Bo Lauren and Charlotte
"We're almost there Charly! Bo cooed from the front passenger seat.
The little girl bounced in her seat. Lauren looked in the rear-view mirror at her and caught the little shifter's eyes. She looked happy. Something they thought they wouldn't see for a long time to come. She turned onto their street and Charlotte became really antsy.
"Almost". The Doctor laughed.
"She's really happy to be home". Bo laughed.
"It will be good to be home. I've missed the boys too". Lauren squeezed Bo's hand.
"We made good progress with Charlotte. I think. I hope". Bo said quietly.
"We did sweetie. It's a learning experience too. If she wasn't happy she could have taken off. Scary to think of, but she would have." Lauren turned into their driveway and shut the engine off.
Charlotte was bouncing in her car seat. She looked like she was about to tear the straps off of her.
"I'll let her out if you want to get the bags". Bo said over her shoulder.
"Okay. Be careful though". Lauren smiled as she gently tapped Bo's stomach.
"I haven't forgotten". Bo winked. She gently climbed out of the car and opened the back door. Charlotte looked up at her like she was ready to burst.
"Okay. Okay. Here you go sweetie". Bo smiled as she unhooked the straps. Charlotte waited patiently for her mother to move out of the way, shifted and took off into the back yard. Bo laughed when she heard her roar and stop. She walked around and found the little girl had pinned her brothers. They rolled around all over the yard, pinning and running after each other.
"Ethan! Dillon! Charlotte laughed as she playfully pinned them again. The mothers laughed as they stood watching them play for the longest time.
"The Queen has returned! Aife curtsied towards her granddaughter.
"Nana! Charlotte screamed as she jumped into the woman's arms.
Bo and Lauren looked on in confusion. Since when did Aife bow to Charlotte?
"I'll explain". Aife laughed as she squeezed Charlotte once more and set her down to play again.
The three took a seat at the table and the kids ran and jumped again.
"I have it on good authority. Well it's still being investigated by Hale and Kenzi. But I have it on good authority that Tau was going to try and kill the boys, but Charlotte sent protection. Lots of protection". Aife explained.
"What?! Where is he? Lauren roared.
"Barbequed and buried. They never got close to the boys. I was told Charlotte spoke to some bird shifters and they got word back to some adult shifters. Julian, Ambrose and Keefer came to help. They were very instrumental in getting Tau and Sadie to me. They were stupid to think they would live another day". Aife replied.
Lauren's eyes were changing back and forth to her normal color. Bo's eyes flashed blue and she turned to the kids.
"How did she do that? Bo asked.
"Bo…Remember when she was talking to the animals? That's when she did it! Lauren beamed with pride.
"Ohhh. Okay. We thought she was just playing. Wow I am very impressed". Bo smiled as wide as Lauren.
"Are we sure there are no more pressing threats? Lauren asked.
"Kenzi and Hale are investigating that right now. Julian is also looking into it. But per him, the others already adore Charlotte and have proclaimed their loyalties to her and our family". Aife stood and poured them some drinks. She made sure the kids had water too.
"I want to meet this Julian, Ambrose and Keefer". Lauren spoke softly. She never took her eyes off of the kids. Even in their secured environment.
"They will be back in a day or two. They had to go home and check on their own families. Can't really blame them. Taft was an old bastard with friends. But Charlotte already has hundreds of friends and their first born as well". Aife took her seat again.
"Maybe we can talk to them on a conference call. Not disputing anything that you have told us mom. But I know Lauren. She will worry and I never want that for her". Bo said softly.
"I will arrange it". Aife stood and walked away from them.
"Do you remember how many were in Tau's pack Lauren? Bo asked softly.
"Not too many. Some fled because of his bullshit. Others died in battle". Lauren answered.
"I just want our kids to have a normal life as kids before they grow up and face problem after problem". Bo sighed heavily.
"Bo I understand what you are saying, and I want that for them too. But they are never going to have normal lives. You are carrying an heir too. But in our case, they are really smart and so advanced in their powers that nothing will ever succeed at harming them. They are healers like I never imagined I would be. The best we can do is fix what we can right now and let them do those things right there". Lauren pointed as the kids disappeared into their castles.
Bo released a breath. Everything Lauren just told her is true. She just wants a day, or a week without drama. Some bastard probably would have had their sons, if it wasn't for Charlotte's quick thinking. She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. She had a beautiful, healthy family in front of her and a baby growing inside of her. She needs to think healthy thoughts.
"We'll let them play for a few more hours then we can have lunch". Bo leaned forward and squeezed Lauren's hand.
"Are you hungry? I could go in and grab some snacks". Lauren offered.
"Already handled Doctor". Aife laughed as she set a plate of cheese, crackers and fresh veggies in front of Bo.
"So, what's the word on the video conference? Lauren asked.
"We set it up for later this afternoon. Probably around 5". Aife took her seat.
"That's only a few hours from now". Lauren checked her watch.
"Sounds good to me". Bo mumbled with a mouth full of food.
Lauren and Aife watched Bo eat and the ladies talked among themselves to kill time.
Kenzi and Hale.
"I am not finding anything else on Tau. Most of his pack have moved on or are dead. That was close last night. Aife was still pissed when I checked on them this morning". Hale sighed into his hands.
"Hey, we haven't given up. I think Bo and Lauren are home. We don't have any new leads. So, let's clean up and pack up what we found out so far and go see them. It's okay. The boys are okay." Kenzi said as she rubbed Hale's back.
"Yeah. Let's do that". Hale sighed as he stood and helped clean up their office lobby.
Bo and Lauren
The women watched their kids for a few more minutes then sighed.
"Do you want to do it or shall I? Bo asked.
"She's going to fight you, so I'll do it". Lauren replied.
"What are we doing now? Aife asked.
"Charlotte needs a bath. The boys are easier to bathe. She fights me every time". Bo laughed.
"Rookies. Charlotte come to Nana". Aife laughed.
The young shifter squinted at Aife.
"She's reading your aura! Bo and Lauren laughed.
"Come here Charlotte". Aife said seriously. The shifter moved further and further away.
"We could try the hose, but she would run off". Bo suggested.
"No. She's going to get into a bathtub". Aife laughed as she chased Charlotte.
"Ethan. Dillon. Come to us". Bo cooed as the boys giggled and ran to them. Ethan jumped into Lauren's arms and Dillon followed behind Bo.
The baths were ready, and Ethan and Dillon were already playing in the water. They weren't sure if Aife ever caught Charlotte but would focus on that later.
"I have a surprise for you". Bo smiled as she walked in. She put toys into the tub and the boys splashed the water harder.
They turned when they heard Aife and a squirming Charlotte in the hallway.
"Rookies huh? Lauren laughed.
"Nothing that Isabeau didn't do as a baby". Aife laughed as she walked into the next bathroom.
"She bathed you? Lauren gasped.
"I can't remember that". Bo laughed as she made faces at Dillon.
"Alright you should be clean. Come to mama so I can dry you off Ethan". Lauren smiled as she picked him up.
"I can get Dillon". Bo said.
"You can dry Ethan off and dress him. and I will get Dillon. I don't want you bending over too much". Lauren smiled sweetly.
"Okay. That's a good idea". Bo nodded as she took their son from Lauren.
The boys laughed and played while their mothers dressed them. Bo laughed as she heard water splashing violently. Aife still hadn't gotten her into the bathtub.
"I'll go check on mom and Charly". Bo cooed as she kissed Ethan's head and patted his stomach before she walked off.
"I don't want to have to spank you, but if you splash me again Nana's little princess will get a beat down". Aife laughed.
"Mom I have asked you not to spank my kids". Bo laughed as she watched them.
"Well one of these days the future Queen is going to get one". Aife laughed as Charlotte glared at her.
"What's that about anyway? I know you said this Julian told you about the other shifters. But did we miss anything else? Bo asked.
"No. Nothing else really. We set them on fire like that wanted to do to Ethan and Dillon". Aife threw a toy in with Charlotte and the shifter threw it back to her.
"I see. I don't like it mom. They came too close". Bo said quietly.
"Well that won't happen again. Ethan and Dillon slept through most of it, so no harm done". Aife smiled as she picked Charlotte up.
"I can do that". Bo said softly.
"No. You've spent days with her. It's Nana's turn". Aife squeezed Charlotte and loved the warmth of the wet baby and dry towel. She looked more and more like Bo in her features. But her eyes have Lauren's curiosity.
"Fine. I'll go check on my boys". Bo laughed as she left Aife to dress Charlotte.
"Do you feel like grilling today? Bo asked as she reached the boys nursery.
"Grilled chicken and veggies? Lauren asked.
"That sounds good". Bo nodded. She walked around the room, straightening everything she could find out of place up.
"How are you feeling Bo? Do you need a nap? Lauren asked.
"Maybe later". Bo replied over her shoulder.
"Okay. I will go down and get started on lunch, then we can all nap later while we wait on our guests". Lauren said quietly. Ethan and Dillon were already starting to nod off.
"Make enough for us and a nap sounds good". Kenzi popped her neck in the doorway.
"Well you can come and help me Kenzi". Lauren laughed.
"Umm Hale can help you. He's downstairs checking on the basketball scores". Kenzi smiled as Lauren walked past her.
"Fine you can keep Bo company while I grill the food". Lauren smiled as she walked out of the room.
"I am really happy for you Bo. You guys look absolutely happy". Kenzi turned back to the Succubus.
"Thank you. It has taken a lot of work. I still struggle and worry if I am going to do something or say something to make Lauren leave me again". Bo sighed.
"That's got to be your hormones babe. But you need to talk to Lauren about this. Don't hold anything from her". Kenzi took a seat and a baby.
"I will. It could be my hormones, but I know holding anything back from her could doom us, and our kids". Bo rocked with Dillon.
"I understand Aife told you what happened. I had to stay at the office. You would have been so proud to see all of that Bo. Shifters came out of nowhere and everywhere. Your little royals could lead a full army if they want to". Kenzi made faces at Ethan.
"I am going to ask her to do tests on the baby. I think I do want to know how many we are having. What we are having." Bo closed her eyes and took in Dillon's baby scent. She would never tire of them being this small still. She gets to keep them a little longer like that. Dote all over them. More than Charlotte allows her to. She smiled wide at the thought.
"Well Bo that is your decision. But I don't want to know. I want to be surprised. I want to go shopping out of the blue or pink". Kenzi laughed.
"I don't want to know but then I do. I also want to make sure I'm not harming the baby. Make sure it's not underweight, or looks funny". Bo said quietly.
"You won't go into a coma Bo. We are all here to help you. I'm going to get Lauren because you need to tell her these things right now". Kenzi stood with Ethan and walked out.
Bo shook her head and followed her downstairs and out to the patio.
"Lauren. I can handle that. You need to talk to Bo. Right now". Kenzi said softly taking a spatula out of Lauren's hand.
"Go ahead Doc. We got this". Hale smiled as Lauren walked away.
"Bo? Lauren said worriedly.
"It's not what you think babe. I'm just starting to worry about the baby. I need to make sure I'm doing everything right. Eating right. Sleeping right. Loving right. And I don't want to go into a coma". Bo said softly.
Lauren nodded and pulled Bo back into the house. She walked her slowly upstairs and found Aife.
"Aife Bo and I are going into my lab. Can you please watch the kids? Hale and Kenzi are cooking our lunch". Lauren asked.
"Sure! Go ahead and be a Doctor, doctor". Aife said taking both boys from them. Charlotte looked up at her parents.
"Go with Nana baby. We'll be back soon". Lauren cooed as she looked down at her.
"Baby? Charlotte said.
"Mama's going to check on the baby right now Charly". Bo said as they walked away from them.
"Come on Charlotte. Let's go watch the Lion King again". Aife cooed. The shifter raced in front of Aife and jumped on the couch.
"They love that movie". Lauren laughed.
"She's being such a good baby". Bo cried.
"Bo. It's going to be okay. I promise. I am glad you told me this. We can check you out and make sure that everything is okay". Lauren urged Bo to sit on the table.
She grabbed some gloves and readied to do an ultrasound. She had almost forgotten she had ordered the machine. It must have come when they were away, and she is so happy about that.
"This will be cold." Lauren said as she started.
Both women looked at the monitor. Bo had no clue what she was looking at but trusted that Lauren knew everything she was seeing.
Bo closed her eyes. It did feel a tad cold, but it was almost tickling her too. Lauren talked her through everything she was doing. After a few more minutes she was done and cleaned Bo up.
"Well? Bo asked.
"Everything looks fine. I will check again before you deliver okay? Lauren said softly as she removed her gloves.
"Lauren? Bo said.
Yes? Lauren said.
"I love you. I do. I don't want us to ever fight again or keep things to ourselves. Kenzi reminded me of that just now and I never want you to feel like I'm taking advantage of you. I think that's how you slipped into a coma. I wasn't paying enough attention". Bo said as they walked out of the lab.
Lauren turned hard on Bo and took her hands. "Bo I love you just as much. Try not to worry and tell me whenever you feel strange. No matter where we are at the time".
"If you would have lost Charlotte, I would have been devastated. Devastated. I would have failed you and our daughter. I don't want to fail this baby, you or the kids". Bo cried.
"Bo we are so far ahead of where we were with me. I should have known too. It was my body. I trust you with my baby. Our baby. Don't feel like you have to be perfect in this. I am right here with you and I am not going anywhere". Lauren wiped all of Bo's tears away.
Bo buried her head on Lauren's shoulder. She cried again as the Doctor stroked her back.
"Get it all out Bo. It's okay to cry". Lauren blinked her own tears away.
"I'm sorry. Let's go. Charlotte must be looking for us and lunch should be done". Bo pulled back.
Lauren helped her clean herself up to look like she had never had a breakdown.
The women walked holding hands. Lauren slowed down and watched every step Bo took down the stairs. Once they were down there, the kids were already jumping up and down with the movie. Bo smiled at the sight. She hadn't failed with them. There is no way she's going to fail this time.
"Come on you guys lets eat and then we can put the kids down for a nap. I want everyone on this conference call. To make sure I or Lauren don't miss anything that's said". Bo said softly.
"That's a good idea". Aife said. Kenzi and Lauren helped the kids into their highchairs as Hale and Bo brought the food in and placed it on the dining room table.
Aife looked around the table. Tau had tried to send a small army to get her grandsons. She had a little army of her own right in front of her. Bo needs to be protected until it's time for her to deliver. Unlike the old days, everyone at this table is united in their cause. And their cause is survival and family. For now, they eat. If war comes again, they'll feast. Charlotte has the powers to summon every beast on earth. Her grandmother and mothers would handle the bastard beasts.
TBC