The Clubhouse

Bo stared at Trick for the longest time. She was sure that she did not hear him say that Aife did not finish her Dawning. The same Dawning he was insistent that Bo needed to finish or become an Underfae? The last time any of them saw her, Aife definitely did not look like an Underfae. She looked fit to be so cursed. How did she get away with it? Did she send someone else in her place? Did she go in and come immediately back out? It was time to find out.

"Hold up Trick what do you mean Aife did not finish her Dawning? She didn't look like an Underfae to me", Bo huffed.

"Aife had been given special consideration", Trick started. He knew Bo was a hothead and he needed to be as clear as possible.

"Trick please cut to the chase. We don't need some long boring, out of the way explanation", Bo said.

"I can tell her if you like", Stella offered.

Bo squinted her eyes at the lady. She was worse than Trick when it came to Fae procedures.

"It's fine I can tell her. Isabeau died just after Aife entered her Dawning. Stella and I had to find someone willing to go in and tell her she needed to come back out. That person was to sacrifice himself in order for Aife to come out early", Trick said.

Bo bit her lip. She didn't know. That was an awful way to find out your mother died and you weren't even home for it.

"What happened after she came out? Bo asked.

"She was home for about less than a day when she got a tip on who killed Isabeau. I tried to stop her from going but her grief was too great and her anger was too strong to listen to any kind of reasoning", Trick said.

"So you pretty much left her to deal with it on her own then? Such a great father", Bo snapped.

"Bo it wasn't like that", Trick said.

"Who was the sacrifice? Bo asked.

"He was a janitor I found at the Light Fae compound. He owed me a debt and he paid it in full by going in and getting her to come out", Trick explained.

Bo nodded she remembered a janitor but had no idea why he was in her Dawning if it was indeed a Fae gut check test.

"So why do you think I can go back in with Aife? Bo asked. She wanted to make sure it was going to work otherwise she needed to find another way to go back in and get the good Doctor out.

"That's just Bo. I am not sure it will work but since you are both Succubi, I am hopeful it will work", Trick explained. He did feel a bit of guilt knowing Dyson wouldn't be allowed to come back out and knowing his granddaughter was stubborn enough to break the rules to save his life. The girl didn't live by Fae rules at all. Her Dawning wouldn't be any different.

"Well shit. No plan is ever foolproof but for Lauren I need to try", Bo sighed softly.

Trick wiped his face. This was a real gamble. One he wasn't sure if Aife was still alive. None of his men could find her. Two he wasn't sure if she would be willing to go back in for someone she didn't know. Three he wasn't sure writing in his blood made her crazier after she and Bo fought.

"So before I go off looking for mom, do we come back here and go in or can we go in wherever I find her? Bo asked. She didn't have much patience right now with Lauren being who knows where. Having to do who knows what.

"You will need to bring her to the Dal Riata. We can't open the Temple anywhere else", Stella explained.

Bo rolled her eyes she was so tired of Stella especially after all of her pre-Dawning tests and now the lady was stuck in her life for another month or however long it took to find Aife.

Lauren's POV

That motorcycle needed work. So I ditched it after about a mile and found a car lot and talked the guy into a great deal. I am now driving a Mustang GT. Always wanted one. I hope I never have to use my sirens. The thing would look like an eyesore on top. I refused to use his boxing gym. The janitor from yesterday had been following me and told me that I needed to stick as close to Dyson's life as I could. It made me cringe thinking if he actually treated someone as a Doctor how screwed up their life must be since he didn't know shit about medicine.

With the Janitor's help I found a nice house in the suburbs. There was no furniture in the bedroom yet, so I took the couch for the night. The Chief called me early and said I was late to the office. I never followed a schedule since I pretty much worked from home before. When I arrived there was tons of paperwork on my desk. It was nearly empty before. I am assuming he's piling on the work that I was supposed to do last night but was sent home early.

"It's about time you got here Detective Lewis, your partner has been waiting", The Chief said.

"My...my partner? I asked.

"Hello Detective Lewis. I'm Detective Crystal Stone".

"Hi...nice to meet you", I said. It makes since though. Tamsin is blonde. I almost wanted to slam my head on the desk hoping she was not a pain in the ass like Tamsin.

"You ladies have a Homicide case today", The Chief said. Still don't know the guys name. He doesn't even have his badge on. If I hadn't seen him here yesterday, I would swear he's an imposter.

"A Homicide? Great", Det. Stone said.

"Now now Detective don't make me send you back to your old precinct with that type of attitude", The Chief said walking towards his office.

I looked over the case file and nearly lost my shit. A pipeline had been bombed. The initial reports listed it had been done by a pipe bomb. There was a total of eleven fatalities.

"How are we going to solve this case without a lead or suspects? I asked. After watching droopy the dog run through his cases with Bo, I wasn't exactly ignorant of how things worked, but then again this wasn't that life.

"The crime scene unit is still going over the site. We should know something very soon. The fool or fools better hope they didn't leave fingerprints", Detective Stone said.

I shook a bit. I was trying to keep from having a panic attack although I had never been diagnosed with those before I knew of the symptoms. But it was starting to make sense. If the Dawning was about coming of age, then this would be my chance to try and bring some justice to the families in this life. Even if I ran from it in my old life. I wasn't exactly guilty of planting the pipe bombs but making them made me an accessory and I have been jailed in my mind with guilt for years.

The station was scarce. So why did the Chief act is if they were all swamped yesterday. We were the only two officers in the building. There were tons of desks with pictures and paperwork on them but nothing else.

The Dal

Bo and Kenzi had gone home so Bo could pack. Kenzi begged and pleaded to go with her. But Bo wasn't so sure. Kenzi didn't like Aife much and she sure as hell didn't like Lauren so what use could she be? How unbiased could she be?

"Kenzi I don't know if you should come. This is really important. You don't like Mom or Lauren so there is nothing in this for you", Bo said.

"But Bo I could help", Kenzi said.

"I think you've helped enough. Stay here with your dawg", Bo snapped. She was still angry that they all set her up. At least Trick was trying but he was real family. The others seemed to want Bo in their lives for other reasons. Kenzi to party and Dyson to sleep with.

Bo parked the Camaro and opened the door to get out. Kenzi followed her in. She could at least see what the plan was.

"I'm sorry to have to call you back so soon Succubus but there is something of great importance that you need to know", Stella said.

"What is it? Bo asked

"You must hurry and find Aife because Lauren is promoted to Sergeant, you won't be able to bring her back. It would disrupt everything else that is going on inside there. The guardian and the janitor will both die and they won't be able to help you and Aife navigate through the rest of her Dawning", Trick explained.

"Annnnd Lauren is a genius. This is great", Bo said throwing her arms up in the air. She really didn't have long at all. She imagined Lauren in advanced placement classes in school

"You were warned not to leave with two people. These are the stipulations should you continue on your quest to get the Succubus and Doctor back", Stella said.

"Have you met Aife? She's not going to be so easy to find", Bo said.

"Shitballs", Kenzi said.

"What..Kenzi? Bo asked. They were already getting on her nerves again.

"Berlin Bo. Remember Aife said "We're big in Berlin", Kenzi said.

"Shit. Trick please tell me Bashira Falak Manar is still around", Bo said turning towards him.

"Who? Kenzi asked.

"It's a Fae travel agency. They helped me with N...a case", Bo said.

"I am not sure of that Bo let me make some calls", Trick said picking up the phone receiver.

Bo closed her eyes. She needed to be quick. She couldn't afford to waste time on bullshit. No lovers. No cases but this one. This one was hers. Hers to solve. Hers to correct. It never dawned on her another life would be taken because she foolishly brought Dyson back. She would have saved anyone of her friends but now it cost her, her love.

"You're in luck Bo, she has agreed to stay open a little longer for you to make your trip but you need to get over there as soon as you can because she has other matters to attend to", Trick said.

"It's a travel agency. What else do they do? Kenzi asked.

"I don't care. I just need to get over there", Bo said grabbing her car keys.

"Bo can't I go with you? Kenzi asked.

"No Kenzi. I need to do this alone. I made the decision to bring Dyson back on my own. Besides Aife mentioned a ton of Succubus hang out there and I cannot guarantee your safety. C'mon I will drop you off at home", Bo said.

This was one of Kenzi's fears. Bo would get so wrapped up in her mother or one of her lovers that she would toss her aside for one of them. Yes she got Dyson's love back for him but she was only doing what she thought was right and fair.

"Is Dyson going at least? Kenzi asked before Bo made it out of the door.

Bo turned around and glared at her. That was all the proof she needed that she and Dyson wouldn't be welcome to Lauren's welcome home party after they rescued her. Kenzi ran to catch up to Bo, if she didn't go then she wouldn't have a ride home unless she called Hale or Dyson. Neither of which Bo wanted to see. The Ash was furious that the Succubus' decision cost him his top Doctor and Dyson was in the dungeons for his participation. The only things that saved Bo was she was unaligned and Trick insisted Bo be allowed to try and get Lauren back.

Bo did not much care for what they could or would do to them. She was determined to get Lauren back. Having to listen to more Fae laws and rules was slowing down her mission. She imagined it would get a lot slower once she found Aife. Trick did call a few contacts there. So she was at least glad Aife had been spotted there and she wasn't much of a boat person so she was likely still there or using the Fae travel agency too.

Lauren and Crystal

"Umm we are still on duty, we can't have a drink", Detective Stone said.

"We are not going to drink. I'm just looking to see what the word on the street is. Maybe someone will be drunk enough and spill a few beans", Lauren said.

"You know we really don't have to solve this case. The Chief just hands us bullshit and we wait until somebody else solves it", Detective Stone said.

"Actually I think I can solve this case", Lauren said. She was really hoping to find some leads that night.

"Don't you mean we? Or are you trying to step in my way of that Sergeants promotion the Chief has been dangling around? Detective Stone asked. That's the only reason she requested the transfer. She wanted to make Sergeant soon and there were others with far more seniority at her old precinct.

"I, we, us. As long as it gets solved. I will be happy", Lauren said. She wasn't about to confess her sob story to someone she barely knew. She hadn't even told Bo that story yet but why should she? Bo hadn't exactly been around lately when she wanted to talk about anything other than the Fae.

"I know a popular bar we should check out. There's a little Russian that hangs out there. If she gets plied enough, she will rat on anyone", Detective Stone said.

"What bar is that? Lauren asked.

"It's a bar the Chief owns. He calls it Doll", Detective Stone said.

"The Doll? I asked. This was getting spooky.

"No. Not the Doll just Doll. He named it after his daughter. He hasn't seen her in a long time so he assumed she's dead", Detective Stone explained.

Blood King. Barkeep. Chief of Police. Barkeep. Of course it all fits. I gestured for Crystal to lead the way. If this woman drinks like Kenzi, then chances are she was already drunk and running off at the mouth.

The Dal Riata

"Do you think she will find her? Stella asked.

"I hope so. Hale is already climbing the walls from all the heat he's getting from the Elders for losing their best Doctor", Trick said circling the Dal. This was a mess. Even he didn't predict Lauren would be sacrificed as revenge for Bo bringing Dyson back when she was no doubt instructed that wasn't allowed.

When Dyson came to him and explained what he was going to do, Trick dropped the ball preparing for the coldness that would come from it but Lauren being gone was a four alarm fire.

"She must hurry like I advised her. If Dr. Lewis makes Sergeant or gets any promotion she will be stuck there forever" , Stella said.

"I know. I know", The Blood King felt helpless. Bo's only help was Aife and that thought alone made him want a drink or two.

Bo's POV

I don't know who to be mad at. Trick. The Bashira Falak Manar for not being where he said she would be or me for causing all of this in the first place. I should have gone to Lauren's and actually talked to her. Maybe she would have felt secure enough to stay home and neither of us would be in this predicament right now. But this was all part of my Fae ignorance. Tamsin herself told me they were all lying to me. I should have known it was all bullshit when my Dawning was Dyson fantasy friendly. Nothing was about Lauren other than her being dressed up like a cop. So I thought maybe we could go back and I would come back for my real Dawning since the first one seemed like a practice run.

Hell I didn't do much because the wannabe He-Man thought I needed him to fight everyone and everything that got in my way. I should have known when he finally confessed to having his love back that it was setup. Him being a Doctor was another red flag. His gym. His office. All Dyson specific. Dyson wouldn't know anything about fixing a wound. He always ran to me to do that for him and his biggest healing cost me Lauren.

"Well well Succubus we meet again. Where are you going this time? Los Angeles? New York for some kind of fan convention? Bashira asked.

"Berlin. I need to get to Berlin right now", I said coldly. I wanted to let her know I was in a rush and in no mood for specials she might try to sell me.

"Will that be one-way? Roundtrip? Bashira asked.

"Look lady I just need to get there so please help me", I asked. I thought Trick had spoken to her. Why was she treating me like someone that just arrived out of the blue?

"Alright. Alright. I don't know what the rush is. You're not the only Succubus to have taken this trip recently. Some of them said they are never coming back. Hope one of those isn't someone you're looking for", Bashira said.

Shit! Please don't let one of them be mom! I was already sweating. The Succubus' would likely be all over me not knowing who I am and I doubt they would cross mom if she's there. The love in her eyes seemed genuine the last time I saw her. If they were big bitches like mom I almost wish I had some Skunk Ape to use as sex repellent. Either that or I might have to drain them one by one.

The Doll-Lauren's POV

I had to laugh. This place was nearly identical to the Dal Riata. It was quite busy and Crystal seemed to know her way around. She walked right up to bar and was already in deep conversation with one of the barmaids. Even Trick wouldn't allow an employee to dress like that. He never hired anyone come to think of it. Cheap bastard likely didn't trust anyone not to cheat him out of money. But what money? The Dal's layout never changed over the years.

There she was I could hear her accent. She was almost identical to Kenzi in the way she dressed. Crystal had already cornered her and they were both walking over to me.

"Lauren this is Mackenzie", Crystal said.

Holy shit I thought. That's too eerie. But why was Kenzi the only one I've met so far with the exact name as the other world?

"Hello Mackenzie. Nice to meet you", I said extending my hand.

"Crissy, I thought you said she was the popo", Mackenzie said.

"Popo? I asked.

"You have Doctor hands. I should know I've been around a few lately", Mackenzie said.

I believed her. She had a few bruises on her face.

"She's my new partner Mac, of course she's popo...uh the Police", Crystal laughed.

Mackenzie stared at me long and hard as if she had seen me somewhere before. I was about to walk away when Crystal suggested we grab a table so we could talk.

"So Doc, Crissy here tells me you need help with a case", Mackenzie said.

"We were just wondering what the word on the street is about the pipeline bombing last week", Crystal said.

Good thing it was loud in here because nobody would hear anything Mackenzie told us about it. Ohhhh shit. Here she comes. Please don't let her name be Bo. Please don't let it be Bo.

"Hello ladies. Here are you drinks. Mac slow down okay? She smiled.

Damn.

"Crissy here's your Whiskey and Tequila shots", She said handing Crystal her drinks.

"And I'm sorry ma'am I didn't get your name yet", She said turning to me.

"Lauren. My name is Lauren", I said clearing my throat staring her up and down.

"Welcome to the Doll Lauren. My name is Beth. Let me know if you need anything besides this Lager, Crissy ordered for you", Beth winked walking away.

She would need to come back soon. Well when Mackenzie and Crystal finished their drinks. I downed mine in one shot to cool me off from the sight I saw when she walked away. I just hope Beth isn't dating someone named Karen. I forgot all about being on duty but who would report us when it's the Chief's bar that served us? I laughed.

Berlin-Bo's POV

I walked into the local club like I owned the joint. I knew I was under a time constraint so why bullshit with site seeing. The only sight I cared to see was Aife and Lauren in the same place at the same time. I scanned my brain trying to remember if they ever met because that would likely make mom more willing to help. But I kept coming up empty.

"My my aren't you a cute one", Some lady said to me. When I saw her eyes flash I knew I finally found a Succubus.

"Not here for that I'm looking for another Succubus", I said.

"Berlin is full of them sweetie. Which one did you have in mind? By the way my name is Shelly", She laughed.

"I'm looking for a Succubus named Aife", I said. You'd think I just shot up the place because of how dead silent the club suddenly went.

"Her name is not just Aife here sweetie. Her name is Queen Aife or Her Majesty. Calling her anything else will get your ass whipped", Shelly said almost angrily.

"Where is Queen Aife? I asked.

Unknown location

"My Queen the Blood King has been asking around about you again", The Guard said bowing.

"Tell me what the old fool wants", Aife smiled sitting back on her throne.

TBC