Where are all the copdoc stories? There needs to be more, lol. Sorry for the delay on this story! I wanted to finish my other copdoc story first, and then when I started to update this one, life merely laughed at me in response. I feel kinda meh about this update, but I need it to get me to the next. Thanks for all who continue to follow and review :)
The Next Day
Lauren paced nervously in front of the clubhouse, reworking in her mind how she wanted to tell Bo. She and Tamsin agreed it would be better for the Valkyrie to stay behind, worried that her presence might agitate the Succubus further, but also due to the personal nature. The doctor had sent Bo and Kenzi a text last night, letting them know that she needed to see them, and it was best without anyone else around.
With a deep breath for courage, she made her way to the front door, praying to whatever deity out there that this would go better than it had in her mind. Bo had every right to feel hurt, of course she would want to know why, but that was something that Lauren wouldn't be able to answer. The door opened just as she raised her hand to knock.
"If you had waited just five more minutes, I would've won a bottle of top shelf vodka from Bo here, way to ruin it, Doc," Kenzi teased her as Lauren entered. They had watched as Lauren paced outside, and she knew, giving credit to her Gypsy roots, that whatever Lauren had to say would not bode well.
Especially after Dyson had admitted that he knew Bo's mother was alive and out there, but only after Tamsin had been attacked.
"Do you have anything to drink by chance?"
"Seriously, Lauren?" Kenzi playfully admonished her. The real question is when did they not have any liquor in the house.
"Right, silly of me I know. Where's Bo? I thought she said-"
"I'm right here," Bo answered as she descended the staircase, holding a bottle of alcohol up high. "I thought we could use this based on your text and watching you outside." Bo took a seat on the couch, patting the spot beside her while Kenzi sat on the arm by Bo. "How's Tamsin?" She honestly felt bad about the assault, and still felt shaken up on the state Lauren was in; begging her to save the Valkyrie. Bo couldn't remember a time that she had witnessed the doctor that frantic, her world was falling down around her.
"She's better. I appreciate you asking, Bo."
"And you?" Seeing Lauren's confused look, "With all of this?" She gestured with her hands, "Finding out that Saskia is actually Aife, my mother. That I led her to you." She whispered it quietly, but it was enough that the blonde could hear the guilt behind it.
Taking one of Bo's hands in hers, "That's not your fault. I don't blame you. As far as how I am, safe to say that I've been better." It was hard not to lose herself in Bo's eyes, the need to make it better, but like she had for Tamsin, she needed to be the strong one here. She met Kenzi's look, the tiny Russian was watching her like a hawk, her eyes both fearful and impatient. Squeezing Bo's hand in hers, "I've been with the Fae a long time and while I understand their biology, some of their politics, I can't say the same for their way of thinking. The need to keep secrets-"
"You mean Dyson not telling anyone," Bo interrupted, "I know I'm furious with him too! I can't believe he kept that from me." She turn to smile at Kenzi's hand on her shoulder before tightening her hold on Lauren's hand; her emotions starting to get the best of her.
"Bo, let her finish," Kenzi urged softly. Truth be told she was just as nervous as her friend. She knew with the way Lauren had taken Bo's hand, it was her attempt to anchor her for whatever it was to come. Something that equally troubled Lauren.
The blonde smiled at the apologetic look thrown her way, "Me too, Bo. It's hard not to feel betrayed." Lauren sighed deeply, she didn't want to keep delaying the reason behind her visit. "I don't know any other way to tell you. I'm sorry, but your mother wasn't the only secret kept from you. Lachlan stopped by the other day after Aife's capture, he gave me this," pulling the envelope from her back pocket she handed it over. She watched as Bo opened it slowly, her eyes on Lauren until she had it unfolded. "He wanted me to be the one tell you that your mother isn't the only family. Trick is..." She trailed off as Bo scanned the document.
"My grandfather?" She answered in a stunned whisper just a few minutes later. "How is this possible?!" Bo angrily threw the paper on the coffee table, unable to stop the tears as they made treks down her face at the sting of betrayal. "I honestly thought you were coming over here to say that you never wanted to see me again." She laughed humorlessly. "I was not expecting this. If Trick knew about me, then why not search for me?" All the lives that could have been saved during her ten year killing spree, all because he waited for her to happen upon this Colony. How afraid and alone she was, until Kenzi. Being in the dark about being a Succubus is what allowed her to be so open to Aife in the first place.
Kenzi was equally as stunned, letting out a string of curses in her native tongue. She remembered all the talks they had about family, Bo wondering about her parents, if they ever thought of her. Her grandmother always said to be careful what you wished for, that you might just get it, but even this seemed unfair. Needing to move she jumped up to get glasses for their much needed drinks, yelling over her shoulder as she did so.
Lauren watched as Bo tried to process the information, her hurt over the situation palpable in the room. Reaching out once again, she placed a hand on Bo's arm, looking up at Kenzi as the Goth placed drinks in front of them. "I don't know why he kept this from you, you have every right to feel hurt, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it too."
"I'm not the only one he hurt," Bo moved away from her touch to reach the drink in front of her, chugging it down in no time. She gripped the glass in her hand so tight that it started to crack, frustrated she hurled it against the wall. She jumped up from the couch, ignoring the concerned looks thrown her way, "And they wonder why I didn't choose a side? How many times were you almost killed, Lauren?" She stopped her pacing as she made eye contact with the doctor. "The what if's are enough to keep me up at night," her voice threatening to break. "I need to get out of here." She rushed to grab her jacket, only stilling when she felt a hand grab her elbow. "Lauren, please?" She all but begged, part of her not understanding how Lauren was so calm about this all.
"Bo, I understand if you need to leave, but don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault," she stressed in an attempt to get through to her. "I don't know why Trick kept this to himself, or if Dyson even knows of the link between you. I haven't had time to research but I have heard of the Blood King. I'd like to think that he kept this from you to protect you."
"But at what cost? Do you know what it would have done to me if you had been killed?" Her lower lip trembled slightly as she faced her, wrapping the doctor in a hug, wishing for a moment that Lauren could comfort her in other ways. "I know that you're with Tamsin now, but you're still..." Bo trailed off, unable to express how losing Lauren would have affected her. There would always be a part of Bo that belonged to Lauren.
Lauren returned the hug, knowing that Bo's emotions were all over the place. The betrayals from her family and the price that was almost paid. Lauren wasn't foolish, she knew that the Succubus would have sought some form of retribution, even if it came at a cost to herself. "I know, Bo." Lauren leaned back to make eye contact with the teary Succubus, "If there's anything I can do," she saw the flash of blue in Bo's eyes, a long look passed between them. "Aside from that," she lightly teased. Relieved when Bo returned a small smile.
It was in that moment, similar to the one in Lauren's living room after she had separated Bo and Tamsin, that the doctor realized that there would always be an element of something between them. No matter how far she traveled, she'd always take a piece of the Succubus with her. Another lifetime perhaps.
Kenzi had also caught the flash of blue, not wanting her bestie to undo the progress she made with Lauren, she was at her side in an instant. "Come on, Bo," linking their arms together, "let's go get a bat, find an abandoned car, and then go to the Dal for answers."
Ash's Throne Room
Lachlan had listened patiently as Lauren informed him that Bo had now been made aware. He studied her as she relayed the events, aware of how affected she was by Bo's emotional upheaval. The doctor was definitely the loyal sort, even if it came at her own expense. It was hard not to be impressed by her. A human who cured the disease in the Congo, and that she continued to make small breakthroughs in the Fae world, finding new ways to treat old illnesses. The Ash was well aware of why Samuel coveted the doctor, but for someone who had done so much for them, it was a cruel way treat her in kind. Lachlan also knew with Lauren's own way of thinking, that she would again prove valuable. Not only for the Fae but the world at large.
"I do appreciate you being the one to tell Bo, Doctor. I know it wasn't an easy task by any means, not only because of recent events, but also of how much you care for her. I also know the look you have about wanting to get as far away from here as possible." He chuckled at Lauren's stunned expression, lifting his hand to show the wasn't done speaking. "It's okay, I'm just glad that you and the Valkyrie haven't left yet. I've lived a long time and have often felt that way myself. I promise you, that I just need your help for this one cause. You can then trade in your necklace for this," he opened one of his desk drawers, placing a differently designed necklace on top. "Think of it as a Fae passport of sorts. You're too well known among our kind to ever fade into the wind. This will allow you to go anywhere, but still offer you our protection. Granted, with a Valkyrie like Tamsin I don't think anyone would be foolish enough to try."
Lauren could only sit there as the Ash spoke about it in such a nonchalant manner. She had been to most parts of the world, but with Tamsin she wanted to do it all over again. Finally going to the places that she yet to make it to, but her need to help others would always be present. He was right, after curing the Congo, any anonymity was completely gone. This would allow them not to have to look over their shoulders. Still though, why would he go through this trouble? If she had learned anything about the Fae, she knew that they didn't do something unless it somehow benefited them.
"Why?"
He smiled, "Think of it as a thank you, Dr. Lewis. You saved a few close friends of mine and continue to make strides. Plus, if I'm correct in my assessment of you, leaving here won't take away your need to help others. I can't turn back the clock on what Samuel did, but it is well within my power to do this for you."
Nodding her head in appreciation, she quietly whispered her thanks. After she had left Bo's, she had requested an audience with Lachlan, surprised that she was seen right away. She honestly thought she would have to wait a day or two, it's how the former Ash had handled affairs. She was excited to tell Tamsin about this meeting. One final task, and wait...she stilled for a moment wondering what it could be. "This final thing that you need from me. What is it?"
He was silent for a moment, pondering how to tell her. "What I tell you must be kept in strict confidence, but now is not the time. Soon though, I promise. Cooler heads need to prevail, and with all that has happened..." he trailed off as he gestured with his hands.
Lauren understood, standing up she again thanked him, and with a lighter step made her way to her lab; eager to catch up on that had happened in her absence.
The Dal
Tamsin smiled at the text she received from her girlfriend. She could feel the excitement at whatever news she wanted to share with her, as well as her relief to return to the labs. The information that she had learned recently from Lachlan and Trick's behavior left her wanting for more answers.
She knew at some point that the Succubus and her best friend would make an appearance. Tamsin was tempted to sneak into his lair to search for his blood book. She wanted to find what other potential secrets that could harm them. Lauren having been hurt twice, she wasn't willing to take another chance. Lachlan had mentioned that Lauren had come to the attention of the Fae a long time ago. She wanted to know if Trick played a part in it; the Valkyrie had lived enough lives to have some knowledge about him. Tamsin wasn't surprised when she entered the bar to see him and Dyson engrossed in conversation near the corner.
Dyson.
That was a bit of a conundrum for her. She liked the guy, even if he was a little put off at first at having a Dark Fae as his partner. After a few snide remarks thrown both ways, they had both worked really well together. She trusted him and secretly adored the way he was protective over Lauren. Tamsin knew her girlfriend felt hurt by the Shifter's actions, but in true Lauren fashion not so much at what she had gone through, it was what the Valkyrie had endured.
The doctor admitted in that open time before sleep claimed her, where her thoughts were relaxed and easily less guarded, that losing Tamsin would have broken her. That it had pained her to see Tamsin hurt on more than a physical level. Even without the night time confession, it was apparent in the way Lauren held onto her tightly. Aife's comment still echoing in her thoughts as Tamsin gasped for her last breath. She knew it would take a little more time for the darker blonde to completely relax.
Tamsin felt the same way when she had searched through the rubble after the explosion, paying no mind as the material cut through her hands. Yet there had been Dyson helping her sort through the mess. She understood, better than most, the power behind a blood oath; yet she couldn't let go that Lauren almost died twice because of it. In her mind, there was always an exception to a rule. The secret wasn't to protect anyone but Trick himself, for whenever he felt like revealing the information.
She must have been standing there a moment too long when Trick addressed her.
"Tamsin," he acknowledged warily, "anything I can get for you? Your usual, perhaps?"
With a smirk she sauntered over to the bar, looking pointedly at the man, "Actually, I'm looking for a book. Think you can help?" Her tone caught Dyson's attention, turning sharply to look at her.
"I'm sure that I can, I have quite the collection as Lauren knows," he smiled as he threw his towel over his shoulder.
"That she does but this one is more rare, truly one of kind, written in blood." She looked him dead in the eyes, ignoring Dyson's warning growl of her name, and shoved him back when he tried to grab her arm. "Ya see, old man, your secret is out." The blonde hissed as she narrowed her eyes, "I told you that if you were hiding anything that I'd find out and make you pay."
No sooner did she say those words, Dyson advanced towards her. He grabbed her jacket by the collar, throwing her against the nearest column, his eyes yellowed out as he growled at her. Tamsin merely laughed in response. The atmosphere in the Dal grew tense, the customers in the Dal focusing on the scene before them.
"You really want to play this game with me, pretty boy?" As her face started to darken, the Shifter immediately let go, staggering back as he shook his head, unable to look away. "The sad thing is, Dyson, is that you're not a bad guy. Just horribly misguided-" her words stopped at the sound of a shotgun being pulled back.
"There will be no violence in my bar, Tamsin. This is a place of sanctuary."
"Enough!" Bo yelled as she charged into the Dal, Kenzi right behind her. Her emotions were already running high, the demolition of a car felt great, but did nothing to ease the hurt she felt. It didn't help to see Trick threaten Tamsin, it brought her anger rushing to the forefront again. "Put the gun away, Trick. You're the reason she's even here in the first place," she stated lowly as she placed herself in front of a surprised Valkyrie, "why we're all here actually." The Succubus then turned to Tamsin, "I don't ever want to see the look on Lauren's face again because something happened to you, got it?" Her eyes flaring with emotion as she studied the blonde, daring her to argue.
Tamsin could have fired off any number of responses, or stated that she was merely defending herself. Instead she acquiesced with a nod of her head. It was out of respect not only for Bo's recent ordeal of learning the truth, but in the realization that Bo too loved Lauren; enough to get out of the way so that the doctor could be happy.
It was then that whatever issues they had in the past with each other, were now truly buried.
Bo turned to face him once again. There was no mistaking the feeling of hurt directed towards him.
In a look, Trick knew that she knew. There was no going back from this moment. "Everyone out!" He bellowed to the Dal's occupants. He placed the shotgun back behind the bar, tossing the keys to Dyson to lock the entrance. The tension growing thick as the silence in the bar grew tenfold.
As Dyson walked back to hand over the keys, he paused by Bo. "Please let him explain. None of this was ever meant to hurt you."
"That's just it, Dyson. I wasn't the only one hurt. Yeah it stings like hell that I allowed you into my bed, trusted you. You knew how much I wanted to find my mother, how it still eats away at me, the innocent people who lost their lives." Her voice breaking on her last few words. Taking in a deep breath she continued, "Lauren, you remember her right? How she saved your life from both the Dark and Light? Continues to save Fae on a daily basis?"
"Bo, this isn't Dyson's fault. He swore fealty to me ages ago." He looked as Kenzi moved to stand beside Bo, looping her arm through hers for support, throwing a glare at the Shifter. He understood that Bo wouldn't allow him to send Kenzi away, but he felt he owed the Valkyrie no explanation. "Seeing as this is a family matter, feel free to leave out the back exit, Tamsin."
"What and miss this? The great Blood King behind humbled? Nah, I'll stay here." She folded her arms as she stared back defiantly. "Besides I still want to see that book."
"My book is none of your concern."
"That's where you're wrong, Trick. On the night of Lachlan's announcement, I was there when he met with Lauren in her office." She had every one's attention now. "I'm sure you already know that the former Ash didn't leave by choice. Anyways," she drew out, "he mentioned Lauren came to the attention of the Fae a long time ago. Nadia was never sick, just cursed by a Dark Shaman's nail; to trick Lauren to join the Light." She paused to catch her breath, remembering the feeling of Lauren's emotions once she realized that she had been the one to decide to end Nadia's life. "So what I want to know is if you played a part. Did you write something in your little blood book?"
Trick looked at her with a solemn expression. He was guilty of many deeds; however, this was not one of them. "No, I had nothing to do with it nor do I condone Samuel's methods."
"Why should we believe you?" Bo asked as she moved towards him, needing to sit on one of the bar stools for support. The more she learned about the Fae, the more she disliked them. She was stunned by the news and a surprisingly quiet Kenzi followed suit.
Trick nodded, "I deserve that. I have a lot to answer for, Bo. As far as the Fae finding Lauren, our kind has always kept track of humans who show exceptional abilities. I only became aware of her once she cured the Congo outbreak. Satisfied?" he asked pointedly.
"Not by a long shot." She turned on her heel, not wanting to stay for the conversation, and the emotions to follow. It wasn't her place to be here now that she was fairly confident Trick had told her the truth.
"Tamsin, wait!" Dyson called out as she was a few feet from the back exit. She stopped but didn't turn around. "I'm sorry about earlier. I swore fealty to Trick a long time ago and-" He stopped speaking once she turned around to face him.
"Dyson, I know why you kept silent, even though I'm still pissed about it. What would have been the harm in giving me, your partner, a heads up? Like "hey, crazy Fae on the loose" We both have lived long enough to know that secrets can kill, and they almost did..." she trailed off as Dyson bowed his head. She could feel the regret pouring off of him. "Lauren will forgive you because she's Lauren, and all kinds of incredible. Me? I still want to kick your ass but I'll get over it."
"Fair enough," he stated quietly with nod. "Just give my best to Lauren. I didn't know about Nadia."
"No one knew, but thankfully Lauren seems to be coping fairly well with it. Now," she huffed, "enough of this sentimental crap. You have more apologies to make and I need to see my girl." With one last look, she was out the door, and hopefully one step closer to leaving this all behind with Lauren.
Not to worry, Bo will have her happy ending too. There will be a time jump in the next chapter, or the one that follows. Please let me know your thoughts! :)