Kenzi
Kenzi barely ate, and was close to throwing up whatever she ate last. She had seen a lot of horror movies in her time, but nothing was as frightening as Blackthorn dead in her bed.
Two small blades were in each eye and Geraldine was in his chest. She was disgusted but knew she was in no position for retaliation. At least not without backup.
She had already called Hale in her hysterics and he promised that he would be over soon or he could send a few cops in his place. Kenzi declined the latter because she knew this had Fae written all over it, and most of them mocked her existence now. Hell all of them did.
Two hours had passed and she was downstairs pacing back and forth. She had lived on the streets long enough to know that a dead body stinks after awhile. She was going to need new sheets. A new bed. A new home. Yuck.
"Are you coming or what dude? It's scary here! Kenzi screamed into her phone.
"Kenzi I will be there when I can. I'm just a little swamped right now". Hale sighed. He had been working all day and it looked as if he would be working into the night too.
"It's gross and it stinks of Aife. So what are you going to do about that Ash? Kenzi snapped.
"Unless you have it on video, I can't just go accusing her. She would snap, and I would be dead". Hale said.
"I still have your Twig of Zamora. That should give me some protection". Kenzi sighed holding the Twig tightly in her hand.
"If you break it, it won't do you any good. Put it somewhere on your body and leave it be". Hale said.
"But you're still coming right? Sometime tonight? I want that corpse out of here". Kenzi said.
"I can send some guys over to remove him, but you need to try and keep calm about this. They are Fae and won't take too kindly to being bossed around by a human". Hale explained.
"Just get somebody here. Please Hale". Kenzi pleaded.
"I will try but the force is swamped picking up other dead bodies". Hale explained. He wasn't lying. Some Fae got their ass whipped and the perps left no clues as to who did it. He had a hunch but wouldn't pursue it.
Albert and Stephen.
Albert and Stephen awkwardly walked down the long hall. The party had ended hours ago and they left together. Two men related but distant.
Stephen looked at Albert and saw a little of his mother. The man was tall and looked so powerful even to the naked, unknowing about the Fae eye. He wasn't sure what the Fae was either, but Lauren had promised to explain it too him soon.
Lauren. He was used to calling her Karen. She looked more like a Lauren though, which is probably why she picked that name. She had always been a Doctor so that wasn't new to him. Always trying to nurse something back to health. Dogs, squirrels, cats, you name it.
"Here we are". Albert said pointing off to his left.
"This place is huge! Stephen gasped.
"When Aife is involved it's always big". Albert chuckled.
"How well do you know her? Or this Bo? Stephen asked.
"I have known Aife for years, and like you, I am still getting to know Bo". Albert said.
"She won't hurt Karen will she? Stephen asked.
"I don't think she will, no". Albert said gesturing for Stephen to take a seat. It was time to get reacquainted with his grandson.
Stephen did not like that answer at all. It sounded like a guess, and he needed to know for sure. Karen turned Lauren is still his sister and he will always feel the need and want to protect her from anything and everything. He was that way with his mother too. He looked suspiciously at Albert and wondered if he had ever hurt her. He really didn't remember him which wasn't helping his slight anxiety.
Weeks ago he was working as a mechanic. Then he had to sit as a burst of power rose within him. People that he never met had brought their cars in to be fixed. Before they could tell him what was wrong, he already knew.
That's it. He thought. Use those powers on those two brunette's in Lauren's life. But that would have to wait. He would use them to see what the man beside him would do in his immediate future. It worked with Bo's surprise party for Lauren. He was so worried he had forgotten what he could do now.
"So were we close back then? Stephen asked as he took a sip of his beer.
"Not really. Your mother kept you as her favorite and gave Lauren to me when she wouldn't leave Nadia". Albert explained.
Stephen nodded slightly. He did remember Nadia. She always seemed flaky to him but his sister was really into her, so he let it go. "What happened to her? He asked.
"I am not sure. I think she's dead though. You will have to ask Lauren about that". Albert said softly.
"Why didn't you take me too? Stephen asked.
"Your mother was insistent that she keep one child in the house. She had all but thrown Lauren out on her ass with no money, no food, and nowhere to go. But I came. I came to save my granddaughter". Albert explained.
Stephen did remember his mother gushing all over him. He just didn't remember her resentment of Lauren. "Did you know we were this Fae thing? He asked.
"Yes of course. I knew she was Fae. Your mother and grandmother were Succubi and witches too. How your mother forgot about that, is anyone's guess". Albert said.
"How did Lauren not know? Stephen asked.
"This is where Aife comes into the story. Trick, Aife's father and Bo's grandfather kept tabs on Lauren for me as a favor. I went into Aife's Dawning to tell her that she needed to go back as her mother had just been murdered. Trick didn't live up to his end of the deal, so Lauren never knew she was born Fae". Albert explained.
"Where is this Trick? Stephen bristled.
"Dead at the hands of Lauren". Albert answered quickly to calm his grandson.
"We need to be her family now. A real family. No turning our backs on each other again. I know you are not to blame for it, but Lauren needs us. I don't trust this Bo or Aife yet. I can always use my powers to scout their futures but if she hurts Lauren, I don't want to know that yet". Stephen explained.
"We will be. We will be right there for her whenever she needs us. We will grow as a family". Albert smiled.
"I'm ready for bed. It has been a long day and few weeks". Stephen said.
"Our rooms are on the top floor. Call for room service when you need it". Albert said getting to his feet.
Bo had arranged for rooms for them at a swanky hotel. She didn't want them all to be cramped up in Laren's old loft. She and the Doctor would be going elsewhere. If they all wanted a fresh start they needed to do fresh things.
The next morning.
Aife was up and at it early. She had already called in a large group of Fae to help with her next project. Tearing down those useless compounds. She never needed them or wanted them. If she was going to take full control of the Fae, she wanted her own headquarters. A castle fit for a queen that was well underway.
She was sure once the Fae found out what she did with Blackthorn, they would start to take her seriously, or not. Either way she was moving on. The Fae was moving on.
Bo's party for Lauren was a lot of fun and it gave Aife a chance to see who was sticking around, and who had already left. If she only had five Fae to rule over that would be fine with her.
Days of singing the book at the Dal were over. She always felt it was like Trick being a Fae groupie asking for an autograph. She didn't care what their name is or what they were, come for her and their names would be on a tombstone.
So she got into her car and drove to the Dark Fae compound first. The explosives had already been set. Her spot was so great that a bus wouldn't be able to block the building crumbling. She had already sent people ahead to make sure it was empty. She had spent awful days in there. It would be like burning down Carrie White's house.
Two hours later and it was nothing but brick and dust. Starting up her car, she headed to the Light Fae compound. She kicked herself for not bombing the entire thing the first time. But she only wanted the Ash dead. It would have been convenient to have Trick at the meeting. It's not like he ever gave a damn whatever became of Aife.
Nearly ten miles later she pulled up and nodded to the crew to start the demolition. This time she got out of her car and sat on the hood to watch it.
Walking those halls as a little girl holding Queen Isabeau's hand. Smiling when the guards bowed to her. Smiling when it was time to eat. The chef cooked some good food and snacks. Her first accidental kill at the age of ten, was the talk of the Fae world for the longest time. Trick wanted to give her away then because he thought it was too soon for her to have those powers. But it was Isabeau's blood that gave her those powers. He had no say in it, even after they argued over it for hours.
Aife just stood in the distance and smiled when the Queen got her way. It was the first time she started to learn how to be a Succubus. How to use her wiles to get what she wanted and use her powers for what she was denied. Which years later brought her to the death of her mother.
She hated Trick. Hated both sides of the Fae. Queen Isabeau was a good woman. Trick was so far from deserving a woman like that. A daughter like they had together. Besides revenge that was the one vow Aife held on to. If she ever became a mother, she would protect her child. Not hand her over to somebody else to kill. For all of his Blood King bravado, Trick was nothing more than a simple troll. Which is one of the reasons he hid in the Dal. He had so many enemies, if they ever found him, he would be dead. Especially with Isabeau gone. She was always the most adored royal.
But then again Aife was Trick's daughter. She had the bloodline of not giving a damn about anyone's feelings. Anyone's life besides Bo and her growing extended family.
She had gone into her Dawning and came out so much stronger. Isabeau's death was just the fuse that set her off on her truth path. Then Trick stepped in her way with his backstabbing. He would finally be rid of her.
As the last of the bricks tumbled to the ground, Aife would be rid of all of that shit. A brand new day. A brand new Fae.
They were coming. She knew one day she was going to be a grandmother. This was about her grandchildren too. They deserved to grow up in a better world. Run by someone that actually cared about their futures. She was glad Lauren killed Trick, his laws were outdated, and all around bullshit.
"All done". Sheldon said.
"Very good". Aife smiled.
"Will that be all? Sheldon asked.
"Make sure the rubble of both compounds are cleaned up as soon as possible". Aife said.
"Yes ma'am". Sheldon smiled.
Climbing into her car, Aife was off again. There was more to do, and she was amped up enough to do it all in person.
Bo and Lauren
"This is a good spot". Bo said pulling into the parking lot.
"Yes it is". Lauren smiled setting her sunglasses on the top of her head.
The women looked around. The place was packed.
"You ready? Bo asked from the drivers seat.
"Yes. Lets go and get this over with then we can go sight seeing". Lauren said.
"We are a minute early but I'm sure Monica will see us". Bo said as she held out her hand to Lauren.
"How well do you know her? Lauren asked.
"She came highly recommended. I looked her up online and she has great reviews". Bo said as they walked up towards the building.
"Bo you know I am still unsure about this". Lauren said gently.
"I know but we won't know unless we talk to her and try". Bo replied.
Lauren nodded and turned her attention back to the building. She and Bo had stayed up late talking about this. Bo wanted to buy a brand new house. The biggest they could find. Most importantly she wanted Lauren to move in with her.
As a couple living separate they always had something going on and wasn't always on the same page as far as their priorities. Bo knows that needs to change and her new commitment of wanting Lauren to return to work would put an even further strain on them. She noticed how little Lauren ate when she was working. She had walked into Lauren's old loft and often found half eaten sandwiches and apples. She seemed to drink more wine and champagne than she actually ate.
Yes Lauren is Fae but she once lived as a human which meant she wasn't eating as she should have been. Moving in together would not only bring them closer, but Lauren would have more food in the house. A house.
Bo didn't care if it didn't have a picket fence. She just cared about space and room for Lauren to work at home if she needed to. She didn't lie when she said Science was Lauren's first love. It has been long before Bo ever met her. She even talked about it in her sleep and not just sleeping on Bo's couch.
The Succubus hoped this realtor she found had game like her reviews suggested. Lauren hadn't fully agreed to it yet, but Bo was hopeful once they talked to Chelsea, and saw the house, she would change her mind.
Two hours later they followed Chelsea to the house. Lauren was still on the fence, but not as against it as it was before.
"Lauren. I love you and I hope you agree to this. No pressure. But the main reason I want us to live together is so that we can see more of each other. You can go back to work and I can find a better job. The old chasing the Fae around won't seem as inspiring since Mom has ran most of them off". Bo explained.
"You thought that much about it? Lauren asked squeezing Bo's free hand.
"Yes I started thinking about it as I was talking to Albert yesterday. As a couple you and I have had things going on and didn't always get to see each other and I don't just mean my Dawning tests. You and I both know we have talked about this before. When I asked what chance do I have at living a life of my own? And who would want to live it with me? I wanted you to say you would. But your tongue all over me that night was an answer, which I still hope it will be once we are done looking at the house. If you don't like this one, she has plenty more coming available soon" Bo said softly.
Lauren was touched. Bo had thought a lot about it. When Lauren agreed to start their relationship, she thought this moment would be years away. But after all they had just been through, perhaps years away just arrived. Bo was right. If they lived together they would see a lot more of each other and she knew going back to work was liable to keep her working long hours. Her plants would likely suffer and Bo would feel left out if she rarely saw her.
She knew they were still on shaky ground. Lauren was the one feeling left out when Bo was going through her Dawning tests. It was testing Lauren's patience, and pushing them further and further away. Bo was talking about growing even closer and Lauren wanted that too. They had fought so hard against the Fae to be together when Lauren was thought to be a human, but now that she was Fae, that fight was over. But they were still in a fight to remain together.
Yes this could be good. A time for them to learn more about each other. Lauren had so much in her past, and she was sure Bo still had a lot hidden away too.
"This must be it! Bo said excitedly. Holy moly was the place more than she thought it was going to be.
Two story. A huge fence circled the house. A double car garage. The driveway circled around towards the street.
"You already see something wrong don't you? Bo whispered as they followed Chelsea.
"It's white and bland but it is still gorgeous". Lauren smiled.
"That's ok babe. We can have it painted, or I can do it". Bo giggled as Chelsea pulled out her keys to open the door.
The women were floored by the floor and the foyer. It had lots of space for people to come in and hang their coats in the massive coat closet nearest the door. But how often did the Fae get cold? Lauren laughed.
Just past the foyer was a huge staircase but they weren't ready to go upstairs yet. The living room was the size of two large bedrooms with a fireplace in the corner. Bo licked her lips at the sight of it.
Bo ran when she heard Lauren scream. "What is it? She asked worriedly.
"Look at the size of this kitchen. The oven. Everything! Lauren said excitedly.
Bo smiled she knew they had their house now but wasn't going to assume Lauren was going to say yes. She had done that a lot in their relationship too. Assuming whatever she did, would be ok with Lauren.
"Ready to go upstairs? Chelsea asked.
"Yes". Bo and Lauren said in unison.
"Very well. Follow me". Chelsea smiled as she walked them towards the stairs.
"Here we have an elevator. The last owners needed it, so I decided to keep it". Chelsea said.
"Wow that would be great when I don't want to climb the stairs". Bo laughed.
"I can take the stairs out". Chelsea offered.
"No! Lauren said.
"Ok. Then up we go". Chelsea smiled.
The women reached the second floor after almost twenty steps. They could go left or right at the top of the first set of stairs. Who were they kidding? This isn't just a house, it is a mansion.
"Lets separate. We can cover more ground that way, and I know you will be very detailed on everything that you see". Bo smiled at Lauren.
"Ok". Lauren said letting go of Bo's hand.
Bo was in awe just like Lauren. Every bedroom she saw had a its own bathroom. That would be perfect for kids or overnight guests. She was sure they would grow to make a lot of friends.
Lauren was happy that there was a huge room that had to be an office. If she did agree, she wanted it to be her office. It had lots of shelves and cabinet space.
The two finally met at the last bedroom. Lauren was the last to walk in as Bo was looking out the window. Walking over to her, she saw what Bo was looking at. Their was a huge swimming pool and a Jacuzzi hot tub.
"So does this meet your approvals? Chelsea asked softly from behind them.
"One thing. Can we have the house painted something other than white? Bo asked.
"Yes of course. Is that all that you don't like? Chelsea asked.
Bo turned back to Lauren. She was already sold but she wasn't the only one going to live there.
"No I think that's the only thing I saw". Lauren said softly.
Bo sighed in relief. That sounded good. She wasn't picky, she would live out of a cardboard box with Lauren but the Doctor deserved the best.
"Ok if that is all. Do I have a buyer? Chelsea smiled wide.
"Sold". Lauren said softly.
"What color would you like the house to be? Chelsea asked.
"Tan would be great". Lauren said as Bo nodded.
"As you wish". Chelsea smiled.
Bo was about to burst on the inside. They had a home. A real home. Together. No more living in a drafty clubhouse. They had warmth and not just from the house but from each other.
"Ok. I will draw up the papers and you may sign them this afternoon or at your earliest convenience". Chelsea said.
"Tomorrow would be better". Lauren said. Bo frowned but she wasn't going to question her in front of Chelsea.
"Very good. I will leave the keys with you in case you wanted to look around more. There is a basement that we haven't even gotten to". Chelsea explained.
"Great". Bo sighed happily taking the keys from her. She followed the woman out and ran back to Lauren.
"Why did you want to wait until tomorrow? Bo asked.
"Because we will be busy today". Lauren smiled.
"Oh yeah? Doing what? Bo asked.
"Furnishing the house and breaking every room in. Including the pool and Jacuzzi. If you're up to it, Succubus". Lauren smiled wickedly.
Bo smiled. She knew what all of that meant. Lauren was going to use her powers to decorate the house. She didn't have her staff and from what they both knew, she didn't need it.
She followed Lauren as furniture began to pop up everywhere. They ran up the stairs and did all the bedrooms including Lauren's new office that she asked of Bo, and Bo happily agreed. Once the last bedroom was done. Lauren had her way with Bo, and Bo loved every moment.
"Ready for the pool now? Bo chuckled hours later.
"MMMmm yes and then the hot tub". Lauren smiled.
"Last one in...". Bo laughed as they ran naked downstairs and out the back door. Nobody would see them. The gate was pure black and didn't have any gaps or holes.
Hale and Kenzi.
Hale had a hell of an afternoon. He had heard about the compounds and thankfully wasn't near either one of them. The Fae did have other hideouts, so he used one.
Kenzi had still been on his ass about removing Blackthorn's body long after it had been removed. He wished Bo would reel her human in so she wasn't hurt his ears with her constant complaining. He would use his Siren powers to calm her but that would only be in an emergency situation. They hadn't gotten that far yet.
"Hale are you going to help me or not? Kenzi asked walking in. He did send for a car to get her. Bo and Lauren had disappeared and he didn't think Aife was bold enough to attack Kenzi with Bo's claim still in place.
"Help you with what? Blackthorn is gone. There is a decent sized bedroom with everything you should need down the hall". Hale sighed. He was pouring over a Police case. Even being Fae, he was tired of Fae business at the moment.
"I am still Bo's human. I deserve to be treated better than that. I am pretty sure Aife was behind that and Bo won't like it". Kenzi snapped.
"You're still alive so there is no foul play here. As long as you go against Lauren, the further the rift between you and Bo will grow. Bo already knows about Blackthorn. We all do". Hale explained.
"Bo kissed Tamsin. She and Lauren weren't going to last anyways". Kenzi said.
"See that there. You need to grow up Kenzi. This isn't human elementary school. There is no going around and spilling secrets that aren't yours to tell. How do you even know Bo hasn't told Lauren about that? Hale asked, and waited for an answer. All he got was dead silence.
"Bo wouldn't tell Lauren something that big". Kenzi said.
"Lauren is a Succubus, if Bo has secrets, her aura will tell it for her". Hale laughed.
"Shit. I didn't think of that". Kenzi said.
"You might as well sit your ass down, and wait for Bo to come to you, if she ever does". Hale said.
"So as the Ash, you're not going to do anything about Aife huh? Kenzi asked.
"One I denounced my title and two, go against the Blood King's daughter? Hell no! Hale laughed.
"Ok than do me another favor". Kenzi asked.
"What now? You have room and board". Hale laughed. Kenzi was high maintenance.
"Claim me". Kenzi said.
Hale bent over and burst out laughing. This girl had to be kidding.
"Silly girl. He can't claim you until Bo removes the unworthy claim she has on you". Aife laughed from the door.
"She's right Kenzi. Bo has to remove it first, but I am not looking to claim anyone". Hale said.
"So that's it then? I'm screwed". Kenzi sighed.
"You have the Twig of Zamora which I now need back. I have a trip to take". Hale said.
"You're leaving me? Kenzi asked.
"Me. Me. Me. Poor human me. Poor human that thought she was better than Lauren. Poor human me that has always needed someone to take care of her instead of getting out and busting her ass to take care of herself. Poor human me that saw stardom when Nate came to town. He is clearly better off". Aife laughed.
"I hate her". Kenzi whispered but Aife still heard her.
"Then get out of my colony because if he's leaving, I can always find a way around Bo's claim on you". Aife laughed.
"Kenz go to your room. Aife and I have a lot of talking to do". Hale suggested. If Bo wasn't with Aife then she was likely with Lauren.
"Fine". Kenzi said stomping out. She would seek out Bo one last time.
Bo and Lauren.
"Wow. That was nice". Bo panted.
"Too much? Lauren laughed as Bo was curled up against her with her arms wrapped around the Doctor's neck.
"Hey. I can go again, I just need to breathe a minute". Bo laughed.
"Ok". Lauren laughed again.
"Are you sure this pool is sanitary? Bo asked.
"I can smell the fresh chlorine, it's fine". Lauren said brushing Bo's wet hair down her back.
"Ready for the Jacuzzi now? Bo asked.
"Mmmm yes I am". Lauren said pushing Bo off of her.
"If we did all of this today,what are we going to do tomorrow? Bo asked.
"Clean up". Lauren laughed.
Bo smiled. She knew that meant she was in a for a treat, all night long.
TBC
Stephen and Albert visit Lauren and Bo.
Aife sees Hale off as he warns of other threats.
Kenzi learns that Bo has moved again.