Bo and Lauren
The women had taken the kids just outside of town to a swanky hotel that Lauren had suggested. They made Charlotte shift to human form so that she wouldn't cause a scene in the lobby. But once they checked in and entered their room, their first born wasn't liking it much, and shifted back. Charlotte ran around, looking under and over just about everything that she could reach. Finally deciding on a spot to rest, she looked at her family and stretched out.
"She will be fine there. Lets get the boys to bed". Lauren said as she carried Ethan into their room. Their room lacked windows. They felt it best so that they wouldn't see a bird or something and attacked it.
The boys fell asleep the minute their heads hit their tiny pillows. Bo smiled and shook her head. Their next task was not going to be easy at all.
The women kissed the boys goodnight and walked out of their room. Bo walked ahead of Lauren just a bit.
"Ok Charlotte. Bedtime sweetie". Bo said softly stretching her arms out.
Charlotte just looked at Bo. The Succubus could have sworn she saw her roll her eyes in defiance.
"Charlotte! It is bedtime! Bo said with more bite. Charlotte seemed to chuckle this time.
"Bo I think she wants to sleep where she is". Lauren said softly.
"She can't sleep on the patio and it's cold out". Bo said pointing for Charlotte to come inside.
"It is not that cold Bo. She will be fine". Lauren said.
"Fine but she will at least take this blanket". Bo said walking over and jumped when the shifter roared.
"Let me try". Lauren suggested taking the blanket from Bo and bent down to put it over Charlotte.
Bo almost teared up at the scene. She still wasn't allowing her to be a mother to her again yet. Maybe she did hate her on some level. She certainly wasn't looking at her like she used to.
"She hates me". Bo whispered as she and Lauren walked back inside and to their own room, leaving the doors to the patio and their bedroom open in case the kids needed them during the night.
"She doesn't hate you Bo. She's still a little insecure that we won't leave her again". Lauren said gently rubbing Bo's back.
"That's not it Lauren. She's not mad at you, she's mad at me. I did everything I could do for her when you were in your coma. I bathed her, fed her, rocked her to sleep, everything. I never once left her alone. Even when I went to feed, I made sure she was in your room, so that she wouldn't be away from either of us for too long". Bo rambled.
Lauren walked over to Bo and gently undressed her. Once they climbed into bed, Lauren cuddled Bo deeply in her arms.
"Bo that is what this trip is about remember? We are here to bond with our kids so that we will all grow even closer as a family. Charlotte doesn't hate you at all. If anything her wanting to sleep on the patio is her way of protecting all of us. She will know if something is wrong using her shifter and Succubus powers. Just let her have this night and we can start working on fixing the rest of it in the morning ok? Lauren cooed softly into the Succubus ear.
"Ok". Bo smiled gently. She loved the woman next to her more than she could ever express in words. One minute she was angry and doubtful, the next she was inspired and hopeful that they truly would be fine as a family. She never wanted any of their kids to feel alienated or like they didn't have a home. Bo had lived too many years like that herself and wouldn't want them to feel like that for even a day.
Aife
Aife had returned home and was up and gone the next day. She was pissed off and curious if the Tau the women spoke of was the same one she knew of. She hadn't seen or heard from the man in years. She didn't like the feeling her Succubus was giving her. To humans it's that small voice inside of you telling you something's not right. Once she showered and dressed to her liking, she grabbed the keys to one of the Mustangs and headed out.
Tau was an old, old shifter. He had seen his fare share of fighting and peace. But the man never liked the latter much and preferred to fight whenever the mood struck him. Aife could have fallen for him, but once Trick handed her over to the dark, even the Lion couldn't get close enough to help her escape. He was handsome in every sense of the word. She always seemed to find the bad boys, and Trick was against her even talking to the man.
That never stopped Trick from trying to pimp Dyson out to her. Yuck. He was dull and had a voice as annoying as running your fingernails down a chalkboard. Dyson wasn't really a bad boy, Trick lead him around by his balls and he seemed to like it. Anything to suck up to the Blood King.
The Succubus hair blew in the wind as she sped down the street and ran a few lights but so many police officers knew her, that they allowed it. Once she neared one of Tau's old hideouts, she slowed down and prepared herself. She hadn't seen him in years and hoped he was well enough to see and recognize her.
Parking her car at a safe distance, she climbed out and pulled her sunglasses that sat on her head over her eyes. She smiled at the sound of her heels hitting the concrete. She heard growls and roars but never broke her stride. Once she reached the middle of a wooded forest, she screamed. "Tau are you here?
She never moved as she heard the sounds of her voice echoing around the area. She opened her mouth to speak again and closed it when she heard a familiar roar.
"Aife? Tau said as he shifted to human form and waved the other pack members off.
"Awww old friend, you do remember me". Aife laughed.
"My goodness. I thought you were dead". Tau smiled back.
"Oh honey you know Valhalla couldn't handle me". Aife winked.
"Come. Lets get you a seat. A proper one". Tau said waving her into one of the cabins.
The duo walked stride for stride as Aife heard snapping teeth beside her. "Don't try me boys and girls". She laughed.
"Aife's right. She's a guest of mine. Stand down! Tau roared over his shoulder.
Once inside Tau had a fire started and Aife was given the softest chair of all. She nodded in thanks when he gave her a glass of wine.
"Now old friend. What's going on? Tau asked sitting next to her.
"Calm your lion but I killed two Lionesses of yours last night". Aife said seriously. She heard him roar but didn't move.
"Aife you and I have known each other for years, I assume there is a reason behind such violence". Tau said gently but coolly.
"Tau I don't know how truthful you are being with me. But it seems your pack has been after mine for months now. These are not just shifters, they are my daughter's kids and my grandchildren". Aife said with a bite of anger.
"I am aware of Lea and Mikayla. I was not privy to that until recently. I think Mikayla liked the Succubus and wanted to get close to her by any means necessary. I know they are both dead. But you still haven't told me who these shifters are that you encountered last night. Keep in mind that I rule over thousands of shifters, so you will have to be specific". Tau said.
"They told me their names were Lucy and Florence. I overheard them talking shit about Lauren and my grandchildren. You know I don't fuck around when it comes to family". Aife said seriously.
"You could have and should have come to me Aife! Tau snapped.
"Ladies first. You should have come to me before my grandson had been kidnapped. That bitch better be glad that she's dead. I am sure Bo would bring her back to life and kill her, over and over again. Just like he bastard father Hades would do, if here weren't dead at the kids hands". Aife laughed. Bastard really thought he was going to get them.
"Aife you have put me into a corner. Mikayla wasn't one of my pack members but Lea, Lucy and Florence were. There has to be repercussions for this". Tau sighed.
"I will repercussion your nuts if anyone comes near them again. My grandson still has nightmares about his experience. They will be your nightmares if I have to come back here and don't forget they have a sister too. Don't forget who I am too". Aife snapped.
"What does that mean? Tau asked.
"It means I have vials of Trick's blood stashed away. It means I have vials of it flowing through my veins. I don't need him alive to know how to write in his blood or how to separate it from mother's blood in my veins should I need to. Anything written in his blood would still happen. Lauren is a genius Doctor and a shifter too. She wouldn't hesitate to help me with that". Aife snapped again.
"I hadn't thought of that. Trick was an evil bastard hiding behind a good title". Tau snapped.
"But his blood was good at doing what it did. It's dangerous and could backfire, which is why I haven't thought of using it before. But this is different. I love my family and will do whatever it takes to protect them. And in case you have forgotten Hades blood flows through them too. He had hundreds of powers at his disposal. Charlotte is growing up by the hour, and she's her mother's daughter which means she's not dumb...". Aife started and then jumped when she heard glass shattering and the shifter landed in her arms.
"See". Aife laughed cuddling Charlotte.
"How did she do that? Tau asked. Charlotte roared and tried to lunge for him, but Aife put all of her strength into holding on to her.
"I told you she's a special baby. They all are". Aife laughed proudly as she stood up.
Charlotte never took her eyes off of the man as her eyes flashed blue.
"Come on sweetie. Bo's Succubus might surface and Lauren might shfit, if they know you're gone". Aife laughed as she walked out.
Tau could do nothing but gawk. Aife hadn't told him they have Succubus powers too. But it made sense since Bo is one too.
"Don't forget what I said Tau. You were close to being my mate, but I will cut your throat if I have to ". Aife said seriously over her shoulder as she waked out with Charlotte.
The women walked through bodies in the field. Aife could tell they weren't dead but suspected their current predicaments were courtesy of Charlotte.
"Good baby". Aife laughed as they finally reached her car.
"Ok Charly it's still early and I don't want to call and wake the others, so can you show me where you came from? Aife asked looking down at the shifter.
Charlotte jumped into Aife's car when she opened the door. She jumped into the back seat and used her paw to point to where she came from.
Aife laughed. She had a real life GPS in her backseat. "Ok roar when I get close ok?
Charlotte nodded and stuck her little head out of the car. Aife knew she must be tracking their scents, and used it for all that it was worth. The Succubus slowly drove so Charlotte wouldn't fall out.
Kenzi and Hale.
Kenzi and Hale had been working at odd hours but didn't mind the money that was coming in. Well Kenzi didn't. She had a couple of bank accounts and could probably fill a few vaults if she wanted to. Hale had gone to get them some coffee and bagels while Kenzi opened up for business. She loved the spacious building, it was better than having to spread everything out at the old clubhouse or being in a stuffy squad room. Geraldine's was lining her pockets nicely too.
She had barely caught a breath when the door opened and brought in a possible client.
"Can I help you? Kenzi asked standing up.
"I hope you can. I haven't seen my sister in weeks. I was hoping you could find her for me or point me to someone who can". The woman sobbed into her tissues.
"Here. Have a seat and tell me what you know". Kenzi offered gently. They hadn't had clients come in, in tears before. So this was new but she could relate to thinking someone she loved was in danger.
Kenzi grabbed her pen and was ready to take notes when the woman started talking. From what she was hearing the woman had gone to a party. After that she rarely saw her or talked to her. Then when weeks had passed she started to worry more and more that something had gone horribly wrong.
Kenzi's eyes grew wider at the details she was getting. She thought her family was distant but these people were almost worse. Nearly four weeks and she suddenly thought her sister was missing too long?
"Was your sister seeing anyone that you knew of? Kenzi asked.
"She had been crushing this woman for the longest time and I think they finally started dating. But other than that, I don't know much else". Amy said.
"Ok Amy what can you tell me about the love interest? Kenzi asked putting her pen down.
"Her name is Lea. She's part of a species you might not know of. I'm not crazy when I tell you this, but we're all Fae. My sister is Fae and so is this shifter she likes, Lea". Amy explained.
Kenzi bowed her head pretending to read over her notes. This was a clusterfuck and a case she did not want at all, but if she turned the woman down, that would raise suspicion and she didn't even have Bo's protection because the Succubus sent a text telling her they had gone on a family vacation. Everyone but Aife that is. Shit. Shit. Shit. Kenzi thought internally.
Clearing her throat. "We take all cases seriously here. and I think I have enough to go on. Just write your number here, and I will call you when we have something". Kenzi smiled and sighed in relief when Hale walked in. She nodded to tell him they had a live one and he nodded back.
"Amy this is Hale. He's my partner and is very good at his job". Kenzi said as he walked around and stood beside her.
"Hello Amy. Nice to meet you". Hale smiled.
"Please find my sister". Amy cried as she took her leave.
"Holy shit of all balls". Kenzi sighed when the woman was out of the building.
"What's up Kenz? Hale asked handing her coffee and laughed when she drank the whole thing.
"She could be Mikayla's sister". Kenzi said finally breathing out of her mouth.
"Shit. You don't mean...". Hale started.
"Yep. Bo and fam are out of town on vacation too". Kenzi said.
"Damn man. What a mess". Hale sighed.
"I don't want this one Hale. But I couldn't tell her no without her thinking something was up with me or our business". Kenzi said.
"They won't find anything left of Mikayla and we need to figure out if this lady is a legitimate relative of hers". Hale said.
"This case it too big for the two of us". Kenzi said.
"So we get a third person". Hale suggested.
"Nooo. You don't mean...". Kenzi pleaded.
"Aife is the only one with a personal stake in this besides us, Bo and Lauren". Hale explained. He didn't trust her one hundred percent but knew she was all about family, especially Bo's.
"So either way, we are fucked". Kenzi groaned a she fell in her chair.
"Cheer up Kenz, it might not even be true. But if we are going to find out, this needs to be our only case". Hale said flipping the open sign to closed.
"Good thing we just wrapped up a few cases. This one is going to be one bad mother...
"Easy Kenzi. You will be fine. I promise". Hale said.
"Ok so which one of us is going to call Aife? Kenzi gulped.
"I will call her". Hale said pulling out his phone. Aife had given him her new number in case he heard anything else about Dillon's kidnapping or any other threats.
Aife, Charlotte, Bo and Lauren
Aife trusted that Charlotte knew what she was doing when she pulled into the hotel parking lot. It was barely after noon when she grabbed a blanket to wrap Charlotte in.
"You need to shift sweetie. I can't take you in like that". Aife laughed.
Charlotte squinted her eyes, but did as she was told.
"That's Nana's baby". Aife laughed rubbing her back. "Now lets get you to your parents before they went their bed". She laughed again.
"Charlotte?! Charlotte?! Charlotte you better be in here somewhere". Bo snapped. She must have looked like a chicken with its head cut off as she went from room to room, even the boys room.
"She's not here Bo! Lauren said worriedly.
"I told you we shouldn't have let her sleep out there! Bo said running around the massive suite.
"We will find her Bo. She can't be that far". Lauren said.
"Maybe this is her trying to punish me, thinking that I left her on purpose". Bo sobbed when she wasn't finding their daughter yet.
"Bo that is not true". Lauren sighed when there was a knock at the door.
"Delivery for Dennis-Lewis! Aife laughed handing Charly over to Lauren.
"Is she ok? Bo asked running over with tears racing each other down her face.
"She's fine Isabeau. She just dropped in on me, literally". Aife said assuringly but trying not to laugh because the shifter nearly scared the shit out of her grandmother.
"Can...can I hold her? Bo asked as her voice cracked.
"Of course sweetie". Lauren said handing Charlotte over to Bo.
The Succubus closed her eyes the minute her body heat touched her. Her breaths were erratic, but she never loosened her grip.
Lauren and Aife stepped back to give them their space.
"What happened? Lauren asked.
"I ran into some shifters last night that were talking junk about you to say it nicely. Once I disposed of them, I had them set on fire and went to see Tau this afternoon". Aife explained.
"You know Tau?! Lauren asked.
"For the longest time. He was almost my mate until he tried to own me. Then my feelings for him fizzled. I still liked him as a friend and still do, that's why he's still alive". Aife laughed.
"I told them that I don't want to be in the pack and didn't want our kids in it anymore either. I guess word had spread already". Lauren said.
"Well I just wanted to bring Charlotte home. I know you two would be panicking but trust me, that shifterbus can take care of herself and anyone that she cares about, which seems to include me now". Aife laughed putting her hand over her heart in awe.
"Thank you mom. Seriously thank you". Bo cried turning to face the older Succubus.
"You don't have to thank me Isabeau or worry about that pack again. I think they know who not to Fae with now". Aife laughed trying not to curse in front of the kids. Lauren was now holding Dillon and Ethan in her arms.
The women saw Aife off and Lauren dressed the boys while Bo held on to Charlotte.
"Lets dress her and go get some air". Lauren suggested.
Charlotte roared and jumped from Bo's arms. As soon as she hit the floor she was midshift when Lauren asked her to stay in human form. The young shifter rolled her eyes and stayed as she was. She looked up to the sky as Lauren dressed her.
"I've got the tent and the rest of the gear. I will take them down to the car". Bo said nodding at Lauren.
Lauren nodded and once the door closed. She picked Charlotte up.
"Charly you can't keep doing this to us. Especially your mother. She loves you so much, as do I. She didn't leave you, we just needed some time alone, as parents. I know you are so protective, and you will always be, of all of us including your grandmother, but you are hurting your mother. She was the mother to you that I couldn't be when you were born. So be a good girl ok sweetie? Lauren cooed and smiled when she felt Charlotte gripping one of her hands.
"Ok who's ready to go camping?! Bo asked excitedly.
"We are! Lauren cheered and smiled when the boys mimicked her.
They drove another hour outside of town. Once they picked an open spot. Bo set up the tent while Lauren got the fire going. It was getting nippy out. They had long scouted the area to make sure it would be fun and safe for them to enjoy as a family.
"Hot dogs and hamburgers sound good? Lauren asked.
"It sure does! Bo laughed as she watched the kids run around in the small area tackling each other. Charlotte was being so gentle with her brothers even when they were trying to roughhouse her.
"Heres to the first of many fun days and nights like this". Lauren toasted Bo with a can of soda. They didn't bring liquor in case the kids accidentally got into it.
"Sounds good to me! Bo cooed as she drank hers, sunk into a seat with Lauren sitting in her lap and just watched the kids.
Aife, Hale and Kenzi
Aife had received a text from Hale. She assumed it was important considering he sent her a text, followed by a voicemail he left afterwards.
She texted back asking where he was and he replied that he was waiting outside of Bo and Lauren's house with Kenzi.
The Succubus loved this. She was busy all day but it was for the greater good, her family. She felt she was doing more for them than Trick had done in is thousands of years of life. She was never one to cower behind who she was. She only used Saskia as a way to see if Bo was on the up and up, or on the down low with Trick, and all of his bullshit, and she was.
Two hours later she pulled up to find them standing on the porch.
"Sorry couldn't use my key. Figured I might set off the alarms". Kenzi said.
"Its ok. Lets get inside". Aife said as she opened the door and soon turned the alarms off.
"So whatever it is, it must be important so tell me what it is". Aife laughed.
"This is serious Aife. We have a case. A case even Kenzi doesn't want". Hale said.
"Its fucked up. And I can say fucked up since the kids aren't here". Kenzi said.
"Tell me". Aife said seriously.
"We think Mikayla's sister came into our office today. She hasn't seen her and wants us to find her". Kenzi explained.
"Well shit". Aife laughed.
"So you can see our problem? Hale said.
"Dear boy this is no problem". Aife laughed.
"I don't think you heard me say it's an open case". Kenzi said.
"I heard you. But this case is already closed". Aife laughed.
"But Bo and Lauren...
"Are not to be disturbed". Aife said seriously.
"Ok so what do we do? Kenzi asked.
"We go out and find these Fae bastards and whores". Aife laughed.
Kenzi shook her head as Aife waved them towards the door.
"Don't worry. They will pay us for services rendered". Aife laughed again.
TBC
Bo and Lauren take the kids on a hike.
Aife, Hale and Kenzi look for Mikayla's pack.