A/N: Next one! Only two more to go!

Chapter 10: I Can Love You Better

Clearwater Homestead

Kenzi reappeared in a farm house, except it looked much more luxurious. She heard the crackling of a fire come from her left, so she followed it. When she entered what looked like a living room, she saw a woman standing in front of the fireplace. It was her. It was Aife. Her Mother, the one she never got the chance to know. "Mom?"

Aife turned her head, frowning. She knew this girl. It was her youngest daughter, Kenzi. She never really spent much time with he before she fled. Unlike Bo though, as a child Kenzi didn't favour her Father. She always longed to be held by Aife. And even though she told Bo otherwise, Aife felt bad for leaving Kenzi behind all those years ago. She was only a month old, Aife could've raised her with Elias.

But Bo, she was all Jack. And Aife found that repulsive.

"Kenzi?" Aife actually was happy to see her, despite everything. She took a good look at her, "My baby girl…" she reached for her, and Kenzi didn't refuse. "… I always knew you'd grow into a beautiful woman. Just like me" she hugged her.

Kenzi breathed easy, her Mother was actually accepting her. Even though Bo said she wanted nothing to do with them. She was starting to think everything Bo was saying was a lie. Was she just trying shut their Mother out due to an old grudge she was harbouring? "I'm sorry for just turning up"

"Nonsense!" Aife pulled back, bringing Kenzi to sit on the couch with her. "Since you're here alone, and know about me; can I assume Bo finally told you the truth?" She thought she would've done it the day she went to the house.

But Kenzi shook her head, "Actually, I don't think she ever planned on telling me. I overheard her talking about Travis; about who he is to us. I'd already put two and two together, but I still wanted to hear her side. I gotta say Mom, she didn't cast you in a very good light"

Aife thought as much. "Of course she didn't. After all, I am the villain of her story. Bo only knows what her Father told her. She never heard my side of things"

"She told me you didn't want us…" Kenzi said, going over what Bo told her earlier. "… Please tell me it's not true. You could never do that to your own daughter's, could you?" She really hoped it wasn't true.

As much as Aife wanted to tell her No; she couldn't. "I did what I had to do Kenzi…" was her answer. "… I know, it must seem despicable to you and your sister. But your Father, wasn't the pillar of goodness you believed him to be. To me, he was someone I was given to"

"So you had a crappy Husband, big deal!" Kenzi said. "Plenty of people have built lives on far less. I just don't understand; if you were that unhappy, why didn't you just divorce him?" That was a valid question.

"You didn't know your Father like I did, he would've never let me divorce him. Running away, was the only way to free myself…" Aife could see Kenzi's reaction. "… And though some of what Bo said is true, I have always carried regret for leaving you behind. Bo, was a Daddy's girl from the minute she was born. But you?" she smiled, touching her face. "You were my little ray of hope. And it killed me to leave you" that was the truth.

Suddenly, they were interrupted when the front door opened. Kenzi stood from the couch when Travis walked in with Lauren at his side. She didn't look like she was here of her own volition. "Lauren? What're you doing here?" She attempted to approach her sister-in-law, but was held back by her Mother.

"I think the more appropriate question is what're you doing here, Kenzi?" Lauren didn't understand this, as far as she knew; Kenzi had no knowledge of Aife's return. Why was she here? "Did Bo tell you what she did? How she abandoned you both for this lunatic?!" She pushed Travis away from her.

Before Kenzi could even give her an answer, she caught onto what Lauren said. And this made the betrayal all the more treacherous. "You knew?" She frowned at her, "You?" She couldn't believe it, Bo told her Wife, before she told her own sister about their Mother. "So it's all just been one big lie huh? Who made you the keeper of Bo's secrets?"

Lauren could tell Kenzi was angry, "Kenz, I haven't known about it long. And as far as keeping Bo's secrets go? She's my Wife. That trumps any loyalty I have for anyone else. Even my own family" she was a mate for life type of gal. And to her, Bo came above everyone else. Even Dyson. She knew he'd understand that.

"First Dad, then Bo, and now you…" Kenzi laughed sadly, "… You're really living up to that McCorrigan name Lauren. Maybe you and Bo really were meant to be together. Please tell me you have some strong alcohol around here somewhere?" She turned to her Mother.

Aife gestured to the room on her right. "There's a minibar in the kitchen, help yourself sweetie…" she nudged her daughter in the right direction. Looking at Lauren who was gobsmacked at Kenzi's decision. "… Well, quite an interesting turn of events. Wouldn't you say, Lauren?"

Lauren's inner Wolf rose to the surface in anger. But she held it back. "Maybe, but when the tables turn back, it'll be just as interesting. Sure, Kenzi's mad now. But, she and Bo have a bond that trumps all that. I know she'll make the right decision in the end" she had faith that Kenzi would see past this betrayal.

And realise that Bo did it out of love, and not malice.

"Perhaps, but who's to say what'll happen to you when she does?" Aife smirked at her. "Congratulations on winning your bride my son!" She kissed his cheek. "You know what to do; just like we practiced" she winked at him and then left them in search of Kenzi.

Lauren didn't like the sound of that, "What did she mean by that?" She looked at him.

"You'll see" he smiled at her.

Okay, this had gone on long enough. "Well uh, this's been fun and all; but I should really be getting home now. So, I'm just gonna be on my way—" she tried to leave but he pulled her back by her left arm. Which she expected, but he didn't expect her to swing her right back around, her claws cut clean across his cheek. "Still wanna marry me?" Her smirk was wicked.

Only a mad man would want to marry her after that.

Travis groaned, turning away from her. He heard her try and run to the door, but he got to her before she could. And as he looked at her, the claw marks on his face began to close up. "More so, now. You've got a lot of fight in you. I love it!" He chuckled.

"Has anyone ever told you, you're insane?" She really wanted to know. "I mean, I can't be the only one who sees that you're a few brain cells short. You know what's so stupid about this whole thing? You know I'll never love you, and yet you still don't give up!" She just didn't understand the way he thought.

But, he just smiled at her. "Oh, my dear sweet Lauren…" he went to touch her cheek when she slapped his hand away. "… One thing you'll learn about me, is that I never give up. And as for the 'love' aspect of our relationship—"

"We don't have a relationship" Lauren was clear about that.

He sighed, she had an answer for everything. "As I was saying, I think you'll come to change your mind in time. After all, Bo is my sister. Maybe we have more in common than just our Mother. You can think of me as an upgrade if you like"

"I'd rather stick with the old model…" Lauren got in his face, growling angrily. "… Do whatever you want to me. I promised I'd stay, so long as you let my children live. Yes, I just tried to run. But, you can hardly blame me"

"Do my ears deceive me?" He frowned at her, not knowing if this was a rouse. "Are you finally giving in?"

She took a breath, knowing that there was nothing more she could do. Not from here. Whatever he had planned for her, was probably something bad. Something she would never agree to, but she didn't have a choice. All she could do was hope that Bo would come soon, or Kenzi see the error of her ways. "I guess I am"

Travis could tell this was hard for her, but she was making the right decision. "Things may seem tough right now, but I swear to you; I'll be a good Husband. We will have a beautiful Family. You won't have a second thought about your old life. This's the way things are supposed to be"

Hearing that made Lauren sick to her stomach, but she had to tell him whatever he wanted to hear if she was going to stay alive long enough for Bo to rescue her. "Maybe it is"

"I'm so glad you admitted that…" he stared at her lovingly. Then traced his fingers over her cheek, smiling. "… It'll make the process much easier if you don't fight it"

"Fight what?" Lauren didn't like the sound of that. "What exactly do you have planned for me?" As his smile grew wider, her anxiety began to set in. Yeah, she didn't like this at all. "What? Suddenly you're not so chatty? I couldn't get you to shut up before, and now you won't talk?"

Travis folded his arms, "I could tell you, but why spoil the surprise? Trust me Lauren, when the time comes; you'll be the first person to know. Now, how about I show you to your room and we can begin our marriage trials?" He led her to the stairs.

But she refused to move, "Trials? What trials?" She was having one of those days where she wished she was anything else besides a Wolf. A Nymph wouldn't have this much hassle.

"Normally, they're not used since the two Wolves in question would be pure. Having had no mates before one another. But since you had your little indiscretion with a certain Succubus, you must be purified. It's just a simple cleansing ceremony. Won't hurt a bit" he was cheery.

And Lauren hated that. "So, what? Purifying me unmates me from Bo?"

"Not so much…" he shook his head. "… If you were unbound from Bo, you'd still love her. But it wouldn't be as intense as it is now. That doesn't work for me. Better to purify you completely. It'll ensure you love no one but me"

She had to laugh at that. "You can't just erase that kind of love! Do you even know the meaning of the word?" She asked him. "Even if you 'purified' me, I'd remember everything about Bo and our life together. You'll never win"

But that's what Lauren didn't know, Travis had that covered. "Purifying you, doesn't just erase the connection you and Bo share. It will erase your memory of her, completely. Your love, your life, your children; will all be wiped from your brain within a few seconds. You can't love what you don't remember"

Lauren couldn't believe it, he was actually going to do that to her. Erase her whole life, her Wife, her kids, her happiness. "What kind of a monster are you?" That's all she could reply.

"Yours" he winked at her, then grabbed her arm and took her upstairs.

Kitchen

After her first glass of whiskey, Kenzi had another. This whole day had been stressful. The amount of lies she'd been told, and by her own family. It hurt her. Though, what she was doing now wasn't any better than what Bo had done. Kenzi was sitting back while Travis held Lauren hostage. What kind of sister did that?

"Single malt…" Aife came to sit next to her with a clean glass, pouring herself some. "… Girl after my own heart. What's troubling you Kenzi?" She sipped it.

"Your uh, your son?" Kenzi looked at her. "You know he tried to kill me, right? If Bo hadn't healed me, I'd be dead right now. Did you know?" She needed to know.

Aife was actually going to tell her the truth, "That you were hurt by his tactic? Yes. But you weren't his target, your friend Tamsin was. I told him not to hurt you. Anyone else, but not you. Kenzi, I meant what I said. I was sorry I left you" she held her hand.

Kenzi didn't know what to believe. Bo had been her sister her entire life, but Aife was her Mother. Whether she had been around or not, she gave birth to her. Without her, Kenzi wouldn't be here. There was something about that fact that made Kenzi want to blur the lines between loyalty to her sister and knowing the Mother she lost. But there was something she needed to know first.

"Did you regret leaving?" She asked.

"No…" Aife answered. "… I was miserable, and I didn't see any other way out. The only thing I regret, to this day; is that I didn't take you with me. I wanted to, so much. But when it all went down, your Father was suspicious. He made sure you and Bo were always at his side. I couldn't get close enough"

That was the truth.

How was Kenzi supposed to take her word for this? "This whole thing's such a mess! Bo's my sister, and I love her. But, you're my Mom. And you left before I could really remember you. All I knew was what Dad told me. And despite your history with him, he never said a bad word about you. I dunno what to do" she sat back with a sigh.

"No one's asking you to do anything Kenzi. Travis has Lauren now, it won't be long before they begin their trials and once Lauren's been cleansed of her memories they'll be wed and they'll begin their new lives. The lives they were always meant to have" Aife said.

That was when Kenzi had to frown, "Memories? What'd you mean by that? Are you gonna wipe her memories?" She got a nod from her Mother. "You can't do that! You've got no right! She won't remember anything, her son, her daughter, her entire life!" She stood from her chair.

"I know it sounds harsh right now, but trust me; she'll be better off. Kenzi, I would very much like you to join this Family along with Lauren. I made a mistake leaving you behind all those years ago. This could help make up for it. I'd like the opportunity to be your Mother again" Aife held her hands, smiling.

And as much as Kenzi found this offer appealing, she couldn't let them wipe Lauren's memories. There was no way, she was letting her niece and nephew grow up without their Mother. "I'd like that too…" but declining the offer, would make her an enemy and she'd be cast out. "… I just; feel like a traitor"

If she was going to unravel her half-brother's plans to marry Lauren, then she had to make sure she stayed put. At least until Bo came with the cavalry.

"That's completely understandable. But for what it's worth, I'm glad you're staying. This's going to be so much fun!" Aife hugged her, tightly. She really was happy that Kenzi had come around and accepted the offer. It meant that only Bo had to die.

She could live with that.

Kenzi hugged her back, but she wasn't feeling the love anymore. If anything, with what her Mother had told her about what she and Travis had planned. Kenzi was disgusted, and could see why Bo kept the secret about her death all these years. She had some major apologising to do when this was over.

"Yeah, fun"

Outside - Later

After he explained things to her upstairs, Travis made Lauren change into a white dress. If this wasn't such a stressful time, she would've asked if she could keep it because it was quite pretty. Only, it wasn't for the purpose of just changing clothes. It was so she could be purified. She thought Bo would've been here by now. Why did it take her so long when Kenzi got here faster?

Travis escorted her outside, where there was a medium sized pool. A bit lavish for her tastes, but clearly, they were snobs. Kenzi stood with Aife a few feet away, she couldn't believe she was just standing there. So much for the bonds of family.

Another two men stood by the steps to the pool. She assumed one of them was Travis' Father. She was right, after he introduced himself to her. When he took her hand, he went for her Wedding ring and Engagement ring. "What're you doing?!" she hadn't been without them in years.

"After you're purified, you won't be needing them…" Elias said, removing them from her finger. "… Besides, the ones they'll be replaced with are much more beautiful" he took them and put them in his pocket for safe keeping.

The second man came near her, taking her hand and walking her into the pool along with Travis at her side. The water was cold, but not that cold. She hated this. Was this what it felt like when virgins were sacrificed? If it was, she felt for them. "Are you baptising me or something? Because, I'm not a big believer of God"

"This isn't a baptism…" The strange man said. "… This is part of your purification. Don't worry my child, it won't hurt a bit" he smiled, leading her into the centre of the pool.

Kenzi didn't know what was happening, she wanted to intervene but right now it was two wolves against a Succubus. She didn't stand a chance. She thought Bo would've shown up by now. Why didn't Sarah send her over, like earlier? "What's going on?" she asked her Mother.

Aife didn't want to tell Kenzi the truth in fear of her trying to stop it. "Just a simple blessing, nothing to worry about dear. Lauren isn't in any danger" a little white lie was harmless.

Travis smiled at Lauren, moving her long hair behind her shoulders. "I've waited so long for this day, I'm glad it's finally here. I promise you, I'll be a worthy Husband. One who will cherish you, for all eternity" he used his Incubus powers to bend her love to his will. He could feel it working, but she still loved Bo. Thankfully, that was all about to change. He gave their friend a nod.

Milton, was an Addonc. He had the power to wipe a person's memories, and also implant new ones. But he had to do it, while around water. "With the powers bestowed upon me by the Gods. I purify this woman, and lead her into her new life, with a new love" Milton gently pushed Lauren's shoulders down until she was under the water.

He hovered his hand over the water, watching Lauren's eyes close as she was put under his spell. He told Travis to pulse Lauren with his Incubus powers while she was under. It was give the ritual the extra kick. The water around Lauren began to glow, until finally she emerged. Wiping her eyes, he first person she saw was Travis.

Her smile was one of admiration, and of devotion. She touched his cheek with her wet hand. "So…" she finally spoke. "… When's the wedding?" She raised an eyebrow, smirking.

"When'd you want it to be?" He asked her, wondering if it had worked.

Proving her loyalty and love to him, Lauren grabbed both sides of his face and kissed him fiercely. "I'm free right now" she told him.

That was one hell of a kiss, and Travis could feel the love behind it. Though it wasn't pure, since deep down her heart was still bound to Bo. They could never change that. But they altered it, so it forgot about Bo and transferred the feelings onto Travis. She wasn't faking this, which meant the purification worked.

She was his, finally.

"What my girl wants…" he kissed her again, not getting enough the first time. "… My girl gets" he led her out of the pool, smiling at his Father and Mother.

Kenzi was speechless, she couldn't believe Lauren did that. That was it, she had to do something. She didn't care if she was outnumbered. "Lauren? What the hell are you doing?!" She approached her.

Lauren frowned at the girl, "Sorry, do I know you?" She couldn't place her face. So, she turned to her love. "Do I know her?"

Travis smirked at his half-sister, "Not anymore" that was another good sign. Lauren didn't remember Kenzi. If she didn't remember her, then she definitely wouldn't remember Bo if she came calling. Which she soon would.

"Lauren, it's me! Kenzi! The sister of your Wife! Bo McCorrigan!" Kenzi had to get through to her.

But Lauren just began laughing. "You're hilarious, whoever you are. Look, I don't know any; Bo McCorrgian. And I sure as hell, don't have a Wife. Whatever game you're playing, I'm not interested. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go change" she began walking towards the house.

"I'll come with you…" Travis said, taking her hand, whispering to his Mother on the way; "… Take care of her" he wanted Kenzi gone. She was no longer an ally.

Kenzi turned to her Mother. "Just a blessing huh?" She shook her head in disgust. "Bo was right about you, you're filth!"

"Perhaps, but I did what was necessary to ensure my son's happiness. Besides, does Lauren look like she's hating it? No, maybe this'll be good for her. No longer tied down by the burden that is the McCorrigan Clan. Here, she can free" Aife said.

"I'm not gonna let you keep her" Kenzi wasn't having it.

Suddenly, Elias ran up behind her. And snapped her neck. "It's a good thing it's not up to you…" he dropped her to the ground, seeing his Wife's face. "… It had to be done"

Aife never wanted Kenzi to be hurt, but she brought this on herself when she showed up here. "I know"

The sun was setting on the most traumatic day. Bo sat with Dyson in his truck a few minutes up the road from the Clearwater's home. Bo was having a hard time processing the fact that her own sister had decided to insert herself in this situation even further. Why would Kenzi want to know Aife? Not mere hours ago, Kenzi was clinging to her last breath due to Travis' vile actions.

Luckily, Sarah called them and told them where she was. Because Kenzi had gone to see Aife, and wherever Aife was; Travis was. And wherever Travis was, Lauren wasn't far away. The only shitty thing about it all, was that Sarah couldn't do her Witchy thing and send them directly there like she did with Kenzi. Apparently, Bo had made her spread herself a little thing with all the favours she'd asked lately.

But one last good thing she did with the strength she had left, was place a protection spell on Kenzi in case anything happened to her. They'd been through enough already, they didn't need her dying too.

And of course, that made Bo feel bad. She didn't mean to harm another member of her Clan. Because she considered Sarah a part of their family. She just acted when it came to her Wife and kids. So, she and Dyson were stuck driving to the Clearwater's home. Bo exited the car with Dyson, who was eyeing her closely as she held a rather large vile of Wolfsbane in her hands.

She'd already coated her weapons with it.

"Quick question…" He raised his hand, "… What if he doesn't bite you? What if he just rips your heart out instead?" Wolves liked doing that, it was fun for them.

But, Bo wasn't worried about that. "Please, he hates my guts. He won't just kill me. He'll want to torture me, kick me when I'm down, and make me suffer" she unscrewed the lid, bringing it to her nose for a quick smell. It was awful.

"What makes you so sure?" He asked.

"Simple…" she knocked back the vile of Wolfsbane in three big gulps. Washing it down with a bottle of water. Ugh! It was vile. "… It's exactly what I'd do" If Travis was anything like her, he'd want to take his time making her suffer.

Dyson couldn't argue with that. "Feel any queasiness?" She replied with a no. "Alright, I guess we should get this done then-" he stopped when Bo pulled him back by his arm. "Uh, aren't we on the clock on this? Why the sudden halt?"

Bo had a very good reason, "I know Cami healed you. Still don't know how, but that's a conversation for later. Anyway, you were almost Wolf-chow earlier. And although you might feel pumped, I need you to be on your game. So, here's a little insurance" she handed him a small jar of her blood.

As soon as he unscrewed the lid, he was overcome with the intoxicating aroma of Bo's blood. It was exactly what he smelt when Lauren had it before. "I thought this was off limits to me" he knew only his sister was allowed to drink Bo's blood.

"It is, but Lauren says it gives her more strength than any other kind of blood. I'm hoping it'll do the same for you. So, drink up!" She watched him start to drink it, and once he did; he couldn't stop until it was all gone. "How'd you feel?"

Dyson smashed the jar in his hand, due to his renewed strength. "I feel incredible!" His eyes shined yellow. He'd never tasted anything quite like that. "Now I know why Lauren loves it so much. But, little advice? Don't tell her about this. She's really touchy about blood sharing of any kind. Even more so, since it's you. So, our little secret?"

Bo zipped her lips. "Cross my heart" she was about to take a few steps, when she realised something else. Something important.

Looking back at her, Dyson frowned. "What now?"

"There's no guarantee this's gonna go smoothly…" She said. "… And let's face it, it's not like I have the best luck when it comes to enemy showdowns. So, I need you to promise me something. Whatever happens in there—" Wrong choice of words. "Whatever happens to me; you get Lauren and Kenzi, and you leave. Got it?"

He didn't feel comfort with that. "Bo, quit talking like this's a one-way ticket for you. The plan's gonna work. You said it yourself, he'd rather toy with you than end you quick. He'll bite you, you'll poison him, you kill him, land that'll be it. Then we can all go home" that sounded easy enough.

But Bo knew from experience that nothing was ever that easy. Especially not winning wars. More often than not, they always cost the champion something. Last time, it was her life. She always made Lauren believe that she wanted to be brought back from the afterlife. Because, she did. But the truth was, Bo was okay giving up her life for her Family.

As long as they were alive, safe and happy. That was all she cared about. It was no different this time around. If she made it through this, then great. But if she didn't; she'd die happy, knowing that she did what she had to do in order to keep her family safe.

She was good with that. "I'm just saying, maybe not all of us will make it home. You need to prepare yourself for that. Because I have. Please Dyson, just promise me you'll get them to safety if this goes south" she didn't want to have to order him to do it. But she would if he didn't answer her.

If there was one thing Dyson knew, it was that Bo wouldn't say this if she wasn't serious. So, he turned to her with a nod. But didn't look happy about it. "I promise"

"Thank you…" she touched his arm with a smile, grateful. "… Let's end this" she pulled him towards the direction of the house. It was time for them to go to battle.

A/N: Oh, no! Trouble's afoot. What will Bo think when she sees Lauren? Let me know what you think, thanks for reading.