Isabeau and Lauren
"Lachlan is a Naga I have known for a long, long time. He is going to help us with Nadia". Isabeau explained as she took a bite of food.
"Isabeau, Nadia is dead". Lauren said tearfully.
"I know. Lachlan is going to take the Garuda out of her, so that you can bury her properly. As a human". Isabeau set her fork down to drink her Mimosa.
"You would do that for us? For me? Lauren was shocked. No Fae had ever been that thoughtful or considerate with her.
"I would and I am. He's on his way here and should be here by morning. I had Nadia moved to a secured location. Once we get the Garuda out of her, you can have her body to do with as you wish". Isabeau started eating again. She hoped she wasn't going too fast with her help. She had smelled human corpse's before. It wasn't for the weak stomach. The woman should have been buried years ago. It is straight up bullshit the Light Fae had Lauren thinking the woman in that pod was her human girlfriend. The human in her died a long time ago.
They had Lauren living a lie. That pissed the Succubus off the most. Years of her life wasted on the Fae. Serving them. Bowing to them. Being mishandled by them. All of that is over. Nobody will disrespect Lauren. They certainly won't touch her. There's a new Fae in town and one that's not going to stand for bullshit or hide behind someone.
"Isabeau that is very thoughtful. As a Doctor, I know it needs to be done. As her ex-gf, I am not sure I am ready to bury her so quickly". Lauren said tearfully.
"You are welcome to sit with her. Talk to her. But not until I can get the Garuda out. He would likely leave her body and jump into yours. That bastard won't get that close to you. He's been close enough as it is". Isabeau said softly. She is angry but didn't need to be nasty to the blonde across from her.
"Tell you what. Let's not talk about this for the rest of the night. Let's just eat our dinner and go from there". Isabeau suggested. She needed and wanted to change the mood in the room.
Lauren stood and poured herself a glass of wine. She needed to dull the pain. She didn't want to break down in front of this woman. This strong and unapologetically, brave woman. She had never once seen any Fae work this fast on anything.
They had always relied on the Ash or Morrigan to order them to do it first. She had seen Dyson do that for years. He went back and forth between Trick and the Ash. Like a double agent. Trick couldn't really force any laws since he was undercover as the Blood King. Lauren only found out when she had gone to the Dal and found him doubled over with blood dripping down his arm. The Ash found out and Lauren was ordered to keep her mouth shut but she had to treat him whenever he called. Thankless work but a Doctor is a doctor.
She rarely spent time at the Dal. There was no need to, being a ward of the Ash. She did know of Kenzi and Dyson though. Most nights Kenzi would wind up drunk off her ass, and Dyson would take her to one of Trick's many hidden rooms to sleep it off. Other days she was out on the street trying to rob as many Fae as she could and ran back to Trick for protection.
"I hope you don't mind, but I grabbed a bag and picked a room to sleep in. I didn't think you needed or wanted to be alone tonight". Isabeau broke into Lauren's thoughts.
"No. No. That's fine. I certainly have the room for it. It would be rude to tell you no anyway since you gave me this house". Lauren said softly. She almost blushed at how the Succubus was making sure she was comfortable in every aspect of her life.
"I can sleep on the couch or the floor. It doesn't look that uncomfortable". Isabeau smiled as she looked around.
"No. You don't have to do that. There are plenty of beds and rooms. Whichever one you picked is fine. Really it is". Lauren frowned. Isabeau was being so sweet and must think Lauren is not as agreeing as she already stated.
"Okay. Then I picked the one farthest away from your bedroom". Isabeau stood and picked her bag up.
"You're going to bed already? Lauren asked.
"I need a shower, and I do have a long day planned for tomorrow". Isabeau stood looking at Lauren.
"I see. Well there are bathrooms in every room, so you will have a lot of privacy." Lauren smiled.
"Thank you. I will see you in the morning then. Goodnight Lauren". Isabeau bowed and walked past the Doctor.
Lauren inhaled her scent. She didn't really need a shower. But she will never tell someone they are clean if they believe they are not. Habit of being a Doctor. She wasn't ready for bed. A bed would mean heartbreak and tears. Something she was trying to avoid with her guest in the house. Fae had always thought humans were weak. Weak minded and weak willed. She was still learning about Isabeau. She was neat. Cordial. Thoughtful and affords Lauren plenty of space.
The other Fae always wanted to know what Lauren was doing. When she is doing it and why she was doing it. They were always knocking on her door for something. The tiniest of things that could wait until morning, but since she was a human and theirs, she had to treat them whenever they wanted. Dyson was always bringing her some bullshit Fae case that a Detective should be able to solve on his own. He is a dumbass, but Lauren was never allowed to tell him that.
The Dal
"Well I guess it is just the three of us. Well the two of you since I can't help". Kenzi spouted.
"Kenz we told you, this could get dangerous. You will be fine and living well once we have Isabeau back here". Dyson said.
"Dyson I warned you about sleeping with her". Trick groaned.
"You offered her up before. I am just going with that plan". Dyson replied.
"I don't want you sleeping with my granddaughter". Trick said sternly.
"Fine. I won't". Dyson crossed two fingers behind his back. Kenzi saw it and laughed. Dyson was always fond of the ladies. She couldn't keep up with all the women he had gone through over the years. They thought his beard was the sexist thing about him. One girl told Kenzi he wasn't much of a talker and that made him dull. But their sex life was wild like the wild found in the woods.
"I can't believe Hale told us no. He's helped us before". Kenzi said.
"Hale is loyal to the Light Fae. He probably doesn't trust Isabeau. She's adorable though". Dyson smiled.
"Dyson! Trick snapped.
"Just commenting on her looks". Dyson shook his head.
"She seems dense to me. Bought me food without even knowing who I am. She doesn't know I am tight with the Blood King here. Which means I can have anything I want and get anything I want done". Kenzi chimed in.
"Well I did find out there has been movement in the Light Fae compound. A body they once had is no longer there. That could be dangerous.". Trick said.
"A body? Like a sick person? Kenzi asked.
"I don't know. I can't really trust my source. But there are strange things going on there. Without an official Ash, the Light Fae doesn't have structure right now." Trick rubbed his beard as he paced.
"Are you thinking of coming back out of retirement? Dyson smiled.
"No. I have far too many enemies for that". Trick shook Dyson's suggestion off.
"Hale and I were the Ash's go to Cops of the Light Fae. He trusted us. But he never once mentioned a sick Fae. Or someone in a coma. This is strange. We need to find this body. If the Dark Fae get their hands on this person, they could make our life hell". Dyson growled.
"Get over to the Light Fae compound. See what you can find out, now Dyson". Trick ordered.
"And me? Kenzi stood up.
"Have a seat. This is dangerous. You could get hurt. Evony won't care if you are human, she'd melt you to nothing in a matter of seconds". Trick replied.
"This is going to be one long ass night". Kenzi groaned and took the nearest booth.
The next morning.
Lauren and Isabeau were in the dining room having breakfast. The Succubus looked absolutely amazing. She had on a tight, black leather suit and her hair flowed around her shoulders.
Lauren dressed in jeans, a white tank top and a pink button up. She too allowed her hair to flow over her shoulders.
"So, I should be getting a call for Lachlan soon. He won't be coming here. I asked that it be done far away from you". Isabeau spoke over her glass of juice.
"I see. Well I hadn't planned on going anywhere today. I can always find something to do in my lab here". Lauren took a bite of food.
"Lauren I never suggested you had to stay home. Get out. Get some air. Go for a drive. Do anything and everything the Fae has deprived you of." Isabeau reached over and squeezed Lauren's hand.
"I could go for a drive. The countryside can be beautiful." Lauren looked out the window. They certainly have the weather for it.
"It's just about time for me to leave." Isabeau looked at the clock behind Lauren.
"See you later". Lauren stood and walked to put the dishes into the dishwasher.
"You'll be okay Lauren. I promise". Isabeau whispered when they accidentally rubbed against each other.
The Succubus pulled her keys out and walked out of Lauren's house. It is going to be good for them to get some distance between them. They were so far out no Fae were going to find Lauren in the Succubus absence and she didn't want the Doctor to feel like she's crowding her.
Lauren walked around the house. She sighed when she didn't have a thing to clean. She walked over to the stereo system and turned on the radio. It was like being a teenager all over again. She blasted the music and danced around the house. Her house. She was still stunned at having something that is completely hers. She danced around the living room. In the kitchen. Up the stairs. Down the hall and back again. She grabbed a bag and was ready to drive and see the countryside. Alone.
She had always had to have someone around her whenever she went out in public. Now she was free to go and not have to worry about who was watching her. Waiting in a corner or off to the side while she finished up a Fae business meeting.
She finished her dancing and walked down the stairs like a movie star. She locked up the house and jumped into her Mustang. It was just nice enough for her to drop the top and allow her hair to blow in the wind. She looked back at her house as she pulled off. She smiled at how well the grass was groomed. It is really hers, and she's noticing everything about it.
Isabeau, Aife and Lachlan.
"Isabeau. I didn't expect to see you". Lachlan smiled.
"Save your teeth pretty boy. We have business to handle". Isabeau waved off his charm.
"I understand you need my teeth". Lachlan countered.
"I understand Mom found a Doctor to extract your Naga Venom". Isabeau smiled mockingly.
"I did. He's scrubbed up, dressed and ready to go". Aife pointed to the Doctor.
"Let's get started. I don't want to be here any longer than I have to be". Isabeau urged the Doctor to come over.
"Isabeau you know will owe me another favor after this". Lachlan laughed.
"I let you keep your balls all these years. I owe you nothing more. You owe me. Now sit down, shut up and open your mouth". Isabeau said.
"Lauren would have been good for this". Aife said.
"No. He might sneeze and get that shit all over Lauren. Which reminds me, we need to be in the other room looking through the glass". Isabeau replied as they moved out of the room.
Aife laughed at how Lachlan was lying down. He looked humiliated. "Don't cough".
Two hours later, they were done. It was time to inject Nadia. The women walked to the other room and Isabeau looked at her.
This was Lauren's life for five years. A dead human body that had been infiltrated by the Fae. She gritted her teeth and waited for the Doctor to come into the room.
"I'm ready". Dr. Jones replied.
"You have to be precise with this. When it's done, get the hell out of here". Isabeau said.
"I understand. If I die, don't bring me back". Dr. Jones nodded.
Isabeau agreed and joined Aife in the adjoining room.
"This is crazy Isabeau. He's an evil bastard". Aife licked her lips.
"Mom. How long have you known me? I always have a backup plan. Besides Lauren deserves to bury Nadia as a human. Not some Fae freak". Isabeau growled. She almost wanted to drain every Fae just for the hell of it. Just thinking of Lauren in dungeons or other bullshit, sets her blue eyes blazing.
The Succubus watched the Naga Venom be injected into Nadia and saw fire shoot out of her body. Dr. Jones tried to run as fast as he could but was burned in the process.
"Here! Isabeau gave Aife a gun and she pulled another one from her pocket.
"Aim…
"Fire! Isabeau said as they shot two injections into the fire swirling around the room. Within minutes the room was empty. All except for Nadia and Dr. Jones.
"I'll get Nadia." Isabeau said quietly.
"I'll get Dr. Jones". Aife said.
"He doesn't want to be brought back to life mom". Isabeau said over her shoulder. The young Succubus wheeled Nadia's body out after she covered her up. Some men placed her into the back of a van and Isabeau told them where she wanted her to be taken.
She pulled her phone out and sighed. It needed to be done, and it needed to be done now. With every ring her heart rate sped up. "Lauren I am so, so sorry about this. But it is over. We are ready to return Nadia's body to you".
"It's over that quickly? Lauren asked.
"I don't screw around Lauren. I get things done. The Garuda is dead, and Nadia's body is free of him." Isabeau spoke as softly as she could. She knew this is a tough time for Lauren.
"Okay. I'm as ready as I will ever be. Human bodies can't lay around for long before they start to decompose." Lauren said sadly.
"Lauren we can wait another day or two, if you want". Isabeau paced back and forth.
"No today is fine. Just tell me where you had her taken". Lauren flipped her hair over her shoulder. As a Doctor she had always known how to hold grief in. How to stay professional, even for herself. To cut her feelings off every time a patient died. Even the Fae. Those bastards would never drop a tear over anything. They certainly wouldn't cry over a human death. They'd step over them and move on like they never existed. That and they are incapable of tears. Wouldn't matter if they were.
Two hours later, Lauren pulled next to Isabeau's car. There was no mistaken it. It was always sparkling clean.
"Hello". Isabeau said apologetically.
"Thank you but I'm okay really". Lauren said as they walked into the building. They walked down a long hall and suddenly Isabeau stopped.
"She's in there". Isabeau said quietly. She reached and squeezed Lauren's hand. The Doctor nodded and let go of it.
Lauren bowed her head and walked into the room. She looked up once to see where the table was and bowed her head again as she walked. She reached out and touched the table. Taking a few deep breaths, she lifted her head. She had known this position before. Needing a family member or friend to identify the body. Her hands shook as she reached to pull the sheets back. She pulled them back, stared a few minutes and then it hit her. She screamed Nadia's name and the sound went around the room and back again.
Isabeau cried from the door. Once Lauren dropped to the ground she slowly walked over to her. Not in fear. But under the expectations that Lauren is going to scream for her to leave. Curse her for being Fae. Fae like the ones that did this to her and to Nadia. She bent down to help Lauren up, and the Doctor swung in her direction a few times. When she missed the last time, she collapsed in Isabeau's arms. The Succubus cried as she carried her out past Aife.
"Move her again. I'll call when we are ready to talk about it again". Isabeau whispered and Aife nodded. She wishes she could help but she is incapable of tears. She could make her eyes water but not actually cry. Being raised by humans gave Isabeau the ability and it didn't make her a weak Fae. No Aife knew better than that.
"I assume that was the infamous Dr. Lewis. Once I'm the Ash, I will require her services. I must thank you and Isabeau for leading me to her". Lachlan said from behind Aife.
The Succubus growled and turned on him. "She won't ever hear you speak again! The Succubus used an ax and took his head clean off his shoulders. She watched it roll to the other side of the room.
"Move her and the men". Aife said to her stunned henchmen.
Once Nadia had been removed from the building, and Isabeau's car was gone, she threw a lit match behind her. The fire from the building made her hair fly behind her. She smiled when it blew up but kept walking to her car.
The Light Fae compound.
Kenzi watched Dyson work. He looked like a dog and she wanted to laugh. She had snuck out of the Dal, so Trick wouldn't protest her going with Dyson. She would have to sneak back in to stay under sanctuary. But Dyson swore to help her with that.
"I got it! He shifted.
"Got what? Kenzi jumped at his wolf's voice.
"I got the scent off of this table." Dyson smiled.
"We can track the body down and find those idiots! Kenzi smiled. They high fived as Dyson buttoned his shirt up. They ran out of the building in excitement. Kenzi is sure Trick is going to hook her up with his best beers and liquors for life.
Aife
The Succubus smiled when her phone rung. "Is it done? She asked.
"Yes ma'am. They think they have found a scent that will lead them to Isabeau. All they will find is Lachlan's corpse". The man answered.
"Excellent". Aife laughed as she hung up. That will teach the Blood King to send his pet dog after them. She couldn't wait for Isabeau to find out. She could be the biggest bitch the Fae has ever seen. She smiled as she drove on. "They gone learn". She laughed.
TBC
A/N Some have asked where Bo is. Isabeau is Bo. She doesn't like her name shortened. :-)
