Lauren
I could hear my breath as I panted. The power surging in me was almost better than the sex or love making I was ever a part of. It was great. My bones ached no more. My heart did a bit but not too much. I needed to be positive. I was still me. A new Fae but still me. The staff felt warm like that of holding a lover's hands on your wedding day. It felt nice even with my bundle of nerves as I had been playing around with it for hours. Luckily for me there was plenty of space to move around and practice like I was swinging a sword at someone but never landing a blow yet.
This is fun I laughed. It had been years that I smiled this much and felt this free. I was still angry at Trick and Dyson of course but they were dead now. There was nothing they could conspire to do to hurt me again. There was Albert. I already adored him. He had been so sweet since the day we met. I am sure my memories of our times from long ago will come to me in time, if not we can always create new ones. There was Aife. She actually had a written schedule of when she was going to continue training me on all things Succubus except for the sex part. We could both agree on that.
Of course thoughts of Aife led me to thoughts of Bo. If I am completely honest I can't handle Bo right now. It wouldn't be right or fair. Focusing on Bo would take my thoughts away from focusing on getting acquainted with who I am now. I know she came here for me when she didn't have to. So I hope she understands that we aren't one of my priorities right now.
I thought about her Dawning turned my Dawning. In her efforts to save Dyson she brought my grandfather to me. But the one thing I can't forget about is that she and Dyson were married in there. Who proposed? Who accepted? See what I mean? So many questions centered around Bo that I could get lost in them like I do with my lab work. Focus Lewis. Focus. You are Fae. You are surrounded by Fae. New Fae to you as you are new to them.
Aife's Throne room.
The trio had stood back as Lauren tried to get used to her staff that Albert had just thrown at her. It was an amazing feeling. From where they stood it looked like her hand was on fire and that the fire belonged there. She twirled it around and over her head like a majorette twirling her baton in a marching band.
Albert looked at her proudly but still kept his distance. They both had so much to learn about Lauren's powers and each other. This was the best place to do it because Albert knew he could trust Aife and nobody really knew who they all were except for those that Aife ruled over.
Lauren cringed for a moment as an idea had popped in and out of her head. She thought about going out into the large courtyard she had spotted as they entered the castle but didn't want the locals to see her exercising as she was not aware of what all she could do and her Science mind was running on overdrive about the many possibilities.
"Lauren". Albert said softly.
Lauren heard the whisper of her name and snapped into a threatening stance. Bo was struggling to contain her Succubus because the sight was so hot. Lauren's golden tresses were glowing and blowing like she was out in the elements.
"Easy sweetie. I was only going to tell you that I found a book with your staff". Albert said softly holding up his hands.
"Oh?! Lauren's eyes flashed three different colors, one of them being her original color. Bo nearly laughed knowing he had peaked her geeky mind.
Albert slowly walked over and grabbed the book out of the locker and walked it over to Lauren. Lauren extended her arm out to him and waited as he handed it to her. "Thank you".
The group jumped at Lauren's voice. Bo and Aife knew it was her Succubus tone.
Succubus? Lauren is a Succubus and a witch. Bo thought to herself. She would need for nothing. Would never have to ask for nothing. But she would. Lauren was always so polite and courteous. Being a new Fae would never change her mannerisms.
Lauren tried to put the staff down but it stood stiff on the floor. She laughed thinking that was one of it's powers to remain upright at all costs. She took a seat in the nearest chair and opened the book. She nearly sneezed when all of the dust flowed from between the cover and first page.
Lauren's eyes flashed three colors again as she flipped through the thick book at warp speed. When she was done she sighed.
"What happened? Albert asked.
"I was expecting to have to ramble off something to cast a spell but this was very, very simple in description". Lauren said.
"What you don't have to say double double toil and trouble? Aife smiled.
"No. I can speak as plainly as I wish and the spell would be cast. Apparently". Lauren softly shrugged.
"Well we just need to get you a test subject". Bo smiled supportively.
"I can help with that! Alfred bring me one of my prisoners. Preferably someone close to death". Aife ordered and watched as he bowed and left the room.
Lauren shook her head. What was she going to do? What could she do? As a Doctor her mind never stopped running. She looked at her hands and for the first time she started to wonder if they could have healed every patient that she had lost over the years. If she could have healed Nadia and freed her since she knew she was not in love with her like had been all of those years ago.
"You didn't know Lauren". Bo said softly. She had moved back so it didn't seem like she was hovering over Lauren.
"I could have saved so many had I known Bo". Lauren said dropping her head in her hands. She jumped when she felt a soft hand on her shoulders.
"You can't do anything about that now but you can try to save your patients going forward". Albert said softly.
"You're right". Lauren half sobbed.
"He's right Lauren you are going to do so many good things now. You will never have to doubt yourself or decisions again". Bo said never moving from her self-imposed spot.
"I know". Lauren said bowing her head. The guilt was still burning away at her insides.
Albert thought of Lauren's childhood. This was before Trick had the spell cast. He wasn't always around for Lauren's upbringing but was wondering if her mother had treated her badly because she saw what Lauren was becoming. They had agreed that they wouldn't tell her about her powers until the time was right. They had many enemies and if they found out about Lauren, they would have either attacked her or kidnapped her in revenge. They could have used her powers for their own purposes too.
Aife had told him about giving Bo to humans so that her father or any of the Fae would not find her. Surely the daughter of Hades and granddaughter to the Blood King would have meant something worth trading for the Fae. Aife never trusted anyone but LouAnn and even she turned out to be Trick's ally.
But Lauren's mother was not Aife. She didn't give her up out of protection or love. She gave her up out of spite and hatred. When he took Lauren in, she was bitter from it all but was so focused on her studies that her mother became a distant memory. She wasn't even invited to Lauren's many graduations.
Well Lauren had just been reborn. There was no need for her mother because Albert would be her family now. He would be there every step of the way. They would learn together because her mother was a witch too and her grandmother was a Succubus. Having both of their powers was going to help her immensely and Lauren deserved it and so much more. She didn't have a spiteful bone in her body and truly cared about people. Albert was a good man and hoped his influence was her saving grace.
They all turned when Alfred had returned with a patient for Lauren to practice on. He was minutes away from death and it took some time just getting him out of his cuffs and bed. He had threatened to kill Aife and she had him locked away for his treachery. He wanted her to allow him to be treated at one of her hospitals for free and she declined and was threatened in his anger.
"What's wrong with this fucker again? Aife laughed.
"He's a human with Pancreatic Cancer my Queen". Alfred said softly.
"A human threatened you? Bo asked.
"Yes I wouldn't allow him free treatments so he threatened me". Aife laughed. She would have helped him had he not been so abusive to his wife. Aife never went for men disrespecting women in any fashion. She had seen too many years of that with Isabeau and Trick.
"I begged you! The man snapped at Aife.
"I did your wife a favor locking your coward ass up. But if you feel like picking on someone your own size, bring it on sweetie" Aife winked.
"Mom..". Bo said.
"He deserves it Isabeau. He beat his wife within an inch of her life. I won't stand for that shit, whether I'm the Queen or not". Aife snapped. Her anger was building. He was lucky that she allowed him to live but after reading up on his condition she knew it was better to let him live and suffer with the accompanying pain.
"Ladies". Albert said trying to diffuse the situation.
"Right. Sorry Dr. Lewis". Aife laughed. She was ready to throw down. Using her Succubus abilities wouldn't be sufficient in dealing with that asshole.
"I will help you but don't even think that I am condoning a wife beater". Lauren bristled towards the man.
"You won't regret this". The man mumbled softly.
"You might if she's wrong". Aife laughed taunting the man.
Not wasting any more time Lauren grabbed her staff and stood back away from the man. "Heal him". She said softly and the other three jumped behind her as not to be hit by whatever was about to come out of her sword.
The light was bright and blinding. Aife pulled her sunglasses from the top of her head and put them on. Bo and Albert could only close their eyes and hope Lauren would be done soon.
"Now feed me". Lauren said coolly.
Bo thought that she meant her and opened her mouth with her eyes still closed. After a few seconds when she didn't feel her chi being pulled she opened her eyes. They all opened their eyes and they all went wide. Lauren was feeding from her staff and her lips weren't even touching it.
"How did you do that? Aife laughed.
"After I finished healing him, I felt a bit drained. I wasn't sure it would work but once I spoke it, the chi just poured out of the staff". Lauren said licking her lips. This thing was going to be her best friend.
"How do you really feel? Bo asked after Aife had Alfred come forward to take the man away.
"I feel great and so should he". Lauren said pointing to the patient.
"How will we know she cured him? Bo asked.
"I will have him taken to my hospital and have some tests run. They know when I request results I want them right now". Aife said.
"That's cool". Bo said softly.
"Alfred be a dear and see that my wishes are obeyed". Aife winked in his direction. He knew that she meant once they found out he was to be murdered in the most horrific manner. It wouldn't have to be this way had he not insulted his Queen. As far as the rest of the group was concerned he would be leaving town.
"As you wish my Queen". Alfred bowed as much as he could holding the man as two Ogres picked him up and carried him the rest of the way out.
Lauren stood back and started swinging her staff around again. She wasn't being arrogant but after what she had just done and seen, she wanted both hands to be used to it should she ever need them to be in the case of an emergency or brawl. She wasn't expecting to have to fight anyone soon as Aife had ordered she, Bo and Albert were not to be touched without consent and even then they would need Aife's approval too.
Aife knew the place was filled with Succubus but that didn't mean that they were all nice and obedient. That's why she had ordered a party to be thrown the next night. She really wanted it to be on the night they returned but wanted to give Lauren time to get her feet under her a little first.
Aife could already smell the Succubus breath all over the new Succubus in town. They were going to have a tailor brought in soon. Department stores were never Aife's style that's why her outfits fit her so well. She never paid for them though once the tailor touched her she thralled him.
"Flowers! Lauren screamed as she turned to an empty vase. Aife laughed when roses appeared inside of it.
"Damn this girl is gonna save me a lot of calls and effort". Aife laughed again.
"Lobster! Lauren said turning towards Bo and watched as one appeared in her hands.
"Uhhh Lauren thanks but I didn't ask for this". Bo laughed trying to keep her fingers out of the lobster's grip.
"But you said you wanted a lobster dinner...oh wait". Lauren said pointing her staff at Bo and watched as the Succubus turned around.
"Lauren...". Bo said.
"Backrub". Lauren said and laughed as Bo flinched as a masseuse appeared behind the Succubus and began rubbing her back.
"That's enough for now". Lauren nodded towards Albert.
"Speak for yourself". Bo moaned as the backrub was doing her wonders. She handed off the lobster to Alfred and he took it away to be steamed.
Lauren and Albert turned to leave the throne room as Lauren was about to show him his living quarters for the duration of their trip. His was close to Aife's but far enough away from Lauren's should she ever entertain any guests. He liked it that way. Just because she was a Succubus, he didn't need to hear it or see it.
Lauren had never put her staff aside or tried to put it down again. It was like the thing was clingy but she didn't mind.
"What am I going to do? Bo asked facing the spot she last saw Lauren occupy.
"Well if you don't know that why did you bother to make the trip? Aife laughed.
"I really don't know who she is anymore. But Lauren could always get anyone to fall in love with her". Bo said softly.
"Isabeau. We're Succubi. We rarely fall in love. But there are no couples here that I am aware of. If you still want her, you better fight for her because the human side of her is still there. Nearly single and ready to mingle". Aife said walking towards the doors. She was ready to retire to her quarters for the day as well.
Bo watched Aife leave and was stuck in place. She was right. She was going to have to fight to keep Lauren as her girlfriend. If they were even girlfriends anymore. The lobster bit was touching. Though at that moment Bo would have preferred Lauren as the appetizer, entree and dessert. But she wasn't hers yet. Not officially.
She was Nadia's. Bo didn't regret freeing Nadia because it was supposed to free Lauren too until she recommitted herself. All of that was for nothing. Bo was a sneeze away from death trying to get the healing mask to save Nadia's life. Save Lauren's life or the life she could have had, had she taken Nadia and run.
Bo was thinking about Lachlan now. Why out of the blue did he want Nadia free? Or did he want Bo's attention solely on the Fae should Lauren have left?
Bo would have been his puppet because she would have always wondered what he did to Lauren. If he had her killed. Which lead her back to thoughts of Ryan. Ryan was fun for about two minutes because her mind always drifted back to Lauren. She was grateful that Trick had stopped that marriage because he seemed like the clingy type before she even thralled him. A thousands years of marriage for her wouldn't work unless it was with Lauren.
She sighed. Lauren was different with her today but Bo needed to be different now too. She needed to focus on repairing their relationship while they still have one.
She needed to stop wallowing and go for what she wanted again. This time with a stronger commitment. They were literally in a dangerous place. With all of those Succubus out there and Lauren being drop dead gorgeous, Bo was in for the biggest fight of her love life.
"Let's do this". Bo said with her eyes flashing blue. She headed towards the kitchen first to see if she could make that lobster dinner big enough for two.
TBC