Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 10

“Mommy who is this man?” My son asked his mother.

Epperly avoided my eyes. “Ambrose. A friend of mine.” She told him.

“My middle name is Ambrose.” Tate said.

“I know buddy, you were named after me.” I told him.

Tate seemed to be satisfied with that for now and I was thankful for the moment. What would we even say to him right now? I was still reeling from the fact that I have a son as it is. How would Tate react when he finds out?

Once we pulled onto the long dirt road that lead to the school I could see the curiosity grow in my mates and sons faces. The two of them peered out the window as houses started to come into view. When we got to the gates the guard nodded to me before the gates opened.

“Your pack takes guarding seriously.” Epperly commented.

I chuckled at her. “This is not a pack. I’m not part of a pack technically.” I told her.

Epperly turned her face to me, a perfect frown on her juicy lips. “Then what is it?” She asked.

I smiled at her. “This is a school. The Anderson School for the gifted.” I said as the school came into view. Tate gasped loudly in the background.

“The gifted?” Epperly asked me as I turned for a side road before coming to the school.

I nodded. “This is a school for the supernatural. All of them are welcome here.” I told her.

“A school for people like me?” Tate asked.

“That’s right buddy.” I said to him.

“Wow..” He whispered in awe as he stared out the window.

“And you work here?” Epperly asked me.

I laughed.

“Sort of.” I said. “Epperly what do you know about the Morningstar’s?” I asked her.

She shrugged as we pulled up to a house on the far corner.

“Not much honestly. That you guys are evil, being the offspring of The Devil and all.” She said in a bored tone. At least she doesn’t seem to hate us like the rest of the supernatural world.

I put the car in park just in time to see Tia walk out of the house. She nodded to me before walking past the car without a word. Epperly went rigid in her seat as she watched my sister walk away. When Tia was far enough away Epperly turned to me.

“Who was that?” She asked.

“One of my sisters. I asked her to bring a few things here for us and to make sure we have privacy.” I told my mate.

“One of?” Epperly asked.

I smiled to her before turning to our son. “Would you like to go inside the house? I have something in there that will help your throat and tingly gums.” I told him.

Tate nodded. “Yeah!” He said excitedly.

I got out of the car and walked around to open the door for my beautiful mate. Epperly didn’t move so I opened the door behind her and helped Tate get out. Once he was on his feet he walked to his mom and grabbed her hand. Epperly seemed to come back to reality when our son grabbed her. She smiled at him and got out of the car.

Epperly and Tate walked hand in hand up the steps of the porch of our new home. I walked behind them mostly because I was too scared that they would disappear if I didn’t. Not to mention the view from back here is magnificent. f**k, how did I go all these years without looking at her?

Once they reached the door they paused and Epperly turned to look at me. I gestured for her to open the door and walk in. When they did, Tate’s little gasps were all I could hear. Tia really pulled the place together. There are bins of toys litered in the living room and all kinds of snacks and food across the counters.

This house has an open floor plan, something I always liked. It’s a four bedroom one story home. When you first walk in there is a small area with a coat closet. I kicked off my shoes and watched as Tate copied me.

The beige carpet is fluffy and soft. The walls are a light blue color. Once you walk through the small entry area there is the living room straight ahead and a kitchen to the right. With a small five seated dinner room table off to the side. The kitchen is decent sized with an island and stools to sit at.

I walked around them and went straight to the kitchen. There are four b***d bags in the fridge and quite a few more in the freezer. Pulling one out that is B positive, my favorite, I tossed it in the microwave.

While it heated I turned around to find my mate and son still looking around. Well, Epperly was looking around, Tate was staring at the toys still.

“Those are all for you buddy. If you want to play with them go ahead.” I told him.

Tate’s face light up and he looked up to his mother.

“Can I Mommy?” He asked her.

“Sure baby.” She answered and Tate ran off with an excited squeal.

The microwave beeped and I pulled out a kids cup with a straw. Thank the Goddess that Tia thought of everything. Being a mother of four now, she should know exactly what to expect I guess.

I bet Gatlin and Genesis are going to be pissed that Tate is a year older than them. The thought made me laugh. But he is the same age as Ziggy and I bet Robby and Belle will be thrilled their son has a friend to play with.

“What is that? Is that b***d?” Epperly asked from behind me. She sounded completely horrified.

I turned around with the cup in my hand. “Yes.” I answered.

“You are not going to give my son b***d.” Epperly said disgusted. Okay, that hurt.

I shook my head. “This is why his gums hurt. He is hungry.” I told her.

“He isn’t a Vampire!” Epperly whisper yelled at me.

I stared at her. f**k, I hope she doesn’t hate me after she finds out what I am. It doesn’t seem like she has a good look of my family as it is.

“Yes he is. Trust me Epperly. This is what he needs.” I told her.

“Trust you? I’m not supposed to trust anyone.” She whispered.

I slowly closed the distance between us. Setting the cup on the counter I carefully wrapped an arm around her waist. Thankfully she didn’t push me away. Instead it seemed that she relaxed in my touch. So, I wrapped my other arm around her and just held her.

f**k, this feels good. Just holding her like this.

“You are my mate and he is my son. I will never harm either of you.” I told her and I hoped she picked up on the honesty in my voice.

“What if you get hurt because of us. What about your family?” She asked me.

I shook my head. “I don’t know who is after you Epperly but I guarantee you that they won’t dare mess with my family.” I told her as I reached up to cup her cheek.

“What if… What if the people after me are Gods?” She asked in a whisper.

So it really was her they were after.

“Even if they are Gods, they would think twice about messing with my family or my mate. If you would have just stayed…” I trailed off shaking my head.

“We can talk about this when Tate goes to bed. Right now let’s feed him.” I said as I let go of her and grabbed the cup.

I walked to the living room with Epperly right behind me. Tate was on the floor playing with some monster trucks, so I sat next to him. He smiled at me and started telling me all about the trucks and how cool they are.

“That’s great buddy.” I said after he was finished. “I have something for you.” I told him as I held out the cup.

“It’ll help with your gums and throat.” I told him.

Tate took the cup and looked at his mother. Then he looked back at me. It seemed like he wanted to tell me something but wasn’t sure if he should say it. There was no way Epperly would leave us alone right now and I didn’t want her to leave the room either. So, I decided to try something else.

Tate, can you hear me? I opened up the mindlink.

Tate’s eyes went wide.

Shhh. I quickly told him. Let’s keep this between you and me for now. I said. Now, it seems like you want to say something but don’t want your mom to hear. You can tell me through this. It’s called a mind link. Just think about what you want to say and push it to my mind. I insturcted him.

Can you hear me? Tate’s little voice came through the link.

I beamed at him.

Sure can kiddo. I said. Now, whats going on? I asked.

You can’t tell Mommy. I don’t want her to worry more. He told me.

Okay. I urged him to go on.

My gums tingled and my throat hurt yesterday. When I turned into a wolf I… uh… I tasted someones b***d and my throat felt better. I think that I need b***d.. I don’t want Mommy to be scared of me. Tate said.

I frowned at him.

Buddy, your mom would never be scared of you. You do need b***d but that’s because you are like me. You’re a Vampire and a Wolf and so much more. I told him.

Really? Tate asked as his eyes went wide.

I noticed his mother start to pick up that something was happening between us. So, I nodded and grabbed the cup. I put the straw in my mouth and took a drink of the b***d. Then I licked my lips and handed the cup back to my son.

“This is my favorite. B positive. I drink b***d too buddy, it’s no big deal around here.” I told him out loud.

Tate stared at me in awe for a moment. Then he put the straw in his mouth and he started to drink. As soon as the b***d hit his lips I saw his eyes glow orange. He stared at me while he downed the entire cup.

Once he drank it all he let the straw go and I could see his little fangs poking out of his mouth. He’s adorable.

“That was really good.” He said and then wiped his mouth.

“Do you want more?” I asked him.

Tate nodded enthusiastically making me chuckle.

“You have more?” Epperly asked incredulously.

I nodded my head.

“I told you that this school is for the supernatural. We always keep b***d stocked.” I told her and then looked up into her eyes. “And I will always make sure my son is properly fed.”

Epperly seemed to be lost in my eyes, just like I was in hers.

“And what about you?” She asked a bit breathless.

I smirked at her. “Mommy can make sure that I am always fed.” I said with a low voice.

Epperly’s face heated and she looked away from me. I chuckled at her reaction. I opened my mouth to tease her more but Tate spoke before I could.

“Can I have more now?” He asked.

“You sure can buddy. Let’s try different types and you can tell me which one is your favorite.” I told him.

*********************************************

A little while later Tate had gone through five b***d bags. It turns out that B positive is his favorite just like his dad. I couldn’t help but be proud of that. We were all sitting in the kitchen now, Tate and I were sharing a bag of B positive and he was talking non stop.

“Is it normal for him to drink that much?” Epperly asked me as he finished the bag.

I looked over to see she was giving our son a worried look.

“Yeah.” I told her. “You said he just shifted last night?” I asked her.

Epperly nodded.

“I was the same way when I shifted. It was different for my sisters though. They craved b***d since they were babies. I didn’t until I first shifted. For a few months I drank a lot but then it evened out for me.” I told her.

“What does shifted mean?” Tate asked me.

I looked back to my son.

“That is what we call it when we turn into our wolves.” I told him.

Tate’s eyes went wide.

“You can change into a wolf too!?” He asked excitedly.

I nodded to him as I laughed.

“I can. And I have fangs like you.” I told him as I protruded my fangs.

Tate stared into my mouth with pure amazement.

“Whoa..” He breathed out. “Are they sharp?” He asked.

I nodded as I forced them back in.

“Very sharp. I can also do magic and teleport.” I told him.

Tate’s energy skyrocketed as he practically shook from excitement.

“That’s way cool! Momma did you hear that? He can do magic like us!” Tate said to his mother.

I looked up at my mate.

“You can do magic? Are you a witch?” I asked her.

Epperly gave me an apprehensive look and shook her head. She didn’t seem like she wanted to explain more to me so I didn’t push it. My mate doesn’t trust me yet. She feels the bond but she doesn’t really know that we’re mates.

I just have to be patient.

I looked back at my son.

“What kind of magic can you do?” I asked him.

Tate’s face morphed into worry, something that a five year old should never have. Then he looked at his mom. Just when I was about to ask Epperly what was going on she came over and snatched Tate up in her arms.

“I think that we should probably get washed up and ready for bed.” She said as she turned and took a few steps away from me.

I frowned.

What are they hiding?

“We haven’t even had dinner yet.” I said as I stood to my feet.

Epperly turned around to look at me. Our son clung to her and was looking behind her. I stared into Epperly’s eyes and realized how tired she really looked.

“How long had you been driving for before I found you?” I asked her.

She seemed reluctant to answer but thankfully our son did.

“Mommy drove alllllll night and alllllll day today.” He said as he turned in her arms to look at me.

Epperly frowned at Tate. “Traitor.” She mumbled.

“Why don’t you go take a nap and Tate and I can hang out. We can make you dinner.” I suggested.

Epperly’s hold on Tate tightened and I tried not to let the hurt I was feeling show. She doesn’t trust me with our son. Hell, my mate doesn’t trust me period.

“Tate can come take a nap with me.” She countered.

I was about to tell her yes, that was fine. She needed sleep and I wanted her to get it. Even if it left me out here alone while they were just in the next room.

“But I’m not tired Mommy. I wanna stay and cook with…” Tate looked at me.

My son hesitated with what to say. We told him my name but I could tell that he recognized me as more than just his moms friend. That’s how Werewolves worked, but I wasn’t sure what to say to him.

I mean I wanted him to call me dad. I’m his dad afterall, but I wanted Epperly to feel comfortable with it too. My mate looked me in the eyes and I hoped that she could sense what I wanted.

Epperly set Tate on the counter so that she could look in his eyes. She grabbed his hands and gave him a big smile. Then she kissed his head.

“Do you remember how you asked me about your daddy a lot?” Epperly asked him and my heart started to beat faster.

Tate nodded. “You say I look like him.” He said and then his eyes flickered to me.

“Well, I never thought I would ever be able to find your daddy again, but..” She trailed off as she looked at me. “It turns out that your daddy found us though.” Then she looked back at Tate. “Mommys friend Ambrose, well, he is your dad Tate.” She told him gently.

f**k, if I wasn’t already in love with her, I would be now.

Tate turned his head back to me. “Your my daddy?” He asked me.

I nodded and cleared my throat.

“Yeah buddy I am. You, uh, you don’t have to call me dad if you don’t want to yet though.” I said awkwardly.

Epperly smiled at my lame attempt to be cool and collected. I nearly melted into a puddle on the floor. Her smile is everything. She is everything. These dimples are everything.

“Okay.” Tate said with a shrug.

The kid is unfazed by all of this. It was kind of hilarious considering that his mother and I were going through all kinds of emotions. Whatever. I’m just happy to have them here. Tate will call me dad eventually. And soon enough Epperly will trust me. All I care about is that they are here, and they are never leaving me.

My son turned back to his mother.

“Can I stay with Dad and help cook dinner?” He asked her again and my eyes went wide.

Epperly chuckled at my reaction and nodded to her son.

“I guess that’s fine. But if anything happens you come get me. You stay with your dad and-” Epperly started to lecture him.

“Don’t answer the door for stranges, don’t play with fire, don’t go outside. I know Mom.” Tate said with an eye roll. Kid acts older than just five. Although, his words concerned me.

“Okay honey.” Epperly said as she picked him up and set him on the floor.

“Come on Daed let’s start cookin’!” Tate called out cheerfully.

I chuckled at him.

“Okay bud you wait here and I am gonna show your momma where her bed is.” I told him and then grabbed Epperly’s hand to lead her down the hall.

“I have my own bed?” She asked with a chuckle.

I opened the door for the room we will share and turned to her.

“No.” I said with a wide smile. “We will share this room.” I said lowly and watched as her face heated. “But for now it’s just yours.” I said.

“Dad come on! I’m starving!” Tate called from the kitchen making Epperly and I chuckle.

“He called me dad.” I said giddy.

Epperly chuckled and then her face went sad.

“I’m sorry that I kept him from you. I.. I didn’t know who you were Ambrose. I thought you were lying about your last name. I didn’t want to drag you into my mess of a life, I still don’t. But I am so sorry that you didn’t get to meet your son until just now.” She said softly.

I reached up and cupped her cheek.

“It’s alright Epperly. We can make up for lost time now. And whatever it is you’re running from… I will protect the both of you.” I told her. “But we can always make up for things by making more babies.” I told her with a sly smile.

Epperly giggled, making those dimples come out.

“You want to have more kids with me? After you just found out that I’m on the run and have kept one kid from you for the last five years?” She asked trying to sound amused but I could hear the shock in her voice.

I nodded to her.

“Oh yeah, a lot more. As many as you want. Whatever you are, and whatever you’re running from doesn’t scare me love. You are my mate, my other half, my life, the mother of my children.” I said with a smile.

Epperly giggled at me again.

“Daaaaadddyyy!” Tate called again.

Epperly rolled her eyes and I chuckled.

“Get some sleep. Our son will be safe with me.” I said and then kissed her head.

Epperly sighed and walked into the bedroom. I watched as she crawled into the bed before I turned back around to head for my son.

When I got back to the kitchen Tate had climbed onto a stool and was eating out of a bag of cheeto puffs. As soon as he saw me his eyes light up. My Goddess, he is so amazing to look at. He has everything about me, people could look at him and see that he’s mine.

The only differences are his dimples he gets from his mother and the gold flecks in his eyes. Everything else is the same, his facial structure, his hair, he’s even a big kid for a five year old, I can’t believe Epperly could pick him up.

“What are we making for dinner Daddy?” He asked and I smiled at him.

“What is your favorite?” I asked him.

Tate put his little finger on his chin making me laugh.

“Uhmmmmm. I really like burgers and steak.” Tate told me.

“Ahh, so you like meat then.” I said and Tate nodded.

“I do too. That’s part of being a wolf. That’s also why you eat a lot. Werewolves always eat a lot, though you seem to be a bottomless pit.” I told my son.

Tate scrunched up his face.

“What’s a bottomless pit mean?” He asked me.

“It means you never stop eating.” I told him.

“Oh.” Tate said and then shoved a cheeto puff into his mouth.

Looking into the fridge and freezer I pulled out a few steaks, asparagus, and found some potatoes. Before I could cook though I had to put the rest of the groceries away so that I had room.

Tate sat on the stool and I let him keep eating his cheeto puffs. Then I pulled everything out and set it on the counter. Tate stared at everything in awe.

“I love potatoes.” He told me.

I chuckled. “Good. Want to help?” I asked him.

Tate nodded and then I took him to wash his hands. After that we minced up some garlic, and chopped an onion. I made sure to help Tate with the knives, obviously. He was actually very good with helping me.

Once we were getting things going I asked Tate if he knew how he wanted his steak. He told me bloody and I laughed. I like mine the same way.

“Well, should we make desert too for after dinner?” I asked my son.

“Yeah!” Tate yelled as he fist pumped the air.

“Alright, what should we make? What’s your favorite? We can do cake, banana bread, cupcakes, cookies, cheesecake, brownies.” I listed off options for him.

Tate put that little finger back on his chin while he thought it over.

“Brownies!” He decided.

“Alright then.” I told him.

About an hour later dinner was nearly done. I felt really bad that I didn’t make something that took longer so that Epperly could keep sleeping. I’d just have to make sure she gets a lof of sleep tonight.

“Hey buddy, go wake your mommy up and I’ll put our plates on the table. She’s down the hall, the door is open so you’ll see her.” I told him.

“Okay.” He said.

Tate ran down the hall and I took our plates to the table. I made sure to cut Tate’s up for him. Then I grabbed some whine for Epperly and I, and heated up some b***d for Tate. He’s going to be thirsty again. I can’t believe how much like me he is.

My hunger was nearly insatiable after I shifted for the first time. I had to have b***d with every meal. I’m glad that we all found each other when we did. I can’t imagine what would have happened if Epperly didn’t stop here for gas. Tate’s hunger would have went out of control and he would have killed someone. I don’t want that for him so young.

A few minutes later Tate came down the hall holding his mothers hand. Epperly yawn and rubbed her tired eyes. Goddamn, she is beautiful. Even with her hair a mess, and dark circles under her eyes, she is most beautiful person I have ever seen. I love them both so much.

“Hope you’re hungry.”