Hale
Hale had packed as much as he wanted to take with him. It was time to get out of Toronto for a bit. No more meetings. No more Elders breathing down his neck about this, or that. He was done. Val had come and gone, and he had no idea where she was. But he needed to find her soon.
He wanted to go and see his grandfather. To return the Twig of Zamora. He's not like Bo. He wouldn't live forever but the time he did have, he wanted to cherish it. Unbeknownst to everyone when he used his siren, it made his ears bleed. Kenzi and her constant back and forth about Lauren was making his head hurt too. He loved the girl, but she would always find a way to try and cause trouble for someone that had done nothing but help her.
It's not his circus. Not his monkeys. He didn't need to say bye to Bo or Lauren. He knew they would be fine and happy without him. He had Cousins that he had never met yet. He had done what Bo had asked of him. He had watched Kenzi, but she was no longer listening to him. She was no longer his concern. She was still Bo's human but even that was starting to wane.
He knew his time was up as the Ash, when they found Blackthorn in Kenzi's bed. Nobody but Aife would do that. He had warned Kenzi that she wasn't Bo. She had no morals or any sympathy for anyone that wasn't Bo. She did have it for Lauren for some reason. Probably because Lauren knew what it was like to be caged or chained down by the Fae. And Trick had his hand in both situations. Now that he thought of it, that is probably the other thing they had in common. He was actually waiting for the older Succubus.
His flight was set to leave within the hour and he could wait to be in the air. Of course he could use the Ash private jet, but they were always tracking it. He didn't want to be found. Time to regroup. There was nothing keeping him in the colony any longer.
"Are you ready now or do you need another two hours? Aife laughed as she stood just outside of Hale's old office.
"No. I'm ready. Sorry to keep you waiting and this will not take long". Hale sighed as he waved her in.
Aife squinted at him. She never trusted men that were this polite but Hale had always been that way. She had things to do herself, but had agreed to grant him a meeting before she set about her other activities.
"I will be brief as I am pressed for time myself. There are a ton of Fae outside of the colony that have just discovered that Trick was the Blood King. They have hated him for years, but could never find him. They want revenge on all of his heirs. I was going to tell Bo this, but I understand she is busy with Lauren, and decided on you since you have the time and resources to deal with the Fae". Hale explained.
"Do you have a list of names? Aife asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes I do". Hale said handing a thick stack of papers to Aife. He watched as the Succubus scanned the first page and noticed her face starting to turn red.
"I thought most of these bastards were dead". Aife bristled. She shook her head as she flipped to the next page. There was hundreds on both lists. Enough to mount a massive attack. She sighed hard when she realized that she may need to bring Bo and Lauren into this. Freaking bastards should have died years ago, but if they wanted to screw with hers, she would give them all that they couldn't handle and more. Then she thought of Albert. Her old friend had kicked ass the other night. If Bo is in danger, so is his granddaughter.
"You can see why I was hesitant to contact Bo. That list is huge". Hale said.
"Is all of them or all that you know of? Aife asked.
"Yes that is all of them. I checked and double checked the names. They are still alive and very powerful. This could be really dangerous if the Elders get wind of it, given how they feel about you". Hale explained.
"If they want a fight, they will get one". Aife said flipping to the last page.
"I have taken care of most of them. There was almost ten pages, of names. As a tribute to Trick and our friendship, I have noted the names on the last seven pages. Once I am done dealing with them, I will drop out of sight. That is why I reclaimed my Twig of Zamora from Kenzi. We only have one and it will only protect my grandfather. He's an old man and retired. Val will want to fight as well. Using my Siren powers will weaken me and dad thinks he knows of someone that can help me. We have asked those on our lists to meet us far away from the colony. So none of this will be traced back here. My Father and Trick were also friends for a long time, he has ordered most of the Santiago clan to come together in this fight. I thought you might want to handle the rest yourself". Hale explained.
Aife smiled. She was always down for kicking ass. She knew Hale was taking a huge risk and really appreciated it. "Thank you Hale. I will never forget this. You are a good man and friend to Trick, even if he didn't always deserve it".
"It's the least I can do. Besides most on our lists have been coming for the Santiago's for a long time too". Hale said.
"You take care of yours and I will take care of ours. Text me when you're done, if you survive". Aife said.. She had almost forgotten who she was. How she was the ruler over hundreds of Succubi. They were about to fight whether they want to or not.
"I do need to get going. My car is waiting". Hale said.
"Bye Siren". Aife said as she stepped out of the way to allow him to exit. Once Hale was out of the room, Aife was on the phone to Alfred to demand he fuel up the Royal Jets and assemble every Succubus in Berlin. Aife was pumped. She had other things to do, but this had suddenly become first on her list. She may not need to disturb Bo and Lauren after all.
"Alfred fuel up my jets and get the Succubi here as soon as possible. I don't care if they have hair appointments. Get their asses here as soon as the aircraft is ready to fly". Aife said into her phone.
"Yes My Queen". Alfred said immediately hanging up.
Aife sighed and took a seat. Hale said Trick's heirs. That would include Bo. Bo was working really hard trying to get her life back on track. To save her relationship. Taking a deep breath, she sent Bo a quick text.
Kenzi
Kenzi was home tapping her feet. It still reeked of Blackthorn's body, but she had nowhere else to go. Bo wasn't returning any of her texts. What the shit was that about? She didn't have a crumb to eat, and nothing but tap water to drink. Yuck. She was not used to living like this. They always had cereal and some kind of adult beverage in the house.
Think girl think. There has to be a way to find Bo. Tamsin? Nope. She didn't trust her much yet. Dyson and Trick are both dead, and she wouldn't dare go near Aife. A..A...A... Albert.
Lauren's grandfather would surely know where they would be. She just needed to find him. The only place she knew he would frequent was the Dal. So off she went.
Stephen and Albert.
"Good morning Grandfather. Did you get enough rest? Stephen asked quietly.
"Dear boy we will never need much rest, but I did get some perspective". Albert chuckled.
"That's true but I still worry about you. About Karen, I'm sorry Lauren". Stephen said drinking a cup of coffee.
"There is no need to worry about me, and your sister can take care of herself". Albert said denying the offered cup.
"I don't know this Bo yet. I can use my powers to find out, but it would piss me off, if I saw her hurting Lauren". Stephen said setting his cup into the sink.
"Well the only way to get to know someone is to talk directly to them. So if you are up for it, I can call Lauren to see where they are". Albert said.
"That's a good idea. I don't want to be hard on Bo, but I was always hard on anyone that wanted my sister for anything". Stephen explained.
"I understand". Albert said dialing Lauren's number.
Lauren and Bo.
Lauren had been up for hours walking around the house. The place was big and she loved it. Lots of room to walk and sit. It was a house like she had always dreamed of owning when she was a child. They lived in a modest three bedroom, with one bathroom. She and Stephen often fought for turns in there since she was always dirty from playing with the flowers and dirt outside. He was always off with his friends playing whatever sport was in season.
She smiled and pulled her robe tighter against her body. She had already showered and thought of what she wanted to wear for the day. She left Bo sleeping in bed. Bo was almost like a child the night before playing with all of their brand new appliances.
Lauren's mother had always insisted that they get up early to clean before company came over. Although she wasn't expecting anyone, she still wanted it to look nice. Nobody but the realtor knew they had moved in already. She even brought in the last boxes from Bo's car. They held Bo's favorite jeans, jackets and tank tops. She unpacked them and hung them up in their large walk in closet. Bo grumbled but rolled over in the bed.
She and Bo talked about living a normal life someday. Now even though they are both Fae, this was a normal life to Lauren. Domestic as domestic gets. There was nowhere she needed to be at the moment, and it was a welcomed feeling.
There was nothing she needed at the moment. After so many rounds with Bo the night before, her arousal was sated. She giggled thinking maybe she was too much for Bo. Too much for Bo. Not enough for Bo. That was a huge gaping hole between them in their old life. Lauren felt she wasn't enough, and now she was.
She almost didn't go to the Dal the day of Bo's Dawning. She wanted to stay back and run her tests. Sure Bo may have wanted her girlfriend to be there, but the Doctor in Lauren wanted to be ready for any and everything that could go wrong. The uncertain moment of Bo disappearing into the temple nearly made her cry. One minute she was sipping on a beer talking to Kenzi, Bo pulled their chi, and the next thing she knew, she was in a portal of her own.
For a few hours, Lauren was alone again. Alone in the world, like she had been with the Fae. She knew her brother was still out there but would never bring him into that life. She licked her lips remembering the last time she had kissed Bo before she left. The warmth of her tongue battling Lauren's. The look of fear and uncertainty in Bo's eyes after she pulled back. All of it was new to the two of them.
Then to be in Bo's Dawning wearing a wedding ring. Did she and Dyson marry so easily? That thought still haunts her. She knows that she obviously needs to talk to Bo about it. Keeping their mouths shut, nearly ended their relationship. Dyson was no longer a threat to Lauren on any level. But the curious Doctor had to know what they did and didn't do. Silly perhaps, but that's how her mind worked. Always a question that needed an answer or two.
She jumped when her phone rung. "Good morning Grandfather". She smiled.
"Good morning Lauren. How are you this fine morning? Albert smiled in excitement.
"I am doing well. Just finished cleaning the house, and lost myself in thought". Lauren laughed.
"You're a Doctor. It comes with the profession". Albert smiled again.
"Yes it does. Now what's up? Lauren asked gently.
"Stephen wants to get to know Bo and I want to know her more too. So we thought we could drop in on you two, if that's ok? Albert said shyly. It was still quite early.
"Of course! Bo is still sleeping. I will get her up and we should be ready for visitors in about an hour or so". Lauren smiled into the phone.
"Now we don't want to impose". Albert said.
"It's ok Grandfather really. I will text Stephen the address and we will see you soon". Lauren said.
"Good because I am not quite up to date on all of these new gadgets". Albert laughed.
"I understand. I will fix a big breakfast for all of us. So it should be ready by the time you arrive". Lauren said.
"Excellent. We will wait for your text and give you about an hour before we leave". Albert said.
"Great! Lauren said.
"Bye dear". Albert said.
"See you soon! Lauren smiled.
Kenzi
Kenzi had followed her gut and was waiting it out to see if she was right. She had swapped a wallet and bought herself a breakfast sandwich and large coffee. When and if she found Bo, she could eat again.
It pissed her off that Bo had all but abandoned her. Especially for Lauren and with Aife back in town. She didn't think either woman cared for her much.
"Bingo". Kenzi said noticing lights being turned off. It was still dark enough that people had their lights on. The sun would rise soon, and Kenzi longed for it for once.
Bo and Lauren
Bo tossed and turned in the large comfortable bed. Lauren's scent was keeping her company. The Doctor had obviously gotten out of bed hours ago because her spot was cold.
Lauren cleared her throat watching the Succubus. "How long are you going to do that? She laughed.
"Come back to bed". Bo said. Her voice raspy.
"No. I can't. We have company coming soon. So you need to shower and dress". Lauren said.
"I haven't even unpacked my clothes yet". Bo pouted when Lauren turned her down.
"They are hanging up in the closet. Now get up Succubus". Lauren laughed.
"Holy shit Lauren! Those boxes were heavy! Bo said with her eyes widening.
"Not really. Now get up already". Lauren laughed.
"What are the neighbors bringing us a fruitcake? Bo laughed.
"No. Grandfather and Stephen are coming over, to see you". Lauren explained.
"What? Me? Bo gasped.
"Yes they want to get to know you. But if you don't think it's a good idea, or too early, I can call and cancel". Lauren sighed walking over to make their bed.
"No! No don't do that. I can be ready soon". Bo said as she ran to the closet to grab something to wear. She didn't want to wear a tank top. They were all too revealing.
Lauren laughed as she lifted her hands and waited for the blankets and sheets to follow her commands.
"Bo we do need to talk later". Lauren said as Bo ran to the bathroom.
"We will babe". Bo said as she hurried to turn the water on.
Shit. Stephen and Albert? This early in the morning? The house was still a wreck from last night. The pool probably looks horrendous. So much to do in so little time. Bo thought as the water hit her face. She quickly shampooed her hair and scrubbed her body twice. What if they smelled sex on her? This was horrible. She felt like she was getting ready for a blind date. But Lauren was no blind date. Even the blind would find beauty in the Doctor.
What could they want from Bo? What had they heard? She cringed thinking of all of her sexual exploits before Lauren and after she met Lauren. Dyson. Ryan. Shit. Shit. Shit. Ryan had a running mouth too. What if he told them how they almost got married and they didn't think she was serious about Lauren now? This was one big pile of shit that she stepped in the minute she stepped out of bed. Calm down Succubus. Bo whispered to herself. It might not be what she thinks at all. If Stephen is an Incubus with foresight, he probably peeked into their future and saw Bo screwing something up. She had to be on her toes, and try to calm down. Lauren would see and read her aura. She did not want Lauren thinking that she didn't want them to come over.
"Screw it. I am just going to be me and that's all I can be". Bo said after she dried off.
Once her makeup was done, she dressed and rushed downstairs. She smiled when she detected the scent of bacon. Lauren was already cooking. Good. Then Bo would clean up as she did that. Good time for her to calm down a bit more.
"Shit! Bo thought when she saw the living room had been cleaned. Which meant the kitchen must have been cleaned and mopped from their exploits with whip cream last night.
"Do you need any help? Bo asked as she entered the kitchen.
"Yes I need you to breathe so you won't pass out". Lauren laughed as she chopped some onions.
"Sorry I just wasn't expecting them. But I'm ok. I will be ok. Really". Bo panted.
Lauren laughed as she walked over to kiss Bo. She pushed some chi into her to calm her down. When she pulled back the Succubus eyes went from blue to brown. "Want to set the table?
"Damn we don't even have a table. Fuck! Bo screamed in panic.
"We do now". Lauren said as she nodded to the large dining room.
Bo laughed as she walked over to a long table. Big enough to seat eight. Napkins and silverware appeared once she reached it. This was going to be a great life. She just needed to settle down to enjoy it.
Bo smiled as she set up the table. They weren't expecting that many people but it still looked nice and fancy when she finished. It almost reminded her of the Dennis dining room. Shaking those memories off, she went to help Lauren whether she wanted it or not.
"Everything is almost ready if you want to set out a few coffee cups". Lauren said over her shoulder. Bo smiled again as she walked up and kissed the back of Lauren's head before making her way to the cupboard. Lauren was amazing. They had shelves and shelves of coffee cups. She wasn't going to ask where it all came from since Lauren likely did it. The Doctor was becoming a walking genie.
When Lauren was finally done, they each carried two plates to the table and covered the dishes to keep the food hot. Bo returned to the kitchen to grab the coffee pot. Walking back over, she set it down in the center of the table.
Lauren had gone to wash her hands and dress. She checked herself over once more as she heard the doorbell ring. She hurried down, and rounded the corner. Bo had already answered it and was beaming as Stephen and Albert stepped through the door.
"Good morning Stephen and Albert. Welcome to our new home". Bo smiled gently as she gestured for them to walk further inside.
"Good morning sweetie". Albert cooed kissing Lauren on her cheek.
"Welcome. Welcome! Lauren said excitedly.
"Why don't we eat, and then we can chat". Bo suggested softly.
"Sounds good". Stephen said.
"It smells good too". Albert smiled as he took the seat next to Stephen so they would be facing Bo and Lauren.
The breakfast went off without any problems. Lauren had cooked a meal fit for an army. Once they all had their fill, Lauren and Bo put away the rest of the food as the men took a seat in the living room.
Bo and Lauren finally joined the men and Bo's nerves were on fire again. She took a seat on the loveseat next to Lauren as the men sat across from them on the couch.
"I will start. Is this rented or how long will you be here? Albert asked breaking the ice.
"It's ours. We bought it yesterday". Lauren smiled.
"Are you sure Lauren? Stephen asked.
"Yes Stephen. I am sure". Lauren answered taking one of Bo's shaking hands into hers. She internally cringed at how cold it was.
"And the house? Stephen asked.
"It's ours. Bo's and mine". Lauren said.
Stephen looked at Bo. It was taking all of his energy not to look into the Succubus immediate future. Lauren was more than his sister, at one time they were best friends. Joined at the hip. Everything a sister and her brother should be.
"Do you want to ask me something Stephen? Bo asked softly.
"I just want to know what you are going to do or want with my sister? I could look into your future right now, but I shouldn't have to do that. So in fairness, I won't and will wait for you to answer me with your mouth or with your actions". Stephen replied.
"Wow". Bo laughed.
"Is this funny? Stephen asked.
"No. You just sounded like Lauren during a physical. But to answer your question. I won't be doing anything with Lauren that she doesn't want me to. I love Lauren. I always have. I know you don't trust that or me yet, but I do. I know the four of us are all still pretty new with each other, so I am in no rush to do or say anything. Like I told Albert, I just want what is best for Lauren. I want her to go back to work, but only when she's ready. I want her for the rest of my life because I know I am, can and will be what is best for her". Bo answered.
Lauren felt proud of and loved by Bo. It was the second time she had declared her love in front of her. Bo had never used that tone of voice before. It was strong yet gentle.
"Well that answers his and my questions for now. Now if there aren't any others. How about a tour? Albert laughed as the three went dead silent.
"You're right Bo. I don't know you yet. I know what I see when my sister looks at you. I will trust her heart but I will be keeping a close eye on it too". Stephen said taking another sip of coffee and set the cup down to stand side by side with his grandfather.
"I love her Stephen and I trust her. I trust this. Yes we have had our problems, but we will be working them out together". Lauren said shaking Bo's hand in unity.
Bo's heart jumped. It felt great to hear Lauren say that they were going to work out their issues together, because there was still so much unsaid. It likely had to do with whatever Lauren wanted to talk to her about later. But this was a good morning so far and seemed to be on pace to be a great day too.
The women walked the men around the bottom of the house first before making their way upstairs. Stephen and Bo walked side by side making small talk. He loved that Lauren had a lab. She had always dreamed of that from way back when. Once they were done downstairs and they saw the massive garage and swimming pool and hot tub, they made their way upstairs.
Stephen smiled as they entered Lauren's lab first. Everything was spotless. It looked more like a clinic, It was so big and fancy. She had a huge desk and a wonderful view behind it, and on the sides. Microscopes could be found in every corner of the room. She had everything but an exam table. Bo explained that she agreed that it was ok for Lauren to work from home, but putting examination tables in the room, meant Lauren would be working longer hours than she should.
Stephen respected that. That was something he and Bo had in common, once Lauren got lost in her work, there would be no pulling her back.
They showed them the guest rooms and steered clear of their own bedroom. Albert always felt that room was private to the person or persons sleeping in it. By the time they were done and made it down to the garage again, Stephen and Bo were in a deep conversation about muscle cars. Bo showed him a picture of her Camaro and he appreciated it. She wanted a new one and was intent on keeping that car for sentimental reasons.
"Somebody's coming". Stephen said as he turned around and saw a small, dark haired girl storming up to them.
Kenzi was ready to make her move and did. She jumped out of her car and stormed up to the small group. "So this is where you live now? The fancy, pants Doctor just has to show off huh? Kenzi seethed.
Stephen was about to step forward when Bo gently pushed him back. "Get out of here Kenzi".
"Dude you haven't been answering any of my calls or texts. The crack shack is out of everything short of toilet paper. Are you ever going to come home? Kenzi snapped.
"I am home". Bo said slowly.
"What?! You live here now? Nice! Which room is mine? Kenzi asked excitedly.
"Neither". Lauren said.
"Uhh Bo just said she's home, you have no say in this Lauren! Kenzi snapped.
"This is our home Kenzi. Now I am asking you again to get out of here. Lauren and I have guests". Bo said pointing towards Albert and Stephen.
"Are you ever going to talk to me? Or are you going to continue to hide behind her and her bullshit? Kenzi asked angrily.
Bo laughed. Kenzi must be starving or in severe need of a shot or beer. "Listen to me carefully because I am about to say a lot. If you need a home, the clubhouse is yours. If you need food, get a job. I am living with Lauren because I love her. I don't care if that still bothers you after all of this time, nobody ever said you had to like it. Lauren is my family and these gentlemen here are included in that. But if you ever show up here trying to ambush me and Lauren or show up uninvited, I will not only unclaim you, I will repossess the clubhouse and you will be back where I found you, picking pockets".
"So that's it huh? After all of the shit we have been through. All of the shit, she has put you through, you are just tossing me aside? Me?! Kenzi snapped as Stephen stepped forward to say something but once again Bo gently pushed him back.
"I nearly lost Lauren, Kenzi! You know that or have conveniently forgotten about it. If you wanted to be in my life, you haven't proven it. Now I am giving you a chance to walk away peacefully. But if you push me again on this, you won't like my next response. This isn't an all night keg party, it's my life. Apparently I have done the one thing that you refuse to do, grow up". Bo snapped.
Kenzi gasped. Bo had never talked to her that way. Never denied her of anything, especially a roof over her head. She loved the house she was looking at. She could hold a lot of parties there.
"She's not leaving. Let's lock up the garage and make our way inside". Bo said. She knew the look in Kenzi's eyes. She was admiring the house thinking Bo was going to invite her to stay. She didn't call first, and then ran up to them like she wanted to attack Lauren. No. Bo was not about to let that happen. Lauren could take care of herself, no doubt, but Kenzi was Bo's problem. A problem she would easily solve if Kenzi pushed her again.
Kenzi threw her arms up into the air and turned to walk back to her car. She was so broke that she might have to sell it. It sucked balls. She hadn't had a legitimate job in a long time. She got her money and kicks on the streets. When she was given free liquor at the Dal, it was one less expense. Now she had a ton of expenses and no money.
"Lauren, Stephen and Albert, I am so, so sorry about that". Bo said shyly.
"That was not your fault Bo. We all know that". Lauren said softly.
"Who exactly is she? Stephen asked.
"My old roommate. She is also may claimed human". Bo said. Bo groaned when her phone rang. She sighed thinking it was Kenzi and was relieved that it was Aife.
"Excuse me. Hi mom". Bo said walking away from the small group.
"Are you busy sweetie? Aife asked.
"Lauren and I are entertaining. Why? Bo asked.
"I will come by later. We need to talk". Aife said.
"Ok I will text you our address or I can meet you at the Dal". Bo suggested.
"That's a good idea. I need to find Albert in the meantime". Aife said.
"He's actually here if you want to come by". Bo said and nodded back at Albert when he nodded at her.
"Text me where you are. We all need to talk". Aife said.
"Ok. We will be here". Bo said hanging up.
"What's wrong Bo? Lauren asked worriedly.
"Mom is coming over. She was looking for Albert too". Bo said.
"If Aife is looking for me this is not good". Albert said seriously.
"Whatever it is. We will be ready". Lauren said rubbing her grandfather's back.
"And it won't be an ambush". Stephen said nodding towards Bo.
"Nope. Somebody or bodies are about to get their ass or asses kicked". Bo said.
TBC
Aife fills the gang in on the threat.
Lauren goes to see Kenzi alone.
The Succubus from Berlin arrive.