Lauren's POV
It had been a long night but apparently not long enough for me. Here I am walking around the house cleaning things that hadn't even been used or was dirty yet. But this is how I am. Sleeping wasn't stopping me from worrying why someone was trying to take our baby. But not just someone. Dyson's mother. What had I done to her? Was she bitter at Bo? Why does she want an innocent child that hadn't even been officially introduced amongst the Fae yet?
I had already gone through two pots of coffee. So I am more wired than usual. I snuck back into our room and nothing had changed. Bo was still cuddled up with Charlotte. It took me awhile to get her to calm down after I woke her up when she passed out. Charlotte seemed to be her sleeping pill once I placed her in her arms. They slept in the same manner, as if nothing else was going on in the world. I loved that kind of calm. But for every calm there always seemed to be a storm on the horizon somewhere.
This is our horizon. Our home. Our peace. Thank goodness our bedrooms are on the third floor, so Bo won't wake up as I wash new dishes that she never touched in all the time I was sick. The house itself was still pretty much brand new. Bo has a kid proof weapons room. I was insistent that she do that. Charlotte seemed to be aging at a rapid pace and I have no doubt she wouldn't be able to try and open the doors. I will have to watch Kenzi though. The girl does know how to pick locks after all. Bo also has a small gym with a small running track. This place is big but we agreed that if I was going to have a lab, Bo should be able to build all things a Succubus needs.
Who knew that we would be building a family so soon? As soon as this latest mess is over, I will work diligently trying to figure out how and when we conceived her. I will also run some tests on Charlotte. According to Lea, she is far more advanced than Lea had ever seen before. The woman is nearly a thousand years old. I am sure she knows her stuff and what she doesn't I will find out. I feel bad that Bo had to raise our baby even for a short time without me. But I can't think of a more protective parent than a Succubus has the powers to be.
Tamsin and Kenzi are sleeping in separate guest rooms. Far away from ours because Kenzi wanted to play Grand Theft Auto to calm her nerves after last night's activities. I am sure as soon as I start breakfast, they will both come running.
I finally stopped the cleaning to walk out onto the patio. It's a bit chilly but my Lioness won't allow me to freeze. It looks like it's going to be a good day. I use my senses to try and detect if anyone is near that shouldn't be. That's what's so fascinating about Charlotte, she can already detect danger and protect herself from people she's never seen before.
I don't want to wake Bo but damn it, it's time for us to get answers and we won't get them sleeping the day away.
I walked back into the house. I make quick work of breakfast and just like I thought Kenzi and Tamsin were down and in the kitchen in a matter of minutes. Time to wake the Succubus I laughed.
Bo's POV
I am not really sleeping like Lauren thinks that I am. But good gosh our baby feels so warm and soft against my skin. She even smells like Lauren, so how can I not be comfy? I laughed at the little roars she has for snores. Lauren will have to teach her to calm those things when she gets big enough to understand. She hasn't tried to bite me though. I let out a huge sigh at that. I guess she is used to me from all the times we spent together at the hospital. I had no idea how to change a baby, but the nurse's were gracious enough to teach me. One nurse even laughed saying I should be glad she's a girl so I wouldn't have to worry about being in the firing range of a baby boy. A boy. I know Lauren wants one. Hell as long as they are ours, I don't particularly care how many kids we have.
Charlotte is beautiful and ours. I am gonna have to get Kenzi to show Lauren the picture of the day she was born. It breaks my heart she wasn't awake to see that. The most beautiful sight I have ever seen. Lauren waking up is a very close second. I have the life I have always wanted. A family. A loving family.
A family some crazy ass lady wants to try and shatter. No way in hell woman. You will not get our daughter. Not now, not ever. I would see her dead first. I laughed thinking of the two times Charlotte has protected herself from the would be kidnappers. Tamsin took that loser to the police station last night and has an Ogre on guard so nobody can get to him. We didn't want that bastard stinking up our house and Tamsin assured us, he would be safe there and when we are ready to interrogate him, she would have an armored car escort him to us.
"So you weren't sleeping huh? Lauren laughed as I snuggled Charlotte closer to me.
"Ok you caught me", Bo said blushing with pride.
"Well if her highness is ready, I'd like to change the baby now" Lauren laughed. She was nervous as hell but this was what she lived for. Bo and Charlotte.
"Ha ha. I already changed her", Bo laughed.
"Well damn, I must get this stuff on camera. The big bad Succubus changing a diaper", Lauren laughed.
"I'm glad you mentioned that. We need to get Kenzi to show you Charlotte's pictures from when she was born. After they cleaned her up that is", Bo said remembering the scene. Lauren would have laughed then. The Succubus was a crying mess. One because Lauren was was missing it and two because Charlotte looked so much like her sleeping mother.
"You had her take pictures? Lauren asked with her eyes tearing up.
"Of course babe. I know you wouldn't have wanted to miss that and I didn't want you to miss it either", Bo smiled warmly and finally surrendered Charlotte to Lauren. She didn't even wake up yet, she just repositioned her body in Lauren's arms.
"That's so sweet Bo", Lauren cooed gently kissing Charlotte on her cheek.
Bo nearly cried at the sight. But she knew she couldn't become a complete mush right now. Not when there was still a threat out there. Who the hell knew Dyson had a mother? Trick. Bo shook her head. She was trying to have a nice family moment but if she didn't take care of these threats, her family wouldn't be able to have many more of these moments. She was proud that Charlotte already knew how to defend herself. The chi suck literally took the Succubus' breath away.
"So I guess I will shower and go down and enjoy whatever that delicious smell coming from the kitchen is", Bo laughed.
"You better hurry. Tamsin and Kenzi are already down there", Lauren smiled. She made more than enough but wanted to poke fun at Bo.
"Oh I know you Dr. Lewis. You always make more than enough", Bo smiled kissing Lauren and Charlotte on their cheeks as she made her way towards the shower.
Lauren took a seat on the bed and played with Charlotte for a bit. She knew this time wouldn't last long because they had a long few days ahead of them. It angered her that their baby was already in danger. But she knew she and the Succubus wouldn't allow anyone to get her or hurt her. She felt her Lioness on the brink of roaring but she didn't want to startle Charlotte. She took a deep breath and stood up to walk with her for a while. They had a big window that faced the mountains and she took Charlotte to look out the window.
"You're too young to know what's going on but I know Bo is proud of you just as I am. You already can sense danger and mama and I aren't going to allow anyone to take you", Lauren said softly pulling Charlotte closer to her.
Unknown location
"Where is Robert? Eunice asked.
"We haven't heard from him ma'am", Joe replied.
"What do you mean you haven't heard from him? Eunice replied.
"Mrs. Thornwood he went alone to pick up the baby and nobody has seen or heard from him since late last night", Joe explained.
"So that's your way of saying he failed me", Mrs. Thornwood snapped. She was furious. How could these idiots not have the baby by now?
"Ma'am maybe we need another plan", Joe sighed.
"We? This is my plan. Now go and get the baby and you better not fail me", Mrs. Thornwood snapped.
"With all due respect ma'am, nobody seems to be making it out alive", Joe explained. It was true. First Stanley and now Robert had gone MIA.
"I don't care how many have to die, we will keep going until I have that baby. I must have her at any cost", Mrs. Thornwood snapped.
"Maybe we need to wait until they leave the house with her", Joe suggested.
"I don't care where you get her, just go and get her! Mrs. Thornwood screamed.
Joe stared at her for a brief moment and left. This really was no long longer a kidnapping mission, it was becoming a suicide mission. Two men lost in a matter of days and nobody knew what ever became of Stanley's body, only that the Succubus had run him over.
Mrs. Thornwood was stewing in her chair. Why were they failing so easily? All she was ordering them to do was to go and get the baby. She would go herself if she was still able to get around. She was an old shifter herself and wasn't as strong as her men were. That's what baffled her the most they were all young, strong men. How could two women keep them from a baby? Yes the Valkyrie was there at times too but come on it's baby they were talking about. Just grab the little one and run. She longed for Dyson now. She knew he would not fail her. He was so strong and brave.
Dark Fae compound.
"You better have news for me Vex", Evony screamed.
"I do have news for you and that's all I am here for. I am done with the Succubunny and her crew", Vex laughed.
"What's funny? Evony asked. She was tired of Vex and his lollygagging. She would kick him out of the Dark Fae if the Elders didn't love him so much.
"The bastards keep trying to get the little one and they keep failing", Vex reported. How dumb can they be to just walk into a Lioness and Succubus home and try and take their kid? Even Vex with all of his powers shuddered at the thought.
"Where are they? Evony asked. She still wanted to know who was trying to get Charlotte. She didn't need the Succubus and Lauren in her face about something that wasn't her doing.
"Nobody knows love. They seem to go in and don't come back out", Vex laughed. He thought about camping outside Bo and Lauren's just to watch the festivities. Whomever it was had balls made of stupid and brains made of shit.
"Can you get in and find out? Evony asked.
"Are you out of your mind? I'm not going in there. It's not exactly man friendly and besides I told you. I am not going to do nothing else but report what's been whispered in me ear", Vex said.
"Then get your snitch to go in. I want to know what's going on in that house and I don't mean their sexual encounters", Evony said.
"Sorry love nobody is going in there. Unless you can find a woman willing to do the job", Vex laughed.
"I am not asking for excuses. Get somebody in there today! Evony screamed. Being the leader had it perks until she had to work with lazy jerks.
"I will ask around", Vex said.
"No you will get someone in there and they will report back to me or I will make you all regret it", Evony spat.
"Keep your knickers on", Vex said walking out of the door. Evony was a pain in his arse. He felt like disappearing for a bit and that didn't sound like a bad idea considering how unhinged the Succubus could become at any minute. Maybe he would find someone who wasn't all that smart to go in and see what all of the hoopla was about at Bo and Lauren's.
Evony took a deep breath sitting back in her chair. Idiots. She had idiots under her command. Actually she inherited all of them from the previous Morrigan. Once this latest mess was over she was going to openly recruit new minions.
The Dal
"What's the word? Trick asked.
"They didn't get her sir", Parker said.
"Bo? Trick asked.
"She's well. So is the doctor", Parker reported. He wasn't a spy but it was extra money outside of bartending for Trick.
Trick knew this was the only way he could keep up with his Granddaughter since she all but forbid him from going near their home. He could still smell Lauren's Lioness breath on his skin. Soap and water failed to wash her scent away. He shook his head and wondered what his next move would be. He thought for sure the shifters would kill him. None of them had reason to be loyal to him. They knew he was the Blood King but that meant nothing to them. They were an older group. Never had much use for Trick or to come into the Dal.
Old Una Mens lair.
"What you got for me my man? Steven asked.
"They didn't get her sir. They failed again", Greg reported.
"And Evony? Steven asked.
"She doesn't know anything. She's stewing over it herself", Greg replied.
"Very good. Keep on it and report back to me on anything new that happens. I'm going to wait here for the new windows to arrive. It's musty in this place", Steven laughed.
"Will do sir", Greg bowed walking out. This was a funny situation. The Morrigan didn't know what was going on with Bo and Lauren but she was doing her best to try and find out. He and Steven didn't know either but still wanted to keep a close eye on everything that goes on. There was too many attempts lately. They deduced it had to be big for someone to be that bold.
Bo and Lauren's
"So...have you figured out how we made her yet? Bo whispered softly into Lauren's ear as she finished off a piece of toast.
"I have a clue but I'm not going to get into that yet until we find out who's after her", Lauren replied trying not to blush.
Bo took a hard deep breath. The attempts weren't lost on her but it still made her furious that after nearly a year of watching Lauren in a coma, they still couldn't find peace and quiet for a single day since she woke up. She was happy Lauren was awake and healthy but still longed for her to rest. She knew this was going to be a long day and she needed to keep her emotions in check so they could finally find out where Mrs. Thornwood was and why she was coming for Charlotte.
Lauren looked at Bo while she was lost in thought and knew they were thinking the same thing. They had to, needed to get all of this over with and soon. They deserved it and more importantly Charlotte deserved it.
"Are you guys done? Bo asked Tamsin and Kenzi.
"I am. Kenzi might be ready for a drink", Tamsin said grabbing her gear.
"Kenzi please. No liquor today. We are going to need you to baby-sit Charlotte", Bo said. She knew Kenzi's nerves were bad but she needed one of her best friends to stand guard over her child.
"Gotcha Bo", Kenzi said giving a thumbs up. Normally babysitting would require her to charge the parents but she was a Aunt now. This was family so she wouldn't be adding to their stress that likely would break the Richter scale.
"I will call Lea and get as many shifters here as she can find", Lauren said. She and Bo hadn't come up with a plan yet but she knew guarding the house would be most important.
"She's calling Lea, Tamsin", Kenzi teased.
"Oh shut up", Tamsin laughed.
"Ladies focus", Bo smiled warmly. She didn't know what they were talking about but they needed to focus on Charlotte right now and making sure she would be safe as they moved ahead with their plans.
"What's the plan Bo? Tamsin asked. Her Captain had been on her ass about taking so much personal time but this was personal.
"Lauren is calling some shifters which works great with my idea. Kenzi I need you to hang back here and watch Charlotte. We will ask the shifters to watch from outside. We need them on every corner of the house. Tamsin will take us to the douchebag that came last night. I'm glad Lauren didn't kill him because he will lead us to Mrs. Thornwood. Wherever the hell that bitch may be", Bo explained.
"That sounds like a great plan to me", Tamsin said. It really did sound good because she would gladly take them to that bastard and beat whatever he knows out of him but not before they secured the house.
"I would rather go but I understand" Kenzi said. She wanted to kick ass too but understood Charlotte needed someone there that she was close to and she assumed that meant both Lauren and Bo were going with Tamsin.
"Kenzi we are dealing with shifters. They are lunatics and dangerous. I would feel better knowing you were safe here, I know Lauren would too" Bo explained.
"I get it Bo. But she's my niece. I want to kick some ass" Kenzi said.
"If they come for her while we are gone by all means", Bo said. She felt bad about having to leave Kenzi behind. But she felt better knowing she and Charlotte would be guarded just as if she and Lauren stayed home.
"You bet your ass I will. Me and Geraldine will be on the job", Kenzi said lifting her beloved sword.
"Ok so we all know the plan right? Bo asked looking between Kenzi and Tamsin. When they both gave her a thumbs up she allowed herself to breathe again.
"Ok Lea said she can get a few shifters here. A lion, wolf, lioness and a tiger", Lauren said rejoining the group.
"No bear? Kenzi asked.
"Kenzi...", Lauren and Bo chimed in.
"Ok. Ok...I was just trying to lighten the mood", Kenzi explained.
"So Lauren we are going to let some of the shifters stay here to guard the house. Kenzi will hang back and watch Charlotte as they guard the outside", Bo softly explained.
"That sounds good to me. But Lea is coming with us", Lauren said. She felt comfortable with Bo but adding another shifter to the their interrogation group wasn't a bad idea.
"I get it and that's cool with me", Bo said.
Kenzi winked in Tamsin's direction.
"So Tamsin will take us to him and we will make him tell us where Mrs. Thornwood is hiding out", Bo said.
"But Trick..", Kenzi started.
"Trick will slow us down with his bullshit", Bo snapped. This was no time for one of his longwinded stories about any and everything that wouldn't help them to begin with.
"Maybe we should use a second baby car seat. Whomever is around will think we are taking her with us", Lauren suggested.
"Dr. Lewis you are a genius! Besides I can use it to load some of my weapons", Bo said. That really was a good idea. She wanted to be heavily armed but not bogged down along the way to the precinct.
"Let's load up and spend a little time with Charlotte. That will give the other shifters time to get here", Lauren said.
"Everyone grab whatever you think I will need but not all of my weapons", Bo said. She wanted to leave some behind in case Kenzi needed them.
Lauren didn't want to take any weapons. She had all she needed in her Lioness. So she was the first to sit with Charlotte. She wasn't so much afraid for her life as she was about leaving their child behind. Bo had the power to raise the dead but Lauren didn't want to have to ask her to use those powers. Not for her or Charlotte. She never heard of Mrs. Thornwood. But Dyson was always a pretentious ass with her. So it's not shocking he had a mother nobody knew about. Well not her and Bo at least. Trick was another story. She knew she should have eaten him but didn't want that bastard clogging up her insides like his bullshit was already clogging up their minds. How could anyone expect Trick to be loyal to family? Look what he did to Aife and she was his only daughter. Lauren was glad Bo grew up not knowing him, he likely would have sent her to the Dark Fae too if she ever went against one of his laws or wishes. Knowing Bo as she did Lauren knew the Succubus would have done just that.
Bo was gathering her best weapons. She knew her Succubus could take down anyone but when it came to shifters, she had to be cautious. She was a mother now. It wasn't just about kicking ass now and taking names later. She had to be smarter and plan her attacks accordingly. She just wanted to get to the guy and pound whatever information they could get out of him. She thought of Trick. It made her sick that his blood flowed through her veins. Family meant nothing to the pompous Blood King. Only his laws and ways of thinking do. She didn't get to know Aife like she wanted to but what she did know, she wanted Charlotte to know too. Don't let anyone dictate your life. Be loyal to family and stand up for who and what you believe in. She worried about Lauren. She already knew she was going to have to pry the Doctor out of the house. Lauren hadn't had as long to bond with Charlotte like Bo did when she was in her coma. That was another thing they needed to get answers to. What the hell was in the seed and why was it important to what happened to Lauren? She would get those answers too if it was the last thing she did. Then there was Mrs. Thornwood. Who the hell was she and why was the Succubus just now finding out about her? Dyson was always a liar. She knew that so it wasn't shocking he never mentioned having a mother.
"Bo? Lauren called softly.
"Yes babe? Bo smiled coming out of her thoughts.
"Are you ready for Charlotte? Lauren asked holding her.
"Of course! Come to mama sweetie", Bo cooed taking Charlotte from Lauren.
Lauren walked away to give them time to bond. She knew it was going to be hard for Bo leaving her behind. But they had no choice. They needed answers and they didn't exactly know why Mrs. Thornwood was after her. Trick should have to clean up this mess but what good would such a powerful man that hides behind his bartending gig to cover up being the Blood King be? No they needed to handle this. As parents and as a family. To show these bastards they were to be reckoned with.
Bo walked with Charlotte towards the windows. "I promise sweetie. We will get whomever is after you. We won't let them touch or so much as breath on you. Aunt Kenzi will stay with you and keep you company until we return. I also promise that I will bring your mama back to you", She cooed into Charlotte's ear
"Mama", Charlotte cooed back.
Bo's eyes teared up. She knew she meant her and not Lauren this time. "That's right baby your mama's love you and we will both come back to you. We love you no matter what happens from here on out". Bo wiped her eyes with her free hand and walked back towards the trio. The shifters were already stationed outside.
"Bo? Are you ok? Lauren asked seeing the mess the Succubus was in.
"She called me mama", Bo whispered softly.
Lauren took them both in her arms and held on for dear life. This was their family and nobody was going to destroy it. Especially some centuries old woman.
"It's time to go sweetie so we can come home to her", Lauren said. Lea had already positioned the shifters. All of them were to stay outside and not leave their posts unless they saw someone entering the house.
They both took turns kissing Charlotte one last time and Bo handed her to Kenzi with the bigggest take care of her look she could muster at the moment.
"Let's go ladies. The truck is ready", Tamsin said.
Bo, Lauren, Lea and Tamsin all packed into the truck. Tamsin put the car seat in just as if they were taking the baby with them. Bo and Lauren sat in the back holding hands while Tamsin used her sirens as they sped away towards the precinct.
Unknown location
Mrs. Thornwood was growing quite antsy. She hadn't heard from anyone in hours but they all knew they had better not contact her until they had positive results. She was tired of waiting. It was a simple snatch and grab. She couldn't figure out why they were failing as none of the others made it back to tell her.
Dark Fae compound
"Well Vex? Evony snapped it had been hours since she saw the Mesmer last. He knew not to test her any further.
"The stupid shit is on his way over there as we speak", Vex said.
"Why is he stupid? Evony asked. Nothing she commanded anyone to do was stupid and to insinuate that he was, was an insult to her too.
"The bastard may not make it out alive, as I warned him", Vex laughed. She could send in as many fools as she wanted because he would never be one of them. One he was too obvoius of a choice. Two he liked breathing.
"I don't care what condition he comes out in, but he better have better results than you have been bringing me", Evony snapped.
Old Una Mens lair
"They've left the house with her sir", Greg said.
"Good. Good. Keep on them. I want to know everything", Steven said.
Kenzi and Charlotte
"I got you mama", Kenzi cooed into Charlotte's ear. This was such a big deal she wanted a drink but promised Bo and Lauren that she wouldn't drink. She wanted to play a game but dared not put the baby down. Those freaks snuck in somehow and got to her, even with Tamsin there. She could hear the shifters moving about outside. She had to admit for animals they were gorgeous to look at.
Bo, Lauren, Tamsin and Lea
The gang had already scooped up Robert and taken him to an abandoned warehouse. Bo was the first out of the truck and had him by his neck slamming him into a chair.
"You better start talking dude, if you want to live", Tamsin warned him. Her Detectives told her he was quiet all night and hadn't said a word to them. He took his sandwich and water and went back to a corner of his cell.
"You bitches won't ge anything out of me. If I talk I'm dead", Robert spat in Tamsin's direction.
"Lea", Lauren said coldly.
Robert watched as the woman shifted before his eyes. Immediately wetting himself he hung his head. That nasty ass sandwich really was going to be his last meal. If he talked he was dead, if he didn't he was dead.
"If you don't talk, I will kill you right now! Bo said planting his head into the desk.
"Look I get it. You don't want to betray your boss but if you don't tell us what we want to know, she will be the least of your problems", Lauren said flashing her eyes.
Robert saw what she was and he wet himself again. See this was not a good thing. Nothing he could tell them would save him or them. Mrs. Thornwood was powerful and evil. She all but had the Blood King in her pocket.
"She just wants the girl", Robert started.
"For what? The Succubus screamed.
"I...I don't know. Our instructions were only to get the baby", Robert said.
"You know more than that", Tamsin laughed.
"I swear that's all I know. She said we weren't to know the rest in case we were ever captured", Robert explained.
"And how'd that work for ya? Tamsin laughed. This guy was dead and he knew it. Bo and Lauren wouldn't give two fucks about ending his life today.
"Where is she? Lauren asked. The Doctor was struggling to maintain her composure. She knew if she lost it, Bo would assuredly.
"I can't tell you that either", Robert said with his head still bowed. He could feel Lea's hot breath on his skin and it was making the hairs on his neck stand up. Her small roars were causing him to shake in his bones.
"Well then what can you tell us? Tamsin asked.
"Fuck me. I have ways to get him to talk. Lauren may I? Bo asked gently for the chair Lauren was sitting in across from Robert.
As soon as the Succubus took her seat. She snapped again as her phone began to ring. Looking at the name on the screen , she had no noice but to answer.
"Kenzi please not now", Bo said taking one of Robert's hands in her own.
"Bo. One of you need to get here and get here now", Kenzi said as calmly as she could but the girl was about to wig out.
"What? What is it Kenzi? Bo asked starting to worry herself.
"Bo I am so serious. One of you needs to get home now. Preferably Lauren. Yeah. Yeah. Get Lauren here", Kenzi said watching the sight in front of her.
"Do they have her? Bo asked tearing up. How the hell did this happen?
"No. Not yet. Just get here Bo. Like in 2 minutes", Kenzi said stiff in her shoes.
"Ok. We'll be there! Bo said hanging up.
"Lea and Tamsin, hang back with him and see what you can get out of him. Lauren and I have to go and we are taking the truck Tamsin. Oh and I will be using the sirens", Bo said.
"Bo? Did they get her? Lauren asked trying not to cry herself because the Succubus' face was soaked with tears.
"No. They don't have her yet but Kenzi was adamant that we need to get home. Well you especially", Bo said.
"Go ladies, Lea and I got this. Oh and here take my Sergeant's hat and wear it, whichever one of you is driving", Tamsin said.
"Get everything you can out of him, even if it means his life", Bo snapped towards Robert.
"Bo let's go! Lauren screamed as Bo took off after her.
Kenzi and Charlotte
"Oh shit. Oh shit", Kenzi kept repeating.
Kenzi closed her eyes and tried not to move. Not an inch remembering the last ten minutes. She and Charlotte were walking around the house after Kenzi had changed and fed her. She stopped walking when she heard the shifters roaring. Charlotte jumped from her arms and ran towards the nearest door knocking it down.
"She shifted. She shifted as soon as she jumped from my arms", Kenzi started mumbling to herself but the most awesome moment of it was right in front of her. Which is why she wasn't about to move.
Charlotte had the latest asshole's neck in her teeth and the other shifters were bowing at the scene like that moment in the Lion King when they all bowed to Simba.
Kenzi heard Charlotte starting to roar again.
"Oh shit...oh shit", Kenzi said noticing small scratches on her arms.
TBC