Bo woke up 15 minutes later with Tamsin entangled in her arms. Bo had to think. Events were happening so fast that she needed to talk this out. Questions about bonding with Tamsin, Lauren and love ran through her mind. Before she could think about it any deeper, she heard Kenzi getting some food down stairs. Bo knew as soon as Tamsin got up, she was would be out of there like a cheetah.
Without making much movement, Bo grabbed her phone and texted Kenzi.
'BFF bonding time today?' Bo typed and sent.
Kenzi could be heard from downstairs proclaiming "Helz to the yes Bo bear." A text message came back 10 seconds later 'Yup, we sooooo need it. Just you and me.'
Bo smiled and replied 'I need a huge favor. Need breakfast cop style for T 2 go in 10 mins.'
"Oh you just did not do that." Kenzi can be heard grumbling. 'Do I have 2 =(?' was the response.
'PLEASE Kenz' Bo responded.
'K, u o me details l8r.' was the response from Kenzi.
Now with time to think, Bo wondered first, what to do about Laruen?
That was a complex answer.
Tamsin kept expanding her search radius and kept plugging away harder and harder when Bo was not with her. Bo could tell since Tamsin's place was sprawling with maps on her formerly bare walls with big red x's where she or Kendra's team searched. She also kept Bo updated via email constantly. For the most part though it was a 1 person show.
Finding Lauren was a no brainer. She was family and Bo worried about her.
Keeping her safe while Bo fights to convince the Ash and his peers that she was coerced. Again no issue there although it may take a little time. Hale was on her side, but the accusations of Lauren, a human, experimenting on both light and dark, left a very bad taste in the Fae world. She needed to talk to Lauren first to get her angle before she could fight for her. Laruen a villain? Nope. Not her Laruen.
Finally, the million dollar question for Bo. Giving Laruen another chance at their formerly intimate relationship. Tamsin seemed to be ok with it but Tamsin and Bo were already involved in an intimate relationship. An extremely close one and it was only getting better.
Bo stared at are soundly sleeping but beautiful Valkyrie . Bo's brows furrowed as she thought deeper. Betray Tamsin and what they have built after all they have been through together at a CHANCE to be with the smart and sexy doctor again. Yes? No?
'Frack me' Bo thought looking up at the ceiling. 'This was a catch 22 at its worst.' Bo brooded. However, the best course of action now was to renege on their original agreement and just keep Laruen as a friend once she was found. Let this current relationship plays its course despite what was agreed to. Bo knew she would get stiff resistance from Tamsin, but their current relationship was too good to give up. Bo was stuck with that hard choice.
Bo finally conceded that she may need to talk to Tamsin to change her mind. Maybe warm her up to the idea. That needed to come later since Tamsin needed to rush off to work for another 2 week stint.
Bo thoughts then shifted. Heck even Kendra spent more time in precinct 39 and with the gang even thought she was constantly found immersing herself in books at Trick's library. When she was with the gang and not working on a case with Dyson, she became almost a regular fixture at Trick's. Even all the patrons made sure to treat her with the same respect and dignity of a Fae and nothing less. Besides, the last person to call her a pet didn't fare too well.
Kendra and Bo? They were ok with one another. They were cordial and respected one another. Their relationship was purely professional. The times that Bo tried to make conversation with her on a personal topic, Kendra made sure to deflect it. Her personal loyalties were to Dyson first, then to Tamsin. Dyson was obvious. They were a couple even though they both refused to admit it. They were just 'together'. Also Bo surmised, Kendra now needed to compete with her for Dyson's heart, which probably made them enemies in some way. So where they stood personally with one another was probably for the best. As for Tamsin, she saved Kendra and her team countless times and was making them better by the day. Kendra owed Tamsin a debt she couldn't ever repay.
Bo train of thought was broken when Kenzi strolled into the room with that looked like a bag of doughnuts and coffee in a to go container.
Bo smiled and whispered "Thanks". Bo hated to do this but the leant down, clearing the hair that draped on her face and kissed Tamsin on the lips in a slow gentle manner.
Kenzi just put on a face of disgust and look away using her hand and bag of doughnuts to obscure the scene before her.
Tamsin's eyes opened slowly at first with a huge smile on her face with the sight that greeted her but changed to once of urgency. Her eye almost popped out of her sockets as she bolted out of the bed almost running Kenzi over.
"SHIT, how long was I out?" Tamsin said hurriedly retrieving her clothes, totally ignoring her naked stated in front of Kenzi.
Bo got up and putting on a robe stated "Not long. 25 minutes."
"Crap, now I'm late for joint exercises at the Derrick's compound. Kendra is going to kill me." Tamsin huffed pulling on her underwear and diving into her sports bra head first.
Kenzi just looked at all the cracks in the ceiling to prevent herself from being scarred for life but she then said with a grin "Jeee never knew you cared. What's gotten into you?" and in a whisper she grumbled "Maybe Bo Bo's talented tongue, fingers, toys… OW!"
Bo slapped Kenzi in the arm lightly before Tamsin had a chance to look back at her.
"Whatever. But one thing's for sure, I made Bo worship her god in loud prayer more times in 15 minutes than anyone ever has or ever will." Tamsin smirked pulling on her pants and rapidly buckling her gun belt. She than dove into her long sleeve sports outer layer quickly.
Tamsin then grabbed her vest and duffel bag and made a bee line for the stairs.
In the middle of it, Bo grabbed Tamsin and gave her a deep kiss and feed a little, which Tamsin reciprocated briefly but broke it quickly.
Odd Tamsin thought, Bo didn't feed at all in that 15 minute escapade they had a short time ago.
"Come back to me Valkyrie." Bo demanded with slight desperation evident.
Tamsin just nodded with a smile but at the last moment before turning saluted Bo.
Tamsin then grabbed the cop style breakfast from Kenzi's outstretched hand and just mentioned "Thanks Twitchy."
Kenzi smiled but knew that name would probably stick. As Tamsin started down the steps Kenzi just called out. "Don't miss your bus! And be nice to the kids on the playground!"
Kenzi turned to Bo and hugged her in faux crying "My baby, she's all grown up."
Bo just rolled her eyes and just patted her on the back.
"Twitchy?" Bo questioned as they were in the embrace.
Kenzi shrugged as she broke the hug and looked on at Bo with a smile, "Yea, Kendra made that one up for me and I guess it stuck."
Kenzi was quick to change topics. "Hey, Bo Bear" she said patting Bo's shoulder, "get dressed and see you down stairs for some sis'ta bonding time! Give your most awesome Kitsune a couple minutes and I'll be back with breakfast in 2 shakes of a lamb's tale."
Bo just nodded and Kenzi in a blur, whizzed down the stairs.
Bo got dressed and as she was, she noticed a small wooden box on her dresser that she did not see before. She reached out for it curiously observed since it had her name engraved just about the simple latch.
Once opened it and contained in the formed foam was an ornate and elegant but not flashy compact Glock with 3 magazines loaded and read to go. The Glock had a polymer lower that was dark olive green and a metallic slide that was dark maroon. It was an odd combination, but it worked. She had never seen something like that before.
A smile came to her face looking at the engraving on the side of the slide that read in script "Bo Dennis".
A note then fell out of the box which Bo picked up and opened. It read, 'Use this one. The other you are using may not work. Lesson 1 special agent succubus. Water and guns don't mix. – T.'
This gun was a custom build Bo thought and she, although not particularly liking weapons as gifts, appreciated the thought. Tamsin customized and engraved it in such a way that it did have somewhat of a beauty to it almost like jewelry.
Bo pulled the gun out of the box and examined it further. An engraving of a dragon showed at the top of the slide with a long fire trail coming from the dragon's mouth which stretched most of the length of the slide toward the muzzle of the compact Glock. Bo could see it was hand engraved but was it Tamsin that did all this?
It dawned on Bo all of a sudden why this gun had these 2 particular tones of color. Green represented life and red death. Bo could do both. 'Thoughtful and artistic as well,' Bo brooded putting the gun back in the box.
She walked over to her closet then got dressed as normal and when it was time to choose a vest, one caught her eye. It wasn't hers but it was her style. She hesitantly reached out of it and pulled it off the hanger. It only had one label on it that read "Dennis". It was black leather and felt a little heavy. Curiosity overcame her and she put it on. It zipped up and it was a surprisingly perfect it. It covered more of her chest that what she was accustom to, but it was still nice. 'Did Tamsin get this for me as well?' Bo asked herself. She searched all the pockets and sure enough Bo found another note.
The hand written note read 'This should fit your hot little succubus body better than the other frock you wear. Wear it for me. Please. –Love T'.
Bo let out a giggle since she noticed that Tamsin squeezed in the words 'hot little', 'please' and 'love' after the initial draft. So typical of a Valkyrie and of Tamsin to not say please or love. It was simply not in the Valkyrie language. As for the 'hot little' statement, that made her face a little red since she was immensely flattered by that comment.
Bo smiled and put the note back in her pocket. It was really thoughtful of Tamsin to get her stuff. Come to think about it, this was the first time Tamsin bought or made items for her. It was apparent that Tamsin was thinking about her the whole time while they were away. Bo always mused that it was she that obsessed about her Valkyrie more, not the other way around. Tamsin's thoughtful actions now only validated how she really felt, Bo deduced.
Bo donned on her dagger 'Destiny', her badge, and last but not least, her new Glock. Bo noticed as she was loading it, the action in the Glock was smooth and crisp. Also the vest she was wearing although form fitting covered her Glock but still allowed easy access to it. 'Leave it to Tamsin to be practical' Bo thought with a smile. She then proceeded down stairs and set out plate ware in preparation for Kenzi's return.
No sooner had she gotten the soda out, Kenzi almost knocked the door off its hinges a she entered.
"Hey Bo-ba-licious," Kenzi stated the moment she got out of her blurred state setting her paper bags down. "OK, I've got breakfast burritos from the BEST. Uncle Chen's Tex Mex!" she announced.
"Oh" Bo said with a quirky expression as she sat down.
Kenzi was quick to distribute the items equally on each person's plate. Kenzi then looked at Bo's face and in her animated style pointed at the tin foil wrapped items. "Don't go messin' with my Uncle Chen's! They cost less and taste just as good if not better than that other so called official tex-mex places. AAAnnndddd one bite and you'll forget 'bout the rest of 'em" Kenzi announced snapping a finger in the air.
"Really, I had no idea that Asian cuisine could adequately capture the essence of tex-mex" Bo said with a coy grin.
"HEY, FYI Bo-Bear, Asian's and have knockin' off everything and sometimes, JUST SOMETIMES they get it right at a lower price point too." Kenzi announced sitting down and eyeing the delicious food in front of her.
Bo opened up the burrito, and took a bite. "Mmmmm, thanks Kenz, this *IS* good. Wow, this may make me forget about needing to feed after all."
Kenzi took a bite and a look of satisfaction came across her face while looking up in the air. "Mmmmm soooooo good," Kenzi said mid chew but then looked Bo up and down curiously. "Hey Bo, nice treads. You went shopping without me? I thought we don't go solo?" Kenzi queried pointing at the vest.
As Kenzi analyzed at the vest, it fit Bo perfectly but had a little too much coverage since it hid Bo's assets completely if it was zipped up fully. Bo only zipped it up half way. It looked ordinary, but its stitch pattern stood out. It looked nice on her but it would not be Bo's first choice. It was matt black leather, it formed around her tight just under her rib cage, but fanned out to down to her thighs.
"We don't but Tamsin left this for me in my closet as kind of a gift." Bo said glowing reaching in her pocket giving the note to Kenzi.
Kenzi read the note and well it was TMI, but it was nothing compared to all those moments when Tamsin and Bo were together screaming at the top of their lungs. Kenzi just smiled, "Looks nice on you. Detective Slamminson does have a sense of style after all."
"So," Bo said still glowing. "How are things with you and Hale?" Bo then took a bite of her burrito.
"Well," Kenzi piped up. "In as little words as possible. GREAT. SPECTACULAR. WONDERFULLLLLLL…. Super cala fragalistic, espi al I docious!"
Bo smiled and took a sip of the soda and said "Wow." As Kenzi went on.
"… Fantastic 4 times over. He's a stallion and …. Oh plows my field… AMAZINGLY well… thank you. Yet another check mark on Kenzi-nator's bucket list."
"Soooo" Bo asked with a teasing smirk, "Do I hear bells at the top of the Ash compound ringing?"
Bo was happy that Kenzi was getting along with Hale so well. She deserved someone special. Kenzi always backed her up but she needed a life and someone of her own. Now that she was Fae, it was only right she get hitched to one.
"Very funny Bo binantor. His compound doesn't have any bell towers. Also we aren't rushing, but it will come quickly in due time." Kenzi she deep in thought like she was in lala land.
Bo just sat back and smiled. She was ecstatic that her BFF was being taken care. Her smile then almost transitioned into a snicker but she stopped it as her mind briefly went off track at that statement.
Kenzi saw Bo's expression change and realized her error. "HAR HAR. I was referring to the wedding… THE WEDDING…. Bo Bo. NOT Hale's one eyed assassin." Kenzi scolded back but then added "BUT let's just say I've had been some under the table dealings to which I was able to accomplish just that." Kenzi concluded looking up in the air pretending nothing was amiss.
"Really?" Bo grinned taking another bite of her food.
"Yuppers! Not that I like to spill all the gory details. BUT Hale stresses out too much so I TRY to make my siren sing between meetings ….. AND when it's really bad, DURING meetings," Kenzi leaned forward and smiled mischievously.
They both erupted in laughter and high fived one another.
"THAT visual will never leave me now." Bo said still laughing. "Just don't sit next to Hale when I go to meet him at the compound ok?"
Bo and Kenzi just laughed on and Bo ended up spilling some of her drink on her vest.
Bo was about to grab a napkin to wipe it off but it wasn't necessary. The soda beaded off her vest and fell immediately to the floor.
Kenzi looked at this and got curious "Bo, can I see your vest?" Kenzi asked since although the vest was leather, the soda wicked off too quickly.
"Sure" Bo said peeling it off and handing across the table to her. Bo knew Kenzi saw something odd about the vest but had no idea what.
Kenzi then put more drops of soda on it, and sure enough, it just beaded off quickly. She then crumped the vest material in her hand and then felt it between her thumb and index finger. Finally, she lifted the entire jacket up in one hand to toss it gently to weigh it.
Kenzi rapidly rested the jacket on the table and then reached inside her boot and pull out her small knife. She then found an inconspicuous place in the inner lining and made a small hole.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Bo said reaching to retrieve her jacket but Kenzi just extended out her palm to stop her.
Kenzi peeked in the hole. "Don't worry Bo Bear, I'll sew it back up. You can still wear it now, I'll get to it later ok? But." Kenzi said handing Bo back her vest which Bo inspected cursorily and donned it on again.
"But…" Bo parroted curiously to what Kenzi was about to say while zipping her vest part way up.
"Well," Kenzi said after a deep breath, "This WAS just an ordinary vest before, but the detective wonder snatch modded it BIG TIME by hand looking at the sewing pattern. Bo, this *IS* a vest. As in a class 1 bullet proof vest, WITH light weight chainmail. That means that this vest can stop lighter weight pistol rounds, but it will also stop edged weapons like knives. ANNNND that's not all Bob! The leather outside looks like it was treated and has been sprayed with something making it chemical resistant. Finally to top it off, T-Sam seems to have an OK sense of style for my BFF."
"And all along I thought it was just something she picked up for me while shopping. She doesn't strike me as the window shopping type though." Bo said impressed that she was wearing something Tamsin made herself specifically for her. Sure, it still had a very practical application, but the thought and probably countless hours and days she worked on this item made her heart beat harder for her Valkyrie.
"Bo, Tamsin probably spent most of the weeks while she was away working on the vest. That and the Glock you have on you. Looks nice BTW." Kenzi stated.
Bo looked at her puzzled on how she knew about the Glock.
"Awww come on Bo Bo. NOTHING slips past the Kenzi-nator. NOTHING. That Glock screams Tamsin by the coloration alone. She probably custom built that, tested it and broke it in for you too," Kenzi said point at it although it was covered by Bo's vest now. "She CRAZY mad about you Bo if she managed to think about you that much while she was away."
"I know." Bo murmured and looked away. 'Everything that Tamsin does *demonstrates* her love for me' Bo mused. Tamsin was saying to Bo without using words 'I love you'. Granted the gifts given were a product of her own Valkyrie warrior ways, but it was extremely thoughtful never the less. Flowers, sonnets of love, nerdy jokes and home cooked multi course exotic dinners? No, that was Laruen. Bo however loved Tamsin back. Not due to a compromise to live without those things that Laruen brought to the table, but because Tamsin's love for her was pure. Dyson and Lauren had their full range of emotions from the start, however, Tamsin as a trained Valkyrie suppressed them for life times. They weren't supposed to feel at all from what she read up on them. Especially higher order emotions. To find that one Valkyrie that did, love her back, and then literally turn their world upside down for Bo no matter the consequence? Amazing.
So what the heck were they both doing by trying to bring Lauren back into Bo's romantic life? It just did not make sense anymore.
Kenzi saw the gravity registered in Bo's facial features and knew it had to do with Lauren. "Bo. Lauren can wait. The hot doc doesn't want to be found. Maybe she just moved on and didn't want to come back to us." Kenzi said leaning in a little toward Bo who sat pensively at the other side of the table.
"Kez, how do I know she's ok. I WORRY about her. I lo… care for her ….. too." Bo blurted out.
"She fine and I am sure she lurves you too. But she's a big girl. If others took her hostage, don't you think we would have heard their demands by now?" Kenzi stated now holding Bo's hand. "Besides, Tamsin is doing her hardest to find her too. She updates you almost EVERY day without fail on her progress and I see it in Tamsin's eyes how it hurts her ego that it has dragged out for this long."
"What the fuck am I doing Kenzi? I want to call the search off so badly so that I can just be happy with Tamsin but yet Tamsin keeps convincing me to stay the course. Not only to find Lauren, but to give her another shot at a relationship with ME. TAMSIN, the person that hates Laruen. Laruen probably feels the same way about my Valkyrie to some degree." Bo expressed in an agitated tone.
Bo paused and tried hard to put the pieces together. Bo deep in thought then added, "Trick made sure I knew about all of Tamsin's misdeeds and it hurts me to know all the evils she had done in her past lives but if the shoe fits, I'd have to wear it too. Through all this she genuinely wants to make sure that I am happy, safe and that I keep to my ethical standards."
Bo then proclaimed passionately, "Kenzi, she is giving the best of herself to me and it looks like to others as well like Kendra. Tamsin is now the Valkyrie she once was. Now I found out she is the missing Valkyrie."
"Ummmm yea, did you like see her face on the side of a milk carton or something?" Kenzi asked a little lost.
"No. While I was in Valhalla, long story short, during a great battle thousands of years ago, Tamsin helped slay a beast that almost wiped out everyone there. None of the orders knew who the masked Valkyrie was that assisted them. It turned out to be Tamsin who was kid at the time and hence had kept her identity hidden. All the Valkyries there now have literally been worshiping a statue of this masked and missing Valkyrie, not knowing it is Tamsin." Bo said leaning back into her chair to relax as if full from a meal.
"Oh, so the detective is playing batman and you're Vicky Vale. Coolness. So does she have a bat signal too?" Kenzi teased but Bo just kept moving forward ignoring Kenzi's comment.
"Tamsin is being nice, giving away her stuff, doing everything in her powers to protect me, making amends and "Bo mentioned as she furrowed her brows "and she's making sure that Arin and Kendra are there to support me in addition to the gang. She practically acting like she wants to give me away to Laruen the first chance she gets to make certain she is by my side too. It almost like… as if…. She's tying up loose ends" Bo said looking down analyzing the information which only led to one explanation. One that Bo was not ready to entertain but also had ignored all this time.
Kenzi observed Bo and she knew Bo was going in the right direction since Kendra had given her the scoop of sorts on the firing range already. Kendra told Kenzi Tamsin's plan and why Tamsin was so motivated to get Lauren back. Tamsin, from Kendra's account, was reaching Omega and fast. Her body was rebelling against her every day. Tamsin had a human body, but she was forcing it to perform like that of a Valkyrie. It didn't take a greater power to figure out the consequences. But Tamsin played the part of the indestructible Valkyrie well. So well not even Bo noticed but now, well, this revelation was going to tear Bo's world apart. Kenzi didn't want to keep it a secret, but it was not her story to tell either.
Bo finally in a slow controlled exhale stated solemnly as she slumped in her chair, "She getting ready leave this world. She's expiring soon." Bo then threw her hands up in the air in defeat. "She wants to ensure that I am taken care when she leaves."
That revelation hurt more than anything. Bo languished in that moment for a couple of seconds then dead panned to Kenzi and demanded urgently "KENZI, AM I RIGHT? TELL ME NOW."
Kenzi just bowed her head slowly in response.
"It's times like these where I just want to pay my dad Odin a personal visit and slap him silly for doing this to Tamsin." Bo stated looking away upset. "Tamsin is so proud she won't even allow anyone to ask to have her powers back. Besides, if she does get her powers back she will serve Odin again. The god she tried her hardest to escape."
"Yea, that's a catch 22 times infinity. If she serves Odin again, Tamsin will probably have to do his bidding, which goes against the Succu-laws of justice. If she doesn't get her powers back our favorite Detective bitchiness may not be around too long." Kenzi murmured with a grave expression across her face.
"Our favorite detective?" Bo questioned raising an eye brow. That was odd Bo thought. Since when was Kenzi team Tamsin all the way. Since when did they become 'friends'.
Kenzi cleared her throat and looked away briefly. "Well, Ummm, I meant that she wasn't THAT evil. She kind of grows on you. Slowly… umm like moss." Kenzi clarified digging herself out of a hole.
"Well, I'm glad you can call her a friend." Bo concluded with a grin.
After a long pause, Bo took a drink and her expression turned solemn.
"I also kind of know why she is willing to just move on. Not that she told me but after reading all her misdeeds across all her life times, she knows she can't be forgiven. Absolution though is not her main goal, but allowing herself to be free from committing any more wrong doings is the only thing she seeks now." Bo murmured.
"But YOU can forgive her right Bo bear? After all she is your best buddy… no … girlfriend. And if memory serves, you have the blood line of a god right? Forgiveness from a god in her realm must amount to something. " Kenzi asked offering a solution.
"Yea you're right. I already forgave her for the most part, but I just never told her. I guess I'd better let her know now rather than it be too late. I just never broached that topic with her because I was giving her space." Bo murmured pensively.
Bo did have some point of contention with what Tamsin had done under Odin's orders. Odin needed the best heroes and was not getting enough. Most of them went to Freya. But to find the best, Odin went to extreme measures.
"Sooooo Bo bear, what part can't you forgive then?" Kenzi asked taking another bite of her food.
"Tamsin, when she became dark and reported to Odin she, under orders ummmm" Bo stammered. She just could not make herself say it. She despised Tamsin for doing it. Her Valkyrie. But at the same time, she was under Odin's reign. She sometimes took those orders and stretched them making Bo have feelings of horror, revulsion and disbelief.
Kenzi swallowed her bite and stared on at Bo. Her face was strained. It would switch to not feeling then to anger and to disgust. She knew this was not going to be good.
"Odin needed more heroes, so Tamsin and all 5 of his orders were ordered to START wars." Bo said quickly trying to not think about it too much. "She did so and she decided to in one way or another to assassinate some of the greatest peace keepers which included slaughtering innocent women and children." Bo said as her voice shook. Tears quickly came down her face but she continued. "Once war broke out, only THEN did she defend the just. Trick wasn't joking about her having a dark past. Possibly MILLIONS of lives…." Bo croaked and started to wail through her tears …. "Oh Tamsin!"
Kenzi got up and sat next to Bo and hugged her while she balled her eyes out. No wonder Bo accepted to let Tamsin leave for 2 weeks even though they could not get enough of each other. Bo tried to wean herself off of Tamsin because of her dark past. Obviously a huge failure. Tamsin also for a different set of reasons did the same coincidentally. Yet another monumental failure. How can 2 people who try to be apart still find their way back to each other? Were the forces of love and attraction that great between the Valkyrie and Succubus?
After minutes passed, Kenzi spoke to Bo softly patting her back. "Bo, WORDS are free. Forgiveness is therefore also free if you give it. Forgiveness doesn't mean you condone what she did. It just allows the GIVER to move on. It also sometimes allows the receiver that luxury as well if she accepts it."
Kenzi then perked up and then stated "Look, you 2 were obviously destined for one another since your hiatus from one another just made your relationship stronger. Also if you love Tamsin that much, you should give her that. Sure true forgiveness from you may come with time, but you can start that journey now Bo Bo."
Bo nodded and broke the hug clearing her eyes. "Thanks Kenz. You're right, I've gotta forgive her and I also gotta call this crazy deal with Lauren off, but I have to do it in person. I can't seem to convince Tamsin to do so otherwise." Bo said but paused and then slapped her hand on her forehead.
"What?" Kenzi asked inquisitively.
"I've promised Dyson and Kendra that I'd be around full time this week to help them crack this big case. They have been working on it for weeks but need a fresh set of eyes. As for Kendra, she won't be around as much this week so her time with precinct 39 is limited. I will have to try to meet up with Tamsin this coming weekend." Bo said in a disappointed tone.
Kenzi got up quickly and pulled Bo out of her seat "What am I? Chopped Veal? I got no big clients this week and D-Man and the 39th could use me too ya know."
"Great. Thanks for helping out Kenz." Bo said in an appreciative tone and a grin.
"No problemo. Stalingrad and I also need some PERSONAL time on the police range too ya' know." Kenzi stated locking arms with Bo as they both headed out the door of the crack shack.
The week went by too slowly for Bo's taste but Dyson, Kenzi and Bo had plenty for work to do pertaining to the case. Kendra, as it turned out, could not make it at all since she and Tamsin were busy with busting another drug peddler which needed her full attention This dealer seemed to have an arsenal of guards and they needed to be taken down with caution from what Dyson relayed. Odd part was that this was on the border of a disputed Fae territory. It wasn't always human only and it also wasn't mixed Fae. The population was sparse, so at times it vacillated from one to another as the years progressed. What was its status now? Dyson had no idea.
Dyson was always nice enough to tell Bo when Tamsin busted some other drug dealers and always reassured Bo that Tamsin was just fine. At the rate Tamsin and Kendra were going, dealers were moving to other neighborhoods that were out of Kendra's jurisdictions.
Funny Bo brooded; Dyson did seem to know that Bo was worried about Tamsin and how much she thought about her. Bo never told Dyson she was with Tamsin now, but they both steamed ahead as if it were so. For the first time in a long time, Bo only noticed a very small peak in Dyson's aura when she worked alongside of him. It was nice that Dyson was getting use to their apart state even though his wolf was still hers.
Kenzi toward the latter part of the week became more preoccupied with breaking into the security grid of the dealer that Kendra and Tamsin targeted. The security was tough enough that it had Kenzi, Dimitri, and her other 'family friends' scratching their heads.
This still did not deter Kenzi from working with Dyson and Bo who finally had a break in the case as the Fae scammers got sloppy and Kenzi was able to pull up footage from other cameras in the area.
This allowed Bo and Dyson to pull a facial match, and visit them personally, with some of the Ash's security force as backup.
During the brief confrontation with the Fae scammers in their hold out, Bo did fire a warning shot with her Glock to ensure that everyone knew Dyson and team were very serious about taking them in to see the Ash for their crimes. Vex, the Morrgan of the dark, also wanted 'a word' with them too since the scammers ripped off Fae from light and dark alike.
It did impress Bo that her Glock was steady and only pushed back slightly as the round discharged into the air. There was almost no muzzle rise. Sure she liked using her dagger as first choice, but the loud crack of a 40 caliber round had a better potential of intimidation when dealing with a larger group of people (see cover picture of this story).
It was late Friday when all was said and done. Hale held the offenders at his compound while Vex was trying to negotiate ways to make those scammers 'pay' by other means which really meant torture of some sort. Those scammer were extremely lucky that the light found them first rather than Vex's henchmen.
Bo came home to pack an overnight bag for her stay at Tamsin's place. Tamsin was not expecting her, but Bo's heart ached for her Valkyrie. She fed from others during the week, but nothing satisfied her like the taste of Tamsin's chi. Nothing also satisfied her like being enfolded in Tamsin's tight embrace.
Bo missed her even more when Tamsin's calls and reports this week were not only sparse but were sent via text message since Kendra and her were so busy.
Dyson apparently missed Kendra too since he volunteered to drive Bo to see them at the wedding site for Derrick and Erica's.
Kenzi for the first time wanted to have a date with her bed. She worked long hours and she deserved it.
Dyson picked up Bo in the early AM at the crack shack and drove the several hour journey to the island site.
During their drive with the case behind them, Bo and Dyson finally had a chance to catch up on a more personal level. The small talk was killing Bo so she finally decided to just say it.
"Dyson," Bo stated looking over to Dyson as he was driving, "I think you know but I never told you. I really care about you and you deserve to hear it from me. Tamsin and I are together."
Bo cringed, but she needed this off her chest before the truth suffocated her.
Dyson didn't even bother to look back at Bo. He just nonchalantly murmured "I know and it's ok Bo. Tamsin's been through a lot and proved herself worthy of my friendship and more importantly your mate."
Bo queried further after a long silence ensued. "And you are ok with this arrangement?"
Dyson finally glanced at her briefly and smiled "I will make do Bo so don't worry about me."
Dyson knew that more questions were coming, but he needed a better way to present it. 'Sugar coat it' like Kendra would often say.
"You just skirted the answer." Bo followed up. Smart money would say to just stop here, but she was genuinely concerned about Dyson.
"Bo," Dyson said never breaking his glance from road. "It's not as simple as that. YES and NO. No. Because *YOU* are my life mate and a part of my soul is and always will be tethered to you. On the other hand yes, because I need you, more than anything else to be happy. Being here, working and talking with you is now reward enough for me."
Dyson paused and looked at Bo briefly. "Tamsin gave up everything to be with you. As did I. That tells me that Tamsin will move heaven and earth and do what it takes to keep you safe *AND* happy. If she can give you ALL that, she is a far better Fae than I am. Light of Dark, she is right in my books." Dyson concluded with a smile as he returned his full attention to the road.
Bo thought about this for a bit. Dyson resigned himself incapable of making her happy and that did hurt. He was keeping her happy, but circumstances changed and they couldn't just go back. She could tell Dyson was a little upset and rightfully so. How can you heal that wound?
Time.
Bo then looked ahead and said, laced with sadness, "I love you Dyson."
Dyson returned in the same sober tone concentrating on the road ahead, "I love you too Bo."
These words alone normally signaled the beginning or growth of a deeply committed relationship. The words Dyson and Bo both exchanged instead however showed the closure of it.
Those few words showed with finality the death of their eros love but it also did mean that they still shared a platonic love with one another. It had to be good enough for both of them to continue on together.
It must.
They stayed silent for minutes as if by some unwritten custom to do so when one mourns. It was Bo who finally changed the topic.
"How are you and Kendra?" Bo asked looking over to him again. It did surprise her that Dyson's eyes had welled up with unfallen tears but chose not to make a big issue about it. It hurt Bo, but at least they still where there for each other.
"We are going, I guess as well as can be expected." Dyson said factually.
"Meaning?" Bo asked since she knew he was trying to avoid the topic.
"Meaning, that we are an item, but Kendra and I have no idea how far we can go in our relationship with one another. I do care… and I think I love her Bo. And I think she feels the same way about me … " Dyson said deep in thought.
"But…" Bo added knowing that there was an issue at hand that Dyson was just not coughing up.
"We have a lot of baggage. Both of us. I don't know if both of us can overcome it." Dyson said glancing over to Bo briefly.
Dyson paused but spoke again. "The Dire Wolf council had requested to meet with me concerning Kendra and You. I think you should hear it from me first."
"Oh?" Bo said curiously. "What is this council and why I am involved?"
"Long story." Dyson said as he changed lanes to over pass a slower car. "The Dire Wolf council governs all shape shifters regardless of their affiliations. The rulings they enact transcend and superseded all other commitments and obligations. Remember when Kendra and Tamsin took down that shift shifter drug cartel arresting about 50 and killing 150 of them?"
Bo just nodded.
"I claimed Kendra as my human and I became her mentor." Dyson said musing on what to say next. "Well Grizzal wants Kendra summarily executed and presented it to the council. A human killing that many shape shifters is considered genocide which is not taken lightly. I made a motion to state that Kendra is mine so she is protected by the Dire Wolf laws."
"OK, I thought pets are disposable and have no Fae rights?" Bo mentioned waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"No Bo. *MINE* as in my life mate." Dyson shot back quickly.
'So he does love her.' Bo thought with some relief to herself. That meant that Bo could go forward with Tamsin without the guilt of Dyson who she left behind. So what was the problem Bo thought next and then it hit her when she connected all the dots.
Bo quickly cut in, "Shape shifters I thought can only claim ONE mate for life."
"Yes. It is a law and also built into our being." Dyson responded.
"So what does that mean for me?" Bo asked.
Dyson took a deep breath and then stated, "It means that I have to prove that you and I were never mated. Bo, this is contrary to the way I felt about us when we were together. I, however, also do care for Kendra, and well this is her only shot to stay alive. I may be a lone wolf, but I can't stop an edict from the council which controls all shifters."
Bo then put her hand on his shoulder for reassurance. "I know what you and I shared at one time was magical but you love another now. And if I were you, I'd do the same thing." Bo murmured. "Is there anything I can do?"
"No. Just pray that this works." Dyson smiled faintly as he looked over to his best friend.
"Does Kendra know?" Bo asked.
"No and she won't. She has enough to worry about." Dyson proclaimed.
The remainder of the trip was uneventful and they reached the island paradise which had a church and several buildings to house, feed and receive guests. Security there was not as tight, but that was because Derrick and Erica were not there.
At the gate, they were both recognized immediately and the very exhausted Skipper and Alex waved them in. They pointed them to the church where some planning and prep work by Kendra and Tamsin was being done according to Alex.
They parked in front of the church which had a tall dome and as both got out, they could hear a pipe organ playing. Chica was at the front door and opened it nodding to both of them. She was, like Alex and Skipper sweaty and exhausted. She looked like she was going to keel over at any moment, but still kept up her rigid posture.
They entered into a wide naturally lit hallway lined with large stain glass windows depicting images of the land, and other serene scenery. The pipe organ abruptly transitioned to another song as Dyson and Bo took in the beauty of the hallway alone. Gold electric sconces lit the way although it was not necessary. White marble floors rested at their feet and in the middle of the hall as they approached was a large Omega symbol with an Alpha symbol inside of it.
Their attention then was quickly drawn away from the room when a person began to sing in a perfect mezzo soprano voice the Ave Maria which both recognized as the melody.
It was Dyson who spoke first as he softly said to Bo "Kendra?"
Bo listened harder but didn't know Kendra could even sing. So what more recognize her voice? Dyson had probably heard her sing before she concluded.
Dyson smiled and listened some more as both advanced to the already opened double doors to the main church. It was definitely Kendra, Dyson concluded. Her vocal range had not only improved, but she was using perfect pitch. Her voice travelled loud and clear.
They had both reached the entry to the main church when another voice joined in too. It was also in mezzo soprano.
Bo couldn't believe it. "Tamsin?" Bo said to Dyson who was still trying to figure out who the other voice was.
The singing was coming from the balcony above and behind them as Dyson and Bo entered quietly. They both smiled broadly in mutual admiration as they looked up at the sight that was presented to them.
Tamsin was singing alongside Kendra, offering her tips on how to stand, breath and adjust her pitch and volume accordingly, but sang herself when higher more challenging notes came in play. There was a point however when both sang as Tamsin gestured to the male organist to play it again.
Dyson heard Kendra sing before when she showered at his place but never saw her sing in person. She was also in a disheveled stated and had taken most of the gear off her torso probably at the recommendation of Tamsin. Kendra embodied beauty. One that was showed through and through. Her inner beauty shined and came to the surface once more. His heart moved knowing that if Kendra was not his now, she will be.
Bo was in awe as she took in her angel and Valkyrie, Tamsin. Odin may have taken many things from Tamsin, but she still had her vibrant voice. Tamsin was coaching Kendra and found it extremely nice of her to help out Kendra. Tamsin was tying up loose ends. Tamsin didn't have to do this, but when you've got a clock counting down quickly to zero, priorities change, Bo concluded. Bo then made an internal choice to extend Tamsin's life by any and all means necessary short of having to go back to Odin. There was no way her Valkyrie which she loved with all her heart was going to die on her. She may have to pay Freya a visit. Tamsin sang as her more mature voice came through. One of both beauty and experience. Bo could only guess that Tamsin practiced and sang in more public settings in a past life.
Dyson and Bo both looked on speechless for minutes never breaking their stare to their objects of affection and love.
Towards the end of the song, Dyson heard steps of multiple people approaching but ignored it as did Bo.
For Dyson, he didn't need to look since he could take in their scents. Sniffing the air, he knew they were several meters away. It was 2 scents. One was from Alex and other, was familiar but it was a scent he had not smelled in a long time. Then it came to him as he reflexively and quickly diverted his gaze to those approaching. He then slapped his hand on Bo's shoulder to make her pay attention.
Bo felt Dyson put his hand on top of her shoulder firmly to make her aware of something, but Bo was kind of out of it and she looked over to Dyson with a bothered expression. His expression remained steadfast toward the people approaching. Before Bo could turn to see what he was looking at, another gentler hand came to rest on her other shoulder.
Bo was now face to face with a beautiful brown eyed blonde. "LAUREN!" Bo exclaimed loudly as her voice echoed through the open church.
The organist abruptly stopped playing and turned to find out what the commotion was all about.
Tamsin and Kendra turned rapidly in tandem and looked over the balcony down at Dyson, Bo, Lauren and Alex.
Bo continued forgetting her surroundings. "God I missed you! I've been worried SICK about you ever since you went missing!" Bo said as she bear hugged Laruen so hard she actually lifted her up a little off the ground.
"I missed you too babe." Lauren grunted out, "My diaphragm is now being overly compressed, so you can let me down now to ease its muscular excursion," Lauren teased.
Bo had tons of questions but started with the most obvious. "How did you find me? We've been searching high and low for you!" Bo exclaimed still in a daze.
"Well where do I start? I was hiding out on this same island when Tamsin and Kendra found me with their heavily armed band of Fae and humans in tow. How could I say no? Tamsin didn't hurt me or do anything bad, she stayed as my guest at my compound. She finally convinced to me to at least come talk to her about visiting you some time, but low and behold, here you are." Lauren said with a smile. How she missed Bo. The smile, her expressive features all brought back memories. Memories of them being together. Yes, she broke it off, but in hind sight, how could she have ever let go of Bo.
Before Bo could ask another question, Lauren planted her lips on Bo's and brought her into a deep firm embrace. Bo backed up and resisted at first subconsciously knowing it was wrong, but she missed Lauren's touch and smell. Bo had no way to resist it.
LOVE.
Bo loved Lauren too but what type of love was it? She had no idea.
Kendra look on at this scene and then looked at Tamsin who had a muted expression on her face. She heard Tamsin mumble "Mission accomplished. My final one." She then saw Tamsin turn away and walk slowly and quietly toward the stairs. She swore she saw Tamsin bring her hand up to wipe her face even with her back turned. Then Tamsin stumbled briefly and she stopped just short of the first step. She held onto the railing with one hand and her other grasped at her heart.
"Oh no. THE BOND! It's real….." Kendra whispered to herself as she went quickly to support her sister in arms.
*** A/N: Missed me? Wow, I am surprised no one posted or PM'd me to roll out the next chapter. Thank you all for your patience. Life (and writer's block), it happens. Follow, Fav, and comment!
Soooo anybody miss Lauren? Well now, there will be a lot more of her to say the least. It only took 29 chapters to integrate her. Lol. BTW I am not a huge relationship thrasher so IF there are any Doccubus fans that made it this far, which is impressive with it's length AND knowing the end game, don't worry.
Now let's all give Lauren a big holler and say "HELLO NURSE!". *Crickets chirping*. Really everyone? Not nice.