Valhalla
Hale and Ciara were talking when they heard hard footsteps.
"How was it? Ciara asked.
"Hell. I mean Hell. I thought for sure Hades was going to pull me down there. That damn goblin kept me up all night. I just want to shower and sit down. Far away from that shit hole". Tamsin groaned
"I don't think Trick expected you back so soon". Hale looked around and nodded at the Blood King.
"She's not supposed to be here yet". Trick pointed back in the same direction Tamsin came from.
"I was trying to save my daughter Trick". Tamsin stomped her foot.
"That's why Freyja will be your company down there until I feel you both have earned the right to come back here". Trick said.
"Who's going to collect dead souls? Tamsin asked.
"You've been replaced". Trick said.
"What? By who? Tamsin scoffed.
"By me". A woman stepped forward.
"Clio? Get the fuck out of here! Tamsin screamed.
"Lower your voice and get back to your post". Trick said.
"That's bullshit Trick! Tamsin said.
"You have to earn that job back. You better settle in because that could be years yet". Trick walked away from the four of them.
"Freyja's waiting". Clio mocked Tamsin.
"Don't get too comfortable with my job". Tamsin pointed as she left for the door leading to Tartarus.
Lauren
The Doctor rolled over in the bed, and noticed she was alone. She yawned and stretched. She didn't remember the bed moving so she wasn't sure how Bo got up and out of it without the Doctor noticing. She grabbed her robe and walked out of their room the nursery. When she rounded the corner, her heart stopped. Bo was sleeping in the rocking chair holding a baby monitor. She almost laughed at Bo needing it when she was in the same room as Charlotte and Chloe. But she remembered falling asleep holding two of the monitors.
The Doctor walked over to check on them first. They were both playing in their cribs. She smiled as she kissed them good morning and made faces when they made baby noises.
She walked over to Bo and gently shook her awake. "Bo. Good morning sweetie".
"Lauren! Oh geez. I'm sorry what time is it? Are the babies okay? Bo jumped up.
"Not the good morning I was expecting". Lauren laughed.
"Good morning". Bo whispered and gently kissed the Doctor. "Are they okay? She asked again.
"Besides needing to be changed. They are fine". Lauren turned and smiled in their direction.
"Ummmm Lauren? Have you looked in a mirror yet? Bo asked.
"No why? Do I look terrible? Lauren replied as she grabbed her face.
"No. No. I just. I think we're expecting again". Bo picked up Chloe and walked her over to the changing table.
"What? I would know that? Wouldn't I? Lauren asked as she rushed over to a mirror.
"I'm not a Doctor but your aura is different. That's my prediction". Bo smiled as she looked over at Lauren.
Chloe kicked her little legs and almost kicked Bo right in the mouth.
"Hey you! Bo smiled at their little one.
"But we didn't. You didn't…Oh never mind. I will run some tests later". Lauren smiled as she picked up Charlotte.
"I got this babe if you want to do that now". Bo finished putting Chloe's diaper on and took Charlotte from Lauren.
"You really want to know right now huh? Lauren smiled.
"It was kinda driving me crazy all night. I had to turn away from you a few times. Then the babies started to cry, and I've been in here since". Bo kissed Charlotte on her cheek.
"I will be right back". Lauren hurried but slowly walked out of the room and took her time on the stairs. She smiled at Bo's obvious excitement. The kids aren't quite newborns but aren't quite toddlers yet either.
She took the next two hours, running test after test to be sure. She returned to Bo and delivered the news. "I'm so sorry Bo. Not yet".
"That's okay. I thought it could go either way." Bo sniffed and played with the kids.
"Bo. I'm sorry". Lauren spoke quietly and pulled the three of them close to her.
"We can always try again. I just thought your aura looked weird. A new kind of happy". Bo sighed.
"I am your wife. I am the mother of your daughters, of course I am happy. Beyond the definition of the word." Lauren cooed as she squeezed them in her arms.
"I am you your wife, mother to them and just as happy. Honestly". Bo smiled.
"Let's feed them, then we can eat and shower". Lauren said taking Chloe from Bo.
Bo nodded and they slowly walked out of the nursery. The women fed the babies plenty of food and put them in their playpen. They had plenty of room to crawl and play.
Bo and Lauren both cooked breakfast. Bo kept sneaking looks at Lauren. Her insides were starting to twist in knots. But she has to do this. She has to be honest. But put it off until the kids were sleeping in their beds and away from anger, which the Succubus knew would be coming.
They ate peacefully making small talk about how the kids were growing. Who was doing what first. Bo swallowed lump after lump in her throat. Once they were in their cribs. They were given toys, and the mothers left them to play until they fell asleep. They held hands as they walked back downstairs. Bo looked up the stairs after they reached the last step.
"Lauren. We need to talk". Bo said quietly.
"I thought we did". Lauren turned to the Succubus.
"No, I don't mean about that. I meant about…family stuff'. Bo shuddered.
"Are you not feeling well? Lauren frowned as she stepped to Bo.
"We had a problem Lauren." Bo blurted out.
"We? Us? Lauren gasped.
"No. This is not about us. It is not about you and me. But we are the reason I am bringing this up. I don't want us to have any secrets between us. Secrets have long doomed us before. Those days are over.
As far as this problem. Kenzi was coming for the kids again. She had Dagny involved in it too. She wanted pictures of them. She wanted back in our good graces. I sent her packing out of the colony. Grandmother dealt with Dagny. I am not sure what she did with her. I guess we'll find out later. I just found out about all of this last night when I went back to get Chloe's favorite toy. I didn't want to wake you with this. I didn't want to talk to you about this in front of them. They can probably read auras by now. I love you Lauren and I am just as pissed off as you are right now". Bo said staring at the at teary-eyed Doctor. Bo watched as Lauren's face turned into so many emotions at once. Fear. Anger. Vengeful.
"Lauren". Bo stepped to her.
"It doesn't matter if I was pregnant. Our kids will never be safe. There will always be someone coming for them. Some Fae. Some human I pissed off long ago. We're never going to get a moments peace". Lauren ranted.
"No Lauren. Don't do that. We are going to protect them. I will make new laws if I have to. I am sure the Queen will grant whatever we want. Remember they are hers too. Mom's and hers. All of ours. Nobody will get our kids now or ever". Bo spoke tearfully.
"I want to see her right now". Lauren said.
"The Queen? Bo asked.
"Kenzi. I am sure she's still lurking around here". Lauren stomped away to shower.
Bo sighed. She knew this was going to be a bad idea. She wasn't so much as worried about Kenzi. She didn't like Lauren being upset. She's her wife now. She's her life now. Those three upstairs are her life now.
"Grandmother it's me. I need Kenzi found before we get to the castle. Lauren just jumped into the shower. Once she's out, I will shower, we'll grab the kids, and be right over". Bo said into her phone. It was still early. But she knew her grandmother will get her message. Bo paced back and forth in the nursery waiting for Lauren to walk in. Fully dressed, no doubt.
Lauren rounded the corner and walked over to the twins. They were already bundled up and boxing the air.
"I'll be ready in ten". Bo rushed out of the room. Lauren is in a hurry, she will be too. She already had her outfit picked out and ready to put on. The Succubus never showered so fast in her life. The Royal Hummers were waiting for them outside. The kids were loaded into their car seats and Bo and Lauren were helped in. They sped off with sirens and everything. Apparently the Queen did in fact get Bo's message.
"You let me know when you have had enough. This is not about her. It's about you and whatever you need to do". Bo squeezed Lauren's hand and frowned when the seething Doctor looked at her. It was taking everything in Bo to control her Succubus. She never once liked to see Lauren upset or being disrespected. Even when Bo was the abuser.
Lauren stayed quiet and it worried Bo. But this is Lauren. Historically, it has always been part of her persona. Holding things in that needed to be said. But that's also why Bo's being so vocal about everything. Keeping quiet cost her their first relationship. They arrived at the castle. Bo squeezed Lauren's hand once more as the kids were being taken out of their seats. The Succubus jumped out immediately after Charlotte had been lifted out. She turned and extended her hand to Lauren and the Doctor took it. Bo never let go. Not once. She instructed the guards and maids on what she wanted done with the kids. They were to be taken directly to the Royal Nursery and watched thoroughly.
Lauren was walking fast, and Bo needed to keep up with her. She dismissed everyone to their assignments and focused on her wife.
The Queen and Aife were standing side by side when they entered the throne room. "Good morning Bo. Good morning Lauren". They said in unison.
"Good morning! Bo and Lauren smiled.
"I'm sorry Grandmother. I know it is really, really early and you don't always get up this early". Bo started off.
"For Lauren? I'd get up with the roosters first piss of the day. Now what's going on? Queen Isabeau asked.
"I told her about yesterday and she wants to see Kenzi immediately". Bo answered as Lauren walked further into the room.
"Then you shall see her at once". Queen Isabeau smiled.
"Bring the human in". Aife commanded.
Kenzi was thrown into the throne room. She gasped at the women in front of her. She had been around angry women before. Hell, she lived with one for years. But this is a new kind of anger. If they were lions, she'd be bones by now.
"I understand you wanted to see the kids. You do realize they are Bo's and mine right? That hasn't slipped from your mind has it? Lauren asked. Bo walked with the Doctor step for step.
Kenzi swallowed looking back and forth between them. She didn't know what to say. Which one of them she should address first.
"Let's accommodate her shall we". Lauren backed up with Bo still beside her.
"Lauren? Bo said gently.
The Doctor snapped her fingers and Kenzi screamed as she grabbed her eyes.
Aife stood laughing and the Queen waved the guards off.
"Lauren what did you do? Bo asked as Kenzi continued to scream.
"She wanted to see them. Now that's all she sees". Lauren answered coldly.
"This is not what I wanted! Kenzi screamed. She couldn't see anything but Charlotte and Chloe as newborns. She couldn't even see where the adult royals were standing.
"You will never get my kids. If you so much as breathe on them. I'll know it. Do not piss me off again Kenzi. You never liked me before and you sure as hell won't like me then. I gave Bo those babies. Me. Karen Beattie. Lauren Lewis. Not Dyson Thornwood. Me! They are mine and hers. You will never be a part of their lives. If they grow up and spot you on the street, your aura will give you away. Maybe you will have grown up by then, but I doubt it". Lauren snapped angrily. She snapped her fingers again, and Kenzi's eyes returned to normal.
"Get her out of here! Bo screamed. Lauren turned and collapsed in Bo's arms.
"What the hell?! Aife screamed as she ran over to them. The Queen walked over and called for Cedric.
"My Queen? Cedric bowed.
"Fix this". The Queen said as she pointed to Lauren.
"Of course,". Cedric bowed and walked over to Bo and Lauren. He bowed and touched Lauren.
"Bo? Lauren asked groggily.
"It's okay babe. You just passed out. I think? Bo looked to the other three.
"She's okay Your Highness". Cedric nodded.
"It's part of her powers. The one's she used on Kenzi drained her for a spell because she never used them before. Once she plays with them a little more, she will be able to stop herself from passing out". Queen Isabeau explained.
"We're staying here for a few hours. I'm taking Lauren to rest". Bo said as she bent down to pick Lauren up. She followed behind the guards and some guards followed behind her. "Bring the kids". Bo said over her shoulder.
One maid picked up a phone and called for the twins to be brought to Bo and Lauren.
Bo walked in and gently laid Lauren in one of the royal beds. She sighed when the Doctor adjusted to the bed.
"Bring sports drinks and water. Put them in the cooler there." Bo pointed to the mini fridge in the corner of the room.
She watched as the twins were brought in, then placed in cribs next to the bed.
Bo took a rocking chair and brought it over to the other side to sit with Lauren while being able to watch their kids play and sleep.
She threw her head back and sighed. Why can't their lives be easy? Why must everything be bullshit? Why can't her wife find one moments rest without worrying about their kids? Probably because she spent so much time worrying about Bo. About them. When Lauren asked for a break, she must have needed a timeout from worrying about whether they were going to make it or not.
Bo shook her head in anger. She was so young and dumb then. Lauren didn't have forever then like she does now. Why would a human waste their life away on a Succubus that couldn't commit most of her time to her? Trick was the Blood King. He could have written most of the bullshit out of existence. Bo is the most powerful Fae. Whatever befell them, she should have been able to handle it.
When Kenzi found her, she wasn't helping people like that. She was keeping a low profile as a bartender. Killing her feeds in bed, but she never went out looking for trouble. So why had started doing that when she was in her first real relationship? Lauren knew what she was. There was nothing she needed to hide about herself. Except secrets. She shrugged at that thought and looked to the twins. They had turned over on their stomachs and were looking directly at Lauren.
Bo stood and walked over to them. "She's okay sweets. She's just resting". She cooed as she gently rubbed their backs. She stayed next to their cribs. She looked down at them and noticed they had grown since last night and she never noticed. If she could predict the future she would predict they are going to be taller than their mothers.
Lauren stirred and Bo hurried to the cooler to grab some water.
"Bo? Lauren whispered.
"I'm right here babe". Bo whispered as she took a seat in the bed. She leaned over and helped Lauren drink some water.
"What happened? Lauren asked.
Bo wiped Lauren's face with a warm towel. "Well my love you passed out. Grandmother said it is part of the powers you used. Given you're a scientist I am sure you will figure out how to use them without passing out, real soon".
"The Kenzi thing? Lauren asked.
"Yes. Apparently you were given those as part of your return". Bo smiled softly. Lauren nodded and drank some more water.
Bo popped another bottle open. "We have sports drinks too". She pointed to the cooler.
"I'm better thanks. I'm a bit embarrassed." Lauren blushed.
"Why? We are all family here. I think you scared the hell out of Mom too". Bo half smiled. Who was she kidding? Lauren scared the hell out of her too.
"Let's go eat lunch with them". Lauren suggested.
"Okay. Let's get you up and freshened up a bit". Bo smiled.
Charlotte and Chloe made noises and Lauren smiled in their direction.
"We're just going over to this sink babies. We won't be far". Bo smiled as she walked Lauren over to wash her face and hands a little more.
Bo grabbed the twins and called for Lauren to be helped downstairs. The maids rushed in and bowed before flanking the Doctor. The castle was quiet and that was fine with Bo. They needed this. Lauren needs this. The royals entered the dining room and found Aife and the Queen waiting for them. The twins were placed in the bassinets while the mothers ate.
"Are you feeling better now Lauren? Aife asked from across the table.
"I am. Bo told me it's a power of mine that wiped me out". Lauren replied.
"Lauren I know we should have told you about those. But I never thought you would think to use those so quickly. I guess the mother in you took over. You have more powers than most of us sitting here. But that was my doing in order to bring you back to Bo". Queen Isabeau explained.
"Although I should be mad, I am not. I knew enough to reverse it. I prefer to learn the rest as I go. I am a Scientist, we always need proof". Lauren smiled.
"Well should you ever have questions, you have my permission to call on Cedric at any time. He and I have already discussed that he needs to be available whenever you need him. Bo you can call too should you need his help with her". Queen Isabeau smiled softly.
"I'll hold you to that Grandmother". Bo said sternly.
"I'm sure you will. Now, please eat. I want to play with my great-granddaughters". The Queen stood with Aife and left them to eat.
"Are you sure you're okay? Bo whispered.
"I am now". Lauren dug into her food.
TBC
