Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 26

I woke up alone in the bed I share with the man who is supposed to be my mate. Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered everything from last night. And then I got pissed.

How is it fair that he can make feel so sad and so safe at the same time?

Using my anger, I got up from the bed. I went to the bathroom, peed, and brushed my teeth. Then I went to my closet and dressed. I walked out of the room and took a deep breath before walking down the hallway.

Once I came out of the hallway I saw Tate on the couch. I could feel Ambrose’s eyes on me from the kitchen but I ignored him.

Why is it so hard to ignore him?

“Good morning baby.” He greeted me and I tried not to let the pet name break through my anger.

“Morning.” I replied softly.

I walked to the entry way and started to put my sneakers on.

“Where are you going? It’s Saturday.” Ambrose asked me.

“To the archives. I want to read some more.” I told him as I finished tying my shoe.

“I was kind of hoping to spend some time with you today.” He said to me.

That only fueled my anger.

He wants to spend time with me now? After ignoring me all week? After I literally threw myself at him over and over and he denied me over and over?

Finally, I turned my angry eyes to him.

“Yeah? I wanted to spend time with you all week but you couldn’t do that for me. So, I’m going to go. IF I have time later, maybe we can hang out or whatever it is you want to do.” I said angrily.

Ambrose just blinked at me in surprise. I rolled my eyes and decided to ignore him. Walking over to my son I pulled his head back and gave him a k**s, that he wiped away.

“I’m going to be gone for a little bit butterscotch, behave for your dad.” I said.

“Okay Mommy.” Tate replied.

“Love you baby.” I said with a sweet smile.

Tate ignored me. Wow, so much like his dad. What a shocker. I turned and headed for the door.

“No k**s goodbye for me?” Ambrose asked hopeful.

I turned and gave him an icy look.

“For what? So you can push me away some more? No thanks.” I said and then stormed out of the door.

Immediately I was regretting not getting a k**s. I shook my head as I walked down the porch steps.

The fresh morning air did nothing to calm me. I stomped the whole way to the school. Even all the way down to the archives, I stomped like a child.

I can’t f*****g believe Ambrose. He ignores me all f*****g week long and then I have one nightmare and he wants to spend time together, and k**s me now?

I don’t understand him, at all. Why is having a mate so confusing?

No one told me it would be like this. It was supposed to be simple. We were supposed to meet and live happily ever after. Maybe that is his problem with me, that things can’t be simple between us because of who I am.

Is that it?

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

Over the next couple of hours I read up on anything I could find that had to do with mates. Apparently, once I’m marked Ambrose and I will be connected offically. There would never be anywhere I could go that Ambrose couldn’t find me. We would be able to mind link as well.

Ambrose would be able to feed from me and only me, and be satisfied always. That all sounds fun honestly. To be connected to Ambrose like that. Or, well, it would be if he wasn’t being such a dickwad.

Witches don’t have control over when they mark their mates and I was a bit concerned that I didn’t at least have that mark. Although, I haven’t really looked myself over lately. Guess I’ll have to do that later and hope that I have a new mark somewhere.

I rolled my eyes at myself.

There was a time when I hated any mark that was on my body, now here I am trying to figure out how to get some. I guess that this is different though. These marks would be marks of love and pride.

I did find a couple of books on Djin’s and was kicking myself for not finding them sooner. There wasn’t a ton of information. Most of what I read I already knew. Though, there are a few stories about what the Gods had their Djin’s wish for.

I skimmed through them but they didn’t have much information really. Just Gods wishing for bad things on their enemies and their followers. As for a Djin’s powers, they didn’t say anything I didn’t already know. Until I came across something.

In one of the stories I read there was a Djin who could do something that no other could. Apparently it is against the law’s of nature to wish death on someone or take their free will. I have granted several deaths.

How were this Djin and I so different?

The passage didn’t say why this particular Djin was able to do what the others couldn’t, but there was talk about being blessed by more than one God. In turn for being a loyal servant to multiple Gods, they blessed the Djin with powers the others did not have.

So, does that mean I’m blessed? If so, by who? And why?

I’d have to talk with Ambrose about that eventually. Maybe there are some Gods on my side if that is the case. I skimmed through some more stories hoping to find something about Djin’s and their mates. There was nothing though. Not one story about mates and Djin’s.

Does that mean Djin’s don’t usually have mates?

That really sucks. I was hoping to find out how to mark Ambrose. Then I would just do it and not give him a choice. Let’s see him deny me then. But unfortunately, I found nothing at all.

Groaning, I dropped my head on the table.

“Thought you would be down here.” Belle’s voice sounded through the room.

I looked up to see her walking in with her daughter in her arms.

“Just thought I would get more reading in.” I said and then smiled at little Daisy.

Daisy smiled back at me and then reached her arms out.

“Auntie Epp.” She blabbered.

“That’s right little Daisy girl.” I said and then booped her nose.

“Huh, you finally pulled out books about Djin’s.” Belle commented as she sat down in the chair beside me. “Find anything useful?” She asked.

I shook my head.

“Not really. I was honestly looking to see if there was a way I could mark Ambrose.” I admitted.

“Why don’t you just ask him to mark you?” She suggested.

I g*****d. “He won’t.” I said.

Belle’s golden eyes went wide.

“Really?” She asked surprised.

I nodded.

“I’m starting to think that maybe I shouldn’t be here.” I told her.

Belle shook her head.

“Don’t go. Trust me. That is not the better option.” She rushed out.

I smiled at her.

“I wasn’t going to leave. I would stay even if it’s just for Tate.” I said. “Why are mates so difficult? Do you know Daisy?” I asked the toddler.

Daisy smiled brightly and shook her head making me giggle.

“Robby texted me and said the guys are going to have a guys day. He said that Lydia and Kasyn offered to take the kids for the night. We should do a girls night!” Belle suggested.

“They really offered to take all of them?” I asked surprised.

Belle nodded.

“Even Gatlin and his better half.” She said with a laugh. “You aren’t upset that Ambrose is taking Tate there for the night are you?” She asked me.

I shook my head.

“Not at all. Tate has always wanted this life. A big family, friends, sleep overs.” I said with a small laugh. “I always hated that I couldn’t give that to him. But now I can. And I have never felt safe in my life until I got here so, I trust Tate’s grandparents to take good care of him.” I told her.

Belle smiled at me.

“I’m a bit envious of you ya know.” She told me.

I turned to give her a confused look.

“Me?” I asked.

Belle nodded.

“You have had so much thrown at you in your life. More than the rest of us have and that is saying a lot. Yet you managed to not only survive, but you had a baby and raised him on your own. And Tate is so smart and sweet and polite. I’m jealous. I don’t always feel like I’m doing a good job as a mom. Ziggy is so shy and quiet, Daisy hates everyone but you and her father.” Belle said with clear annoyance making me laugh.

“I always wonder if I am doing good enough. Mom guilt.” She shrugged. “But you had it so much worse and with no help at all. And look how Tate is turning out.” She finished with a bright smile.

“Thanks for that.” I told her. “I don’t think I did as well as all of you give me credit for though.” I admitted.

Belle put her hand on my arm.

“I don’t think you are giving yourself enough credit hon.” She told me.

“Thank you.” I said soflty.

“Well,” Belle said and then clapped her hands together. “Let’s take this kid to her sleepover and go have a girls night!”

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

A little while later I was sitting at the table on Belle’s back porch. Acaisia, Ahkari, Bianca, and Tia have joined us. Bianca started pouring all of us an alcoholic drink. Acaisia huffed when she got skipped.

“You’re pregnant with my nephew.” Bianca told her.

Aciaisa crossed her arms and scowled.

“Yeah yeah.” She grumbled. “And we don’t know the s*x of the baby yet.”

“It’s a boy, I know it.” Bianca said confidently. Acaisia just crossed her arms and huffed.

I laughed.

“Do you not like being pregnant?” I asked her.

Acaisia looked at me and rolled her eyes.

“I was not ready to have a kid yet.” She told me.

“Then you shouldn’t have been f*****g your mate CONSTANTLY.” Bianca said with a laugh.

Acaisia rolled her eyes again.

“It’s not constantly.” She said.

Ahkari snorted.

“Vessa told us what happened on your last mission. Ares was pissed.” She said.

“I still can’t believe you did that. If you weren’t already on leave for your pregnancy, I would suspend you for that stunt.” Tia told her.

“What did you do?” Belle asked her.

Acaisia’s face went red but she stuck her nose in the air anyways.

“Nothing.” She stated.

Bianca snorted.

“They f****d in the middle of the mission, in a dark hallway, while being undercover.” She said.

My eyes went wide.

“You did? I bet that was thrilling.” I said.

Belle was dying of laughter.

“Don’t encourage her Epperly.” Tia told me.

“Oh please, it wasn’t even that big of a deal.” Acaisia said.

I laughed.

“You’re wild.” I commented.

“Well, what about you and Ambrose? As much as I don’t want to hear about my brother.” Acaisia asked. “I’m surprised you aren’t marked yet, after waiting for you for five years you’d think he wouldn’t wait one more second.” She said.

I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, you’d think.” I grumbled.

The girls all shared a look that I tried to ignore.

“He won’t sleep with her until she knows what it means to be marked I guess.” Belle answered their unasked question for me.

“That’s stupid.” Bianca said.

“I know!” I agreed. “What more could I possibly need to understand? We will be connected, we could mind link, share emotions, never be apart.” I said and then downed my drink. “I don’t get it.”

“Maybe he means cause it’s a little different with us Morningstar’s?” Ahkari offered.

“Different?” I asked.

Bianca nodded and refilled my glass.

“Your senses will be even more heightened, you’ll be able to teleport, tap into their magic, all sorts of fun things.” She told me.

I downed that drink too.

“Well that all sounds fun.” I said. “Why doesn’t he want that?” I asked.

“I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t want it.” Belle said. “Ambrose is just a gentleman.” She said.

“Well I wish he wouldn’t be all the time.” I grumbled making them all laugh.

“You just have to seduce him.” Acaisia said.

“Yeah totally.” Belle agreed.

“That would probably work. Not marking you yet has most definitely started to take its toll on his mentality. It should be easy.” Ahkari said.

“Mentality?” I asked.

“Wolves start to go insane after not marking their mate. We are strong enough to withstand it but it still takes its toll on us.” Tia told me.

“Ouuu let’s give her some tips.” Bianca said.

“Gross, but I’m down.” Acaisia said.

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

For the next hour the girls gave me tons of advice and tips to try. I listened patiently the entire time and drank five more glasses of whatever this stuff is. Everything that they told me were things I already tried, things that didn’t work. My heart was breaking more and more with everything they suggested.

They all seemed so excited that I didn’t have the heart to tell them it wouldn’t work. The more things they suggest the more it had me feeling like Ambrose really doesn’t want me. I managed to keep the smile on my face and agree with them.

They even told me to save drenching myself in his scent for last, said that I wouldn’t need to go that far. Tears were threatening to come to my eyes but I faught them back.

After another hour I was definitely drunk and wanted to go home. This might be the alcohol talking but I think I’m going to pack up and run away tonight.

Tate would be safe here. I have no idea what I would do without that crystal but I would figure it out. Ambrose clearly doesn’t want me here and my heart can’t take it anymore.

“You sure you can walk home?” Belle asked me.

“I live right there.” I pointed in the direction of my house.

My house is so close to Belle’s that they can literally watch me walk home from here. Which they did do. I could hear their giggles every time I stumbled forward. Silly girls. I love them. They are so nice. I frowned. I used to think Ambrose was nice too.

Am I still so naive?

I entered the house and sloppily kicked my shoes off. The house is dark so I felt my way around until I got to my bedroom. I leaned on the wall and took my jeans off so that I am just in my blue cotton panties and my favorite pink shirt. Then I sat on the bed. At least the world isn’t spinning right now.

As I sat on the bed I thought about what the girls told me. The tears I had been holding back came up to the surface. I might be drunk but I am thoroughly convinced that Ambrose doesn’t want me.

The girls all seemed so sure that he wouldn’t be able to resist me if I tried what they suggested. Little did they know that I did try all of that already, and none of it worked.

I was so lost in my own self pity that I never noticed Ambrose come home.

“Baby, why are you crying?” He asked as he knelt down in front of me.

Ambrose’s scent engulfed me and made me cry harder.

“Baby talk to me, what’s wrong?” He tried again.

I opened my mouth but no words would come out.

“Is it the girls? Did my sisters say something to you?” He asked.

I shook my head.

“N-n-no.” I stuttered out.

“Then what is it baby?” Ambrose asked again as he started to wipe my tears.

I stared into his warm deep blue eyes.

“D-d-do y-you no-not wa-want me-e?” I blubbered out the question.

“What?” Ambrose asked. “Baby, no I always want you.” He told me.

I shook my head and tried to take a deep breath.

“I-I c-can still st-stay even if-f-f y-you don’t.” I told him.

Ambrose’s eyes grew hard.

“You will always stay no mater what. That wasn’t even an option. Ever.” He said dangerously.

“T-then why d-don’t you l-l-l-love me?” I asked in a whisper.

Geez, I sound like a total i***t.

“Oh baby.” Ambrose said and then he grabbed my face between his hands.

“Epperly I do love you. I loved you the moment I saw you in that bar. I’ve loved you for over five years. You are everything to me Epperly, everything. You gave me my son, my soul, my life. I never want to be without you.” He told me.

I sniffled.

“You’ve been avoiding me all week though.” I stated. Finally I stopped stuttering.

Ambrose gave me a pained expression.

“I know. I’m sorry. I should have talked with you about everything instead of avoiding you.” He admitted. I nodded to him. “My wolf and I have just been fighting over marking you and-“

“Your wolf?” I asked, interrupting him.

Ambrose nodded.

“Your wolf wants to mark me but you don’t?” I asked.

“No, that is not exactly it. I wanted to wait. My wolf does not. It’s been getting harder to hold him back.” Ambrose told me.

I looked into his eyes for a few moments. Then an idea hit me. One last try to get myself marked.

I licked my lips.

“What is your wolves name again?” I asked him. I did remember but I wanted to try and get Kohen to surface a bit.

Ambrose gave me a skeptical look.

“Kohen. Why?” He asked.

I grabbed Ambrose’s chin with one of my hands and put the other on the back of his neck.

“Kohen,” I said his wolves name like I was calling to him.

A low growl left Ambrose’s lips and his eyes started to glow orange.

“Epperly what are you doing?” Ambrose asked and he sounded pained.

Kohen must be fighting him for control. I kept my eyes on the glowing orange ones of my mate.

“Kohen, mark me.” I demanded. “Please Kohen. I want this. I want you. Both of you. I can’t wait anymore. Please. As your mate I am begging you, make me yours.”

The words had barely left my lips before I was shoved back onto the bed.

Ambrose grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked my head to the side. I hissed out at the pain and then I felt his canines brush against my skin. Anticipation was rushing through me and I could tell Ambrose was holding back.

“Do it.” I ordered as I gripped his shirt. “Mark me or I will leave again.” I bluffed.

A loud growl ripped from the chest of my mate, and then I finally got what I wanted. Ambrose’s canines pierced through the soft skin of my neck. It hurt at first but then it felt good, really good.

A loud m**n tumbled from my lips and I wrapped my legs around Ambrose’s waist.

After another second, Ambrose released his hold on me. He licked the wound and then pulled away enough to look me in the eyes. I’m not sure if he’s pissed off or not but I couldn’t care less.

The most euphoric feeling settled in my body. It’s like the tingles from when Ambrose touches me but now it’s coming from inside of me. Many emotions flooded my system and I wasn’t sure they were all mine.

“You just f*****g convinced my wolf to mark you.” Ambrose said dangerously.

Now I could make out his anger through our bond, but I didn’t care.

“You’ll get over it.” I mumbled.

Amusement flowed through me, dissipating all of the anger.

“See, over it already.” I said with a smile.

“Oh, I’m still pissed at you my love.” Ambrose told me. “But it’s hard to stay mad at you when you’re so happy.” He said.

I moved my hands under his shirt and roamed his broad chest. The tingles ignited in my fingers and it was so much more intense than before. It’s an amazing feeling.

“How could you have denied me of this for so long?” I asked in a whisper.

Guilt poured through me from Ambrose.

“I thought I was doing the right thing.” He admitted.

I shook my head. “Well you weren’t.” I stated.

Ambrose chuckled softly. “I know baby, and I am so sorry I made you feel like I didn’t love you. I love you more than anything else in this world, aside from our son of course.” He admitted and I could feel the love pour through the bond.

“Can you feel me too?” I asked him.

Ambrose nodded and I smirked. If that is the case then I should be able to push feelings through the bond. I focused on how horny I have been all week and pushed it through to my mate.

“Epperly, what are you doing?” Ambrose asked amused.

I reached up and pressed a sloppy k**s to his neck.

“You have no excuses now, mate.” I whispered. “So, just give me what I want.” I demanded. “Or do I have to ask Kohen to come out and play with me instead?” I asked teasingly.

Ambrose let out a low growl that only turned me on more.

“I think Kohen can remain out of this for now.” Ambrose told me.

He dipped his head down and placed a wet k**s to my new mark. A feeling extremely similar to having an o****m shot through my body and I m****d loudly. I could feel Ambrose smirk against me as he kissed and sucked on my mark.

While he did that he reached up and ripped the shirt from my body. I was so turned on that I didn’t even care that he just ripped my favorite shirt.

“I’ll buy you another one.” He mumbled against my skin.

I only m****d in response. Ambrose greedily kissed down my body, ripping the clothing from me as he went. He pulled a n****e into his mouth as he ripped my panties from my body. I arched my back, pushing myself into him more.

“Wish that you are naked.” I ordered him.

“Huh?” He asked around my n****e.

“Wish that you are naked.” I said again.

“I wish that I was naked.” He said.

Magic swirled through me and Ambrose’s soft gasp told me my eyes went white.

“Your wish, is my command.” I said in a voice that was not only mine.

When my vision cleared I could see Ambrose hovering above me, staring down at me, completely naked. I smirked and pulled his head down to mine. Pressing our lips together I let out another m**n.

“That was so hot.” Ambrose whispered between k****s.

Ambrose sucked in my bottom l*p and nibbled on it. I m****d louder. He slipped his huge d**k between my wet folds and my body shuttered. Ambrose chuckled and then lined himself up at my entrance.

“Don’t you dare stop. I have been waiting five years to get f****d by you again and I am way too horny for you to go slow.” I warned him.

A shiver ran through his body.

“As you wish my love.” He said and then slammed himself inside of me.

I let out a loud m**n as I squeezed his shoulders. It was a bit painful but I was so ready for it that the pain subsided almost immediately. Nothing but plessure was rolling through me in waves. Ambrose rolled his h**s and g*****d, causing me to m**n again.

“Ambrose..” I breathed out as he began to move slowly. “Please, I need more.” I begged him.

“It’s been years babe, if I go any faster I’m going to c*m in seconds.” He told me.

I pouted up at him but then he slammed into me hard but slow. My eyes rolled back. Ambrose did it again and again.

“Don’t act like you couldn’t keep going.” I argued through m***s. “Ambrose..” I m****d again.

“f**k baby.” He whispered as he brought his lips to my mark. “We can c*m together.” He said.

Ambrose sucked on my mark and then started to really f**k me. I squeezed onto him, digging my nails into his back. Ambrose g*****d against my neck and I m****d out his name over and over. I could feel the o****m building up inside of me along with something else, another plessureable feeling that wasn’t mine.

Ambrose is close, I’m close, just another few seconds and I am going to explode. I’m panting and moaning as I clutch onto my mate. The o****m is so close I can almost taste it. Then, it burst inside of me. I screamed out Ambrose’s name as the ecstasy shot through me to my toes.

While I was still going through the motions, Ambrose g*****d against me much louder this time. I felt his c*m shoot into me and it only made all of this hotter.

After a moment Ambrose stilled inside of me. He rested his forehead to mine as we caught our breath. My entire body is humming with happiness. I did it, I finally convinced him to mark me, to f**k me.

Finally we are connected.

“You’re very happy.” Ambrose commented with a chuckle. “And drunk. I can feel it, it’s affecting me.” He told me, a goofy smile on his face.

I giggled.

“Oops.” I said. “I am very happy though.” I said as I trailed my fingers down his cheek. “Let’s do it again.”