Bo
Bo was on her back in her bed. She had already thrown her pillows to the floor in annoyance. Annoyance at herself. She had been up most of the night, trying not to trash the place. She had trashed her own life again. She made a mistake.
In her mind it really wasn't a mistake. There was a lot of good intentions behind bringing the Ortenax to Lauren. It was possible that Lauren could see Bo's entire life. Long before she had ever met her. Long before her killing spree of ten years had stopped. Some of them were the most brutal deaths even Bo had ever seen.
Bo had been and still is so ashamed of her life. She was just an animal killing people at will. Some for fun and others for pure sexual reasons. After Kyle, she never had a home again. It was either sleep on the streets or sleep in the woods and wait to be devoured by another animal like herself. She just doesn't walk on all fours.
Nights of sleeping on wet grass, hoping something would stroll by for her to feed on. An owl. A deer. Something for her body and something for her Succubus.
Sure humans hunt and kill for food. But Bo needed a different kind of feed. She hated having to stoop so low that she killed innocent animals. Mothers, babies. Just death. Death everywhere. Death was her life. Her calling card that she wished she could someday burn, and one day she finally did.
She waited a long time to find her answers. To control her inner beast. She just never knew it would be something as simple as a few injections. But nothing about Lauren was simple. Nothing about her aura was simple. Bo had been reading it long before she ever told Lauren about that skill.
There was and is something so fulfilling and tasty about Lauren's aura, when Bo is around her. It has been there since the first day. Something even the mighty Hades couldn't douse. If Bo saw it, then her Succubus saw it too.
But her feelings can't make up for the shit show of her memories. Her life was the most graphic horror flick that nobody should ever see. It is beyond embarrassing that the woman she loves and tries to impress can see what a murderous loser she really was back then. But after she met and fell in love with Lauren, all of that started to change.
It changed the minute she chose Lauren, and it broke a bit the minute Lauren asked for a break. She is not blaming Lauren for the break. If she was honest with herself, they had already been on a break. Bo was either working on her Dawning tests or just shooting the breeze with someone that wasn't her girlfriend. Lauren must have felt like she needed to make an appointment just to see Bo. The Dawning came and went and Bo was still out, doing Fae stuff while her human love, was home, alone.
Now here Bo was. Home and alone in her bed. At her own insistence because she knows she needs to feed but is abstaining from that. From now on, she won't be taking Chi from just anyone. They would only be a snack, while Lauren would be a five course meal. She had to focus on that. Needed to focus on that. She didn't want to be alone anymore and she doesn't want Lauren to feel that way ever again. Pushing off of her bed, she headed to shower, and dress.
Vex
Unlike Bo, Vex was on his stomach. He cursed Lauren every time he wanted to roll over on to his back. His nurse wasn't due for hours so he was stuck where he was. Although he was pissed at Lauren, it was his own fault. His own fault for getting involved in something that wasn't his business. He wasn't Tamsin, he wasn't raised by Kenzi. The girl was a hypocrite in her own right. She hated Lauren for hurting Bo but her favorite wolf had done the same thing over and over again. His dirty deeds weren't lost on the Mesmer. Dyson had centuries of bullshit lined up behind him. So many not even Trick could right them with his blood.
He giggled at Dyson's wolves mate for life line that he often used to try and get women to stay with him. Not even Ciara wanted to stay with him. That's why he fled without her. She knew Dyson could be a bastard. They all knew. So who gave a damn if Kenzi was stuck to Dyson? She was always riding him hard in her own mind. The golden boy couldn't do wrong in Kenzi's eyes, but Lauren couldn't ever do right.
Yes. He had screwed himself when he got involved. The gang never cared for him much unless they needed him for something. A feeling he shared with Lauren. All over a Succubus. An unaligned Succubus.
He knew of another resident Succubus. One that owed him a favor. Aife. She was spontaneous and he had to admit he liked her spunk since she never followed any law or Fae rules. Trick in all of his efforts could not reel her in to see reason. Aife never needed a reason for anything. She just did whatever the hell she wanted. Vex wanted something. He wanted to cash in a favor she owed him. But how was he going to do that in his current position? He only had Ryan for the a few days and the Loki vanished. His only resolve was to either wait for his nurse or try and get to his knees.
Dark Fae house.
"We have to get the hell out of here and regroup. Find some Light Fae Elders if we need to". An Elder said.
"We have two Succubi here. One is the craziest we have ever seen. We have no defense with those two and the Doctor on the loose". Another replied.
"Where will we go? An Elder asked stepping foward.
"To York, so we aren't too far and close enough to return when it's time". He replied.
"Vex will be here. He can keep us up to date. That is whenever he gets off of his ass". An Elder chuckled.
"Lets get out of here then". They all chimed in unison.
The only sound to be heard was their boot heels hitting the pavement. They had no idea where Evony was and she needed to be here to fix the Fae problems. The Una Mens were dead. Trick is dead. There is no leader or order. Something they have had for thousands of years.
Lauren
Lauren had a good night since she left the Dal. She had rambled the periodic table over, and over again in her head trying to keep Bo's memories at bay. She didn't want to know what Bo was thinking or doing at the moment. She almost felt ambushed the last time she had seen the Succubus.
In her right mind she knew Bo was only trying to help, but in her haste she didn't see the big picture of Lauren losing all of her memories. She had already done her homework on an Ortenax. None of them could ever be trusted. They can take memories away but never restore them.
Lauren would feel like an invalid. A vegetable. Having to live her life without knowing anyone. Remembering anyone. It would be like being in a walking coma. Damned if she lived like that again. Trying to save Nadia for all of those years already left her feeling like a zombie.
She was ready for her early morning run. It was good to get some fresh air. To run a mile or two. To run towards nothing. Just run. Run away from her past. Run away from her present. Just get lost in the winds that her hair would flow in. Let nature take her away for awhile. She could run a lot faster now and her miles were done in a matter of minutes.
Sweaty, refreshed and ready to work, she ran home, showered and dressed.
Two hours later she arrived at her clinic. Two hours after that she had to use her emergency OR room to treat a double gun shot wound victim. The shooter hit an artery so her hands, and vision had to be precise to save the patient. Once she had everything she needed, they began.
Four hours had passed and the clinic had been nearly cleared out of patients.
"Is Dr. Lewis in? Bo asked softly as she approached the Nurse's station.
"Bo right? Nancy asked.
"Yes my name is Bo". Bo answered.
"She is just getting out of surgery. Let me see if she is up for visitors". Nancy said picking up her phone.
To give her some privacy Bo stepped far away from the desk and looked around the building. Lauren had done well for herself. It was a huge upgrade from the Light Fae labs.
Everything was shiny and plush. She didn't even want to sit for fear of disturbing the sight in front of her. Taking a few deep breaths, she turned back to Nancy who was on another call. This is what Bo needed to do. Be patient. Don't just assume Lauren is giving her the brush off when she was the one that came to her. Uninvited but determined to speak to the Doctor. Even if it meant Lauren would be in her element. Professional.
Bo needed to be ready for that too. Be ready for Lauren to be in work mode. Not take any offense if she is rushed out of the way or room. This was important to Bo on more than just a personal level. Right now she didn't even feel like Lauren was her friend. They were strangers almost.
"She is currently freshening up but will be in her office shortly, if you wish to wait". Nancy said finally ending her other call.
"Yes I will wait". Bo said finally taking a seat. She rubbed her palms agianst one her pant legs. Her hands started to sweat the minute Nancy hung up the phone. She was nervous that she was going to say that Lauren told her to get lost. But she didn't. Bo allowed the breath that she had been holding free and stood up to grab a cup of water.
If she didn't calm down, she would be a patient. She didn't want Lauren to have to see her naked until they were ready, if ever again. She was dressed conservatively. Black top, jeans, jacket and boots with her hair framing her face.
As the water went down her throat she took a few more deep breaths. She was in. She was in Lauren's clinic and she hadn't been kicked out. This was the in that she needed. It was time. Not like the last time she asked Lauren to be a couple. It was time for them to find some common ground. Time for them to grow into something new, other than what they used to be. It was time for Bo to step up her game and efforts. Lauren gave her two months but Bo wanted less than that and she would go all out to make it so.
"The Doctor will see you know. I can show you if you don't know the way". Nancy smiled softly.
"That would be great". Bo said looking around. Lauren did say she had two private offices before. She didn't see anyone in dire need to be seen. She closed her eyes and opened them once she heard Nancy's feet hitting the surface.
"This way". Nancy smiled.
Bo's heart was pounding with every step and corner they turned. It was a long walk, but a needed one. She needed to compose herself. To find her confidence that this wouldn't be a wasted trip.
"So do you need anything for the clinic? Bo asked.
"No. Thank you for offering, but we are well stocked". Nancy said.
"You can always call me if you ever need anything. Errands run. Anything". Bo offered.
"Thanks I will keep that in mind". Nancy said as she stopped and pointed. "Here we are".
"Thanks". Bo whispered. Putting her hand on the knob, she gently knocked with the other hand.
"It's open". Lauren said. Bo still waited a few seconds. Waited for Lauren to change her mind. Waited for her to open the door herself, but Lauren hadn't closed any doors on the Succubus.
"Hi". Bo said gently as she stepped inside. Her mouth fell open when she saw how huge Lauren's office was. She wasn't even sitting at her desk. She was pumping iron in the corner.
"Hi Bo. Come on in". Lauren panted and the sound was making Bo a bit crazy.
"If this is a bad time, I can wait another time". Bo said.
"No it's fine. How can I help you? Lauren asked.
"Help me? Bo cringed at the words.
"Well if you here, there must a Fae case or something you need help with". Lauren smiled softly as she wiped the sweat from her face.
"No this is not about a case. I just wanted to talk to you about something. If that's ok? Bo asked. This was bad. She was so nervous she felt like an idiot stumbling over her thoughts.
"Ok. Have a seat". Lauren said gesturing towards two chairs.
Bo watched Lauren freshen up and waited quietly. This was no time to tell the woman to leave the sweat and dirt alone because Bo had never seen her look so hot.
Once Lauren took a seat handing Bo a cup of coffee, she extended a hand telling her she was ready to talk. This was one of those times when she tuned out what she knew about Bo. Her intentions. Her nervousness.
"I wanted to talk about last night. I got your note, I just wanted to clear that up in person". Bo said shyly.
"Bo". Lauren sighed.
"Please let me explain Lauren". Bo said softly.
"I understood it Bo". Lauren said taking a sip of coffee.
"No Lauren I don't think you do". Bo snapped softly.
Lauren studied Bo for a moment and could see the desperation in her eyes. In her soul. She really needed to talk and the Doctor in Lauren was about to let her. "Ok".
"I was only trying to help you get rid of my memories. I know the shit I've done and most of it had nothing to do with you or with us. There are some pretty shitty things I have done in my life that I wouldn't wish anyone to know about. Not only because I'm sorry about what I did, but because of the horrors of what I did too. Some of the worst of it was between us but the rest of me as a child, as a teen...It's not a pretty sight or thought". Bo vented.
Lauren studied Bo again. She knew what she was talking about. The Succubus inside of Bo was like a child with a live in bogeyman. None of it was Bo's fault. None of it was in her control. But everything Lauren had seen of Bo's Succubus up close and in person wasn't any indication that she was excessively evil. She just didn't allow anyone to hurt the people she loved. Herself, Kenzi, Dyson, Trick. Even when she knew her Succubus would surface, when she saved Trick's life with Isabeau's essence.
"Bo. I won't lie and say your memories are not a nuisance, but I know most of the things that happened in your past was not your fault. Your childhood, teen years. None of it". Lauren said.
"And us? Bo asked almost in a childlike voice.
"Bo. I don't know about us yet. I'm sorry if that sounds cold. If it's something you can't handle to hear. But that has always been a mutual problem of ours. Either we hear each other. Really hear each other, or we don't. We will always be stuck right here". Lauren explained.
"No it's something I needed to hear. I haven't always, if ever, stuck around to listen to you. That's why I'm here now. To listen to you. To see what you need. Even if it has nothing to do with us. I just want to know you again. Who knows maybe down the line we will never be meant to be again, but at least we could be friends if not more". Bo said.
Lauren sighed and set her cup down on the small coffee table.
"I have never meant you any ill will Lauren. I know I have done some things that have made you feel less important in my life. Like Rainer, and Dyson but you were always first in my heart. Then and now". Bo said.
"I know that you love me Bo. I just no longer understand why or how. Not when you threw my findings in my face. Literally kicking me out of your house again. Not when you literally picked someone else right in front of me. Not when you didn't even know I was dead until Hades revived me. Hades". Lauren sighed harshly.
Bo hung her head. Lauren was right again. She hadn't done much since Lauren asked for a break to show her love. Prove her love. Asking her to come back with her at Evony's party would have been disastrous. She couldn't even save Ianka and she died in her arms. Couldn't see that she was another Lauren. Always owned. So how would asking Lauren to be claimed be any different? Lauren wanted freedom. Deserved her freedom. Bo needed to grow too. To learn to love without it sounding like ownership.
"I let you down. As a friend, and as a lover. I know I need to gain your trust again. I am not asking to become a couple right now, because I know I'm not ready for that. I just want us to date someday. No pressure. I let you down and I should be a friend enough to help you rise again". Bo said.
"Bo it's barely been a few weeks yet". Lauren said.
"I am not saying go out with me tonight or tomorrow. I am asking to be your friend again. We need to grow as that before we could ever grow as anything else". Bo smiled sadly. She wanted more but she had just witnessed that they weren't ready yet.
"So why are you here again? Lauren smiled.
"I came here to apologize for last night and to make sure you have eaten something. So have you? Bo smiled in return.
"No I have had a busy day. The most I have eaten was a piece of toast". Lauren said.
"Is this your lunch hour? Bo asked looking at the clock on the wall.
"I can eat whenever I want. I have a full staff". Lauren said.
"Then sit down Dr. Lewis and tell me what you would like today? Bo asked pulling out some take out menus from her jacket pocket.
"You had this planned? Lauren asked.
"Not exactly. I honestly thought you would refuse to see me. But I did come prepared just in case". Bo sighed as she took a seat in the nearest chair.
Lauren smiled. It was thoughtful of Bo to think of food again and telling that she wasn't sure of Lauren allowing her to talk to her. The Ortenax wasn't that bad, and in Bo's defense, she wouldn't have known of that Fae if the Elders hadn't come for them. She tried to help even if she hadn't thought about it from all angles.
"This isn't a date though". Lauren said softly.
"I know that Doctor. But as your friend. I am going to stay here until you at least eat a meal". Bo said handing Lauren another menu since she hadn't picked anything to eat yet.
Lauren smiled. She really didn't have to rush back to work or work at all for the rest of the day if she didn't want to. They were about to change shifts and her night staff was fully loaded and capable.
Vex
Vex's nurse had finally arrive and bathed him. Now he was trying to convince her to make one phone call for him. She groaned saying it wasn't in her job description.
"Just one call. That's all I ask and the you can be on your merry way". Vex pleaded.
"Who do you want me to call? Maxine asked.
"Do you know the Succubus? Vex asked.
"Aife?! Maxine asked.
"Yes her. Can you call her for me? Vex pleaded again.
"Hell no. That woman is crazy, and not one to be fucked with. Pardon my french". Maxine said as she quickly gathered her things.
"Please. You're the only one here! Vex screamed.
"Buddy I am paid to wash your ass, not get mine's kicked in the process". Maxine laughed.
"Please! Vex begged and it was embarrassing that he had to do that.
"I will get word to her but I am staying the hell out of this". Maxine said.
"If you won't call, can you at least drive me to the Dal Riata? I am sure she's there". Vex pleaded again.
"Fine. I will drop you off, and then drop out of sight until tomorrow". Maxine relented. Aife made her a thousand times nervous. The daughter of the Blood King. Just getting her blood in your veins could be horrible. She cringed again at the thought. She was calculating how far from the Dal they were. She wished Vex was well enough so she could push him out of her car while she was speeding by. Aife nearly looked like a vampire to her.
Twenty minutes later she unbuckled Vex from his seat belt and stood up him against the door. She knocked hard on the doors, hopped in her car and sped away.
Aife saw the whole thing on her security cameras and laughed until she was in tears. A powerful Mesmer reduced to being chauffeured around.
"Go and help that stick inside". Aife laughed.
"Yes ma'am". Mason said as Aife held herself up by her hand on the counter.
"Such a powerful Mesmer reduced to touching his ass 24/7". Aife laughed hysterically.
"You won't think it's so funny when I tell you why I've come here". Vex said walking over to the bar.
"I won't scratch your balls for you". Aife laughed.
"I don't have time for games. You owe me a favor and I've come to collect". Vex said.
"Collect on what? I don't owe you any favors". Aife laughed at his nerve.
"Your baby Succubus. I was the one that called and told you she was in town. You owe me for that". Vex snapped.
"Dear idiot boy. I don't owe you for that since Lou Ann called me collect and told me". Aife laughed.
"What?! You said I was the one that told you first". Vex snapped again.
"I lied". Aife laughed.
"Well then help me then for old times sakes". Vex pleaded.
"We never had any old times. Your father was an ass and so was mine. That is the extent of our relationship. Now order a drink or get out of here before I cut myself and bleed into your mouth". Aife laughed.
"Bullocks". Vex groaned.
"Yep. Now get out. I can't remove Lauren's thrall and if I could your hands would be covering your boys". Aife laughed again. She watched as Mason pushed him out of the bar.
Bo and Lauren
The women were stuffed and nearly laying flat in the chairs.
"MMm that was good". Lauren moaned and Bo nearly spit her drink out the sound.
"What the food or the...? Bo started.
"The food and the foot massage. Thanks Bo". Lauren smiled softly.
"My pleasure but I know it's still not a date". Bo said rubbing her palms against her legs.
"You have no idea how helpful a foot massage is to a Doctor". Lauren said.
"Are you done for the day? It's getting later and later". Bo said.
"Yes. I'm done for the day". Lauren said.
"Can I drive you home? Bo asked. She wanted as much time alone with Lauren as she could get.
"I have my car but thank you though". Lauren said getting up and cleaning up her office. She smiled as Bo hopped up to help. After taking the trash to the nearest receptacle, Bo raced back into the building. Lauren was already walking out.
"So I hope we can do this again sometime. As friends until we are ready to date". Bo sighed sadly. Lauren was twirling her car keys in her hand and Bo knew their time was up.
"Bo? Lauren called out after they had both gone to their cars.
"Yeah? Bo replied.
"I'll race you to my house". Lauren smiled.
Bo grinned wide. "You're on Dr. Lewis! The women sped down the road and lucked out when the traffic was light.
TBC
Kenzi gives Tamsin an answer
Bo plans to cook a surprise dinner for Lauren.
Lauren debates if she wants to keep Bo's memories.