Bo was panting and crying as she raced back to their bedroom. "Lauren, Lauren, the kids are gone. All of them". She sobbed as she plopped on the bed.
Lauren woke up and took one deep breath. "They are close sweetie. Use your shifter and you will notice". She gently touched Bo's face and watched her eyes swirl in all of their colors.
Bo sighed in relief. She had forgotten all about her shifter in her panicked musings. They pulled some clothes on and followed their noses, respectively. They wound up in their garage. Lauren opened the door and what they found shook them both. Charlotte, Ethan, Dillon and Amani were all exercising. With Charlotte leading her siblings.
"Charlotte?! It is three o'clock in the morning! What are you doing? Bo asked.
"We need to be stronger mama". Charlotte answered.
"You will grow up and be extraordinarily strong sweetie. You don't need to do this". Laure spoke softly.
Charlotte huffed and turned back to her sister and brothers. The mothers were floored by what happened next. Amani had summoned a few animals.
"She's training them how to grow their own crew". Bo gasped.
"Amani, it's late. Send them home". Lauren spoke softly. The small blonde looked at her mother and laughed as she flicked her little hands and soon it was just the family left.
The mothers laughed as they followed the children inside. Charlotte was placed in her bed and told to stay there. For once. If she stays up, the others will too. She huffed and puffed as she watched them walk away from her.
"If I could die, that kid would be the death of me". Bo laughed.
"Bo." Lauren sighed.
"Hey, I am not complaining. Charlotte's my baby. I mean really mine. Rebellious as hell. She's going to be a wonderful Fae when she grows up." Bo took Lauren's hand as they climbed into bed.
"She is definitely more you". Lauren nodded.
"Hey! Bo's eyes went wide.
"Well, she is". Lauren laughed as she pulled Bo to her.
"Well Amani showed a little you tonight". Bo cooed as she settled into the woman's arms. Lauren grew quiet. "Babe? I was just saying".
"I know. I was just thinking about you. You did not have to do all of this Bo. We would have loved you just as you were". Lauren whispered.
"No Lauren. I wanted to be a shifter too. There was never a doubt in my mind about that. We do not know what is coming for us down the line. Chasing people down in my car is no longer an option. It scared the hell out of me when Dillon was kidnapped, and I could not get to you fast enough. Charlotte found his scent and went after him. You both did. Yes, I panicked earlier. But that was only because I had forgotten my abilities in my fear of losing all of them. I do have to learn all of their scents outside of bath soaps but other than that, I am fine with this. Completely". Bo sighed softly.
"I love you Bo. I really do". Lauren squeezed.
"I love you too, Lauren". Bo turned over in the woman's arms and rested against her chest.
The women stared at anything as they laid there. There was so much to do. So much they were about to learn about their kids and each other in the coming weeks.
Time ticked away and later that morning, like clockwork, Charlotte was the first up and moving about. It did not take a rocket scientist to figure out where she would be going after she left her room. She gathered her brothers and the three went looking for their little sister. They all stood up and peeked into her crib. She was still asleep, and they all pouted.
"Let her sleep". Bo spoke softly from the door.
The trio bowed their little heads and walked out of the room and down the stairs to a waiting, open door being held open by Lauren.
"This is wonderful Lauren. The three of them. It's just beautiful". Bo cooed as she took the blonde into her arms. They looked out the window and smiled as their eldest ran and jumped over their new toy rocks.
"Charlotte is clearly their leader, and they will follow her". Lauren smiled.
"She's protective as hell. Our kids will be fine". Bo rested her head on Lauren's neck.
The Doctor's eyes widened as she turned in Bo's arms. "How are you feeling?
"I'm fine, Lauren. Really". Bo ran her fingers through the woman's freshly washed hair. "We did good getting up and getting ready before they all woke up".
Lauren could smell Bo's shifter and it is such a wonderful scent. She looked her over. Her arms and legs looked like she had worked out every day of her life. But she was still beautifully, Bo.
"Lauren". Bo whispered.
"I'm sorry". Lauren raised her head realizing she had been ogling everything about the brunette.
"Don't apologize. I just thought we'd make them breakfast now". Bo laughed.
"I'll get started if you want to go bring Amani down to join us". Lauren nodded as she walked into the kitchen.
"Gladly! Bo smiled as she practically sprinted up the stairs. She rounded the corner and was in Amani's room. She gently walked over to her crib. She sighed in relief that she was still asleep. She did not want to wake her. Charlotte would give her the dirtiest look if she knew she woke her up on purpose and did not allow the other kids to wake her.
Bo stood watching Amani. Almost tapping her feet with the excitement of holding her again. This baby has given her brunette mother so much to be thankful for already. Lauren was somewhat right about Bo's decision to carry a child of theirs. It changed Bo's life forever, again. Sure, she is fae and will live forever without being a shifter. But she really wants to be able to run with the others. To keep up with them. To be everything to them that Lauren is. She has to be there for her doctor and their children.
She smiled when the little one stirred. Those little eyes opened and changed colors at the sight of her mother. "Easy baby. It is mama". Bo cooed over her crib.
Amani roared a little at Bo and her shifter roared back.
"This is going to be kickass to watch on playback". Kenzi was geeking out in excitement.
"How long have you been standing there? Bo smiled as she turned around.
"Long enough to watch you enjoy being a mother again. This time both mamas were awake and accounted for". Kenzi replied as she watched Bo walk towards her.
"Say hi to Aunt Kenzi, Amani". Bo cooed as they reached her. The baby did not seem to be impressed.
"Lauren". Kenzi laughed.
"What? Bo asked.
"Lauren can be analytical like that. She is judging me already. I should drop the wigs huh? Kenzi looked to Bo.
"You don't have to. She just woke up. Give her time to get used to before you change who you are". Bo bounced the baby in her arms and smiled.
Kenzi smiled too. Lauren grew on her, so she was going to have to grow on Amani. The other three were not that blank faced at first.
The group walked down the stairs and Kenzi pumped her fists in the air smelling Lauren's pancakes. "The little Princess has arrived". She announced and gestured towards Amani.
"What's that about? Lauren asked.
"Amani didn't smile at Kenz, and she took offense". Bo replied as she gently placed the baby in a nearby bassinet.
"Sorry about that Kenzi". Lauren replied.
"She's all you Doc. No need for apologies. I just have to put in my time with her". Kenzi plopped down in a chair.
"We will always need a babysitter". Lauren spoke over her shoulder.
"Are you guys going out tonight? I'm going to need Aife and Hale and about ten more people, if so". Kenzi put her head in her hands.
"Charly's not that bad anymore Kenzi". Bo started feeding Amani.
"She has her own gang now. Of course, she is". Kenzi laughed.
"We have date nights to keep our sanity and our relationship intact". Lauren explained.
"I know Lauren. I know. It is just. I need like fifty hands to handle that daughter of yours. And don't get me started on having to run her down". Kenzi stood up to go watch the kids from the window.
"Kenzi? Have you decided on if you want to be Fae or not? Lauren asked.
"I have. I just do not know what kind of Fae. I would love to be able to blow shit up and run really fast like the rest of you. But the most important part is to live forever to see my nieces and nephews all grown up and kicking butt". Kenzi turned back in Lauren's direction.
"I can work on a serum that will give you all of those powers. Unless you want to go out and find a Fae to mate with that already has those powers". Lauren offered.
"Doc, you know how I feel about needles". Kenzi raised her hands in disgust.
"She could sedate you first." Bo suggested.
"Still needles! Kenzi laughed.
Lauren smiled and walked over to Kenzi. The woman backed up into the glass door. Lauren reached over and pulsed Kenzi's face. "There. That fear is gone".
Bo smiled at the sight. They truly were becoming a close-knit family. Given who the three of them were at the beginning, they had all come a long way.
"I can work on that after I get the kids fed". Lauren walked over to the sink to wash her hands.
"There's no rush babe". Bo spoke as she cleaned Amani up.
"Yes there is". Lauren replied.
"What?! Bo and Kenzi perked up.
"I just meant Kenzi's still a human. She could die at any moment. From anything". The Doctor answered.
"Whew. Do not scare me like that Lauren! Bo and Kenzi spoke again.
The women picked a baby to feed and fed them. Lauren chose Charlotte though. Seemed fair since Bo already fed Amani.
"These boys are going to be so handsome". Kenzi cooed at Ethan and Dillon.
Charlotte pushed Lauren's hand away when she had eaten too much and looked to her brothers.
"They're not done yet baby". Bo rubbed the shifter's back. Her impatience is adorable.
After a few moments, Charlotte ran over to her sister. She was still awake and scrunched her eyes at Charly.
"Charlotte, she's still a newborn. Even though you seemed to be born at thirty years old". Bo laughed.
"She just wants to play". Lauren laughed too.
The boys ran from Bo and Kenzi and Charlotte followed them back outside.
"Lauren had outside kids". Kenzi teased.
"What? Lauren asked.
"You seem like you grew up an inside girl, but your kids prefer nature". Kenzi took a seat.
"Both actually. Being into Science I spent most of my childhood outdoors. Rain, sunshine, thunderstorms, or snow. I was always finding a reason to be outside". Lauren finally took a seat after the kitchen had been cleaned.
Bo nodded after learning something new about Lauren again. She is absolutely loving their life. Kenzi would bring up things, Bo had not thought of yet.
"Oh. I said I was going to get started on that right? Lauren blushed in embarrassment and stood to walk to her home lab.
"You'll need her blood right, Lauren? Bo asked.
"I do. Come with me Kenzi". Lauren waved her arm behind her.
"I don't want to see blood". Kenzi shook her head.
"I'll go with you". Bo spoke softly.
"Someone has to watch the kids." Kenzi shook her head.
"Go ahead". Aife finally joined them.
"Damn". Kenzi shook her head. The old Succubus had made her run of out excuses.
"It'll be okay Kenzi. Come on". Bo gently pulled on Kenzi.
Once they joined Lauren. Kenzi really froze up. "I just need some blood and then you can go back upstairs or wherever you want to go".
"Are you sure about this Kenzi? There is no going back once Lauren turns you Fae". Bo spoke softly holding her friend's hand in support.
"Forever with you, means forever with Hale too. I'm sure". Kenzi nodded and turned away from the long needles she spotted. She was not as afraid after Lauren pulsed her, but she still did not like the sight of those cursed things.
"How long will the serum take? Bo asked.
"If I work day and night..". Lauren started.
"Umm that's a negative Doctor. We have a family and a relationship to tend to. We have a date tonight. You can work on this for a few hours a day but not more than that". Bo playfully stomped her foot in protest. But she was actually serious about Lauren not spending hours with microscopes and her other equipment. Those bastard Light Fae wanted that life for her, but not Bo.
"Well, it helps that Kenzi ate the foot soup. I already know something about her anatomy". Lauren put her goggles on.
"Can't you just bite me or something? Kenzi asked.
"In human form? It would kill you". Lauren answered. "Besides, I get to get my science time in".
"Oh goodie". Bo laughed.
"Amani? Her teeth are not as developed as yours are". Kenzi perked up at the idea.
"I won't put my kids through that Kenzi. You'd scream in pain, and they would attack". Lauren shook her head.
"Understood. Stick me". Kenzi turned her head to face Bo. Bo made sure not to change her expression or Kenzi would know the needle was coming.
"That should be enough". Lauren gently tapped Kenzi's arm.
"I need to call Hale. Mama needs an adult beverage". Kenzi shrieked at the thought of the needle.
"You said you'd babysit". Bo reminded her.
"I will only have one drink, followed by a hellacious meal. Don't forget, my Siren has a cure for hangovers". Kenzi followed them back to the others.
Bo nodded remembering Kenzi's hangover after her second night with Lauren. Her eyes flashed blue in remembrance of what Lauren had done to her that night.
"What's this? Lauren smiled as she entered the kitchen.
"The little royal pains in my arse are napping" Aife laughed.
"Mom, what did you do? Bo asked worriedly.
"I was a grandma. That's all you need to know". Aife winked with pride.
"Then what are we going to do to kill time? Bo asked.
"I'll be in my lab". Lauren bowed and walked away.
"I'll be with Hale". Kenzi showed her car keys.
"I'm just going to hang out with my boy, Jack Daniels". Aife laughed.
"Be back before six! Bo screamed out the doors.
Bo was left in silence. The house was clean. The kids were asleep. She shrugged and walked back to the lab to keep Lauren company. They had breakfast but the woman would work past lunch, if Bo allowed her to. She walked in with a huge clock and stuck it on Lauren's desk. That way they could both watch the time.
Bo sat in awe of Lauren. She moved from table to table without ever having to retract her steps. Bo had put a seat in a corner to stay out of her way. She had watched her move around in the Light Fae labs, but not like this. She was in control and did not have to worry about being called away or having someone looking over her shoulder. Bo held the baby monitors in her hand. She turned around and got an idea about installing a camera in Lauren's lab so she could watch them from down there. But Lauren never wanted them there in case some hack could get ahold of confidential patient files.
She held the monitors close to her ears and heard nothing. Nothing is a wonderful sound right now. She needed to watch Lauren. Be there for her, if she needed something from upstairs. This is the woman she loves. The woman she loves, loves Science.
After about another hour and a half, Bo stood indicating Lauren's time was up. They stacked her notes neatly and left the lab.
"I'm sorry Lauren. I just do not want your life to be microscopes and…
"Petri dishes". Lauren finished for the Succubus.
Bo winced at her words coming back to haunt her. "I never meant it that way. I just meant that's all I knew a doctor to be."
"You're right. I have a family now. I can work a little and then come be a mother and a mate". Lauren smiled as she took Bo's hand.
"So where are we going tonight? Bo asked.
"I figured we would wing it. It could be fun that way". Lauren replied. They entered the kitchen and started lunch. Once they had a few things on the stove, they went to check on the kids. Amani and the boys probably needed to be changed by now. Charlotte is big enough to come and get them if she cannot make it to the potty.
The six had lunch as a family. Bo and Lauren still had hours before they would get ready for their date. Bo loved the spontaneity idea. They could pick wherever they want to go and not just settle on certain spots in town. This was a good day of many to come. The threats that had started daily after Charlotte was born had all been dealt with and nobody could plot anything against them that Charlotte's nature crew would not alert her to.
"So, what kind of Fae are you planning to turn Kenzi into? Bo asked.
"Now Bo, why would I tell you and not her first? Besides, I still have a few days to go before the serum will be ready". Lauren reached across the table and squeezed Bo's hand.
"The anticipation will kill me". Bo laughed as she made faces at the babies. Charlotte raised her head. "Not like that Charly. Mama's fine".
"You have to watch how you talk around them". Lauren whispered.
"Well, I didn't expect her to catch on so fast". Bo laughed.
"Well to put your mind at ease. Kenzi will get everything she asked for. You know I wouldn't put her life in danger with something that I know would fail". Lauren stood and rubbed Bo's shoulders.
"I wish Mom were here. So, we could take a nap". Bo cooed. She jumped when Charlotte roared. "I meant actual sleep".
"We can take a nap". Lauren stood and the kids followed her. Bo had to carry Amani. The doctor laid on the couch and patted for Bo to ease down with the baby. Charlotte, Ethan, and Dillon flanked them as they all spread out and waited for sleep to claim the Lewis-Dennis family.
TBC