Bo and Lauren.
Bo had put the kids to bed. Charlotte refused to sleep in her own bed, so the Succubus allowed her to sleep in the boys room. Aife had retired for the night hours ago. So Bo was sitting downstairs when Lauren finally arrived home.
"Hey". Bo said as she watched the Doctor shake her head and head upstairs.
Lauren immediately walked towards the boys room and Bo saw her take a deep breath as if she was inhaling their scents. After doing that three times, she walked towards their bedroom, kicked off her boots, stripped and climbed into the shower. Bo followed her every move and joined her.
"Are you ok? Bo asked softly as she massaged Lauren's shoulders as the hot water splashed the both of them. Bo never took a shower with the water this hot, but she would do this for Lauren. The shifter's skin was probably immune to it.
Lauren sighed. "I'm fine".
"Lauren. Talk to me". Bo said running her hands up and down Lauren's back.
"I went to see the pack. The ones that weren't wounded anyways. I told them I wanted out and our kids to be out too. They will always be after them Bo, I cannot be a part of any pack when our kids are their marks". Lauren said bowing her head under the shower nozzle.
It was Bo's turn to sigh now. She gently turned Lauren around to look at her. "Lauren they won't get any one of them again. They won't. The kids are already growing up so fast. Charly is literally her brother's keepers. She will be just as good for them as we will be".
Lauren pushed her hair out of her face and grabbed the shampoo.
"Let me". Bo said gently grabbing the shampoo from Lauren and turning the Doctor back around. Once she had lathered up Lauren's hair and body, she did the same to her own hair and body.
The women rinsed theselves respectively and dried off. They checked the kids one last time and climbed into bed. Bo snuggled close to Lauren so she could rub her back.
"Did you really tell the pack to fuck off? Bo asked softly.
"I told them I no longer wanted to be a part of it. They said they kids would still belong to them. I practically had to kill Tau to get them to agree. He's one of the oldest lions, so his word is bond". Lauren said staring into nothing.
"Are you sure you want to do this? Bo asked.
"I'm sure". Lauren said pulling Bo closer to her.
"I meant leave the pack". Bo giggled.
"So did I and yes I am. Besides the kids will grow up and form their own packs. Charlotte being the first born will likely find a mate strong enough to deal with her but not rule over her". Lauren explained.
Bo laughed. "I am sure her mate will have his or her hands full. You and I have both seen the three of them together, there would be hell to pay if someone even hints at a threat".
"I just want them to learn how to be kids for now. Charlotte hasn't slept in her room much at all since Ethan and Dillon were born. Not that I will ever fault her for that. She's still a baby that should be playing without having to worry about protecting her brothers all the time". Lauren sighed.
"So lets take them away. Let them actually be kids for awhile". Bo cooed into Lauren's ear.
The Doctor turned over to face Bo. "What do you have in mind?
"Lets go on a trip. Just the five of us. We can focus on them, and they can focus on being kids. I don't like them mostly being cooped up in the house either. This way we will all get a much needed vacation and time to grow as a family". Bo cooed pushing a lock of Lauren's hair behind her ear.
"Where do you want to go? Lauren asked.
"We'll just go. That way nobody will be suspecting us, and we can stop to allow them to run and play, within eyesight of course. We will only tell Kenzi, Hale and Mom about it". Bo smiled softly.
Lauren bit the inside of her mouth as she thought about it. It wasn't a bad idea at all. The element of a surprise trip did sound a lot safer than planning it because people could always plan something if they knew where they would be.
"Lets do it". Lauren smiled.
"Good thing Charlotte likes to stay in her shifter form, we don't have to worry about packing too much for her". Bo laughed.
"I think Kenzi will be upset if we don't dress her in one of the outfits she bought her". Lauren laughed.
"Charly don't seem like the red and black wearing type. She will probably prefer all black like me". Bo laughed.
"When do you want to leave? Lauren asked seriously.
"The day after tomorrow. That way we won't be imposing on mom too much. She likely has plans but we have plenty of security cameras so she can get out and do whatever it is she wants to do. Then we need to tell Hale and Kenzi". Bo said pulling Lauren to lay her head on her chest.
"You're hungry". Lauren said holding Bo's head in her hands.
"I'm fine". Bo whispered.
"Mm hmm". Lauren said pulling Bo's lips to hers. Bo moaned into the kiss as she pulled the covers over them.
The next day:
Aife
Aife was online shopping for a new cell phone. She was going to keep her old one as a souvenir. Charlotte had only broken the screen, which could be fixed but Aife still wanted a new one to use. She could have called the phone company to send her a new one but didn't want to be on hold for hours or much less talking to someone trying to sell her something that she wasn't interested in.
"Hey mom I was wanting to talk to you about something". Bo said walking into the room.
"You're going to tell me you're going to pay for my phone right? Aife laughed as she confirmed her order.
"I will. How much? Bo asked.
"I was joking sweetie. It's already taken care of. Now what's up? Aife asked as she spun around in her chair.
"Lauren and I are taking the kids on a little trip. Camping and hotels mostly. They need this and we do too. I was wondering what your plans are? Bo said sitting down.
"Honey you know mama don't live by a day planner. If you need me to watch the house, I will, but other than that. I have a lot of stuff to do and to keep me occupied". Aife laughed.
"Ok but if you go out please don't forget to set the alarms. That last thing we need is for someone to break into here looking for something to hang over us or to use to find the kids scents or Laurens. But even if they do, I will drain them of all of their sense". Bo said with her eyes flashing blue.
"You sounded like your grandmother just then, but go and have fun. Let those little badasses have their fun too". Aife laughed.
"I know you are going to have your fun too. All I ask is that you don't kill anyone in here, or in the yard, or driveway. You know Charlotte will smell them when we get back, and think it's a threat". Bo replied.
"Ok. Ok. I won't kill anyone near the house". Aife laughed again. Bo worried too much. She had seen up close the paranoia in her granddaughter's eyes. She knew the young shifter was carrying so much around. But on the other hand, it made her proud. Charlotte wasn't going to take any shit in her life and that would serve her very well in the long run. It always worked for Aife and she would be there to guide and advise her. That's what grandmother's were for. To allow the grandkids to do what mama wouldn't always approve of, but grandma would. She smiled internally at the thought.
"Mom I'm serious". Bo said.
"So was I". Aife laughed.
"I can read your aura. There is a lot going on with you, and this is really important". Bo said.
"I always have things going on dear". Aife winked.
"Ok just watch the house and what you bring here, hopefully you won't bring anything or anyone in here". Bo said.
"I know what Charlotte is struggling with. I won't do anything to make her life worse. She should be a baby like she deserves to be. That's what I'm battling for. To make their childhoods as painless as possible from now on. You weren't here that night when she thought you left her. I have never seen a Succubus frightened like she was. Mama and grandma's got this". Aife said seriously.
"Ok". Bo sighed in relief. Aife could be crazy at times, but she would never do anything to harm the kids or place their lives in danger.
The Succubus left her mother's room and went about straightening up the house. Lauren was such a neat freak, but she couldn't be everywhere at once and with three rambunctious kids in the house, all hands needed to be on deck.
Downstairs
"What do we want for breakfast huh? What do we want? Lauren cooed as she bounced Ethan and Dillon in her arms.
Charlotte roared behind her mother when she was taking too long.
"Ahh so you want a steak huh Charly? Lauren cooed over her shoulder. She laughed when Charlotte roared again in response.
"Ok boys mama needs to put you down, now that your sister has made her choice". Lauren cooed gently placing them next to Charlotte on the floor.
Lauren clapped with glee when she noticed that Bo had already pulled some steaks out to thaw. The Succubus even took the liberty to marinate them. Lauren had found a good blend that she liked. It was healthier for the kids too. She pulled one out and watched at the boys started salivating.
"So three then? Lauren laughed.
"MMm four, but I want my cooked". Bo laughed entering the room.
"Yes of course. Just let me feed the kids first. Lauren said as she chopped up the steak, placed three portions in bowls and placed them on the floor on a large blanket.
"So steak and eggs then? Lauren asked turning back to Bo.
"Sounds good sweetie. I will make a fresh pot of coffee". Bo cooed as she hurried over to the counter. This was what she wanted for them to eat breakfast like a family again. No cases. No threats. Just them.
Lauren gathered everything she needed to go out and fire up the grill. She left the door open and Charlotte followed her out. Bo stayed in the house to wait for the coffee and to chop some fresh vegetables for their eggs when Lauren was ready for them to be cooked.
"Ready babe? Bo screamed towards the door.
"Start em! Lauren screamed back.
Bo placed the vegetables in the skillet with some cooking oil and then the eggs. She then started scrambling them all together and added a few chopped onions for better taste. When they were ready she plated them just as Lauren had walked in with their steaks. The Doctor nearly tripped over one of Charlotte's paws.
"Sorry baby". Lauren cooed looking down at an annoyed shifter.
"What's that about? Bo asked.
"I don't know. She's been following me around a lot this morning. Maybe that phase will pass soon". Lauren said placing the steaks on their plates respectively.
Bo closed the patio door and started a fire so the kids would be warm as they played while they ate their meals.
"So how many cars are we taking? Lauren asked during bites.
"Just a hummer should be fine. We should rent a larger one so we have plenty of room for snacks and food we're actually going to camp with". Bo said.
"I will find one after we are done here". Lauren said taking another bite.
"Don't bother. Nana to the rescue". Aife laughed as she walked into the room.
"You already rented one? How did you know? Lauren asked.
"When Isabeau said you were going on a trip, I figured you would need extra space. Especially with you being a healthy eater". Aife laughed.
"Do I need to go get it? Lauren asked.
"Nope. It's on the way". Aife laughed.
"Thank you". Lauren sighed in relief.
"No thanks needed. My kids will travel in style". Aife laughed.
"Still,thanks mom". Bo smiled.
"Now where's mine? Aife laughed looking at their depleted plates.
"Right here". Lauren said pulling the foil off of an extra plate.
"Sit mom and eat. I am going to load the dishwasher". Bo said stacking their empty plates.
"And I am going to make more coffee". Lauren said and nearly tripped over Charlotte again. This time the shifter roared.
"Charlotte what's your problem this morning? Aife laughed.
"She's been following Lauren everywhere". Bo said looking back at them.
Charlotte ignored them and stuck to her mother like the stickiest glue.
Lauren started to worry about it and left the room on purpose to see if she would follow her, and she did. She walked back into the kitchen. "I think I get it now".
"What is it? Bo asked washing her hands.
"She thinks you left her, so she's sticking to me to make sure that I don't leave her". Lauren explained softly.
"I don't think that's it". Bo replied walking over to them.
"Leave the room". Aife said. Bo nodded and walked out. Charlotte didn't follow her.
"Well shit". Bo said returning.
"Go again Lauren". Aife smiled softly. Lauren nodded, left and returned when Charlotte followed her.
"Charlotte! I didn't leave you". Bo said extending her arms out to her. But Charly stayed close to Lauren.
Lauren smiled watching Ethan and Dillon napping near the fire place.
"I get it Bo. You were the first parent she bonded with. She clung to you. Once we went out for hours alone without them, she had lost a bit of trust in you. The one person she bonded with above all of the Doctors, nurses, Trick and Kenzi". Lauren explained softly.
"So you're telling me that our daughter hates me? Bo asked with tears in her eyes.
"No Bo. I am not saying that". Lauren said walking over to the Succubus. Bo sobbed a little as Lauren rubbed her back.
"It makes sense Isabeau. With Lauren in her coma, she knew you were her mother too. You never left her for hours. Not even to feed. Your bond with her is forever. She just needs to get readjusted to you and realize on her time, not yours, that you will never leave her. This trip couldn't be coming at a better time". Aife explained.
"Why don't we go pack. Aife will stay with the kids". Lauren cooed taking Bo's hand.
"Great idea. Leave me with little miss thang. We are going to have a lot of fun". Aife laughed.
"But Charlotte is going to follow Lauren". Bo said.
"No she won't. Go". Aife laughed.
Lauren and Bo hurried off to pack up their clothes and the kids. The kids would be the quickest since Charlotte would likely stay in her shifter form. Charlotte didn't follow them like Aife said and Bo sighed in relief that was a sign that she was starting to mend mentally.
"So what are we packing? Jeans? Slacks? Boots? Tennis shoes? Bo asked.
"Bo this is our vacation. I will be packing jeans and tennis shoes. You never know when we will need to run after one of the kids or not". Lauren laughed.
"Touché. I just want you to be comfortable. You know I would be content in boots, but as their mother tennis shoes would be a great idea". Bo smiled folding her second pair of jeans. She and Lauren had ordered them before Charlotte was born, but with all of the excitement after her birth and the twins, she had not gotten around to wearing them yet.
"This will be good for all of us. Perhaps Charlotte's attitude also stems from us having so many people around. We haven't exactly had an empty house lately". Lauren said.
"You're not suggesting that mom move out? Bo asked.
"No. No. I never meant her. She will come in handy when the kids get a little older". Lauren laughed.
Bo sighed in relief. She was still getting used to being a Succubus too. She didn't think there was a pamphlet for raising three of them at the same time. What were they going to do when the kids were old enough for school? How were they going to tell Charlotte that she can't drain the other kids for looking at her brothers funny? She laughed at that thought. Lauren might have been on to it with her crowded house theory because the young shifter wasn't much of a people person yet.
It still hurt the Succubus a bit that her daughter thought she left her. Not they left her, but Bo in particular. Bo had ran for years alone. There was no way she would ever run from a house full of family that brought her a heart full of love.
"Bo? Lauren said softly.
"Yeah babe? Bo replied turning around to Lauren.
"Lets go when the Hummer arrives. There is nothing keeping us another night. We are already almost done packing and the boys clothes are still hanging in their closets. Another thirty minutes should do the trick with that". Lauren said excitedly. More for Bo and Charlotte. Bo seemed to be the odd one out in her eyes at the moment.
Bo rolled her tongue in her mouth as she stared at Lauren. She was weighing the pros and cons of going a day earlier. If they had any engagements to attend. If the business she shared with Kenzi was still going strong. If Aife was ready for them to go. She herself was the one that said they didn't need to plan anything, so why was she standing there wasting time instead of packing up the boys clothes?
"Lets do it! Bo smiled as she zipped up their bags and followed Lauren to the boys room. They just pushed the clothes they were going to take closer to each other, pulled them off of the hangers and stuffed them neatly into a large garment bag.
"We should take a portable DVD player so they can watch cartoons while we are driving". Lauren suggested.
"Great idea! Bo smiled. That would save them a lot of talking too. Bo already predicted they would be doing a lot of stop this and stop that Charlotte.
There was a soft knock at the door. "The Hummer has arrived and the car seats have been installed. Charlotte's is in the middle of the backseat". Aife smiled.
"How did you..? Bo started.
"A mother knows. Besides I had the guy that delivered the Hummer to install them". Aife laughed.
"They do that? Bo asked.
"He did". Aife laughed waving her pinky finger in the air.
"Ahhh". Bo and Lauren said in unison.
"Hurry up! Aife laughed as she walked back out of the room.
"Bo you are not taking any weapons are you? Lauren asked.
"Only a pocket knife in case we need it to cut something". Bo replied pulling the bag off of the bed. Lauren grabbed a few small toys for the boys to play with but didn't grab any for Charlotte. She would likely toss them out of the window or not play with them at all.
Lauren grabbed their bags as Bo went downstairs with the boys bag. When they were both at the bottom, they noticed the three kids were standing, quietly near the door.
"Mom you didn't thrall them did you? Bo laughed.
"Of course not. You will grow to learn how to handle children. Especially Succubi". Aife laughed.
Bo took all of the bags out to the Hummer. While Lauren checked and rechecked that they had everything. The Doctor made small notes about watering her plants and when the butcher would be delivering their next cases of meats. They really didn't have bills that came to the house as all of it was paid years in advance. Besides Bo and Lauren thought Aife had something to do with them having large credits on all of their accounts.
"Shit. Kenzi and Hale". Bo said after coming back for the kids.
"I will text her if you strap the kids in". Lauren said pulling her phone out.
"Ok Dillon, your turn sweetie". Bo cooed bending down to pick him up. Charlotte had already ran out when she took Ethan.
"Dr. Lewis if you don't get going, I am going to carry you out myself. Now go and have fun with my daughter and grandbadasses". Aife laughed.
"Ok. Ok. I'm going". Lauren said running out to the Hummer. Once Dillon was in his car seat, Lauren called shotgun and Bo jumped into the driver's seat.
"Phone chargers? Check. Phones? Check. Don't give a you know what happens now? Check. Lets go! Bo cooed as she peeled out of the driveway.
"Do you really want to camp tonight? Lauren asked.
"No we can check into a hotel suite for a few nights. Preferably a large one so they can run around and play without breaking anything". Bo laughed as she shook Lauren's hand.
Aife
The Succubus clapped with glee after Bo and Lauren left. She wasn't trying to get rid of them but she was happy they were all getting away. They needed to build trust as a family again and they weren't going to do that in the same confines of the same four walls and roof.
Aife on the other hand was ready to party. She pulled out her best outfit and showered. When she was done, she looked fabulous. She picked a black leather skirt and jacket with a hot pink top. She pulled out her new black Fedora with a hot pink trim. Checking herself one last time in the mirror, she headed downstairs. She set the alarms and cameras and strutted out to her 2018 Mustang GT Ruby Red.
"Very nice". Aife laughed running her hands over the seats.
She felt like she did back when she first hit town after Bo arrived. Nobody knew what she was going to do and she loved it that way. There was nobody to baby-sit. There was no house to clean because Lauren and Bo had done that. Hale had called her earlier to tell her about a Fae party he heard about just outside of town. She was going to crash it and love every minute of it.
When she arrived she was impressed at how organized it was. She pulled up to the valet and he helped her out.
"Don't lose it". Aife cooed as she ran her pinky down his jaw while pulsing him.
"Of course not. I aim to please". The man smiled.
Aife winked at him and walked inside of the large building. People were everywhere. Some dancing. Some drinking. Some doing both. The Succubus strolled over to the bar.
"What will it be sexy? The bartender asked.
"A triple shot of your best Whiskey". Aife winked. Once he brought it back, she slammed it.
"Will that be all then? He asked.
"Put that on his tab". Aife nodded towards the man next to her.
"What? I don't know her. I'm not paying... Just then Aife pulsed him and he agreed to pay for it.
"Thank you sweetie". The Succubus smiled as she walked towards the dance floor. Ten minutes later she was the middle of a sandwich between two tall, dark and handsome Fae men.
Once she grew bored, she left the men in the middle of the floor. Staring at each other not realizing Aife had left them. She went into the ladies room to check her hair and face.
When she was walking out, she heard two women talking.
"Yeah can you believe that bitch told Tau that she was leaving the pack and taking her kids? Like those little bastards deserved to be in it anyways". One woman said.
"Shit I have been wanting to leave the pack for a long time and was never allowed to. She just walks up and tells him bye boy basically". Another woman said.
"What the hell are you looking at? The first woman snapped in Aife's direction. The Succubus smiled and extended her hand.
"I'm Aife and you are? She asked.
"I'm Lucy and this is...
"Ethel I bet". Aife laughed.
"No. My name is Florence but people call me Flo".
"Flo to friends of hers that is". Lucy said.
"So who is this traitor you were talking about? Aife asked.
"That's none of your business sweetie". Florence laughed.
"I can always make it my business". Aife laughed.
"Ohhh shit. You're a...You're a...". Lucy started after seeing a hint of blue in Aife's eyes.
"She's a Succubus! Run Lucy! Florence screamed.
"Now now ladies. There is no need for that". Aife laughed.
"What do you want from us? Florence asked standing in front of Lucy.
"I just want to know what you want with the one that left your pack and what her name is? Aife said slowly.
"For starters she needs her ass kicked. Secondly her name is Lauren Lewis". Lucy said.
"Wait. Wait Lucy wait. You're not that Succubus are you? Florence asked.
"Of course not...".Aife said dragging them out the back, and pulling their chi at the same time. Stopping short of draining them.
"I'm her mother". Aife winked as she finished them off.
The Succubus strolled to the front of the building. When she found the valet, she called for her car.
"There are two dead women by the back door. Put them in their car or cars and then burn the vehicles ok? Aife smiled pulsing him again.
"Yes ma'am. Right away". The man smiled.
Aife smirked and strolled to her car. "Told you mama's got this". She laughed.
TBC
Aife visits Tau.
Bo and Lauren take the kids camping.
Kenzi lands a case that she doesn't want.
Not sure how much longer this story will be. I just don't think I could ever say goodbye to the kids. There are so many possibilities with them.