A/N: Since you've all been so kind with your feedback for this story. I thought why not give you the next chapter? But the next update won't be until next week, I'm so busy right now. Sorry.

Have fun.

Chapter 2: Conversations With Dead People

Unknown Location

"I'm sorry, it sounded like you just said; we're betrothed!" She looked at Travis with shock all over her face. "That's ridiculous. No one makes decisions for me! I never met my Grandparents; they had no right to do this" she couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"As long as your Grandfather was Pack leader; he had every right. This union would strengthen our bloodlines like no other…" Travis said. "… I don't understand why you're so upset by this. As far as Husbands go; you've hit the jackpot. Really, I'm a good guy" he smiled at her.

Lauren laughed, except she didn't find this funny. It was just a reflex. "Yeah, that's not the point. Hear me when I say this; I won't be marrying you. Not now; not ever. See this?!" She held up her left hand. "Someone already beat you to it"

Travis looked at the silver wedding band and engagement ring. "I don't understand…" he frowned. "… Why didn't I hear of this?"

"I dunno, have you been living under a rock on a remote island?" Lauren saw the look on his face. "Wait, have you?" That's the kind of vibe she was getting from him right now.

He turned away from her, rubbing his face. "I've been living in my Wolf form up in the Mountains since I was a boy. That's probably why I haven't heard of this. So, who is he?" He spun around, looking at her.

And the way he was looking at her, was how a jealous ex would. "Umm, it's actually a she. And her name's Bo McCorrigan. Leader of the McCorrigan Clan. You've never heard of her?" This was strange.

"Can't say I have; she obviously can't be that important…" he didn't care for it. "… So, when're you gonna break it off?"

When he said that, she laughed abruptly. "Break it off?" Did he actually think she'd do that? "Okay, Travis; you were obviously given some misinformation. So, let me clear it up. I am happily married, with two beautiful children and I don't intend on letting that go. So, I'm flattered; but, no thanks" she said it as nicely as she could.

Travis stepped closer to her. "I reject your response"

Okay, now he was pissing her off. "You really don't wanna get on my bad side…" she warned him. "… Trust me" she shifted her eyes so they were glowing yellow. He was barking up the wrong tree.

"See, this's why we're meant for each other!" He smiled at her. "We share the same attributes. Passions, desires. Lauren, I was born to love you. Surely, you don't think I'd just let you go" he took her hands.

Lauren was done with this. "You don't have a choice…" she used her strength to snap both his wrists and kneed him in his most sensitive spot. Watching him go down, crying in agony. "… Don't come near me again!" She ran out the door.

After escaping, Lauren ran as fast as her body would allow. But whatever they drugged her with, was slowing her down. She got as far as the tree line of the Forrest, when she smelt something familiar. It was Bo, Dyson, and JJ. She assumed they'd come looking for her, but why bring JJ with them? Bo knew she wouldn't be okay with that. Someone was going to have an ear bashing when she got home.

Following the scent, Lauren used her speed to run. But she was slow. Until finally, her legs conked out like a broken engine. She just couldn't go on anymore. Falling to the ground, she sat back against a tree. Breathing in and out, closing her eyes. "Get it together Lauren" she coached herself.

"Mommy!"

Opening her eyes, she saw JJ running towards her. As fast as his little legs would let him. "JJ?" She caught him, holding him close. "How did you find me?" She asked him.

"We followed your smell…" he pulled back, smiling at her. "… Did I do good?"

Lauren smiled wide, "You did awesome baby!" She hugged him again, standing with him in her arms. In the distance, she heard another set of voices. It was Bo and Dyson. JJ must've run off without then, which wasn't good. But he probably smelt her and wanted to get there first. Suddenly, Bo and Dyson appeared in a blur. Thanks to her brother's speed.

Bo's heart sank when JJ just disappeared. She'd already lost Lauren she couldn't lose him too. But now that she saw them together. She was happy. Stepping forward, she engulfed them both into a hug. "I thought I lost you…" she whispered in her Wife's ear. "… What happened?" She wanted to find the person responsible and tear them apart.

No one messed with her Family,

But instead of staying here a minute longer, Lauren shook her head. "Not here. I'll explain everything when we get home. Can we just go?" She wanted to go home. And Bo obliged, taking JJ from her arms. Lauren was then hugged by her brother. "I've never been happier to see you" she chuckled.

"Whoa!" he caught her when she passed out. "I've got you sis; I've got you. She's fine, just weak. Let's get her back to the car" he told Bo as he carried her in his arms, the four of them walked back to the car which was a mere eight minutes away. They were happy to get out of this place, finally.

McCorrigan Estate – Later

When Lauren finally woke up, it was morning. She sat up in bed, feeling the effects of the Wolfsbane had left her system. Thank god. She got up, looking down and saw that Bo had changed her into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Always the thoughtful spouse. She left the bedroom, hearing a whimper from her left. It was Cami.

As she walked to her daughter's bedroom, she remembered everything that happened last night. And the fact that she had to tell Bo. Her Wife wouldn't be happy. Entering Cami's room, Lauren saw her standing up in her crib, her lip quivering and holding the bars tight. "Hi…" she smiled, reaching in and lifting her up. "… It's okay sweetie. Mommy's here" she held her close, inhaling her scent.

She pulled back, and Cami's hands were all over her face. It was like she couldn't believe Lauren was here.

Suddenly, Bo entered the room. "Lauren?" She got her Wife's attention. But was a bit shocked that she didn't smell her coming. "You should be in bed. You've been in and out for the last ten hours. I'd rather you sleep it off" she came to stand next to her.

"Bo, I love you for worrying. But honestly, I'm fine. Just hungry; so, can we head downstairs? I'm sure the little Princess could use a bottle of formula too" Lauren looked at Cami who just clung to her neck gently.

Bo smiled at her youngest, she looked so adorable. "Alright. Let's get down there. Dyson's at the helm of the stove anyway. JJ wanted waffles, and I was too worried about you to eat or cook anything. So, I'm sure he won't mind making up another plate" she placed her hand on Lauren's back, walking with her.

"Actually, when I said I was hungry; I meant I was hungry…" Lauren made eyes at Bo, emphasising on that particular word. "… Are you following me?"

It took Bo a second, because she'd been thinking about nothing but Lauren's recovery. But with a subtle nod, she realised. "Yes, I very much follow you. I think there's a few bottles of my blood left in the fridge. I'm due for another extraction on Monday; hopefully it'll be enough to last you the month" she didn't mind being Lauren's source of blood. She liked it better that way.

It meant her Wife's mouth never went on anyone else. As did her own, whenever she needed to feed too. They were only meant for each other, and that was that.

"Good…" Lauren breathed in relief. "… For a second there, I thought we'd run out. Those are the words a Wolf never wants to hear. Let's go" she walked with Cami in her arms, and Bo at her side. Eager to get her filling of blood.

Kitchen

"Okay, after this; you're cut off!" Dyson had given his nephew way too many waffles. But he understood why JJ kept asking for more; it was because his Wolf metabolism was kicking in and he was hungrier that usual. But even this was madness. Maybe it had something to do with him being the Black Wolf.

When Lauren entered the kitchen she immediately smelt the fresh odour of waffles and she loved it. But as much as she wanted a dozen of them; she needed some blood first. So, she handed Cami to Bo; then made her way to the fridge. She kept bottles of Bo's blood on the top shelf, and there were only two bottles left.

Enough to see her through until Bo made her next donation. Thankfully. She grabbed one, then got a glass. As she was pouring some, Dyson came next to her and told her how glad he was that she was okay. "You and me both brother…" she caught him whiffing her glass. "… Nuh uh! This's mine. Go get your own!" She pushed his head away.

"Wish I could; but Bo only caters to your needs and no one else's" He was okay with that; but being around Bo's blood was hard. Especially when it smelt as good as it did.

But the one person who didn't like the smell, was the young Wolf sitting at the table. "Mommy, that syrup smells gross!" He made a face, looking at it.

Bo laughed, of course he thought it was syrup. It was thick and sticky. But what she didn't understand, was why he thought it smelt gross. According to Lauren; her blood was top grade. "Does it really smell that bad buddy?" She asked him, and he had no problem confirming it with a nod.

Luckily, Lauren knew why he felt that way. "Dyson, will you take JJ and Cami into the living room so they can watch cartoons while they eat? Just grab her a bottle first" she referred to her daughter.

"Sure, come here baby girl…" he smiled at his niece, taking her from Bo's arms. Then grabbed a bottle before handing it to JJ. "… You hold Cami's bottle while I get your plate. Can't have you dropping it, can we? Come on big guy!" He took them both to the living room.

Bo needed a little explanation. "So, I thought you said my blood tastes and smells amazing. How come he doesn't feel the same way?" She honestly wanted to know.

"Because you're his Mother…" Lauren answered, taking a sip of her glass. Instantly feeling better. "… It'll smell gross to him because you're related. That's how it works with us. We can drink it, but it'll taste awful and we'll get hardly any sustenance from it. Don't take it personally. He'd act the same around my blood too"

Oddly, that made Bo feel better. For a minute there, she thought something was wrong with her blood. "So, do you wanna tell me what happened last night?" She needed to know if she was going to find these people. "Lauren, why'd you look guilty?" She had that look all over her face.

"I don't look guilty!" Lauren laughed it off, she just felt awkward telling Bo what Travis told her last night. "Okay, I'll tell you. But you have to promise not to freak out, deal?"

Bo didn't like this already. "Deal"

Taking her Wife's hand; Lauren led her to the kitchen table to sit down. "The guy who took me last night; his name's Travis. Didn't get his last name. But apparently, his Grandparents and mine; made a deal to merge their bloodlines" she hated explaining this.

"And by merge, you mean what exactly?" Bo didn't get it.

"The deal was; I was supposed to marry Travis. Then his family and mine would join and we'd become a stronger pack; or something along those lines" Lauren still didn't understand it herself.

Bo just started laughing, not being able to handle this maturely. Laughter was her defence mechanism. "That's funny; because it sounded like you just said, you're supposed to marry another guy!" She kept laughing. But saw that Lauren didn't share her laughter. "Or it's not funny; because it's true; and you really are supposed to marry him. What does this mean?" She got up from her chair, freaking out.

Joining her; Lauren saw how she was reacting. "Remember Bo; you promised not to freak out" this was the opposite of that right now.

"Yeah, well you also promised not to love anyone else until the day we die; I guess we're both full of surprises!" Bo turned to her, still freaking out.

Lauren shook her head, grabbing her hands. "Whoa! I don't love anyone, but you. I had no knowledge about this deal. For all I know he could be lying. I never met my Grandparents; my Dad had a huge fight with him that lasted years" she revealed.

"Did you ever think maybe it was about this?!" Bo couldn't stop panicking.

Strangely enough, that never occurred to Lauren until now. "I guess it could've been…" she gave a small shrug. "… My Grandfather was a sore subject for my Father. Dyson and I were never allowed to talk about him. But I promise; I'm gonna figure this out. Okay?" She stopped her from pacing.

Bo tried to calm down, but when Lauren held her face; it seemed to calm her right down. "Okay…" she breathed deeply. "… I just don't wanna lose you; ever" she couldn't bare the thought.

"You won't…" Lauren kissed her, "… I promise" she wasn't going to let this stranger ruin what they had.

Bo's Office – Later

When he heard the news from his sister; Dyson didn't believe it. Nor did Kenzi or Tamsin, for that matter. But, they couldn't just dismiss it. Travis might try and come for Lauren again, and Bo couldn't have that happening. No way was she letting this prick come between her family.

After what happened to JJ; Lauren had Dyson bring every ledger of their Father's to the house, along with a family tree and any other documents he'd kept hidden from them. And Dyson found a lot at their old house; it was abandoned now but Dyson still held the deed. He figured he'd move back there someday; maybe when he settled down.

That wasn't happening any time soon.

So, the three of them went through the papers while Kenzi and Tamsin kept JJ and Cami entertained. Lauren had her Mother's journals, Bo had Family trees and Dyson had his Father's documents. They had a pretty good dynamic going on so they hoped to find some answers soon.

"Isn't there a law against someone pursuing another Fae's spouse?" Bo wondered. "Because I feel like there should be. Maybe one where the penalty's death. Just a suggestion" she hated this Travis guy and she hadn't even met him yet. How could she not? He was after her girl.

The nerve!

Dyson snickered under his breath, "I think you're being a little dramatic. Don't fret, once we find a way to get rid of him you won't have to worry about this happening again" he hoped he was right in being confident about finding a solution.

Instead of adding to Bo's worry by saying something wrong; Lauren decided to remain quiet while flipping through the pages of her Mother's journals. She went back to before she was born and found nothing out of the ordinary. But she still had centuries more journals to go through. Times like these she wished they were Human, so things could be simple.

But Bo actually found something; the name of Lauren and Dyson's Grandfather. "Okay, so your Grandfather's name was Merlin Thornwood; if you can believe it…" even that was funny to her. "… And he had a Wife named Clarissa, who oddly enough has no family members listed before her. I doubt she just appeared out of thin air"

Walking over, Lauren held the paper with Bo; wondering the same thing. "I thought our Grandmother's name was Genevieve?" She frowned, looking at her brother. "Isn't that what Mom always said?"

Dyson nodded, approaching them. "Yeah, I remember because that's what your middle name is…" he looked as his sister. "… That's the whole reason they chose it for you. So, if that's true; then who's Clarissa? And why's she listed as Merlin's Wife?" He didn't understand.

"It'd help if we could ask someone who was around for it all" Bo spoke. That would be the easiest solution to this problem.

That's when Lauren had a thought. "What if we could?" Her brother and Wife both frowned at her. "Sarah, she's a Witch. She can summon the dead. Maybe long enough to ask them about this" it was worth a try.

"Uh, I vote no!" Bo handed the paper to Dyson, facing her Wife. "The last thing we need right now; are zombies roaming around the place. We have two children to think about!" She didn't like the idea.

And Lauren found that very insulting, "You think I don't know that?" She gave her a stern expression. "Are you the one who went through horrendous labour? Oh that's right, it was me!" She shouted.

Before things got out of hand, Dyson came in between them; illustrating a time out gesture with his hands. "Guys! Stop it! Come on, you're better than this. Bo, you need to trust that Lauren would never put her own kids in danger; and Lauren? You need to be clearer on your ideas; especially when they involve the use of dangerous magic"

Taking a breath, Lauren decided to explain. "I wasn't suggesting we resurrect them. Just summon their spirits, so they can answer a few questions. I'd never put my kids in harms way" she hoped Bo knew that.

And she did, "I know; I'm sorry…" Bo apologised, hugging her. "… This morning has just been crazy; I'm still processing the whole betrothed thing. And for the record, your idea's not that bad. In fact, I'll call Sarah and see if she's free" she pulled away, then went for her phone.

Dyson stepped closer to his sister. "If Sarah can pull this off; what're you gonna say to them?" He referred to their dead Parents.

"Well, I'll start with the obvious question. Why did they let our Grandfather marry me off before I was even born?!" Lauren was still mad about it. "And then, I'll probably ball my eyes out because it's been so long since I've seen them. Do you think they know about JJ and Cami?" She'd always wondered.

He smiled, "Yeah, I do. I like to think they've always been watching over us. And on the cubs" he spoke of his niece and nephew.

Hearing that, made Lauren smile. If her Parents had been watching over them this entire time; and they knew about her children; she wondered what they though. "Me too"

Suddenly, Bo came back with her phone in hand. "Sarah's on her way; she wasn't happy about doing what I asked. But, she didn't refuse either; so, that's a plus…" as soon as she finished her sentence; Sarah appeared before them. "… Gotta love teleportation" she loved how punctual she was.

"It has its moments…" Sarah was used to it. "… So, I hear you want to conduct a séance?" She looked at the three of them. "I won't lie to you; it doesn't always work out the way you want. But, it's a lot easier than raising the dead. Which, I won't be doing. Understood?"

She knew Bo was Clan leader; but that didn't make a lick of difference when it came to abusing the use of magic. She would follow the rules of nature before Bo's, if it meant keeping everyone safe.

Lauren nodded, "We get it Sarah; and we appreciate you taking time to be here. Honestly, we just have a few questions for our dead Father. Nothing more" she was honest.

Sarah was glad to hear it. "Okay. Good! Now, I'll need five candles, an hourglass, and a lot of salt. I'll summon your Father's spirit to a circle. Where he'll remain until you get what you need. Oh, and I'll need something of his to find his spirit" she looked to the two Wolves for an answer.

And Dyson saved the day by holding out a ring in his hand. "Will this do…" he gave it to her. "… He wore it every day of his life" he'd had it for years, could never bring himself to wear it though.

Looking at it, Sarah noticed a family crest carved into the ring. "It's perfect. Now, how about those other items?" She didn't see anyone going to get them.

Bo snapped out of her worry, "Right! Dyson? There's an hourglass on that top shelf!" She pointed to the bookcase behind him. "I'll get the rest! And also tell Kenzi and Tamsin to take the kids upstairs; away from this" She left the room. She didn't want them so close to something so dangerous.

"So, does anyone wanna tell me why you need a séance all of a sudden? I mean, it must be for something important, right?" Sarah wasn't normal nosy, but she couldn't help but wonder.

Lauren smiled, tapping her shoulder. "Sarah, we love you. And as far as we're concerned, you're one of the family. But there's some things that're reserved for immediate family. Besides, you don't wanna get caught up in this; trust me" she was shielding her.

Sarah held up her hands with a laugh. "Hey, if that's what you want; then I'm cool. I don't need to be here once the spirit appears anyway. I'm gonna link it to the hourglass. So, when the last piece of sand falls; the spell will end and the spirit will be sent back to where came from" that was the best way.

A few minutes later, and Bo came back with a box of candles and a large bottle of salt. She handed them to Sarah and watched her place the candles on the floor, in a circle. Then also made a circle around the candles with the salt. She then came back to the desk, placing one hand on the hourglass while her other was directed at the circle.

She wore the ring the Dyson gave her so she could draw from it and find their Father's spirit from wherever it was being held. She didn't think it was the dark places though; maybe a heaven of some kind. Her palm began to glow a pale blue as the circle did the same.

Lauren stepped back, holding Bo's hand for support. They didn't know what kind of information her Father would tell them. Especially about this betrothal news. But they would deal with what came next together; that was their motto.

Just then, Sarah finished her chant and a bright light emitted from the circle. In a second, a spirit appeared and the hourglass started. No one said anything, which was stupid because they didn't have a lot of time. Sarah removed the ring from her finger, leaving it on Bo's desk.

"You have ten minutes; use them wisely" Sarah said, before vanishing. Her work was done.

Dyson looked at the transparent spirit. "Dad?" It was incredible. This apparition, looked exactly like him. Down to the grubby beard. "Can you hear us?"

Zachariah Thornwood, was a simple man. And looked much like Dyson in his appearance. But where his son had blue eyes like his Mother; he himself had brown, just like Lauren. "I may be dead, but I'm not deaf!" he laughed, not believing he was here. "You've summoned me, why?"

"Because we have questions for you; ones only you have the answers to…" Lauren stepped forward with tears in her eyes. "… I can't believe you're really here" she loved her Father more than anything.

And he loved her, which was why when he saw the necklace she was wearing; he smiled. "You're wearing the moonstone I left for you. I'd hoped it would give you strength in times of need"

"It has done more than that…" Lauren knew she couldn't waste time talking about a necklace. "… Dad, we need to ask you about our Grandfather; Merlin" When she said his name, he averted his eyes.

Zachariah hated that man. "He's dead, why would you want to know about him?" He didn't get it.

"Because last night, I was kidnapped by a man who claimed to be my betrothed Husband. He said my Grandparents made a deal with his to merge our bloodlines. Did you know about this?" Lauren asked.

He turned away in anger. "That dirty scoundrel!" He tried so hard to shield her from this. "Yes, it's true. But I thought I ended that deal years ago. When it came to light that I had a daughter; I knew the Clearwater Pack would come to collect. So, I faked our deaths. It was the only way to protect you"

Suddenly, it all made sense. Especially to Dyson. He always wondered why they didn't live up in the mountains with others of their kind. "That's why we moved here, away from any other Packs?"

Zachariah nodded, only now seeing his son. "My, how you've grown my son. You are a handsome young specimen, just like your old man" he chuckled.

"Young? Tell that to the bags under his eyes!" Bo snorted, then got a slap from Lauren on her arm. "Ow!"

"Bo McCorrgian? Is that you I see standing there?" Zachariah focused his sights on her. "The woman who has provided my daughter with two beautiful children. I watch over them every day, as does your Father. We wish we could meet them" that saddened him.

Bo stepped forward, catching what he said. "My Father's with you?"

He nodded, "And he's proud of the woman you've become. He always knew you'd become a fearless leader. And you've more than proved that. I'll be happy to tell him that you're well, and that you miss him" it was obvious.

This little moment was great and all, but Lauren still didn't get an answer to her problem and as she looked at the hourglass; she could see their time was almost up. "Dad? They found me. The guy's name is Travis and he's insistent on marrying me. Is there any way out of the deal?"

And this was where Zachariah had to crush her hopes. "I'm afraid not sweetie…" he sighed. "… The deal, was signed in blood by my Father. It must be honoured, not matter how much time has passed between then and now"

"But she's already married!" Bo shouted. "To me! Are you saying we have to get a divorce? Because we're not doing that!" She wasn't entertaining this any longer.

Zachariah only knew of one thing that would work. "The only way to render the deal useless, would be to kill one of the remaining parties. That would be you, or this Travis fellow"

Dyson had a question about that. "What if someone else takes his place, like a brother?"

His Father shook his head. "The deal stated that the union would be between their eldest son and my first-born daughter. There can be no substitutions or alternatives. Even he knows that. A warning to you, my children. If this Travis, has spent all these years trying to fulfil this deal; he will not be easily vanquished" he could guarantee that.

Bo laughed, "I wouldn't worry. Killing evil Wolves happens to be my speciality Zach…" she always called him that when he was alive. "… I mean that in the most respectful way" she loved Wolves. Hell, she was married to one. Just the evil ones kind of pissed her off.

"I'm sure you do" he believed her.

But Dyson had one more question, "Dad? If your Mother's name was Genevieve; then why is your Father's Wife named Clarissa on our family tree?" This question was eating away at him.

Sighing, Zachariah looked at both his children. "Because, Clarissa was a member of the Clearwater Pack. She seduced my Father, persuaded him into marrying her after my Mother died. I could never prove it, but I'm almost certain she had her killed. It was only after they married that my Father made the deal regarding you" he looked solely at Lauren.

"So, it was planned?" Lauren watched him not. "But, why? What'd they think they were gonna get out of it?" She didn't understand. None of this made sense.

Zachariah looked at the hourglass behind them, it was about to drop its last bit of sand. "My time is at it's end. Know that I love you both. And I'm sorry for the ordeal you now face. My only goal in life was to protect you" he looked at Lauren.

Lauren nodded, "We know…" she held Dyson's hand. "… We love you Dad"

"And I love you, take care of each other" Were Zachariah's last words before he disappeared into nothing.

Bo stepped forward, placing a hand on her Wife's shoulder. "You okay?" She knew she wouldn't be if she got to see her Dad. She'd probably be begging Sarah to resurrect him. Which would be a bad thing, considering it was dangerous.

"No…" Lauren shook her head, turning around. "… We have no way out of this. Travis will come back, and what if he brings his men next time? I won't put JJ and Cami in danger. We need to figure out a plan, or something!" She was so frustrated.

"Hey, shhh!" Bo brought her in for a hug. "We will, okay? I promise you. I won't let anyone take you away from me. Our vows stated we'd be together forever. That's not changing just because some asshole thinks his deal is more important. I'm gonna take care of this, I swear" she kissed the side of her head.

As they hugged, Dyson got a look from Bo. The kind of look that said; help me. But the truth was, if their Father was right; and this Travis guy, had tricks up his sleeve; then they didn't stand a chance. He'd known about this deal for probably most of his life. Whereas they'd only just discovered it. He knew things they didn't.

And that meant he had an advantage. But Dyson was the last person to give up on having hope, so he gave Bo a nod. Silently telling her that he'd do whatever he could to help them. This was their family that was in jeopardy. Kind of seemed like it always was.

They must've had really shitty luck.

A/N: Ohh, not looking good is it? What will Bo do? Let me know what you thought, see you back here soon for another update!