A/N: Let me start by saying I love the reviews and love that you guys like how this story is being written. It means a lot as a writer that your work is being appreciated. Thanks to those who read this story, follow it, and add it to their favorites. Some of you are wondering if the Ash is as good as she seems, all I can say is read and find out, maybe she is and maybe there is more to her. Who knows it could even be something Evony told Bo about Ava, guess we will have to wait and see, lol. Still tons of flashbacks to come that will answer lots of questions. To all the reviewers I love that you guys like the Lauren/Dyson/Kenzi dynamic as well as the Bo/Ava face off. Some want to know how she kept her cool, again it might have to do with what Evony told her. To reviewer JCM, Dyson has had about 8 months to get used to the fact that Bo does not love him anymore so by now he cares as a good friend but Lauren is a sister to him. His loyalties will be towards her now. To reviewer Spyklv, I like how you get exactly what I am trying to portray, you nail it. Enjoy the chapter, and remember, review, review, and in case I forgot to mention it, review.
Bo was more than happy to return the provocative behavior. She moved towards the blonde shifter but was swiftly pushed back against the house. The succubus glared into her ex's eyes. Lauren had a sly grin meeting the brunette's gaze. She still had her one hand on Bo's shoulder gradually letting it slide off as she bent down to grab the clothes Kenzi left for her. While Lauren's attention was off of the succubus she decided now would be a good time to tease the blonde fae. After all the game of seduction could be written by a succubus. Waiting till the doctor was looking at her again she used the opportunity to adjust her cleavage as she did more was exposed. Bo gave the new fae an innocent look.
Lauren's inner animal was instantly distracted by the succubus's flirtatious movement. The brunette didn't fail to notice but what happened next she wasn't prepared for. Usually when it came to her and Lauren she was the dominating one but not anymore. Once again Bo felt her back hit the building before she had time to react she felt the blonde shifter against her. The canine teeth were grazing down her neck sending shivers down the succubus. The brunette felt the sharp teeth retract as it was replaced by Lauren's mouth, sucking and licking. A low growl escaped from the blonde. As fast as it started it stopped with the doctor pulling away grinning at the succubus.
"You can't just tease a girl like that," Bo responded in a husky voice.
The new fae glanced behind her before looking at Bo again. "My brother gives me a ten minute head start to get dressed. That time is coming up," she stepped into her jeans shaking her head noticing that Kenzi didn't leave out any panties.
The brunette was still trying to pull herself together. She was not used to fae Lauren but she definitely was loving what she got to see so far. "I don't think I am ever going to get used to you referring to Dyson as your brother. Or Kenzi as your best friend," she was trying to shake off the hormones that spiked off the charts from there few minute game. She could still feel the sharp teeth raking down her neck.
The doctor noticed no bra neither so she picked up her shirt as Bo was still talking. She pulled it over her head, "Dyson IS my brother now. I look at him completely different than I ever did. We are changed now Bo, connected forever. I will always be protective of him and vice versa." Going back inside she grabbed her ex's hand taking her in behind her. "And Kenzi is your best friend too."
The succubus allowed the blonde shifter to guide her into the house. "What would your brother think of you just shifting back to your human form naked in front of the evil succubus?" This was still so new to her. Lauren taking her place in the circle of friends. Dyson guarding her, Kenzi having her back, Vex hanging out there like he was part of the crew.
Lauren stopped when Bo said that. She turned around facing her ex with a modest smile, "You have seen me naked countless amounts of times." The new shifter continued walking as she spoke, "It's not my fault if you perceived it as something more."
Bo was tongue-tied. She knew it has been a long time since she actually hung out with Lauren and of course there was the fact that now she was fae. But the succubus couldn't help but to think when did the blonde become the seductress? And Kenzi was giving her relationship advice, okay well technically the goth always did that. The remaining human seemed more grown up maybe spending time with the doctor matured her. She had to shake all those things from her mind to respond to the blonde's last statement. "Um Hmm and what would he think about you going all vampire on my neck?" There was no way she was letting the blonde fae get away with making this out to be all innocent.
The blonde shifter was trying hard to keep it fun, playful and casual with the succubus. She knew she had one chance to give her love away and she wasn't sure she wanted Bo to be a contender. Obviously Ava was one and there was the slight possibility that one of the Ash's guards had a chance. To put Bo in that mix wasn't something she was ready to consider. One good way to distract a succubus was anything sexual. Now would be a good time to play with Bo showing off her new heightened wolf senses. Going right into her lab knowing the brunette would follow. Lauren waited till Bo was in the room before stepping right in front of her pinning her to the wall yet again. The doctor placed her hands on the wall on either side of Bo's face as she leaned in breathing into the brunette's ear, "I could smell your arousal." She licked behind her ear before lifting herself off the wall opening up the door and seeing her brother at the end of the hall. Smiling at him she went towards the wolf linking her arm in his as they went upstairs leaving Bo in the lab still.
The succubus was still tilted against the wall. Damn, she is going to be the death of me. The blonde's words were echoing through her head. Bo never thought about all the heightened senses. She knew she had to go back upstairs but didn't want to. She didn't want to feel the gaze of the overly protective brother. Knowing she was not going to have the option she finally made her way to the main level.
Kenzi was playing bartender with liquor and a blender. Vex was next to her telling her what to put in the mix. Bruce was engaged in conversation with the siren on the stools by the counter. The two shifters were sitting on the couch. Dyson was sitting on the sofa with his feet on the floor. Lauren had her back against her brother with her legs stretched out in front of her leaning into him as they were talking. This was their new normal. They looked comfortable and content, all of them, and the brunette found some humor to all of this. After all she brought this group together. She saved Kenzi, Lauren was the human doctor, Dyson the lone wolf, and Vex the dark fae. The succubus never saw them like that. When she had to fight the Garuda Vex was one of the first fae she thought of. She knew that there was more to the lone wolf then he let on and Lauren wasn't just a slave. Through her persistence she formed this family but now somehow she was the outsider here.
The house phone started to ring and the wolves were the only ones to hear it over the loud sounds of the blender. Dyson was the one to get up and answer it. He handed his sister the phone watching as she went up the stairs. Then he made his way over to the succubus that was propped against the door frame. He finally gave a small grin, "Sorry about before Bo. It is complicated between us." He was never one for detail and wasn't about to start. "Please don't take offense to this question but what is your intention with Lauren?" He knew what it was but wanted to hear it from her. This way he could do the brother thing and quiz her.
Bo was waiting for this and knew it would happen sooner or later. She wanted to ask who called but had a feeling she knew exactly who it was. The perfect Ash Ava. "I want to show her I screwed up." Seeing the way he was peering at her she sighed. "Okay royally fucked up. Is that better? I know what a mess I made. Believe me Dyson if I got a reset button I would be slamming it. I would have never let her go. We would have been together from that first night." Realizing that she was actually with the wolf first she tried to fix what she just said. "Sorry, not that you weren't great but she is everything to me. She is my heart and soul. I would do anything, say anything, to fix it all. I knew I was falling in love with her and well there is no excuse. I just want a chance to show her how sorry I am, is that so bad?"
The shifter had his arms crossed over his chest when Bo first started talking. As she was explaining he dropped his intimidating stance. "No it's not so bad but it might be too late. Ava is a big part of her life right now and she earned it Bo. You have a lot to prove. How do I know if you got my sister, maybe a month or two later someone new will catch your eye? Or pull you on some crazy investigation chase and end up kissing you? A kiss that you will allow crushing my sister and her one and only chance at love. Do you understand that Bo, one shot that is all she has. Do you think you deserve that more than Ava?" Dyson cared for Bo he used to love her and then wished he had his love back. When he got it back he did still think of the succubus as a close friend. What he had with Lauren was stronger. He would put her first before Trick and Hale. If he had to pick someone for his sister right now it would be Ava.
The brunette punched Dyson lightly in the chest. "Good your back to being the ass I first met. Nice that we came all the way back to the beginning. I wanted a real shot with you but you were mister no it's not like that and threw me into Lauren's arms. And I admit that I was curious to be with her but since she was human I thought it wasn't possible so I turned all my attention to you. Once I was with her I wanted her. It was an instant connection like nothing I ever experienced. When she spy banged me I was so hurt I didn't even want to admit how torn up I was. I went back to you and I shouldn't have, I admit that, I was wrong. You gave your love away, she had Nadia, and I made unwise choices." She hit the wolf again when he rolled his eyes remembering Ryan. "Fine really stupid ones. When I got the chance I did commit to Lauren and then I made more mistakes. I wasn't perfect and I screwed up more times than I would like to remember. I get it I have to prove it to you, Kenzi, and Lauren. I will, and I am not going to give up not even with Ms. Fireworks in the picture." Bo couldn't stand her luck not only did the sunshine gang become the blonde shifter posse but the Ash had to look like Katy Perry. Out of all the singers why her? Thinking of which, "Who was on the phone?" The succubus had to ask Dyson.
That question brought out a smile on the wolf. "It was Katy. Who by the way offered me and Hale a job earlier. I am going over there in a few with Hale to graciously accept. For tonight we are staying at Bruce's so I am across the street from Lauren." He had a more serious tone as he went on, "I hope you show me that I am wrong Bo. Just know I will be watching over your shoulder the whole time. If I think you earned her heart I will do all I can to help." He glanced towards the stairs, "I have a lot more say with her. If I trust you it speaks volumes but as of now I don't trust you with her heart. I look forward to you showing me I was, an ass?" He raised his eyebrows trying to recall the word she used to describe him. After that he went up the stairs.
The succubus strolled over to the two Goths. Vex handed her a frozen drink. She lifted up examining the glass, "What is it?" She wasn't sure she trusted the two of them as mixologists.
Vex shrugged his shoulders glancing over Kenzi who was glancing over the ingredients. "Call it faeted," the smaller goth laughed. Of course she was referring to the current situation that was around her. She felt bad for Bo and was looking forward to the succubus showing her that she changed. There was a time that she would have bet her own life that Dyson was her soulmate. It actually wasn't until she lived in that cottage that she saw things from a new angle. Not just hearing things from the doctor's side, that did help, but listening to Lauren's side gave her a new perspective of Bo's side. That was when she was sure that the new shifter was her one true mate. When she learned about Bo and Tamsin she lost faith in the succubus. Kenzi just accepted that Bo wasn't meant to be monogamous and then she shows up at the club. And now here she is again only this time she moved here. It showed she was serious but time would show exactly how serious.
The dark fae plopped a pill into his drink that made it fizzle a little. He went to drop one in Bo's and she covered the top of the glass. He grinned, "Right, no one would want to see you out of control my little crumpet." He thought about it for a second, "Just for giggles what would a succubus be like on ecstasy? Isn't that what flows through your veins instead of blood?" The brunette just rolled her eyes at him. He found it humorous even if she didn't. Vex gave a more serious look as something dawned on him, "Almost forgot Tamsin called she is crashing at my place. Said she'd call you tomorrow." Realizing Bo stopped listening he followed her eyes to where Lauren emerged. "Oh fine ignore me to stare at the sex kitten. Personally I'm offended." He took a big sip of his spiked drink bumping Kenzi with his arm to get her attention. She noticed why he did it as she took a sip out of the blender.
Lauren gave Dyson a tight hug before he left with Hale. She closed the door behind them locking it up and going back into the kitchen. The new shifter saw the way her ex was eyeing her up. It was nice having her ex checking her out again. She was even having fun flirting with Bo but her heart wasn't an option. Not for anyone right now, just once was a huge deal. Her brother took almost 1500 years to give his away and still turned out to be wrong.
"How was Miss Your Gonna Hear me Ro-ar, ro-ar, ro-ar," the goth goaded the doctor on. It was all in good fun she loved the Ash but any chance she got to joke about the resemblance she took it. She even had a poster of the singer in the living room till Lauren almost took the whole wall down when Ava unexpectedly showed up one night. Kenzi found it hysterical but Lauren had on that shell shocked look.
The succubus stared at the petite human as if it was someone she didn't know. "Wait you know a pop song."
Bruce answered between his hearty laugh at the brunette's comment, "She knows all of those pop songs now. The only ones she listened to. Don't try any other pop singer. When she first met Ava she almost asked for an autograph."
4 MONTHS AGO
Lauren was getting the last of her things together going over her old apartment that she lived in for almost 8 years. She wasn't really leaving this place the same person that entered it. All those years ago she barely knew anyone. She was a slave working for an Ash that is now long since dead. Nadia was in a coma and so many nights she just cried herself to sleep. As the years went on she became more robotic not attempting to make friends with fae that felt superior to her because of their genetics. Trick treated her well and Hale made her feel like she wasn't some dirty human. Then she met Bo and her whole world was turned upside down. She was viewed as an equal to a fae. The succubus turned to her so many times for help actually valuing her opinion. The brunette even wanted her out of all the fae she could have. It was just surreal to the doctor.
Now she was leaving the place because of the succubus that changed her life. She was leaving no longer human but a shifter. Dyson, the fae that used to treat her so poorly because of Bo was now her brother. He spent the night there knowing it was her last one in Toronto and not wanting to leave. Lauren had to push him out the door that morning to make sure he wouldn't be late for work. The blonde shifter assured him that he can visit as much and as often as he liked.
The other crazy thing she would have never seen coming was Kenzi moving with her. The two have gotten so close in that cottage that when the goth called her to say she was going to Montreal as well the doctor actually cried. She was never going to tell the human that though. Kenzi still loved Bo too and counted them both as her best friends. They just went through a lot in those almost six months of isolation and Bo wasn't completely the same person yet. Plus the petite goth was clashing with the dark fae that the succubus was currently dating. Lauren snorted to herself wondering how long that one would last. The knock on her door pulled her back to current time. She waltzed over and Kenzi was standing next to Bruce, "Let's get the fae out of here." The goth had on an ear to ear smile as she threw her arms around the tall blonde squeezing her as tight as she could.
"Let's bring hell to Montreal, shall we," Lauren admitted some of the goth rubbed off on her as well. They were also excited to see Vex. When they came back from the cottage they found out he was living in the city already. The fae elders sent him there giving Evony back her position as the Morrigan. When Lauren knew she was moving there she phoned him to let him know. The dark fae Mesmer was so excited he made plans for the whole week.
They all piled into the Yukon that Bruce rented for them as they headed to Montreal. Bruce decided to leave with them not wanting to work for Evony anymore. They weren't going to get along after all he was in hiding with the two fugitives that whole time. He already spoke to Damon the Morrigan in Montreal. For a dark fae leader he seemed to be okay. Bruce let them know that Damon was more in check because of Ava the Ash of Montreal. He feared her as did most. She was a Mesmer herself but a very old one with more strength and power then Vex. She could use her hands to control your movements or her eyes. Her powers were beyond Vex's although she assured him he too will get there.
The drive was five long hours but these three together made it speed by. They all got so close that there was never an awkward silence. Actually there wasn't any silence as they all took turns blabbing away or telling jokes. The drive felt like it was only two hours. When they pulled up to Ava's place all three of them shut up as their eyes widened at the sight of the place before them. "Holy shit who the hell is this Ash, J.K. Rowling?" The goth was sitting in the back seat but right now she was between both front seats with an arm on each.
Each of them glanced down at their outfits feeling like they were about to meet the Queen. Lauren had on a white fitted button down shirt, blue jeans, and brown boots with her brown leather jacket. Bruce was wearing a plain black t-shirt that was stretching over all his muscles and dark jeans with black motorcycle looking boots. Kenzi was wearing dark blue skinny jeans with black boots that went up to the knee, a thin leather metal studded black belt was laced up the one leg, and black corset looking top with fish nets on her arms that went up to the elbows. After they all checked themselves out they glanced at each other just shrugging not knowing what to wear when you meet the type of person that lives in Windsor Castle. The guard verified that they were supposed to be there and opened the huge metal gates for them to drive through. He gave them directions on where to go. The three stayed quiet as they were drooling over the grounds.
When Bruce stopped the truck the three practically fell out. They had stopped along the way a bunch of times and all took turns driving but still there muscles hurt from being in the same position for so long. Especially the doctor's at this point she was ready to shift into a wolf and run around these amazing grounds but unfortunately she was still a slave, a fae slave, but a slave nonetheless. The doors opened to the palace and this gorgeous fae came out. She had brown hair that was layered and went just past her shoulders, her eyes were bright green, and her body was cut in all the right places. You could easily tell by her outfit which was a sports bra and tight fitted work out pants. "Hi you must be Lauren," she nodded towards the doctor, "Kenzi" as she acknowledged the goth, "and hard to miss Bruce. I am Nikki one of Ava's guards, follow me," she held open the large door as Bruce grabbed onto it holding it for the ladies.
They three were arching their necks as they glanced in every direction of the place. There was so much to look at, art, sculptures and the décor itself. They stopped outside of doors that looked like they were about to meet the Wizard of Oz. Nikki told them to hang on as she disappeared behind the doors. A few minutes later she was back holding it open for them to walk through. The room was huge. It was a circular room with high ceilings that you could probably fit the NYC Christmas Tree in, the walls were golden with candles coming out like the Medieval Times, and there was seats from that time as well. Towards the far corner of the room must have been the Ash her back was towards them as she was talking on her phone. Nikki brought them closer and when the Ash hung up the phone she turned to meet her new guests. Ava was wearing a tight fitted halter neck dress that dipped dangerously low and stopped just past her upper thigh. Her black hair was long and wavy falling past her shoulders highlighting her hypnotizing blue eyes.
Ava flashed a radiant grin at the three, "Hi, I am Ava. Lauren, Kenzi and Bruce, I presume," she glanced at each one as she said their names but the three were speechless. All three had to peel their eyes from her cleavage.
Kenzi tilted towards Lauren, "Is anyone else seeing this. It's like faemazing because I swear that is…" She stopped talking when the doctor purposely bumped into her letting her know to shut it.
Lauren went to introduce herself, "Nice to meet you Ka…Ava." The doctor giggled softly as she looked down embarrassed at her almost accident. Lifting her head up she tried again, "Place is the…wow, okay it must be the long ride. This place is very beautiful." She was mentally screaming at herself to pull it together. Her inner wolf was panting at this beauty in front of her and it was messing her up. "I look forward to working under…FOR…I look forward to working for you."
At this point even Kenzi and Bruce where glaring at her like they were waiting for her to combust. The goth put her hand over her mouth as she turned her back to the Ash, "Dude you're like Love Potion #9 kind of crazy."
Ava was entertained by the doctor. "I am sure you are tired from the drive. Did you want to stay here, even Bruce can spend a night." She made sure to let them know she would make an exception and let a dark fae stay in a light fae compound. The light fae Mesmer didn't take him as a threat nor did she think he would try to be a spy. "I do look forward to getting to know you Lauren. Colin had plenty of incredible things to say about you."
LAUREN & KENZI'S TOWNHOUSE – PRESENT TIME
"I am going to take a shower, I smell like outside," the blonde shifter curled up her nose at the earthy smell. "Kenzi your singing is improving." She chuckled at the petite human as she went back up the stairs. She never got a chance to jump in before. When she first shifted back to her human form she had to tease the succubus. It was the first time she got to do the role reversal and it felt good. Then she sat with her brother as he told her he was going to accept Ava's offer. As if the Ash knew they were talking about her she called and the blonde had to put her shower on hold yet again.
She went into the Master Bathroom and opened up the glass door turning on the shower making it nice and warm. The shower was remarkable it had three different shower heads, one on the left, one on the right and one across from the door itself. The temperature setting was right near the door and was digital. Lauren let a small smile stretch across her face as she heard the music from downstairs. After all Bruce, Vex, Kenzi and Bo were still down there. Tainted Love by Marilyn Manson was blaring from the downstairs radio. She knew why the goth picked that song to play. Her new best friend certainly had the best humor out of everyone the blonde knew.
The new fae stripped and got in going to the left. She let the water pour over her as her hair clung to her face. Before the shower door opened she knew Bo was there. She could smell the succubus intoxicating scent. She didn't move when the brunette stepped in, "Room for one more?" Lauren smirked as she heard Bo ask the question. All she thought was game on.