Lauren's POV
It had been a long night. We had all ate and drank our fill of juices and liquors. Bo saw to it that juice was all that Dagny had drank, while keeping an eye on how much liquor Kenzi had consumed. We all showered and went to bed. Everyone was fast asleep. Everyone but me that is. As I lay here next to an adorably snoring Bo, I can't sleep.
My life is new. Our life is new. But all I can do is worry about Bo. What did my death really do to her? Was she holding anything back? Anger? Sadness? Loneliness? She seems so happy that I don't want to disturb that with my own worries. It was telling how tight she was gripping my body when I woke up after I came back to her. Such a strong hold that it felt like she was going to crush my bones. I remember smelling myself. She had used more perfume than I had ever put on. My make-up was perfection down to her favorite lipstick. In other words, Bo was my undertaker. She just didn't put me in a casket or bury me yet.
She had hung my lab coat at the end of the bed with my stethoscope inside one of one of the pockets. A microscope had been placed on the nightstand on my side of the bed. I had never brought any of my medical equipment in here before, so it had to have been done by Bo. All of these thoughts and reflections are nearly bringing me to tears. There was only one way I was going to get answers. Either accept it all as her love or ask her about all of it.
Turning over I pulled her body close to mine and she didn't reject the motions. Goodnight Bo I whispered internally.
Bo's Pov
Lauren has been awake for hours. I pretended to snore wondering how long she was going to stay awake. What was she thinking about? I bet it has something to do with Science. I am kind of hoping she falls asleep soon, so I can hear her mumble something like Isotopes. She would laugh if shes knew her mumblings have become my sleeping pill.
It has been hard to fall asleep and stay asleep since she died. Paranoia had kept me awake until dawn. Was she really back? But that question had been answered the minute she touched my face. That was all Lauren. It was the gentlest touch that I had ever felt in my life. Even softer then the first time she ran her hand down my back.
Lauren is a worrier like me. Nothing can hurt us but I have to protect her. He's out there. They are out there. I never bought how Z just up and left out of nowhere. If she had come to help beat Hades, why leave before it was done?
That's why I am cherishing these little moments now. It's so quiet in here, I can hear Lauren blinking. When she blinks more than usual that means she's either crying or overthinking something. Like I am right now. I can't help it. I still feel an enormous need to protect her. To keep her from things that could be harmful to our relationship. Like Hades.
That bastard is still out there and he got way too close to Lauren the last time. So did Z. I have to protect her from them. I have never felt stronger than I have at this moment. My Succubus is my best weapon and I will bring her out if it means protecting the woman I adore.
I was startled out of my own thoughts when Lauren pulled me into her body. I smiled softly, exhaled and allowed her mumblings to carry me to sleep.
The next morning.
Bo was first out of bed. She had gone down to make some fresh coffee. Lauren had agreed to cook them all a big breakfast from scratch. Bo knew they would need the coffee because she had felt Lauren toss and turn all night and wasn't going to hold Lauren to her promise of breakfast. So she left her in bed and snuck downstairs.
She checked her phone and didn't see any texts or voicemails from anyone and sighed in content. Isabeau must have set things in motion and her namesake could not have been happier about it.
Bo felt like she could breathe now. That she could live. For all of those years Lauren has been chained to the Fae, they were both free to live. To love. Bo had nothing else to do but keep an eye out and love the woman still slumbering in their bed. If her grandmother wanted her throne, she could have it. It was hers in the first place.
"Good morning". Lauren cooed wrapping her arms around the Succubus.
"Holy..! Bo started.
"Shhh it's just me and you will wake up Dagny and Kenzi". Lauren softly chuckled.
"Well they need to get up. It's nearly noon". Bo giggled.
"What? It is? Gosh I have not looked at the time. I guess we'll be having brunch then". Lauren laughed as she hurried into the kitchen.
"Well the coffee is fresh". Bo said handing the Doctor a cup.
"MMmmm. Just the way I like it". Lauren moaned taking a sip as she watched Bo bite her bottom lip.
"You really didn't have to get up. Kenzi and Dagny will be happy with the leftover pizza". Bo said.
"They can have that for dinner. I want brunch". Lauren said as she gathered everything that she would need to make a meal big enough for the four of them and any guests that stopped by.
Two hours later, the ladies heard footsteps on the stairs. Kenzi and Dagny looked like rag dolls but Bo and Lauren were sure that they didn't care how they looked, as long as whatever Lauren had fixed was about to be in their mouths.
The Succubus and Doctor had already eaten and stood back to allow the younger women to enjoy themselves. Bo laughed knowing this was the only way Kenzi was going to keep quiet about being woken up.
Thirty minutes later they were nearly falling out of their seats with full stomachs.
"If you are done, you may leave the table". Bo laughed softly.
"Come help me upstairs". Kenzi gestured towards Dagny. Bo and Lauren laughed when the young Valkyrie was struggling to help Kenzi out of her seat.
"You didn't have to eat that much". Lauren laughed.
Kenzi looked at Lauren with wide eyes like she was still sure that she wasn't seeing the Doctor. Even though she had just devoured food that was only Lauren's cooking.
"It will take some time for her to get used to you being back. And to be honest, I am still getting used to it too". Bo said sipping on a fresh cup of coffee.
"I think we are all still getting used to it". Lauren said softly. She looked around. Other then the kitchen, the house will still spotless. But they were all stained. Disbelief and hurt were all in control. Even looking at Bo, Lauren often saw a shocked look. A hurt look.
After twenty minutes had passed and they were sure no guests would be stopping by, Bo and Lauren put the leftovers away. Lauren had made a brunch buffet from scratch. Bo wanted to keep it for later so she was glad everyone was full.
The four ladies were all sitting around the living room when Lauren had an idea. She was just itching to get out into nature so she suggested they take Dagny exploring. To get her used to Toronto if she was going to live with them now. The other three had long gone exploring whether they wanted to or not.
"I want to go and see Grandmother first. I think she's too polite to call me, so I just want to check in first. I left quite a mess on her hands". Bo said softly.
"Of course, we can do that". Lauren said rubbing Bo's arm.
"Give us ten". Kenzi said gesturing for Dagny to follow her.
"Are you sure you are ok with this babe? Bo asked gently.
"Yes. I need to get out. Want to get out. As much as I love our house and everything that I am afforded here, I need some air. Fresh air. To go out and stretch my legs". Lauren confessed.
"I'm sorry. I feel like I've been the one keeping you here. Trapping you here". Bo nearly sobbed.
"No. Bo. You haven't done that at all. I just feel like it's time for me to get out there, in public. And I could have gone days ago". Lauren said.
"Ok but let me know the minute that you are ready to come home. We don't have to stay out long at all. Grandmother is Queen again, so she can put up with the Fae fights and laws". Bo sighed in content. The Fae were always assholes but with Trick gone, they had been jumping down Bo's throat from one problem to the next.
"I think you need to see that. To see the weight of the Fae world has been lifted from your shoulders. At least for now". Lauren said softly taking one of Bo's hands into hers.
"Yeah. I think I do need to see that. To see them. Back. Well Mom's back, I had never seen my grandmother alive before all of this". Bo replied.
"Ok I will go and get the car..". Lauren started.
"No! Let me. I want us to walk out together". Bo said pulling Lauren back and rushing out to pull one of their cars around.
Bo had gone out and taken some deep breaths. The air was so sweet. The weather seemed to match her mood. Happy. She looked between both cars and decided they would be taking Lauren's since it hadn't been driven in a few days. Jumping into the white Hummer, she laughed. It still smelled like Lauren. Immaculately organized. All Lauren.
She wanted to blast the music but refrained from doing so. Pulling around the small bend, she saw the three of them standing in the door way. Jumping out she ran up the small staircase and walked past Kenzi and Dagny.
"It's open. Hop in the back". Bo said ushering the younger two out first.
"Why she needs that big thing, I will never understand". Kenzi mumbled.
"Ready? Bo asked softly taking Lauren's hand into hers.
"Lets do this! Lauren smiled as the women walked step for step to the threshold. After a few minutes of deep breaths, they walked down the stairs with Kenzi staring directly at them.
Bo walked Lauren around to the passenger's side and helped her inside before running back to the driver's side.
"How did you? Kenzi asked.
"Afghanistan". Lauren answered.
Kenzi had her answer. They had briefly discussed that before but she just thought Lauren stayed inside a hut or a hospital and waited until they brought the wounded to her.
"Everyone set? Bo asked looking at Lauren and over her shoulders.
"We're good. Let's go". Kenzi said sitting back.
Bo slowly peeled out of the driveway and sped off down the road.
"How did you? Kenzi asked again.
"I have driven it before Kenzi. Relax". Bo laughed.
"Can I have your...
"Don't even ask. You know I love my Camaro so it's staying parked behind my Mustang in the garage". Bo laughed.
"Fine. Be a scrooge". Kenzi said popping her lips.
Bo had sent Dyson a text asking where they were when she had pulled up to a red light. By the time she reached the next one, he had responded that they were currently at the Dal. Isabeau had ordered it to be cleaned from top to bottom. Everything they found inside was to be treated delicately until she said otherwise.
"We are headed to the Dal. Kenzi please be on your best behavior". Bo said.
"Oh fine, call me out! Kenzi said.
"According to Dyson they are cleaning it up under Grandmother's orders. I don't know how she will feel if you just up and grab a bottle like you used to do with Trick". Bo said while making a right turn.
Kenzi sighed. Bo was right. She can't just run up in there thinking she was going to drink for free. She was sure Bo and Lauren could but she was just Bo's friend. She had seen Isabeau for a minute and couldn't quite get a read on her. But if she went to get Lauren back, she had already found affection and received affection for and from the Doctor.
Lauren was another story. Lauren had died. Two Succubus had gone to get her back while only Bo had gone to get Kenzi back. It was only fair though. They were Bo's family. Her crazy ass mother and Grandmother.
Kenzi needed to curb her attitude. This was literally a new day. Bo wasn't in charge anymore. They were. Bo wasn't running the Dal Riata anymore. They were. Bo wasn't running anything but a small PI business. If she was honest with herself, her friend looked relieved about all of it.
"What about me? Dagny asked.
"You can go in but you are not to touch anything. Even though you look nearly grown up, same rules that apply to Kenzi apply to you". Bo said.
Bo watched as Dagny huffed and sat back in her seat.
"Look I have no idea what we will be walking into. From what Dyson said, they are scrubbing the place from top to bottom. Who knows what condition it's in right now. That's all I can say until we get there and see for ourselves. But I ask that you do as I say or you can both wait in the hummer". Bo said softly.
"What about me? Lauren asked.
"I think it goes without saying that you can do whatever you want". Bo smiled.
"Bo". Lauren said.
"I'm serious. I know you won't go for the first bottle that you see. But I do think mom and grandmother will be happy to see you and listen to any suggestions that you may have". Bo said softly.
"If you have something to say to me, say it". Kenzi laughed.
"You know you do that Kenzi". Bo laughed.
"Ok. Ok. No touching the liquor". Kenzi conceded.
"Besides we won't be there long. Lauren said she wants to see nature, and that's what she's going to see". Bo said.
Lauren smiled in Bo's direction. It was sweet that she remembered Lauren's need for air and not just the air inside the Dal. The ladies finally pulled up to the old bar. There were trucks and cars parked everywhere. Bo was sure the Queen had every Fae she saw inside or outside working on the old building. Finally finding a parking spot, the ladies climbed out and headed inside.
Kenzi covered her ears from all of the commotion. They were knocking things down or sweeping the floors.
They stood in a single line making their way through the doors. Dust was all over the floors except for a single strip of red carpet.
"Mom?! Grandmother?! Bo shouted.
"Isabeau baby, this way". Aife smiled waving the young Succubus and her group over.
Aife was sitting at a large table with a tablet in front of her. "What's going on? she asked.
"I just wanted to check in , in person to see if you guys needed anything, or help with the Fae business". Bo said softly gesturing for the other three to sit.
Aife nearly spit her beer out. "Honey your grandmother is the business". She laughed.
"What does that mean? Does she need help? Bo asked softly. The Fae could be 24/7 bastards. Well the men that is.
"No. We have everything handled. Go out and enjoy yourselves. We got this". Aife laughed.
"Then what are you doing? Bo asked watching Aife scroll through her mobile tablet.
"Looking for an empty lot. Mother wants to build a brand new castle from scratch". Aife said as she continued to scroll.
"Well we will be out and about today. If I see anything, I will text you pictures of it". Bo said. She wasn't in charge of the Fae anymore but this was her family she was dealing with.
"Isabeau! Lauren! Hello my lovelies". Queen Isabeau beamed with a bright smile.
"Grandmother! Bo smiled standing up to hug the Succubus.
"What brings you by? Do you need anything? Money? Queen Isabeau asked softly.
"No. No. We're good". Bo laughed. Kenzi cleared her throat at Bo's answer.
"You are speaking Kenzi's language. Well the second one anyway". Lauren laughed.
"Ah ha. What's the first? Queen Isabeau smiled.
"Just about everything on the top shelves there". Bo laughed pointing towards the bar.
"Aife where are your manners. Have you offered the ladies something to drink? Queen Isabeau asked.
"I can get them my Queen. I'm not busy and I know what these ladies like". Dyson offered from behind.
"Very well". Queen Isabeau said
Kenzi started clapping with glee as she watched Dyson walk behind the bar grabbing a bottle of her favorite Whiskey.
"Bo this is your Kenzi right? Queen Isabeau asked.
"Yes grandmother, that is my Kenzi". Bo answered softly.
"Come and sit with me young lady. I have a proposition for you". Queen Isabeau said after Dyson had returned with their drinks.
Dyson pulled the Queen's chair out for her as Kenzi sat across from her.
"I'm sure the rest of you can find other things to do". Queen Isabeau said looking over at the other four.
"Let's go down into the lair". Aife said as the others happily followed her.
"Lauren would love to see Trick's old books". Bo said softly walking behind the Doctor.
Queen Isabeau and Kenzi.
"Do I need to bow to you? Kenzi asked.
"Well if you are sitting no and since you brought it up, do you feel the need to? Queen Isabeau asked.
"Well I never bowed to Trick or to Bo". Kenzi confessed.
"Then my answer is no. Lauren asked me the same question. You need not bow to me but the Fae should and will. But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about". Queen Isabeau said.
"Ok. What did you want to talk to me about? Kenzi asked.
"I understand from Dyson that you and my granddaughter worked as private investigators? Queen Isabeau asked.
"Yes we did. Well I still do when I can". Kenzi confessed.
"Well I have a job for you, if you are interested. Mind you, it could turn out to be dangerous at times". Queen Isabeau said.
"What's the job? I need money". Kenzi laughed.
"You will be well compensated for your troubles. The job would require you to blend into the human world and see what the word is about us, the Fae". Queen Isabeau explained.
"Explain compensated and I pretty much understand the rest". Kenzi said taking a sip of Whiskey.
"You will be paid in monetary increments. Of course you will have one of my guards with you the whole time for your safety". Queen Isabeau said.
"So I will infiltrate my kind, hear what they think of, or know about the Fae and you will pay me actual money". Kenzi said giving a thumbs up sign.
"That's correct. Now the hours could vary depending up how much you learn and where you learn it". Queen Isabeau replied.
"Bo and I have been just about everywhere". Kenzi said softly.
"It's good you know the area because you might just stick to the area but that depends on what you learn, and where you learn it too". Queen Isabeau said.
"What about the Dal? Will I get free drinks here? Kenzi asked.
"You will have to take that up with the new owner". Queen Isabeau said.
"Who's that? Kenzi asked.
"Aife". Queen Isabeau answered.
"Ok. That's a hell no". Kenzi laughed.
"Pardon? Queen Isabeau asked.
"I will pay for my drinks and when does this job start? Kenzi asked.
"Early tomorrow morning. I already have a few spots that I want you to hit, that is if you are ready to start? I can have my men continue to ask around...
"I'll take it. I will take it! Kenzi responded. She had money thanks to Hale's will but more money never hurt. Besides an actual gig would give her something to do. Bo seemed ready and able to watch Dagny. She was practically grown anyways. Besides Kenzi had missed the Succubus and Lauren, much to her surprise.
"Great I will have my guard draw up the paperwork and you can sign it when it's ready". Queen Isabeau said.
"A contract? You are making me sign a contract? Kenzi asked.
"If that is not to your liking. I can find someone else". Queen Isabeau said.
"I will take it". Kenzi said.
"Look why don't you think about it for a few more days. I can always sneak someone else in, in the meantime". Queen Isabeau said getting to her feet as she called for Dyson.
"My Queen? Dyson asked running up the stairs.
"How is it going down there? Queen Isabeau asked.
"It's going good. All of Trick's books have been accounted for, besides the one Lauren is reading and the rooms are nearly spotless.
"Very good. And the outside? Queen Isabeau asked.
"That's coming along nicely. They have a ton of work to do, but the foundation is secure enough that there is no immediate danger to the inside". Dyson explained.
"Have Cedric bring my car around I want to go for a drive". Queen Isabeau said.
"You ready to go too Kenzi? Bo asked walking up with Lauren and Dagny following behind her.
"Sure. Let's go and thank you Queen Isabeau". Kenzi said softly.
"Have fun kids". Queen Isabeau waved as they exited the Dal.
Bo, Lauren, Dagny and Kenzi climbed back into the Hummer and Bo waited for Lauren to point them into the next direction. Once they were on their way Bo broke the silence.
"What was that about back there Kenzi? Bo asked.
"She offered me a job". Kenzi said softly.
"That's great and?! Bo asked.
"We agreed to talk about it in a few days". Kenzi said.
"What kind of job is it? Maybe I can do it, if you don't wanna". Dagny said.
"She wants me to see what humans know about the Fae and if any of them are about to flip on the Fae". Kenzi explained.
"Well that leaves me out". Dagny sighed.
"Don't worry Dagny we can always find something for you to do". Bo smiled.
"I would do it but I have my clinic to check in on". Lauren chimed in.
"That's probably why she offered it to me. Besides Lauren your clothes don't exactly scream that you're broke as a joke or that you're slumming". Kenzi laughed.
"Hey! Lauren laughed.
"Well they don't". Kenzi laughed.
"Kenzi that sounds like a really good opportunity. You really should think about it. I am assuming she won't send you out there alone? Bo asked.
"No I will have a guard with me at all times. I can work days or nights and she wants me to sign a contract". Kenzi explained.
"That's no different than a job application Kenzi". Lauren said softly.
"Kenzi you always wanted something legit and it sounds like grandmother is trying to give you that. You saw all of those guards. Most of them look like they could pick Bruce up with one hand". Bo said turning at Lauren's direction.
"Come on everyone. Let's get out and walk around this park. It will give all of us some fresh air and time to think". Lauren said as Bo pulled into the parking lot.
For the next several hours the gang walked, laughed, drank iced tea or water and settled on to a bench or two when Kenzi tired. Bo let Lauren walk with Dagny as she and Kenzi discussed her job opportunity. She never took her eyes off of the Doctor though and laughed when they found a group to throw a Frisbee with.
Lauren looked like a natural every time that she threw it. She seemed to put her whole body into it and Bo was impressed. Impressed enough that she would pick up one for them to play with soon.
"Bo? Lauren laughed.
"Oh sorry". Bo smiled. Lauren was now standing in front of her, dripping with sweat and it was spiking the Succubus arousal.
"I need a drink". Lauren laughed as Kenzi followed her back to the cooler. The younger woman wasn't shocked when Lauren downed a bottle of water.
"She's fun Bo! I can see why you love her so much! Dagny said running up to the Succubus.
"Glad to see you had some fun. Don't worry, we will do this again". Bo smiled softly.
"If you can talk about it, you can do it, Succubus! Lauren laughed tossing a Frisbee at Bo.
"Ohhh you are so on Doctor! Come on Dagny, we are going in! Bo laughed running towards Kenzi and Lauren.
Queen Isabeau's throne room
"I am glad all of you have come much quicker than the last time I called you all here". Queen Isabeau said looking out over the Fae that had come to hear what the Queen will say now.
"We are anxious to hear what you have to say". Bruce said bowing to the Succubus.
"It has come to my understanding that you have all been following the Una Mens laws as well as Trick's. Those laws were one in the same. Hear me when I say this, even though I don't write in my blood, my word is law. Disobey my laws and I will not be responsible for what my Succubus does to the offender. Now I have heard that some of you have gone near the humans, you can look but never touch them. Not one single body. If they give you permission to touch them, you are never to use or powers or feed from them". Queen Isabeau said.
They heard someone jumping up and down towards the back waving a note in his hand.
"Dyson? Bring me that note". Queen Isabeau commanded.
Dyson hurried back and grabbed the note. He rushed back to the throne and bowed once her handed it to her.
"Ahh Porter. I guess you didn't learn your lesson. Go and grab that man Dyson". Queen Isabeau ordered.
"No mother. Stay on your throne, and allow me". Aife snapped.
The room divided into two parts as the Succubus eyes turned blue and she slowly walked towards the man.
"The next time you want to call a woman a bitch, call her Queen Bitch". Aife snapped as she drained the man without touching him at all.
The group gasped as they watched Porter's body drop dead to the floor. They hadn't seen that done since Bo drained the colony.
"Remember boys and girls, behind Queen Isabeau stands a Princess. Disrespect my mother, my daughter or her friends, and I will deal with you. But unlike my daughter, I won't give a fuck about feelings". Aife laughed licking her lips as the last of his chi entered her mouth.
TBC
Bo struggles with letting Lauren out of her sight.
Evony pays the Queen a visit.
