Bo and Lauren's.
"So, are we to assume you are Julian, Ambrose and Keefer? Bo asked.
"Yes Bo. We are". Julian replied. The Succubus was making him nervous. He had never seen her in person before. He had only heard about her. His eyes and the rumors were true.
"Call me Isabeau. Only my family and friends get to call me Bo". Bo replied. Charlotte, Ethan and Dillon were all standing next to Lauren.
"I understand you wanted to meet us. I didn't think we were coming here to be snipped at or insulted". Ambrose said from behind Julian.
"According to Aife, Charlotte notified your children of a now dealt with threat on our sons. You should understand our apprehension. You are not children, you are adults." Lauren stepped forward. Charlotte walked step for step with Lauren. She stared up at the adults but kept quiet.
"An enemy of an enemy is a friend. We mean no harm to you or to them. We weren't going to stand by and watch you all be ambushed by Tau and his clumsy minions". Keefer chimed in.
Bo, Lauren, Aife and Charlotte all stared at the three. They backed up when they felt like their heads were being infiltrated.
"That's rude". Julian growled.
"We have to be sure. Our boys aren't as big as Charlotte yet. We will always defend them, and we need to be sure of who they hang around. Who tries to befriend them." Bo explained.
"We will check them out Bo. We haven't found much on them yet". Hale stepped into the conversation.
Bo took a breath and looked at the group. "I have a better idea. Come to mama Charly".
Charlotte smiled and jumped into Bo's arms.
"Easy Bo". Lauren gently stepped next to them.
Bo walked towards the three men. "Are they good men my love?
"Good. Good. Good". Charlotte pointed at every one of them.
"We trust our daughter. You better be good. Because hell hath no fury like a lioness pissed off". Lauren exposed her teeth.
"We don't mean you all any harm. We were glad to help in the fight against Tau. He never got near your son". Ambrose explained.
"But he got near our house. That's too close. But it is of no matter. The kids are growing up fast. If you can't outrun them, you sure as hell won't be able to outrun me pulling your chi". Bo raised an eyebrow. "Go to mama baby".
Lauren smiled as she took Charlotte from Bo. The boys flanked their mothers and looked up at the adults.
"It's ok". Lauren smiled at the twins.
"We're done talking here". Bo turned and the boys followed her. Charlotte roared and jumped from Lauren's arms and followed the Succubus.
Lauren nodded and Aife left with the three men. Lauren turned to follow her family inside. She found Bo sitting on the couch with Charlotte sitting right beside her.
"Are you hungry? Lauren asked.
"I'm fine babe. Just felt like getting away from them. Charly said they are good men, but good men that don't know how to bathe too well". Bo replied.
"I assume the boys ran to their playroom". Lauren took a seat on the other side of Bo.
"I think they did. They ran upstairs anyway". Bo smiled.
"Charlotte? I thought you said you missed them". Lauren smiled at their daughter.
Charlotte lifted her head, looked toward the stairs and laid back down.
"I guess not". Bo laughed.
"It's ok. We are home now. We can kick back and relax for two minutes". Lauren smiled as she leaned forward and grabbed a bottle of water.
The mothers curled up and watched TV. Charlotte put a claw on Bo's leg and snuggled back down to sleep.
"What's that about? Bo whispered.
"She probably wants to know when you move." Lauren found something else to watch on TV.
"I should be really close right? Bo rubbed her stomach.
"You are due next month". Lauren answered.
"What? I was kidding. That soon? Bo panted and Charlotte lifted her head.
"She's ok sweetie". Lauren flashed her gold eyes at Charlotte.
"Lauren I have a theory. One a Scientist mother might appreciate". Bo turned to the Doctor.
"I'm listening". Lauren turned around and faced Bo.
"Charlotte wanted to come home. She's practically glued to me right now. Could she be trying to tell us the baby is coming, today or sooner than we think? Bo asked.
Lauren rolled her tongue around in her mouth and thought of it. That is a very good question. She's not sure how to answer it because it could very well be what they are dealing with. "I'm not sure".
"Lauren". Bo said worriedly.
"I'm really not sure Bo. I don't even know how far along I was when you rushed me to the hospital. I didn't know". Lauren scratched her head.
"Maybe we should pack my bags for the hospital". Bo stood and Charlotte woke up.
"Easy. The bags are already packed. One in each car in case we're out and need to rush you to the hospital". Lauren replied. Charlotte shrugged and laid back down.
Bo sighed and Lauren wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
"It is going to be ok sweetie. We won't lose the baby. We are ready this time. I promise". The Doctor kissed the side of the Succubus head.
Bo laid her head on Lauren's shoulder and closed her eyes. The only way she is going to calm all three of them down is to rest her overactive mind. She felt a pulse from Charlotte run into her leg and then it was gone. Bo smiled at the gesture as Charlotte's silent way of telling her mother to calm down. Bo dropped a fear tears of happiness when she realized how much love their kids had between each other. Charlotte went into protective big sister mode in a matter of minutes when Bo thought she would be jealous of her new brothers. She didn't know what she is going to have yet but knows their baby will be powerful and loved beyond the definition. The next thing the succubus knew she was in Lauren's arms, sound asleep.
Aife
"Well that was kind of rude". Julian said.
"Well my daughter has always been hard-headed and strong willed. You have to give her time to get to know you. Since she's become a mother, she's been very hands on. So she doesn't trust people. Neither do I. But that's why I stay on your ass. My granddaughter is very smart, but Nana needs more proof of your innocence". Aife declined a seat that was offered to her.
"As I have said before, we weren't going to allow them to be hurt. Tau pissed off a lot of people during his lifetime. He had to be dealt with. We have young ones at home too. Your protection is their protection too. Charlotte has already assembled her own pack. Nobody has managed to control all animals like this in our lifetime. Such powers are to be admired, revered and adored". Ambrose bowed.
Hale and Kenzi
"Let's just cook them something to eat". Hale said after they found Bo, Lauren and Charlotte asleep on the couch. The boys had fallen asleep in their playroom. Kenzi took a picture of them sleeping.
"We could get some sleep too. We've been going for days". Kenzi whispered.
"Where are we going to sleep? They already have the couch? Hale gestured around the room with his hands.
"I have a bed". Kenzi pulled the siren behind her.
"We'll have none of that in our house with small children here". Bo mumbled.
"Bo! You're up". Kenzi blushed.
"Not yet. Just speaking on it". Bo gently pushed against Lauren.
"Let's just sleep". Hale said as they walked up the stairs and rounded the corner to Kenzi's room.
Hours later everyone was up. Lauren and Hale had thrown some steaks on the grill. Bo and Kenzi worked on the side items. Charlotte, Ethan and Dillon ran around in the back yard. Bo could have sworn the three of them had grown again. Charlotte stopped chasing the boys and walked over to Bo. She looked up at the Succubus, but Bo hadn't noticed her yet.
"Bo? Lauren said as she walked over.
"Huh? Bo spun around and nearly ran into Charlotte. "I'm ok". She finally looked down.
"That kid has got to learn to make noise". Kenzi laughed.
Charlotte huffed at Kenzi and shifted. Kenzi cringed at the sight. "Aunt Kenzi asked you to warn me when you are going to do that. It looks painful".
"She needs clothes. Come here Charlotte". Lauren scooped her up and dressed her.
"All black clothes huh? I wonder where she got that from". Kenzi poked Bo.
"Don't Kenz". Bo swayed on her feet.
"Holy..Lauren! Kenzi screamed.
"What? What happened? Lauren ran over.
"I'm just a little hot". Bo groaned as Lauren and Kenzi helped her to the couch. The Doctor grabbed her medical bag. "Well you don't have a fever. But still I think you need to stay here for a bit".
"Lauren no. I want to help". Bo tried to stand again.
"Cold water". Kenzi handed Bo.
"Stay sitting Bo or lay down." Lauren spoke softly.
Bo nodded and laid back on the couch. She wasn't going to lay down though because Charlotte had jumped on the couch too. She glared at Bo and the Succubus nearly laughed. She laid down on her back and stared up at Bo.
"What is it with you huh? Bo laughed.
"The baby is coming". Charlotte replied.'
"How the hel…heck is this kid so smart?! Kenzi laughed and shook her head.
"Are you kidding, she will be out of medical school before she's five". Bo laughed.
"Bo". Lauren said seriously.
"I am only joking. You can do whatever you want to do Charly". Bo turned serious.
"I didn't find anything alarming in your vitals, but she could be right". Lauren called for the boys and they ran down the stairs.
"Well Dr. Charlotte seems to be on the case, Dr. Lauren". Kenzi laughed.
"Charlotte. You can talk. Tell us". Bo tickled her stomach and she roared.
"She's not ticklish I see". Lauren laughed.
"I know". Charlotte said as she turned over on her stomach.
"Ok my little genius, tell us". Bo laughed.
"Mama was pregnant with me. She worked and worked and worked. When it was time for me to be born, I made her hurt so that you would take her to the hospital. Then you struggled feeding me. I saw it all mamas". Charlotte explained.
"Ok where's that Una Mens log? There is now way she understands everything that she just said without being an old Fae". Bo laughed.
"She is just smart Bo. I don't think it's necessarily the Una Mens book. I had those powers before she did, and I didn't know she existed yet". Lauren rubbed Charlotte's back.
"Ok Charlotte, when is mama due? Bo asked.
Charlotte held up one finger.
"That soon? Bo gasped.
"Bo, it will be ok". Lauren reached for the Succubus.
"That's only a little over a week". Bo took some deep breaths and Charlotte glared at her again.
"She's just warning us. That's all. We don't have anything major coming up, we can take it as easy as you want. When we need to". Lauren rubbed Bo's leg. If she panicked, so would Bo. She had to be a mother and a Doctor right now. She had to learn that fast after injecting a patient for the first time.
Bo took some deep breaths and a quick glance at Charlotte. Her little eyes always held so much wonder and intelligence. She thought about the many nights in the hospital just before Charlotte's bedtime when they were walking around in Lauren's room. The baby shifter had always snuck peeks at Lauren over Bo's shoulders or arms. Lauren had thought for weeks that she missed out on so much of Charlotte's life and she had. But Bo had seen firsthand how much the baby already loved her mother and missed her. Even though they hadn't officially met yet. There was something in Charlotte's eyes then, like there is now.
Love. Courage. Strength. Family. Things Bo herself as a child often struggled with. She'd play in her room and accidentally killed things or set something on fire. She never knew how she did it. But Charlotte seems fully aware of her powers before her brunette mother had even known she had powers. She seems fully aware of the baby inside of Bo too. So, if she thinks the baby is coming, then the baby is coming. She's protecting the baby already by helping her mother know it's almost time. Something Bo and Lauren didn't have knowledge of with her.
"If she knows, she knows". Bo smiled. Charlotte glared at her again and waited for Bo to rest.
"If we have a week to kill, then we need lots and lots to do. A house party with virgin drinks? Kenzi suggested.
Bo and Lauren shook their heads. They didn't have maids and with the kids around those drinks could fly any and everywhere.
"Well Twister is out because it wouldn't be fair to Bo". Kenzi plopped on the loveseat.
"No. But it could be fun for the kids. It would be helpful for them too. To see how they could stretch their legs and bodies". Lauren perked up. She heard Bo's Succubus growl and turned back to her. "I won't play". Lauren smiled.
Bo smiled as Lauren stood and helped Kenzi set up the game. Hale took a seat next to Bo. They were never close, but he did care for her state of mind. Staying positive could help their baby too. Over the next few hours they watched Kenzi, Charlotte, Ethan and Dillon play Twister. Lauren helped the kids when she could. But of course, Charlotte was a natural and helped her brothers faster than Lauren could get to them.
Bo smiled at her family. Truth be told she felt her Succubus trying to adjust to the baby too. She would never harm their baby, but the powers from the seed were starting to come into play. She felt her insides starting to change. But she had been feeling that for weeks. Her Doctor had gone through it and survived, so Bo will too. She didn't second guess her decision to have Lauren's baby at all. Lauren had carried three of Bo's. She had been on the outside. Now it's Lauren's turn. Probably better too, since Lauren is so quick on her feet and in her mind in case anything comes up.
"I am going to have to play that with Lauren". Bo's eyes flashed blue.
"Bo! Lauren laughed.
"Sorry. Sorry. Go on". Bo adjusted on the couch.
Charlotte turned upside down and looked across from her. "Mama?
"Yes baby? Lauren cooed.
Charlotte shook her head and stood upright. Lauren followed Charlotte's eyes.
"Hey! Hey Bo! Look at me! Lauren pleaded.
"The baby is coming". Bo whispered.
"Kenzi get the car! Lauren and Hale helped Bo up.
"Which one? Kenzi asked looking at two sets of car keys.
"Just grab one! Lauren screamed as they helped Bo to the door, and down the stairs. Kenzi rounded to the stairs and Hale helped put Bo in the back seat. Lauren jumped in beside Bo and screamed for Kenzi to speed off.
"Aife. It's Hale. We're taking Bo the hospital". The Siren spoke into his phone. He covered one ear listening to the Succubus hysterical ramblings.
"And? Lauren asked.
"I think she's coming. I can't speak that language she was just speaking". Hale smiled as he buckled his seat belt.
"Bo! Bo look at me". Lauren turned back to the Succubus. Bo's eyes were pure blue. The Doctor had never seen a patient do this. But Bo has never been the typical patient.
Lauren shook her head and watched her watch. Bo wasn't even having contractions but the Doctor in her couldn't help but try to time something. Time how long it took to get Bo into the car. Time how long they'd been in the car. Time how long Bo's eyes stayed blue. But she was forgetting one important thing. Bo's Succubus must have taken over when the pain started. But what pain? The Succubus hadn't made a single noise. Bo must have thought it better to let her have control than to tell Lauren.
Kenzi pulled up to the hospital and gasped when she saw Aife. The Succubus must have brought every doctor out of the hospital because they were lined up out the doors.
"Dr. Lewis, we get she's your mate, but we need you to be her mate and not her Dr. right now".
"Who the hell are you?! Lauren screamed.
"Lauren sweetie, please do as he says". Aife walked with Bo's gurney.
"Fine. But our baby better be in good hands". Lauren shook her head and grabbed Bo's hand.
"This is my handpicked Doctor. One that delivered Sadie". Aife said softly.
Kenzi shook her head. She didn't know what to do but to cling to Hale. He was always cool in tense situations.
Lauren held Bo's hand down long halls and into one gigantic room. The men walked out while Lauren helped Bo into a hospital gown. She really didn't think they had time for it, but she wanted Bo to be comfortable.
"Lauren". Bo said softly.
"I know sweetie. I'm working on it". Lauren called everyone back in. She sighed in relief to see everyone in scrubs and latex gloves.
"Kenz, you good? Hale asked.
"As long as I don't have to look". Kenzi rocked on her feet.
Lauren watched the Doctors work. As hard as it was, it was best. The kids were with Aife in the hall. Charlotte was in the Succubus arms as they watched through the glass.
The blonde Doctor exhaled. Bo was doing great. She was pushing when they told her to push. Lauren was pushing her breaths out at rapid speed. No matter how many babies she was carrying, they were about to be parents again. She thought about how Bo must have felt when Lauren gave birth to Charly. The fear. The unknowing. The loneliness of not knowing what to do. What to expect. What to feed the baby. All of the paranoias any new parent could and would experience.
But this is them. This is now. As crazy a day as this has been, they are ready. Ready to have their hands full again with another Succubus-shifter and everything Una Mens. Lauren closed her eyes and let the tears clear up as she looked at Bo again. The Succubus glanced at Lauren once more and pushed hard one last time.
"It's ok Bo". Lauren wiped Bo's tears away.
TBC