this was supposed to be part of chapter 10, but like i said, i got a thumb cramp, so here you go.

Bo

"What the hell was that?" I stared at Lauren who was focussed on her hands.

"Are you the one who Fae-sucked Vex," Kenzi asked. "Holy shit, Doc."

"What?" Lauren finally looked up, "I didn't do anything to Vex. I- I don't understand. How is this possible?"

Trick stepped in, "We don't know yet, but we have to summon the Ash. Dyson?"

"I'm on it. Hale's already with him trying to get access to the archives." With that, Dyson left the room.

"Wait," I said, "you're Fae now?"

"I..." Lauren shook her head, her face stricken.

"Trick, if she's Fae, then she's unaligned right now. If she's not human or Light Fae then the Ash has no power over her." I turned to Lauren, "You're free."

Trick nodded, "Technically, you're right, Bo. But that's only if she remains unaligned. You know that's not simple."

"You're unaligned?" Lauren spoke up, "They've allowed that?"

"Not without a lot of bullshit but, yes," I answered.

"The Ash won't let Lauren go that easily," Trick said, "Him and the Morrigan will both be after her. Her skills as a scientist along with being a Mesmer now... It's just not going to be easy."

I walked closer to Lauren, "I know you don't remember me but..." I sighed, still not believing this all was happening, "I know you. I know you want to be free. This is your chance. If you choose to be unaligned, I promise... I will protect you."

She seemed to be thinking it over when Dyson returned with Hale and the Ash. I watched as she bowed her head out of habit and clenched my jaw.

"What's going on, Dr. Lewis," the Ash asked.

"She's Fae," Trick said when Lauren didn't answer right away. "It seems the Fae that took Vex's abilities somehow gave them to Lauren."

The Ash looked to Lauren, "Is this true?"

"I don't know how but, yes," she replied. I could tell she was afraid.

"Show me," the Ash ordered.

Lauren turned to me and I answered the silent question on her face, "It's okay. I trust you."

She swallowed and nodded, raising her hands towards me slowly.

She pushed them out and suddenly my own hands were grabbing my boobs. I lifted an eyebrow and her eyes went wide. "Really, Lauren?"

She dropped her hands and mine dropped, too. I could hear Kenzi, Dyson and Hale trying to stifle their laughter. The doctor's face had turned bright red.

"I- I am so, so sorry," she said quickly. "It's harder to control than I thought."

"I'll say," Kenzi whispered from behind me.

The Ash had remained as still as a statue throughout the whole display with no sign of emotion on his face. I did see the small flicker of a smile that crossed Trick's features but he was quick to hide it again.

"So, this being is not only capable of taking Fae abilities, but also giving life and turning humans into Fae?" The Ash looked down at Trick.

"Like I said, it would seem that way," Trick told him. "Which is why we request access to your archives."

The Ash nodded, "I've given permission to Detectives Hale and Dyson." He turned to Lauren, "Now that you are Fae, Dr. Lewis, you have a choice to make."

I turned to Lauren, willing her to stand up to him. She stared back at me then said to the Ash, "I would like some time to think about all of this before rushing into a decision."

I saw the look of surprise that crossed over the Ash's face before it faded. I smiled inwardly.

"Very well. You have three days." He looked from Lauren to Trick, then to me. "Choose wisely. However, until you've made your decision, you cannot stay here." The Ash exited the room without another word.

"You can stay with me," I volunteered without thinking.

Lauren raised her eyebrows in a look of surprise, "Really? Are you sure?"

I shrugged, "Yea, of course. It's only a few days."