Lauren

Ya know after speaking with Parker, I am starting to wonder why I'm doing all of this. It wasn't alarming at all to hear him mention Dyson. He has had his dirty claws in my life for years. He has always been the privileged dog of the Blood King. To go out and sniff and find everything he was ordered to.

I found it funny when Bo showed up he was suddenly a Detective when had barely been a beat cop before she arrived. Was this Trick's hand too? Why did he need a Police dog when he already had a watch dog?

There was just something odd about the timing. Hale had already been a Detective. He actually did the work and earned his rank but Dyson didn't do anything. He couldn't solve a single case by himself so why was he now out here following the bread crumbs of my past so to speak.

Whenever Trick showed any warmth to me, he shut that down the minute Dyson walked into the room. Was it something about me? Something I said? Something about Dyson that Trick didn't trust him to know about me?

I am tired and I have a ton of questions. Only I can answer if I want to go see these last 2 families. Wow. Just that quick I am down to two families when I had 11 on my list.

Parker hurt. I have been wracking myself with guilt for years. And that bastard was still alive. What we did was cruel but to make me, my brother and the public think we killed him when we didn't was cruel. But what could I expect? The world can be a cold place. He must know about the Fae and it's none of my business what happens to him if Dyson does show up. If the Light Fae wants him dead, he will be dead. This time for real.

I have the Reagans and Bryants left. Will they be scams too? Will they shoot me on sight? Will they ever care at this point thinking they would never see my face again? Yes I am skeptical but I must continue on.

The Dal

Bo, Kenzi, Aife and Albert were sitting at a table talking. They could hear rumblings coming from downstairs. Bo suspected the Underfae was playing cat and mouse with Dyson.

Trick was working the bar. It was a bit busy but not crowded. He broke glass after glass in frustration. He didn't like that Dyson had been left down there. He needed him out in the field. Looking for Lauren. He couldn't say any of that out loud because if Bo didn't kill him, Albert would finally deliver on his threat.

Bo was true to her word. She had Dyson's scent left at every airport, bus terminal, train station, and all over the woods. The Elders had no idea where the hell Dyson was and nobody outside of their small group would find out. Those that planted his scent knew if they spoke Bo would take their last breaths without hesitation. It was not interfering with Lauren. It was making them think Dyson was out there and just out of contact.

"Where do you think she is? Bo asked.

"I don't know but it's been long enough she should be getting close to being finished". Albert said.

"What exactly is she doing? Bo asked softly.

"You know I can't tell you that. She's just handling some old business". Albert answered. He didn't carry anything incriminating on him. He heard how sneaky Kenzi was and how easily she could pick his pockets. He was proud of Lauren though. She would have called or came back already if she were failing.

He wanted to curse Trick himself but knew he would savor it more when Lauren did it. But Lauren was so kind and ethical that whatever awaited the Blood King and Dyson wouldn't be as brutal as what he would do.

He had fixed it so the Underfae wouldn't kill Dyson but toy with him to make him think he would. It wouldn't hurt Albert's feelings if he nibbled on Dyson here and there. Maybe the coward would grow some balls. Either way, his nuggets are getting stomped daily.

It didn't take long for Aife to bring Albert up to speed on Dyson. He always adored that about Aife, you got the straight version. Not the bullshit around the corner and back again answers Trick was known for giving. He didn't like Dyson at all and his pushing Lauren around was over.

"Bo you need something to do. A game of pool maybe? Kenzi asked pointing towards the empty table.

"No If I am going to knock some balls in a hole it will be the Elder's balls shoved down their throats". Bo snapped.

Aife laughed. "That's my baby! Get graphic with it. Now you're learning how to be a Succubus".

"Speaking of which is your Berlin offer still valid? Bo asked turning to Aife. Maybe she did need to get away from Toronto.

"Yes of course. Those girls are ruthless but they know not to try me, you or any guests of mine". Aife laughed.

"I was thinking about going once Lauren is back. Maybe she will want to go too". Bo said softly.

"If not you still need to get away". Kenzi said. They still didn't know what was going to happen when Lauren returned but she knew Bo was sticking to the Dal like a drunk during business hours waiting for her to return. They suspected she would come there first to see Albert not knowing who he really is yet.

"I think Lauren and I need to get away. From all of you and if we can go to Berlin. I can learn more about Succubi and Lauren can be my guest". Bo said softly.

"You will need another castle of your own because mama don't want to see or hear that". Aife laughed.

Trick looked at them perplexed. What castles? Aife wasn't a queen yet. Not as long as he was still alive. But he wasn't going to say that to her, she'd make it come true in a matter of seconds. She hates him that much.

"Castle? How big? Cuz mama might need to go too". Kenzi said.

"No Kenzi. Just me and Lauren". Bo said softly. She knew she had a lot to make up for. Lauren had been on the back burner. Even Bo had to admit to that now. She didn't even know what mood Lauren would be in once she learned the truth. Once she came into her powers. If it would change her. If it would change her feelings about Bo, whatever those feelings were now.

But Bo knew no matter what Lauren really was. She would stand by her and make a real commitment this time and not just say it's time and then get lost for the majority of their short relationship.

That's another concern that was burning Bo's insides. Were they still a couple or would she have to find a way to make Lauren to fall in love with her again? Get her to agree to a relationship of two people, not one.

She was mentally kicking herself for being so sloppy with her Dawning. It was hers. Why didn't she tell Dyson to fuck off and allow her to fight her own battles? Why didn't she tell him his imaginary perfect married life with a baby wasn't going to happen? Why didn't she say no to him going at all? Then none of this would be happening. Lauren wouldn't be out there out of her reach. Away from her protection. But what protection? Bo had left Lauren alone and exposed to threat after threat. Even if she really wasn't a slave Bo's enemies didn't know that and would or could attack her whenever they wanted while Bo was off with Dyson or Kenzi or whomever was more important to her than Lauren was. That hurt too. If Bo was really committed to her relationship how did everything and everyone come first before her girlfriend?

She smiled at the memory of when she proudly announced to Trick that she as going to see her girlfriend. Did she really think happiness was just one amazing night of making love and Lauren would stay warm and be content from that?

No Lauren looked cold. Bo remembered before she entered her Dawning how cold Lauren's hands felt. Her kiss wasn't as confident either. She didn't know if that was fear of losing Bo to the Dawning or losing Bo to Dyson or some other Fae.

But now she knew Lauren is Fae. But that wouldn't matter. Lauren's humanity as they knew it didn't matter. Lauren mattered. Her fears. Her Science. Her everything mattered. It shouldn't have taken all of this for Bo to see that Lauren needed her.

The Doctor was brilliant but she has feelings too. Feelings that Bo took for granted. Feelings that the Fae mocked her with over Bo. Feeling like she wasn't good enough. Feeling like she wasn't loved. Bo felt it all in that moment but was too focused on her own paranoia and fears that she wouldn't pass her Dawning or come back out. Why wasn't the captain of team bad ass, a bad ass to show the Doctor that she was scared too. That she was coming back and to her? But no. She allowed Dyson to go in and that bastard knew he wasn't coming back out and used Bo's feelings of friendship to his advantage knowing she wouldn't allow him to stay there. And it cost her Lauren.

Lauren. Bitter Lauren. Not wanting Bo to touch her Lauren. Since when had Lauren ever been that mad at Bo? She didn't die. She just wasn't in Toronto anymore. She went and got her as soon as she could. She didn't know they would take Lauren. She thought it would be something done to her. They could cut her hair. They could cut her up. Remove a limb. Something having to do with bodily harm. Not actually take Lauren. But the Fae never played fair and went after the one thing Bo couldn't escape. Her heart. Her love. The calm of all storms Succubus.

Now here Bo sat and she was struggling to stay calm. Her Succubus had been furious since the day they came out of the Dawning and didn't see Lauren. Didn't feel Lauren. She was ready to kill and didn't much care who the victim would be. She would kill everyone but Lauren. Bo took some deep breaths trying to calm both of them down. She did feel her Succubus laugh when Dyson was thrown in the cage. She seemed to laugh for hours over that and even now when Bo was thinking about it.

She never felt warmth from the Succubus when it came to Dyson or any other Fae. She never felt it with Kyle. But she felt like she was going to explode from the heat whenever they were near Lauren.

When they first kissed the Succubus had taught herself how to hold back and not to devour Lauren like they did with Kyle. That would never happen again. Lauren's soft lips were tempting but no she would not harm her no matter how many rounds they went that night.

Perhaps her Succubus knew Lauren was Fae then but didn't care to disclose it to Bo. She often let Bo learn things on her own. Like when the Lich had his blade at Lauren's throat. The Succubus knew how to drain everyone of them but Lauren. If the Succubus knew all of this why did it take Bo so long to catch up?

"Bo are you ever going to talk again tonight? Kenzi laughed. Aife and Albert had moved to the bar leaving Kenzi and Bo at the table.

"Sorry. I was just thinking". Bo said softly shifting in her seat.

"Well when you didn't answer Aife, we all figured that out". Kenzi said.

"Mom? What did she ask me? Bo said snapping her head around.

"She asked if you wanted another beer but you took too long to answer so they both left the table". Kenzi said.

"Oh". Bo said softly.

"What's wrong? Kenzi asked.

"Nothing I was just hoping it was something to do with Lauren coming back". Bo answered.

"Bo she will come back". Kenzi said rubbing the Succubus back.

"I hope so". Bo said softly.

Lauren.

Pleasantries and manners be damned. I was no longer concerned whether it was too late to go see the next two families. I wanted to get this over with and now. I decided I would go to the Reagans first. They lost a daughter in the explosion. From what I understood she was new on the job and they hadn't wanted her to work there. So you can imagine the guilt that hangs over me now.

But so what? What was my guilt compared to their pain? I had already freshened up and was currently scouting the house. Nobody had come and nobody had gone. There was a lone car in the driveway and I parked across the street in an empty lot.

I had driven nearly three hours to get here since I left Parker. What a bastard and fraud he was. That was what is giving me motivation. If I didn't finish this, I would be a fraud like him. A coward hiding behind blonde hair. None of them ever knew me as a blonde. So why did it matter now?

I downed half a bottle of water and got out of my car. Here goes nothing. I was wearing tennis shoes. Heels would make me sound important or business like. I wanted to be as casual as possible. If I showed up in a dress or pantsuit they would think I'm a lawyer or something. No scale it down. My hair was pinned back in a ponytail with my sunglasses on top of my head.

I didn't see a beware of the dog sign so I assumed they don't have one. I'm more of a cat person though. Finally I stopped stalling and knocked on the door.

I was let in and told to follow them. We walked up some stairs and down a long hall. I was trying to introduce myself. You know the real me. But the older lady told me they had been waiting for me and to just follow her.

"Wait where are we going? I'm just here to...". I screamed.

"It took you long enough to get here and she doesn't have long". The woman said pushing the door at the end of the hall open.

"Who? What? I asked. I was bewildered to put it mildly.

"Like I said we have been expecting you". The lady said pulling a curtain and exposing a woman in a bed.

I nearly fell back. It was her. Stacy Reagan. I remembered seeing her on a press conference just after we had gone on the run. It was her for sure and she looked ill. "What? Who? I asked myself.

"Well can you help her or not? The woman asked.

I didn't know. I didn't have any medical equipment with me. All I could tell was she looked ill.

"What are her symptoms? I asked looking around for latex gloves. Something surgical and clean.

"She's been throwing up all day and we called for her Doctor hours ago". The woman mumbled bending over Stacy.

"That's it? Nothing else? I asked.

"Look lady you are the Doctor aren't you? The woman snapped standing straight up now.

"Yes. I am..I can help". I said quickly moving forward.

"Have you checked for a temperature or anything? I asked using my sleeves as gloves.

"I'm not a Doctor if you are not one just tell me, I will call someone else". The woman snapped over her shoulder.

"Could she be pregnant? I asked. There was nothing else I could do without medical supplies.

"Her husband had a Vasectomy so I don't think that's it". The woman answered.

For heavens sakes I thought. "Can I have a minute with her? I asked.

"Ok but make it quick her husband will be due home soon. He was expecting you to be here hours ago. That's why he sent me to wait for you". The woman answered.

"I'm sorry what's your name? I asked.

"Violet. I'm her next door neighbor". She answered.

"Violet I am a Doctor and I need to speak with her alone ok? I said softly.

She mumbled something but agreed to give me time alone with Stacy. I suspected she was pregnant and if she was she likely had a home pregnancy test around here somewhere. Or at least I hoped she did.

"My name is". I started.

"I know who you are. You look better with blonde hair". Stacy said.

"Who are you? I asked. I know she's a Reagan I just didn't know how she was related to Monica Reagan. Monica died in the explosion.

"I'm Monica's youngest sister". Stacy said.

I cringed when she said younger sister. Family is family but to lose a sister must have been really hard.

"Could you be pregnant? I asked. Didn't want to stall and have her husband walk in on this conversation.

"I don't know. That old hag hasn't left me alone for five minutes so I could get out and check". Stacy said.

"So you do have a test here? I asked looking around. I needed her to find out quickly.

"In my purse on the chair over there". Stacy confessed. She looked pained at having to say that but I can't help her if she keeps her mouth shut.

"Ok well you need to take this test and get to a Doctor's office to cofirm it. I don't have an office here". I explained.

"Shouldn't you be saying sorry for killing my sister? Stacy asked bitterly. She had a right to be angry too.

"I am sorry. I came here just to do that but she hurried me in like she knew me". I said softly.

"She's an old biddy that nobody likes. Always poking her nose in people's business". Stacy said. She looked annoyed but got up on her own.

"Believe me. I'm sorry. We never meant anyone to die. We just thought if we destroyed the pipelines, we could make a difference in the world". I said softly never taking my eyes off of her. Who was to say she didn't have a gun somewhere. But the way she spoke of Violet, she would likely use the first bullet on her.

"My parents died shortly after Monica. I really don't have any other family besides my husband and if I am pregnant, it's not his". Monica confessed. She really didn't know me but I suspect she told me to test my Patient/Doctor confidentiality ethics.

"I am so sorry about your parents and Monica. I can wait while you take your test or I can leave". I said softly. I didn't want to invade her privacy anymore than I already was.

"I trust that you will keep this to yourself but I don't trust that the old lady would. Nor do I trust you in my house while I'm in the bathroom. So I will tinkle and test this bloody test with the door open. You keep my secret and I will keep yours". Stacy rattled off. She sounded bitter. Not just towards me but it sounds like she was having issues with her husband or it was shame of the possibility of being pregnant.

I nodded that she could go ahead. I felt really bad that this baby seemed to be her only family left. I didn't notice many family pictures lining the walls or on any of the tables. I closed my eyes for a few minutes but had to open them again in case she lunged at me. I felt so awkward. The Doctor in me was excited to see if she was pregnant. A new life. Innocence would be in the room with two guilty women. Me for the bombing and her for her infidelity but I can't judge and I won't.

She called Violet and told her I was running tests and we weren't to be disturbed. An hour and a half had passed and the test was ready. It read positive but she looked so negative about it.

"I would advise that you still see a Doctor to confirm it. You really shouldn't need bed rest yet". I said softly suggesting she didn't need to be laying down all the time. She looked a bit relieved to be out of her bed. I guess she wanted to stay there so they would think something else is wrong with her.

"I know the drill. You have already said it enough times". Stacy snapped.

"Okk...". I said starting to get up.

"Thanks for your advice. I trust you to keep your word. My husband will be told by me only". Stacy said softly. It was a gentle voice. It had to hurt to see me. To look at me and see her sister's death while she was possibly carrying a new life inside of her.

"I'll be going. Don't want to be here when your husband arrives. But please see a Doctor soon". I said. She might not be as committed to that baby yet but I was.

"Bye Karen". Stacy said waving me out. I nearly sprinted. I wasn't expecting any of this and needed to get to my car. I needed to cry again. I was becoming a wuss. But I knew it was just all of these visits coming down on me.

I made it to my car and pulled out a fresh bottle of water from the cooler and took a few sips.I sat in my car waiting for a man to show up. I didn't see Violet again and wanted to make sure she had someone there in case something happens. She might not have wanted my help anymore but she was going to get it.

TBC

Lauren pays one more visit and returns home.