Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 44

“We are aware of what happened yesterday.” Poseidon started.

“Yet you helped with nothing.” Kasyn stated.

Poseidon’s eyes snapped to his.

“I understand that there were lives lost, but unfortunately we have to play our cards right. We can’t just make appearances whenever we want.” He defended himself.

“Why not?” Ares asked looking just like his fathers mini me.

Pops smirked. “Because they are too afraid to be seen by the other Gods.” He said.

Tyr scoffed. “I fear no one, Devil.” He seethed.

Pops smirk deepened. “Then why weren’t you there yesterday?”

“Why weren’t you?” Tyr countered.

“Why don’t we all chill before I start getting mad.” I stated angrily. “We don’t have time for your bickering. Yesterday was an awrful reminder that there are still bad people after me. I need to know what to do next. I need to protect my family and friends. I don’t want anyone else dying because of me.” I said.

The room went silent. Pops and Tyr stared each other down. Venus sighed as if she felt my words were going to do nothing to stop the ego’s of these Gods. I was nearly ready to explode.

Adria is growling furiously, just as angry as I am. Not even Ambrose, who is rubbing my back soothingly, is helping. Just as I was ready to burst out with more words Selene rested her hand on my arm.

“Epperly is right. We don’t have time for this.” Selene stated.

“The reason we did not come down to help is because the Behemoth was sent not only to test your strengths, but Zeus suspects our involvement. He wanted to confirm his suspicions and we could not afford to let him know just yet.” She finished.

“I don’t understand why you are all so afraid of that God.” Pops said it like he is disgusted. I wonder what one has to do to make the Devil himself feel disgusted with you.

Venus rolled her eyes, but other than that Pops was ignored. From what I have gathered about Zeus so far, he’s a real asshat. And he’s after me. Great.

“You said Behemoth, is that what that thing was that attacked us yesterday?” Tia asked Selene.

The Goddess nodded.

“Behemoth’s used to roam the earth very long ago. Back when Gods used to walk among the humans who worshiped them. They are vile creatues. Giants that were created to use in wars. They eat any living creature in sight and can only be killed with an intense fire. A fire that only the race who created them can evoke.” Selene explained as she turned to look at me.

I killed that thing, the Behemoth, with an intense fire. Me. After all these other super powerful supernaturals tried and failed. I gulped.

All eyes turned to me and I felt small under their gazes. Ambrose wrapped his arms around me and held me in a tight protective embrace. A low growl rippled from him through the room. Apparently I wasn’t the only one bothered by their stares.

“B-but I didn’t create that thing.” I murmured.

Venus set her hand on top of mine and I turned my head to her.

“We know you didn’t my dear. They are just astonished by your power.” She told me.

“If Epperly didn’t create it, then where did it come from?” Azai asked. “Not that I think you did create it or anything.” He rushed out.

Ambrose growled at him and Azai gave me a sheepish look.

“It’s fine.” I muttered.

“We think that Zeus kept one or two of them before they were killed off.” Poseidon stated.

“So, Zeus sent that… Behemoth here to test where his loyalties lie and to test our strength.” Phoenix summed up. “Well? How did he feel about our strengths?” She asked sinisterly.

Is everyone on this side of the God war sinister? I’m not sure whether to be bothered or excited. Maybe the simple fact that I do feel a bit excited makes me sinister as well? I am mated to a Morningstar, that must say something about me. Am I evil?

I looked around the room. No. Because they aren’t evil either. If Zeus and the rest of these Gods would have just let me be, we wouldn’t be here right now.

The corners of the Water Gods lips twitched.

“He was furious that his little pet was killed. That’s about all I know.” He said.

“It seems that Zeus was expecting Epperly to be powerless.” Venus said.

Just then the door burst open and in walked Kee.

“I’m sorry that I’m late.” She said as she walked to the only empty seat, which is next to her parents and Phoenix. “I had trouble getting one last ingredient to break the seal but I managed.” She said.

We all gawked at her.

“Where the hell have you been?” Tia asked angrily.

Kee seemed completely unbothered by her sisters rage towards her.

“I told you, I had to meet with someone.” Was her only reply.

Tia scoffed. “Somewhere that not even our grandfather could find you.” She muttered.

“Let it go for now, T.” Max said in an almost ordering tone.

My eyebrows shot up as I watched what Tia was going to do next. Atiana Morningstar does not strike me as the type that likes to be bossed around, not even by her mate. I held my breath as I waited for the rath I was sure she was about to use. But then…. nothing. Tia crossed her arms and glared at her sister, but otherwise remained silent.

Holy s**t, not what I was expecting but okay.

“Did you finish? Can we break the seal?” Ambrose asked from behind me.

Kee’s eyes finally snapped up to take in everyone in the room. This Morningstar has a different reaction to the Gods than the rest had. Everyone in the room either looked at the Gods with awe, shock, fear, or peace.

Not Akeehla though. Kee’s eyes scanned over all of them while looking bored. They hovered over Selene for a moment longer than the rest though.

“Sure did.” She said as she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. “You all gonna stay and see exactly how easy it is for me to break your precious seal?” She asked in a condescending tone.

Tyr and Lockern scoffed at the same time. Venus put a hand over her mouth to hide her smile. Poseidon looks expressionless as always. Selene was the one to speak.

“I, for one, am waiting at the edge of my seat for you to show your true power Akeehla.” The Moon Goddess said.

A small smile touched Kee’s lips.

“Don’t you think that we should finish going over what happened yesterday first?” Ares asked sounding annoyed.

“What happened yesterday?” Kee asked as she whipped her head to her brother.

“Maybe if you were here, or answered your phone you’d know.” Acaisia said.

Kee frowned and looked around the table. I thought that someone was going to open their mouths to explain but no one said a thing. It’s slightly irritating to see how they treat Akeehla. I know that Ambrose said she has the deepest past out of them all but geez, she’s just trying to help, anyone can see that.

Just when I had opened my mouth and taken a breath to tell her everything, she spoke.

“A Behemoth? Really?” Then Kee chuckled darkly. “Zeus must be worried.” She commented.

I stared at her with my mouth open. Ambrose said she could read minds but that was pretty quick of her. She got all the events of yesterday in a matter of seconds? That’s crazy.

“You think my brother is worried?” Poseidon asked with a raised brow.

Kee smirked, matching her grandfathers almost perfectly.

“Oh, I think you are all worried.” She said shocking me.

Tyr let out a loud belly laugh, like usual.

“You are much too adorable little Morningstar.” He said amused.

Kee only shrugged at him.

“So, what is going to be our plan of action now?” She asked.

“Well, breaking that seal is going to give us an extreme advantage.” Bexley said.

“It’s going to be a matter of control after that.” Max added. “I can help you with the few things that I know when it comes to controlling that power but… Well, honestly we are just very different. I come from two Gods of darkness but you… You come from the bloodline of Zeus, your power is much different than mine.” He said.

I can help. Now that we are together it will be easier to control. Adria added.

“She is correct.” Selene said to me. “Now that you have your wolf, your control will be much easier than you think.” She said.

“You got your wolf?” My dad asked.

I nodded as as huge smile spread across my face.

“It happened when I used that power to take out the.. Behemoth.” Wow, I struggled to get that out.

Kiah looked at me with so much pride in his eyes that my own started to mist. I’ve seen that pridefilled look from Kiah before, but never like this. Plus, I didn’t know he was my dad all of those times either.

“So, Epp get’s her seal broken and gets immense power, do we wait for Zeus’s next move or do we attack first?” Bexley asked, though it sounded more like she was talking to herself.

“You want to attack the God of God’s first?” Lockern asked incredulously.

Bexley shrugged. “Why not? He started it.” She said.

I gawked at her but nobody else seemed fazed by her. I’m not sure if that’s because they are used to this type of attitude from Bexley or because they are all simply ignoring her. Still, it was intesne and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like her plan.

“How would we even get to him?” I asked.

An evil manical smile spread across Bexley’s face.

“We don’t go to him. We draw him here.” She said.

“You want to trick Zeus into coming here? Where you surely will have an army waiting?” Lockern asked still sounding incredulous. “Unbelievable. Are you even listening to yourself? This is a God that even we tread lightly around. What makes you think that you could so easily take him out?” He asked.

Bexley turned her eyes to Lockern, giving him the most serious expression I have seen on her yet.

“Because we are not you. We are better.” She stated it like it was obvious. “I mean no disrespect but we are Gods as well, and so much more. You have no idea how powerful we are.” She said.

“That is why your existance has been being kept a secret Bexley.” Pops commented.

Bexley shrugged.

“Desperate times, am I right?” She said.

I shook my head.

“You’re willing to give up your secret existance for me?” I squeaked out.

Bexley sighed. “Listen, first of all, yes, I am willing to let every God ever know that I exist if it means keeping you safe. That isn’t even a question. It’s the right thing to do and I will do it.” She said with so much determination that I could cry.

“Besides, if we can take on Zeus and win… What God would mess with me after that?” She asked.

“She has a point.” Kee commented. “Plus, she is one of my best friends, like I’d ever let a sorry excuse like Zeus get his hands on her, or on my new sister.” She stated.

The room fell silent for a moment. I wanted to say something, anything, but I couldn’t. All of these people have gathered to protect me and my son. I could never repay them, but I will be helping them.

“You two seem so sure of yourselves.” Poseidon said as he leaned back in his chair and stared at the two.

Kee held his gaze but didn’t say anything. It was almost like she got a thrill from the secrecy. She’s making some of the most powerful Gods squirm and you could see in her eyes how much she enjoyed it.

“There is one problem that we need to take into consideration.” Phoenix chimed in.

“And what is that?” Lockern asked.

“Epperly is pregnant.” Kee stated.

Venus beamed. “You told them!” She stated happily.

I frowned. “You knew?” I asked her.

Venus giggled. “We all knew dear, we were waiting for you to find out.” She said.

I nodded and rolled my eyes. Of course they knew. I wondered how long it would have taken me to figure it out if it weren’t for Ambrose being able to hear her. My hand fell to my stomach instinctively. I closed my eyes and listened to my unborn child’s heartbeat. Strong and fast, as it should be.

“So, what do we do now?” Azai asked.

All eyes fell to either Poseidon or Tia. Apparently they both just had authoritive auras about them. I had no idea who to look to, so I just waited for the first person to speak. Just as Poseidon took a breath, Tia started talking.

“Bexley, go see Ryce. Take Phoenix and Ares with you. You are our best stragiests. Come up with strageies. We need game plans for any and everything.” She ordered while staring right at Poseidon as if daring him to interject.

When he didn’t she continued.

“Everyone aside from Pops, Kee, Mom, Dad, Ambrose, and Epperly can leave. Oh, and you five can stay too.” She added.

There were a few scoffs from those that were asked to leave, but otherwise they all shuffled out without a word. Kee and Pops are smirking as they stare at the Water God. In the matter of an hour, two Morningstar women have managed to insult many powerful Gods.

Part of me wondered if they had a death wish, but another part reminded me of who they really are. And Bexley was right by what she said. They might be Gods, but the Hybrid Gods here are much more powerful.

“What are we even here for if you seem to have everything figured out Atiana?” Poseidon asked calmly.

“You’re here to watch my little sister break your silly seal, remember?” Tia asked completely unfazed.

“I’m starting to change my mind about your family Lu.” Tyr said.

Lu? Do they have nicknames? I thought they hated each other?

“My grandchildren are far more superior than I could have ever hoped.” Pops replied proudly.

“Love how he said grandchildren and not children.” Lydia commented amused.

Kasyn rolled his eyes. I noticed that he had been pretty quiet through this. Not that Kasyn was much of a talker to begin with but still. He has been staring at the Moon Goddess most of the time. I just assumed that he felt just as loving to her as his mate does, but now I’m wondering if it isn’t something else.

“She isn’t mad at you Dad, chill.” Kee whispered loudly in his ear.

I looked at Selene to see her staring calmly at Kasyn. A smile spread on her face at Kee’s words. Looking back at Kasyn a strange sense washed over me. He’s… sad?

“I have already apologized to Lydia for giving her such a stupid mate.” Selene said surpring me and making Lydia snort. “But it is nice to see that you have changed extraordinarily.” She said.

I looked between the two of them. Oh, I am definitely missing something here. I wonder what it could be. How am I more invested in this than in the reality of my life right now? Is it normal for me to feel this calm with how things are right now? It’s like I am completely at ease.

“Thank you.” Kasyn mumbled.

Pops rolled his eyes. “All you did was turn my son into a loving mate. It’s dispicable.” He stated in an annoying tone.

Lydia giggled. “After all we went through and you still don’t get it Pops.” She said.

I put my elbow on the table and placed my chin in my palm. This is great. It’s like a live romance/drama show. I hope they keep going. I want to know what Kasyn did to make everyone so mad.

“All we’ve been through?” Pops asked incredulously. “Do you mean the 28 times that you broke into Hell? Or the 27 times that I killed you?” He asked.

My eyes went wide. What? Pops killed Lydia? 27 times? Holy s**t.

“Both.” Lydia replied bored.

“Enough.” Tia said breaking into their bickering. “Akeehla, start.” She ordered.

Kee rolled her eyes but stood up. She grabbed the black satchel that she walked in with and began pulling things out. I couldn’t tell you what she was pulling out specifically, but it was a ton of small jars, a few candles, a mortar, and a knife.

After she had pulled everything out she began mixing things into the mortar. She then looked at me expectantly and held her hand out to me.

“Come.” She offered and patted the table.

I turned to look at Ambrose and he nodded for me to go ahead. Taking a deep breath I crawled onto the table and sat with my legs crossed. Kee, once again, held her hand out for me. I placed my hand in hers and she gripped me tightly.

Before I could ask her why she was being so rough, she pulled the knife across my palm, slicing me open. I hissed out the pain as she turned my hand over to bleed into the mortar.

“You could have warned her first.” Ambrose growled out.

Kee only shrugged in response.

After she mixed everything up once more she dipped her pointer finger into the mix and then began rubbing the stuff all over my face. I gagged when the smell caught in my throat. Holy s**t, it smells like rotten eggs and throw up.

“I know. It smells awful. The worse it smells, the stronger it is.” Kee told me.

I glared at her. “This is disgusting.” I said.

Kee laughed. “I know.” Was all she said.

After Kee was sure I was coated in the most disgusting thing ever, she told me to start meditating.

“How am I supposed to mediate with this gunk all over me?” I asked annoyed.

“You want the seal broken or not?” Kee asked.

Just listen to her. Adria said. I’ll help.

I narrowed my eyes at Kee but then closed them. Relaxing all of my muscles I focused on nothing at all. The same peaceful sensation filled me that always does. It feels the same way as when I’m in Amborse’s arms late at night. Like everything in world is alright.

“Now keep that focus. Keep your mind clear.” Kee said softly and it almost seemed like her voice was far away. “No matter what you hear or feel, keep your eyes closed and focus clear.” She ordered.

I did as she said and started to hear something around me. It sounds like someone is drawing on the table around me. After a couple of minutes it stopped. Power buzzed in the room.

“It should be fairly easy since Adria weakened the seal.” I heard Kee mumble. “Ambrose, I want you to chant with me. As her mate you will bring comfort to this spell.” She said.

“Is it normally not plesant?” He asked irritated.

There was no answer from Kee. I feel like I should be worried about that but for some reason I’m not. How I have remained in this peaceful state while also listening to the things around me, is beyond me. All the times that Ambrose made me meditiate for hours and not once was my focus this strong.

Adria really must be helping.

A moment later I could hear the mumbles of my mate and his sister. They aren’t speaking english but I somehow still know what they are saying. It’s a chant.

With this power,

With the love of a mate,

Break the seal.

Break the seal.

Break the seal.

Give back what has been taken.

Break the seal.

Break the seal.

Break the seal.

Their words seemed simple enough. Was that really going to work though? Surely the Gods’ power was harder to break than this.

Just as the thought crossed my brain, a burning sensation started in my head. The air around me swirled as the burning turned into a burning pressure. I wanted to scream out but I couldn’t. It hurts. It hurts so bad.

“She’s in pain!” I heard Ambrose growl out.

“Don’t touch her! She has to go through this part without you.” Kee said.

“You want me to sit by and watch her go through this alone?” Ambrose asked incredulously.

There was a pause.

“She is not alone. She has Adria.” Kee mumbled.

More voices sounded in the room but they all sounded muffled, like they’re under water, or maybe I’m under water?

The burning pressure is nearly unbearable, but I couldn’t move. It’s like I have no control over my body. I can’t even hear Adria anymore. Is she still here?

Panic threatened to consume me, but then I felt her. It was faint but she is here. At least she is still here with me. I’m not sure I could do this without her.

The pressure became more intense. I’m pretty sure every emotion to ever exist plowed through me all at once. Intense emotions, nothing like anything I have ever felt. It’s too much. Too overwhelming. I wanted to scream, to run away. I want to be in my mates arms and holding our son. Mostly, I just wanted it all to stop.

My eyes flung open but I couldn’t see. It’s too bright. My head swung back and my mouth flew open. There was no sound coming from me. As much as I wanted to scream, I was silent.

After a few agonizing seconds my entire body went limp. I fell onto my side on the table and shut my eyes. The pressure disapated at a slow rate. I’m panting as it dies down, but I’m too afraid to open my eyes. My head is throbbing and Adria is whining in my head.

“Is it over?” I heard Lydia ask softly.

No one spoke. I thought that the Gods would at least give some insight, but I guess not. I, myself, am not sure if it’s over even. The only difference I feel is the throbbing pain in my head.

Adria, can you feel a difference? I asked my wolf.

I got no response. If I couldn’t feel her exhuastion I would have been worried. Apparently, whatever the hell we just went through, took a lot out of her.

Wait…

I don’t feel that drained.. I’m just scared to open my eyes. The lights are going to make my head hurt worse. But I tried anyways. I opened my eyes slightly and just as I suspected, it hurt. A small whimper escaped me.

“Epperly..?” Ambrose said my name so softly.

It brought me instant comfort.

“Baby, are you alright? Can you hear me?” He asked with worry dripping from every word.

I opened my mouth to speak but my throat is too dry, so I nodded my head instead. Even that hurt. Why does everything hurt like this?

Strong, large hands scooped me up. And just like that, all of my pain was gone. I’m sitting up and I can tell that Ambrose is trying to pull me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around him and slumped against him. He smells so good, even stronger than before. I can feel the familiar sparks dance across my skin, but it’s a million times more intense then before.

Sticking my nose in the crook of his neck I inhaled deeply. Nothing but pure bliss flowed through me. It’s like I’m high on his scent alone. I never want to move. How did he manage to make me feel so good by just one touch?

“Baby, are you alright?” Ambrose asked me again as one of his hands came up to cup my cheek.

I pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes. Finally it didn’t hurt to open them. Ambrose looks even finer than he did before. How is that possible?

He almost seems to glow from the inside and there is an earthy green color that surrounds him.

A small gasp tumbled from Ambrose’s lips as he stared at me with wide eyes. His other hand came up to hold my face as well. I smiled at him and leaned into his touch. My Gods, he feels f*****g amazing. Like home.

“Well.” Poseidon said from somewhere in the room. “It seems we were wrong about you Akeehla. Congradulations, you broke her seal.”