Dr. Lewis will go a bit dark in the next few chapters. Just warning those that don't care to read it.
Lauren's penthouse
Kenzi came running when she heard things being thrown around from Lauren's. The door was wide open and Kenzi knew that wasn't normal. Slowly walking in she braced herself for the worst.
"Doc? Doc are you home? Kenzi screamed loud enough to be heard upstairs.
"I'll be right down Kenzi", Lauren replied.
Relieved, Kenzi flopped down on the couch. She grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. She noticed it was still on the same channel as the last time she was there. She laughed at how little Lauren watched TV. She had nearly fallen asleep when she heard Lauren coming down the stairs.
"Where. Are. You. Going? Kenzi asked looking Lauren over. The Doctor was dressed in military style gear.
"I have someone to see", Lauren said lacing up her boots.
Kenzi was shocked. "Who are you going to see like that and does Bo know about this?
"Kenzi...
"Soooo she doesn't know? Kenzi gasped. The Succubus seemed to be all things Lauren lately and if she wasn't aware of this, then there must have been a falling out between them or Lauren didn't tell her about whatever the hell it was.
"Kenzi I can take care of myself", Lauren said softly standing to her feet.
"She can't lose you again Doc...I can't lose you again", Kenzi warned.
"I will be fine Kenzi", Lauren smiled warmly.
Lauren knew this was going to be a long day but she didn't care. She needed to get to the Professor and see what he has on them. She kicked herself for not investigating the compound to make sure there was nothing left behind. Only an animal would want to stay in a building that stunk of death and housed blood splattered walls. She shook in her skin.
"Karen I need to speak with you after class", Professor Wright said.
"About? Karen said walking up to his desk.
"You are on the verge of failing my class. We need to see what you are willing to do to fix that", Professor Wright replied.
"I am nowhere near failing this class. I have handed in my assignments weeks in advance", Karen said. This was bullshit. This class was a walk in the park. So how was she suddenly in danger of failing?
Karen sat through his boring lecture. She didn't even know why she didn't just skip this class and headed to the lab to do some work to do or anywhere else but there. She noticed he was talking very slowly like he was trying to prolong the hour and a half session. She pulled big gulps of coffee from her cup and shook her head along with her classmate sitting next to her.
"You know he's doing this on purpose. Like we don't have more important places to be", Michelle said.
"Yeah. The bastard knows this is just shit he's spouting out now", Karen said.
"We don't have to stay we could just get up and walk out. You handed your assignments in the same day I did", Michelle said.
"He said he has something to talk to me about after class", Karen said taking another sip.
"I'm sure he does", Michelle said with a disgusted tone.
The man was horrible. He looked like a science project gone wrong. Nothing about him was at all attractive. He looked like he was older than the buildings spread out through the campus.
"Do you need me to stick around? Michelle asked.
"No I will be fine. Thank you though", Lauren said smiling at the gesture.
"Just say the word and I got you girl", Michelle said eyeing the dirty Professor.
What was the dirty bastard up to now? Michelle wondered internally. None of his students ever liked him. Or at least none that she knew of. She and Lauren were always on top of their game as far as assignments went.
Lauren smiled internally. Michelle could always make her smile. She was a beautiful woman. She and Lauren were in several classes together. Once they discovered that, they would often exchange notes or study together when their schedules permitted them to.
Michelle was a native of Brooklyn, New York. She won a scholarship to Yale finishing high school with a 4.0 grade point average. She was very personable and nice. After a half semester she and Lauren became roommates. Michelle had a bf who was on the verge of graduating. He was an Engineering & Applied Science major. They all had hung out when they could and Brian would often come to Lauren's aide when some freak tried to manhandle her.
"Well it's finally over and are you sure you don't need me to stay Karen? Michelle asked.
"I will be fine. I'll call you if I need you ok? Karen said.
"You do that. You know Brian will role up on that little, sniveling bitch if he has to", Michelle laughed.
Karen laughed too. She never thought the three of them would become so close. Michelle and Brian spoke their minds so easily and Karen was quiet and reserved. They all had gone out to dinner a few times and Lauren had been invited over to Brian's apartment to have dinner with the couple.
"Ms. Beattie if you are ready to talk now", Professor Wright said tiredly.
"With all due respect sir there is nothing we have to talk about. I am passing this class and you know it", Karen spat. He wasn't going to bully her.
"On the contrary Ms. Beattie. I will fail you if you fail me", Professor Wright said.
"What exactly are you asking of me? Karen seethed.
"You're a bright beatiful woman. Figure it out", Professor Wright smiled widely.
"If you think I will lower myself and sleep with you for a lousy grade, you are mistaken asshole", Karen spat. What a bastard he was.
"You will do everything I say", Professor Wright said as he reached for one of Karen's breasts.
"Got you asshole", Michelle said snapping a picture.
"Yeah. You will do everything I say and pass me", Karen laughed pointing towards Michelle.
"I will flunk you both", Mr. Wright professed.
"Oh baby don't try me. I am already planning on sending this to every student in your class. Try it and I will make sure it is sent to the University officials too", Michelle laughed. Little slick willy wasn't so slick.
"Get out! Professor Wright screamed.
Karen and Michelle both walked out laughing and Karen became serious once they were outside.
"I told you I didn't need your help but damn girl I'm glad you didn't listen to me", Karen said.
"Doc, Doc wake up and tell me where you are going", Kenzi said.
"I will be fine Kenzi. I promise", Lauren said.
"Uhh that's not telling me where you are going", Kenzi said.
"I have some unfinished business to take care of that's all Kenzi", Lauren said gathering the rest of her gear.
"You look like you're about to go off to war and I have seen your discharge papers Doc", Kenzi said remembering the night she and Lauren talked about Afghanistan.
"You could say that", Lauren half laughed.
"Ok Lauren since you won't tell me where you are going then I am going too", Kenzi said standing to her feet.
"No Kenzi. Stay here or go home but do not follow me", Lauren insisted. She appreciated the gesture she just didn't want Kenzi to be in danger or see where she was going and why.
"Well then at least tell Bo where you are going", Kenzi suggested.
"Bo? Lauren half smiled again.
"Lauren...", Kenzi started.
"I have to do this Kenzi, for me. By myself", Lauren said.
"But you know she will be all kinds of Kool-Aid pissed off if you don't tell her or keep it from her", Kenzi said.
"Bo? Where was Bo when Massimo attacked me? Where was Bo when I was doing all of that shit trying to take down Evony and for who? For Bo! Lauren snapped.
"Look Lauren I know Bo wasn't there for you. Hell she bailed on all of us but you're not just dealing with Bo remember? Her Succubus cares too", Kenzi said softly.
"I know Kenzi. I know that. But I need to do this on my own. This is my problem", Lauren said making her way towards the door.
"Lauren...she will be devastated if anything else happens to you. I don't think anyone could control the Succubus then", Kenzi said worriedly.
"I will be back before she even knows I've gone. Lock up when you leave please", Lauren said closing the door behind her.
Kenzi was worried. She wasn't so much worried about Lauren. She was worried about the Succubus. The girl was all about Lauren and any hint of danger could rattle the Succubus beyond return. Lauren needs to come back. If she doesn't, Kenzi didn't know what would become of any of them. Since they had both returned from Valhalla, the Succubus has been in control and didn't seem ready to let Bo take over. Bo was something Kenzi could reach. But a hot Succubus was someone only Lauren could reach and if she couldn't reach her, they were all as good as dead, if the Doc died again.
So she did the only thing she could think to do. Pulling out her phone she called the Dal.
The Dal
The Succubus and Aife had been meeting about her new status. The Fae was down to one leader and Aife was her name. The last of the Elders had finally cleared out and Trick had retired to his lair. Neither woman trusted that he wasn't up to something. Trick was always up to something. Plotting to turn somebody's life upside down even if they didn't deserve it.
"How did you pull this off so fast? The Succubus asked.
"They don't want to fuck with me. I know of all of the skeletons they have in their respective closets so to speak", Aife laughed.
"And if something happens to you again? The Succubus asked.
"You will be crowned the new leader. We don't have that light and dark shit anymore", Aife said pouring them another glass of wine.
"I need to feed", The Succubus said.
"Yes I'm sure dealing with that little bastard downstairs took a lot out of you", Aife laughed. It wasn't funny that the Succubus was low on energy. It was funny watching her literally and single-handedly hold Trick up in the air like he was just a stranger on the street. Absolute control of the Blood King. When Aife wrote in her blood, this is what she was looking forward to. To remove him of what powers and influence he held over the Fae. She was their only daughter and rightful heir. Not some dog in wolfs clothing.
The Succubus had made her way outside and had a stranger in her grip when her phone started to ring. She continued with her feed, as to not have to wait for another passerby.
Once she got her fill she pushed redial on her phone. "Hey Kenzi".
"Where are you? Kenzi asked.
"Well hello to you too", The Succubus laughed.
"I'm totes serious. Where are you? I called the Dal and Aife said you had gone to feed", Kenzi said.
"Yeah. Yeah. I was about to do that when you called", The Succubus explained.
"Did you get enough? Kenzi asked.
"Yes I believe so why? The Succubus asked.
"Because you my dear need to get over here", Kenzi said.
"Why what's wrong? The Succubus asked worriedly.
"Doctor GI Jane just walked out of here and looked like she was off to war", Kenzi explained.
"What? Where was she going? The Succubus asked as she started to pace back and forth.
"She wouldn't tell me. I told her to call you but she said she didn't need help and honestly I don't think she wants to deal with Bo", Kenzi said.
"Bo? What the hell does Bo have to do with this? The Succubus asked.
Bo: Yeah what did I do now?
The Succubus: Shut up and let me find out.
"I mentioned Bo and she all but snapped into pieces", Kenzi said.
"What else did she say Kenzi? The Succubus asked.
"That's just it. She didn't say a hell of a whole lot. She just put on her military gear and left", Kenzi said.
"I need to call her brother", The Succubus said.
"Wait. What? A brother? Kenzi asked curiously.
"It's a long story but yes she has a brother. Maybe he knows what she's up to", The Succubus said.
"Well I'm staying here in case she comes back. I tried calling her and it went to voicemail", Kenzi said starting to pace herself. A brother? A genius like Lauren?
"Damn then I won't waste time calling him since I know where he is", The Succubus said walking toward the Camaro.
"Not gonna lie. I almost didn't call you especially since Lauren said she could take care of herself but I have never seen her like this", Kenzi said. It was true. Lauren wasn't cold but she wasn't all that soft with Kenzi either.
The Succubus: Damn you.
Bo: Hey! We don't even know what this has to do with me.
The Succubus: It's obvious, she's still mad at you!
Bo: Hello! I tried talking to her and then you took over again.
The Succubus: She's been in danger almost daily, what could you have done?
Bo: That's not fair.
The Succubus: It wasn't fair to flaunt Rainer in front of the woman you supposedly loved.
Bo: She just didn't understand about me and Rainer.
The Succubus: Girl even I didn't understand that and you didn't want her to understand. You didn't even try and talk to her about it.
Bo: She was with Evony!
The Succubus: Let me think of the last time we were scared to storm the Dark Fae compound.
Bo: Ok. You made your point.
The Succubus: Damn it. I need to talk to Lauren. How the hell am I going to do that with your face?
Bo: The big bad Succubus is scared of Dr. Lewis.
The Succubus: Shut up I didn't say that. I said how can I talk to her if she's mad at you.
Bo: Well we don't know that she's necessarily mad at me. Only that she doesn't want to see me.
The Succubus: Standing here isn't getting neither of us anywhere so we're going.
Bo: Then go.
Inside.
"Where is Isabeau? Trick asked coming up the stairs.
"She left. She had stuff to do", Aife said.
"Aife why are you still here? Trick asked.
"I'm having some drinks", Aife laughed.
"I mean why are you still in the colony? You've made a mess of everything", Trick said.
"No I've cleaned up a lot of old shit. Old ways", Aife said pouring another glass.
"How much have you had? Trick asked noticing the nearly empty bottle.
"Once I finish this, it will be my second bottle", Aife said.
"What are you planning on doing with Bo? Trick asked. Aife had showed up like a brand new mother and he wasn't sure she was fit to be a parent yet.
"I'm going to help her learn how to be a Succubus. She will learn a hell of lot more about the Fae life than you ever tried to teach me", Aife said. She wished Bo could have met Isabeau but knew she looked like her grandmother, so she named her after her.
"What Aife? Just tell me what? Trick asked tiredly.
"Well well look at the king of secrets getting mad he doesn't know everything that somebody else knows", Aife laughed. This was rich. Trick never told anyone anything directly. You had to find out on your own or wait for his secrets and lies to be exposed.
"Bo is mine too. My blood that is", Trick said angrily.
"She was yours. But she was mine first. Don't forget that old man", Aife said.
"She could be in danger and I need to keep an eye on her", Trick said.
"I will keep an eye on her. You stay the hell away from her since you have done nothing but lie to her", Aife said.
"And that mama Succubus is why I'm here", Kenzi said approaching the two.
"Kenzi? What's wrong? Aife asked.
"Come with me and I will tell you", Kenzi said wanting to get away from Trick's prying eyes and ears.
Aife hurried after Kenzi. She hadn't known her long but was able to pick up on when she wasn't talking just to be talking and the girl could babble on with the best of them.
Kenzi and Aife walked out to Kenzi's brand new Mustang, courtesy of Aife, and climbed in. She laughed remembering how Aife used her Succubus powers saying she didn't have enough money to pay for the car. Where had this Succubus been all of Kenzi's young life?
"Lauren took off and I mean took off. She was dressed in her camouflage clothes and wouldn't tell me where she was going", Kenzi explained.
"And Isabeau? She doesn't know does she? Aife asked.
"No but she said she was going to see Lauren's brother and I think he's at Lauren's lab. We can't get a hold of Lauren because her phone goes straight to voicemail", Kenzi said grabbing her keys to put in the ignition.
"Then let's get there quickly. We can call Isabeau along the way", Aife said buckling her seat belt.
Taft's old compound
Lauren walked in and immediately twisted her nose at the smell. Death. It reeked of cruel and unusual death. She wasn't shocked that she could walk in so easily. Professor Wright was a lazy bastard but he wasn't a coward.
She walked towards the last office near where she found Steven and poked her head in. Somebody had been there recently as there was a half eaten sandwich on the desk. Lauren walked back into the hall.
"So what's this about? Those pictures or that your bastard son was dishonorably discharged for basically being an idiot? Lauren yelled tauntingly.
Lauren walked down the hall again and stopped when all lights but one went out. She recognized it. It was Taft's old office. Slowly she walked towards it.
Lauren's lab.
The Succubus wasted no time in going to Stephen's room. She knew it was getting late but she didn't care. What the hell was going on and why did Lauren suddenly disappear? She knocked on the glass door watching him sleep. When that didn't work she banged on the glass as hard as she could short of breaking it.
Stephen sat up as best as he could. The swirling blue eyes of the Succubus had him on edge. He nodded for her to enter and she did just that.
"Where is she? The Succubus asked softly.
"Bo right? Stephen asked as he shifted in the bed.
The Succubus nodded and he continued.
"What do you know about Lauren? Stephen asked.
"Enough to know I would never want her in danger", The Succubus answered.
"And her past? Stephen asked. He wasn't going to give what Lauren hadn't told Bo yet.
"I know she used to go by Karen Beattie. We haven't had the opportunity to talk about the rest", The Succubus admitted.
"I see. Well I can tell you that Karen went to take care of a piece of her past", Stephen admitted. The Succubus seemed nice. Nicer than most of the Fae he had been subjected to over the years since he was taken captive.
"What piece? I'm not trying to be pushy but Kenzi said she's in her military gear, so it has to be bad or dangerous", The Succubus said softly but anxiously.
"Her military gear? Oh boy this is bad", Stephen said.
"It's ok. You can tell me", The Succubus said.
"Karen had an old Professor from her days at Yale that tried to make her do something that she didn't want to do and she and a classmate had these movements on tape", Stephen explained.
"Why isn't she answering her phone? The Succubus asked.
"She left it with me", Stephen said showing the Succubus Lauren's phone.
"Where? The Succubus asked gritting her teeth.
"At Taft's old compound", Stephen said.
Bo: Mine
The Succubus: Ours.
"Stephen stay here and only answer that phone if you see my name on the caller ID ok? The Succubus asked warmly. Stephen was likely the only family left Lauren had besides the Succubus.
When Stephen nodded his head, the Succubus went around to make sure the lab was secure while she and Lauren would be gone. When she was satisfied that nobody could get in, she headed towards she car and sped away.
Kenzi and Aife
"Bo said she's already been to Stephen and she's headed for Taft's compound", Kenzi said reading a text she had just received from the Succubus.
"Good enough for me", Aife said getting herself ready to go.
"You're going there aren't you? Kenz asked. Two pissed of Succubus' would be a lot to see and handle.
"I don't know what they are walking into but I don't care, this is my territory now and nobody is doing dirt that I don't know about", Aife said.
"Let's go mama Succubus", Kenzi said pulling Geraldine from the back seat.
"Hit it", Aife said watching Kenzi start the Mustang.
Taft's compound.
"Karen Beattie. Long time no see", Professor Wright laughed.
"Where are these tapes you have regarding me and my brother? The Doctor asked. She didn't want to be there any longer than she had to be.
"Do you take me for a fool? I won't just hand those over to you", The Professor laughed. She was his smartest student but she never learned her lesson about how things worked back then. How they would work now if she wanted the recordings.
"I don't have time for your shit you bastard. Now where are these tapes. Hand them over if you know what's good for you", Lauren snapped. She was sick to her stomach just looking at him. The years had never been kind to him.
"I think you will make time. I think it's wonderful you have come to visit me", Professor Wright said.
"What do you want? Lauren asked. She could have killed him already but wanted to make sure she knew where the tapes were first.
"You know what I want and you're going to be cooperative this time yes? The Professor laughed.
Lauren laughed this guy had balls. Balls that she didn't want. Never wanted. No wonder he never married. He kept going after the wrong women. Michelle had written her before she left for Afghanistan and said he had been caught with a 19 year old student in his office.
"That would be a no again and I will give you one more chance to tell me where these tapes are before I burn you and this building to the ground", Lauren said coldly.
"Your threats no longer work on me Karen. We're not at Yale anymore genius", Professor Wright snapped back.
Professor Wright studied Lauren for a moment. She looked deep in thought so he thought she was finally about to bend to his will but found himself bending over in pain. His left leg had been broken below the knee.
"You were saying? Lauren laughed viciously outloud.
"What...what did you to do me? Professor Wright asked.
"Tsk tsk. Tell me where the tapes are and I might heal you", Lauren laughed.
"Heal me? What are you one of those Fae freaks? Professor Wright asked wincing in pain.
"Lets just say my Doctor skills are far advanced and I will let you say where those tapes are", Lauren said as she slowly started stalking him.
"I will never give you those", Professor Wright tried to laugh but struggled.
"Fine then I will burn this place down with you and the death scents", Lauren said walking towards the door.
"If you so much as strike a match. Your precious brother is dead! Professor Wright screamed through the pain.
Lauren stopped in her tracks. She closed her eyes. She remembered her childhood. She remembered their teen life. She remembered her brother encouraging her to go to college in spite of all the odds stacked against her. She took a few deep breaths, turned and opened her eyes. When the Professor looked up, he looked as white as the painted walls.
In one swift movement the Doctor had him pinned to the wall. She took one hand and pulled is leg up as far as the bones would allow. Pinning it backwards she thought about putting his foot in his mouth but decided against it as she was almost laughing at him screaming in agony.
"Tell me. What did you just say about my brother? Lauren asked.
"You bitch. You and your brother are doomed", The Professor mumbled.
Lauren pulled him from the wall and slammed him back into it again. Lifting her right hand she pressed it into his forehead. "Where are the tapes? She asked again.
"In...in the bottom desk drawer", The Professor winced. He thought he had this planned out so perfectly. Stephen was his for a long time and he knew Karen would come for him once she found out.
The Doctor's eyes now Cyan, lit up. She didn't feel like he was telling her the truth. She closed her eyes again and when she opened them they were flashing between blue and green. "Tell me again", She bristled.
"The rest are in a vault down the hall", The Professor said.
"Is there a code? Lauren asked.
"No. I was just in there earlier", The Professor said.
"That had better be all of them", Lauren said.
"Could be. Could be not", The Professor laughed.
"You're a vicious bastard. Do I need to break your other leg? Lauren laughed.
"First do no harm Doctor", The Professor said.
"We passed that moment the minute you threatened Stephen", Lauren said twisting his left leg towards his right leg.
"Tsk tsk. Broke your oath so easily huh? I wonder what your patients will think of that? The Professor laughed.
"You've heard of the Fae. They are most of my patients. Maybe I should tell them how you worked with Taft to take them down. See how long you last then", Lauren laughed.
"That Succubus bitch? She's a whore", The Professor.
"Did she turn you down too? Lauren laughed.
"It seemed she turned you down too. For Rainer right? The Professor laughed.
Not exactly accurate but that hurt and Lauren wasn't about to show it. She simply let him go. Walking over to the desk to look for the tapes. She then threw them into the fireplace and burned them. Taft did think of everything by putting a fireplace in every room.
"You're not going anywhere any time soon, so I'll be right back", Lauren said.
"Before you go Doctor tell me how are Mr. and Mrs. Beattie? Did they die from the poisons I injected them with? Professor Wright laughed.
That was it. Lauren closed the door and turned back to the Professor. She immediately ran to him lifting him from the floor and planted him on the nearest table.
"Where are they? Lauren asked in a tone even she didn't realize.
When the Professor only laughed. She put a hand on his chest and waited. When he started to scream. She asked again.
"They only have a matter of days so you will never make it in time", Professor Wright laughed and screamed again when Lauren lowered her hand to his left eye and it started to burn.
"Now you want to tell me? Lauren laughed. Watching him rotate his only free hand from his chest to his eye.
"I won't tell you anything else you bitch", The Professor screamed. Maybe he should have left well enough alone.
"Okie dokie. Don't move", The Doctor advised. She walked half way across the room and turned. She pointed to him with one hand and shot a small ball of fire at him. When he screamed, she smiled.
"Lauren!? The Succubus screamed kicking the door in.
The Doctor's head snapped towards the door. Cyan eyes flashing.
"Lauren what are you doing? What are you? The Succubus asked.
"Ahhh the Succubus. Welcome to our little party", Lauren snickered raising the other hand sending another ball of fire towards the Professor.
TBC
The Succubus tries to bring her Doctor back.