I will be working on this soon, in the next day or so. Steamy scene will be in the next chapter, don't you worry. then it will be the slow tying up of loose ends before I bid adieux on strangers for a bit. Enjoy all of you amazing readers!

Bo had cheered up and looked better than she had, as I walked into the kitchen with Ayn, where Kenzi and Finnegan were talking. Bo was standing with them listening and adding her comments to Kenzi's questions about some fae batman. I smiled at my wife, I was relived to see her happy and at ease. I had never seen her cry as much as she had when she broke down in my arms. She would not let me go, even after we dressed and I laid with her in the bed. She held onto me, letting everything out and we said nothing, did not move, until there was a soft knock of a little hand on our door. Ayn gently telling us she wanted to go see her Valkyrie as she cracked open the door and whispered her request into the crack.

Ayn let go of my hand as she skipped to Kenzi, giggling like she always did and I was becoming resigned to the fact that my littlest one would never stop giggling like a little maniac. Ayn was lifted up by Finnegan and set on his lap as she reached for a muffin.

I walked over to Bo, still smiling at her. "Sera and Tamsin are both awake, they have a lot to talk about." Bo looked at me, as I kissed her on the temple, "They will be joining us later. It also appears that we are stuck with the Valkyrie." Bo playfully frowned as she placed her hand on my hip, "Oh boy, which one of them proposed?"

"Neither, yet. But they are bonded as Odin said, by heart and soul." Bo smiled warmly, I could see her think about when she told me about the pendant and how it bound us in a similar way. "Just like us Lauren. I cannot debate that at all." I nodded as I kissed her softly, both of us had come to the slow conclusion that our daughter path was set in stone in the name of true love.

After eating and talking Kenzi out of raiding the light fae archives for her need to get her hands on a new Halloween costume, the girls and Finnegan went outside to run around and help Ayn burn off the immense amount of energy she had acquired in her sleep. I went to go find my mother, who was resting after Tamsin woke up. I knew I would have to do something special for my mother as she was always the first one to be our doctor and patch up all of our wounds, whether they were physical or emotional. I had my arms folded as I walked down the ancient stone hallways, my mind drifting around everything that had happened over the last little while, and that I wanted to spend more time with Bo. I was even more in love with my wife than I was the moment I laid eyes on her, her breakdown in my arms solidified it and that I wanted to give her back what she had always given our family and I.

I sighed as I thought about possible vacations or quick getaways for her and I, when I felt a fae creep up behind me. I paused my steps, "Commander, are you here to discuss how strange it will be that I could be, in the future, your mother in law?" I turned to look at Tamsin, who was smiling lightly, "i could always just call you Captain in law, if that is more suitable."

I smiled tightly, Tamsin was wearing normal clothes, borrowed ones that the fae staff had dug up for her. The jeans were far too large for her and she was wearing a blue V-neck shirt that I recognized as one of my mothers. "I think we can probably just stick with Lauren or captain." I looked behind her, "Where is Sera?"

"Sleeping, sleeping hard. I left her in the guest room, I didn't want to wake her. I don't sleep much when I begin a new cycle, I feel as hyper as the munchkin right now." she took a slight breath, "I wanted to walk and maybe find you."

I looked at her, "You found me." my voice was soft as the words came out, I could feel why Tamsin wanted to find me. Tamsin smirked, "I can see where Sera gets it from." she leaned against the wall, "I have been a bad friend too you, Lauren. I know that."

I sighed, "Tamsin, it is what it is." I folded my arms and looked down at the floor, "I got used to you coming and going as you saw fit. This last time, though, it was harder because of the hurt Sera went through and what I went through when I was pregnant with Ayn." I fidgeted slightly at the memories of how difficult carrying Ayn was.

"Sera told me about that, she said you almost died, what happened." Tamsin looked at me with her blue eyes, there was something different about them, as if she had had a complete rebirth, her soul and her body. I could also see how bad she felt that she was not there for my last pregnancy.

I motioned for her to follow me, "I was heading to find mom, walk with me." Tamsin pushed off the wall and caught up with me, "Ayn was hard on my body, I was not born fae and my body was not created to carry such a powerful little girl. Sera had worn my body out, but I survived her because I was still a new fae and Bo and I were still maintaining a healthy sex life, keeping energies in balance so to speak." I looked at Tamsin, "in the last trimester of the pregnancy, Ayn grew anxious and wanted out earlier than was recommended, she emitted an energy pulse, similar to the succubus touch. It basically reset my entire electrical system, I shut down from an energy surge." I turned my eyes to the window at the end of the hallway, "When Sera told you that I almost died, she was right. The only thing that kept me alive was a chi push by Bo and my mom performing a C-section to get Ayn out." I felt Tamsins hand on my back, "I did not see my youngest daughter until a month later, when I came out of the deep coma that was the result of the energy surge."

"Lauren, I should have been there for you and the family." I could hear the guilt in her voice. I turned to her, "You should have been there, yes, but not for me." I let the rest drop in the air, Tamsin nodded knowing exactly what I meant. I started walking again, "You are my best friend Tamsin, always have been since that day you gave me that charm. Outside of my family, you were always the one constant I could rely on, to be there for me, listen to me and charge ahead into whatever small battle was coming our way. But you always seemed so afraid to stick around when it mattered most, when I needed you to be there for me and my family, most." I could feel my anger rise slowly, I had kept my feelings about Tamsin coming and going, make selfish choices for years, all for my daughter. Now, knowing that Tamsin was back and staying I was going to take the opportunity to let her know.

"Lauren, I am sorry." her voice was raspy and soft, "I...you were my only friend for the longest time, you slowly became the only family I had and I cherished it so much, that I was afraid I would ruin it like I had so many other things in my lives. I took the wrong turns when it came to our friendship, trying to protect you from me and the black clouds I carried with me." she paused, I turned to see her wipe tears away, "Then Sera, and I honestly did not know how to deal with my own feelings let alone the fact she is your daughter." she looked me dead in the eyes, "You are the reason why I have finally found peace and freedom." she smiled lightly, "On so many levels, Lauren. I owe you the life I have now, and I came to find you because I wanted to make one final, lasting promise." she reached out and put a hand on my upper arm, "For as long as I live, I will never leave you, Sera or this family again. Regardless of the bond I have with Sera, I make a promise to you. This friendship is far too important to treat as I once have." she looked down, "Had I known about Ayn and the energy surge, I would have left Valhalla sooner." Tamsin dropped her hand from my arm, tucking it back up in a fold with her other arm.

I looked at the Valkyrie, over the last thirty plus years, the woman had made exponential changes. I first met her as a slick and irritating manipulator, who turned into a desperate, tired, but gentle warrior, then to a selfless and sacrificing woman in love. I held my gaze on the woman before I reached out, taking her hand in mine, "The only promise I need from you, is you never hurt my daughter again." I smiled at her, my anger falling away as the Valkyries apology and words eased around my heart, "The promise of our friendship was made a long time ago, when you brought me back to my wife." I pulled her into a strong embrace, one of pure friendship, "Actually, can you promise me one more small thing, Tamsin?"

She leaned back out of the hug, "Anything Captain."

"Do not take Ayn flying...at least until she is much older." I raised my eyebrows at her as she started laughing, wiping away tears. "I can do that." I linked my arm into hers, "Come, we need to wake mom up so she can examine you like I know she will want too. For research reasons."

Tamsin rolled her eyes, "You Lewis doctors can never let things be, always have to take notes about everything."

I laughed and then looked at her as we walked down the hall, "Speaking of notes, what did Ayn write in Sera's palm." All of were curious since that day, Ayn would say nothing and Sera had been too distracted.

Tamsin smirked, "Sorry, you don't have the security clearance to know." she nudged me.

I shook my head, walking with the Valkyrie I marveled at how far we had come.

Six Months Later-

Bo and I walked towards the entrance to the Dal, Ayn was holding onto both of our hands as she bounced between us. It was Kenzi's engagement party, Hale had proposed to her two months ago after all the dust finally settled. She was in full blown excitement had begun to go insane on planning her wedding that would be the next year.

I held the door open for my wife and my daughter, laughing as I saw Kenzi trying to bargain with Trick to bring out his hidden stash of super good stuff. Kenzi turned and her eyes lit up as Ayn broke free and ran towards her aunt. Kenzi scooped her up into a huge hug and spun the giggling girl around. I walked over to her, hugging Hale and congratulating him as he shared a drink with Dyson. I then half hugged Kenzi as she handed off Ayn to Bo.

"Congratulations Kenzi, I am excited for you to have kids of your own. Ones I can spoil and teach how to be corrupt little devils, just like you did Sera and are doing with Ayn." Kenzi smiled and shook her head, "The only bad thing you could teach my future kids is how to splice DNA." she laughed with Bo, "I am certain that my nieces will be the ones who will teach the children and teach them well everything they have learned from me." she winked at Ayn, "Isn't that right munchkin."

Ayn nodded eagerly as Bo set her on the bar top, reaching for her grandpa trick who was looking for a hug, "That's right mummy."

Kenzi looked at me, "By the way where is my first and best student?" she looked past Bo and I.

Bo sat down on a bar stool, keeping on hand on Ayn as she played the slap game with Trick, "Sera said she will be here as soon as possible, her flight home was delayed a little."

Kenzi smiled and handed Bo a drink, "How is the kiddo? Its been awhile since I have seen her."

Bo smiled, "She is doing well, they are talking about moving back home for a little while. Sera misses Ayn and us and wants to work at the light fae compound, she has developed some sort of new energy theory." Bo looked at me to explain the rest, but when I looked at Kenzi and her blank stares I smiled and motioned for trick to pour us some shots, "Kenzi, its all science-y nerdy stuff, basically she will be here soon and in a few weeks she will be home for good."

Kenzi nodded and snatched up the shots, "That's all I need to hear! The kiddo is to be one of my many bridesmaids and I need her to help pick the bridesmaids dresses!" she held up the shot glass, rambled off a quick Russian toast and slammed the shot back. Bo choked hers down, and I pretended to sip mine before setting down on the bar top and shoving it down to Dyson, who eagerly downed the rest of it. Kenzi winked at us, "BRB bitches, my handsome fiancé looks too lonely over there." she skipped off to Hale as he was talking to a handful of friends, his smiled grew wide as he saw Kenzi walk towards him, he held onto her with such pride and love that I couldn't help but smile and reached for Bo's hand.

"It looks like our oldest has finally found love, true love." I leaned over and kissed Bo on the cheek as she nodded, "Yes she has, and it also means she will finally move out of the garage." I laughed, "this is true."

Ayn suddenly leaned over and looked towards the door, "Fi is here."

Bo and I turned as Sera walked in, holding a gift bag and smiling as she waved to her super excited little sister, who almost jumped off the bar top if it wasn't for her mom holding her back.

Sera set the bag down on the gift table and walked to us, She hugged me and then Bo, saving her little sister for last as the two giggled together. They had not seen each other since we left England over five months ago. Ayn firmly in her lap, she asked, "Where is my Valkyrie?"

Sera looked at the little girl, "She is working, Ayn." I detected a little hint of sadness in her voice. Ayn reached up and ran her hand over the wings that laid just under Sera's skin, "Will she be coming to the party? AK misses her as much as I do."

Sera smiled at her little sister, "I don't think she will." she looked up at Bo and I. Bo picked up on it and held out her hand to Ayn, "Lets go show Uncle Dyson how you can growl like him, Ayn."

Ayns eyes lit up and she slid off Sera's lap, almost pulling Bo down as she yanked her mom towards where Dyson was standing with Kenzi and Hale. Sera and I both laughed at the little girl.

I took Bo's seat, "Are you okay?"

Sera nodded and grabbed her mom's abandoned drink, "I am a little tired, the flight was terrible and I came right here from the airport." she took a sip from the drink, "Is it okay if I crash in the basement until tomorrow? I am staying with Grams and Gramps at the compound, but I am too tired to drive that far, figured I would hitch with you and mom." she took another sip.

I reached for her arm, "Is Tamsin coming?"

"I don't know, I haven't seen or heard from her much for the last three weeks, she has been on a large pickup up for the old man." Sera let out a sigh. Tamsin had only been give a three week break from Odin before she started taking his calls again, it was not by her choice and Sera understood it. But I could tell that it was wearing on her as their budding relationship was still new. Sera finished her drink and motioned to the bartender for another, "I miss her, plain and simple. This is the longest she has been gone, and the only time I know she is okay is when these grow warm." she held her hand over the wings. "Other than that, we are fine. We should be back home in a couple of weeks. I found a house a few streets over from you guys." she looked over at Kenzi and Hale, "Its great to see AK happy finally, she deserves a great guy like Hale." she tilted her head a little in the way she always did when she was picking up on something. I looked at Kenzi and back at her, "What is it?"

Sera smiled and looked back at me, "Her son is the one who will push me to change the fate of the fae."

I looked at her confused, "What do you mean?" worried at what it meant until I saw how peaceful she was.

Sera said nothing and let me into her thoughts and what she saw. Kenzi was going to have a son, and soon, and in time he would be the one that would push for Sera to be the first ash in the history of the light fae to begin the process of dissolving the mandatory choosing of a side, allowing all fae to decided the life they choose for themselves. I smiled wide as Sera faded out the thoughts, we both looked at Kenzi. Sera laughed slightly, "Who would ever thought that my crazy amazing aunt would be the bearer of such change."

I looked at my daughter, "Stranger things have happened."

Sera stood up as Kenzi ran over to her, high fiving her in their secret way they had since Sera was nine years old. I stood up and followed the two women over to the large table where everyone else was sitting, laughing as Ayn continued her growling contest with Dyson.

X

I laid my little sister down in her bed, pulling her pink blankets around her as she wiggled under the blankets. She had stayed up well past her bedtime at the party and was now bordering on comatose. I ran my hand over her crazy, curly brown hair. Smiling at how much I absolutely adored her, she was so much like my mom it was ridiculous, I had missed her immensely over the last few months. That's why I offered to carry her to bed, leaving my two tired and slightly buzzed parents to themselves in the kitchen. I bent forward and kissed Ayn on the cheek, whispering, "Night, munchkin."

I slipped out of her room quietly, smiling as I caught the glimpse of the drawing she made of her and I at my house in England. Pinned to the wall above her. I walked downstairs and past my parents, making out on the couch. I laughed and shook my head as my mum saw me, gently pushing my mom back away from her. I looked at them both, blushing and breathless, "I cannot and will not say anything, after almost thirty five years of marriage, its impressive that you two can still go at it like teenagers."

my mum burst out laughing as mom tired to hide under a pillow, I leaned over the couch and kissed them both on the cheek, "Go, get out of your system, I will sleep up in the crash pad." I leaned back, "um, where are the mustang keys? I want to drive around a little bit, my jetlag has messed up my sleep schedule and I think a drive to the lake might help."

Mom hopped up from the couch, walked over to the side table and pulled out the keys, tossing them to me. "Its in the driveway, it has a full tank in it." she smiled at me, "Just be careful noodle."

I shook my head and laughed, I would never rid myself of that nickname, "I will." I grabbed my jacket, as mum stood up and walked to mom, their hands came together like magnets. "Tomorrow, I am taking you three girls out to breakfast. I want to know everything I have missed around here."

I waved at my parents and walked out the back door. Pulling the tarp off my mustang I grinned, it was one thing I had truly missed while living in England, my big shiny muscle car. It started right up and I squealed out of the neighborhood, driving straight towards the lake that was a short drive from the house I grew up in. I was tired, but I couldn't sleep. I had not been able to sleep well in the weeks Tamsin had been gone. We had had very little time together in the weeks and months since her rebirth. She stayed at the English hospital for a while until grams cleared her, she stayed with me at the cottage as we sorted out all the time that had passed between us. Seven years was a long time, there was a small relearning process of who each of were now. Tamsin would leave here and there for a day or two at a time, but would always come back. She once left for a week to visit her family, to tell them about what had happened and to tell them about the bond that had been set in motion. It was a strange tradition that the Valkyrie would tell the family first and in a few months time, the two families would meet, combining two families in the Valkyrie world was taken seriously and went past the simplicity of what it would mean if Tamsin and I were to get married in the traditional sense.

I fully understood that she still was required to follow her birthright as a Valkyrie, that she had to collect the fallen ones. But it did not make me miss her any less.

I drove fast, enjoying the night and the stars as I pulled off onto the dirt road that led to the lake I loved to come to when I was little. It was so peaceful and seemed to be placed in the forest so perfectly that it always reminded me of something out of one of the fairytale books mom read to me when I was little. I pulled the mustang up to the edge of the lake and shut it off. The silence of the lake echoed around, nothing but the gentle sloshing sounds of the small current in the lake and the occasional owl hooting broke the perfect silence. I smiled as I climbed up and sat on the edge of the car trunk, facing out onto the lake, the moon reflecting off the surface of the lake as if it were glass. I took deep breaths of the cool, clean air. I had missed this lake and I had missed being home.

I smiled and closed my eyes as I felt the wings grow warm, Tamsin's way of telling me she was safe. I held my hand over it and whispered, "Hurry home to me." I kept my eyes closed as I drifted off into the perfect peace my favorite spot offered me, only wishing the woman I loved was sitting next to me.

"Is this the spot where you took all the boys when you were a teenager? The secret make out spot." The gruff voice was soft, but it penetrated the silence quickly, as well as my heart.

I kept my eyes closed as I felt her climb up onto the trunk, sitting next to me, she found my hand. I smiled wider, opening my eyes, "No one knows about this spot, it was always mine and mine alone." I turned to look at Tamsin, smiling at me. The moonlight hitting her in all the right places I leaned forward, cutting off what ever sassy remark was about to fall from her mouth, with a long over due kiss. I held my hand against her face as I broke away, smiling at the flush I brought across Tamsin, "I guess this is our make out spot now." I smiled, "How long have you been back."

Tamsin kissed me quickly, "About twenty minutes, I went to the house first. Your parents were um...yea. I then felt you call for me, and here I am." she glanced out into the lake, "So beautiful."

I could not tear my eyes from her, "Yes you are." she turned to look at me, half smiling, "I missed you too."

I swallowed hard as my body began to crave being closer to her, it had been weeks since we had been together in even the smallest simplest ways. I looked past her, and into the backseat of the mustang, quickly sizing it up. I looked at her, "You know what else I have never done here?"

Tamsin followed my eyes and smirked, sliding off the trunk of the car she grabbed my hand pulling me towards her. I half fell into her arms, "I think I can help you out with that."