Lauren
Lauren picked up Charlotte, and Chloe. Bo hadn't been gone all that long yet, but the mother in her needed time with their daughters. They had grown since they had left, and returned from their honeymoon. They were warm, and even their scents resembled Bo's. She circled the room, rocking them in her arms. They made gurgling sounds, and Lauren nearly cried. She stopped at one of the massive rocking chairs, and gently eased down on to it.
"You'll let me know if you need anything". Queen Isabeau whispered quietly from the door. When Lauren nodded, she left them be.
At the moment Lauren didn't need anything. Bo had gone to deal with Dyson, and their girls were safe in Lauren's arms. Of course she could, and should be angry with the recent events, but Succubi would pick up on any distress. She didn't want that for Charlotte and Chloe, so she kept her emotions in check.
She kissed the tops of their heads, and smiled again. They already resembled Bo with their dark hair. Lauren closed her eyes in gratitude. Nobody ever saw this coming. Years ago, she was just a Doctor of the Light Fae. Now she sat in Isabeau's castle, as a Princess. She smiled when Charlotte's little hand touched her wedding ring.
Let her know if she needs anything? The Queen and Aife had already given her so much. She smiled remembering the warmth of Bo's body, cuddled tight against hers, just before Lauren returned. Bo's face was raw with fresh, and old tears. Lauren remembered kissing them away, even the old ones. Bo still cried in her sleep at times. That's when Lauren insisted that they always sleep holding hands. It's corny, but they like it.
That's one thing that was missing from their old relationship. Holding hands, besides the night Lauren was hit by the truck. Bo cried, and shook in her sleep back then too. Lauren made a personal vow to talk to Bo about that. To make sure that the Succubus was not struggling with some unknown demon.
Throne Room
"My Queen, I found him". Cedric said pushing Vex into the room.
"Well done Cedric". Queen Isabeau said as she eased on her throne.
"No disrespect, but why have I been brought here? Vex asked.
"I don't trust you boy, but trust that I will have no problems dealing with you myself if you don't answer my question truthfully". Queen Isabeau replied.
"What's your question? Vex asked.
"It's Queen Isabeau to you". Cedric said behind Vex.
"Sorry. What's your question, Queen Isabeau? Vex bowed.
"I came across some very interesting information. It seems you sold out Dr. Lewis to save your own ass. Now since you and Kenzi all but orchestrated her capture by Evony, I want to know to the current status of your relationship with Evony. Remember, if you lie to me, I will snatch all of your chi without ever stepping off of this throne". Queen Isabeau said as she tapped her fingers on the arm rest.
"I have no relationship with Evony. She's fled the colony last I heard. As far as the Doctor's capture, I was only going by what I knew. The Una Mens threatened to kill me if I didn't offer them anything valuable. The Succubus has always cared for the doctor so, they released me, but not before poisoning me so that I had to slice my own hand off". Vex explained.
"I understand Lauren sewed it back on for you. Did you thank her? Probably not. But since you opened that can of worms too, you will use the hand she replaced, and write her a thank you note. I'd order you to do it in public, but she's busy, and you stink.
Now if I receive a hint of you bargaining with any life of my family, losing a hand will be the least of your worries. Now get the hell out of my castle, and for goodness sakes, take a bath before you stink up the colony any further". Queen Isabeau said coldly.
"I'm going. I'm going, Queen Isabeau". Vex bowed, and then hurried out of the castle.
"My Queen? Cedric said stepping forward.
"Put someone on him. He has the worst poker face I've ever seen". Queen Isabeau said.
"Yes My Queen". Cedric bowed, and turned to leave.
The Queen smiled at Cedric. He is a Fae that can do a lot of things. Go from one realm to the other. She was ready to send him for Dyson, but wanted to deal with the wolf herself, until Bo chose to go. Cedric had earned being the Queen's top guard.
Aife
Aife waited patiently for the royal doctor's to check Nate's wounds. For a human, he did look deathly pale. Looking is one thing. To actually have something wrong with you is another. He wants to play crazy? He hasn't seen crazy yet.
"Princess Aife, we're finished". Maggie bowed.
"Finally. Thank you". Aife smiled, and walked towards his room.
Aife walked into the room, and when Nate saw her, he jumped. "Bo?
"Ohhh dear boy. You really should have said anything but that". Aife laughed.
"You look like Bo. An older Bo, but still Bo". Nate said.
"What do you know about Bo? Aife laughed.
"I know she's Kenzi's best friend. That's all". Nate replied pushing up in the bed.
"Now that is fascinating. You didn't even remember Kenzi an hour ago, and you suddenly do now? What the fuck game are you playing? You don't wanna play me playa". Aife said seriously.
"That's all I know". Nate said.
"You need to forget about Bo. I'd say Kenzi too but she's none of my concern". Aife said as she paced back, and forth in front of his bed.
Nate really thought she was Bo. But nobody aged that quickly, and she didn't smell like Bo. When she patted his leg, he felt a warm sensation. Then everything else was a blur as she left the room.
"Your Highness? Maggie said.
"You can release him whenever he's ready". Aife said walking out of the building.
"Yes Your Highness". Maggie smiled. She had grown fond of that family. Especially since she was offered a job as a Royal Nurse. She still kept in touch with Lauren too.
Throne room.
Queen Isabeau had just dismissed someone when Aife walked in.
"He remembered Isabeau, but he doesn't know what she is. I helped him to forget he knows her. Kenzi? Bleh. She knows not to say anything". Aife said.
"He'll probably look for Kenzi. But in other news, I've put Vex on notice. I warned him not to sell us out to save his own skin. I also ordered someone to watch him". Queen Isabeau said.
"Either way, there are now two idiots out of our way". Aife laughed.
"Bruce hasn't reported in yet, but I'm sure he'll do as ordered. Bo laid out her wishes, and they will be followed to the letter. Kenzi can stay here, but she is never to interfere with the Fae world again". Queen Isabeau explained.
Kenzi and Bruce.
"Sorry it has to be this way Kenzi. But I tried to warn you. Queen Isabeau will, and can find our darkest secrets. You're lucky she's allowing you to live. If word got out, the other Fae would surely be after you". Bruce said as he watched Kenzi pace around her house.
"But you're shitting me about having to move right? Kenzi asked angrily.
"No I'm not. This is Royal land. Bo was specific about you mingling in the Fae world again. You'll still get a house, just not this one". Bruce explained.
"Well that sucks, and what about Dagny? Does she need to move too? Kenzi scoffed.
"Dagny is Bo's family, and Fae. Whatever is planned for her, I cannot tell you. Now if you'll hurry up, I have to report back to the Queen". Bruce said softly. He checked his phone for missed calls, and sighed in relief that he didn't miss anything.
Kenzi huffed. It wasn't her fault, it was Bo's. Bo pounced on Dyson so much, and often that Kenzi thought they'd make a baby. But no. She made two with Lauren. Kenzi never got a chance to baby-sit yet, and it hurt. This new life was gonna suck. She can't even go back to the Santiago's because they're Fae. She was sure the Queen had already reached out to them too.
"I'm ready". Kenzi said quietly.
Bruce nodded, and the Royal movers loaded up the trucks. Soon after they were on the road. They'd already found a small house for Kenzi to live in. She fussed about it, but they could've stuck her in something much worse.
Tamsin and Dyson
"You are one stupid bastard". Tamsin groaned. She walked out of the gates. Dyson tried to but couldn't.
"Tamsin! Help me! Dyson screamed.
"You're dead. You can't set foot outside of those gates! Tamsin said. She shook her head at his foolishness.
"Trick won't mind! Just for a little while. Come on, you owe me! Dyson screamed again. No matter how many times, he tried to walk out, he couldn't.
"Dagny! Tamsin screamed as the young Valkyrie ran into her arms.
"Bo! Dyson screamed.
"Do not Bo me. What the hell do you think you're doing? You can't leave Valhalla. In fact your short time in Valhalla is up". Bo said coolly.
"I can go back! Trick will let me back. I just wanted to see you Bo! I knew you'd come. Now help me through those gates". Dyson smiled as he walked to the gates again.
"He can't leave Bo. He's stuck there. Soon the air will become thin, and he will struggle to breathe". Tamsin explained.
"I don't have time for this shit. But since our daughters sensed danger, I will deal with him". Bo snapped as she walked closer to the gates.
"I have an Elder to collect, so he's all yours". Tamsin replied.
"What about me? Dagny asked.
"Can she come Bo? I won't be long". Tamsin said gently.
"I won't be long either, so make it quick". Bo said. She stared at Dyson and waited long enough for Dagny and Tamsin's steps to fade away.
"Bo! Dyson screamed.
"I don't know what your problem is, but it is your problem. I thought I made myself clear about Lauren. I thought our wedding on a video loop would've made it clear. I thought when you died, your bond with me should've ended. But from what I'm seeing now, it was the worst pick up line, I've ever heard. For a Succubus, that's saying something. But now you are going to find a new being to pledge fealty to. So enjoy Tartarus". Bo snapped as she finally crossed the threshold.
"You can't come in here Bo! I just need you to hold the gates long enough for me to come out". Dyson replied.
"I can come and go to Valhalla whenever I wish. I was the last person to put on the Helskor shoes, so they are under my control now".
"Bo wait! Dyson screamed as she grabbed him.
"Bye Dyson". Bo said shoving him down a shaft that she discovered when she was last there. From the blue lights shinning inside of it, she knew it was Tartarus.
Dyson screamed as he slid down into nothing.
Bo was already tapping her foot when Tamsin, and Dagny reappeared with an Elder.
"Ahh the Elder that said he could smell Dagny's impending birth". Bo said.
"Eww". Dagny said.
"Can you? Bo asked.
"Got to go kid. Don't forget what I said". Tamsin said as the Valkyries hugged.
Dagny frowned as she let go of her mother. Bo sympathized, but was ready to see her own kids, and her wife.
The duo left Tamsin as she closed the gates. She was glad Dyson was gone, Trick wasn't going to be happy he left in the first place, but that wasn't Tamsin's problem.
Valhalla
"You owe me a new Fedora! Hale smiled.
"Yes. Yes. Siren. You won, by mere seconds but you won". Ciara mock pouted. She and Hale had been shaking their heads, and hard. Dyson just didn't get it. But he was always stubborn, and or stupid like that. When they were all still alive, Dyson thought he could do anything as long as he had Trick to back him up. For many years that was true, until Bo.
"Dumbass". Tamsin said shaking her head as she joined them.
"Not your fault Tamsin, he's a stubborn man". Hale said.
"He thought Lauren was a pain in his ass, wait until Hades starts to get bored". Tamsin laughed.
Queen Isabeau's Castle
Bo had returned, and reported what she had done with Dyson. Once Dagny was situated, she had her chance. She snuck off, and found her family. Gently opening the doors to the Royal Nursery, she stopped dead in her tracks. The kids were curled up in Lauren's arms, and all three were asleep. Bo pulled her phone out, and snapped a quick picture.
She strolled over to them, and bent down to kiss them each on the forehead. Lauren stirred at the smell, she had come to adore.
"Hi". Bo whispered.
"Hi". Lauren smiled gently.
"Are you ready to go? Or shall I let you sleep like this a little longer? Bo smiled wide.
"But Dyson...". Lauren.
"Is gone. Now lets take our family home". Bo cooed. She pulled Charlotte from Lauren's arms. The baby Succubus never stirred, as Bo picked her up.
Lauren, and Bo held hands, as they walked out of the nursery. The staff bowed to the young royals as they walked past the throne room, and out to Bo's car.
Once the kids were strapped in their seats, Bo gently pulled off. A short time later they arrived home. Once the kids were put to bed, Bo and Lauren showered.
Bo was so wired from the day's events that she wasn't ready for sleep. So she put on some soft music, and danced with the Doctor. The women didn't say much, they just swayed to the music.
Bo cringed a bit. There would always be so much that she needed to tell Lauren. Most of it would be repetitive. Apologies, I love you's, all of it. It was her fault that Dyson thought he still had a chance with her, and all he needed to do was to wait for Lauren to die. A part of Bo died too. The same part of her that was still dead.
"We need to talk". Bo whispered.
"Mmmm". Lauren said as Bo spun them around again.
"I'm serious Lauren". Bo whispered again.
"Alright. Lets talk". Lauren said pulling back.
They walked into the living room, and settled on the couch.
"First lets talk about you, and how you're doing after today. I know I shouldn't have left to deal with Dyson so soon, but the girls were so distressed, I wanted to make sure that they could rest". Bo said holding Lauren's hands.
"I wanted to kill her Bo. Can you imagine if the Una Mens had actually gotten their hands on me? They would have done a lot worse than they did to Vex". Lauren said.
"I know, and I'm sorry Lauren. Looking back at that night, I have some blame to bear too. I didn't know where you were, and didn't go looking for you. Dyson and I were sleeping together almost every time that we saw each other. I was distant from Kenzi, to the point we were lying to each other. While I couldn't help being taken, it wouldn't have happened had I actually tore the world up looking for you. Had I told them that I was still in love with you again. I know Dyson knew. He just didn't care. Kenzi? I had no excuse for her. But from anyone on the outside, I probably did look committed to Dyson. But I never was. My heart, and soul were always committed to you, even when you didn't want to come back. But I don't blame that on you either. What would have you come back to? Having to live looking over your shoulder. The Fae knew what you had done to Taft, and didn't want that done to them. So you would have been in even more danger. I tried to fight the Una Mens by myself, and I wasn't strong enough. I know why. We weren't together, so I wasn't whole, and confident.
I have had so many nightmares of you dying in our bed, or at their hands, that it keeps me up at night. I should have protected you, from everything". Bo said as tears fell into her lap.
"Bo I didn't tell you, because you would have thought I was crazy. Crazy thinking I could take the Morrigan down. Crazy for wanting to sleep under any Dark Fae roof. Crazy for leaving the Light Fae, even though they wanted me dead. I am sure some of them still do. The ones still living and hating our lives now.
I know you Bo. You would have stormed into the compound to see me, and we both know what Evony would have walked in on. It's not that I didn't love you anymore, I was trying to set you free, and by doing so, I would free myself too". Lauren said wiping Bo's tears away.
"You're right. I would have stormed into Evony's office. Kicked her ass, or something". Bo sobbed.
Lauren smiled, and pulled the Succubus down on top of her. They laid like that for hours until they fell asleep. Lauren was conscious enough to know that Bo wasn't tossing, and turning like she had been for weeks.
Using all of her strength, she stood up, and carried the brunette to bed, after one last check on the girls, she climbed into bed with the Succubus. Since her return Lauren wanted nothing to do with their past problems, but she took exception that they were causing Bo present problems.
The next morning.
Lauren turned over in bed, and smiled at the sight. Bo had gotten up during the night, and was now holding Charlotte and Chloe. They were playing with Bo's hair, and the Succubus was smiling the whole time.
"Good morning. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to wake you up". Bo whispered.
"Good morning Bo. It's fine sweetie". Lauren said as she held her hands out for one of the twins.
Bo smiled, and used her free arm to pull Lauren and Charlotte over to her. The four looked adorable all snuggled up. The babies laughed at their mothers, even when they weren't doing anything to make them laugh.
"I love you". Bo said softly.
"I love you too". Lauren smiled. She turned her head up and kissed Bo. The women smiled at each other, and turned back to their kids.
"What do you say we feed them, feed ourselves, and go for a family walk? Lauren suggested.
"That sounds wonderful Dr. Lewis". Bo smiled wide.
"Lets go Chloe, and Charly! Lauren cooed as they climbed out of bed.
Charlotte and Chloe looked adorable once they were dressed in little black outfits. Lauren was against it, but they agreed to take turns dressing the kids. Today is Bo's turn. Tomorrow is Lauren's.
Once the stroller was equipped with diapers, bottles of chi, and baby formula, Bo and Lauren picked it up long enough to get it across the threshold, and down the small staircase.
"Nice morning! Bo smiled as she grabbed her sunglasses.
"Yes it is! Lauren smiled.
They walked down the small sidewalk, and then turned onto the larger one. Lauren pointed out trees, and plants to the kids. They seemed into it too, as they laughed.
They walked for a mile before they found a small park. Worried about germs Lewis, found her sanitizer, and used it on the small bench.
"Lauren really? We aren't going to make them sit there". Bo teased.
"You never know. You never know". Lauren said. She reached out, and playfully swatted Bo's arm.
"See that girls? Mama's being naughty". Bo laughed. Charlotte and Chloe were quiet, and it scared the Succubus.
"Out like a light". Lauren said peeking into the stroller.
"I just can't believe their ours, and how fast they are growing". Bo smiled as she took a seat.
"I know. They are gorgeous Bo. They look like just you with the black hair, and your other features". Lauren said as she sat on Bo's lap.
"Just wait until we make some blonde babies". Bo smiled as she rubbed Lauren's stomach.
"You seem better than you were last night". Lauren assessed as she pushed a lock behind Bo's ear.
"I am. I am. Thank you, and thanks to you". Bo cooed as she kissed her hand.
"We'll be fine Bo. As long as we talk about everything". Lauren said as she settled on Bo's lap.
"We will too. We will talk about everything going forward". Bo said seriously. Lauren nodded against Bo's head, and they stared out at the other people at the park. Kids running. Couples walking.
When Lauren fell asleep on Bo, the Succubus knew it was time to go home. She called for a Hummer, and one showed up immediately. The Queen had requested and received a brand new Hummer fit to escort the babies. Given that they haven't introduced them publicly yet, they were escorted home.
Bo knew they could have gone to the castle, but since the rest of her family was taking a nap, she opted for one too. With Bruce's help, she put some small cribs in their bedroom, and Bo settled in next to Lauren on the bed.
Evony and Vex.
"Can we make this quick? I don't want to piss that Queen Succubus off. That one has a mean streak". Vex said.
"Vex...still without stones I see". Evony laughed.
"What do you want? Vex asked.
"My serum darling. You're going to help me get it". Evony said quietly.
"I thought you were enjoying being human. What happened? Vex asked.
"Aife happened. I want to be Fae again, so that I can kick her ass". Evony said seriously.
"Evony I'm telling you. Let that go. They sent Mark on a mission, and he's never come back yet. These people can literally make people disappear". Vex said.
"He's a pussy". Evony laughed.
"A panther actually". Vex replied.
"Still a kitty". Evony laughed again.
"Evony...". Vex said.
"Fine. Fine. I'll let the Succubus be, but I still want my serum". Evony said as she sat back in her seat.
Vex rubbed his beard. As powerful as he is, the Queen Succubus scares him. So not only is he going to have to watch his own back, he needs to watch Evony's too. Because what she does, always falls back on him.
Kenzi
Kenzi sat in her new house. Looking at four bare walls. Bo couldn't be serious about her staying away from them. Yes Evony had Lauren, and it was wrong to help her get her, but damn, Lauren wasn't exactly living in a hubble. Her lab looks like a hotel. She perked up when an idea hit her. If she wanted to get back in with Bo, she needed to mend fences with Lauren. Well more like build a fence with Lauren.
Bo and Lauren
Bo was up first, and had checked on the kids, before she walked downstairs. Pulling her phone out she called her grandmother. She was ready to introduce the kids to the world.
"So tomorrow then? Lauren asked behind her.
"Tomorrow". Bo cooed pulling Lauren in for a kiss.
"Yum". Lauren whispered as she pulled back.
"It will be". Bo smiled.
"Huh? Lauren asked.
"Dinner Doctor. Unless you want me to try and cook again? Bo laughed.
Lauren smiled, kissed Bo once more, and walked into the kitchen.
When they heard a baby start to cry, Bo waved Lauren off. "I got them". The Succubus smiled proudly.
TBC
