time." She laughs, but the genuine tone slowly gets outweighed by this sort of nervousness. "I read it in a couples' book."
"W—what's that?"
"Lauren." She sighs, sitting up straight. For a minute she just stares at me, running her hands through her hair. "Come on, let's go to bed. For the first time in so long you can go to sleep and wake up in our bed, with me."
"Sure," I nod, right hand rubbing over my eyes. "Just tell me what you meant first."
"Let's not tonight babe."
"No, let's."
"Fine, you really wanna know?"
"I do, yes."
"I've been reading couples' help books—they're like self-help—"
"I know what they are Bo."
"It's started off as something stupid, searching for an article online which turned into me getting a book, and then another."
"Why?"
"Because you know-it gets lonely here too Lauren. Between the kids, and work, and these changes-I was looking toward our future. I wanted to be prepared when things began to level out. I wanted to know how to handle my jealousy over Kate and my guilt over Liam. I wanted-I just wanted something to focus on."
"Bo, our problems are because I turn into a big beast every night. Prior to this we were fine."
"Were we?"
"Well I would have said yes ten seconds ago, but by your tone I am guessing the correct answer is no?"
"There's no correct answer. I just, I mean honestly Lauren, can you stand there and tell me that you thought things before the change were perfect between us?"
"Right, because to you Bo it's either perfect or shit. There is no middle ground, there can never be a middle ground with you."
"That isn't true."
"But it is. I thank God that this time there was a problem you needed to focus on fixing otherwise who knows what would have happened."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"It means-" I stop myself, taking a deep breath. The feel of every single muscle from my fingertips to my shoulders beginning to tense. "It means that no, in the months leading up to my current predicament we were not perfect."
"Thank you."
"Thank you?"
"Yes, in the book it says it's very important to recognize when your partner takes a step in admitting something that might be difficult to admit aloud."
"Who are you?" I can't help but to make a face, fists starting to clench and unclench. It's not necessarily anger focused at her, though honestly it's not like I'm thrilled with her at the moment. "The point I'm trying to make, self-help aside is that there are more options other than perfect or absolute shit."
"I'm aware, but with us there really isn't. Those times when we aren't perfect is when we are falling back into old patterns. We stop communicating, then we start with lies of omission which turn into bigger lies and bigger ones. Then we stop talking other than to lie to one another."
"That is not-it's just that-what?"
"I'm sorry, I should have told you. It's just that I needed something to focus on and truth be told we really need to apply some of these steps better."
"Apply. Steps. Better." I nod again, taking a series of deep breaths. "Dare I ask what steps?"
"No, not when you're mocking me."
"I'm not mocking you Bo, I am-trying to control my upset with this current situation while ALSO trying to control this beast inside of me who is seemingly trying to claw it's way free. This level of sincerity I have right now is the best I can manage."
"Appreciation. Acceptance of each other's feelings. Togetherness. Physical intimacy. Accepting one another's different values. Being grateful for character differences. An equal partnership."
"I'm sorry, exactly how many of these books have you read?"
"Three books, roughly thirty or so online articles." She throws the comforter off of herself. "I'm not saying we need to go to therapy or anything. I am just saying that while I was here, alone every night for three months I was putting my time to good use."
"Okay. Well Bo, my beautiful, loving, and currently infuriating wife. I do appreciate you, we just had sex a few days ago. I have always respected your values and how you wanted to raise our children. I also have always loved the things about you that make you, you. I am sorry that this has been hard, but I think you're looking for issues that aren't there."
"I think you're refusing to acknowledge that there are issues."
"Okay Bo, what issue. What issue is there between us that hasn't occurred because of the change?"
"What about the fact that you told our children they couldn't go to church?"
"What? I-"
"You made a decision without me."
"It was a stupid idea they had. They wanted to do it because they're friend is on this holy kick."
"Right, but one, our children are over eighteen not to mention if you plan on making an executive decision like that shouldn't I be included?"
"Fine, you're right. I was wrong there." I sigh, beginning to pace at the bottom of the bed.
"What about the fact that you knew about Cole and Adian?"
"Seriously with that one Bo? I walked in on them, I wasn't told. Also, that is not my place to tell. You know that I am right. I couldn't just out our son. He needed to be ready."
"It's not so much about being right or wrong Lauren, it's about pointing out that our communication has broken down."
"So it's all my fault then?"
"No, that isn't what I'm saying."
"Good, because I can easily think of some things that you've been keeping from me as well." I force myself to stop pacing. Leaning against the dresser, now staring at her head-on.
"Oh really?"
"Mm-hm."
"Well do you care to share, or?" Her arms going over her chest, this scowl beginning to emerge.
"Why don't you tell me what you wanted to the other night?"
"Are you sure you want to have this discussion now?"
"Now is as good of time as any isn't it?"
"I just meant that-well being that—"
"You want to wait until I have better control?" My eyebrow raising, a scoff escaping. "Because honestly, that could be quite a while."
"Okay." She nods, giving me this sigh. Reaching up she begins pulling her hair into a ponytail, using the thin band she had wrapped around her wrist to tie it. "Okay." Repeating herself, she moves down the bed until she's still on the edge, feet on the floor now. "The day that you left with Kate, I told you that I had been doing a serious amount of thinking. I had remembered things about that day, particularly about my incident with Liam."
"Liam." I can't help but to snort at the mention of his name.
"I started to wonder if maybe there was more to my incident than poor decision."
"More?"
"I can't help but to wonder what he is."
"You know what he is."
"Yes, but I mean REALLY what he is. Why his chi had such an effect on me. Why I wasn't able to resist his ability. I haven't come into contact with a lot of succubi or incubi in the past, but those I have come into contact with—they've had little to no effect on me."
"Why now?"
"Because Kate being back in the picture forced me to think, and I mean really think about that day. I remembered so much that I had forgotten. It wasn't even like forgetting so much as blocking it out. The most disturbing part though is the-appeal the memory of his chi has on me."
"Appeal?"
"It's difficult to describe." Swallowing hard, her head tilts down. "Not just because I can't seem to articulate it, but I don't want to upset you."
"I'm a big girl."
"It's like this draw, a sort of rush at the thought."
"Oh." This time it's me who looks down at the floor.
"I need to understand it. I tried to get Noah, some of the other lab workers to run blood tests. They wouldn't. Not without your permission."
"Bo, honestly. It's been ten years. I'm not even sure effects of chi would show up in bloodstream, let alone after ten years? It's-"
"Farfetched?" She snorts a chuckle. "I'm aware, but I need answers. There's something else I need to come clean about too."
"More?" I don't intend to, but none the less I scoff.
"I've been looking for him."
"You're joking." I look up, eyes narrow. "Of course you're not."
"It hasn't gone anywhere, he's like a ghost."
"Okay." I nod, deciding I've delved far enough into the issue of Liam for the moment. The racing of my heart only affirming it. "That isn't all that's been going on with you. Couples' help and Liam is recent. What about before?"
"Before?"
"Yes Bo, before. The reason you've pulled away from work. The reason you've been vanishing during lunch times. The reason YOU'VE been distant as of late."
"Oh."
"Yes, oh. I've been terrified of asking you, terrified that you'd say it was me. Tell me that you were unhappy and wanted to be free from me and all of my-drama. I can see now, it's not."
"Nothing," She stands up, taking a step and a half forward. It's just enough that she's able to reach out and hold my hands in her own. "NOTHING could ever make me tired of you."
"If you aren't leaving, and you aren't cheating tell me what it is."
"Don't-don't make me do this."
"Do what?"
"Tell you. Don't make me do this, because if you ask me then I'll tell you." She looks into my eyes, trying to tighten her jaw. She's trying to seem like she isn't an inch away from breaking.
"I need to know."
"There's this girl-"
"So there is someone else." I try and pull my hands away, this rush of heat running through me.
"She is sixteen. A human runaway from France. She got into some trouble, running drugs to survive. She didn't know the gang though was a group of Dark Fae. I stumbled upon her and I've been trying to help her. These Dark Fae have followed her all the way from there-what else could I do?"
"You—that's what you've been scared to tell me? You've been helping a child?"
"No, I mean yes. It's that, I hate it here Lauren. I want so badly to leave. Go back to Canada or the States, anywhere really. I hate what this place has done to us all. I hate that everything here feels like we're playing some role in bringing about the Prince of Darkness. I hate Geni-Tech and everything they stand for. I am tired of saving people that they deem worthy. Do you know I saved a human trafficker last month? That's what THEY deem as worthy."
"Bo."
"I've been able to deal with it, but when I stubbed upon Angelina, I just couldn't turn away. She reminded me so much of myself at that age. I just kept looking at her and thinking what would have happened if I had just one person looking out for me."
"How did you even come across her?"
"On an assignment from Geni-Tech. They sent me out to actually help the sick pricks that were going after her. I got there late, I guess they didn't know I was coming because when I got there-they were going to rape her and I-"
"Did the right thing." I smile softly, giving her hands a squeeze. "You did the right thing babe."
"I've just wanted to help someone. Really help someone who actually deserves it, like back in the old days."
"How could you ever think I would be mad about this?"
"Because you're happy here. You're adjusted and have been preoccupied with this change and-"
"Baby," I pull my hands from hers finally, only to bring them to her face. "One of the reasons I fell in love with you, one of the things that keep me falling in love with you, is your heart. Your big, beautiful heart. Asking you to ignore that is like asking you to stop breathing."
"Yeah?" She asks in this hopeful soft-spoken tone of her voice. Her eyes glassing over as she tilts her head forward into my embrace.
"Absolutely."
"You know, I kind of feel stupid now. Saying it all aloud." She chuckles, blinking back tears. I can't help but to lean in, a gentle kiss placed to her lips. "It seems silly."
"No, it's not. I know this has been difficult on us, and I am so sorry for that."
"You don't need to apologize, it's not your fault."
"Maybe." My hands fall to her shoulders. "I'm really trying now Bo, I really am."
"I know that baby, I know."
"Do you?"
"Of course."
"I just, after everything you said tonight I don't want you thinking that I'm not."
"I love you and no matter what, we will make it through this together."
"Yeah?" I smile, leaning in and kissing her neck. "Together."
"Always." Her arms wrap around my waist, fingers slipping underneath the hem of my pajama pants.
"You know something I'm sure Kate left off the list of approved tension releasing activities?" My lips lingering on her neck.
"Um, nope. Nothing is coming to mind."
"Really?" I try to sound offended, slipping my thigh in between hers.
"I'm really trying here, but I can't seem to—" Her words lost as I bring my lips to hers.
Whether it be her or myself who starts it, we end up in the same place. A kiss so feverish that I don't even realize we've moved until I find us falling onto the bed. My toes digging into the floor, hands gripping the comforter on either side of her shoulders. Her legs wrapping around my waist so quickly, so tightly you'd think she was trying to hurt me. She tears her mouth from mine. Feverish kisses down my jaw and neck until she finds a spot she favors. A moan escapes filling the room, her hips starting to rock against me.
"Bo." I call her name, eyes opening.
Something is wrong.
Her hands grip my shoulder blades so tight. Her lips moving across my throat to the opposite side. The sound of her labored breaths only matched by the sound of her heart.
I can feel my legs starting the tremble. My hands gripping the sheets tighter as the muscles in my arms beginning to contract.
Something is wrong.
I reach behind myself, gripping her thigh as I try and push her leg off of me. She only laughs against my skin, biting my collarbone. I find myself jerking my head back, knees digging into the ledge of the bed as I use both hands to unpeel her legs from around me.
She's already siting up, hands on my hips pulling me to her. Playful bites across my stomach over the fabric of my shirt. My own trembling hands going to her shoulders.
Maybe if I just count to ten.
One…two…three…four…..
She pulls at the waistband of my pants with her teeth, a playful growl coming from her as she does. Her hands dropping to the backs of my thighs.
…..Five…..six…seven…..
She's nipping down my pelvic bone. The top of my thigh.
…..eight…..nine….ten…..no….something is wrong.
"Bo, stop."
"Nu-uh." She laughs, mouth jumping back up to my stomach.
"Bo, I'm serious."
"So am I." Another laugh, mouth just underneath my breast now.
"Enough!" I find myself not saying it, not even just yelling it, but growling it. Shoving her back while stepping backward as I do. For a second she looks at me shocked, then she afraid. I'm just not sure if she's afraid OF me or FOR me.
I can feel my entire body trembling, chest beginning to feel as though it's caving in on me. It's none of that which has caused her current look though. I don't even think it was so much as my little growl which was quite interesting. I think it's the fact my eyes have transitioned. It's been so long since they have-when I wasn't changing of course.
I just stand here as she watches me.
She doesn't want to, but I know she's already thinking what she'll have to do if I lose control.
It feels literally as if an eternity passes while we just stare at one another. It's only one solid minute though. I know for a fact considering I can see the clock on my nightstand.
Slowly I begin to feel the trembling in my legs come to steady. My eyes transitioning back to normal, the world no longer in this sort of golden glow.
"Lauren-"
"I'm so sorry. I'm really, really sorry." The shame and guilt undoubtedly in my voice only amplified when I notice the stream of blood trickling down her arm. I hadn't even realized how hard I had been grabbing her. "Oh, God."
"Lauren it's okay." She stands, but I find myself backing away.
"No, I should have-I shouldn't have come home so soon."
"Baby, don't say that."
"You're right, I'm sorry." I shake my head, looking away as tears slip down my cheeks. "I think I'm actually going to go for that run."
"Let me come with you."
"No. Just-please." I hold my hand up, still refusing to meet her gaze. "I love you, I just need to take a minute." I don't give her the opportunity to say anything else, already at the door before I finish my sentence. Pulling the door open, full intention to bolt from it, yet I find myself frozen. I want to look back at her, but all I can manage is looking back at the corner of the bed. "I'm really sorry Bo."
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Boston, Massachusetts—11:23 a.m.
(ETHAN'S POV)
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"Have I told you lately how gorgeous you are?"
"You're eyes aren't even open." She gives me that half asleep, breathless giggle she does. I can't help the wide smile taking over my face. Her hand resting on my chest, without fabric of a shirt her nails tickling me. I don't mind.
"They don't need to be, I know what you look like my love."
"You know, I think you may have gotten the smoothness in your family." Another little giggle, her face nuzzling into my arm. Her hand teasingly running down the length of my torso. "Definitely got the looks."
"Really?" I turn my head to the left, cheek resting against the top of her head. Smile only growing when I get a whiff of her shampoo. "Have you been checking out my family?"
"Mm-hm." Through a giggle she nods, playfully biting my chest.
"Feeling a little cheeky this morning I see."
"Feeling a little British this morning?" Yet another giggle, her hand slipping underneath the waistband of my sweats and boxers. "You know what I was thinking about?"
"I have an idea." I can't help but to chuckle, tilting my head up as I slip my free arm underneath the pillow.
"I doubt that." Her hand tapping my lower stomach, this beautiful smile coming over her lips. "I was thinking that I miss your mothers."
"That-was SO NOT what I was expecting to hear."
"Oh I know, but it needs to be said."
"While your hand is in my pants?"
"I could easily remove it while we have this discussion."
"Now, now. Don't be so haste."
"Exactly." She tilts her head up, causing me to pull away a little. I was planning on protesting, but I find myself getting lost in the depth of her eyes. They're like oceans. Deep, dark brown oceans, that were only for me. "I miss mom and dad. I miss all of the kids. I miss your moms. I miss the family."
"Didn't mention Isa."
"No on misses Isa."
"Hey!" I try to furrow my brow, but she just leans up. Those soft, full lips finding mine and I cannot even pretend to be offended. "Yeah, okay."
"I'm sorry, but after the Thanksgiving where I mentioned missing your mom and she went into a fit that even Kathryn couldn't calm her from-I'm over the pity party she's been throwing herself."
"She's just had it rough, and she apologized for that."
"You've had the same situation as her, babe. She chooses to be a spoiled brat. She's seen Adian, Nia and Sara how many times in the past few years?"
"My love, my love, my love." My words almost becoming a whine as I push my head back into the pillows.
"I love you more than anyone has ever loved anyone on the face of this earth, and Mars." She giggles, causing me to shake my head. "But at the end of the day she is why we left. She is why we've missed out on so much of our family. I'm not complaining because I will always be by your side, and we have had so many great memories, but-"
"You're ready to go home?" I watch as she maneuvers into this half seated position. Right hand pressing against the mattress to keep herself propped up. Left hand sliding back up to the middle of my stomach. She looks down into my eyes, this guilty look. She looks so tired, exhausted even.
"Yes."
"I'm scared."
"I know, but I'll be with you every step of the way. Besides, they love you, they won't care."
"You know you are-" My thought cut off door flies open with this loud thud, the cracking of the wood mixed with the blow as it slams into the wall.
On reaction, instincts taking over conscious thought I jump from the bed. The first guy coming through the door hit with the full weight of my body, shoulder hitting his chest. I grab the gun from his hand before he drops. The second guy in off to my right, already at the edge of the bed. I shoot once for his knee, the realization it's a tranquilizer gun quickly making me far less timid about it's use. I pull the trigger twice more, both times into his back.
There's this blow of weight into my lower back, the gun flying out of my hand as I fall forward into the dresser beside the bed. A thick arm wrapped around my stomach, the other delivering several blows into my ribcage. Just as suddenly as he appeared, he's gone.
Spinning around I notice two things. One being that Gabby lunged at him, or rather on him. She's on his back, trying to put him in a sleeper hold. The second being that a forth guy notices them rather than me. His full attention on them, his intention to go toward the two.
Again without proper thought I charge at him. Hands grabbing the collar of his tactical vest, going right back out of the door, through the small hall only to go crashing right through the door across from my own. He takes most of the blow, only my knees hitting the floor. He's still conscious though. Right hand pressing against his chest as I lean up, left hand balled into a fist. Hesitation creeping in, for a mere second, which is until I find myself staring right into his eyes. There's not even an ounce of fear. It takes three blows to the face before he's out.
Jumping off of him, I run back into my own room. Asshole number three atop of Gabby. This time it's a conscious decision to grab him by the head, pulling him off of her. The bottom of my foot going across his face, not bothering to even let him get up.
Mom always taught me it wasn't right to hit someone when they were already down. I think she'd agree this was an exception.
"Oh God, baby." I drop to my knees, hands going to her face.
"It's nothing." She pushes herself up, using the back of her hand to wipe away the blood covering the right side of her mouth and nose.
"You really are your mother's daughter." I smile, trying to calm my worry-my anger.
"That, and I don't take kindly to people trying to kill my husband."
"You know that's the sweetest thing you said to me today." I smile, standing up as I reach down for her.
"Not true." She grabs my arms, pulling herself up. "I told you I loved you."
"Good point." Smile turning to a smirk as my eyes wander down her body. Taking a step back I just look over her. Long, wavy, medium brown hair flowing freely. She's in nothing more than her matching set of turquoise bra and panties, a color which looks amazing against her creamy, mocha skin. All of this combined with the fact she just saved me, and that she has one of the most brilliant minds I've ever come in contact with. God this woman is the sexiest thing to ever walk the earth.
"You need another minute to finish your fantasy or would you like to get out of here before the police come?" She smirks, already walking back toward the bed, stepping right over one and then two of the SWAT looking assholes' bodies.
Damn.
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London, England—1:04 p.m.
(ISA'S POV)
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"Yes Kate, I am being careful."
(Where are you?)
"I'm walking down the street."
(Why?)
"Because I'm hungry, it's lunch time and I need sustenance."
(You could be here, there's food here too.)
"Be there? At Geni-Tech? Please, fucking place gives me the heebie-geebies."
(Ninety-nine percent of your family is here.)
"Hm, good point. Maybe I can swing by mother's and raid her fridge."
(That was not my point.)
"I am very well aware of what your point was. My answer is no."
(Why are you being so difficult?)
"It's in my nature."
(Isa, a little support from you would go a long way.)
"You have my full support."
(I wasn't speaking for myself.)
"Listen, super duper Bo has everything under control with mother. All that's going to happen with me hanging around is more stress. It's better for everyone if I just wait in the wings."
(This needs to end.)
"I'm sorry what?" I stop in front of a bakery. It's not so much the pastries in the window I'm interested in, but the reflection of the guy who has been flowing me for a quarter of a mile. "You're breaking up. Have to go. Bye. Love you." I tap the END button, pushing the phone into the back pocket of my jeans.
Standing still, I wait to see if he realizes he's been spotted.
Nope, he's a damn dumbass.
He's not one of the wolves after Kate, beyond being too stupid, way too small. He's dressed just like a regular Joe Nobody, but the but the sixty-four pound hair cut along with the hundred and sixty or so pound shoes tell me he can afford better clothes.
Trying too hard asshole.
I look over to my right, smiling at him as he pretends to be on the phone.
Let's see if dumbass can run.
In the reflection of the glass I can see an alley behind me. Perfect. Taking a breath, I do a complete one-eighty and run out into the street. Jumping up onto the bonnet of an oncoming auto. Horns blaring from every which way, but I don't stop.
Making it deep into the alley, I turn around just in time to duck a punch. Asshole is fast. Not fast enough though. My elbow into his stomach, and then his jaw as I straighten back up. My hand grabbing him by the throat as I push him into the side of the nearest building. Leaning in close, lips parting just enough to allow entrance for his chi.
Just subdue, never kill.
I drop him once I know he's out. Taking a step back, straightening my jacket and shirt.
"Nifty trick there Kiddo."
"You think?" I turn to the new comer, a near carbon copy of asshole number one. "My mom taught me."
"Fascinating."
"You want to know what else she taught me?"
"Sure Kiddo, why not." He chuckles, leaning down and picking up a small pipe from the ground. Seems asshole number two is a little more assertive, I like that.
"Well, she taught me that a girl should always," Words accompanied by a smirk as I lean down, pushing my pant leg up. "Carry protection." I pull the small blade free from the strap on my calf.
"That does sound like something that whore of a mom of yours would say."
"Now, now big boy. Only one who gets away with calling my mom names like that is me. Don't want this getting personal now do we?" I move the blade in my hand side to side, smirk firm as I watch him come to stop.
"Your mom is a whore as her mother was. Your mother a slut. Your brother a pussy, oh and the two youngest? Freaks of nature who should have been killed at birth. Am I forgetting anyone?"
"Well," My smirk faltering for a moment. Brow raising as my jaw tightens slightly. "I guess we're making this personal then."
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Saint Peter's Square—2:45 p.m.
(NIA'S POV)
.
"Can you believe this? Sixteen pounds for this little thing. It isn't even an inch wide, nor thick for that matter."
"Well you would be the expert on knowing the worth of width and thickness, wouldn't you?" Smirking, eyes fixed on my book. The sounds of the crowded square beginning to test my nerves, but he NEEDED to come here.
"Don't be disgusting."
"It's a joke, get over it. You'd think if you're okay with having one up your bum, you would handle a little joke."
"Are you okay with it?"
"Having one up my bum or joking about it?" Chuckling, I look up to find him scowling. "I'm good with both."
"You sound just like him, like Cole."
"He's got your feathers in a ruffle again?"
"He's cross because I want to continue school."
"No, he's cross because of why you want to continue school."
"To further my education."
"Bollocks. You want to keep going to remain in football, along with all of your mates. You don't want to work yet. It's fine by me, I don't either. Jimmy's fine with it."
"Ah yes, Saint Jimmy."
"Don't go there, I don't need that image the next time we're having a quickie."
"I don't need THAT image now."
"You know if Cole is such a bother, dump him. Sara is back in town, perhaps you two can pair off."
"Because our family must pair off with hers? Why don't you pair off with her?"
"Don't be such a wanker." I close my book, placing it on the table. Taking my drink, eyes wandering over to the table about twenty five feet away. "You know, those two men there have been watching us."
"Well you have made it an interesting conversation." He doesn't bother to look at me while unpeeling his stupid, little chocolate ball he just was bitching about for the ninetieth time.
"Look around, there are collage and high schoolers here. A couple of adults trying to be younger than they are."
"What's your yammering?" He glances over his shoulder at the two men. "Hm, most peculiar. Shall we?" He tosses his wrapper on the table, standing up and heading for the table leaving me no choice but to follow. "Pardon, see me and my sister here were have a bit of wager going." I glance over at him, trying not to laugh. What is he up to this time?
"W—we'd just like to be left alone." The guy closest to Adian says, his thick Russian accent making him almost impossible to understand.
"See I'm telling her I can knock you out in one blow, she lacks the confidence in me to do so."
That's my brother, charming even when threatening.
I can't help but to laugh, though the guy doesn't seem to find it quite so amusing. He goes to reach under his jacket, Adian though without hesitation does what Adian does. Left hand going to the back of the guy's head, bringing it right down onto the table.
The movement of his friend though grabs my attention. Not to be outdone by my brother, I rest my hands on the tabletop. Once he's standing, in one swift movement I bring both feet into his chest hard enough to send him flying right back over his chair.
"Very nice." Adian says through a laugh, leaning down patting down the guy's pockets. "Well he was packing." He says pointing out the obvious, the shoulder holster now completely in view as the flap of his jacket has opened.
"Any identification?" I glance around, small groups of people beginning to form as they stare at us.
"Hold onto your knickers." He pulls a phone from the guy's pants pocket handing it to me.
"This can't be right."
"What?" He stands, trying to see the screen. What I'm looking at won't mean anything to him though.
"These are Geni-Tech's men."
"Where does it say that?"
"It doesn't," I swallow the lump in my throat, handing him back the phone that he just throws down atop of the guy. "There's only one number in there, I know the number. It's definitely related to Geni-Tech."
"Who is it?"
"We have to go." I say, walking back to our table and scooping up my backpack.
"Nia, tell me what's going on. Was that Cole's number? Jimmy's?"
"That number belongs to Heather."
"Heather-Heather-Heather?" He jogs behind me as I quickly lead us away from the square. "Heather as in you ex-lover aka our parent's boss?"
"One in the same."
.
.
Timberyard Seven Dials—4:14 p.m.
(BO'S POV)
.
I glance around the packed coffee shop. I already spotted Angelina, but I unlike her am a little better at spotting Fae. About forty people in here and the only Fae are me and some woodland Fae who works here. She's harmless enough.
I shuffle through the place to reach the very last table along the window. She's just sitting there, looking between her coffee and the window. She isn't very perceptive though, I know she didn't spot me walking in. She reminds me so much of a younger me. Not simply the fact she could easily pass for my daughter, but the certain innocence about her.
"Sorry I'm late." I smile, startling her as I take a seat across from her.
"It's okay, couldn't get away from your wife?"
"I could, she actually knows about you."
"Really?"
"Yeah," I smile gently and nod. "Told her last night."
"Oh man, was she pissed?"
"No, not at all."
"Oh okay, good. I would hate to cause you any more trouble than I have already."
"Hey, hey. None of that. It's no trouble, I really want to help you."
"You have." She smiles softly, her eyes glassy. She's a strong girl, but just exhausted. I honestly thought I would have been able to take care of this sooner, but this gang's reach seems to be ever reaching.
"I moved you to the Joliet Inn, two nights. You'll be safe, they're a very pro-human place. They don't take kindly to Fae, so if one shows up you'll be warned. I'm closing in on a lead, one that will end this all."
"Why only two nights?"
"The same reason I haven't kept you anywhere longer than three days, safety-not just for you. I want to keep you safe, but I can't knowingly jeopardize other innocent lives."
"I know, I know. I'm just so tired. I started off thinking I was some tough girl, I could take care of myself. Even as this went, I thought I was okay. Now though, I just take a look at myself and I never realized I was so weak."
"Hey," I shake my head, reaching out and resting my hand over her wrist. "It's not weak to get tired, everyone gets tired. It's only weak if you give up, and you haven't given up yet."
"I've thought about it." She whispers, this heartbroken look written over her face.
"Again, thinking doesn't make you weak. Besides, you can't give up. I won't let you." I smile, giving her wrist a squeeze before pulling my hand away. I go to say something that I suddenly forget, something across the street catching my eye. Well not something so much as someone. "Here, only order through room service." I stand up, pulling a handful of pounds from my pocket and handing it to her. "I'm sorry, I have to go."
I shuffle back through the crowded shop, out onto the sidewalk. I search for what I saw, but it's not there anymore. Against my better judgment I find myself running across the street, dodging oncoming traffic. Several passing people look at me strange when I make it across, as though I've lost my mind.
Perhaps I have.
I walk for twenty feet, before tuning down an alley. There doesn't seem to be anyone, but I can't help my own curiosity.
I make it halfway down before deciding this was a stupid idea. Sighing to myself I turn around, readying to head back to the café. Only problem is I find what I was looking for.
"Vex."
.
.
Bo and Lauren's House—10:08 p.m.
(LAUREN'S POV)
.
"Anyone home?" I call out walking into the unusually dark house. When I drove up I noticed Kenzi and Hale's house was dark as well, naturally I expected everyone to be here. With lots of food. Oh well, a girl can dream. "Higgs Boson particle! What in the world?" I find myself dropping my keys on the floor.
I find Kate standing by the window, Isa next to her leaning against the wall. Cole is leaning against the window standing across from them. Walking in further I see Adian sitting in the chair. Nia, Jimmy, Noah and Sara all packed in on the couch. Hale sitting further up the staircase, while Kenzi sits a few steps below. Bo sitting on a stool from the kitchen in between the stairs and entertainment center. Perhaps the oddest thing beyond the fact that this peculiar group of people is all packed into my living room is the fact that they are doing so in the dark.
I glance around the group, no one saying a thing.
I walk to behind the couch, looking over everyone waiting for someone to say something. No one does. Suddenly there is a sound off to my left. I spin around to find Vex standing there in the archway, half drank bottle of something in his hand.
"Vex." I sort of chuckle his name, going over to him and pulling him into a hug. My initial wave of happiness blocking out the fact that he's not supposed to be here-in the dark-with a half drank bottle of something—not returning my hug.
I pull back slowly, eyes running over his face.
"Okay, what exactly is happening right now?" I ask, looking around the room as I take several steps back.
"Evony is dead." Vex says pulling my attention back to him. He lifts the bottle up. "Cheers, hey." His words slurred.
"What?"
"Evony is dead. Taking a dirt nap."
"H—how?"
"It's my fault, I got her killed." Nia says through this broken whisper. "I've been talking to her, telling her about you and about-about what's been happening. She told me not to fret, she would find a way to help."
"She'd been looking into that, Black-Tail and genetics business." Vex says, pulling my attention right back to him. "Geni-Tech told her to stop, but you know Ev, she did what she wanted. Called me a few weeks ago, told me to meet her in Laval. Day before I was supposed to meet her I get this package." He laughs coldly, bottle to his lips as he downs a mouthful. "I open it and find our dear old Ev, well two pieces of her anyway. Turns out she really did have a heart." He laughs, bringing the bottle right back to his lips.
"There's more." Bo speaks, pulling my focus to her. Tears in my eyes, a familiar weight on my chest. "The kids, today were attacked. Adian and Nia. Isa along with Ethan and Gabby. We don't know if they would have gone after Sara, she was with Kenz and Hale all day long."
"I don't understand."
"They were from Geni-Tech." Adian says through a clenched jaw, his eyes staying on the table though. "Ethan described the tactical team perfectly. We-our encounter all but sealed it."
"Is everyone okay? Isa?"
"Yeah, I'm fine mother." She nods.
"What I don't understand is why he is here." Hale snaps, pointing off toward Cole, who I had completely forgotten was even here in the first place.
"You might not like me, I sure as hell don't like you. Hell I don't like hardly anyone in this room, but that doesn't matter because I love someone in this room."
"I'm sorry, but if I am understanding this all correctly, all of the children, borrowing Sara was attacked today by Geni-Tech. The same Geni-Tech that employs ninety percent of the people in this room. Which also killed Evony, the same way that Kate's entire pack was killed?"
"Lauren, baby." Bo says softly, sliding off from the stool.
"I'm fine Bo, really." I hold up my hand, eyes going down to the couch. "I'm just not understanding what's happening. Beyond that, it seems that everyone in this room knew what was happening, yet I am just finding out now?"
"We didn't think that worrying you was best." Isa says through this angry pout, arms folding across her chest.
"We also didn't think that pulling you from work would have been the best thing to do." Bo steps forward.
"So, is there a plan already-or did you all bother to wait for me for that at least?"
"We were waiting for you for that actually." Noah speaks up finally, looking over his shoulder at me.
I look up realizing that suddenly everyone in the room is staring at me, waiting for answers. More than answers, they're waiting for a plan. I glance over them, each one having their own reasons for deferring to me over anyone else.
This isn't right though, this isn't my area.
"I appreciate the confidence, and trust. I really do, but Bo has always been the one to lead us. I've always stood beside her, this time should be no different." I look up to Bo, eyes meeting hers.
It had been years since we needed a 'leader', but no matter how much time had passed she would always be it.