Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 42

Chaos.

Everything was pure chaos.

I watched in pure horror as this beast ate one of my recuits. Alison Montgomery. He bit her right in half and then ate her like she was the most delicious meal. All I could do was stand in front of my mate and watch as the beast faught against us. Even Bexley and Phoenix were stuggling with it and they were by the best BOC members I have ever trained.

After a few more minutes of this horror I couldn’t take it anymore. I rushed into the action with my swords swinging. The beast has taken some damage but it wasn’t weakening fast enough.

At this rate I had no idea how we were going to come out of this. Only the few of us with immense power would survive. But so many would be lost.

“It doesn’t have any weak spots?” I shouted to Max who was trying to wrap the beast in his shadows, but it’s too massive.

“None that I can find.” Max shouted back.

“It’s fighting mostly with Bexley!” Nix shouted to me. “I think it’s neck is it’s weak spot!” She said.

“So, all we have to do is behead it? Great.” I said.

I sliced up the beasts body trying to make my way to it’s neck. It shook it’s arm and I fell to the ground with a thud. When my eyes focused I could see the beast had Kiah in it’s hand.

Oh no. No no no no no no. Not him.

Epperly won’t survive the guilt if it takes her father.

I got to my feet and teleported to it’s wrist. I sliced and sliced until I was almost breaking through it. We were being brought closer to it’s mouth. I have to hurry.

“Get your a*s out of here Ambrose! My daughter needs you alive!” Kiah shouted to me.

“Your daughter needs you alive! You have a pack to take care of Alpha.” I shouted back to him.

We were about to be devoured, but I wasn’t giving up. I turned around with the intention of tearing it apart from the inside if I have to. Just when it was about to bite down on us a piercing screech hit my ears.

“NOOOOOOOO!”

Epperly…

My eyes snapped to my mate in horror. Epperly’s eyes are glowing feircely. And so is her entire body. My mate is glowing so brightly that it’s almost blinding to stare at her. The ground began to shake once more. And then the beast screeched.

It dropped Kiah and I to the ground. I grabbed Kiah and pulled him back as the beast started to freak out.

It grabbed at it’s face tearing parts of itself off as it continued to screech. I could smell the burning of it’s flesh. It started to stomp around and I feared that it was about to do more damage.

“Everyone get back!” I ordered.

But it was too late.

The creature burst into bright golden flames from the inside. The flames are so large, so consuming, that they took up the entire space around it. It engulfed every member on this battle field, but it didn’t hurt. It didn’t even fell warm to me.

Within seconds the flames were gone and so was the beast. The only thing left in it’s place is a very large scorch mark in the ground.

All of us stared at the scorch mark trying to understand what just happened. Kiah passed out the moment he hit the ground. I passed him to the closest person to me, who happened to be Karla.

“Get him to the infirmory. Then help the others that are injured.” I ordered Karla.

“On it boss.” She said.

“Ambrose!”

I turned at the sound of my name to find my sister Acaisia holding my unconscious mate. Panic coursed through me as I rushed to her. I fell to my knees on the ground and took Epperly from my sister.

“It was her.” Aciaisa whispered.

I looked up at to her to see that she is staring down at my mate in awe.

“What do you mean it was her?” I asked.

Acaisia’s eyes snapped to mine.

“That power. That… fire. It was her. After that thing was gone she passed out. I caught her before she hit the ground.” She told me.

“What the f**k are you doing here?” Bou came marching up to his mate absolutely fuming.

Acaisia stood to her feet.

“I was just coming to get Epperly.” She said calmly.

“Why aren’t you with the others?” Bou asked angrily.

“Hey!” Olive shouted interrupting everyone. “Whoever is able, needs to help get the injured. Your petty bullshit can wait.” She said dangerously.

Acaisia and Bou stomped off in different directions. I assume my sister was going to get the others who were safe, for help. Then, Olive got down to look at Epperly. I growled at her when she touched my mate.

“Don’t you f*****g growl at me you dog.” She gritted out.

My eyes snapped up to hers. Both of us held fury.

“I am going to make sure she is okay. Then you can take her home and let us deal with the rest of this.” Olive stated.

I didn’t say anything but my hold on my mate loosened. Olive let me hold Epperly as she looked her over. After deeming her just extremely tired I took my mate into our home.

Leaving behind all of the destruction that the beast had brought. I walked my mate back to our bedroom and lay her in our bed. I stripped her out of her clothes and put one of my fresh T-shirts on her. Then I covered her with the blanket and sat on the bed next to her.

Tia, tell me that my son is alright. I asked through the link.

He is fine but passed out. She replied.

Passed out? I asked.

I don’t know how but Tate put up some kind of barrier when we got to the basement. He was unresponsive though. But then he took it down and passed out. She told me. I’m brining him to you right now, meet me at your front door.

Giving my mate one last look I got up and went to the front door. Tia was already there when I got there. I grabbed my son from her arms and carried him back to his bedroom. Tia followed behind me the whole time. After I shut his door I turned to her.

“What the f**k did you mean he put up a barrier?” I asked as we walked back to my kitchen.

Tia shrugged. “All I know was that he and Ziggy were being awfully quiet. Then he sat down in the middle of the room and there was a white shimmery barrier around us. Unfortunately, Acaisia was on the other side of it.” She told me.

“Ambrose, Acaisia couldn’t break through it at all. She couldn’t even teleport in. I don’t think even Tate realized how powerful he made that thing or even how he did it. But then he just.. passed out. At first I thought that he was just out of power but less than five minutes later and Acaisia was back telling us that that thing was gone.” She told me.

“I wonder if he felt his mothers power.” I commented.

“What?” She asked.

When I didn’t answer she tried again.

“Ambrose, what happened?”

“That is something I would like to know as well.” Came a voice that had me growling.

Lockern stepped into my kitchen like he had been here this entire time. He’s in a navy blue suit this time with his dark hair slicked back. I frowned at him.

“Now you show up. After we already faught off the beast.” I said.

“Beast?” Lockern asked.

“You don’t know?” I asked and Lockern just stared at me.

I gave a hollow chuckle.

“And here we thought you would be looking over my mate.” I said.

“I was looking over her. But then things… went a bit fuzzy.” He replied.

“Fuzzy?” I asked. “That’s your f*****g excuse?!” I shouted and slammed my fist on the counter. A large crack spread across the counter top.

“Locker, I think that it’s best you leave and come back when Epperly is awake.” Tia said.

Lockern chuckled. “I’m not leaving. Sorry Atiana but you are not the boss of-“

Lockern was cut off by the look that Tia was giving him.

“Perhaps I wasn’t clear.” She said. “Leave now, or you can deal with the Soulless.” Tia sounded dangerous. You can hear the threat in her voice.

Lockern cleared his throat.

“I will return tomorrow.” He said and then disappeared.

“f*****g prick.” I muttered.

“Max is gathering the others. They are on their way.” Tia told me.

Just then about 15 people pooled into my home. All of them were either BOC trainees or part of Kiah’s pack. This is not what I thought Tia meant by Max gathering everyone up.

“Does this house look big enough for all of you?” Tia asked annoyed.

“How is she?” One person asked.

“Yeah is Epperly okay?” Asked another.

“Can we see her?” That one was Angela.

“Hey!” I shouted causing everyone to shut up. “Epperly is fine. She is asleep. I need you all to leave, please. I promise that you will see her tomorrow. As for now.. Go get some rest, all of you need it.” I ordered them.

All of them but Angela and CJ left.

“Please, I need to see her.” Angela begged.

I looked up at CJ who looked just as worried as his mate. Looking back to Angela I nodded. I lead them down the hallway to my mate. Epperly hasn’t moved since I lay her down. As soon as we entered Angela shoved past me to get to Epperly. She let out a breath of relief.

“She’s okay. I was so worried.” She said.

“You guys have five minutes.” I said and then left the room.

I went to my son’s room to check on him. He’s in just as deep of a sleep as his mother. I decided to change him into his pajamas so that he doesn’t have to sleep in his jeans.

Our pup is strong. Kohen commented.

Too strong. I said.

Kohen huffed.

There is no such thing as too strong. He argued.

There is when he gets this weak afterwards. I said.

Our pup protected those that could not protect themselves. He risked his own power and engery to keep them hidden. That is something to admire. Our pup is only five and already he is a warrior. Kohen said.

I get what you’re saying, as his father I don’t agree. I should be protecting them both not the other way around. They shouldn’t be lifting a finger. I agrued.

Kohen let out a huff that almost sounded like a laugh.

Our mate and pups will never stand by when they can help. The Goddess has blessed us with a courageous family. He said lovingly.

I guess. I said sadly.

Tate sighed in his sleep and rolled over putting his back to me. Guess those five minutes are up. When I returned to my bedroom CJ had to pracitcally force Angela to part from Epperly. I felt bad but I have things to do and if I can’t be with my mate then no one else is either.

When I got back to the kitchen CJ and Angela had left. I turned to the table where many of my family and friends sat. Max and Tia, Bou and Acaisia, Mom and Dad, Bexley and Phoenix, and even Ares.

“How many guards did that thing kill?” I asked Bexley.

“None. It came in running. We heard it before it got to us. Nix told everyone to get out of the way at the perfect time. We were just the only ones that could slightly keep up with it.” She told me.

I nodded. “At least that is something good.” I said.

“How is Epperly?” Mom asked.

I blew out a breath.

“Olive says that she’s fine but she’s alseep.” I said.

“What the hell happened?” Tia asked. Her eyes are glowing a fierce red letting me know that she is angry.

“That thing came for us, you were there.” Ares replied to her.

Tia turned her eyes to Max.

“I didn’t get to stay long thanks to someone.” She stated.

Max’s jaw tightened as he stared down at his mate.

“Thank the Gods for that.” He said. “You could have gotten hurt T, I don’t give a f**k how mad you are.”

“You act like I can’t handle myself.” She replied with narrow eyes.

“You act like you aren’t pregnant right now.” Max replied with just as much anger.

“That’s enough.” Mom said cutting them off.

“What Max did was the right thing Atiana, get over it. We have more important things to discuss right now.” She said and then looked at me.

“We need to clean up the bodies. Kiah’s pack has already started to gather their own. There aren’t many bodies but there is a big clean up. It’s our job to handle it.” Mom told me.

I nodded and stood up. My head turned towards where my mate and son are. How can I just leave them after all of this?

Kohen growled in my head. He doesn’t even want me to be out here let alone leaving the house altogether. A hand rested on my shoulder and I turned around to find Acaisia standing there.

“Stay. We can handle it.” She offered.

“You will not be handling anything.” Bou said.

Acaisia rolled her eyes and turned to her mate.

“You two wouldn’t let us help in the fight because we’re pregnant.” She said gesturing to Bou and Max, then to herself and Tia. “We can help clean up, it’s not going to kill us.” She said and then headed for my back door.

Bou sighed but didn’t argue otherwise. Max and Tia seemed to be having a stare down before he finally gestured for her to head out before him. Everyone else followed behind. I stopped Ares before he could go.

“Stay here. I want you to keep an eye on Tate. I’m not in the best mental state right now.” I said.

Ares nodded. “You want me out here or in his room?” He asked.

I ran a hand down my face.

“Just check on him every half an hour.” I said.

“Will do brother.” Ares said and then walked back to my son’s room.

I trudged back to my bedroom with my mate. Epperly still hadn’t moved. I lay down on the bed with her and pulled her close. Tears filled my eyes as I realized what just happened.

We thought we were prepared. We got too cocky thinking the Gods wouldn’t mess with us. Zeus has some tricks up his sleeves. It’s ironic honestly. We are raised to never underestimate anyone. We teach others never to underestimate an opponet. And then we do exactly that. But not again.

They will never get this far again.

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

What felt like only mimutes later there was knock to my door. I got up to see my dad on the other side. He looked past me at my mate.

“I know you don’t want to leave her but we all need to talk.” He told me.

“Can’t we wait until Epperly wakes up?” I asked annoyed.

Dad shook his head.

“She’s been asleep for three hours Ambrose, we can’t wait anymore.” He said.

I furrowed my brow. Have I been in here for that long and I just didn’t know? All I did was stare at her and listen to our daughters heartbeat. Both of their hearbearts seem strong.

They are going to be okay. Let’s get this over with. Kohen grumbled.

“Alright.” I said as I walked out of my bedroom.

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

An hour later and everyone was caught up on the events that took place today. We still weren’t any closer to figuring out what that thing is. There are many injured people that Belle and Olive are taking care of.

Kiah has several broken bones and the last we heard he was still sleeping. My sisters couldn’t stop arguing with their mates and I was growing tired of this. Epperly still hadn’t woken up. I didn’t expect Tate to, but my mate…

She should have been up by now.

“Enough.” I said before Tia could get going about Kee. “Kee will be back as soon as she can. I’m tired. I’m going to go lay down with my mate. If you want to stay then stay.” I stated and then stood up.

I just can’t do it anymore. I’m tired and I need to be close to Epperly. Just as I rounded the corner of the hallway my eyes connected with my favorite pair of purple and gold eyes. Before anyone else realized that she was awake I took her back to our bedroom, where we had a small fight.

I was sure that anyone who was still here could hear her. Ares is staying the night here in Tate’s room so he definitely heard my mate. I knew that this was going to happen when she woke up though.

The guilt. It was heart breaking to say the least, to feel my mate go through this. Nothing I said mattered. Not until I told her that no one blames her. And they didn’t.

Epperly’s guilt was still there. The sadness she felt for the deaths was almost unbearable through our bond. But there was also exhuastion and I used that to get her into bed. I was sure that once she talks with her father that she will feel better. At least I hope she does.

I practically forced her into our bed. Then I stripped down to my boxers and climbed in with her. Epperly rolled over and rested her head on my chest. I sighed. She’s here. She’s awake. She’s okay. Our son is okay. Our daughter is okay. We will figure out the rest.

“By the way, Adria broke through.”

Epperly’s words had my eyes snapping open. I looked down at her but she looks completely unbothered as she snuggles into me. Did I just hear her right?

“What?” I asked lamely.

Epperly let out a small giggle.

“Adria broke through.” She repeated.

“She did? Baby that’s great.” I said. “How? When?” I asked.

Epperly lifted her head to look at me.

“Thought you wanted to go to bed.” She teased.

“Epperly don’t start with me. We’ve had a long day.” I said.

My mate frowned. “Then go to sleep.” She grumbled as she rolled over.

I grabbed her and rolled her back over to face me.

“Tell me what happened.” I said softly.

Epperly sighed. “She just broke through.” She said with a shrug. “Seeing our dad..” Epperly swallowed.

“About to be eaten did something to me Ambrose. I felt this power rush through me. I could hear Adria’s voice. I know that we did it together but I don’t know how. I felt so weak after..” She trailed off.

I nodded and pulled her closer.

“You did so good baby. Both of you. You protected all of us.” I said.

“Not all of them.” She said softly and that guilt came back.

I shook my head and pulled back to look into her eyes.

“You didn’t know. None of us could have guessed what that thing was going to do. Nothing we were doing was affecting it.” I said.

Epperly frowned.

“If that’s true, how did I know?” She asked. “I’ve never used fire before and it didn’t feel the same as when I try to tap into your magic. This felt… like my own. Like I knew exactly what to do to make it stop. How is that possible?”

Many emotions started running through our bond. Confusion. Guilt. Sadness. Curiosity. Fear. I grabbed Epperly’s chin and forced her eyes to mine. I pressed my lips to hers in a soft k**s.

“You are a tribrid that no one has ever seen before Epperly. I might not have the answers for you, but I will stand by your side as we figure it out. Together.” I told her.

My mate nodded and I could feel her relief through our bond. Never have I been happier that she hates keeping the block up. I need to know how she feels to make things better for her.

“It was so scary.” She whispered.

“I know baby.” I replied.

“Adria said that Tate put up a barrier to protect everyone he was with.” She said.

I smiled. “He did.” I said.

“Our son is a warrior, just like his father.” Epperly said.

I shook my head. “I wish he wouldn’t be.” I admitted.

Epperly sputtered out laughter.

“It’s too late for that. All we can do is train and guide him.” She said.

I rolled my eyes. “Didn’t I say something like that to you?” I asked teasing her.

“I’m not sure. I only listen to you when I want to.” She teased back.

I chuckled. “So, Adria is really awake?” I asked.

Epperly looked at me as her eyes started to glow yellow.

“Yeah. She’s smart. She likes you. And she can’t wait to meet Kohen.” Epperly said.

I tucked some hair behind her ear.

“Kohen can’t wait to meet her either.” I admitted.

“This is going to be the longest five months for them.” Epperly said amused.

Kohen grunted in my head and I laughed. Epperly snuggled up against me once more. I ran my fingers through her hair as we lay there in silence.

“Ambrose?” Epperly asked breaking our silence.

“Yeah baby?”

“What are we going to do now?” She asked.

I sighed.

Epperly didn’t need to elaborate for me. I know what she’s asking. What are we going to do now that the Gods have waged war? How are we going to protect everyone?

Epperly is out of the fight now that she is pregnant. I’m not sure she realizes that though. We have a lot to discuss. We need strategies and more powerful allies.

“The Gods want a war with us, then a war they’ll get.” I stated. “They will pay for the lives they have taken.” I promised my mate.

Epperly nodded. “Things are about to get much more intense here aren’t they?” She asked.

I squeezed her closer to me.

“Yeah baby, things are definitely going to be different now.”

“Do you hate me for it?” She asked in a whisper.

“I could never hate you Epperly. This is not your fault. It is not your fault that they came for you, that they want you. You have done nothing wrong. Being born is not something you should be apologizing for.” I stated.

“I don’t want anyone else getting hurt because of me.” She said sternly.

“Kee needs to break that seal. I have a strong feeling she will be back tomorrow. Hopefully she has good news.” I said.

“Adria says that the seal has been cracked because she broke through. If Kee can break it do you think… Do you think that I could be helpful? Even while being pregnant? Do you think that I could keep everyone safe?” She asked.

“I’m not sure Epperly. We have no idea what your powers are like.” I said honestly.

“But, you took out a beast that none of us could without even touching it. The fire you set off only burned that thing to the ground and didn’t hurt the rest of us. I’m not sure if you realize this my love, but doing something like that takes immense control. Personally, I think that you could do more than just protect us once that seal is broken.” I admitted.

It was true. After taking in to consideration what Epperly had really done there was no doubt in my mind that she would be doing wonders in her lifetime. She is a Goddess.

Essentially she can do anything she wants. Max is as bit different but he learns about new powers everyday. I have a feeling that Epperly will be doing beautiful things with her powers.

“Tomorrow we will figure more out.” I told her. “Please, get some sleep.”

“Should we bring Tate in here?” She asked worried.

“No, Ares is with him.” I told her. “Now sleep.”

Epperly nodded. A few moments later and she was asleep. I decided to try and push my worries aside. My mate and children are safe. We will figure the rest out tomorrow. Epperly was more right than she thought about one thing though, things are going to be much more intense from now on.