No Fate But My Own

Chapter 34

The Morrigan looked at Lauren in concern. She was pale and looked dead on her feet. Her eyes drifted down to the noticeable bump that Lauren hid for the most part underneath her lab coat. She hadn't taken the news well when Bo and Lauren had requested a meeting with her and The Ash at the joint medical facility a few months prior. She remembered the day clearly...

It had been a week since the failed assassination attempts on Trick and the Succubus. Even now after everything that had happened Evony had trouble liking Bo. For some reason the brunette rubbed her the wrong way. Whether it was because she seemed to always be at the centre of attention or the fact that she showed little to no respect in regards to her authority or Samuel's, she didn't know. All she knew was that she wanted this whole political mess put to bed sooner rather than later. Lauren had only just moved into the facility and they had had to send her and the succubus away under the disguise of a research sabbatical, for goodness sake. All because the untrained succubus had inadvertently gotten the doctor pregnant. Evony had stood up and paced Lauren's private lab angrily when Bo had told them. Samuel to his credit had remained seated and stoic. She, however, had not! She had rounded her ire on Bo first. "Of course she is! Of course your clueless, untrained ass managed to get our doctor knocked up!"

Then she had turned dark accusing eyes to the doctor, "And you! You surely knew that this could happen. You are the encyclopedia of all things fae, for fucks sake! I'm sure that as soon as Bo came blundering into our territory you went about researching the succubi species thoroughly. Haven't you heard of fucking birth control!"

Bo stood up, her eyes flashing with black lightning. "Don't talk to her like that. I'll fucking rip your head off!"

Evony had been about to tell the insolent bitch to just try it when she watched Lauren reach out and touch Bo. Upon contact the succubus calmed down before her very eyes. It was Lauren that spoke and she directed it specifically at her. The doctor's eyes pinned her down and commanded her to listen.

"I WAS taking birth control. It didn't make a difference. Bo's power is too great. We are bonded, Evony. Her mating instincts kicked into overdrive as soon as Bo and I became bound."

"You are bound? Impossible! You're human."

"Not anymore. Well, not completely," Lauren responded softly. And then Lauren had explained her theories on how her molecular changes had occurred. That her alteration after being brought back to life and bonded to Bo had turned her into the instrument to counter Bo's abilities and to be the bearer of her children.

The calming effect of Lauren voice and presence didn't go unnoticed. Evony's anger was pretty much extinguished by the time Lauren had finished her explanation. She sat back down beside Samuel, who still hadn't said a word. She smoothed down her hair and regained her composure. "Relax succubus. You can sit down. I am not a threat to you or Lauren." Bo sat down, taking Lauren's hand into her own. Evony turned her attention back to Lauren. "Is the calming ability the only thing you can do. You are still essentially human, yes?"

Lauren answered because the two fae leaders before her had sworn their blood oath to protect her. A fae's blood oath was sacrosanct and was not given lightly. "I think the best way to describe my current state would be that I am ... A hybrid of sorts. As for the abilities they seem to manifest all on their own. I have the ability to use the full potential of my brain. The possibilities are endless. The human brain and what it can do is still one of the biggest scientific endeavours in our field. I already had an eidetic memory, but I have developed telekinesis as well. I have a heightened awareness of things going on around me, sort of like a sixth sense. Bantos is able to communicate with me telepathically and I have managed to achieve this with Bo as well, though I can't hear her thoughts back. I produce seemingly limitless chi, however, I need to be careful of Bo overfeeding from me because it seems to speed up production, which puts too much pressure on my still very human brain and body. My aging seems to have slowed considerably, which is most likely because of the chi production. The calming ability you have already noted and I seem to be able to push my will onto others in times of heightened emotional situations. Since becoming pregnant I have also become the conduit between Bo's power and the embryo's. I seem to be syphoning the excess power from Bo and channelling it to them. I am constantly evolving it seems to be whatever Bo needs and what I need to protect my unborn children." Lauren leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment after her long explanation. The pressure and implications of what could happen when the general populous of fae found out about about her was weighing on her heavily. The doctor took another deep breath before continuing. She looked at the leader of the dark and light fae trying to gauge their feelings about what she had just shared. The Ash was as unreadable as ever and Evony to her credit, was doing a very good job of not losing it.

"Why come to us now? You aren't noticeably showing yet. What has happened to bring you to us before you needed to?"

Lauren was surprised by The Morrigan's astute questions, knowing that they wouldn't be here revealing themselves unless it was necessary. "Besides the fact that someone tried to assassinate Bo and The Blood King last week. Well lets see, Kenzi managed to save herself by jumping out a window and nearly breaking her neck. We found her hiding out in my apartment banged up, but otherwise okay. The assassin's went so far as to actually burn down a place of sanctuary in order to get to Trick! And then there is what we heard from Dyson today.

"Ah yes the incident in the dungeons," The Ash said finally joining the conversation. "I knew there was more to that story than the wolf shared. I don't know whether to punish him for not sharing the truth with me or to give him more responsibilities because he is willing to go that extra mile for the good of the fae. Though I'm sure he was protecting you two more than he was thinking of the fae. However, in this case they are one in the same so he will be forgiven for his insolence. The inquisitors have no idea what happened because Dyson had his siren partner whistle them into unconsciousness and they awakened to find the prisoner dead, his heart ripped from his chest." He tilted his head to the side and looked at Bo and Lauren inquisitively. "What, pray tell, was the assassin going to reveal that would require one of my most trusted lieutenants to go to such extreme measures to stop the ogre from talking?"

Lauren was unable to avoid the blush that rose to her cheeks. "A couple of days ago Dyson came to me and asked me if I was aware that I was pregnant and how I was going to tell Bo. That he had finally determined what change he was smelling in my scent. I felt I had no other choice but to reveal my condition and that it was Bo's child I carried." Lauren let out a small laugh and rolled her eyes. "That was not a pleasant or easy conversation, let me tell you! Because of his previous relationship and feelings for Bo lets just say that he didn't take it well at first. Thankfully Bo and Kenzi came in and were able to calm him down and convince him that it was Bo's. He cares for Bo and it is because of that that he was able to accept the pregnancy and that she is happy with me. So I think that is what Dyson was afraid the ogre was going to reveal."

"Did the ogre know that you were pregnant?" This came from The Morrigan.

"I don't think so, but he did know about me and what part I played in stopping the attack on Bo."

Evony raised an eyebrow and Samuel leaned slightly more forward in his seat. "And what part did you play in foiling the ogres ambush, child?"

Lauren took a deep breath before answering. " I used my telekinetic abilities on him and one of his friends and I was also responsible for his leader's death."

Both The Ash and The Morrigan were stunned for a moment. "You ripped that man's throat out with your bare hands?" Evony exclaimed incredulously.

"Yes, I was channelling Bo's bloodlust at the time and Bo was able to bring me back. I hate you for doing that to her by the way. That much power could have killed Bo and you knew that."

Evony laughed at the doctor's spunk. "Oh, you are ballsy, Dr. Lewis. I'll give you that." Evony looked at Samual to direct her next question to him. "We are going to have to get these two out of the country for a while. I don't think we have to worry about an outright attack so soon, but there are other fae that will probably also be able to pick up on our doctors... condition. And if anyone finds out that she killed a fae, with her bare hands no less, there will be trouble. You and I both know that they will demand she be executed because beneath all the new freaky shit she still is essentially human."

"So what do you suggest, Evony?" Samuel asked.

"I happen to have a situation in Sicily on the land my ancestral home is built. I was going to send a team out soon to try to figure out what is causing the problems with the orchard. My family's orchard is the site for one of the largest courts of earth faerie's. My family has shared the earth with them for millennia and they bless our soil to produce the finest fruit and vegetables on the island. Over the last few months, however they have been dying at an alarming rate and now will not leave their underground mound to use their magic on my land. So instead of sending a team I will send you and Bo instead. The area is remote enough and the caretakers are discreet and answer directly to me. You would be smarter than the entire team I was planning to send anyway. So you will be doing me a personal favour and laying low at the same time. We will push forward the laws that need to be changed and voted on first. Namely the one concerning fae fraternising with humans. We will send for you when it is safer to return. Deal?"

Lauren looked to Bo, who nodded her head before leaning over and giving her a gentle kiss. "Your safety and the babies are my main focus right now. If getting out of the country is what we have to do, we'll do it."

"Dr. Lewis?" Evony wanted it to be Lauren's decision.

"Okay," Lauren said, giving Bo a small smile. "When do we leave."

"Tonight. I will send word to get the jet ready as soon as we are finished here. I will text you the location of the airstrip and you are to call the number provided to send for the car. Understood?"

"Wait! What about Kenzi?"

Evony rolled her eyes at Bo and was about to say something rude and cutting when she saw Lauren looking at her with as much concern for Bo's human pet as the succubus. Evony sighed, "She has been staying in your new apartment as well has she not?"

"Yes," Lauren replied with a look of surprise.

The Morrigan laughed at Lauren's shocked expression. " Oh please, you think I didn't know? We both have someone monitoring your property at all times Dr. Lewis. You are an invaluable asset and under our protection. The only time we do not monitor you is when you are out and about with Bo or other fae. Then we rely on them to protect you. Every fae in our county has been informed of your status and that is what makes the attack against Bo when you were with her unforgivable. As for Kenzi, she can remain in your home and we will have someone she knows and trusts with her whenever she leaves." Evony looked over at Samuel. "Your dog and siren can share that responsibility, can they not?"

The ash gave The Morrigan a withering look in response to her disrespect of his constituents, but only nodded his head knowing that Evony was just being Evony. "Yes, I will have them keep an eye on your charge, Bo. She spends most of her time at the Dal anyway. I understand she is helping Trick with the remodel," he said with a chuckle. "I look forward to seeing it when it's done."

Evony stood up and tapped her foot impatiently. "So are we done here?" She didn't wait for a response. "Good. You will hear from me soon, so you better get packing."...

Back in the present Evony headed in Lauren's direction. "Dr. Lewis you look exhausted. I specifically told you to rest for the rest of the week before coming into the lab. We managed to muddle through for almost two months without you, I'm sure we can manage a few more days!"

The doctor looked up from the microscope and the slide she was examining. "I was going to head home shortly I just had to take care of a few things. You received and read my report about your faeries I presume," Lauren enquired as she started to put things away in preparation to go home.

"Yes, I did and thank you for discovering the problem. How something so trivial and mundane as a new worker using chemicals on the trees of the orange grove that just happened to be fatally toxic to that specific species of faeries and cost them dozens of lives. Tragic. I made restitution to the queen and they are back to flitting about and enriching my land once more. The queen requested that you visit again one day. She took quite a shining to you, doctor." Evony shook her head and motioned for Lauren to get a move on. "Go home, Lauren and rest. Have Bo give you a back rub and a foot massage or something. She called looking for you. She sounded pissed," Evony added with a laugh. "How about you do as you are told and take the rest of the week and I will see you at the banquet on Saturday." The banquet was to be held after the final summit where all the new laws and positions were to be made official to the public. It was the first fae gala that was open to human companions as well as the fae. "You are going aren't you?"

Lauren looked up at The Morrigan as she slipped off her lab coat and replaced it with her new long cashmere overcoat. "I hadn't actually decided if I would be in attendance. I thought I should wait to see how the final vote goes."

"Hmm," Evony responded as she walked with Lauren, heading towards the elevators to the underground car park. "I have a good feeling about the final summit, Lauren. A lot was accomplished while you were away."

Lauren nodded. "If you say so. I know never to get my hopes up these days. Though Trick is very optimistic about it as well. Does it have anything to do with several of the high ranking council members that disappeared?"

Evony entered the elevator with Lauren and pushed the B2 button sending them down. "They didn't disappear, Lauren. They were arrested for the attack on Trick and Bo. They are rotting in the deepest, darkest of our dungeons as we speak. They will be made an example of at the banquet." The elevator doors dinged open and Evony snapped her fingers at the big burly man standing outside. "Bruce! Make sure Dr. Lewis gets home safely."

"Yes, ma'am," Bruce responded, stepping forward and taking Lauren's bag.

"See you Saturday," Evony said, before the elevators doors closed...

Lauren sighed and collapsed onto the couch, happy to be off her aching feet.

"Hello there, Lauren. Bo rang looking for you. Wasn't pleased when I told her you had gone off to the lab."

Aoife went to the fridge, grabbing a glass of wine for herself and a bottle of water for the tired doctor.

Lauren mumbled, "thanks," and drank gratefully from the water. "What are you still doing here?"

Bo asked me to wait for you and to make sure you were comfortable and resting before I leave. Told me she had called the Morrigan to chase you out of the lab."

Lauren groaned in protest. "I'm fine. I only fainted the once and it was hot. Bo needs to stop smothering me."

"She is just being a concerned mama bear, Lauren. And besides, just because you didn't faint with all the other dizzy spells you've had doesn't mean that she isn't right. You are overdoing it, Lauren. This pregnancy isn't a normal human pregnancy and the growth of the foetus's is increasing exponentially."

The blonde glowered at the older succubus. "I don't need you to tell me that. I am a doctor you know," she growled. "I'm fine. Just a bit tired. That's all."

Aoife grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and draped it over Lauren. "Please just take a nap so that Bo will relax a little. I need to go out and feed. Bo and Kenzi will be back with dinner in about an hour, Okay? Please stay put, Lauren. Bo takes it out on me when she's worried sick about you."

Lauren took pity on Bo's mother. "I'm sorry. Go. I'll stay put, I promise. Actually could you grab me the jar of pickles and some peanut butter before you go. I'm a bit peckish."

"Blech! That's disgusting," Aoife said making a face, but proceeded to retrieve both items for the blonde.

"Thanks," Lauren said, taking the jars and opening them both up and placing them on the coffee table. She retrieved a pickle and dipped it straight into the jar of peanut butter. She moaned in satisfaction when she took the first crunchy bite. "So you didn't have cravings when you were pregnant with Bo."

Aoife laughed, "not for food, no. Lots of chi and lots of sex sure but not food. Look, I would really love to stick around watching you stuff your face with pickles. But I'm hungry and I have already been told that I can't snack on you... Soooo I have to go get some takeout. Let Bo know I will be by tomorrow afternoon for another training lesson."

"Mmhmm." Is what Aoife got in response as Lauren stuffed another peanut butter covered pickle in her mouth. Lauren finished her pickle and lay back on the couch and closed her eyes.

Lauren was glad that Bo had her mother back in her life. She had returned with them two days ago and was blending into the family rather well. Except for her and Trick. Aoife was reluctant to spend time alone with her father preferring to spend as much time with her daughter as possible. Bo had travelled around a bit during their time away. Lauren had insisted on it while she had poured over test results and spend time underground with the earth faeries. Bo had gotten to know one of the most prominent fae families in the province and word had spread from there.

Bo had used the story that she was on a pilgrimage which was common for young fae. Her reputation, however, had caused quite a stir in the European fae rumour mill over the months when she had defied the fae and decided to stay unaligned. So when word got around that Bo was in Sicily a large influx of fae came to meet her. That was how Aoife had found out that Bo was in Italy and she surprised her about a week before they were summoned home. It was advantageous because The Ash and The Morrigan had sent people out to find Aoife to tell her that she had been pardoned but had been unable to locate the elusive succubus. Shani had been away and hadn't heard from Aoife either. It was kind of fitting that Bo got to be the one to tell her mother the news and how it was because of Lauren that it had become possible. Well and Trick but Aoife was still pissed off at her father so focused her gratitude to Lauren instead.

Lauren was happy to be home and Bo had missed Kenzi like crazy. They both had actually. Using Skype had helped, but it was nothing compared to having the real live Kenzi. Lauren had encouraged Bo to spend time with her best friend and some of it was for her benefit because Bo was driving her crazy since learning that the pregnancy was progressing way faster than it was supposed to and the toll it was taking on the doctor. The power transference was increasing in occurrence and volume and the twins were growing fast. If it continued in this fashion, she would be giving birth in the matter of weeks. That's if my body doesn't give out first, Lauren thought as she finally drifted off to sleep...