Aife, Ethan and Dillon.
The Succubus ducked and laughed as bodies were flying all around her head. Ethan and Dillon were sleeping at her feet. She finally knelt down beside to them check and make sure they were still breathing. Every animal in the dictionary was kicking the intruder's ass. She didn't know where the help came from, but she was happy the boys were safe. Kenzi was with Hale. The old Succubus wasn't dumb. They had been ambushed. Given who was not there, she knew by whom. With Bo and Lauren away, she could not do anything about that now, but protect the boys. But that is how the ambush started some beasts exposed their teeth and came charging towards the trio when out of nowhere they were knocked down. Blood was flying everywhere and none of it landed on them. She placed a blanket over the boys and found a better spot to sit. Dirt be damned.
Finally, the intruders were almost dead, or maimed. Either way it was a gory sight. Nothing like Aife had ever seen before. Ethan inhaled and exhaled in his sleep. Aife smiled at the sight and gently rubbed his back. The Succubus stood up when a small group walked towards them. They stopped short enough to keep a good distance between all of them. Aife never flinched in her stance. Her eyes went wide when they all bowed in their direction. Afterwards, one stood up and walked over to the Succubus.
The man bowed again and spoke. "We mean you no harm. You will not have any more problems out of them again".
"Who are you? Aife asked as she stood between Ethan and Dillon.
"Princess Charlotte sent us. My son and his friends found her, and her mothers. She played with them and they told her of Tau's plans. His mouth wrote a check, his henchmen couldn't cash". The man bowed again.
"That's still not telling me your name". Aife replied.
"My name is Julian. That's Ambrose and Keefer behind me. It would take me all day to introduce you to everyone. Princess Charlotte is a very smart baby. She's already made some very powerful contacts. Some of us will hang around and help you train the young royals there. I am assuming the great Aife McCorrigan will want to handle Tau on her own. I can help you with that or have him brought to you. It's all up to you, per the Princess orders". Julian bowed again.
"Have him brought to me. But I hope you know you better be legit". Aife said rubbing the boy's backs.
Julian smiled and pulled a small piece of cloth from his pocket. He handed it to the Succubus, and she sniffed it. It was Charlotte's scent.
"Very well. My boys here still need to sleep. Bring me Tau and the rest of you are welcome to stay." Aife said as she stood up.
"Bring Tau and Sadie! Julian screamed behind him.
Ethan and Dillon finally woke and instantly guarded the Succubus.
"It's okay my loves. They are friends". Aife said softly.
For the next hour, Julian and Aife talked about everything. He had never liked Tau and once the kids got involved he finally stepped in. Tau and Sadie had some very graphic plans for Ethan and Dillon to die.
Aife seethed at the news, but she was more impressed with what Charlotte had done. She had spoken with birds and her plan went from one flock to another. Some resisted but knew the young shifter was mighty powerful. But she was also kind. She told them where to find the best food and they were happy to be stocked for weeks. One of the birds was a double-Fae, so once he got word to Julian's pack, they put their plan in motion. None of the kids came but were highly protected while Julian and the rest were busy protecting Charlotte's family.
"Well I have talked your ear off long enough. You must have questions". Julian nodded for Aife to speak.
"Are there any kids in Tau's pack? Aife asked.
"Quite a few but none that would dare take on your kids". Julian answered.
"Do they have mothers and fathers or only one of each? Aife asked.
"Mostly mothers. Their fathers were lost in battle years ago. The fathers died defending their kids from another one of Tau's plans. The old bastard has outlived his welcome among most of the packs". Julian said honestly as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Does he know where my family is? Aife asked.
"No. Bo and Lauren have moved on from their last spot. Seemed the baby was restless." Julian said.
"Charlotte? Why didn't you say that before?! Aife stood quickly.
"The baby inside of Bo". Julian smiled gently.
"Oh. Don't talk in riddles like that with me. You will get your ass kicked". Aife laughed.
"Noted". Julian nodded and directed Keefer to train Ethan and Dillon while they sat waiting for Tau and Sadie. The kids wouldn't be around for that, but at least they could start learning a few tricks that they would need to know as shifters. As for their other powers, they would leave that up to Bo and Lauren. The pregnant Succubus was going to gain a ton of new powers as soon as she delivers her baby.
Aife sat thinking about Bo and Lauren. They would always have a life like this. One threat to the next but given what Charlotte had just done. Nothing is ever going to happen to them, and Bo's baby will be powerful too.
All those years ago, the Succubus never would have imagined Bo's life would amount to this. In saving Bo by putting her with humans, she set all of this in motion. Lou Ann found her as an adult and Aife had to see her baby all grown up for herself. Isabeau was a Succubus too, and she was murdered. There is no way Bo, Lauren or the kids will allow the old Succubus to ever die like her mother. She wanted to cry but she was starting to see red thinking of how she allowed Tau to live. He flips on a dime and cashed in his death certificate trying to ambush them. Bo and Lauren are still away, but that doesn't mean grandma can't handle their family business.
Bo, Lauren and Charlotte.
"Don't worry about me. Run. Jump. Laugh." Bo smiled as she watched Lauren and Charlotte play. She rubbed her stomach and smiled. The baby was finally content and resting. But the Succubus wasn't complaining. She had a piece of Lauren inside of her and it tickled at times. Now she watched her play with their oldest. Charlotte's smile matched Lauren's as they raced back and forth.
"We'll need to eat soon". Bo said over their roars.
"You hungry Charly? Lauren cooed.
"A little bit". Charlotte pouted.
"We'll play again later. Mama promises". Lauren kissed the top of Charlotte's head just before they shifted to their human forms and cleaned up for lunch. Bo helped Charlotte and the young shifter hated it. It wasn't a bath, but it was close enough.
"You will learn to love this once you start medical school". Bo laughed.
"Bo! We said we wouldn't do that to them". Lauren laughed as she patted her hair dry with a towel.
"Mama's only playing baby. You can do whatever you want to do. Be whatever you want to be". Bo cooed as she finished cleaning Charlotte.
Charlotte protested when they tried to put her in a highchair. They weren't even out in public and she still despised those things.
"I don't think she likes the straps". Bo said quietly.
"I can understand that". Lauren nodded.
Bo frowned. She knew Lauren must have thought about the Una Mens strapping her down and feeding the seed to her. The Succubus still has nightmares about that. Lauren screaming out for Bo. The last time human Lauren saw the world and woke up Fae. It would have been one thing had the Doctor done that to herself, but it is totally different that she was forced into this. She failed her. It wouldn't be a fairytale story to tell the kids either. How their mother left their other mother and she was captured and killed. How it took Bo what felt like forever to locate Lauren.
"Bo you can eat now". Lauren said softly. Bo looked lost to the Doctor. She was curious what she was thinking about but wouldn't discuss it in front of Charlotte.
"This is supposed to be a happy time. Right Charlotte? Bo smiled as she set Charlotte's plate in front of her. They weren't allowing her to eat with utensils yet, so she used her fingers to eat her fries and fish sticks. Lauren smiled as Charlotte made a face but still ate her food. She looked so cute in her jeans and top. But they knew that was not going to last long. Charlotte's a true kid of nature. She loves to be outside and doing something. She hadn't started talking to the birds and other creatures in that area. But she looked almost content to be with them. She only gave attitude when it came to bathing.
"Bo do you want to do something with her? I know you can't actually run, but you could still do something with her. We just need to figure out what you can do". Lauren spoke softly. Charlotte looked back and forth between them.
Bo looked at Charlotte and tried to think of something. She could watch a movie with her. She could watch a science show, and the shifter would be teaching her everything the narrator wasn't. She almost felt dumb around Charlotte. She wished she could run with Charlotte but can't risk it. They could go walking. But that sounds dull too.
"Want to color in your coloring book Charlotte? Bo asked.
Charlotte's eyes lit up a bit and Bo had her answer. Lauren grabbed the crayons while Bo grabbed the books. Bo eased down on to the couch, and Lauren placed Charlotte next to Bo. She could climb or jump, but they didn't want to risk her accidentally hitting Bo's stomach. Lauren took the seat opposite Charlotte and watched them color. Once Charlotte was done with hers, Lauren gave her some blank paper.
"She's going to be an artist! Bo smiled. She had finally finished coloring the page she was on. She wasn't going to do a whole book like Charlotte. That wouldn't be fair to her or her brothers. But Ethan and Dillon weren't ready for coloring books yet.
Bo smiled at the thought. They have three kids and possibly a lot more on the way or along the way. The women watched Charlotte draw and handed her blank sheets of paper as needed. She never got tired, bored or fussed.
"Okay let's go play once more Charlotte and then it will be dinner time". Lauren said excitedly.
Charlotte dropped everything to shift. Bo picked up the crayons and books as soon as she dropped them.
Bo laughed as her love and her baby raced and ran around again. She thought of them as one like she is with her baby right now. Lauren had already planned on being there for Bo every step of the way. Especially when she gets close to Bo's due date. She didn't when she was pregnant with Charlotte but as a Doctor, she looked up on it, and kept diligent notes so she wouldn't forget anything. Notes on her situation and Bo's medical records were in their nightstands at home. If Bo had a question, Lauren would right it down and look it up later. But she wouldn't obsess and allow it to take over their lives.
Lauren played with Charlotte for a little over an hour and a half before they went back inside, cleaned up and readied for dinner.
Bo hid the highchair in a closet so it would not remind Lauren or Charlotte of the straps. Not her family. Never.
Aife, Tau and Sadie.
"You stupid shits. Did you think you would succeed? Did you think we were weak because my daughter and her mate are out of town? Aife seethed.
"You need to learn your place Aife. You're only a Succubus. We weren't coming for you, we were coming for your half-breeds". Sadie snapped.
"And you are a full-breed little bitch". Aife seethed.
"Just kill them Aife." Julian growled behind her.
"String them up by their feet. Tie a noose around their necks and set them on fire. You know that plan right Tau? Aife kicked him to the ground. She didn't know the other person with them and frankly didn't care.
"And her? Julian asked looking at Sadie.
"The same thing. They will not live one more night. My boys are safe with family and I want to make sure their threat is dealt with right now". Aife stepped backwards and allowed Julian, Ambrose and Keefer to string the two up. The third one had run off. Thankfully Ethan and Dillon were with Kenzi and Hale. They were told to put cartoons on and headphones on the boys.
Kenzi and Hale
"Bo and Lauren sure do have some good kids". Hale laughed at the cartoons himself.
"They should be back here any day now with Charlotte. But yeah. The boys are good boys too". Kenzi smiled as she put snacks in front of them.
"I'm not complaining. It's good to hang out with my boys and do boys stuff". Hale laughed.
"You're too big for cartoons Hale". Kenzi laughed.
"You watch them too. Besides it's hockey season. I could probably sneak them off to a game. In prime seats of course. Lauren would kick my ass if they got hit with something". Hale made faces at the boys and they laughed.
"Someday but not today". Kenzi laughed as she poured a glass of water. She wanted a cocktail drink but would never drink while babysitting. Especially under the current tensions and circumstances.
"Let's watch some sports my boys". Hale laughed as he changed the channel. Ethan and Dillon cried, and he sighed and changed it back.
"Told ya". Kenzi laughed.
"Hey Kenz, do you ever think about being Fae? Hale asked as she handed him a glass of water.
"Not anymore. I mean yeah it would be cool to live forever with the rest of you, but I don't know about doing that to my body. I might not make it through to the other side". Kenzi replied.
"With everything that has happened to Lauren, anything is possible, and you know Bo would bring you back if something bad were to happen". Hale drank his water and poured another glass.
"I will think about it". Kenzi said and closed her eyes. Lauren could probably turn her Fae. But what kind of Fae? The kids were basically the Una Mens all over again but with more powers because of Bo, are nicer and dress better. Lauren was a shifter because she killed a shifter and had their powers too.
Hale had asked that question out of nowhere. Kenzi was starting to wonder if he wanted her around too. They were barely dating. Barely done anything that resembled a couple. They are best friends no doubt. But were they really ready to take that step? Perhaps looking at Ethan and Dillon was giving the siren ideas. Kenzi got an idea and decided to hold on to it until she could speak with Lauren privately.
"I will think about it okay? Kenzi said.
Hale smiled. Kenzi smiled back. That would buy her a little more time to actually think if she wanted to do that.
Bo, Lauren and Charlotte.
"She seems to be enjoying that. We have almost an entire family album of her drawings". Bo whispered as she and Lauren danced to light jazz.
"Well there is a science to it. So, I guess I should be happy about that". Lauren laughed.
Bo smiled and squeezed Lauren in her arms. "We are going to need a bigger house or a private studio somewhere".
"There's plenty of room on the other side of the house". Lauren gently kissed Bo's hand.
"That's an idea. But only after the baby or babies are born. I don't want to be inhaling weird stuff". Bo cooed.
"Are you sure that you don't want to know what we are having? Lauren asked.
"No. I want to be surprised. Not like we were with Charly but surprised." Bo replied as she looked around the room.
"If you change your mind, let me know. We can easily find out. We can stock up on blue and pink toys, and clothes in the meantime". Lauren pulled Bo a tad closer.
Bo closed her eyes. They were going to be parents again. On one hand she wanted to cry with glee. On the other hand, that meant late nights. Diapers. Tears from the nursery and mother's room. Charlotte jumping up to see what is going on. Ethan and Dillon following right behind her. But she is ready for all of it. For the longest time, she was all she had. Now she had more than she ever thought she would. And now she cried.
"I love you Lauren. I love you so much". Bo said tearfully.
"I love you too Bo. So, so much". Lauren smiled wiping Bo's tears away with her thumb.
"We have such a great life. I just never thought I would be so deserving of all of this". Bo cried again.
"But you are Bo. Look at her, she's here because you never gave up on her or me". Lauren nodded as she gently turned Bo's head into Charlotte's direction.
"Mama? Charlotte said.
"Yes baby?! Lauren and Bo said in unison.
"Ethan, Dillon and Nana". Charlotte said.
"You miss your brothers and grandmother baby? Lauren asked.
Charlotte nodded.
"Okay. We'll get packed up and head home! Bo smiled.
Lauren took care of the heavy stuff while Bo packed up Charlotte's clothes and toys.
The Doctor turned and smiled. The three of them are finally close.
TBC.