The Next Morning
The gang had all gone to bed after Hale went home. He hung out with them for as long as he could before heading out. He spent the majority of his time with Kenzi. They planned to meet up the next day, and go over what she wanted to check on first, Dennis and Malikov's or Geraldines.
Hale had been impressed by how much Kenzi knew about running two businesses. It helped that she was able to use Bo's Fae contacts to help out, since Bo hadn't officially returned to work yet.
Bo didn't have to work if she didn't want to, but Kenzi wasn't a millionaire like Lauren, she had to. But the Doctor, and Succubus never made Kenzi feel low about her fortune. Bo had been all in for nearly a year, until Lauren got sick. Kenzi never made her feel low about missing time or, asking Kenzi to pick up the slack. She was glad to. Bo's mind wasn't on her work, and it was slowly starting to show, when she'd cancel meeting after meeting, or sent Kenzi in her place. Kenzi couldn't be in two places at one time, and asked Bo permission to hire more help.
The staff that she eventually found were doing a great job, Kenzi just needed to make sure they weren't trying to push her out. Bo wouldn't like it, and neither would she.
Having seeing how happy Bo, and Lauren were with their family, Hale offered to work some cases with Kenzi. His cop background, and relationships with the staff she had, would work to their benefit.
Then there was Geraldine's. Hale couldn't really help her with that but knew of a few local bar owners, who gave advice but nothing that could send them out of business, if Geraldine's continued to thrive.
"What's up Kenzi? Bo asked. Kenzi could tell she had already showered. Charly and the twins weren't up yet, so the house was still clean, and quiet.
"Hale, and I are hooking up later. We are going into the office, to make sure, we still have a business". Kenzi said pointing back, and forth between the two.
"Kenzi I am so, so sorry. I didn't mean to drop everything on you. Once the kids get a little bigger, maybe I will be ready to get back on a regular work schedule". Bo said sadly.
"Bo nobody is blaming you. Nobody. You, and Lauren have a beautiful family. Besides missing the white picket fence, this is the normal life that you have always dreamed of. We are not going to sit here, and point fingers". Kenzi said softly.
"Kenzi..". Bo sighed
"No Bo. This is a normal family right here. Yeah your kids are little badasses, but that's a good thing. Look at how close they already are. They will look out for each other. Let me look out for you by taking care of this on my own. Well with Hale's help of course. If you are ever ready to come back, you just say the word". Kenzi said rubbing her friend's back.
"Thanks Kenzi". Bo smiled. Kenzi was right. Bo had been so busy since Charlotte was born, that she never stopped to notice just how normal they all really were. How special they were. Bo, and Lauren were the parents, but Charlotte was protective of her brothers. That was going to help all of them in the long run.
Last night they had put the boys to bed, and Charlotte didn't go to bed until she was sure that he brothers were asleep. Lauren, and Bo were sitting in rocking chairs with a twin in their arms respectively. Once they started to snore, they gently placed them in the cribs. Charlotte had never once dosed off, or taken her eyes off of her brothers.
Mikayla still angered her. But from the graphic, mental pictures of her blood all over that cabin, she knew Lauren was not nice to her at all. Somebody had finally gotten one of their kids. Not just anyone, the youngest. Bo just didn't know how she would ever stop thinking of that. Wanting to kick her ass herself.
"You're welcome Bo, but I really mean it. Enjoy your family. I will still send you, your share of the money". Kenzi smiled softly.
"Ok". Bo smiled softly.
"Now what do you have planned for today? Kenzi asked sipping on her third cup of coffee.
"We are planning Charly's party today, and Lauren will be taking them outside to play! Bo excitedly.
"Oh balls! Leave something to plan for me! Kenzi clapped.
"Not sure where we will have it yet, but I will ask mom too. I am sure she will want to chip in, and help too". Bo said smiling wide. This was going to be a great, and fun day.
"Man this is going to be awesome! Kenzi smiled slapping Bo on her back.
Bo and Kenzi were stunned when Lauren came running down the stairs.
"Bo. Charlotte's gone! Lauren screamed as she paced back, and forth.
"Is she not in the boy's room? Bo asked running over to Lauren.
"No I checked there first. They are playing in their crib". Lauren said still pacing.
Bo looked around the room. She wasn't on the couch, and she wasn't outside.
"Bo. You know she's not scared of anything. She could have run off". Lauren started to sob.
"Easy Lauren. She's not stupid. Come on I will help you look again". Kenzi offered.
"Don't worry babe. We will find her! Bo said pulling out her cell phone.
Lauren and Kenzi raced up the stairs again. They had so many rooms. Lauren had only checked Ethan and Dillon's room.
Bo was ready to freak out, but she needed to be strong for Lauren. She was right though, Charlotte didn't seem to fear anything. She was getting bigger, and stronger every day. If she could say more than a few words, they would all talk about Dillon's kidnapping. Charlotte hadn't been the same since. Hell none of them had been. But she was their child. She shouldn't be carrying the weight of protecting her brothers so much, Bo and Lauren love them too.
One on hand they were proud of Charlotte for being that way. But she was so untrusting of everyone, that everyone was a threat. Other than the bathroom, she had followed Hale around all of last night. She even followed him to his car, and didn't come back into the house, until his taillights could no longer be seen.
Bo had an idea where Charlotte was, but until she got confirmation it was only a hunch.
Aife
"You know you really shouldn't do this all the time. But what the hell am I saying? You can be my road dog". Aife laughed noticing Charlotte on the hood of her car. She had stopped to get gas, and knew she needed to call Bo or Lauren asap.
Kenzi and Lauren had split the rooms in half. Lauren heard her phone ringing and, ran to grab it.
"Lauren it's Aife. I just wanted you guys to know that Charlotte is with me again". Aife laughed.
"What did she do? Lauren asked worriedly.
"I guess she followed me out of the house again, I had run back in to get something. So she must have snuck out then. But don't worry, I will be more careful next time". Aife said softly.
"It's not you. If she wants to get out, she will". Lauren laughed with relief. Charlotte was in good hands. Nobody and she means, nobody screwed with Aife. She makes Mommie Dearest look like Mary Poppins.
"I have business to attend to, but I have no problems having company, while I do it". Aife laughed again.
"What kind of business? Lauren asked worriedly.
"Somebody took my grandson. I am not over that sh...stuff". Aife said as Charlotte squinted at her.
Lauren smiled with pride. Aife may come across as crazy, but she's deathly loyal. That worried the Doctor a bit, but she had to trust that she would be careful with Charlotte.
"Thank you for looking into that. Bo, and I had a talk with a stadium full of shifters yesterday. We don't think they were in on it. But we left a standing message that we aren't over it yet either". Lauren said gritting her teeth.
"No need to thank me sweetie, but I am still going to look into it until I see the white of people's eyes if I have to". Aife said.
"But Charlotte...
"Will be safe. I promise". Aife said seriously.
"Ok but she hasn't eaten yet". Lauren said.
"I left pretty early, so I will feed her along the way". Aife said.
"Ok and thanks for calling". Lauren said.
"Tell Isabeau to calm down, I see she called, and texted me just now". Aife said.
"Ok we wil see you both later. Bo and I will be planning Charlotte's party today". Lauren said excitedly.
"Now I want a say in that". Aife laughed smiling at the young shifter.
"We will let you help". Lauren laughed.
"Gotta go". Aife said pulling into a parking lot.
Lauren hung up her phone, and nearly sprinted downstairs. She felt stupid that she never checked the security cameras. They would have seen Charlotte go out the door.
"Bo. She's with your mother". Lauren said walking up, and hugging the Succubus.
"Don't know what's in the forecast today, but that sounds like two hurricanes". Bo laughed with relief.
"I know! Lauren laughed.
"She will be careful with her Lauren". Bo cooed into the woman's ears.
"Yes I know Charlotte will be careful with Aife". Lauren laughed. She imagined Charlotte and Aife were like Bo, and Aife when she was a baby.
"Ma'am! Ma'am it's not visiting hours yet". A nurse said running after Aife.
"Do I look like I give a shit about etiquette, and hours? Aife laughed rushing down the hall with Charlotte jogging after her.
The nurse finally caught up to the Succubus, as she turned around. "Go away". Aife said pulsing the woman.
"Yes ma'am". The nurse smiled.
Aife burst through the door, not caring if she woke Lea up. "It's been two days. What do you know?
Charlotte jumped up. She gritted her teeth, as she walked on empty spots of the bed.
"It's not even noon yet, so technically it hasn't been two days yet". Lea groaned.
Charlotte roared in disgust.
"Charly I swear, nobody else was involved". Lea said softly. She wanted to pick the shifter up, but knew now wasn't a good time.
"I have other business to attend to. Like planning my granddaughter's party". Aife snapped.
"Charly!? When is it? I want to attend! Lea said excitedly.
"You're not invited, and if you don't have answers for me, you might not live to see your own next birthday". Aife snapped again.
"I have looked into it. Mikayla was working on her own. There was nobody else in on Dillon's kidnapping. Well all love Lauren, Bo and their kids. We would never hurt any of them". Lea explained.
Aife stepped forward, and Lea felt like her eyes were rolling in the back of her head. Aife was pulsing her relentlessly. "Now say that again".
"I have looked into it. Mikayla was working on her own. There was nobody else in on Dillon's kidnapping. Well all love Lauren, Bo and their kids. We would never hurt any of them". Lea smiled, and soon passed out.
"Ok. I believe you". Aife laughed leaving the room. The woman looked as if Aife had killed her, but she was still alive. The nurses would likely run from the room, and that tickled her more.
Charlotte was still walking on the bed. She never took her eyes off of Lea.
"Charly lets go". Aife cooed from the door.
Charlotte looked at her, jumped up and planted her paws on to the woman's legs. She was still passed out but her body moved from the force.
"Now that's cold". Aife laughed.
Bo and Lauren's.
"Lets get you both something to eat". Lauren cooed. Bo was downstairs making pancakes for the four of them. She was glad Aife was going to feed Charlotte. But they were serious about what she was to be given to eat. She would grow up, and eat many things, but right now they could control what she ate.
Lauren kissed the twins on their foreheads. She had never been this happy before. She had a family she adored, and all of them were safe and sound. She was already giddy about planning Charlotte's party. She wasn't awake when she was born, but planned to make it an even bigger day.
Twenty minutes later, the boys were fed. Lauren dressed them, and took them back upstairs. They were sticky from the syrup, and it was hilarious. Bo thought it would be easier to use a garden hose. Lauren had to laugh. They were in their human form, it wasn't going to be that hard to bathe them.
Bo took the twins so Lauren could clean up the bathroom. Thirty minutes later, the Doctor walked back downstairs. What she saw took her breath away. Bo had rocked them to sleep. Their little hands clung to Bo's face, and hands like she was going to drop them.
"Bo". Lauren said softly.
Bo lightly flinched. "Oh sorry sweetie. Guess I dosed off too". She said softly.
"It's ok, why don't we put them in the crib by the couch, and then we can plan Charlotte's party". Lauren smiled softly, gently lifting Dillon from Bo's arms.
"Ok". Bo smiled gently getting up. Lauren smiled watching Bo tiptoe over to the crib, and followed her.
"Ok that's done. Now lets plan it". Bo smiled taking Lauren's hand.
"Let me clear the dishes off of the table, and place them in the dishwasher". Lauren said hurrying over.
"Lauren I am here too. Let me help". Bo laughed rushing behind her.
The ladies had the table cleared, and the dishwasher was full, and running in a matter of minutes.
"Ok so where to have the party". Bo said tapping her fingers on the table.
"It doesn't have to be big, but I know a lot of people will want an invite to attend". Lauren said.
"Right. So where? Bo asked. The women sat looking at each other. Where was big enough? They didn't want to have it at home because they spent mostly all of their time there.
They sat staring at each other again. The Dal was out because the kids were too young to be in a bar, and it had bad memories of Trick, and his treachery.
Lauren stood up to get them a cup of coffee. She wasn't coming up with anywhere either. They had spent the last years of their lives in, and out of bars. Nowhere near suitable for young kids.
Bo was drawing a blank. There was literally nothing coming to her mind. Yeah it was only her first birthday. But that didn't mean that they couldn't go all out. Aife wanted to have a say too. The woman was worldly. She probably knew a lot spots than even Lauren didn't know of.
Lauren had returned with two fresh cups of coffee. "Anything yet? She asked.
"I got nothing. Maybe mom will know of something". Bo said taking her cup.
"Wherever it is, it has to have a lot of space. You know Charlotte likely will still be in her shifter form". Lauren laughed.
"I know. I know. We need to make her stay in her human form once in awhile". Bo smiled.
"I think she would stay that way if Ethan, and Dillon were bigger. Able to protect themselves more". Lauren said sipping her coffee.
"That's true". Bo said turning around when the front door opened. Charlotte ran in, and right over to her brothers. When she found them sleeping, she curled up on the floor beside the crib.
"See". Lauren cooed.
"Yep". Bo laughed.
"She ate. She ate". Aife laughed.
"What did she eat? Bo asked curiously.
"About five hamburgers". Aife laughed.
"Aife". Lauren said softly.
"Hey. The place was clean and free". Aife laughed.
"Where did you go? Bo asked. They had been gone for hours. She was sure they would come back battered and bruised. Or they would have to pick some kind of animal hair out of Charlotte's teeth.
"I gave Lea time to investigate. Her time was up this morning". Aife said seriously.
"And you got nothing right? Bo asked softly.
"Nothing but she might be a little loopy, and achy when she wakes up". Aife laughed.
"Mom what did you do? Bo sighed.
"I only pulsed her. Your daughter might have given her a few cattoos". Aife laughed.
"What? Lauren asked.
"She jumped up, and down on the woman after she passed out". Aife laughed again. Charlotte made her proud. She knew she needed to tell them the truth before Lea did.
"You didn't spank her did you? Bo asked looking down at their daughter.
"Girl naw. That sh...stuff was too funny". Aife laughed hysterically.
"Good because she is only trying to protect her brothers. She has rarely slept in her own bed since we got Dillon back". Bo said looking at all of them.
"Bo how about I take the kids out. I am sure they don't want to be cooped up inside all day". Lauren said softly.
"Hell let's all go outside". Bo smiled.
"Let's go Charly! Lauren cooed as she shifted, and roared.
"Might want to move out of the way mom". Bo laughed gently pushing Aife backwards.
Ethan and Dillon woke up too. Charlotte was already running after Lauren. Bo noticed Ethan's paw was tangled up in a blanket and rushed over to help him. He would likely tear it. Dillon was waiting for his brother. Once Ethan was free, they both jumped out of the crib, and ran towards the patio door.
"Damn that was loud". Aife laughed once all of the shifters were outside.
"Yeah it was. Beer? Bo offered.
"Ok". Aife smiled watching Bo walk towards the kitchen.
Kenzi and Hale
"Well Geraldine's is still standing, and making lots, and lots of moolah". Kenzi laughed.
"I think it is so cool that you are still giving Bo part of the profits from the PI business. It can't be easy raising three kids nearly the same age". Hale smiled as they piled into his Mustang.
"If it wasn't for Bo, I likely wouldn't have all that contacts that I do. I would never push her out because they have kids now. She deserves the money. I know she would be out here busting her ass, if she could". Kenzi explained.
"How are the Ogres doing? Do I need to bust some eardrums or bones? Hale asked turning into the street.
"After what Lauren did to Evony, they are very cooperative. The text I got this morning said we have like 10 new clients. There are a lot of cheaters, and bad parents out there". Kenzi said.
"As long as there are, the money will keep coming". Hale said racing down the street. He still had his badge so he would still speed whenever he wanted to.
"I just want to do good work. Bo would want that, so I can help her with that". Kenzi said.
"I can work a few cases with ya". Hale offered.
"Dude I am not about to pay you or push Bo out. Bo and her family are my number one clients". Kenzi snapped turning her head.
"I never said you had to or would". Hale laughed. He understood Bo's family life. She was a mother of three shifters, and that in itself was a full time job. Besides helping out now would insure that their kids would be taken care of, and have enough money to split three ways.
"Ok. That's my number one rule, and I won't break it. Bo gets her share. No questions asked. Most of our clients are Doctors, so they have the money to pay us". Kenzi explained.
"Ahhh they have been getting it on with their nurses, and the wives needs proof huh? Hale laughed. Nope they would never run out of cases like that.
"Yep. You cheat, we will catch you". Kenzi laughed, and pointed when it was time for Hale to turn into the parking lot.
It looked like it was still busy. Kenzi couldn't help but smile.
"Ms. Malikov hello. We weren't expecting you to come in today". A woman smiled from behind the front desk.
"I am here to see what's going on with my own eyes. The text I got this morning said we have ten new clients. I hope they are being treated up to our standards". Kenzi said.
"Yes ma'am. We have already taken down addresses, phone numbers and have been paid". Leslie explained.
"Very good. Now get me a copy of the list and how much they paid.". Kenzi said tapping her foot.
"Yes ma'am right away". Leslie said hurrying over to the copy machine.
"What do you want that for. Don't you trust her? Hale snickered.
"Bo thinks she's not pulling her weight around here. I just want to show her, what she will be getting in her checking account. I think the Dennis' weren't well off, so Bo didn't have that great of a childhood. I can't fault her for being a parent, but I can help her provide for her family". Kenzi explained.
"Yeah their house is barely big enough for what they have going on. I am sure Bo wants to work, but her kids come first". Hale said softly.
"I am going to look for a lawyer soon. With any luck, I will find a good one that can help me make sure nobody is trying to take over our company". Kenzi said.
"That's a great idea". Hale said watching the woman return with the list Kenzi had requested.
Kenzi looked the list over, and her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. They were making almost a million just because of the newer clients.
"Yeah. I need to show Bo this". Kenzi said nearly fainting at the sight.
"You can after you give me a tour of this place. Y'all went all out on the deco". Hale laughed.
"Lauren decorated most of it. The rest was all Bo and myself". Kenzi laughed waving him on.
Bo and Lauren's.
Aife and Bo had gone out to the patio deck. Watching Lauren and the kids run around the huge yard. Bo noticed that Charlotte and Lauren were playing with each other, and the boys had their own little game going.
Lauren and Charlotte finally laid down to rest and just watched the boys. Once a few minutes passed they were up and running around again. Everything Lauren did, Charlotte did or tried to do. Her little legs weren't as long as her mother's but Lauren made sure to go slow once it looked like Charlotte was struggling. Charlotte could do a lot, but still had a lot more to learn. When she yawned Lauren saw all of her teeth.
"Come here baby". Lauren cooed extending her arms out to her daughter. Bo smiled when she saw it. Lauren deserved this time with her. Charlotte snuggled up in Lauren's arms.
"I know I wasn't around when you were born. I am so sorry for that. I wasn't even aware that I was pregnant with you. But you were the first of many blessings. I am so glad your mother was there for you. I am so proud of how you are constantly growing, and being so protective of your brothers. You won't always have to do that because your mother, and I will be right there for each, and every one of you. I know you are worried about them, but I promise nobody will get them again. You deserve a childhood Charlotte. You deserve to just be a child. Your mother, and I will do everything we can to provide all of you with that chance". Lauren cooed into Charly's ears.
Charlotte stayed exactly where she was.
"Do you understand sweetie? Lauren asked softly. When Charlottte nodded, she had her answer.
"Ok! Lets go play! Lauren said jumping up as Charlotte chased after her. The boys joined them after a bit. Bo just smiled.
"Isabeau you are a great mother. Worrying will always be part of the job. But don't ever think because they can run that fast, that it makes you less of a mother. I am sure Lauren has told you the same things. So don't worry about that". Aife said softly.
"I just want to be a good mother. They took him. They took Dillon. I know Charlotte and Lauren got him back, but he's my son too. I should have gotten to him a lot quicker". Bo sighed.
"Baby you are a great mother. I know you will always think you are too slow, but there is a away around that. Your Succubus". Aife smiled.
"What about her? Bo asked turning to face her mother.
"She can always sense them Bo, just like you can. She can suck anyone's Chi that threatens them. It was just like you did with the Lich. You won't need to be up in anyone's ass all the time, to kick their ass. Use her, she will always protect them, and you won't have to speed after them to do so". Aife explained.
"I don't know how to do that, without her taking over completely. They already saw her when we drained Hades". Bo sighed staring at her family.
"They are hers too Bo. She won't allow anyone to hurt them, not even herself. Who knows maybe the sight of them will snap you out of it". Aife smiled rubbing Bo's back.
Bo closed her eyes, and then opened them again. Aife was right. They were her Succubus kids too. She had almost forgotten that her kids had Succubus powers too. She almost wanted to bond her Succubus with theirs at the moment, but it was Lauren's turn with them.
Bo jumped when a ball hit her in the face. "Come on and play with us Bo". Lauren laughed.
Bo grabbed the ball and ran out into the yard. The kids started chasing her, eventually knocking her down. They all piled on top of her, and they all laughed.
Ethan snatched the ball with his teeth, and took off running. "Oh no you don't". Bo laughed chasing after him with Lauren, Charly and Dillon right behind her.
Aife smiled. It looked like fun, but she wasn't dressed right to join in. Her own Succubus wanted to cry at the sight of their daughter playing with her family.
Later that evening.
The kids were fed, and bathed as the women, and Hale were all sitting in the living room. They were still trying to figure out where to hold Charlotte's party. After the afternoon they had, Bo and Lauren knew they wanted to be outside, so the kids could run but still be safe.
"Lets just have a big bbq in the backyard. There is plenty of room for all of the kids to run, and play. We can monitor everything with the security cameras, and still have a good time". Bo suggested.
Lauren and Aife looked at each other. It wasn't a bad idea but Aife wanted something splashier, but their yard was huge. She smiled as she planned something else. "Sounds good to me!
Lauren thought about it a little more. They had plenty of yard space and plenty of parking in the driveway and along the street. When an idea struck, she made up her mind too
"Ok we party here! Lauren smiled.
"We party! Bo screamed excitedly.
TBC
Bo's Succubus bonds with the kids.
Aife plans her own surprises for Charlotte's party.
Charlotte uses her Succubus to teach her brothers to fight.