Breakfast
Bo couldn't sleep after her talk with Lauren, her saying Goodbye seems so final. It kept replaying all night on her mind. She decided to make breakfast for her and Kenzi. Kenzi, a long sigh…Lauren said not to blame Kenzi for that secret, it was her decision to tell her that she has a girlfriend. Lauren defended her relationship to us – her succubus and her. Which Bo had never done to her so-called friends – they weren't friends. They were a means to an end. Hale was okay, but Dyson…I thought he and Lauren had buried the hatchet. I guess not on his part. He got the girl – her. It made Bo think of all the times she had thought she always put Lauren first. Never. That Nelson debacle had Lauren decided to take that break. I never fought for them to be together she just accepted. And she blamed Lauren for the break up.
Kenzi came down smelling the aroma of coffee. Bo quietly observed her friend getting herself a cup. Kenzi felt being watched but she didn't let it on.
"Bo, you made breakfast. Cool!" gathering all the food on her plate. "Stop staring at me."
"I've spoken to Lauren last night. Ysabeau wanted to ask her if she's coming home for Christmas." Settling herself to the nearest chair. "I'm sorry I had to use your security clearance and code in order to reach her without asking your permission."
"Okkkaaay." Mouthful of food; what is Bo getting at. "Why didn't you call me? I would have wanted to talk to her too. Weren't we to talk to her in two weeks. Could have it waited?"
"You were asleep and Ysabeau wanted to talk to her soon and wanted just us." Kenzi eyeing her suspiciously. Nodding as in agreeing with her.
"Mmm… Lauren finally told us she has a girlfriend," Trying to be nonchalant and her temper rising, but she couldn't help feeling betrayed.
Kenzi put her fork down, looking really hard at Bo. Being thoughtful, we are in some ways growing up as adults. For me at least, a security job that is going somewhere and meals not having to scrounge some food from strangers. Having Lauren as a friend really had her see things differently. "Bo let me ask you something."
Bo bowed her head for her to continue. "Remember that kissed with Tamsin? You didn't tell me much at the time, you ran off. But what would have happened if you asked me to not say a word to Lauren. I wouldn't have told Lauren to spite her even though I didn't like her that much at the time. I kept my mouth shut, even though it was the right thing for you to tell her yourself. I would have kept that promise." Letting that sink into Bo's memory lane. "I did with Lauren what I would have done with you. I kept my promise not to tell you. Because it is Lauren's to tell, not mine."
Kenzi getting up to get more coffee, when she returns Bo's stature didn't relax. "I'll see you at the office." Shutting the door behind her.
But its different with Tamsin, it was my Dawning…Bo whined in her head. She got up to go upstairs to change for work. It was going to be a long day.
Day
Bo had stepped inside her office she saw Kenzi with the phone on her ear, one of her hands writing things on the notepad beside her. She finally notices there are more than three clients waiting for them sitting on the sofa. We need a receptionist.
Taking a deep breath, its time for business. "Hello – which one of you have an appointment and which ones are walk ins?" Two clients had raised their hands simultaneously said, "We have an appointment."
"Okay." She pointed at the dressed man. "Let's go to my office." They walk to her office she offered the gentleman the chair while she walks behind the desk. The man sat there waiting for Bo to start. Or the other way around. Smiling, she took out her notepad and waited for him to speak. Her mind started to wander about Lauren - what's she's up to now? Bo smiled and started listening to the client in front of her.
Bo was heading out as soon as the last client had left since she started that morning. It was well after twelve pm and she needed lunch. She saw Kenzi quietly entering some information on her computer. She walked over, "Kenz, lets head out for lunch and talk about how we'll split up the clients."
Kenzi looked away from her computer, with a lollipop in her mouth. "This is my lunch." Deadpanned, grimaced. "I am starving since breakfast." She got up with her small bag.
"Maybe we should try out that small café around the corner?" Bo holding the open door for Kenzi to pass. "Afterwards, we have a client to meet at her home."
Afterwards
Bo and Kenzi climb up the magnificent mansion it was a long walk way to the door. Bo said home, this is not a home! Kenzi was thinking about how much it would cost to have security around this place; gasping for air from the walking the long steps to the front door.
They rang the doorbell, a woman answered when she came into view. Bo was mesmerized by her because of her short honey, dark blond hair reminded Bo of Lauren. Except her eyes are as dark blue as the ocean. Bo stood there; and it was Kenzi who initiated the introduction.
"Hello, I'm Kenzi Malikov and this is Bo Dennis."
"I'm Miss Daniels." Letting them inside the house, "I heard from a friend that you do some security and private investigating?" Her eyes roaming all over Bo, making Bo feel so self-conscious. At any given time, she would have welcome that kind of look. Still Lauren's Goodbye lingers on her mind.
They had spent two hours with Miss Daniels, assessing her mansion for installing security cameras. Miss Daniels' staff can monitor the trespassers themselves.
As they were leaving, Miss Daniels had to walk a little faster to get Bo's attention, "Ah umm, Bo. Miss Dennis."
"Yes Miss Daniels?" Turning her head as she had stopped at the front door.
"Call me Jolie" Touching Bo's her arm.
"Yes, Miss Daniels?" Not wanting to call her first name just yet.
Miss Daniels glance at Kenzi quickly, she finally asked, "Can I ask you out for dinner? I mean not at this time. Maybe in two weeks, I'll give you a call?" stammering at her invitation.
This got Bo to smile a bit. "Sure, give me a call after everything has been set up."
After a ten-hour day, now here she sat at her car lost in her thoughts. She had mention to Kenzi earlier in the afternoon they should have a drink before they decided to celebrate because their business is booming with more clients coming to their office. She forgot to mention to Kenzi they needed a receptionist and an accountant.
I miss Lauren, I'm still wrapping my head around that she has a girlfriend. And yet, there's something about Miss Daniels whom she had just met. Kenzi jumps into the car distracting her thoughts for now, "Let's go amiga!"
Captive
The soldier quietly came in, walking towards the table and laid down the food. He didn't look at her just brought the food and left closing the metal door behind him with a clang.
She waited a few more minutes before standing up, he was so close she could have subdued him. She wasn't in any state for an altercation, she needs to get her bearing straight first.
The first thing she grabbed is the water, she guzzled that down fast, then she looked over the food. There's an extra bottle of water, she is thankful she needed to be hydrated. She picks up the thick sandwich and cautiously looking over its content and smelling it. Chicken sandwich. After taking a small bite, yum…its really good or maybe she's just hungry. Some carrots in a cellophane, and chips. After devouring the food, she can now rest and think better.
As she looked around the cave, it's nothing new since she's been in one in the light fae compound by her former Ash. There was nothing for her to do but sit on her makeshift bed waiting for one of them to come by and talk to her. She patted her side pocket looking for her cell phone, and found it gone. They must have taken it away making sure the military can't locate her. Sigh… After it seem like more than thirty minutes of waiting, she fell asleep.
She woke up from a noise and realize someone is standing over her. Since she's been with the fae for so long, the stranger's yellow eyes didn't surprise her just startle her of his presence as she jolted up.
The stranger stood back allowing Lauren to sit up, his deep voice resonated the cave. "Dr. Lewis." His tone sounded happy.
"I get the feeling. I'm well-known all over the fae world?" She wasn't sure if she should stand up or just stayed seated. "Or you've seen my name on my uniform?"
The stranger laugh, sounding musical. "For us Ancient. Yes. We've kept tabs on you over the years." Sighing a little bit. "You'll need to stay with us for three days or more. Then we'll let you go."
"I do believe there's always an agenda." Her tone told him she didn't believe a word was being said. "How long have I been here? A day or two" Out of curiosity.
"Two days." His voice became serious.
Lauren thought she can take the guy since she's been practicing much with bigger and well-muscled men in her training. But his physique told her it can be deceiving.
Reading her body language telling him she's thinking of overpowering him and relax when she made up her mind.
"Dr. Lewis we need your help…we have a medical problem with one of our own. She's pregnant but… is having complication. Our doctor was supposed to be here on time for her pregnancy and got stuck at her country for a week and her due date has arrived. We do need for us to move to her location and for our safety of course."
"Of course." Lauren responded. She saw in his hand a black hood to cover her head.
Evony scrambled all night in figuring how to find Lauren. This is not Bo's problem but her own to rescue Lauren from whoever took her. She's calling the one person who may able to help her find Lauren. The phone kept ringing; she's losing her patient. She was about to hang up and call for her private plane to fly out to Afghanistan and have Tamsin looking for…The voice inside her head told her not to. Taking a deep breath, a migraine is about to settle between her eyes and even more stressed if Bo as much heard about this. There's no stopping a craze succubus exposing them to the world.
"Hello Evony." The calm voice finally answered the ring, "Why are you calling at this time? Is it late at your end of the world?"
Evony tried so hard to calm herself knowing if she raised her voice or antagonize him, he may just hang up as she took to counting to five. "Hello. Yes, like three am. Lauren Lewis as in Doctor, Major Lewis disappeared two days ago."
"Hmmm… Let's see what I can do. Wait for my call this may take at least two or three days to find out." Evony was about to protest. "No, do not come at all!" He didn't have to raise his voice to make a point. "Go get some sleep and I will call you day after tomorrow night on what I have found out." Click, the tone died.
She didn't have a chance to respond back. She stood at her desk willing herself not to go after Lauren. If he had found something he would let her know. Even if she had gone home, she wouldn't be able to sleep but looking down at her dress she didn't want to be seen with the same clothes as now. She'll wait, if no answer comes forward, she will damn well go get her one way or another.
Ouch!
Dyson sat with Tamsin, his new drinking buddy. His partner had decided to take the position as being the next Ash. – Hale.
He and Kenzi have been cozying up and he had told him to knock it off. Faes and human should not interact.
Tamsin eyed Dyson before drinking the shot in front of her.
Dyson has been laying low since he and Bo had broken up. He had tried several times going to their office asking Kenzi to help him to be friends with Bo – nothing else. Tamsin knew Dyson is still in love with Bo, but since he did try to control Bo, its not gonna happen.
"You know quit going to their office Dyson." Kenzi has been trying to be patient with Dyson because her work is not getting productive with his presence every time he visits and he's scaring their customers away every time the big bad wolf shows his sharpen teeth.
Dyson growled, "Grrrr! It seems Bo has been missing some appointments with some clients. Sometimes Kenzi too."
"And how would you know that?" Staring hard at Dyson.
Trick was walking around the Dal making sure everything is fine, he spotted Dyson and Tamsin at the booth when he squared his shoulder while walking up to them.
"Everything okay?" Asking them both.
"Its fine Trick." Tamsin getting up dropping some bills on the table. "Time to go home anyway."
"It's so early." Dyson snarled trying somehow to tell her to stay for another thirty minutes. She ignored him, nodded to Trick walking away straight to the front door.
Trick followed Tamsin with his eyes before settling on Dyson.
"Your granddaughter is ignoring me." Dyson said quietly, looking into his cup.
"She doesn't want to see you at this time. Well, at all."
"I shouldn't have lost my temper."
"No, you shouldn't have gone there DRUNK, Dyson. Her succubus doesn't like you at all."
"I'm going to get her back. Even if..."
"Be careful Dyson. Her succubus will kill you. So will I." conveying the seriousness Trick is expressing.
They didn't notice Bo entering the Dal, she stood at the entrance as if scanning around her next prey; she saw her target who is at the opposite end of the room. She slowly took her time walking towards them when she had gotten closer, she heard the last bit of the conversation that's when they notice her presence. Her eyes had turned glowingly bright blue.
"Bo." Dyson said her name softly, he ignored her blue eyes as he stands up walking around Trick not waiting for her to come near.
"Bo" Trick said warningly, hoping she would walk away or take the hint before Dyson will not see tomorrow.
She stopped short of a few feet away. "Trick, may I talk to you in private." Staring menacingly at Dyson as he had come closer. She pushed him down to the nearest chair with her foot, then walk towards the bar.
"Sure Bo. I'll be at the bar in a few seconds." Watching her walk away turning back to Dyson. Telling him in an imposing voice. "Dyson go home."
Bo sat at the bar staring at the liquor bottles on the shelf. They have been so busy this week, she is trying very hard not to think about Lauren. She should move on with her life, like Lauren is doing now.
She can't help her mind is constantly on Lauren, wondering what is she doing now even though she's in the desert danger of being shot at. Bo got worried when she had that bump in the head months ago regarding her routine. She knows she can't disclose what had happen to her. What's bothering her is the new girlfriend. All she can imagine is them – huff – of her having sex with someone else other than her! She wants to hit her head on the table, knowing she really made a mess with Lauren.
And then there's Jolie Daniels, a fairy. She's tall, like Lauren with the same hair color, except for her eyes they're not hazel but dark blue. She is drawn to Jolie Daniels; something about her personality that she wants to get to know her. Maybe I should just date people until Lauren is bored with that woman. She's pouting inside, oh well…
She felt a body sat next to the empty stool. "Having a bad day hon?" Who is calling her that? Who would call her that? She swivels to her right and saw this beautiful brunette with hazel eyes, just like Lauren's. Her succubus is hungry, but this woman's eyes reminded her so much of Lauren. I need to feed. She tells her succubus, not chi suck from afar. I mean, I need to feel some one touching me. We need sex. Lauren is not my mate. Bo silently told her succubus. She's our mate, but we need the feel of a warm body. Yes, we need sex. But she wants to wake up in the morning with somebody, she's been celibate for months now.
Trick arrive at the front of the counter, eyeing the woman beside her before addressing them both. "How may I help you ladies? What will you have?"
The woman thinks before answering the bar keep, impishly as she eyed Bo. "How about a slippery nipple?" Caressing Bo's arm with her left finger.
This sent shivers to Bo, she misses the intimacy of a body. She decided since Lauren is not here and she's with a girlfriend, she will be fulfilling her own needs. Her inner succubus could only agree since they had lost Lauren for now. For now? Bo inquired. Later. Her succubus told her. I want the feel of a body tonight...
Dyson didn't heed Tricks warning when he approaches Bo. He put his hand on her shoulder showing the woman sitting next to her that he claimed her.
Bo stiffened at the touch; she turns to face Dyson. She didn't want to scare the woman away. He did not heed the warning sign of Bo's eyes changing from blue to brown conveying for him to leave. Instead, Dyson appear to not have learned his lesson.
Her succubus' deep voice, "Dog this is not Bo!" Dyson took a step back baring his teeth. He couldn't believe Bo will not control her succubus. There's so much hatred towards her even the succubus could see in his aura. She will not control her she is part of her and this time no one will ever dictate her on controlling her succubus.
A hand landed on Dyson's shoulder, "Man, Dyson we can't leave you alone!" Tugging him to leave with the weight of his hand. "Let's go. I'll treat you to dinner." There was no response. "Or I'll whistle for you to follow." It was now a command than a request. Since he's been an Ash for a while, he's been getting better on giving orders.
Dyson growled, ever since Hale became the new Ash; his cases at work doubled and Tamsin became his partner.
Hale stood his ground but he doesn't want to use his whistle.
Dyson is reflecting at that moment, even though Lauren is not here she still dominates Bo's mind. He shook his head to clear the cobwebs, Lauren is going to die someday and he'll wait. He'll be in his best behavior interacting with Bo on the subject of work, if they cross path.
"Yeah, Hale take me to dinner." While looking at the succubus. He didn't apologize he didn't need to. Dyson retreated slowly, then walking out the door with Hale following him.
They were outside at the entrance, "Are you good on your promise on that dinner?"
"Yeah Dyson. I found this decent place having the juiciest steak you could sink your teeth into." Laughing but being serious, Hale fixed his fedora slightly tilting to the side, he is so immaculately dressed on his dark brown white stripe three-piece suit.
"Why did you find me anyway?" Following Hale to his car.
"Trick called me to take you out to dinner." The look on Dyson's face of disbelief.
"No man, its true. You were getting drunk with Tamsin. You need to sober up. I need you on a case anyway." Unlocking the car door, they both gotten in.
The succubus stayed alert eyeing Dyson until he walks out the door. Heaving a sigh of relief, she felt a hand on her knee reminding her the woman is still sitting next to her. She turns her attention to her and wanted to feast – a meal. The gleam in her eyes didn't deter the woman, she actually smiled.
"May you please find an empty booth behind us. I would like to speak to the barkeep alone." She politely told the woman who hasn't given her name yet.
The woman understood, she got up and found the empty booth that Dyson and Tamsin had vacated earlier in the far back to give them some privacy.
"Trick" getting right to the point, "Do you know anyone in need of a job?"
"A job?" perplex written all over his face.
"Yes, Kenzi and I need a receptionist for now. A fae. Let me know if you found one? We, of course will interview them if they are what we are looking for."
Getting up from her stool, nodded at Trick who acknowledge the dismissal. Shaking his head, women. Sighing, at least she's not with Lauren and that she's still in Afghanistan. Walking away to tend the other customers who had just walked in.
Bo found the woman waiting for her, food. She smiled brightly at the woman who stood up waiting for her. "Where to?"
"My place." Exiting the Dal. Bo/Ysabeau couldn't wait for the dessert tonight.
Help
She felt the car stopped and then rough hands guided her out of the car. Lauren blinked a few times after they have taken off the hood, she's adjusting her eyes to the sunlight. She looked around her surroundings. It's a small village. There's an opening to the side of the mountain she believes that's how they had drove through.
An Elderly woman walks towards them a little shorter than her. Her facial expression didn't leave any emotion, just stoic. She had to scrutinize Lauren while walking towards them she can tell by slit of her eyes.
Addressing Lauren, "You are the doctor, Lauren Lewis?"
"Yes, I am."
"A bit young to be a doctor. Follow me." She didn't wait for an answer, she turns around towards the tent disappearing inside where she waited for her.
As she entered the tent, she found more than one woman waiting for her even though she was not expecting four.
"Are they due?" Was all she asked walking towards them.
"Yes Dr Lewis." At the sight of her the women perked up they were relieved for a doctor.
She's curious about them while walking towards them, "What faes are you?" Directing the question to the first woman nearest to her.
"Panther."- the next person, "Selkie " Umm where's the water around here maybe underground?
"It's underground." Answering her thought.
"Wolf " the third said, the last one "Siren."
The elderly lady "I'm Francine. Dr Lewis." Finally introducing herself.
Lauren nodded her head, "All of you are about to give birth?" while taking the first woman in front of her.
"And one or two more Dr Lewis. There's two people have contracted something but the they are feverish." Lauren really misses this in the human world, something exciting for her to figure out the cause and the cure.
Lauren began her attentions to the pregnant ladies; It was not until after midnight she had help gave birth to all four women, this made Lauren happy being a doctor.
The next day they showed her their up-to-date medical equipment and she nearly drooled over.
She started working on the cure for the faes who are feverish for more than three days. One of their patients, Lauren was trying to get a sample of her blood she can tell the fae was delirious wondering why she was strapped to the bed but whatever demons the fae has she shouted, "Let me show you what I meant!"
She was able to loosen both of her straps; gotten off the bed and proceeded to attack Lauren– she was able to hit Lauren at her left side of her face. Lauren felt the punch to her ribs while turning her body from the strike.
Lauren's training had kick in and was able to block partial of her attack. Francine came running with two other faes helping to stabilize the situation.
They strap the woman down; Francine came over to Lauren and gently touches her face observing the injury. "You'll have a bruise; we need to do an x-ray in case there's damage to your head."
Lauren nodded; while she is holding her side. "Also, your ribs too making sure nothing is broken." She had acquiesced to Francine, her ribs hurt so much this fae was so relentless.
After half an hour, the x-ray showed Lauen has a slight, hairline fracture to one of her ribs. Francine had wrapped bandages to secure around her upper body. Her head is okay nothing major which is a sigh of relief for Lauren.
Lauren woke up the next day with a pain on her face, she can barely see through her left eye. She tried several attempts to get up and she felt the PAIN in her ribs and she recoils with gasps. They had wrapped her upper body tight with abdominal bandage. She is looking at the ceiling of the tent, she's breathing slowly trying to prevent her ribs from hurting too much.
Francine came by to her cot checking on her, "Dr. Lewis you became the patient." She was trying to make light of the situation, Lauren from her one eye could tell she felt bad to what had happened to her. "Do you need anything?"
"Do you have a mirror?" Trying to breathe evenly. "Did you give me some pain medication for the rib and the swelling?"
"No, I didn't. You have to tell me what meds to give you." Looking for the mirror, finally found it and handing it to her.
Lauren saw herself really bruise at her left side, her eye is really swollen and its starting to darken against her tan face. Ok we can do this.
She didn't want to ask Francine for help but if she needed to find the cure, she needed to do it now. "Ah Francine, could you please help me up?"
"Lauren, Dr. Lewis" She heard a lot of Dr. Lewis this young woman in front of her. Yes, she's a young woman, I'm only a thousand years old.
"You can call me Lauren." Trying not to grimace from the pain. "I know your doctor will not be here for the next four or five days. I can figure it out if you will let me up."
"How about this Lauren." Francine tilted her head to the side, "You rest today. Only today. Then I'll let you find the cure tomorrow?"
"Francine, make it two days from now?" Lauren sighed not wanting to argue with her, her ribs really hurt right now and she needed to rest. Her left eye is almost swollen shut from the side punch. She needed to be realistic here, she needed to heal first. She can't be that stubborn. Well, she is. She felt so tired and sleepy.
Francine was happy, "Sure Lauren. We'll take care of you. Just let us know what we needed. OK?"
EVONY
It was several days later as expected, all Evony could do is wait for some news on Lauren. It was harder for her to concentrate on her work but she has no choice. She wanted so badly go to Bo for help which she didn't want at all. That didn't end well when Bo had sent Tamsin to locate Lauren. She kept looking at the phone all day and some parts of the evenings. Evony had to double her security in case Bo had caught wind of Lauren's captivity. Perish that thought.
Finally on the third night, the call came in as she picks up the phone hoping its her so called friend. "Evony." Listening to the other end, "Have you heard or found her at all?" Still the person at the other end continued talking until she finally breathes a sigh of relief. "Will they release her at all?"
"No Evony, they will not. I have requested a meeting with them but they turned me down. The only thing they said she will be return soon as she finished helping their people."
"What do you mean their people? Do you know them at all?" Tapping her foot, she's really worried about Lauren. She knows Lauren is very resourceful and she'll be alright.
"No, they are the nomads of the desert. They assured me Lauren will return to her people once she finishes helping them."
"Can you keep an eye on Lauren?" Her body relax as her worry diminish exponentially.
"No Evony, I believe they will keep her safe. I saw her coming out of the tent."
"Please keep me inform when Lauren has actually been returned to her unit." She heard the click on the other end, she can finally sigh in relief. She dropped in her chair with a resounding thump.
Recovered
Two days later, Lauren felt better from her ordeal with the help from Francine, she started finding the cure. At first, Lauren had to take it easy with her fractured rib. They had really bond after that incident. Francine had finally appreciated Lauren's presence; she would bring her food and they would talk for hours. Lauren explaining what she had found out about the virus and the cure, she had written the diagnosis and cure on a piece of paper for their doctor to look over. After that, she has been helping the rest of the faes with their ailments that she was able to solve and cure.
Alone at her own tent, Lauren found the mirror she remembered her bump behind her neck until she had recently rubbed her hand behind her neck…. a sort of tattoo. S***! Oh, come on another branding! Hold it together Lauren, she told herself she's trying to control her anger and tears. She is trying to figure out what the symbol meant. The necklace the Ash gave her is one thing that she can take off but being tattooed is another. Evony—that woman didn't want to scar her body with ink ornaments or wear jewelry (that's up to Lauren). All Evony did is to remind her where she belongs, that is enough for her. She and Evony never talked about it again.
One evening, the man who had spoken to Lauren the first time they had met brought a tray of food and set it down by the table.
"Dr Lewis, we would like to thank you for your medical expertise." He never had given his name.
Grudgingly, she answered "You're welcome. Since you haven't introduced yourself." Hesitantly, "You could have asked me and I would have gladly helped somehow without the army finding out."
"It's better this way. I'm glad to inform you our doctor has arrived." Seeing the questions, "No introductions is needed. You are free to go tomorrow. Any questions?"
Lauren pointed at her neck, there was a confuse expression from him. He walks toward her while she put aside her hair for him to take a look, he saw the tattoo. Oh? He had forgotten about that when he saw the pain and anger in her face.
"Dr Lewis." Resting his hand on her shoulder she had stiffened at the touch. "You are free."
Still Lauren is pissed, "You didn't have to tattoo me. A necklace or a word out there would have sufficed."
"No, this is the only way for the faes to understand that you are not OWN." The man emphasizes the last part his eyes twinkling. "You can continue being their doctor if you so choose. You can visit them at their compound or live there. It is your choice."
"But why the " Lauren trying to wrap at what he just said, and seem grateful at the same time.
"Why the tattoo? To tell our fae world you are not to be enslaved. The tattoo symbolizes FREEDOM – all faes recognized that. They will honor the tattoo. We are the other fae no one knows about only in myth. But we are just as more powerful than the combination of both the dark and light faes."
Tilting his head to the side, "Dr. Lewis we can mingle with them but they don't know we exist, only you."
"So, in other words. I don't say a word about your existent?" Nodding his head in agreement.
"Will you all be in danger of being hunted?" she didn't want them to get hurt. "They will wonder who had given me the tattoo and since they will find out its an old symbol?"
"No, it will not come to that."
"Sometimes you have to sign in if you are aligned to dark or light fae." Trying to convince him about the faes are like back in civilization.
"You mean the Blood King?" Starting to laugh, "Trick's blood cannot harm us. Yes, I do know about him. The Elders of both Dark and Light will keep their words." He was getting tired of all the questions she can tell. "Please its time for dinner, eat your food and you will be returning to your squad soon." The man leaving Lauren to her own thoughts about her freedom. He stopped at the entrance of the tent. "Oh, by the way no one can imitate your tattoo even if humans try to replicate it by taking a picture of it or by any means."
Dal
Bo once again sat at the bar contemplating what she'll do now. Trick didn't bother her, he let her be while she's looking intently all alcohols on the shelf.
She gave one to Lauren as a gift but she didn't say thank you. That was before you got her so mad when you found out she has a girlfriend. Telling herself that without her succubus inferring to her.
What should I do? Telling herself, I am without a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Just remembering that one night and a day they both feasted on that woman satisfying their needs. She missed having a body next to her, especially Lauren's. But then it was Dyson's body who was keeping her warm instead of Lauren. Sigh!
Jolie Daniels, she had contacted Bo after two weeks as she promised. They met at the café near her work. She can feel the aura emanating from her, the way Jolie lightly touching her arm. For the first time, she didn't want to get into a relationship.
Remembering what she absently said out loud, "Miss Daniels…I meant Jolie. I'm not ready for a serious relationship."
Jolie was laughing so hard, "Bo, I'm not either." Again, she lightly caresses Bo's arm causing goosebumps tingle all over her body. "We could just hang out from time to time."
She absentmindedly swirling the ice on her drink with her finger, she could not get the news out of her mind that Lauren has a girlfriend.
A man stood next to her at the bar interrupting her thoughts, "Hey Bo, are you okay? You looked so solemn just now?"
Turning her head towards him, smiling. "How are you Hale? Dyson giving you a hard time lately?"
He shrugs his shoulder waiting for Trick to come by so he can order his drinks. "I got Dyson to do some investigating for me. Trick asked me to keep him busy. You know?"
Bo don't really care about him anymore; all she is doing now is concentrating on her future. Will it be with Lauren? She has a girlfriend but that doesn't mean they're serious with each other. Or is it? When they were together Bo knew Lauren is the one. Bo misses her, her geeky side that she loves to hear when she tries to explain things to her that she doesn't know. Lauren sometimes breaks it down for her to understand. She is smiling on the memories she had with Lauren.
Hale could tell she's thinking about Lauren. "I heard that you have been speaking to Lauren now and then?"
"Yeah, once and a while." She knew Kenzi tells him when they had spoken. "She's really out there in the desert."
"I'm glad that she's not with the Light side." Finally got Trick's attention when he raised his hand.
"What do you mean by that?" Finally getting her attention.
"Well, I would have fought tooth and nail to bring her back from Afghanistan." Taking a sip of his drink, "We do have someone in the Government that can MAYBE have her station here in Toronto not having her be deployed in Afghanistan."
Eyeing him suspiciously, "Does Evony know that?" there was a harden bite in her voice.
"Of course." Hale shouldn't have said that last piece, he realized he didn't want a war with Evony. He's only a fledgling Ash and now he might have a war on his hands. "I heard that you are dating Jolie Daniels?" changing the subject with a smile.
"Hale, we have…Has Kenzi been telling you who I am seeing?" That got off her track on Lauren's recalled to the army for the time being.
FOUND
After finishing her meal, she laid down to rest waiting for them to pick up the dishes. They will be transporting her back where she was originally at the cave the next morning. From there they will release her. Resting her eyes, she fell to a deep sleep. She was suddenly woken up by someone shaking and yanking her by the arm and calling out her name. "Thank goodness, Lauren!" She opens her eyes to the face of her friend.
"What?!" The sun beaming down hard on Lauren as she squinted; shielding herself and then Marcus covered her eyes with his handkerchief. It's a welcoming gesture.
Marcus was so happy to finally have found Lauren and the fact her face is bruised, while keeping his anger to himself. When he was lifting her, Lauren said, "I have a crack rib, well a hairline fracture." He didn't acknowledge only lifting her gently, carrying her to the waiting truck. He is boiling inside; he wants to know who had hurt Lauren!
Lauren didn't realize she had fallen asleep; she opened her eyes to see Amber's blue eyes staring back with a worried concern and with Marcus beside her. Then her commanding officer standing behind them with the rest of her squad and nurses. The worried faces of her friends who had shown concern and relief written all over their faces the moment she had open her eyes.
"Hey." Was all she said her mouth felt parched for water. Amber saw Lauren licking her lips, she knew Lauren wanted water and gave her the cup to sip. Eyeing them "How long have I been gone?" thinking maybe 7 days. Trying to sit up but was help by Amber and Marcus fluffing the pillow behind her back she took a little breath because of her rib. She gave them both the biggest smile; her bruise face doesn't hurt as much.
Her commanding officer answered "Eleven days you've been gone. We've searched the whole area. Do you know where you've been kept?"
Lauren wasn't sure how to answer them, since she was busy helping the pregnant women and helping the others until their doctor had arrived. And accidentally been hurt by one of their patients. She had learned a lot more on the anatomy and physiology on werewolves, they were able to control their contrasting metamorphosis. Selkie, fairies and the likes are different from the modern day faes.
One of the doctors said "Major Lewis, besides your slight fractured rib and we checked your bruised facial structure. We've noticed there is a tattoo behind your neck. Were you aware of it?"
Her right hand immediately flew to the back of her neck. They had finally told her what the tattoo is about. "When do you think? I can start working? Tomorrow?" There's a new sense of purpose for her now not answering the doctor's question.
Everyone had groaned, "Not for a couple of days just for observation. And I need your report." Lauren knew she's not going to write about them.
The group stayed twenty more minutes just to make sure Lauren is well. Amber and Marcus were the only ones stayed at her bedside. They wanted to know what had happen to her when she went looking for injured soldiers.
Lauren explained she saw a wounded soldier thinking it was theirs by the uniform he was wearing. When she bent down to checked on him that's when she black out. All she remembered was being with the people who had taken her and they needed a doctor. She did her duty to help them.
Amber and Marcus accepted her half-truth. "Guys, I was helping them with one of the patients that was so feverish she thought I was someone else and accidentally hurt me." She reached out to reassure Amber then Marcus. Marcus still knew she's holding back but decided not to make a fuss, he let it go.
Evony
Evony is still edgy about Lauren not being freed yet. It has been more than eight days since the last call and that they are treating Lauren well. While concentrating on her spreadsheet, she absentmindedly answered the ring of her phone, "Evony."
The person on the other end calmy, "Hello Evony. They've released Lauren. She's in the hospital compound. She's okay, except I was told she has a fracture rib and her left eye is healing from being hit. Give her a couple of days and go ahead contact her." Before she had a chance to ask more questions he had hung up; she owes him so much for giving her that info.
Lauren hurt! She needed to wait until Lauren contacted her or better yet she'll send a secured text. She can now sigh in relief, sitting back in her big chair all the tension left her body. She finally turned off her computer and she's going to get a massage right now.
"Brutus!" She yelled resonating her voice in her office until a huge ogre stuck his head inside her office.
"Yes, Evony." He asked quietly.
"Get my car ready." When she stood up to stretch her legs. "Time for sleep." She whispered to herself while stretching her whole body. Finally, I'm able to rest.
A couple of days later,Lauren knew Evony must be worried so she had called her after they let her out of the hospital tent. She wasn't sure if she was still in the office. She rang Evony's skype and heard it ringing. Then Evony's face showed up there was a concerned look and relief.
"Hello Evony."
"Hello to you too Lauren. What the fuck happen to your face!?" Nearly shouting out loud, Lauren had to immediately scramble to lower the volume.
Evony may not have seen the actual bruise on her face but the healing on her face seems far worse from the purplish-red color amongst her tan skin tone still, there is a bit of black and blue left.
"I got kidnap, helping my captors with their patients. And one of them had gotten loose and struck me." It's better its short and sweet explanation. "And a hairline fracture to my sixth rib." Being more specific.
Evony smiled at the last bit; she knew Lauren is so detail oriented. "I was wondering why you haven't called me. And here I am worried about you." Giving a nonchalant look. Lauren knew well enough Evony really cared for her.
"They did treat you well?" Evony's face had come closer to the viewer speaking softly.
Lauren could see the outline worry around her eyes. She must have been really concerned when she didn't call during their routine skype, how her boring days had become until Amber had entered her life.
"I'm fine Evony. Don't worry." Lauren tried to reassure her, hoping its not her famous last words. They talk for more than an hour Evony grilling her and Lauren could only give as little information. The moment she gets back to Toronto she needed to show Evony her tattoo if it truly meant she's free from them.
Absence
Ysabeau is getting worried from not hearing from Lauren, she didn't know her anger towards Bo can last this long. Bo has started seeing Jolie, for the last two weeks. Ysabeau like Jolie but she is not their mate, and Bo's interaction is different with her.
Kenzi had received a text a couple of days ago from Lauren wanting to talk to her alone without Bo around. She wasn't sure if she should tell Bo, she didn't want to lie to her either. As if reading Kenzi's mind, Lauren added an extra text. It's okay if she knows Kenzi. I don't want to talk to her just yet.
Kenzi is still at the office finishing up some paperwork for another hour. Bo had come home tired earlier, the day Kenzi's talk with Lauren. She trudges up the stairs to her room to take a nap and then they'll go out to the Dal or go to a club. Kenzi had told her a couple of days ago Lauren wanted to talk to her without her around. Bo was shattered at that news but she had herself to blame for her outburst. She had told Kenzi to wake her up when she finished talking to Lauren.
Bo had woken a bit earlier than she intended thinking that Lauren and Kenzi have finish their conversation so she went to go downstairs when she stopped at the landing. She heard Kenzi asking Lauren about the bruise on her face.
BRUISE! Bo just about to run downstairs blazing with questions who had hurt her. My mate! How dare they harm her! Ysabeau came out. But then Bo stopped, the last time she had gotten so angry Lauren shut down. She has gotten hurt! Who had hurt our mate! They will pay for this! Bo being more sensible for once finally told her succubus. "Let's hear what Lauren have to say."
Now here Kenzi sat having a private conversation with Lauren she's been wanting to have. She refrained from exclaiming out loud when she first saw Lauren's face, her voice hardened at the thought of someone beating her. "You need to tell me what happen to your face? You have a bruise that's healing." She had seen the gauze around Lauren's head months ago. The only time Lauren was so bruised up is when Nelson did a number on her.
"Kenzi, the only thing I can tell you and its an honest truth. It was an accident. A patient was feverish, she was strapped down. She didn't know where she was, and she accidentally struck me when she had gotten loose." Lauren explained very calmly.
"There's something else is there?" Kenzi gave her the stare; Lauren knew she could tell her a half truth.
"Just a hairline fracture to my rib when the patient struck me, I was able to defend myself from some of her punches." She was really strong for a fae she told herself, she can feel Kenzi analyzing her. "Just tell Bo it was really an accident so she won't be too worried about me."
Uh huh. Shaking her head, it's time to change the subject, "Lauren, how does your girlfriend look like? It's okay Lauren. I explained to Bo why I didn't tell her. It wasn't really not mine to tell her about your love life. We've only heard her voice."
Kenzi had never seen Lauren light up at the mention of her girlfriend. "She's a bit taller than me. Amber has the brightest blue eyes almost like Ysabeau's but darker. Kenzi, she's a red head. When I run my hand across her hair its so soft and silky. Mm… Her legs are so tone and smooth. I couldn't contain myself." She saw how Lauren is drooling over her description of said girlfriend. "I will get a picture of us together. I think we did with the group of friends I hang out with."
Kenzi had never seen Lauren's eye sparkle with adoration, "She likes to run almost every day and I love it when I join her or with the others. We can talk for hours about anything. Amber lets me be me." Besides Bo she said to herself. There was a wistfulness about Lauren when she had said that. Lauren was reminiscing when Bo would let her ramble on about her geeky side. "She reads books not much medical stuff. Mystery, Science Fiction and a fan of Star Trek. She is patient with me Kenz. I'm so glad there's someone for me other than Marcus, Stephanie and Kevin. It was lonely at first having Marcus the only person I hang out with. Then the others had come along becoming my friends and made my life easier here."
Friends? The reality in Kenzi's head ping. Kenzi never realized Lauren really needed a friend too. Since being a slave to the fae world she had no one to confide. We weren't her friends to begin with and how I had treated her. With the exception of Hale, he didn't really snob her but with admiration of professionalism except for the last part when he did at the end: treated her like a slave. Without Lauren at the Light fae, the doctors from what Bo had describe are at a lost at times. The Dark fae had gained the best doctor. When she had visited Lauren at the Dark compound Lauren didn't seem like being a prisoner by the Morrigan. I have always wondered about that.
"One time, with the other nurses whom I hang out with. We snuck into the kitchen once we weren't on duty and while the kitchen staff are on downtime. We were making CUPCAKES… It was fun!" Lauren giggled at the memory. "Ouch! Ow! I forgot about my rib." Holding onto her left side keeping it from expanding a bit. Kenzi noted Lauren had never giggled before until now. That must be one special lady to invoke Lauren into giggling.
"CUPCAKES!" Kenzi exclaimed, "you better give me the recipe." She growled at her.
Lauren trying hard to subside her bouts of laughter to alleviate her pain to her ribs. "Kenz, when I get back. I promise you lots of cupcakes. We'll make them together so you can figure out the recipe."
Kenzi made a funny expression, "whoopie". With not much enthusiasm.
Continuing her story, "Then word got out that we were making cupcakes and we had more than the whole company arriving at the mess hall. We had made about seven…wait about twelve dozen cupcakes and they all had disappeared. But I made a birthday cake for Amber, Marcus, Stephanie, Kevin and some others. It was like a mountain of desserts. Although, we had to improvise some of the ingredients. It worked out fine." Smiling so bright her eyes twinkle at the memory. "I think one of the other personnel had taken a picture, I'll see if I can get some and show it to you when I get back to Toronto for a visit." The twinkle in her eyes told Kenzi they did more than the cupcakes. "We made dinner too. It was a hit. With the help of the kitchen staff, I laid out the ingredients. Again, half of the company stayed over while we made dinner and the rest came later. Some of them had lend a hand with all of us there; dinner was easily made. Well, we did… It was a hit! Oh Wait…Someone did take a picture but I think Amber took some or was it, Stephanie?" Lauren was trying to think who had taken some pictures. "I need to ask after our talk."
"Are you still working out? Duh…" Realizing she still does since she's in Afghanistan.
"That's the thing." Lauren smiling really hard, "Marcus woke me up so early the next day to have time for those work outs so he called it. We've been sparring a lot." She didn't want to tell Kenzi about her abduction. She'll tell her in person instead of over skype.
"Yeah, Bo mention well her Succubus had asked you to come home for Christmas." Kenzi got caught up on Lauren's enthusiasm so much great things had happen to her. She wished she was there to see it in person.
"Hmmm, we'll see. I'm not sure about that. I know Christmas is coming soon. Kenz, I'm not sure." There is that leave. Transferring to the ship. "I did tell Ysabeau I'll ask my commanding officer. But I was so angry at Bo for accusing me and telling me she owned me. I couldn't contain my wrath. I will let Ysabeau know in a couple of days."
Bo heard that she owned her. When did I say that? Trying so hard to recall what she said. I remember I own…Oh shit! I meant to tell her I own her heart. That wouldn't fly either. I should have kept my mouth and temper shut instead.
"How is the P.I going? Do you have more clients now? So busy? Do you have time for yourself? How are you and Hale doing?" Lauren couldn't help asking her so many questions in one sentence, she's trying to direct the subject to something else besides her trouble with Bo. "Is Bo able to solve some of the clients' problems?"
"Hale is a great help since he was a detective and had given Bo and I some clues on the boundaries of surveillance and all." Kenzi explained, "So we were able to make it work with the client's homes, and businesses." Yawning, it's getting really late at her end. She had a feeling Bo is already awake she didn't want to end the call with Lauren. Part of her don't want to, she's learning new things about Lauren and getting closer to her. "Lauren, I don't want to end this convo. How about next week? Let me know about Christmas?"
Lauren nodded her head at the idea, "Okay, how about the same time as like today? By then I'll let you know about Christmas?"
"Bye Hot pants don't let the bed bow chica bow wow bite you." Laughing so hard at what she said.
"If I had a pillow Kenz it would be thrown at your face right now." Trying not so hard to pout. Kenzi saw that and she laughed even harder.
"Promises, promises Hot pants. Good morning!" turning off the skype. She couldn't help being happy for Lauren. She can't help put a finger on something that's niggling the back of her mind.
"Okay Bo. You can come down now." Turning off the laptop, getting it ready for the next day. Putting it aside on the coffee table. Looking up as Bo came down the stairs.
"How did you know I was listening?" Sometimes Kenzi knows she's around.
"I had a feeling the time was just right for you to come down anyway."
"Does she look that bad?" She wants to ask for more information on Lauren's face, "Kenz?"
"It's not like how Nelson beat her ass up. Only the side of her face is healing and you heard her say she only has a hairline fracture to one of her ribs." She's not trying to downplay Lauren's appearance.
Now she can't help being more worried about Lauren. Why is Lauren so far away from her? I'm going to talk to Evony soon about how they can transfer Lauren back to Toronto. Is Lauren not telling them about what is happening to her in Afghanistan, is she the only one getting wounded.
Finally, Bo couldn't figure out what she's been doing wrong. She finally asked Kenzi, "What am I doing wrong Kenzi? I can't seem to get through to Lauren how I feel about her."
"Bo, you fuck up royally. You need to grow up. Lauren is human, she wants to have a life with someone. If it's Amber or someone that she will be foremost in their life. Let her go for now." Kenzi is getting tired of this conversation about Lauren. "I can give you all the advice in the world Bo. You just need to let her be in love with someone else." Kenzi went upstairs to change; she loves the night life but work is bogging her down.
Bo feels like she's on the outside of the window looking in to what's happening in Lauren's life - her happiness, and all Bo can think about is her own selfishness. Her Succubus quietly said I may want to be happy. But I can be happy for Lauren even though she is our mate. Bo knew inside she can't let her go. Then you'll lose her for good. Her Succubus whispered to her.
When Kenzi had come down, she found Bo still sitting on the sofa looking at the blank screen of the television lost on her own thoughts. "Hey I'm really hungry. All that talk with Lauren about cupcakes and a meal. I am really hungry for some steak."
Still Bo hasn't answered her, "C'mon, Bo Bo. Time for the night life."
"I've never heard her laugh so freely. Or giggled in all the times we were together." Bo still staring at the television. "I'm jealous that she can speak to you easily. She must be falling or have fallen already for this Amber."
"Start being her friend if you can salvage that for now." She sat next to Bo and gave her a one arm hug. Bo nodded; she'll wait until Lauren is really ready to talk to her. "It wasn't like that with Lauren you know. I was with Team Dyson."
Bo had to admit Kezi is right, she was never on Team Lauren before until now.
