Lauren
Lauren rubbed her eyes for the tenth time. Nothing on the screen was going to change. Taft was dead, and his secrets were right in front of the blonde Doctor.
She pushed a button, backed up, and swerved around the desk. She looked at the clock. The girls wouldn't come for her, unless she called for them. And at the moment, she didn't want to see anyone.
Taking a deep breath, she rolled over to the large black bar, and immediately started doing pull-ups. This wasn't helping her legs, but it was helping her mind. She worked out for two hours, before she was finally sweaty enough for a bath. Lowering herself back onto her motorized scooter, she rolled over to the large button on the wall.
"Yes Dr. Lewis? Vivian replied.
"I'm ready for a bath". Lauren answered quietly.
"I'll be right there". Vivian replied. Lauren listened as the background noise faded.
Vivian arrived in a matter of seconds, and followed the doctor to the bathroom.
Lauren moaned as the water soothed her tired muscles. She didn't look anywhere else. They weren't working. She understood it. She accepted it. But her legs weren't going to be her life's story. She dismissed Megan and Vivian, so she could soak, and think. She had a lot to think about.
She played with the water like it was a solution to her neverending questions. Shaking her head of those thoughts, she leaned forward, as far as she could. Scrubbing her lower body. As hard as she scrubbed, she still felt nothing in her legs, but everything in her arms. They were already bigger. She smiled as she flexed. She would learn to use them as her inspiration. Not that she needed to be inspired to fight back. Fight back against self doubt. Fight back against allowing herself to be a victim of anyone else. Nelson had kicked her ass, but that didn't mean she had to add to it, thinking she deserved this. No she didn't, and doesn't deserve this. Looking up to the mirror in front of her, she gritted her teeth, and pounded hard on the buzzer. She knew what she had to do, and nothing was going to stop her. As she waited for the women to come, she did more pull-ups using the bars in the tub.
The Dal
"You don't think Aife would hurt Bo do you? Kenzi asked.
"If Aife wanted Bo dead, she had her chance years ago, when Bo was born, and when they fought". Trick replied.
Kenzi nodded, and took another sip of her Vodka. Bo hadn't been seen in hours, and it was making her nervous that the brunette would never return. Aife was too unstable for Kenzi. They hadn't been spotted on the streets at all. Not that many Fae would be looking for Aife.
Dyson had returned when he saw them leave, but other than that, they didn't have any leads. The wolf couldn't even go after them in fear Bo's Succubus would kill him. He cringed knowing she would too. Most Succubus eyes turned blue. Bo's used to before Lauren was attacked, but when she threatened Dyson, her eyes were blue, brown, and a hint of red. He rubbed his beard thinking of something he could do to bring Bo back to them, but that also meant the return of her Succubus.
"I wonder if we faked an injury, Lauren would have to come back right? Kenzi asked.
"Kenzi". Trick sighed.
"Hey it could work". Kenzi shrugged.
Trick rubbed his face in annoyance. "Sure we could bring Lauren back under false pretenses, but you're selectively, or senselessly forgetting one important thing".
"And that is? Kenzi asked.
"If you upset, or try to use Lauren in any way, you will upset Bo's Succubus too. Now I know your Bo's claimed human, but we have no idea how her Succubus feels about you". Trick replied.
"But Trick". Kenzi stood up straight.
"No Kenzi. We cannot do that. It's too risky". Trick replied as he walked away from her.
Evony laughed in the corner. "Very good Blood Kingy. Can you make her play dead too? The Morrigan had been watching them for awhile, and it was highly entertaining. One because Kenzi and Dyson were being idiots, and two, the Light Fae wolf didn't sense her presence. It's even funnier that Hale knows where Lauren is, and hasn't told them. That only left Bo out there. But given what Evony had been hearing, she was likely with her mother, that bothered the Morrigan. But not enough to send out search parties like Trick had done.
Dyson growled, but Trick waved him off.
"My your controlling all of the little pups today". Evony laughed again.
"What are you doing here Evony? Trick sighed.
"I heard you talking about the good doctor, as well as other stupid ideas. As the Morrigan, I'm here on behalf of the Ash too. Call off your little pathetic search for Dr. Lewis. You will never find her, and you were all running her ragged anyway. She's under my protection as well. Any Fae that my people spot searching, will be shot dead". Evony replied. She stared at Dyson and smiled. He's strong, but stupid, and clumsy to be a wolf.
"Get out of here! Dyson growled.
"I'm going. But not because you asked, but because it stinks in here". Evony laughed as she waved her hand to fan the funk in Dyson's face. She knew he could smell it.
"Let her go Dyson". Trick said coldly. They watched the Morrigan leave, and sighed in relief.
"She didn't lie. It reeks in here". Kenzi said twitching her nose.
Dyson shrugged but frowned when Trick ordered him to sweep, and mop the floors. Kenzi snickered. But it was better him than her. She was practically living at the Dal until Bo returns. That's if she ever does.
The Succubus and Aife
"Now you really shouldn't come out to play. Until you've been trained a little more". Aife said.
"I'm well trained. The Lich. The Garuda. You've missed a lot mom". The Succubus said softly.
"That's so cute. The little Succubus thinks she's better than mommie's Succubus". Aife cooed.
The Succubus growled, and tried to tighten her grip, but Aife broke free. She threw a sword at her, and stood back. "C'mon".
Aife laughed when the Succubus tried to one up her mother. She must've forgotten that they fought this way before. She clipped her with the sword, and she fell to the ground.
The Succubus groaned. But Aife never allowed her back up yet.
"That woman has suffered greatly. She's alone by her own choice. You must let her do this on her own. If she wants to see you, she will". Aife said seriously. She removed her sword from Bo's stomach, and moved away from her.
"She's gone mom. You're right, she's out there alone, with the help of virtual strangers. I should be helping her. If what you said is true, Lauren could be healed by now. But she's not because I failed her. I thought Dyson's bullshit was more important than her, and I failed her". Bo sobbed into her knees.
"Succubi never do, or feel these things. But you, and your Succubus do. So I'm only going to say this once. Get off of your ass! You will have to wait for her, if she still wants you. Or be the typical succubus, and find a man to feed your need. Probably that dog that offered you his services". Aife snapped as she took the sword from Bo.
Bo nodded, and accepted Aife's hand to help her stand up.
The women walked out of their current hideout. Bo needed air, and time to clean herself up. She hadn't really packed anything for herself, just Aife.
Bo sighed as they climbed into the car. She couldn't bring herself to drive, so she allowed Aife to.
Lauren.
Lauren had ordered the women to direct her to her lab, and to leave her be. She was thankful for the company, but as a scientist, she liked to work alone. Vivian and Megan obliged, and left the blonde after they gave her a small lecture about where everything she could possibly need was. She thanked them, and got right to work. Scribbling down her thoughts, and logged on to the computer. They had computers all over the compound. But this was the biggest lab, she'd seen yet. She rolled over to some filing cabinets, and pulled the drawers open, one by one. She smiled when she found something that was definitely going to come in handy.
She rolled over to a desk, and pulled the drawer open. She found a small envelope, and opened it.
"Dear Dr. Lewis,
If you have found this, then you are in the biggest, and most up-to-date lab that I could pull together on such short notice. Know that you are to be left completely alone when you're in this lab. While I trust Megan and Vivian, you just let me know if you require anything else. Have fun being a doctor, Dr!
Hale
Lauren smiled at the gesture. Hale's father is a legendary asshole, so he must have a good mother. Val could be nice, but only if, and when there's something in it for her. Setting the note down, and stretching her arms, Lauren popped her knuckles.
"Ok Lewis. Now or never". She smiled as she rolled up her sleeves, and grabbed the supplies she needed.
She had always learned to write things down first, and then she'd follow her notes. Dotting every I, crossing every T. She'd been that way since she learned how to write. It drove her brother crazy when they would play as kids. Lauren just had to plan ahead. She'd calculate if they'd get hurt or fall. How many kids do that before they play? But it is how Lauren rolled. It had served them well, until he screwed up with her pipe bombs. She never would have built them, if she'd known her brother would be so careless. She never would've dragged Nadia to the Congo, had she known about the Fae. What they were like, and what they would do, and take from them.
Lauren sat back in her seat, and screamed. They had taken her away from her family. They had taken Nadia, and five years of their lives away from them. The Doctor is flat out tired of it. Just so freaking tired of it. She leaned forward, and started writing furiously again.
Bo
Bo was in the shower. She scrubbed her body like it had never been cleaned before. Every now and then she pushed her face under the water so it would rinse her tears away. She punched the wall a few times too. Nobody was to blame for her pain but herself. She didn't know how to talk to Lauren. To make her understand that she loves her. The Doctor had forgiven her about Dyson. Perhaps on some level, the Succubus knew the minute she confessed about Tamsin, they would be over. It was the same fear she stewed in as she waited for Lauren to pour them a glass of wine. She couldn't bring herself to actually say the words about Dyson. How was she going to bring herself to tell her about Tamsin?
The kiss wasn't her fault, and it wasn't a feed. But a part of Bo liked it, and that part wasn't her Succubus. Something Lauren would never understand, or forgive. But Bo loves the Doctor. Her first problem is Lauren doesn't believe it. Doesn't want it. Her second problem is her Succubus. Standing in the mirror now, she can faintly see the bruises, and blackeyes. It is embarrassing but probably the biggest wake up call she's ever going to get. Tightening the strings on her kimono, she turned and walked over to her bed. As soon as she hit the sheets, the tears came again.
The next morning, she pulled on some sweats, and went jogging. Sitting around that rickety old house wasn't going to clear her mind. She didn't know the neighborhood which was a plus, because it meant they wouldn't know her. As hard, and as fast as she ran, she felt different. Almost cold inside. She knew her Succubus was still in tact because her eyes still turned blue when she forced herself to feel angry. She stopped in her tracks, and grabbed her chest. "Lauren". She said softly.
Light Fae compound.
Hale jumped in his seat when the doors to his office were nearly knocked off of the hinges.
"You stupid bastard! Evony screamed.
"Close the doors! Hale said over the Morrigan's shoulders.
Hale took a deep breath. "What's the matter?
"My men are being picked off, one by one. This better not be your doing! Evony snapped.
"I haven't ordered any attacks. I've been in my office all day. I checked on Dr. Lewis and was told that everything was fine". Hale said as he stood.
"They're being picked off in Toronto! You and I both know, she's safely far away from here! Evony said coolly.
"Aife? She's Dark Fae right? Hale asked.
"I'm not stupid, these aren't succubus kills. Someone or something is after us. And I forgot to mention, a few Light Fae are dead in the streets too". Evony said.
Hale rubbed his head. He'd been too loose with his office. But that stopped now. The duo readied for battle when the doors were pushed violently open.
"I've got news". Bruce breathed heavily.
"Well what is it? Hale screamed.
"This is my fool. I'll ask the questions. Well what the fuck is it? Evony asked as they walked step for step over to Bruce.
"The Una Mens, they're back". Bruce swallowed.
"Who the hell are they? Hale asked.
"Such a young Ash. Fitzpatrick McCorrigan ring a bell? Evony asked. Nobody knew this secret but a select few, and if the Una Mens were picking off Fae, their world is about to explode.
The Dal
The Ash and Morrigan stormed into the bar.
"Fitzpatrick! Get your ass up here! Evony screamed.
Dyson growled, and stepped in front of her
"Dyson get the hell out of the way. You're not in charge of anything! Hale screamed.
"Hale? Dyson said in confusion.
"I said move. We don't need your brute strength right now." Hale snapped pushing the wolf to the side.
"You better have a really good reason for barging into my bar like this". Trick said as he ran into the room.
"The Una Mens have returned. Do you wish to tell them, or shall I? Evony asked furiously.
Trick adjusted the tie around his neck. He paced back, and forth.
"Now Fitzpatrick, or should I call you by your real name?! Evony screamed.
"What's going on?! Bo asked walking up behind the group.
"The Succubus has returned. How convenient. You're just in time to learn a little family history". Evony said.
"Trick? Bo said softly.
"Bo! Kenzi screamed as she hugged the brunette
"Everyone shut the hell up. Explain Trick! Hale screamed.
"Years ago the Una Mens were assembled to enforce the blood laws. They're basically Fae police. They have no emotions. They will punish any, and all threats to the Fae world". Trick explained.
"So the Fae that were murdered must have committed crimes that went unpunished". Hale deduced.
"That's also why they've been looking for the Blood King. They killed the Queen. Trick was about to expose them to the rest of the Fae. When they got wind of it, they wanted him to join them, or die. They gave their last seed to Trick. He was supposed to eat it, but knowing it would alter his personality and rule, he retired as the Blood King. He's been hiding ever since. He sent me to the Dark, because he knew I'd tell where he was. He's lucky that I don't kill him myself". Aife chimed in standing behind her father.
Dyson swallowed hard. They'd been killing Fae for years. Even over centuries old crimes. If they would kill Queen Isabeau, they'd kill anyone.
"These people killed my grandmother, and my blood sage grandfather allowed them to live? Bo asked angrily.
"They wanted me dead too. They still think that I am. Dead at the hands of my daughter. I probably should be dead, if it wasn't for Taft". Aife said as she walked closer to Bo.
Bo stood stiff. She remembered the files that she took from Taft's office, and had delivered to Lauren. The Succubus nearly lost her footing, if Aife and Kenzi hadn't caught her.
"Lauren". Bo sobbed.
"What about her? Hale asked angrily.
"Taft. He'd been studying her work. He knew what she can do. He wanted her to make him Fae, so he could kill all of us". Bo answered.
"Ohhh shit". Kenzi said releasing Bo, and nearly fainted herself.
Hale and Evony nodded at each other.
"What the hell was that about? Care to share with the class? Aife asked.
"Lauren's well protected. They can't find, or get to her". Hale replied.
"Bullshit Hale. I'm done playing this game, where is she?! Bo snapped.
"Lower your tone succubus. You will not bully the Ash, or me". Evony said.
"These bastards are out there! Lauren is in danger, and you two aholes won't tell me where she is! Bo screamed.
"Tell us again where you were when Nelson got to Lauren? I want to hear your explanation for that?! Evony screamed.
"We don't need, or want your help Bo. As I said, Lauren is well protected". Hale said.
"By who!? Bo screamed.
"A ton of Lion shifters, Hale's Twig of Zamora, and these two are really, really, good..". Evony bent over in laughter.
"Tell me already! Bo screamed as she gripped her head in anger.
"Megan is a Light Fae. Vivian is a Dark Fae". Hale replied.
"And?! Bo screamed.
"They're Succubi, Succubus". Evony laughed, and stomped her foot in hysterics.
Bo bowed her head, lifted it, and screamed. "Those bitches will soon be dead". She said as her eyes flashed brown and blue."
"Why because they can heal Lauren, if she asks them to? Evony laughed again.
Bo screamed again, and the Morrigan fell down on a chair laughing.
TBC