It was early, early morning. It wasn't cold out. But it wasn't warm, either. Charlotte looked to her left and to her right. She didn't sense anything and went for it. Right out the door. Aife had walked out earlier and didn't lock the door as well as she thought she had. Once the shifter was outside, she stood on her hind legs and locked the doors. She huffed and ran around the backyard. She jumped. She ducked. She dived. She laid in the grass and started doing push ups. She looked up when her grandmother's scent spread through the air.
"Now, how am I going to get back in?." Aife laughed and gestured towards the doors. She never heard anyone moving in the house. Charlotte is sneaky. But that's a great trait to have.
Charlotte huffed again and turned away from the old Succubus. Aife laughed as she walked over to the glass doors and knocked.
"Who the hell is that this early?." Bo groaned as she turned over to grab her robe. She gently kissed Lauren and climbed out of bed. She wasn't going to make the Doctor get up. Not after working all night in the lab on Kenzi's serum. The Succubus cursed under her breath as she walked to check the cameras. She rolled her eyes and laughed. Aife is locked out and Charlotte was running back and forth mocking her grandmother. Bo heard two sets of footsteps flanking her. "Ok babies. You can go out and play with Charly." She finally reached the doors and opened them.
"Good morning, mom. Good morning Charlotte! Be a good girl, okay?." Bo screamed. She laughed again when Charlotte eyed her and went back to playing.
"That little sh..girl locked me out". Aife laughed.
"Mom, she probably thought you were leaving to go somewhere." Bo washed her hands in the sink.
"I was just going to get something from my car." Aife showed Bo her new earbuds.
"What are those for?." Bo asked.
"Lauren's about to turn Kenzi, Fae, right? Whatever she's going to be might make noise. A lot of noise." Aife played with them in her hands.
"I don't know. She hasn't told Kenzi yet. Or Kenzi hasn't told us". Bo poured some coffee.
"Does Hale know?." Aife asked.
"I'm not sure. I'm sure he won't mind though." Bo sipped on her coffee. Always keeping a sharp eye on the kids.
"Okay. Well. I am off to run some errands. I just needed to come back and get my keys." Aife pulled them from the hook and kissed Bo goodbye. She waved to the kids and they waved back. Charlotte watched her until she got in the car and drove off.
Bo turned when she heard footsteps again. "Good morning, Kenzi. Did you sleep okay?
"I did. How did I get in bed?." Kenzi rubbed her neck.
"I took you. You passed out. Lauren took some blood and she was in the lab all night. She just came to bed a few hours ago, so I thought I would let her sleep in. If you're looking for breakfast, I can cook something." Bo walked to the refrigerator.
"No offense Bo, but you're not dressed enough to cook for me." Kenzi pushed the woman out of the kitchen.
"Fine, I will go shower and dress. The kids are outside though." Bo spoke over her shoulder.
"Right!." Kenzi replied. She stood looking through the refrigerator. She heard a roar from outside and she quickly turned. Charlotte had pinned Ethan to the ground. Her lips were moving and Kenzi deduced she must be telling him to overpower her to free himself. It hit Kenzi. They are lions. They have the Una Mens powers too. Bo and Lauren have a small army of Fae that belongs to them. She sat and watched them through the window. Food seems so unimportant considering what Lauren is about to do to her. She is probably a day or less away from an immortal life. Back in her childhood days, she always wanted something better for herself and she is about to have it.
Bo
Bo had quickly showered and walked out to their bedroom. Lauren was still sleeping but turned in the bed. "Bo?."
"Right here, babe." Bo waved as she ran a towel over her wet hair. Lauren gasped. Bo looks absolutely stunning.
"You're so beautiful, Bo". Lauren bit her lip.
"Now, now. Don't start something you don't have time to finish". Bo winked. She laughed when Lauren pulled her to the bed and pinned her on the mattress.
"Good morning." Lauren whispered as she laid on Bo.
"Good morning, Lauren." Bo gently kissed her and pushed up. "Kenzi's downstairs and ready for breakfast. One of us should be down there."
"Kenzi?! Shit! She's up already?." Lauren jumped.
"Easy my love. She just got up." Bo spoke softly. Lauren looked frantic.
"You said she's ready for breakfast?." Lauren asked.
"She is." Bo nodded.
"If she's going to take my serum, she needs a big breakfast. I have to hurry." Lauren ran into the bathroom.
Bo's panther growled at her being half naked as she entered the bathroom. She shook it off and walked downstairs. She found Kenzi staring out the window. "Aren't you hungry, Kenz?." Bo looked around. There was nothing in the sink or on the stove.
"Sorry, I was just watching them." Kenzi shook her head and stood up.
"Lauren will be down soon. She wants to cook breakfast." Bo poured another cup of coffee.
"Yes! Lauren food!." Kenzi danced a little.
"Ouch, Kenz, ouch. Speaking of which, have you told Hale about this?." Bo asked.
"I need to but I don't want him to worry." Kenzi bowed her head.
"Hale loves you, Kenzi. He'd want to know. He needs to know, you are business partners." Bo gently patted her back.
"You are right. I'll call him." Kenzi pulled her phone out.
"Come on in babies. It's time to eat! Bo cooed out the door. She knows if she says bath, they will never come. Especially Charlotte. Bo still laughs how a daughter of Lauren's hates to be cleaned. Sure Ethan, Dillon and Amani are hers too, but they don't object to baths. Charlotte froze when Bo gripped her tight. "Noooo mama". She kicked and screamed as she was carried to be bathed.
"If you bathe, you can go to the amusement park for an hour or two later, okay?." Bo smiled.
Charlotte eyed her but nodded her head. She closed her eyes when Bo lowered her into the tub. "Now go to your room and don't come out until I call you." Bo dried her off. Mani is still a baby so it will be so much easier to clean her. Ethan and Dillon like splashing each other, so they have fun with bathing. "Alright! Everyone is ready! Bo smiled.
She walked out into the hall and called Charlotte as she passed her room. She rubbed her stomach. Lauren is cooking and it all smells wonderful.
"Did you tell her, Bo? Lauren nodded towards Kenzi. The young lady was still on the phone.
"Not about the big breakfast. You see how small she is. It will be hard to convince her to eat a lot." Bo washed her hands.
"Okay. I will tell her. I can get her something to help if we can't convince her to eat more than she usually does." Lauren turned back to the stove and stirred. She checked the oven and smiled. Everything was ready.
"That must be for Kenz, huh? Bo's eyes widened at the pans Lauren was pulling out of the oven.
"You can have some if you want. I just want her to be fully nourished before I give her the serum." Lauren smiled as she walked around putting plates on the tables and pouring orange juice.
Kenzi turned and saw the family about to sit down to eat. She hung up with Hale and smiled.
"Is he coming?." Bo asked.
"He is". Kenzi grabbed a piece of toast and took a seat.
"Kenzi, we need to talk." Lauren set her fork down.
"What is it? Something wrong with the potion?." Kenzi asked.
"No. No. It's ready. But you need to eat a lot of food. Preferably some of everything you see spread out before you." Lauren gestured at the table.
"All of this!? Kenzi asked.
"As much as you can." Bo patted her friend's hand.
"Is this really necessary, Doc?." Kenzi turned to Lauren.
"It is. I can't guarantee how long you will be asleep, so I want you to have as much nourishment as you can get". Lauren replied as she fed Amani. Bo laughed at Charly, Ethan and Dillon tearing up their own breakfast.
"Okay." Kenzi picked up her plate and passed it between the three of them.
For the next hour they ate and talked about what Kenzi should expect. Ever the Doctor, Lauren kept quiet about what Kenzi is going to be. She was saving that for when she gives her the serum. Hale arrived and made himself at home and ate with them.
"Everything is fine at the office. Our staff is set for the next few days." Hale drank some coffee and squeezed Kenzi's hand.
"You guys know I won't put her life in danger. The serum will work." Lauren looked across the table.
"We know, Lauren." Kenzi smiled.
They have come such a long way. They aren't besties but they are closer than they have ever been. How could she not love Lauren? The woman is the best thing that has ever happened to Bo. Bo grew up a lot in a short amount of time. She stayed by her side day and night in the hospital. Then she became a mother and even more focused and committed to Lauren and Charlotte. Now the women have four kids and from what Kenzi can see, a perfect life. Bo is with who she was meant to be with all along.
"How soon until you give her the injection, Lauren? Hale asked. The blonde smiled and pulled the needle out of her pocket. "Damn. Okay".
"If you guys want to talk. You are welcome to before the procedure starts." Lauren smiled.
"I would like that". Hale nodded.
"Come on babe. Let's take the kids for some air". Bo finished cleaning them up and gestured for Lauren's hand.
"Sure. But make sure she eats, Hale. Otherwise she will wake up, sick to her stomach, to say it nicely". Lauren took a long sip of juice and set her glass on the table.
Bo opened the doors and the kids ran out to play. She pulled Lauren into her arms and danced with her. "You are amazing".
"Thank you, I guess?." Lauren raised an eyebrow.
"I know you love to work. But to stay up all night working for Kenzi and then making this big breakfast to ensure she's okay after she wakes up, is amazing." Bo cooed as she twirled the Doctor around.
"Since she really wants to do it, I have no problems with it." Lauren smiled as she twirled Bo around.
"For the record, nobody is doubting you or your science. We trust you. All of us." Bo nodded back towards the house. Through the window, they could see Hale and Kenzi in deep conversation. "That's probably a pep talk."
"I'm sure it is." Lauren rocked Bo around and around. Over their shoulders, the kids ran and played.
"I promised Charlotte she could go to the park". Bo whispered. "Once you get Kenzi set up, I'll take them all over there."
"That would be a huge relief. While I'm positive the serum will work, I don't have to worry about what trouble Charlotte is getting into". Lauren smiled big.
"I'm sorry my daughter is such a problem". Bo laughed.
"She is definitely you." Lauren squeezed Bo.
"She's a good baby though. Always teaching her brothers. I'm sure she will have them in all kinds of hell for years. But never in danger." Bo smiled proudly.
"This is probably a late and dumb question. But are you really okay being a panther? I know I feel a tad guilty knowing you thought you were failing me and the kids because you couldn't run and keep up with us." Lauren stared into Bo's eyes.
"Lauren. Try not to worry this beautiful head of yours. I'm more than okay with this. Yes, it bugged me that when Dillon was kidnapped, I didn't know where to go or where to look. But you helped by sending Charlotte back to find me. Now, I can run and sense things that I never could before. If that keeps my family safe, hell yes. I'm great with it". Bo kissed the woman's neck. She laughed when she heard a little roar from Charlotte. She pulled back and continued to dance with the Doctor.
Hale and Kenzi
"Don't worry about a thing at work Kenz. I got it covered. Don't worry about this transformation. Lauren is the best Doctor the Fae could have ever had the pleasure of finding. Even though her life's been hell. She's a professional and won't put your life in danger, at all. I'm sure she has one of these huge ass bedrooms set up for any eventuality. I'll be right there. Being there for you and helping her in any way that I can. If you need my siren again, I got that too." Hale squeezed the woman's hands.
"I know. I know. I just hate needles. I hate to see my own blood. I'm not scared about being Fae. I'm scared about that part of it." Kenzi rambled off. Her voice was shaking.
"Kenzi. It will be fine. If it helps, I can try and relax you like I helped with your hangover that time". Hale held her hands tight.
"Are we ready?." Lauren stepped inside.
"She's a little nervous, Doc. I offered to help her relax using my siren". Hale turned around.
"That's fine. I have a special room for her to rest while the serum takes effect." Lauren smiled.
"Where's Bo?." Kenzi asked.
"I'm right here Kenzi". Bo smiled. All four kids were hanging on her in some kind of way. Ethan and Dillon were clamped around her legs. Charlotte hung over her shoulder and Amani was in her arms.
"Let's get you upstairs, Kenzi. The faster we get started the faster you can be back with us." Lauren walked ahead of the gang. Kenzi walked behind her with Hale behind her. Bo put the kids in their rooms and ran to catch up with the others.
"Here we are." Lauren pulled the doors open and inhaled a very sanitized room.
"Wow, Lauren. You went all out". Kenzi was legitimately impressed.
"Anything we can do?." Bo asked.
"I just need Kenzi to change into this gown, in that bathroom". Lauren pointed.
"How many do you guys have? I thought that was a closet!." Kenzi shook her head as she walked.
"You never know when we'll have unexpected company". Lauren laughed.
"Are you sure you're good, Lauren?." Bo asked after Kenzi closed the bathroom door.
"Got everything I need. I have the injection. Fresh towels. Books to read while I sit vigil". Lauren pointed behind her.
"I'll stay long enough for her to fall asleep and then take the kids to the park". Bo smiled.
"Thank you". Lauren smiled back.
Hale walked to the coat rack and hung his jacket and hat up. He stripped down to a tshirt after Lauren lit the fireplace. Kenzi slowly walked out of the bathroom to thunderous applause from the trio.
"Let's get you to bed". Bo gently pulled her over. Kenzi nervously laid down. She looked at Lauren. At all of the equipment. At a large TV mounted over the fireplace. At Bo. At Hale who took a seat near the bed. "Relax, Kenz."
"Between the two of us, she shouldn't need anesthesia". Bo looked at Hale and he caught on.
"Give me a minute?." Lauren asked. Bo and Hale walked out of the room and stood just outside the doors. "It's time Kenzi. Now, I have taken in everything that you have told me and everything that I have seen. What I decided for you, I think you are going to love".
Kenzi slammed her eyes shut. "Okay, Doc. Tell me. Tell me what I am going to be".
"A cheetah". Lauren smiled.
"Awesome! Thanks, Lauren! Kenzi slammed into the blonde and grabbed her, hard.
"You're welcome and I thought you might like that. Welcome to the family, Kenzi." Lauren smiled when Kenzi pulled back.
"Bo! Hale! I'm ready!." Kenzi screamed with glee.
Bo and Hale rushed in. Kenzi rushed to lay back down. She reached her arms out for Bo to pulse and closed her eyes for Hale to use his siren.
Once she looked calm, Lauren cleaned the area, and injected her with the serum. Once she emptied it out, she placed a bandage there and stepped back.
"I love you. Call if you need anything". Bo smiled and gently kissed Lauren.
Bo pulled the doors open and the kids followed her. She was happy Charlotte wasn't giving her attitude but she did look up at Bo and back at the room Kenzi is in. "I know, baby. Kenzi will be fine". Bo patted her little head and they raced downstairs.
TBC