Kenzi and Bruce.
Kenzi never took her eyes off of Bruce as she paced back and forth in front of him. She didn't like the feeling of being so clumsily dismissed by the Queen. There was no new case for her to work on. She just wanted the woman out of her face. She may as well have kicked her out on to the street.
Thankfully this time she had a better house to sleep in other than the clubhouse. Yes they were Fae. More powerful, but they certainly didn't have her street smarts or the good sense to know when something didn't make sense.
Besides Bo and Bruce, Kenzi was still struggling to believe that any of this was real. She had seen Lauren on her death bed. No Doctor believed that she was coming back. Isabeau had been dead a lot longer than any of them. Only Bo could raise the dead and in the mess she was in over Lauren, she was nowhere near ready to try.
The Fae never knew of or answered to higher beings like humans did. She shook her head again. She wasn't buying it. Not even with a buy one, get one coupon.
"Sit down Kenzi". Bruce said again after the woman stared at him like she was about to slap him.
Kenzi cleared he throat and took a seat. Bruce had always been kind to her when most Fae would have killed her at the Morrigan's direction. She still cursed Evony for that. Fat house or no fat house.
"Kenzi you need to let go of your misguided attitude. I can tell you that everything you think is wrong. That is the real Aife, Queen Isabeau and Lauren. You're not Fae like the rest of us and that's ok, but you can't see what we do. What we know. Isabeau is a very powerful Succubus. She had pull most of us never had. Not even the office of the Ash or Morrigan had her powers. So she called in a few favors and returned with Aife and Lauren. The most important women in Bo's life, besides you. I have heard your rumblings about the Doctor. If you don't learn to accept her, you will sorely regret it. Bo loves her Kenzi. She does. So if you don't want to lose Bo too, you better get used to it and fast. Besides the Queen has a strict and irrevocable law about Lauren. I don't think she would kill you, but you would certainly suffer in some way". Bruce explained.
"Bo is my best friend. If this shit comes back to hurt her, I don't know who's ass I will bust a cap in first". Kenzi sighed.
"They aren't here to hurt her. The exact opposite actually. Bo has a real family now. I know you think of her as a sister, but she has her mother, grandmother and the woman she loves back. She's happy so why can't you be happy for her? Bruce asked.
"I have seen Lauren break Bo's heart over and over. I can't turn my back on that or forget about it". Kenzi sighed as she slumped into her seat.
"If Bo has so can you. Stay away from Aife and the Queen until you can get your anger under control or over with. They will read you aura and see the disrespect". Bruce said plainly. Kenzi had gone on and on and on about Lauren when they left the Dal and sped away in his car. He couldn't understand why she hated her so much, when she really didn't know her by her own words.
"I won't get there overnight but I am still on best friend duty". Kenzi said standing.
"Where are you going? Bruce asked trying to push her back into her seat.
"I am going to see Dyson. That is if the Queen hasn't blocked me from doing that". Kenzi said as stormed off.
Bruce shook his head. She might be street smart, but she's Fae dumb. He never knew much about her relationship with Dyson but she put him on a pedestal years ago and never allowed him to come down. He had given her all of the advice he could. Free of charge because her cared about her well-being, but that didn't mean he would baby-sit her either to keep her safe.
Lauren
Lauren had gone into her office to work on the wedding. She was sure if she stayed home, Bo would catch her. Luckily for her the twins were kicking Bo's ass so all she was doing at the moment was sleeping.
Thankfully the clinic wasn't so busy that she needed to get up and help. They really didn't know she was there, as she snuck in the back way. But from the looks of the parking lot and sounds outside of her office, she wasn't needed.
She hopped online to find some wedding dresses. She wanted to look absolutely stunning for Bo. First she needed to decide what color dress, she wanted to wear. White is the traditional color, but she was far from a virgin, so was Bo. Sea breeze? No she said shaking her head. She wanted something long with a train. She then thought of the wedding party. They didn't know of any small kids to carry it behind her. She didn't want a grown man having the chance to look up her dress either.
She pulled pen and paper out of her desk and drew some brief sketches. The more she thought about it, the less she cared if anyone kept it off of the floor. She just hoped she wouldn't trip walking to the alter. She bit the tip of the pen wondering if she wanted to walk to Bo or if she wanted Bo to walk to her. She smiled shaking her head when she couldn't come up with a clear answer.
Thinking of the kids carrying her train made her think of the wedding party. They really didn't have many friends. So why would they need bridesmaids? She was sure Kenzi would want to be Bo's best man. Well shit, she thought. That sounded like she would have to walk to Bo. The thought made her bit her lips in ancticipation.
Scrolling through dresses again, she started looking for dresses for Bo. The Succubus would likely object to shopping online. She needed to find something that would fit Bo and still make her look beautiful at the same time. She didn't want to wait for the kids to be born. She wanted to marry her as soon as she could get everything together.
Biting her lip again, she picked up her phone to call for someone to help her with her ideas. That someone of course, could not know Bo or the rest of the gang.
Dyson's dungeon.
The shifter was rather agitated. The Queen had provided him with no medical attention and the only Doctor he knew, he didn't like very much at the moment. Lauren. Out there somewhere living the life with Bo, that he should be living.
He had stood back and allowed them to have their relationship, even when they weren't a couple. He had been there for Bo in her bed, and so many other places when Lauren walked out on her for Taft. Another dead human. Dr. Lewis wasn't going to live as long as Dyson was. It wasn't her fault, it was just the circle of life. He practically encouraged Lauren to take a chance again with Bo. Either they failed or they didn't. Either way his time would soon come. He just never counted on Isabeau or Aife, sticking their noses in his business. He wished Trick was still alive so he could correct those wrongs, but the Blood King was the one that allowed them back.
He slammed his head against the ground in frustration. Perhaps Laveau was right. He was in a prison of his own making. He couldn't help it. It was his nature. He mated with Bo and nothing was helping him to get over her. She was his, even if he wasn't hers. She could be if only he could get her to listen to him. She could heal him. Like she did with the Rakshasa. He nearly got aroused at the thought of that day. They had their best sex in the interrogation room. Bo was so wild, he thought they were going to break the table.
How could Lauren compete with such lust? She couldn't even feed her like he could. Gritting his teeth, he vowed to correct those wrongs himself. So what if Lauren was back, she left Bo again, and didn't deserve her. He was hungry and growled when he heard footsteps.
"Get him up and out of there". Aife said from the hallway.
"Yes Your Highness". Two guards said.
"What's going on? Why am I being moved? Are you taking me to Bo? Dyson asked.
Aife shook her head. She knew he wasn't hallucinating. He was just clingy as usual. "The Queen has requested that you be moved, not that I owe you an explanation or anything". She laughed.
"What? You're taking me away?! You can't! Dyson growled trying to hop off of the harness, but he wounds prevented it.
"I can and I will. Hurry up and get him out of here. The sooner he's gone, the faster his stank ass room can be cleaned". Aife laughed as she walked towards the stairs.
"Where are we going?! Dyson growled.
"That's for me to know and you to find out". Aife laughed again.
Once they were up the stairs and Dyson had been loaded into the van, the two guards climbed into the front seats leaving him in the back. He wasn't strapped in. Aife wanted him to be able to roll around as they drove to their next destination. She wanted to take the long scenic route so that he slammed against the sides as much as possible.
Bo
Bo felt better and showered. She took the elevator to the first floor and walked into the kitchen. Once she reached the table, she found a note from Lauren saying she had to go into the office but would be back soon. She sat down at the table and looked around. She was still sleepy but didn't want to sleep all day. Standing up she walked to the living room to find something on tv to take her mind off of her absent fiancé . Fiancé she smiled as she flipped through the channels. After making a bowl of soup, she grabbed a blanket and curled up on the couch.
Queen Isabeau and Cedric.
The Queen had stood outside of his room for hours. His current condition was her fault as much as it was Dyson's. She knew the shifter would grow hungry from his all but nothing diet and try to eat whatever he saw first. She never should have left him in the castle dungeons. Left Cedric there either.
Finally clearing her throat, she gently opened the door and found a nurse finishing up changing his bandages.
"He's conscious my Queen". The nurse bowed.
"Thank you Janey. You are dismissed". Queen Isabeau said.
"Yes Your Majesty". Janey bowed as she took her leave. Cedric was one of the easiest patients she had ever treated. He didn't require much because he couldn't fully use his limbs again yet.
"Cedric. It is me, Isabeau". Queen Isabeau said softly as she stood over his bed.
"Isabeau". Cedric whispered.
"Yes. I thought we needed to talk". Queen Isabeau said pulling up a chair closer to the bed.
"What do you want to talk about? Cedric asked. He could see the woman so clearly and she was still breathtaking after all of these years.
"I wanted to talk about us, and putting you on dungeon detail". Queen Isabeau said softly.
"Isabeau. It's ok. I understand". Cedric whispered.
"No. It is not Ok. I abused your friendship. I have other men that can run the dungeons. You never deserved to be down there". Queen Isabeau replied. Cedric did look a lot better than he did the last time she saw him.
"Isabeau I understand. Really I do". Cedric said.
"Cedric you know you were my first love. Well before your father sent you away and by the time you were able to come back, I had married Trick. I never forgot any of that. Or your loyalty to me even when you found out that I was married". Queen Isabeau said staring directly at him. She was trying to get a read on his aura.
"Isabeau I have always loved you. Will always love you. But you are exactly where and what you were meant to be...a Queen". Cedric said as clearly as he had ever said anything since they started talking.
"Easy old friend. I love you too, but I was not even thinking of abdicating my throne. That would put Aife in charge and well everyone but us would be dead in a matter of hours". Queen Isabeau replied sincerely.
"Then what is this about? Cedric asked gently.
"I want to offer you Bruce's position and make him your second". Queen Isabeau explained.
"That's not necessary Isabeau. I hold no ill feelings about working in the dungeons". Cedric said.
"It is necessary and I would really like for you to accept this position with the knowledge that isn't a payoff for our not working out". Queen Isabeau said.
"Can I think about it? Cedric asked.
"Of course. Take all of the time you need. Although I should get going so you can rest". Queen Isabeau smiled gently squeezing his hand.
"I will let Janey know when I have made my decision so she can contact you". Cedric whispered.
"Take care old friend. Do not hesitate to ask for anything. Whatever you want will be provided immediately". Queen Isabeau said as she stood up.
"Thank you. I would bow but...
"Don't be silly. You know you never need to bow to me. Now rest". Queen Isabeau said squeezing his hand one last time.
Cedric licked his lips and tried to nod but he couldn't. Isabeau had already done so much for him that she didn't even know about yet. She was a good woman. She had been so understanding about his father not wanting him to date a Succubus. Thinking it would lead to a dead end life and heartbreak.
The woman never broke his heart. She was always kind. Even when Trick was still alive, she was warm and affectionate. But not to the point of crossing a line and cheating on her husband. She just had that way about her that made everyone he knew adore her.
It hurt him when she died, but it hurt him most to watch her daughter being handed over to the Dark. He knew Isabeau would never have wanted that under any circumstances, so he tried to intervene. But his voice and pleas fell on deaf ears. He even confronted Trick about it. Trick rebuked him and stepped down so that nobody would find out what he had done. It was one of the stipulations that Dark had imposed on him. The Blood King liked it too. He had not responsibilities with Aife in their dungeons. No family to worry about. Until Bo showed up and word quickly spread that a new Succubus was in the colony. He kept his distance out of respect for Aife but he did tell her about her daughter being in town. He had gone to see Lou Ann to find out how to reach the Succubus, and she lead him right to her. The next thing he knew Aife showed up and desperately tried to get her away from Trick but the stubborn Succubus couldn't see past Trick's bullshit.
Now the man was gone and his family was as they should be, close and loving. Protective to the point that they would never betray each other or hand them over to the enemy like Trick did Aife. He sighed and closed his eyes to rest. He would take a few days before he gave the Queen his answer.
Lauren
Lauren had called a wedding planner and they had made major progress. She was giddy with excitement about all of it. The dresses. The food. The honeymoon. Her soon to be bride. She knew Bo was going nuts having to stay home. She couldn't wait to take her away. Just the two of them.
"So are you satisfied with the plans? The woman asked.
"Yes! And thank you for coming with such short notice. I just wanted to get this planned as soon as possible". Lauren beamed.
"So in two days then? The woman asked.
"Yes. It shouldn't take me long to get my bride and her family ready". Lauren smiled.
"Do you have the rings? The woman asked.
"Yes well I have mine, but hers will be here tomorrow". Lauren smiled. She had to shell out a lot of money to get Bo's ring ready but the Succubus was well worth it.
"Ok. I will call you tomorrow with the final details and let me know when you have set the location up". The woman said.
"I will and thank you Nancy". Lauren clapped with glee. She watched the woman walk out the back door and smiled when she faded out of sight.
She turned around and took her seat. She had two stops to make and needed to calm down. She bit her lip, shut down her computer and left.
An hour later, she convinced Bruce to get the Queen to meet her at a secret location. Once she saw them pull up, she almost cried from nervousness.
"Lauren sweetie. What is it that you needed to see me about? Queen Isabeau smiled.
"Thanks for meeting me Isabeau". Lauren smiled and bowed.
"Now. Now. What I have said about bowing to me? Queen Isabeau laughed.
"Sorry I'm just so nervous". Lauren smiled shyly.
"Bruce get her some water from the Hummer". Queen Isabeau said.
"No. I'm fine really. Wonderful actually". Lauren smiled.
"Then get me a pair of sunglasses dear boy, her aura is blinding me". Queen Isabeau laughed.
Lauren swallowed hard and started to speak. "You know Bo and I are engaged. Well I want to marry her soon. I was wondering if we could use your castle? Lauren choked out. Tears were forming in her eyes and it was almost hard to see the Succubus standing in front of her.
"Wonderful! Yes! Yes of course you can! But why the secrecy? Queen Isabeau asked.
"I want to surprise Bo with it. I know she's feeling a bit down being at home all of the time and feels a little insecure about us, even when she was the one that proposed". Lauren confessed.
"When do you want to have it? Queen Isabeau asked.
"In two days. Sorry. Sorry. I know it's such short notice and I never should have assumed...". Lauren ranted.
"Stop it. You calm down right now or you will give your own secret away". Queen Isabeau laughed again.
"Can we pull that off so soon? I know she would want you, Aife, and Kenzi there at least and we don't have any other friend. Or I don't at least.". Lauren said.
"Honey I will have it all set. I will summon the Fae that left and the Fae that remains. Everyone will be there. You don't have to worry about invites or a guest list. When I call, they will come! Queen Isabeau smiled brightly.
"I just...I love her so much that I want this to be perfect". Lauren blushed.
"You came back to her. If that's not love, I don't know what love is. You just get her to the castle. Tell Bruce where you are getting your dresses from and he will pick them up and leave them with me". Queen Isabeau said.
"Thank you. Thank you. I will send her ring there too, so she won't know". Lauren cried as tears fell down face.
"You're most welcome and welcome to the family...well not officially but still". Queen Isabeau laughed again as she hugged Lauren.
"Please let this be perfect". Lauren said.
"You did the right thing by coming to me and not Aife. Aife would have spilled the tea or however you young folks say it". Queen Isabeau laughed again. She was so happy she almost cried herself.
"That's true and I should get home to Bo". Lauren said.
"Go sweetie. Call Bruce first thing in the morning". Queen Isabeau smiled as they walked arm and arm to their respective Hummers.
Lauren drove off and needed to pull over several times. Every moment she had with Bo kept flashing before her eyes. That and the tears were blocking her sight. She thought of Nadia, but only that if she didn't keep her word and left the woman with the Fae, she never would have met the woman that changed everything for her. Even love. She stopped at a shopping center and picked up dinner for tonight. She was too nervous to cook. Once she had all that she wanted she headed for home.
Piling bags on top of boxes she almost couldn't see her way to the door. Opening it with her key, she immediately headed for the kitchen. She had called for Bo but didn't get an answer. She figured the woman was still sleeping and set the food on the counter and went to get the Succubus. She smiled when she saw her hands on her stomach. She looked so beautiful sleeping like that on the couch.
Clearing her throat, she bent over the woman and gently shook her. "Bo. I'm home sweetie". Lauren smiled.
Bo groaned but finally opened her eyes and her nose. "Is that!? She smiled trying to sit up quickly.
"It is. Lets go eat". Lauren smiled helping her up.
Bo's eyes widened. Lauren had brought home burgers, pizzas, hot dogs, and soda. She'd prefer beer but knew it was bad for the babies.
"I love you Bo. I love you so much". Lauren said out of the blue.
"I love you too Lauren. Just as much". Bo winked taking her first bite of pizza.
"Ok. But don't think this will be an everyday thing now". Lauren smiled.
"I'm just happy to have it now! Bo smiled like a kid that was just handed some candy.
The Doctor laughed as she grabbed a slice. Bo had plates and plates of food in front of her. She deserved it and so much more. She wanted her love to enjoy all of this now because in two days, she was going to take her away, and have her way with her.
Dyson and Aife.
The guards pulled Dyson from the van and carried him a short distance. Opening a door they threw him inside.
"I will do the rest". Aife said as she pushed the men back and walked in to join Dyson.
Looking around the small building, she pulled things off of the tables, dropping them on the floor where Dyson was.
"Aife! What is this? Who is this?! Where are we? Dyson growled in pain.
"Dogs like bones right? I'm just giving you what you like". Aife laughed kicking them near Dyson's head.
"What are these?! Dyson screamed.
"This is the tomb of the idiots that killed mother. The bones are theirs". Aife laughed as she kicked one toward him and turned to leave.
"Aife! Come back! Dyson screamed.
"Keep an eye on him and whatever you do, don't let him out. You can change shifts, as needed. Also you may grab bones from the other tombs". Aife laughed.
"Yes Your Highness". The Royal Guards bowed.
The Succubus laughed hearing Dyson scream over and over. "Shut up! I left you something to chew on! She screamed climbing into the Hummer as the other Guard drove off leaving the others behind.
TBC
Lauren spends the day at home with Bo.
Queen Isabeau and Bruce prepares the castle for the wedding.
Kenzi comes to the castle to talk to Aife.
