Bo stomped down the stairs. More like ran down the stairs. Lauren was still asleep and the Succubus couldn't stay asleep. She groaned when she heard the same sound again.
"Charlotte! It is three o'clock in the morning! Are you trying to wake the entire house or the neighborhood? Bo asked.
Charlotte roared again as she ran from room to room. Bo shook her head. She could try and catch her, but that would be like trying to catch a chicken. She threw her hands up when she saw Ethan and Dillon come down the stairs. She wasn't going back to bed anytime soon and decided to make some coffee since she was already up.
"They are just playing Bo". Lauren said through one of the baby monitors.
"Yeah but normal kids will eventually tire out, ours never will". Bo said back.
When Bo saw Charly run back into the room, she immediately lunged to grab her and missed. She groaned after her shoulder slammed into the wooden floor. Ethan and Dillon literally ran over her as they ran after their sister. The Succubus was hoping to catch the ring leader and then she could make the twins stop too.
Finally picking herself up, she settled on to the couch and just watched them play, like Lauren said they were. Sure she could go back to sleep on the couch, but these kids had the power to instantly set something on fire. Or make the house crumble down altogether. She wondered when their scientific curiosities were going to kick in. Charlotte hadn't played with her Doctor's kit much since the boys were born. The Succubus smiled realizing their sons were Charlotte's favorite toys at the moment. Whatever she did, they would try and do it too.
Charlotte rounded the corner and headed straight for the couch. Finally she was going to rest or sit down, Bo thought, but no. The shifter jumped up into the air. Bo got ready to catch her and missed again as Charlotte jumped over her too and on to the floor behind the couch. The twins tried and missed, landing on the couch cushions.
Charlotte ran around to the front of the couch and waited for the boys to jump down and they ran off again. Bo finally settled in with her coffee knowing they weren't going to stop anytime soon, and she was going to have to be awake for all of it. Lauren deserved to sleep since she was the one up most of the night rocking Ethan to sleep. So this was Bo's turn. She wasn't complaining at all. They were going to have one hell of a mess to clean up later though. Aife's party was tonight and the house would likely look like they had their own, if they didn't clean.
Bo frowned when she looked around the house. Most of it was paid for by Lauren. But Bo was still getting money for her and Kenzi's PI business. So she didn't feel like a total loser. Kenzi was planning on attending the party but Bo thought it better for her to stay away since she wasn't sure who or what Aife would be bringing to the party. She knew they wouldn't hurt the kids, but Kenzi has no blood relation to Aife, and the Succubus likely hadn't made arrangements for Kenzi's safety. She wasn't sure if Kenzi still had the Twig of Zamora which was another problem. She could call and ask, but Kenzi wasn't up this early.
Bo sighed deeply. She has a powerful family and most of their powers, she couldn't hold a candle to. Their speed. Their courage and how easily they use their powers. Charlotte was literally unafraid of everything which made her the most dangerous out of all of them. But she would never get cocky enough to put her brothers, mothers or even her grandmother in danger. She reminds Bo a lot of herself. Especially after finding out that she was Fae. She could go and do whatever she wanted even when she wasn't sure of how to control her Succubus. She cared about people. Lauren, Kenzi, Dyson, Trick and even strangers. She wasn't sure Charlotte would be as nice to strangers. She had to teach her that, even during her one year old rebellious streak.
Bo stood up when the running stopped. She slowly walked around the corner hoping they hadn't accidentally killed each other. She sighed in relief when they were simply asleep on the floor. She dropped into the nearest chair and grabbed some sleep of her own.
Later that morning.
"Bo". Lauren said softly shaking the Succubus.
Bo jumped when she felt the Doctor's hand on her, and looked down at the floor. "What's wrong? Bo asked worriedly.
"They're ok. They are in their playroom. I just thought you might like some breakfast". Lauren smiled.
"Are you sure they are ok? Bo asked.
"They are fine Bo, I promise". Lauren said pulling Bo out of the chair.
"Damn. My shoulder's stiff". Bo winced as she stood up.
"It's no wonder with how you were sleeping. You should have slept on the couch at least". Lauren said.
"I should have". Bo said stretching her arm out.
"Here". Lauren said as she stood behind Bo and popped her neck and shoulder.
"Ahhhh thank you". Bo smiled as she suddenly felt better.
"You're welcome. Now lets go eat". Lauren said taking Bo's hand.
Aife and Hale
"According to the Siren here, none of you wanted to come. Well I don't give a rats ass about your wants. You will come to my party tonight. Under certain rules". Aife said.
"Hey. Listen to her, she's not playing around". Hale said pushing a Fae's head up.
"No I am not playing. You will come to my party, but you are never to touch them. If you need to touch someone to demonstrate your powers, touch each other. These are my grandchildren and my daughter's mate. I don't have to tell you all who I am and who my daughter is. She won't put up with bullshit and her level of patience is almost as timely as mine. We barely have any for you slow learners.
Lauren, Charlotte, Ethan and Dillon are not slow learners, so you won't have to worry about being at the party long. But the only way you will be dismissed is if you die, or if Lauren feels they have all caught on to what you have shown them". Aife explained.
"We heard the little ones already know how to fly, what if they try and fly off with either one of us? A question came from the back.
"Then let them carry you off. Your life or safety is not my concern. Them learning more about who they are and what they can be is the highest priority of the night. You will show them all you can do, or face my wrath and none of you idiots would like that at all. Do I make myself clear? Aife asked flashing her blue eyes.
"Yes! The crowd screamed in unison.
"Good. Arrive by 6. Arrive at 6:01, and I will kill you instantly. Don't show up funky like you are now. Go home and shower and conserve your energy for tonight". Aife said.
"Get out of here". Hale said as Aife turned away from the crowd.
"Bastards are probably cursing me under their breaths". Aife laughed.
"Some of them are still loyal to Trick, Aife". Hale said.
"The Blood King had nothing on me, and he certainly didn't have anything on Isabeau or the Una Mens. That's why he hid from them. He created a monster in them and then became afraid and hid. I'm not him, and I certainly don't give a damn about their loyalty". Aife said.
"Kenzi's coming with my Twig of Zamora. I know you don't want her there but we need all hands on deck if the kids get out of hand". Hale said.
"You're right. I don't want her there. But I get she's important to them, and to Isabeau. You better hope your little twig can save her". Aife said.
"It will". Hale sighed softly.
"Just don't let her get in their way. They need to learn a lot tonight because honestly I don't like any of the Fae that just walked out of here". Aife said.
Hale sighed again and nodded. Kenzi could be a handful, when she wanted to be. But this was far too important to allow her to go off the deep end or get cocky with any Fae, that wasn't him, Dyson, Trick or Bo. Lauren was another story. Given their history the Fae could play on that too, which could trigger the kids and none of them would be leaving in one piece if that happened.
Bo and Lauren
"How is it they were up before the roosters and have so much energy right now? They don't even look like they slept after going back to sleep". Bo said as the Succubus and Doctor watched them now playing in the backyard.
"They are having fun and also building muscle and stamina. Look at Charlotte. She's the life of the playground, so to speak". Lauren smiled.
"Are you worried about tonight? I can always call it off". Bo said gently taking one of Lauren's hands and sent a preemptive pulse into it.
"We have to learn sometime and Aife wouldn't put any of us in harms way". Lauren siad drinking some coffee.
Bo nodded and they opened the door and walked to watch the kids play for the next few hours. Once they were done, they were fed and bathed. They tried to get Charlotte to go back into human form but she refused, and so did her brothers.
"We should get going, it's almost 6". Bo said as she grabbed her keys.
"We're ready". Lauren said as she followed Ethan out. Charlotte and Dillon were already at the car waiting for them.
Once they were all loaded in, Bo sped off. She and Lauren had dressed in jeans and tank tops. They wanted to be ready for any and eveything. Bo was still in awe of how easily Lauren could shift and never complained that it hurt. It certainly looked painful to the Succubus
When they arrived at the Dal, they saw all of the cars in the parking lot. Bo pulled in and noticed a spot that had been reserved for them, right next to Aife's car.
They climbed out and allowed the kids to run ahead. They ran. Bo and Lauren walked on red carpet into a special door.
"Silence my family has arrived. You will all bow as they enter. Charlotte ran in first and was bowed to as Aife had ordered her guests to do. The shifter jumped on top of the bar and waited for Lauren and Bo to put her brothers up there. She nodded at Bo once she placed Ethan beside her and put her little head up into the air.
"Easy Princess". Bo laughed.
"Isabeau, Lauren, Charlotte, Ethan, and Dillon! Welcome to my special party! Aife smiled as she held up a glass of wine. Charlotte roared a little, and the Succubus laughed.
"Mom". Bo smiled.
"Aife". Lauren smiled too.
"Kenzi and her Siren are here. Lets get this party started". Kenzi said walking up and stood next to Lauren.
"There is one of every Fae in the Una Mens log. They have been instructed to show you all their powers. They will never touch you, but if they need to touch someone to use their powers, they will touch each other". Aife explained.
"Imma need a drink for the shit I'm about to see". Kenzi whispered.
"Begin! Aife screamed.
The room was suddenly filled with birds, bears, owls, ducks, cheetahs, lions, and every other animal in the dictionary. Magicians, and witches casts spells on glasses, and chairs. On one occasion, they turned one glass into a staff.
Charlotte shifted into everything she was seeing. Even the magician. Lauren thought she looked adorable in her tux and top hat, but she quickly shifted into the witch next. Her brothers followed her every move.
Charlotte shifted back to her Lioness and turned her head from side to side. Lauren shifted too and Bo was at a loss for words.
"He's not here yet. But he's close". Lauren said as Charlotte jumped on her mother's back. Lauren shook until Charlotte jumped back on the bar.
"Who? Where? Bo asked looking around frantically.
"Stay here with the kids". Lauren said.
"Lauren please don't leave again". Bo pleaded.
"I am just going to the door. That's all". Lauren said as the other Fae either made a path for her, or were ran over by her.
"What the fuck is going on? Aife asked.
"I don't know but Lauren wouldn't shift for no reason". Bo said as she held the boys and sighed in relief when Aife went after Lauren. Whatever they are after, it wouldn't live long enough to get inside.
"Ahhh Dr. Lewis I presume. I heard you would be at this party. So glad to see that what I heard was correct". A man said.
"I don't know how you know my name, but you are not going inside". Lauren roared.
"I'm not alone Doctor. Do you think you can take us all? The man laughed as ten others appeared behind him.
"One against eleven? I kind of like those odds, but two against eleven means it's time to party". Aife laughed as her eyes turned blue.
"The kids? Lauren asked.
"Bo, Hale and Kenzi have them. They're fine". Aife said.
"Then lets do this". Lauren roared.
"Something smells fishy. Literally". Aife laughed.
"They are great whites". Lauren said.
"You mean sharks? Aife asked.
"Exactly". Lauren said.
"They weren't on my list". Aife said.
"They are on mine now". Lauren roared again.
"Women. They never learned their place". The man laughed.
"How many do you want? Lauren asked.
"Lets half it and then share the last one". Aife laughed.
"They can't last much longer out of water. But unfortunately for them. The Una Mens killed Dolphin shifters. They literally have nowhere to run or hide". Lauren smiled wickedly.
"Grab them! The man screamed and the next sounds were deafening. Lauren tore into her five easily. They were big and clumsy. They missed and she bit into their necks with ease.
Inside the Dal, the kids were back learning everything they were being shown. Bo was worried about Lauren but couldn't leave her kids for a second. She would never forgive herself and the Doctor would never forgive her if anything happened to them. Aife wasn't in the room, and cameras were recording everything.
"Somebody bring me some mouthwash right now! Aife screamed.
"Mom! Mom where's Lauren?! Bo sobbed running to the door.
"Charlotte no! Kenzi screamed as the shifter jumped off the counter and ran past Bo.
"Shit! Bo screamed.
The gang sighed in relief as Lauren ran back in with Charlotte hanging from her mouth.
"What the hell was that?! Bo screamed in anger.
"Great white sharks. I don't know how they knew about us, but their attitudes and auras told me they weren't here on friendly turns, and they weren't in the log". Lauren said.
"Are they all dead? Bo asked.
"Dog meat". Lauren said.
The Succubus collapsed in Lauren's arms as she shifted back to her human form.
"How are the kids doing? Lauren asked.
"They have learned a lot. You should be proud of them". Kenzi said rubbing Dillon's back.
The group jumped when Charlotte put on a show for fall of them. She was a bear, bird, cat, cheetah, a snake, and an alligator in a matter of minutes.
"Wow! Kenzi said dropping her shot glass.
"She's a Mesmer! Lauren screamed.
"The Una Mens must have killed one! Bo gasped.
"Vex? Kenzi shook her head. He would be pissed off.
"Trick was the leader of the Una Mens. He would want that bastard dead. Oh wait, he is". Aife laughed.
Charlotte pretty much showed them everything in the book before she shifted back to her lioness and jumped into Aife's arms.
"Are you hungry my little badass? Aife laughed as she grabbed a plate of food and set it on the floor. Charlotte looked up at her and waited to eat.
"Here". Aife laughed as she put two more plates on the floor. Hale and Kenzi laughed as they set Ethan and Dillon beside her.
The young shifters quickly made a mess of the floor before they took off running around the Dal. The guests ran out when Lauren dismissed them. They obviously had a lot to learn and they weren't going to learn everything tonight.
"Aife or I will call you! Lauren screamed as they ran.
"Who the hell is that and why hasn't he left? Bo asked.
'That's Raul. He's an Ogre". Aife laughed.
"But why is he standing there stiff as a board? Bo asked.
"Charlotte! Bo, Aife, and Lauren screamed in unison.
Dillon ran over and the man picked him up.
"Oohhh shit. He thralled him". Aife laughed.
Dillon nodded, shifted to an Ogre form and knocked Raul out.
"He's not thralled anymore". Bo laughed as Dillon ran back over and jumped into her arms.
"Do you want us to stay and help clean? Lauren asked.
"Nope. I have that covererd". Aife laughed as a cleaning crew emerged from Trick's old lair.
"Lets go". Lauren said carrying two kids at once while Bo carried Dillon out.
"It's ok mama's sweet boy". Bo cooed into his ear.
The Succubus and shifters made it home. Bathed again and all went to bed. Lauren peeked in on the kids one last time and joined Bo in their bed.
"If they get up at 3 again, it's your turn". Bo said.
"Who said we're going to sleep? Lauren smiled as she turned Lauren on her back, and kissed her passionately.
"Lauren we have three kids already". Bo laughed.
"That's why I'm running the show this time". Lauren laughed as she kissed her again. The Doctor was soon on her back, and Bo didn't do it.
"Charlotte! Go to bed! Bo screamed.
Once Lauren was herself again, she climbed back on to Bo.
TBC