Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 43

I woke up the next morning to someone climbing in our bed. My eyes opened slowly to see Tate climbing in between Ambrose and I. Ambrose is still snoring and Tate is trying to be as gentle as he climbs under the covers. I scooched over to give my son more room and he turned to me with a smile.

Tate snuggled up to me and I wrapped my arms around him. For so long this is how we always were. We slept in the same bed together for Tate’s whole life. We were each other’s only friends. I missed his.

“It’s been so long since we cuddled.” I whispered to Tate, but he didn’t respond for a while.

“Uncle Ares is sleeping on my floor.” Tate whispered to me. “He snores louder than Daddy.” He said making me giggle.

I ran my hands through Tate’s hair. “Don’t worry honey, it was only for last night.” I told him.

Tate nodded and I continued to play with his hair as we lay there. Ambrose is still snoring softly. He rolled over and swung his arm over the two of us. Tate looked up at me and grunted.

“Dad is heavy.” He said.

I nodded. “He is.” I agreed.

“I heard that.” Ambrose said with a raspy voice.

“Oh no, and here we thought you were asleep.” I said in a teasing tone.

Tate rolled over to look at his dad.

“Did we wake you up Daddy?” He asked.

Ambrose smiled down at our son and kissed the top of his head.

“You did. But that’s okay.” He said. “Waking up with you two is the best.”

Tate snuggled into his dads chest. He makes Ambrose look even bigger like this. Ambrose practically engulfs Tate, and he’s huge for a five year old. My mate looked up at me as he rubbed Tate’s back.

“Good morning my love.” He said.

“Good morning.” I replied.

Ambrose gave me a small smile but it didn’t reach his eyes. I am not ready to start the day and I can tell that my mate isn’t either. There is so much waiting for us outside of this room. I’m just not ready to face it.

“Can we have breakfast now that you’re awake Daddy?” Tate asked making me frown.

Of course now that his dad is awake he wants to eat. Because his mother can’t cook for s**t. How annoying. Kid never used to complain when it was cereal and donuts all the time.

“Yeah buddy, what do you want?” Ambrose asked our son.

“A lot of meat.” Tate replied instantly.

Ambrose chuckled.

“I’m sure you are very hungry and thirsty after yesterday.” He said and Tate nodded. “Alright. Go on, I’ll be out in a minute.” Ambrose helped Tate out of our bed and just as Tate’s feet his the ground our bedroom door brust open.

Ares is standing in our doorway in nothing but a pair of black basketball shorts. He’s panting and his dark hair is sticking up all over the place.

Ares has this crazy look in his blue eyes. As he took in the scene before him he put his hand up to his heart and leaned against the door.

“You okay Ares?” Ambrose asked with concern in his voice.

“I thought…” He trailed off as he tried to catch his breath. “You little shit.” He said to Tate. “You nearly gave me as heart attack.” Ares gritted out.

I could see Tate’s scowl from here.

“Don’t cuss.” He said and then pushed past his uncle.

Ambrose and I snickered at the look on Ares face.

“Shut up.” He grumbled. “You owe me breakfast. So no f*****g before you come out.” Ares ordered before following after Tate.

Ambrose turned to me and we both burst out in laughter.

“Tate must have snuck right past him.” Ambrose commented.

“He did say that his uncle snores really loud.” I said.

Ambrose kissed the top of my head and pulled my arms until I was sitting up.

“Why don’t you take a shower while I cook. What do you want for breakfast my love?” My mate asked.

I looked Ambrose up and down. My Gods he is so hot. All those muscles. I haven’t even gotten to run my tongue along those abs yet. Maybe I can convince him to join me.

“Stop it.” He said snapping me from my thoughts.

I frowned. “I didn’t do anything.” I argued.

Ambrose shook his head.

“Your thoughts did enough. I love you baby and I love f*****g you but now is not the time.” He said softly.

“You’re just saying that because Ares said no f*****g.” I grumbled out making my mate chuckle.

I know that Ambrose is right. We have things to do today. It’s not the time for fun, no matter how badly I want it. So, I nodded to him and got out of bed. Ambrose kissed me before leaving me in our bathroom.

Stripping out of my mate’s shirt I stared at myself in the mirror. My skin still holds a slight glow. I placed my hand over my belly and closed my eyes.

Thump Thump Thump Thump Thump.

I don’t think I will ever get used to hearing her heartbeat. Keeping my eyes closed I pushed my hearing further. I can make out three heartbeats in my house. Two in the kitchen and one that is a bit faster in the living room.

That one must be Tate.

Practice hearing later. Now we shower and then start planning our revenge. Adria told me.

I frowned. You’re the b***d thirsty one.

Adria huffed at me but then left me alone. You’d think she would want to be at the forefront at all times with how long she has been asleep, but no. It’s seems that my wolf is perfectly content just hanging back. Regardless, I’m happy to have her.

I did as Adria said and took a quick shower. When I got out I dressed in a pair of black legging and a light purple T-shirt. I brushed my hair and tied it in a low ponytail so that it’s out of my face.

Then I joined the others.

When I walked out of the hallway Ambrose had just set a plate down in front of Tate. Ares is sitting at the table eating as well. The smell of sausage, bacon, eggs, and french toast filled the room. I’m pretty much drooling at this point.

“I like your shirt Momma!” Tate told me.

Oh my heart. Tate is such a good boy. He definitely get’s that sweetness from his dad.

“Thank you butterscotch. I like yours too.” I told him.

Tate is just wearing a dark green T-shirt with some animation on it, and some jeans. His usual. His dad’s usual.

Ambrose must have came in our room to change while I was in the shower because he is now dressed too. He has on a pair of jeans and a crisp white V-neck shirt. Damn, he is looking mighty fine.

“Stop looking at me like that and have a seat.” He ordered as he turned around to make me a plate.

Grumbling under my breath I did as he said. Today is going to be a long day. Especially if my mate refuses to even help take my mind off of things. And to think that we could do what we did yesterday again.

Memories of having him in my mouth filled my head. He tasted so good. I thought that guys c*m was supposed to be gross and salty. Ambrose’s was salty but in the best way.

“Epperly.” Ambrose growled out.

My eyes snapped up to meet his. Ambrose is staring at me from the microwave. His dark eyes bore into me. An exciting chill ran down my spine at the look he’s giving me.

“Do I have to remove my nephew or are you two going to snap out of your lustfilled haze?” Ares asked grumpily.

Ambrose shook his head breaking our trance. I looked down at Tate who was watching us as he shoveled food into his mouth, completely unbothered. I turned a frown to Ares.

“Shut up.” I said.

The microwave beeped and Ambrose brought me a plate and a glass of his b***d. I can smell that it’s his now. It smells amazing.

“The two of you are bunnies. It’s no wonder why you got pregnant again so quickly, or how you did the first time.” Ares said as he looked at Tate.

I narrowed my eyes at him and then turned to my mate as he sat down as I remembered something that Ares had let slip before.

“Ambrose, I thought that you told me that your parents raised you all to value the mate bond above all else?” I asked him.

Ambrose gave me a confused look. “They did.” He said.

“Hmm.” I hummed out as I looked at Ares, who glared at me, and then back to Ambrose. “I was just under the impression that you all waited for your mates.” I said.

Ambrose smirked, now catching on to where I was taking this.

“Well, Mom and Dad tried their best but not all of my siblings are as strong as me.” He said.

Ares scowled at us. “Strong as you?” He asked.

“I suppose that has to be true. Olive told me that Azai was quite the slut before he found them.” I said ignoring Ares.

Ambrose nearly choked on his juice at that. “Azai is just… ecessentric.” He said.

I turned to look at Ares. “Olive said that if it weren’t for her and Ozzy that she would have been furious about her mate being with anyone before her.” I said. “I can understand that.”

Ambrose chuckled.

“What the f**k are you getting at?” Ares asked in his usual angry tone.

I shrugged. “Just that I hope your mate forgives you.” I said simply.

Ares growled. “If she doesn’t, that’s her problem.” He said.

“Or his.” Ambrose added with a smirk.

Ares dropped his fork on his plate making a loud clatter.

“I’m f*****g leaving.” He stated. Then he stood up and put his plate in the sink. When he turned around he glared at each of us, aside from Tate. “Assholes.” He muttered as he walked for the door.

“Ah ah ah. Not so fast.” I said and Ares turned around with a furious expression. “My mate made you breakfast, the least you can do are the dishes.” I stated.

Ares tightened his jaw in the same way that I see Ambrose do on the rare occasions that he is angry.

“Breakfast was what he owed me for watching over your brat all night.” He said.

I raised a brow and Tate scoffed.

“I’m not a brat.” He said sounded extremely offended.

“I didn’t mean it in a bad way buddy.” Ares said in the softest tone I’ve heard him use.

“How can you be a brat in a good way?” Ambrose chimed in.

At this point I am desperately trying to hold in my laughter. Adria is snickering in my head not making this any easier. I can see the twinkle in Ambrose’s eyes that tell me he’s struggling himself.

Ares looked between the two of us and then to Tate. His shoulders slumped and he walked over to the sink. Without another word to us he began cleaning our kitchen. Ambrose looked at me and we both snickered.

“Shut up. f*****g pricks.” Ares grumbled.

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

After a pleasent rest of our morning Ambrose took Tate and I to my dad. Kiah is awake and laying in one of the beds in the infirmory. Seirra is doting all over him and it was kind of comical to see that side of her. Tate went running to his grandpa.

Yesterday before that thing came and interrupted our fun night, I had told Tate that Kiah is his grandfather. It was difficult to try to explain to a five year old that I had no idea he was my father until earlier that day. I wasn’t sure Tate understood exactly but he understood the term grandpa.

They bonded for a while after we told him.

“Grandpa!” Tate squealed as he hopped up on Kiah’s bed. “Grandpa, Dad told me that you broke a bunch of your bones. Is that true? Because you don’t have a cast.” Tate asked.

I chuckled at my son.

“I did break a lot of bones.” Kiah told him. “But thankfully Dr. Olive gave me something that fixed me up quick.” He assured Tate.

“That’s so cool.” Tate said.

“Way cool.” Seirra agreed.

“How are you feeling?” I asked my dad.

He gave me a crooked smile. “I feel fine.” He said.

Seirra rolled her eyes.

“He’s been saying that but I don’t believe it.” She told me.

I gave her a nod and then looked down at Kiah.

“You’ve been resting though?” I asked.

Before Kiah could respond a door opened and Olive walked into the large area.

“Hope you weren’t planning to lie to your daughter Alpha Kiah.” She said.

My dad gave us a sheepish smile.

“I feel fine Doc.” He said.

Olive nodded. “So you say.” She mumbled. “I have no reason to hold you here anymore. The b***d we gave you healed most of your injuries. Now it’s just giving your body a day or two to rest.” Olive told him. “But I will be releasing your right now. Not because I want to or trust that you will actually rest, but becaue Tia demands you all meet her in the conference room right away.” She told me.

I looked at Olive. “Right now?” I asked.

Olive nodded to me.

“I know that yesterday was a lot for you. Today is only going to add onto that. I want to see you after the meeting to check on the baby.” She told me.

I put my hand over my stomach instinctively and nodded to her.

Kiah demanded we leave without him. Something about not wanting us to see him in his hosptial gown that barley covers anything. Ambrose and I were not ready for Tate to be out of our sight yet and I wondered if we were really going to have this meeting with him there.

When we reached the door Belle and Ziggy were waiting outside of it.

“Hey.” Belle greeted us.

“Hey.” I said.

“I’m here to force you guys to let us take Tate.” She admitted immeditately.

My eyebrows shot up and I looked at my mate. Ambrose doesn’t look too happy about that. Belle looks ready to argue with him if she has to.

“I know you guys aren’t ready to be without him right now but I don’t think he should be a part of this meeting. He will be safe with us. Right Ziggy?” Belle looked down at her son.

“Yeah Epperly. We will keep Tate safe.” The little boy told me.

I crouched down to his level and smiled. “Thank you very much Ziggy. I’m glad I can count on you.”

Ambrose didn’t seem convinced though. I put my hand on his chest and tried to send some calming waves through our bond. After another moment he sighed.

“Fine. Don’t let anything happen to him.” He said.

We watched as the boys bounded off and Belle followed after them. Then we entered the room to find most of the seats filled. Lydia and Kasyn sat at one end, Max and Tia said at the other. Bexley and Phoenix are sitting on the other side of the table from us next to Ares. Ahkari, Bianca, Acaisia, Bou, and Azai are all sitting around the table as well.

Ambrose ushered me to the seat closest to us. He sat down and pulled me onto his lap. I leaned back against him and soaked up his warmth.

“What are we waiting for?” Ambrose asked.

“Grandpa and Akeehla.” Tia answered him.

Just then Pops popped up right behind his son.

“Don’t worry grandson, I’m here.” He said to Ambrose.

“Where is Akeehla?” Lydia asked.

Pops avoided her eyes. “No idea.” He said.

“What do you mean you have no idea?” Lydia asked angrily.

“Couldn’t find her.” Was all he said.

“Whatever, we can continue without her.” Tia said.

“She needs to be here.” Lydia argued.

“Then she should have told someone where she was going.” Tia argued back.

“Akeehla is fine Lydia do not worry.” Came a familiar voice.

I turned my head to see Selene sitting in the chair next to me. In fact, they are all here. Tyr is sitting next to Selene and Lockern next to him. On the other side of me is Venus and Poseidon. I smiled brightly at all of them.

“You came!” I said.

Selene smiled at me. “We had to my dear.” Then she turned a scowl onto Pops. “Lucifer demanded we attend this meeting.” She told me.

Everyone in the room just stared at the Gods. There was a mix of shock and awe on everyone’s face. Only a few of them seemed to be unbothered by the room full of Gods.

“Auntie Selene! Been awhile.” Bexley said with a wink.

Selene smiled at her. “It has my niece.” Was all she said. Then she turned back to me. “I see that Adria has finally awoken within you.” She said and I could feel my wolf start to surface. “Hello Adria. You have done well my child.” Selene praised and my wolf howled in my head.

“Can we get on with this now?” Ares asked grumpily.

Selene rolled her eyes and I turned a glare at him.

“Would it kill you to show some respect?” I asked with my own anger.

Selene put her hand on my arm and I instantly felt calm.

“Do not worry my dear, he will meet his mate soon and she will mellow him out.” She said loud enough for us all to hear.

Ares scowl fell and his cheeks turned pink.

“So it is a girl.” I said teasingly making Ambrose snort.

Ares face turned a deeper shade of red.

“Oh look, he’s blushing.” Bexley chimed in. I love her. She has absolutely no care at all. That girl tells it how it is and she does not care who she says it to either.

Ares face went even redder but this time he snapped an angry face to Bexley.

“Would it kill you to mind your own f*****g buisness?” He asked.

Bexley turned to him with a bored look.

“Probably.” She stated.

Lockern chuckled. “I like that one. She knows how to push buttons.” He said lowly.

Bexley smiled brightly and flipped her hair hitting Ares right in the face. I couldn’t help but snort at the look on his face. This is too funny.

“If you hit me with your hair one more f*****g time, I’m gonna cut it off.” Ares gritted out.

Bexley scoffed. “Please, like you could ever get close enough to do that.” She said.

“Are you challenging me?” Ares is so mad that he looks like one of those cartoons where the steam comes out of their ears.

Bexley turned her head to look at him.

“And if it is?” She asked and then leaned in closer with a sinister smile. “You gonna fight me Ares?” She asked him.

Something in the way she asked that question had me intrigued. Have they fought before? Did Ares lose to Bexley? Oh, I’m going to have to ask her about that later.

“I like her too.” Tyr whispered loudly. “She has a fight in her.”

Bexley smiled smugly and turned back in her seat.

“Hear that Ares? Three out of the five Gods like me better than you so far.” She stated.

“None of them said that.” Ares argued.

I chuckled and leaned in towards Selene. “Are you sure they aren’t mates?” I asked her. “Because that would be pretty funny.” I said.

I could feel my mate chuckling behind me.

“No.” Selene said with a laugh. “They belong to others.” She said.

“When am I gonna meet my mate Auntie? Soon?” Bexley asked as she leaned over the table.

Selene shook her head. “I’m not telling you anything Bexley. You know that I won’t. How many times must you try?” She said amused.

Bexley sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. A sour look plastered on her face. She looks like a spoiled child who isn’t getting her way.

“I try one spell.” She muttered.

Venus giggled next to me. “A hopeless romatic.” She said dreamily. “I like her as well.”

Bexley beamed and then stuck her tongue out at Ares.

“Well you better like her, because she’s a Goddess.” Poseidon stated.

Bexley is a Goddess? All eyes turned to her. The poor girl seemed to shrink under everyone’s gaze.

“Max is a God too.” She said accusingly as she pointed a finger at Max.

Tia growled as all eyes turned to him.

“I thought we were here to talk about Epperly. The other Goddess in the room.” He said awkwardly.

“Don’t worry Max. None of us are here to kill you for being born or whatever it is that the others are up to.” Tyr said. “I was good friends with your mother. You look a lot like her.” He said.

Max smiled. “Thank you.” He said.

I wonder what happened with Max and his parents.

“None of us are here for that but we might have to make a decision in the future.” Poseidon stated matter-of-factly.

The room went quiet for about a second before Selene waved him off.

“These are my children or mated to my children, we will be on their side if that time comes.” She said making the decision for everyone.

I expected a few of them to argue. Hell, even for Lockern to argue even if just to argue, but not one said a thing. The other four Gods nodded their agreement and we were moving on. They must be closer than they appear to be.

“You’re here.” Lydia finally spoke.

She had been staring at Selene since she appeared. I’m not even sure that Lydia realized the other Gods were here. The look she is giving the Moon Goddess is like they are old friends who haven’t seen each other in a very long time.

“I am.” Selene said. “It has been a while my child.”

Lydia’s eyes started to tear up and Kasyn pulled her into his lap.

“I never thought I would get the chance to see you again.” Lydia said.

They’ve met? I feel like there is so much that I don’t know. Which makes sense, since I have only been here for less than a month.

Just when I thought Selene was going to reply the door opened up and in walked Kiah and Seirra. They grabbed a couple of open chairs and we all waited patiently as they got comfortable. When Kiah finally looked up his eyes scanned over the Gods.

“Uh, reinforcements?” He asked and then looked Lockern up and down. “You.” He seethed.

“Dad, don’t get too mad.” I said. “This is Lockern, remember me telling you about the Gods that have helped me? He is one of them.” I said.

Kiah glared at Lockern for a moment before moving on to the others.

“You are all Gods?” He asked.

They all nodded.

“Dad this is Lockern, Bersek Tyr, Selene, Venus, and Poseidon.” I introduced them.

Kiah stared at them with awe in his eyes. I could tell that he was trying not to react. Afterall, he just met five extremely powerful Gods. It’s kind of insane to think about them being here. Even looking at all of them is hard to take in.

“Well, what are we talking about?” Seirra asked breaking the awkward silence.

“We were just talking about how I’m better than Ares in every way and how all five Gods favor me over him.” Bexley said sweetly.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her. The girl has a thing for pissing off Ares. When I turned to her she is sitting smugly in her chair. Ares is glaring at her in the chair to her left.

“Do you get off on pissing me off? Is that it? Are you obssessed with me?” He asked her.

Bexley scoffed. “You wish.” She stated. “Making you mad is just so easy and you make such funny faces.” She said in an almost whine.

“Can we get on with this meeting already?” Tia asked.

A heavy air settled around us.

“Atiana is right. Let’s get this started.” Poseidon stated.