Lauren stretched and rolled over. The spot next to her was mildly warm. She looked around and listened for shower water. She saw and heard nothing but the a/c. She finally yawned and rolled back over to Bo's pillow. There she found a note. "Be back soon-Bo".
She rolled back on her back and smiled. They had spent the entire night making love and it was wonderful. Bo hadn't spoken about needing to be anywhere so early, but the Doctor trusts that it must be important for her to leave without waking her up. But then she thought about their earlier days in bed. Bo would tell her to go back to sleep when she had something Fae to deal with. Like Vex. She cringed at that memory but didn't allow the thought to live in her brain any longer than it needed to.
Bo loves her and she loves the Succubus. That's their life summed up in a nutshell. Though they could have been cracked nuts after the Nadia situation. She didn't think much of that woman long either. They are building a life together and that starts with trusting each other to have each other's back.
Finally, she climbed out of bed and went to shower. Once she was done and dressed she went downstairs. She rounded the corner to find Aife. The old Succubus was reading something, intensely.
"Good morning". Lauren cleared her throat.
"Good morning doctor". Aife smiled and waved.
"Well, we are formal this morning". Lauren laughed as she walked into the kitchen.
"Sorry, I was just reading something." Aife put her papers down and turned her attention to the blonde.
"So, I saw. Where's Bo? Lauren asked.
"She's gone with her grandfather. She wanted to personally help the people on the list you gave us. Not most Fae would care and be hands on like that, but Isabeau is. Thanks to you". Aife replied.
"Me? Lauren scrunched her eyebrows.
"Well, she's a good intentioned Fae. Yes, she was raised by humans. But the rest of her good heart comes from you. She should be a bitch like me. But no. She's a good woman. A good mate." Aife rolled her tongue in her mouth. She wanted to laugh that a daughter of hers could care so much about anything. Especially given who her father is. But none of that matters now. Bo has a good role model, father figure for a man in her life. Keldon.
"Well, I wouldn't go that far". Lauren blushed.
"I did and I would again. My daughter adores you, Doctor. So does her grandfather. You never would have gotten such affection out of Trick. We're a family now. A strong, loyal family". Aife stood to get a glass of wine. She was being mushy and that's just not her thing. But she told the truth just now.
"Okay". Lauren smiled as she poured some juice in a glass and drank it.
Bo
With Keldon behind the wheel of his all-new SUV, Bo stared out the window. She thought of last night. Hell, she thought of every moment with Lauren. Which took her back to running the streets. There she was this thing. This monstrous thing that woke up next to dead lovers just so she could survive. Who would want to live with an animal like that? Who would want to love a beast like that? She had spent so many dark days and nights alone. Thinking that was going to be her life for as long as she lives. At least back then, she thought she would die. But now? No. She needs to live. She needs to love. Love the woman in her bed. She smiled thinking of how warm Lauren felt against her all night and that morning when she left her to run these errands. Well, not errands but favors for Lauren.
Whatever Lauren wants, she will get. Bo just hopes it's a long, long life with her. It hasn't been lost on her that Lauren is still a human among them. Humans die. It's what they do. But Bo can't imagine someone as smart as Lauren ever dying. They are mates. The brunette is hopeful her Succubus has given Lauren something to keep her alive forever. Since Bo can raise the dead, she surely can stop it from happening.
Every human she'd taken to bed had died beneath her. But not Lauren. It was and is always different with Lauren. She feels her Succubus is all in with them too. It was in that first kiss. The minute the Doctor's lips touched hers, she touched Bo's spirit too. She moved in her seat thinking of Lauren topping her that night. Sure, she topped Dyson and countless other lovers, but there was something about Lauren that Bo let her have her way too.
"You're awfully quiet, sweetie". Keldon spoke softly.
"I'm sorry grandfather, I was thinking about Lauren." Bo smiled in embarrassment.
"Don't apologize. I was just noting how quiet you were being". Keldon smiled.
"Has any Fae fallen so deeply for a human before? Bo asked.
"You would be the first that I have ever known or heard of". Keldon answered as he made his next turn.
"What about Lou Ann? Bo asked.
"I never met or encountered her to make a true assessment of their lives". Keldon shrugged.
"I want to do something. I need to talk to Lauren about it first. But I have a hunch about something. I'm going to need your help, if she agrees, of course". Bo finally turned to the man.
"I will do whatever you need me to do. Your mother and I are both here for the two of you. Aife will never admit it, but she loves this life too. Being a mother and a friend to Lauren". Keldon patted Bo's knee to ease her mind.
Bo let out a breath that she didn't know she had been holding. She wants more with Lauren and there's only one way she's going to get it all. She smiled as they drove on down the road. They were about to make their last two stops. They had been out early. Taking food, clothing, over the counter medications, furniture and other supplies that were in demand. Lauren had a long list and Bo was determined to get to everyone she had named, and a few others.
She jumped out of the vehicle and started handing out everything to the men Keldon had called in to help. They formed a human chain from the SUV to the front doors of houses and buildings.
Keldon made note of what had been handed out in case he needed to call in more supplies. They didn't want anyone feeling left out. Nobody would be. Bo's words when she climbed into the vehicle just before the sun rose.
"One last stop". Bo smiled as she climbed inside again.
"This is just the beginning. You didn't need to come. I have people that could have handled this, as you can see". Keldon gestured towards his entourage.
"I know I didn't need to come. I wanted to come. To do this for Lauren. I am sure she has seen so much human suffering. Most likely at Fae hands too." Bo grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler.
"I was just saying I have people to handle it. But didn't want you feeling like you have to come on these runs." Keldon gently held a hand up in peace. He didn't want to fight with Bo. He is still getting to know her.
"You are about to take your throne again, you didn't have to come either". Bo smiled.
"I did it for the same reasons as you, Lauren. I owe that Doctor a lot. I thought for sure I was a goner before she treated me back then". Keldon smiled.
"Do you think your Incubus and my Succubus drew the both of us to her? In her life? In her direction? Bo asked.
"I think we both know the answer to that. I had heard of a Doctor among the Fae. The trick, no pun intended, was to get to her, under the radar. So to speak". Keldon could laugh thinking of how he snuck into the compound. It was late and Lauren was packing up a medical bag. He startled her with apologies and told her what he was and why he was there. Like the kind and professional doctor she is, she treated him. Then he noticed something about her that would make her important in his life somewhere down the road. Now, here they all are. Keldon, Aife, Bo and Lauren. The Succubus are his closest ties to Queen Aife and Queen Isabeau. He doesn't want to ever lose contact with them again. Aife staying put is another story. He laughed internally at the thought.
"I know this is an unpleasant thought. But what about Kenzi? Keldon asked.
"The Ash will take care of Kenzi. He knows her, just as well as I do. Don't worry about her grandfather. She won't insult you again". Bo sighed gently. She hadn't thought of Kenzi since she kicked her out yesterday. The audacity to think she could just show up without notice. Bo hadn't been that embarrassed in a long time.
She internally shook her head. Hale had better keep Kenzi in line because Bo was close to losing her control over her Succubus. That's an understatement. That bitch was growling to be set free on Kenzi. But Bo did what she could to get Kenzi away from all of them. Bo went back to looking out the window. To keep from drudging up shit that upset her grandfather. He is new to her and doesn't owe Kenzi a damn thing.
Hale and Kenzi
"Rise and shine Kenzi! Hale screamed as he pulled the curtains open.
"Wow and no! Kenzi groaned as the sunlight was brutal on her eyes.
"Yes. Get up. You have to go to work". Hale pulled the blankets and sheets off so the woman wouldn't have a way to hide from him.
"What? I don't have a job, but I do need another 8 hours in bed". Kenzi yanked at the sheets.
"No. As long as I am in charge of you, you will work. It's the only way that I can be assured that you aren't out causing trouble." Hale snapped his fingers, and two guards came in with a uniform and shoes for Kenzi.
"What the hell?! Kenzi screamed as they threw them at her.
"You are going to clean the compound. I have a lead housekeeper that will let me know how you do." Hale nodded for them to be left alone. He knew a fit was coming from Kenzi.
"What the actual Fae man? Clean up after the Fae? Kenzi groaned again.
"Bo left me in charge of you. This is me being in charge of you. Unless you want me to release you to the streets. You won't make it, Kenz. Not without Bo's protection. I won't put a necklace on you like Lauren used to wear but this is where we are". Hale took a seat.
"What are my hours? Kenzi asked.
"You have a nine to five gig. But know this, if you leave the new compound, you will not come back in. The fae out there know you are no longer claimed by Bo. You would be a sitting duck". Hale shrugged.
"This is bullshit, Hale. I know you can do better than having me scrub Fae toilets". Kenzi put her head in her hands. Hoping. Pleading that Hale would see reason.
"You can't be trusted on your own Kenzi. After storming the King's meeting last night. You are lucky to be alive. You know damn well Aife would have kicked your ass, and nobody would have stopped her". Hale shuddered thinking of the old Succubus. Her reputation far preceded her.
Kenzi fell on the bed and groaned again. This has to be the equivalent to what Lauren was subjected to. Stuck in the compound under the Ash authority. She gritted her teeth thinking of Lauren. Ms. perfect is living the life that Kenzi should be leading. Bo with a new grandfather that Kenzi needs to warm over like she did Trick. Sleeping in mansions. Being served by a chef. Riding around in luxury as they went about their day.
"Get up Kenzi. I won't ask you again". Hale left the room and ordered the men to give her five minutes to shower and dress. She doesn't need to look perfect to clean.
Kenzi dragged herself into the bathroom to shower. She needs new wigs. New clothes. She is broke as hell. She can't even afford the dollar menu right now. She hoped breakfast is on Hale's agenda for her. She gasped when she heard hard knocking at her bedroom doors. She dressed as fast as she could and walked to open it.
"The Ash said time is up. You have five minutes to eat your breakfast and you must start work immediately". A tall burly Fae spoke. Kenzi's eyes widened at the sight of him. She had never seen him before. He looked buff as hell and was dressed to the nines.
"Hi". Kenzi smiled.
"I'm married. For a thousand years. My wife would kill you on sight". The man laughed as he turned around.
Kenzi shook her head at her breakfast. A biscuit sandwich and a glass of juice.
"Let's go". A woman's voice echoed behind her.
"Who the hell are you? Kenzi swung around.
"My name is Serena. Head of security for the Ash. You will not be slacking off with me. I can set off fires at a moment's notice. If I have to start them at your feet, I will. Breakfast is over. Now get to work." The woman gestured.
"Nothing is dirty here". Kenzi looked around. Then jumped when she heard dishes and glasses burst in the next room.
"Now there is." Serena laughed.
Kenzi's eyes went wide after she walked into the next room. There was a long table from one end to the other. Broken glasses and dishes lined the table and floor.
"Elders never eat or drink from the same plate or glass". Serena laughed in the distance.
"So that means this shit will happen at least three times a day? Kenzi asked.
"You are correct. Now work! Serena sent a small fireball at Kenzi's feet, but it dissipated before it reached her.
"How's she doing? Hale asked through his phone.
"She's just getting started. You know, Ash, I will have to stay on her day and night". Serena spoke.
"Ehh. Put someone else on her when you get tired of her. I may need you for other tasks anyway". Hale licked his lips as he wrote at his desk.
"Like? Serena asked.
"Errands to make sure Keldon gets what he needs to take the throne again. Then this will all be behind us". Hale sighed in relief. He didn't mind being Ash, but the Fae can be pains in his ass when they want to be.
"What will we do with her, then? Serena asked.
"I'll let the King decide when the time comes. In the meantime, put someone else on her and get out there to see what needs to be done". Hale ordered.
"Yes sir". Serena hung up the phone and put a few guards on Kenzi. The lead housekeeper wasn't expected at work yet. So, until then, Kenzi will be guarded.
Bo and Lauren
Bo kicked her boots off after entering the house. She lifted her head in the silence and soaked it in.
"There you are". Lauren whispered.
"Babe, I'm sorry, I was…." Bo started and was silenced by a kiss. It was warm, deep and long. "What is…what is that for". She panted as she pulled back.
"I'm glad to see you". Lauren winked. She brushed Bo's hair with her fingers.
"Lauren. It's still early". Bo laughed as the Doctor tugged at her clothes.
"I thought we would have a nice bath and lunch". Lauren turned Bo's shirt loose and stepped back.
"Ohhh well, it's never too early to bathe together". Bo smiled as they walked hand in hand to the bathroom. Bo gasped at the candles surrounding the bathtub.
"Just a bath, Bo". Lauren laughed at the suddenly blue-eyed woman.
Bo shook her head. "Sorry".
The women climbed inside. Lauren sat behind Bo and held her close. They drank wine and ate strawberries. Bo explained where she went and why. Lauren felt herself falling for the Succubus all over again. How sweet Bo can be at any given moment.
This was far from where they started out. They talked and gently washed each other. Lauren had planned on bathing alone. But once she saw her tense looking mate, she decided to share it.
Bo stood and helped Lauren out of the tub. They wrapped themselves in thick robes and walked into the dining room. Their lunch was ready, and they were left to eat alone. Bo had no idea where Aife was and wasn't worried. She had Lauren all to herself and wanted to learn everything that she didn't know about the woman.
Lauren looked absolutely decadent with wet hair. Bo licked her lips just thinking about her mouth all over the doctor's body. But they need to learn about each other outside of bed.
"So, what do you want to do today? Or are you playing hooky all day? Bo asked.
"I am not playing hooky. I just didn't go in". Lauren smiled.
"Lauren, I was kidding. I don't care if you ever go back to work. But I know you care about working. It's part of who you are. I just want to learn about the other parts of you". Bo gently tapped Lauren's hand across the table.
"I can always work from home. But today. I don't know. I just felt like being with you today. We can stay in. We can go out. It's up to you". Lauren took a sip of her Mimosa and set the glass back down.
"Talking would accomplish a lot". Bo's voice cracked as she spoke.
"Then let's get dressed and go for a ride. We can talk along the way". Lauren stood and hurried the dishes into the dishwasher.
The women emerged and Bo stopped at the top of the steps. "Wait. Are these for us?
"They are". Lauren smiled.
"I've never ridden one of those". Bo tensed.
"Ride behind me then". Lauren gently pulled Bo along. The young Succubus was stunned to see a set of horses standing in front of their house.
"How did you get these? Bo asked.
"Aife found them". Lauren helped Bo mount the horse and climbed on in front of her.
Lauren smiled when Aife appeared out of nowhere with cowboy hats.
"Giddy up ladies". Aife winked.
"I plan to". Lauren laughed as she pulled at the reins, and they were off.
TBC