Lauren groaned and rubbed the back of her neck. She shook her head at the thought of how hard she is working to find out who is killing the Fae. She's not so much as concerned about their lives as she is finding an answer. You can try and take the scientist out of the Fae world, but you can't take her curiosity and need to find answers to any puzzle. She leaned back in her chair and raised her head. She felt it pop and motioned it from right to left. Taking a deep breath, she turned when she heard a door opening.
"Good morning, Lauren". Noah spoke softly. He could raise his voice but this is not the Fae that he screamed at to save him. This is the doctor that did that. For that, he will always be grateful.
"Good morning, Noah. Any news?". Lauren asked.
"No. There haven't been anymore deaths that we have found, yet". Noah took a seat across from the woman but not to be face to face with her.
"I examined the bodies again. From their kills, it seems whomever is doing this, did their homework. For example these two Fae had weaknesses. This person found their weakness. It is as if someone has been feeding them this information. Have you heard of any moles?". Lauren asked.
"I'm not that in tune with the Fae, but what contacts I do have, have not mentioned that to me. But there is something to be said for what you just told me". Noah sat forward.
"What is that?". Lauren raised an eyebrow.
"Back when I sent you to distract Bo from going after Vex, I did so because I already knew what the two of you were building to. Now, I admit, I didn't exactly say that you needed to sleep with her, I just said you could find some way to distract the succubus. Foreplay, sex. Anything". Noah took a drink from the blonde. "Thank you".
"Is there a point to that?". Lauren asked.
"It is not just Bo that I wanted you to distract, I wanted you to distract her succubus and you did. If we are fighting a threat that is finding fae weaknesses, you are hers". Noah folded his arms.
"I'm not. I can't be". Lauren shook her head.
"I know you don't need her protection but I can't always be here. I have trusted your science for years, if you believe that's why the Fae are being picked off, this person or people might be coming for you. I am not saying that you need to go there, I am just waking you up to the news that you are a mark too". Noah explained further.
Lauren closed her eyes and opened her mouth. She thought of every moment earlier on with Bo. When the Lich crossed her mind, she opened her eyes. "They are going to try and kill Bo, aren't they?". She asked.
"They will kill Bo or you. Whomever they can get to first. We can stay here and not concern ourselves with that but you're a human and a doctor. You care about saving lives. Even if it's hers". Noah set his glass on the table.
Lauren sighed. He has her there. She does care about saving lives. But she also cares about her new found freedom. Going back there would be like chaining her ass to the new Ash. If they even have one by now. "I can call her or I can go there."
"The decision is yours. I can have her brought here, if that would be better for you. But know this, doctor. The threat is still out there whether we bring her here or you go to see her. I can protect you, but I need to know who and what I'm dealing with". Noah stood and walked to the kitchen. He set his glass in the sink and returned to Lauren.
"I hold Bo's life in my hand, even though they all come with that responsibility too". Lauren shook her head.
"I can bring her, they are not invited". Noah growled.
Lauren smiled at his anger. He hates them almost as much as Lauren does. Not Bo specifically but the Fae that literally left him for dead. Namely the Light Fae elders and Noble Families.
"Let me think about this a little bit". Lauren went back to her work and Noah nodded. He knows she won't be long so he will step outside to supervise the extra security cameras he requested to be installed.
The Dal
"Dyson, Tamsin. Where have you been?". Trick asked.
"He's alive". Dyson growled and held his neck.
"Who's alive?". Kenzi asked.
"The Ash. He's alive". Dyson gritted his teeth.
"Dyson stop talking in riddles, which Ash?". Kenzi handed him a beer.
"Noah". Dyson drank his beer in one gulp.
"Who's Noah?". Kenzi looked back and forth between the two.
"The raspy voiced one. The one that tried to make Bo choose sides". Tamsin shook her head. She is in a room full of idiots. But she had been dumb too. She should've popped Lauren and brought her dead body to Bo's doorstep.
"Shit. I thought his ass was long dead". Kenzi shook her head and almost got goosebumps.
"How do you know this? Did you actually see him?". Trick stood in major disbelief. There is no way Noah should have survived Aife's bomb.
"We both saw him. He was helping Lauren". Dyson rolled his eyes. How did she become aligned with Noah but still remain free?
"Lauren? What? Does Bo know?". Kenzi rambled.
"We are not sure. Last I talked to Bo, she wanted me to trace some cars down. I told her no. Then Noah happened." Dyson shrugged.
"You saw Noah? You know where Lauren is?". Kenzi pulled her phone out.
"No need to call me, Kenzi". Bo stood far away from the group. Hale stood beside her and the world felt like it was at a complete standstill.
"Bo..". Kenzi started.
Bo didn't speak. She walked over and grabbed Tamsin by her neck. "What the fuck were you thinking? Going after Lauren!". She screamed.
"Bo!". Trick screamed.
"Come near me and you die, Trick". Bo eyes flared into Tamsin's. The succubus smiled when an idea struck. "Put her in the cage".
"What cage?". Trick asked.
"The one you chained me in when I told you Kenzi wasn't Kenzi!". Bo screamed.
"Dyson, take her down, please". The old Blood King felt a powerful succubus in the room. He hadn't felt that since she brought Dyson back. Before that, he hadn't felt that since Isabeau was still alive.
Bo followed Dyson and Tamsin to the cage. She laughed when the Valkyrie yanked at her chains. "This isn't over!". She screamed.
"I could kill you right here. But no, you had a hit out on the woman I love. I am going to find Lauren, once I feel like she's safe and out of harm's way, I am going to make your life in that cage a living hell". Bo grabbed the door and Tamsin felt the cage shake. This succubus has no idea who she really is but her dark power is a huge ass clue.
Bo seethed. She wanted to kill Tamsin right then and there but the better part of her knows she needs to find Lauren. Lauren needs to be safe and accounted for before she deals with Tamsin.
Lauren and Noah
Noah turned when he heard a door opening. "I've decided. I will go and tell her in person. But I have one condition". Lauren stood firm.
"And that is?". Noah asked.
"That you come with me. I know the bullshit will start the minute we enter the Dal. While I can take care of myself, I don't trust the Light Fae not to snatch me from behind". Lauren replied as she walked down the small staircase.
"You don't have to ask. I was going to go anyway. You are valuable to me, Lauren. Not as a lover. Not as a friend. But as my hero. I was about to take my last breath when you swooped in and saved me. No Fae will ever tell you that. The Succubus maybe, if she's capable of expressing those feelings". Noah walked behind Lauren. He watched all around them while Lauren climbed into his truck. Once he nodded, the small group of trucks pulled off.
Lauren sat across from him in the back. She nodded and looked out the window. This was a easy but hard decision. They are going to the very spot where Bo's succubus almost killed her. Dyson's life is more valuable than hers. She knows that now. Bo's professions of love for Lauren feel weak, to be perfectly honest. Kenzi accepted it because she has always been fond of the wolf. Even when he talked horribly about humans. Kenzi probably thinks she's a little above Lauren now. Now that Bo saved him and made sure Kenzi was okay. Noah is right. She just has to help people. It is something she was born with. She could have called Bo, but the woman would probably think it was lies Noah was feeding her. He hasn't been like that. Not once since she brought him back. Oddly enough, he's probably the only one she can trust right now. That's why she insisted that he come with her to tell Bo what she found.
After an hour, they arrived at the Dal. Lauren sat looking at the building. This would be the moment she had longed for for years. To walk in free and not having to answer to any Ash or Fae. There is only one Fae she's looking for. The rest can save their own asses. It's not like they ever tried to save hers. That's half the reason she's come for Bo. Because her succubus did save Lauren. Without Trick or the wolf. She saved her.
Inside
"I don't know why you are going to look for her. She left you. She left you for a man. The Ash. The very man that forced her to sleep with you. I'm here. No Ash permission required". Dyson spoke to Bo.
"I saved your life and you're still an arrogant ass. I'm going to look for her because I love her. I love her more than I have ever loved before. Your wolf nature is probably attracted to my succubus. But we are attracted to all of Lauren. You're fae, you're safe. She's not. She's out there. Out there with him and Fae dying. I have to make sure she's okay. I know you will never understand that, but that's not my business for you to understand. But understand this, my doing you favors days are over. I simply asked you to track her and you wouldn't. Solve your own shit from now on. Then let's see how your captain likes your lack of production". Bo threw a drink in the man's face and he growled. Her succubus smiled at the sight.
"Well, that was touching". Noah spoke from behind everyone.
"I told you!". Dyson growled.
"Lauren!". Bo smiled and started over before the blonde put her hand up to stop her progress.
"Trick. Dyson". Noah spoke. He saw Kenzi but felt no need to speak to her.
"How are you alive?". Trick asked.
"Her. She's how". Noah pointed towards Lauren.
"You saved your master?". Dyson laughed. He growled when Noah pinned him to the nearest wall.
"Big talk for a little balls wolf. Don't ever disrespect her again". Noah roared and dropped Dyson to the floor.
"What the fuck?". Kenzi spit her drink out.
"Lauren, are you okay?". Bo spoke softly.
"Yes, but I need to talk to you, privately". Lauren rocked on one boot.
"Okay." Bo looked at Noah and for once, he didn't back talk her.
"I'll be right here, Lauren". Noah took a seat and patted on the counter for a drink.
"Whatever it is she's about to tell Bo, we need to know too". Dyson looked to Trick.
"Not everything is about you, wolf". Noah spoke over his shoulder but never turned around to look at the man.
"What's your story anyway?". Kenzi asked. She put a hand on Dyson's chest to keep him from getting his ass kicked.
"Like I would tell you". Noah laughed into his glass.
"We're Bo's family. Wherever she goes, we will go. If you brought Lauren here to take her away, I hope your brought a big enough ride for everyone". Kenzi shrugged.
Noah laughed. "You have guts. Probably because Bo claimed you. But talk to me like that again, and the Blood King wouldn't be able to save you".
Bo and Lauren
Bo didn't know whether to stand or sit. Lauren had been quiet since they walked down the steps and found an empty room. So empty nothing was in there but a single chair.
"Noah acquired two dead Fae bodies. After hours of research of their wounds and COD, I came to one conclusion. Which leads me to one question. Am I your weakness?". Lauren asked.
"What?". Bo was confused.
"The Fae are being murdered with their weakness. If I'm your succubus's weakness, then we need to take precautions". Lauren took the only seat in the room.
"I will always protect you, Lauren. If you let me". Bo replied.
"Was that a yes or no?". Lauren asked.
Bo was thrown aback at her professionalism even after hours. But Lauren has always been like that at any given moment. "Yes, you are our weakness. Not just my succubus but mine too".
"Thank you". Lauren stood suddenly and walked out of the room with Bo hot on her heels.
"Lauren, can we talk? Please". Bo gently grabbed the woman's arm.
"People are dying out there, Bo. I could be one of them. We can't sit on this any longer than we already have." Lauren turned her chin over her neck.
Bo gasped. "Tell me how I can help".
"We don't know yet. We don't even know who's doing it". Lauren started walking again with Bo still on her heels.
Noah stood when he saw Lauren coming. "Did you tell her?".
"Yes and yes". Lauren nodded.
Noah walked out of the building dialing a number on his phone. "What the hell is going on, Lauren?". Kenzi asked.
Lauren half smiled and looked at Bo and walked out. "Damn it". Bo whispered.
"Bo, wait!". Kenzi screamed.
"Stay here, Kenzi. Don't leave the Dal. I mean for anything". Bo spoke over her shoulder.
Lauren and Noah climbed into their truck. Bo grabbed the door before it could be closed. "Can I go or shall I follow you in my car?".
"Lauren?". Noah looked to the blonde.
"Get in, Bo". Lauren replied softly.
Bo climbed in and took a seat across from Lauren but opposite Noah. "Okay. Do I get to know the rest of it?".
"Fae are being killed. We haven't found the culprit". Lauren replied simply.
"I have a lead but it's a long shot. That's where we are headed now". Noah handed Lauren a small piece of paper. The doctor's eyes went wide when she read it. "You can't be serious".
"I am. But I need to physically see for myself". Noah leaned forward and backwards.
"Lauren?". Bo turned her attention to the woman.
"Buckle in, Bo. This is going to be a wild one". Lauren handed the note back to Noah.
Bo sat back and did as she was told. She's with Lauren again. She might not be alone with her, but she's with her. She needs to do the one thing she's never been good at, be patient.
Lauren took some deep breaths and went back to looking out the window. While she initially thought she should call Bo, she was glad that she went in person. She closed her eyes and felt like her chest was about to crush from the butterfly nerves in her stomach. She just hoped they would get to where they need to be and in a hurry. Bo needs to know and she can't tell her in such a confined state like the hummer.
Bo looked out the window and snuck looks at Lauren. She knew her stance. She's nervous about something and it's something big. She knows she's not lying to her, she's just not going to tell her until they have proof like Noah said. She snuck looks at him too. As much as she wants to kick his ass, she doesn't have current reason to. Lauren looks healthier than she ever has. She looks like she gets three hot meals a day. She wasn't always sure about that when Lauren was still ward of the Ash. The same Ash in the car with them. She saved his life. So, technically, he's a ward of hers.
Noah touched his ear and spoke. "We're getting close".
Lauren sat up in her seat and took more deep breaths. Bo reached over and tapped her knee.
"How do you want to handle this?". Lauren asked.
"I will go in with my crew. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong". Noah climbed out and shut the door behind him.
"Lauren, you can tell me. Whatever it is". Bo grabbed a hand and squeezed.
"We think Aife is in there, Bo. But after all this time, we don't know what shape she's in". Lauren looked the woman in the eye and Bo yanked her own hand back.
"She can't be alive. She would have come home and made our lives hell. Noah could be making this up". Bo shook her head.
"That's why he said he wants to be sure, first, Bo. We both do. That's why I didn't want to say anything until we get the word from him". Lauren rubbed her face.
Bo fidgeted in her seat violently. On one hand she wants to go in and see for herself but on the other hand, she can't leave Lauren alone and unprotected. "Shit". She gasped when she thought of something. "We're going in".
"What? Bo, I can't. We don't know her mental status. She might snap". Lauren backed up.
"I know you wore a necklace for years but wear this one. Just for now". Bo opened her hand. "I'm sorry I didn't return it to you sooner".
"I thought you returned it to the vault". Lauren's eyes went wide.
"Not yet. Come on, let's go see if Aife's really here". Bo climbed out and held the door for Lauren.
They walked into the building and loud voices pulled them down the hall and around the corner. "You should be dead!" A woman's voice screamed.
"Your little bomb almost worked but someone saved my life". Noah replied angrily.
"I need to kill all of you. Especially her! Especially Bo!". The woman screamed again.
"Kill me? As if you could". The blue eyed succubus appeared next to Noah.
"Ahh there's the little bitch that left her succubus mother for dead". Aife's blue eyes were glowing.
"I went looking for you, but you were gone. Now, what's this about?". Bo's succubus raged at the cage her mother was being held in.
"That human doctor and I were killing off the Fae. Eventually I would have gotten to you". Aife smiled as she touched the window.
Bo watched it turn orange. "If that's all you got, you better stay in that cage". She laughed.
"We need to get you out of here, Lauren". Noah touched the woman.
"Bo, I can't leave her". Lauren spoke softly.
"Yes, you can". Bo raised her hand and the necklace Lauren was wearing came to her. "Get her out of here!".
Noah nodded and picked the blonde up. It wasn't long before they were in his truck again. "Get some sleep, I will wait for Bo".
Lauren stretched out and tried to sleep. It is not going to be easy. Aife had been feeding someone all of the Fae's business. Bo will find out who, if she hasn't already.
TBC