No Fate But My Own
Chapter 36
Several weeks had passed since the inaugural gala and things had passed by in a whirlwind of activity and progress. Things between her and Lauren were going well.
The ultrasound had shown the twins were flourishing and growing with wondrous speed. Lauren's doctor had also marvelled at the blondes renewed health. The doctor had pronounced that besides the usual problems that could crop up during childbirth. She believed that Lauren was now in peak physical health and no longer feared that she wouldn't be strong enough to survive the birth.
Bo had felt an enormous weight lift when she had heard those words. It had been incredibly difficult to watch Lauren deteriorate before her eyes and she had beaten herself up that she hadn't confided in Trick about Lauren's condition. She could have saved her so much pain and distress if they had gotten the ancestral bracelets as soon as they had gotten back from Europe.
Lauren had tried to comfort her and told her that everything was fine now and that she needed to stop feeling such guilt. Lauren for her part, was aglow and angelic in her pregnant beauty. Despite Bo requesting that Lauren still rest and continue her reduced hours at work the blonde had given her a gentle kiss and told her that she had never felt better in her entire life and that she would rest if she needed to. So here Bo was sitting in the newly refurbished Dal waiting impatiently for her workaholic girlfriend to arrive.
The Morrigan sighed impatiently as she sat across from a very distracted Bo. The Ash sat beside the Morrigan, being the poster boy for infinite patience as usual. He drove her crazy, but that didn't diminish the love she felt for her childhood friend. She set her dark eyes on the succubus who was once again checking her phone before glancing at the entrance of the way station.
"Oh for goodness sake. Dr. Lewis will get here when she gets here. Bruce is with her and will bring her as soon as she is done with whatever sciency thing that has had her in the lab all week. So can we please get back to business. I have better things to do than spend the entire night hanging out with you."
"I just miss her, okay! You have probably spent more time with her than I have this week," she responds snidely.
Evony laughed. "Jealous?" She said, baiting the succubus.
"Evony, please," Samual said with a sigh. "I know you get much enjoyment from tormenting Bo but now isn't the time. There is still much work to be done. The news of what we have accomplished has spread quickly and more and more dignitaries from abroad are coming across our borders. Trick spends most of his time signing people in to the book than serving drinks these days. Though I still think there is something more fitting that The Blood King should be doing than running this way station."
"He is happy. He says this is his home and he is more than content with running The Dal." Bo looked up and smiled in her grandfather's direction. "He also said that he doesn't want to get bogged down in too much fae politics. That it's time for him to work on his family. Says he will leave the fae populous in our safe hands."
"He is very excited to be a great grandfather," The Ash responds with a chuckle. "He and Aoife seem to be getting along better too."
"Yeah, I think the pregnancy has brought them together," Bo responded with a smile.
"If I now have to sit here and listen to all this sentimental family crap, I'm going to need another drink! Excuse me." Evony slid out of the booth and sits at the bar beside Kenzi.
"I'm not sure if she's coming back," Bo said laughing.
"No, you are probably right. Evony doesn't like going over the paperwork being a fae leader requires." Bo watched as Samual turned to look over at his lover. Wow, he really loves her, Bo thinks as she see's The Ash's aura shine brightly as he looks at the dark fae leader.
"I'm not exactly a fan either. So much has happened in such a small span of time, it's crazy. The underfae are happy with their new home. Bantos said that almost all the underfae have signed in and are relocating to the new site. I had no idea it was possible to create entire towns or cities that are invisible to humans!" Samual smiled at Bo's wide eyed awe.
"I sometimes forget how young you are and how new you are to the fae world."
"I just don't understand why the underfae had to live in squalor under the city in the sewers when entire cities can be made from nothing!"
"That is the reason they follow you, Bo. That is why you command thousands of the most dangerous fae that walk this earth. You, of course, understand why they need to be kept from the outside world. They are unable to pass for human and we still need to stay a secret even if we are now more relaxed in allowing human and fae relationships to form. There still needs to be a line on how exposed we can become. They outnumber us and could destroy us if they wanted. Humans do not like things they do not understand. They would capture and study us. They would kill us because we would be a threat to the human race."
Bo nodded her understanding. "No, I get that. I really do. I am not naive enough to believe that everyone is good. I know that evil exists. I have seen it. In both humans and fae. What I don't understand is why the underfae have been segregated and treated so badly for so long. They may not be able to pass as human, but a majority of them just wanted a place to fit in. A place to call home. They are not all mindless monsters!"
"It takes a lot of resources and money to create a city between two planes of existence and the fae didn't feel that the underfae were worth the cost."
Bo made a face of disgust. "That's horrible. You have used their abilities for your own needs for millennia, but never granted them a place of their own."
"Yes. All that is true. But that is not the case anymore. They have a voice now. They have a place in this world. And any requests for their help in fae affairs go through you and the underfae ambassador. They get paid for their work and they have a place to call home. And they credit their change in fortune and circumstances to you. You are the peacekeeper of the fae, Bo and you have command of a powerful army that will do your bidding. Some feel you have been given too much power. I, however, feel that there is no one else that could carry that type of power and not be corrupted. Your heartfelt desire to do what is right is your greatest strength, Bo."
Bo wasn't sure what to say to The Ash so she said nothing. Bo felt her presence before she saw her. A smile crossed Bo's face as Lauren walking into The Dal and approached the bar. Bruce followed closely behind the blonde. The Morrigan had given Lauren the large, sweet natured muscle man. Bruce had told Lauren that he was happy to be in her service when she had tried to protest. He had become a welcome and much loved member of their ever expanding family. He was now sitting beside Kenzi and they talked happily together.
Lauren hugged Kenzi and nodded a greeting at The Morrigan. Trick took Lauren's hand and kissed it as if she was a queen. All eyes were fixed on her. She was beautiful and had a presence that everyone in this room could feel. She WAS a queen. She was Bo's queen. Lauren brought a tray over filled with fresh drinks and water for her. Bo stood and greeted Lauren in the same way her grandfather had before giving her an added kiss on the lips.
"I thought you would never get here," Bo said as she slid into the booth after Lauren.
"Yeah, sorry my mistress had all my attention. She gave me a pleasant breakthrough today."
Bo smiled at the doctor. "Mistress?" Samual asked curiously.
Lauren laughed. "Yes. Science is my mistress," she said, giving Bo a playful wink. "God. I'm famished. I hope Trick hurries with the food. I forgot to eat lunch. It's a good thing the babies require more chi than food for sustenance. Speaking of chi.."
Lauren placed a hand on Bo's face and kissed her deeply. The kiss ended with a transfer of chi from Lauren into Bo and back again. It was the ultimate sharing of both of their life forces mingled together and The Dal was silent as they witnessed it.
Lauren blushed when they pulled away and noticed the audience they had. Bo found the doctors pink tinged cheeks adorable and kissed her once more unable to resist. After she was done, she turned back to The Ash and said, "Okay, what's next on the agenda?"
Samual slid several plans over towards Bo. "Here are the plans for your new residence and these.." He put the next set of plans on top of the house plans. This is the layout of the club that will be your base of operations. We all have a cover if you will, where we can conduct our business and I know you would prefer to not have all your constituents coming to your home. With the imminent birth of your heirs, we must keep your home secure. So after some thought we thought maybe a club would be a good base of operations for you.
The sexual energy in clubs are perfect for your species to feed and they are very good for our kind to remain inconspicuous. Kenzi suggested a strip/dance club would be perfect."
Bo moved the plans so that Trick could slid the large burger and fries over to Lauren, who thanked him profusely before picking up the burger and taking a huge bite.
"Oh, she did, did she?" Bo said with a chuckle.
"Yes. As did Lauren."
Bo spun her head to face her girlfriend. "You did?"
Lauren shrugged at the succubus while she finished chewing her food. She swallowed and then responded to her surprised lover. "What? It's a very logical choice. You are a sexual creature and will be stronger in a complex charged with the stuff. I want you to be at your strongest. Fae politics can be a very dangerous business, Bo."
Bo was speechless. "I, uh.. Okay. I can envision running a club."
Samual laughed. "The everyday running of the club will fall to your constituents and Kenzi will oversee them. Your job will be much of what you have been doing. Taking care of disputes and problems of the fae."
"Oh. Right."
The Ash fixed Bo with a serious look. "After your display of power and your words about judgement at the gala, the council convened and had a conversation about it. They all see you as a peacemaker, Bo. But they also see you as an executioner as well."
"What?"
Samual put up his hands. "Sorry. Executioner isn't the right word. They were impressed that you chose to spare the traitors lives and with your grandfather's conference decided on a more fitting punishment. So Judge would probably be a more fitting word."
"Judge, jury and executioner?" Bo said and she felt a warmth spread up her arm and over her body at her words. The bracelet did that often when it was...pleased? She wasn't sure how else to describe it.
Samual nodded his head. "Yes, I guess that is a good description. The fae have been plagued by their petty squabbles for years. It is rare that there are crimes against the fae that are so bad that they require death or now that it is possible the stripping of fae's powers, Bo. But sometimes it is warranted."
So I am to be the judge of these fae and deal with the problems that cannot be sorted out, in house, so to speak?" Bo said trying to understand exactly what her role would be. "Isn't that a lot of power to give one person?"
"Yes, that is why the council has decided on a test."
Lauren spoke up first, a french-fry hovering near her mouth. "TEST? What kind of test. I remember the last test you and The Morrigan gave Bo. I had to die to save her!"
"Lauren. Calm down. It's okay. I'm sure it will be nothing like that." Bo looks at The Ash. "Right?"
He pulls out a long slim box and opens it so that they can see inside. It was a long, thin gold chain. "I know that you know what this is, Lauren. You have been down to the archives a few times. Did you and Bo look at this when you were in the archive to read the prophecy? Did she tell you what it was?"
Samual saw the light of recognition cross Bo's features and soon she was leaning forward for a closer look at the thin golden chain. "I remember it now. I remember wishing I had one because I was sick of people always keeping the truth from me. I can't remember what it was called though."
Lauren pushed her empty plate aside. "Is this the test?"
Samual nodded his head in affirmative.
"You want to see if the chain will accept her as a fae inquisitor? Won't that just give Bo more power?"
Samual smiled at Lauren. He loved how her mind worked. "Yes. However the chain will only choose someone worthy of possessing such power and responsibility. Only someone with a true heart and an incorruptible soul is chosen. It is why there is usually only one that can wield it. Pick up the chain, Bo."
Bo sat silently looking at the box before her. She was torn. She was afraid of all this responsibility that had befallen her. She was terrified of making wrong decisions and letting people down. But on the other hand, she had also worried about being corrupted by her power. Trick by his own admission had not been beyond corruption and it was why he had gone into hiding and avoided using his blood power. What if she followed in her grandfather's footsteps? What if she was too weak and became drunk with power and ultimately became the monster she so feared to be?
If the chain chooses me, I will know that my power will never rule me. I will know that I am strong enough to not be corrupted by it, she thought to herself. She looked to Lauren. "What do you think?"
Lauren reached out and squeezed Bo's hand. "I think this is something you need to decide on your own, my love. I will stand by you no matter what you decide."
Bo nodded. "I had a feeling you would say that."
Lauren smiled, "Sorry if it's not what you wanted to hear."
Evony chose that moment to come back over to the table. "Oh, you are finally at the end of these proceedings. Thank fuck for that! Well? What's it going to be Bo. Shall we see if you are the saint that everyone thinks you are?"
"Evony!"
"What? I just want to get this over with so we can crank up the karaoke machine. Come on, Bo. Touch the chain and see if it calls to you, then we can sing a duet together to celebrate!"
Bo could help but laugh. When The Morrigan wasn't busting her balls or insulting her, she often found that she liked the antagonising leader of the dark. Plus, she really seemed to be looking out for Lauren which she appreciated. Whether Evony had an agenda she wasn't sure, but just this once she would give her the benefit of the doubt.
"Okay. I guess it's time to step up and wear my grown up pants. Isn't that what you keep telling me, Kenz?"
The Dal had gone quiet again and Kenzi was now standing beside The Morrigan. "Yep, it's time for your big girl pants, BoBo. Test, smest. Do this shit and show them who's da queen B!"
Evony rolled her eyes, but Bo saw a ghost of a smile twitch at her lips. Bo nodded and took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing." She reached over and took the cool golden chain in her hand. She had a silly thought that this may be a moment like in Harry Potter with the sorting hat. Would the chain talk to her and muse over if her soul was pure and then announce out loud whether she was worthy or not. Don't be stupid, she thought to herself.
Bo looked up at The Ash. "Is something supposed to happen?"
"I'm not sure. The last inquisitor was way before I was born. Lauren?"
"Uh, there's not much written about the chain of truth, unfortunately. What I told you in the archives was about the limit of my knowledge on it. Sorry," Lauren said, shrugging her shoulders.
Bo held the chain in the palm of her hand, she didn't notice the heat at first because it was so subtle. "Maybe it's broken or I'm just not worthy." The temperature of the chain increased tenfold with her words. "Ow. Shit," Bo yelped and tried to drop it, but it held fast as if adhered to her skin. "Jesus! It's gone really fucking hot!"
The chain began to wind it's way up Bo arm wrapping over itself in an ornate pattern. Burning her flesh as it went. Trick poked his head in-between Kenzi and The Morrigan. "It has chosen. Say the words, Truth above all else."
Bo repeated the words and the chain stopped burning and wrapped around her wrist as if it was a harmless bracelet. The mark that the chain had seared into her arm vanished as if it had never been there. "Great! You are the bearer of The Chain of Truth everyone here in this room has bared witness to the event. Now we can warm up the karaoke machine and have a good time?" Evony says, actually looking down at Kenzi.
"Hell's yeah, we can! It's time to party, bitches!" Kenzi rushed off to set everything up.
"I'm really starting to like your pet, Bo."
Bo glared at Evony, "Then start calling her by her name and stop referring to Kenzi as a pet!"
Evony rolled her eyes. "Oh, lighten up! Drinks are on the house," The Morrigan declared before heading off to join Kenzi.
An hour later, Bo and Lauren were slow dancing to a terrible rendition of Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, by a very drunk Kenzi and Evony.
"Kenzi really did a great job helping Trick fix up this place. It's not too different, but has enough modern touches to make it a little brighter and fun in here."
Bo smiled. "Yeah she is really sorry that she couldn't fit a mechanical bull in here. It wasn't for a lack of trying though. She tried to convince Trick to knock down a wall to make space for it. But he bribed her with higher quality free drinks for life and she let it go and settled for the two big screen TV's and the karaoke machine."
Lauren laughed. "Trick certainly knows how to persuade Kenzi to compromise. I don't mind cause I certainly couldn't get on a mechanical bull in my present state."
Bo gave Lauren a seductive smile and squeezed the blonde's ass as she pulled her as close as her pregnant form would allow. "Well, now it won't be long now till the babies are born and I would love to watch you sitting astride a mechanical bull. That would be so sexy. Maybe I will put one in the club and you could wrap those long, beautiful legs around it and ride it for me."
Lauren watched as Bo's eyes glazed over with her erotic thoughts of her riding a mechanical bull. "Well, when you say it like that and look at me like you want to take me right here on this dance floor at the mere thought of it. How could I possibly refuse." Lauren hugged Bo tightly. "And maybe afterwards you can ride me."
"Oh God, Lauren. You have to stop or I will have to take you to the VIP room in the back and have you wrap those beautiful, long legs around me as I make love to you with my mouth."
Lauren let out a moan. The blonde heard a weird popping sound and felt wetness pool between her legs. She was about to tell Bo, that she wouldn't dream of stopping her from doing just that, when she realised it wasn't arousal that she had felt. There was too much moisture and she felt it gush out of her and run down her legs, soaking her pants. "Oh my God! Bo, I think my water just broke!...