XXXXX

"So, what you're here to arrest me?" Bo asked, standing quickly and moving away from Trick and Aife as far as possible without leaving the room.

Trick took a seat and danced his fingers together, slowly, "No, but I thought you should know."

"What is this about?" Aife turned her pointed gaze from Bo to Trick.

"Evony seems, to think, she has evidence that Bo was involved in the murders."

Bo laughed, "Yeah, right. I'm spending my free time killing Fae woman. Sure." She focused on Trick, "What could my motive possibly be? This is ridiculous."

"I don't believe Evony cares about whether or not it makes sense, as long as she can get at the Light and this family, that's all the matters." Trick said, heaving a thick paper from his briefcase and handing to Bo.

Bo read it and laughed, "This is insane." Is her response then she tosses the paper on the table. "I know who's behind this, Nick Lewis." What was the point in keeping this to herself now, she may be arrested soon.

Trick stared at her, genuinely interested in this information. "What makes you think that?"

"I just know it is," Her eyes darting back and forth between Trick and Aife.

Aife opened her mouth to speak, but Trick spoke first. Not caring about what Aife was about to say. "I can give you five days, five days to prove it then you need to turn yourself in."

"She's not turning herself into the dark! Are you crazy," Aife's eyes were bulging in a fury.

Trick ignored her, "Will you agree to that, Ysabeau?"

"I will, but you need to provide Kenzi with somewhere safe to go."

Aife scoffed and Trick leaned far back in his chair.

"Agree to that and I'll agree to turn myself in," Bo said, flatly.

Trick thinks, for a moment, "Ms. Lewis' apartment is now empty, Kenzi may use that apartment until we figure this mess out."

"Deal," Bo rushed off to find Kenzi before Trick could change his mind and Aife offered her input.

XXXX

"No way, Bo. I'm not going off and hiding like some chicken shit." Kenzi was in shock that Bo would ask her to go and hide like she'd be afraid to stay. She was a survivor and could take care of herself. She had all her life.

"Kenzi," Bo started softly, "This is very dangerous. I can't do what I need to do and worry about you. Please do this for me."

Kenzi frowned and stared at Bo, "Ok. I'll go. For you."

Bo smiled and nodded seriously, "Thank you."

Kenzi settled next to Bo on the bed, "What about you? Are going to be ok?"

Bo shrugged, "I don't know. But I have no intention of going down without a fight. I'll get the evidence I need to bring down Nick."

Kenzi stood up quickly, "That's why I should stay and help you. I can help you investigate."

"Kenzi," Bo pleaded.

Kenzi sighed, "Ok Ok, I already agreed. Fine."

"Great. Pack quickly. We'll leave soon."

XXXXX

Nick couldn't believe everything was working out with such perfection, well he could he was a genius, but he had anticipated some hardships. That wasn't the case. Everything had fit together so wonderfully.

However, he never planned on having to attack his sister. That was not his original plan. But since his real sister was dead, he had no remorse about giving that woman exactly what she deserved. Fae lovers were just as bad, if not worse than the Fae.

From where he stood, in the Dark Fae Lab he felt powerful and in control. He was invincible he could do anything. Clearly, the flawless execution of his plans had proven that.

But he knew he had to stop his killing spree, The Morrigan, was more suspicious than Trick and he couldn't risk it. That was his only regret that the killing was over. He really, really started to like it.

Evony walked into the lab and pulled him out of his daydreams. His body stiffened. Evony was the only Fae that scared him. He hated it, hated that she had any control over him.

"Dr. Lewis how is your work on Henry's information coming?" She asked in a tone that suggested she didn't have time or care for excuses.

He had been spending his time gloating and had, admittedly, not looked at the information much. Nothing about Henry interested him at this point. It was uninspired and beneath him. His goals were broader than whatever small-minded projects his father had been working on.

Evony stood glaring at him, her annoyance growing by the second. She didn't have any interest spending too much time on this silly man. She would put up with him-for now, but she planned on getting rid of him as soon as he told her about what Henry was working on.

He put his hands in his pocket and glanced at the floor. He needed to seem meek to her- she was too smart. "I'm working day and night on it."

Silence gathered between them as she continued to stare him down.

He shifted his weight nervously. This was a genuine reaction. He cursed himself for his weakness. "What I mean to say, is that I'm working on it now." He walked quickly over to his workstation.

She tapped her foot on the floor, "You know, if you can't produce results, maybe I'll just bring your sister here." She turned her head to the side, "She's probably smarter than you anyways."

With that, she walked from the lab and rage coursed through him. His little sister was not smarter than him. She never would be. She wasn't even smart enough to stay away from that succubus. Clearly, she was simpleminded, fueled by lust and nothing more.

XXXX

It didn't take Lauren long to be engrossed in all the information in Trick's apartment. In truth, it sparked her natural curiosity, and she was fascinated to learn more about the Fae. If she was forever to live among them having this knowledge seemed essential. Knowledge, in the end, was power for the powerless.

The time went by in a blur of books and note taking. She became fixated on identifying the plant life that was growing in the woods. She knew, from the beginning, that something was different about those plants and all the pieces were finally falling into place with this new information.

Bo had called her and told her that she needed to do something and that Lauren needed to leave the Dal on her own. So, she planned on going to the woods with her information for more research. Having goals was helping take her mind off everything that was happening.

She was determined to not let the Fae take away this part of her, the part that craved knowledge. If nothing else defined her, this did. She wouldn't lose that. She wouldn't let them win, or destroy her.

She stood at the edge of the wooded area with her bag, notes, and her determination. She wanted to be useful, to help in some way. With one last glance behind her she entered the woods.

After walking 15 or so minutes, she reached the area with the unique plants and got to work. She took samples of everything.

When she was done, she put everything away and headed to her house. It was empty now, and her microscope and mini lab were there, that's where she needed to go.

She hoped Bo wouldn't be upset with her for returning there. But what choice did she have, there was nowhere else to go.

XXXX

Kenzi slumped into the chair and pretended to search through her bag. She was stalling. She didn't want Bo to leave. She had a bad feeling about what would happen to Bo when she left.

Bo watched her, with a sad smile on her face. "This place isn't bad, Kenz, and it's only temporary."

"I don't like hiding," Kenzi said, abandoning her search. It was pointless. She knew Bo would be gone soon.

"It's not hiding," Bo repeated for the tenth time. "I'll be back to get you soon. I promise."

Kenzi played with her fingers, "Thank you. Thank you for saving me. Becoming my sister."

"This isn't goodbye. I'll be back," Bo answered firm.

"One thing I learned on the streets is that nothing is certain."

Bo sat down next to her friend and took her hand. "Have I ever let you down?"

Kenzi shook her head but didn't say anything.

"Right, so trust me. Everything will work out."

Kenzi sighed and hugged Bo. "I love you, Bo. You're my only family."

"I love you too, Kenzi," Bo said, fighting back tears.

XXXX

Bo drove home fast, probably too fast. But she was scared and frustrated. Lauren called her and told her she was at her house. Bo didn't like that one bit. Lauren needed to stay away from that house, no matter where Nick was. Her chest was tight with worry and stress. She drove faster.

Bo's jaw tightened as she reached the front door and pulled it open. She entered quickly and ran up the stairs.

Her heart fluttered in her chest with relief and joy, when she saw Lauren sitting at her desk working. She couldn't stop herself from grinning as she took in the sight of Lauren.

She waited for Lauren to glance her way when she did the look on Lauren's face changed, and she smiled sweetly. Bo almost forgot to breathe seeing Lauren that way. And for a second, only a second, they were just Bo and Lauren, two people in love, and nothing else mattered.

By the time they broke their stares, Lauren was on her feet next to Bo. Only after a short pause their lips were pressed together. Warmth coiled and uncoiled in Lauren's stomach, her pulse racing.

"I'm sorry," Lauren whispered into Bo's mouth. "I know you didn't want me here."

Bo drew her closer tangling her hands behind her back. Lauren wrapped her arms around Bo's neck, rising on her tiptoes to push herself more into Bo's body.

Finally, they separated and pressed their foreheads together. Breathing heavy, eyes closed tight, they stood together without speaking. Sometimes words were not needed between them. Words weren't enough.

"I found something," Lauren spoke first, breaking their trance.

Bo leaned back and frowned, "What do you mean?"

Lauren moved to her desk, "Remember when you wanted to know what could be used to incapacitate different types of Fae?"

Bo nodded.

"I found it. In Trick's books, and it's growing in the woods behind the neighborhood. It's called nectar of violet. It's a powerful sedative."

Bo settled next to Lauren and looked at her work.

"If someone was injected with this it would bring them down instantly. Fae or not." Lauren smiled proudly at Bo.

"How easy would it be to make something like that?" Bo's fingers brushed over the plant leaf on Lauren's desk.

"Easy." Lauren pulled out a needle. "I made some this afternoon."

Bo kept her eyes on the needle and made a decision, "Lauren, I have to tell you something."

Lauren took a seat as Bo's tone suggested it was serious.

"I'm currently wanted by the Dark Fae, in connection with the murders."

"Bo?" Lauren swallowed out, her expression mixed with many different emotions. "I don't understand. Why you?"

Bo kneeled down in front of her, "I think your brother is behind all this. After our fight, he went to the Dark and framed me for murder."

Lauren swallowed hard and avoided Bo's eyes, "This is all my fault. You went to him because of me."

Bo grabbed her chin, gently, turning her face to her, "Out of everyone involved in this you are the least at blame. Don't you dare blame yourself."

Lauren's eyes dance back and forth between Bo's eyes, "We have to stop him. Make this right."

Bo nodded, "We will."

Lauren brought her hands up to the sides of Bo's face, "I don't know what's going to happen. But tonight would you sleep with me? Please?" Her thumb ran across Bo's bottom lip as she said it.

Bo gathered her up in her arms and led her to bed. Bo eased herself on top of her.

She slowly pushed her shirt off Lauren's shoulder and kissed the exposed skin. Bo's warm, soft hands began exploring her body.

Lauren relaxed her body, trusting Bo's movements, her touches-her.

Bo's eyes seemed to be memorizing every detail of Lauren as she moved down her body, pulling the clothes off her. Lauren's body trembled at Bo's intensity, at her passion. She felt so desired, so wanted. Only Bo would ever make her feel that way, she knew that.

Bo kissed down her stomach, and Lauren held her breath, waiting.

Bo's head rose to meet Lauren's eyes, and a slow smile spread across her face, as she unbuttoned Lauren's jeans slowly.

Finally, Bo had stripped all their clothes away, and she continued to kiss and take in every detail of Lauren's body. Lauren kept her fingers in Bo's hair as she moved up and down. Tightening her grip as her longing grew.

Lauren's skin began to shine with a fine layer of sweat, her heart racing.

After everything that happened, lately, she needed Bo, needed to be with her this way. To be touched, kissed, held, loved.

Lauren's mind cleared. There was nothing, only Bo, her bare skin, her lips, her tongue, the swirling of sensations rushing through her body.

She closed her eyes tight, feeling it all.

XXXX

In the early hours of the morning, Nick entered the house. He was there to look through Lauren's stuff. He needed information about what Henry was working on, and Lauren had the information much longer than him. This didn't mean he thought she was smarter than him, just that she had more time.

As soon as he stepped into the quiet house, he knew they were there. That succubus and her whore, defiling his home.

His rage was replaced with excitement as he realized he was in for another hunt. And this was the one he'd been waiting for.

But he had witnessed how strong she was, so he needed to be cautious. He withdrew back to find a place to hide and wait. Wait for his perfect chance, his chance at the succubus.

XXXX

Bo and Lauren stood side by side, brushing their teeth. Bo was slightly amused about how domestic this was, so ordinary, doing something so routine in the midst of all the craziness.

After they were done, and their teeth were fresh, Bo pulled Lauren into a kiss.

"I'm going downstairs to cook you breakfast, you stay up here and relax," Bo said when they were done.

Lauren arched her eyebrow. "You cook? You might burn the house down." She said, teasingly.

"HaHa. Everyone can make breakfast, it's easy." She lightly kissed Lauren's nose. "Besides you always cook for me, it's my turn."

"Ok." Lauren walked over to her desk.

"What are you doing?" Bo pulled her up and brought her to the bed. "No working. I said relax."

Lauren grinned friskily at Bo, "Yes, ma'am."

Bo groaned, "Don't look at me like that or I'll have to climb back in bed with you, and breakfast will never get made."

Lauren pulled the blankets over her face, "Better go quickly."

XXXX

Nick watched Bo come down the stairs from his hiding spot. He didn't emerge at first. He stayed out of sight-watching her. His stomach filled with sickness at the sight of how happy she looked, she was almost glowing.

This house, his prison for so long, his family's prison, was now about to be the last place this creature would ever be. Or at least, the last place she'd be alive.

His hand fondled the needle in his hand. His salvation. With this, he would take down this beast.

Each one of his projects was different. Each hunt as unique as the Fae he'd killed. He knew this one, above all else, would be the most satisfying. But he couldn't be careless, precaution was the most important thing, so, he would wait-a little longer.

Bo sighed at the refrigerator door. There was no food to cook. She now felt silly thinking that there would be food. The house had been empty for a while.

She checked the cabinets for cereal, she was in luck, but there was no milk. She thought about going quickly to the store, but she didn't want to leave Lauren alone.

She bent down to the lower shelves and continued her search. She should have planned better and brought food, but she was so rushed to get here, she didn't think about it.

Suddenly, the energy of the room shifted and Bo sensed someone was behind her-she thought it was Lauren…

Nick hit Bo from behind, and she fell forward and crashed into the cabinets. She blinked several times trying to get a handle on the situation-to think clearly. And while she was, momentarily, dazed Nick's hand shot out and before she could react he jammed the needle hard into her exposed neck. Darkness hit Bo instantly.

She collapsed onto the kitchen tile and was out cold.

XXXX

Lauren froze on her bed when she heard the commotion from downstairs. Her stomach dropped. She watched the door, waiting for Bo to return. No one came. Her mind raced thinking through the situation, trying to come up with a plan.

Her composure waffled but she steadied her mind.

Should she put something in front of the door and wait? No. She couldn't leave Bo down there without knowing what happened to her. She had to go downstairs. Maybe Bo had just dropped something she tried to reassure herself.

Her eyes danced around the room and when she saw her phone, so knew she needed to call someone. But who? Trick, she thought quickly. There was no one else. She texted him that Bo was in trouble, she didn't want to risk someone hearing her. He'd come, he cared for Bo she knew that.

But she couldn't wait she had to go downstairs-to find Bo.

XXXX

Nick pulled Bo's limp, lifeless body toward the kitchen table. Bitch is heavier than she looks he thought, bitterly. He slammed her on the table, as hard as he could. She couldn't feel it but he wanted to hurt her, and the sound made him feel better.

He reached into his medical bag and pulled out the zip ties. He fastened each of her extremities to each of the table legs.

How weak she looked now, how helpless. He punched her in the face and gave her a disgusted look.

It took all his willpower not to end her right there. He knew one thing for sure…he couldn't rush this.

But maybe if he drew a little blood, he could calm himself and gain the patience he needed.

In a moment of weakness, he lifted his knife to stroke it across her cheek…

"Nick?"

He turned abruptly to find his sister, the creature that was once his sister at least, standing wide eyed at the kitchen entrance.

"What are you doing?" Lauren kept her eyes locked on him, although she desperately wanted to look at Bo, to see if she was ok, but she didn't.

"Oh, so happy you could join us, it saves me the trouble of coming to find you." He pulled his knife back but kept staring at Bo.

Lauren glanced quickly at Bo while he wasn't looking, and her heart raced, seeing Bo there lifeless and tied up.

"So, it is true. You were behind everything." She said, not sure what she hoped he would say, really she was just delaying him so she could think.

He laughed so loudly that it made her jump, but she willed herself to stand steady and still.

He sneered at her, his face shrouded in contempt. "Looking for a confession?"

"What are you doing with Bo?" Again, she wanted to keep him talking.

"You know," He pressed the knife into Bo's cheek but didn't break the skin, Lauren stepped forward. "Now. Now. Little sis. Don't you move." He commanded, "I could slit her throat before you could blink."

Lauren stopped. She wanted to run at him, but she couldn't risk Bo. She wouldn't. "You don't have to do this." Her voice was pleading now.

He laughed again but this time she was expecting his reaction, so she didn't jump.

A realization dashed through her mind, "You killed our mom didn't you." She felt physically ill at the thought.

He grinned at her wickedly but remained silent. She didn't need him to say it. She knew it was true.

"And now you're going to what? Kill Bo and I?"

He danced the tip of the knife along the table at Bo's side. "Kill the succubus yes. But I need something from you, first."

Her eyes stayed on the knife in his hand. She tried, her best, to ignore the anxiety rising within her. "Like what?"

"Give me the information you have on father's work." He demanded moving the knife closer to Bo's side.

She frowned, confused but then her rational mind broke through, "It's upstairs." She answered quickly.

He tilted his head at her. His expression was a thinly veiled threat. "Well go get it, little sister." He spoke in a cold and detached voice and it gave her chills.

She ran up the stairs without looking back.

He waited, only a moment, he wasn't stupid. She was planning something. He was the predator, not the prey.

He climbed the stairs and when he reached her door, he flung it open- the room was empty. He smirked, a hunt he thought.

When he turned to leave, Lauren was standing behind him, golf club in hand. Lauren was sure she could hear her own heartbeat- it was beating so fast.

He was too quick, and he grabbed it from her hand. "Stupid girl." He hissed.

Without thinking, she lunged at him, the force of her contact sent him staggering backwards. He didn't see that coming. Everything happened so fast. Within a second of her blow he slid the knife into her side with a force, unlike anything she'd felt before. Red-hot pain shot through her body, but with her last bit of strength she stabbed the needle, that was held in her other hand, into his heart as hard as she could.

Their eyes met, both pained, ghostly white and in shock. They crashed into the floor, at the same time.

XXXX

Bo awoke, in her cell, disoriented. She was confused about why she was there. Her mind was fuzzy, and it was a very strange feeling to not be able to remember why or how she had gotten there.

The details of the past few hours were fleeting, and everything seemed like a hallucination, not really real.

She tried to stand, only to discover that her head was aching, and she was dizzy. She tried to convince herself that she was fine so that panic wouldn't set in.

She focused her mind on Lauren, her clearest memory, suddenly all the events rushed back to her in a flash.

AN

Well, we've arrived at the end of Act 2. Act 3 will take place in the present, starting where we left off last chapter.

Beginnings are easy, endings are hard (for me at least), so updates may come slower with last few chapters. There's a lot of dangling plot points I need to make sure fit together.

Can't thank you enough for reading this story. I've enjoyed writing it, hope you've enjoyed reading it :)