Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 50

Images of fires, b***d, and naked bodies plagued my mind. I wish they would stop. The images are flashing so fast that I can barely keep up. I didn’t recognize any of things I saw. A chanting started behind the images but I can’t make out the words or the language. It feels like some kind of ceremony.

What is going on?

The last thing that I remember… What is the last thing I remember? What was I doing just now? I was fighting with someone right? No, that doesn’t sound right. I was looking for someone. Who?

Epperly.

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I woke up shooting into a sitting position and gasping for air. I looked around me to see that I’m in my bedroom. Looking around I didn’t see my mate.

What happened?

We passed out. Kohen told me.

Where is Epperly? I asked him.

My wolf huffed at me. We passed out, how would I know?

I let out a small growl and ripped the sheets from myself. My legs felt wobbly as I stood. I have died several times over the years, not once did I feel this strange after. It’s like my body is healing from something. My hand reached up to my chest where my heart is. There’s no wound.

If I’m healed then why does my body feel so strange?

Shaking my head I stormed out of the room in search of my mate. She’s here. She has to be. I know she is. I can smell her scent thick in the air.

I followed the strong scent and it lead me to my living room. When I rounded the corner of the hallway I was met with several pairs of eyes. Bexley, Phoenix, Kee, Mom, Dad, Pops, and Ares. They weren’t who I wanted to see.

I frowned. “Where is my mate?” I asked.

My voice came out more demanding and angry than I intended. So much so, that it shocked even me. My eyes went wide but no one else seemed to mind.

“Calm down Ambrose, I just had to pee.”

I turned around to face the most stunning creature to ever exist. Epperly smiled up at me and I was frozen in my spot. She’s okay, no wounds that I can see of. My mate closed the small space between us and wrapped her arms around my middle. She placed her face in my chest and inhaled.

“Bout time you woke up.” She said.

Slowly, I wrapped my arms around her and buried my face in her hair. I inhaled deeply and her scent filled me with peace. Epperly and I stayed like that for a few minutes. I wasn’t ready to let her go, but I need to know what happened.

Pulling back out of her embrace I smiled down at her. No matter what, she is alive. Our daughter is alive, and our son is safe. My heart feels full.

“Ambrose, you’re glowing.” Epperly whispered loudly and then giggled.

Hearing her giggle made my heart flutter even more. I nearly melted right then and there. Bringing my hand back to her face I trailed the pad of my thumb across her cheek. She leaned into my palm.

“I think that you should turn around.” Epperly whispered loudly again.

“I already know there are others here.” I told her.

Epperly shook her head and giggled. “That isn’t what I mean.” She said.

I gave her a puzzeled look before turning around. My eyes went wide as I looked over our home. Epperly had already been changing things around the house. Our table covered in moss and tiny flowers, our windows that are lined with vines and roses, our porch that is practically a garden, not to mention our shower. But what I was looking at was not Epperly’s usual creation.

I stared at the walls of our home as they took on a golden glow. A sense of security settled in the air before the glow faded away, but you could still see it lingering there.

I looked back at my mate. “What did you do?” I asked her.

Epperly scoffed and tried to hide her smile. “I didn’t do that.” She said.

I furrowed my brow. “Then who did?” I asked.

“You did.” She told me.

I looked at the walls and back to my mate.

“Uh, what?” I asked.

She’s the Goddess here not me. I’m a Devil, my power isn’t all glowing and growing, but darkness and torture. Pops pulled out a chair and offered for me to sit.

“We have much to discuss with the two of you, have a seat.” He said.

I looked at Epperly and she gave me a nod. I walked to the table and sat down in the chair. Epperly followed behind me and then slid into my lap. I wrapped my arms around her and she leaned back into me.

“Ambrose, what’s the last thing that you remember happening?” Bexley asked me.

It took me a moment to go through my memories.

“I remember that Epperly was gone, we went to Olympus..” I trailed off. “I found her but then Zeus pierced a lightening bolt through my heart. That’s the last thing I remember.” I said and then looked down at Epperly. “Why did you leave me?” I asked her.

I couldn’t help the sadness that seeped through my voice.

“I was trying to keep you safe.” She told me. “I’m sorry. I know that you were really mad at me, but you wouldn’t listen to me or let me help and I had to do something.” She said defensively.

I took a deep breath. I wanted to be angry. Hell, I want to tie her to our bed and make sure that she never leaves me again. I know that that isn’t an option though. Epperly is her own person, and if it wasn’t for her stupid plan we could all be dead right now.

“What happened?” I asked her.

“We’d all love to know as well.” Pops said.

Epperly took a deep breath before addressing us all.

“After the seal was broken I started to dream about some stuff. At first I thought I was going crazy, that the power was getting to me. I would see all these images of Zeus and his brothers as they grew up. It was always from the point of view of their mother. I saw his birth, his fifth birthday, the day that he had first killed something.” She said as she gulped.

“I thought I was losing my shit.” My mate admitted. “I would wake up with all kinds of new knowledge. I had no idea what was happening. It only took me a few days to realize that I was seeing someone else’s memories.” She said.

“Who’s?” Nix asked.

“Rhea’s.” Epperly said simply.

Pops gasped. Which was super strange. Nothing surprises the Devil. We all turned to him.

“Rhea has been gone for millennia Epperly.” He said.

“I know.” Epperly said. “Everyone thought that she had ran away after losing her lover, but that wasn’t what happened.” She said.

“Tell us.” Bexley demanded excitedly.

Epperly took a deep breath and I could feel through the bond that she was about to reveal a truth that has been buried for too long.

“Zeus had always been a selfish creature. All he cared about was power and getting his way. I saw memories of his manipulation and indifference with all other living things. Rhea tried to teach him that all life matters. She tried to steer him down the right path. But it never worked. He remained the same heartless man for the rest of his life.” She said and I could feel the anger pour through our bond.

“When Zeus was a grown man he started asking his father to pass down the title of King of the Gods to him. Cronus refused him everytime. He would say that he isn’t a king, that the others just look up to him. Zeus never stopped trying though.” Epperly said.

“So Zeus killed him.” Kee stated.

Epperly nodded. “Right in front of Rhea.” She said and I could feel all of her pain through our bond.

It was like she was reliving the emotions of the memories too.

“They tried to stop him but couldn’t. Even through Rhea’s despare she knew she had to do something. Otherwise, Zeus would come for her next and then there would be no hope for anyone. Every living thing would suffer at the hands of her son.” She said.

“So what’d she do?” Bexley asked.

She’s at the edge of her chair, hanging off of every word my mate says. Little psychopath. She’s treating this like it’s some childs story and not a serious fact of history.

Still, my mate continued.

“She cast a sort of spell I guess.” Epperly said.

“She promised Zeus that she would come back through her own b***d, and she would fix what she failed to before. It didn’t take Zeus long to figure out that she was going to come back within someone who carried her b***d. That was why he never let his children wander too far, why he never let his brothers be happy. I think if Hedes and Persephone were to have children, that Zeus would have killed them in a heartbeat.” She told us.

The room was silent for a moment. Epperly is just waiting for someone else to ask another question. I waited patiently with her as I pulled her closer to me.

“That was why he wanted the Djin so badly.” My mom whispered. “Not because of the power that Djin’s have, but because he knew you all carried his b***d.”

Epperly nodded. “Because of the seal though, none of them ever knew. I mean, it even took me a few days to figure it out after the seal was broken.” She said.

“Wow. So, you have Rhea’s power?” Nix asked.

Epperly nodded. “I guess so.” She said.

“What about your plan? How did you come up with it?” Bexley asked.

I could feel Epperly’s confusion through the bond, and I was pretty sure she has her face scrunched up at Bexley.

“Do you still not remember it all?” She asked.

“Uhhhhhh,” Bexley started. “I remembered that you made me forget the plan. I knew what the plan was. But I don’t remember us ever talking about it.” She said.

Epperly bit down on her bottom l*p.

“s**t. I must have messed up with making you forget.” She muttered. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Bexley said with a shrug, completely unbothered like usual. “But I have to know how you came up with such an awesome plan.” She said.

Epperly giggled. “I didn’t. You did.” She said.

Bexley’s eyes went wide. “Me?” She asked.

Epperly nodded. “After I started to get memories I astral projected to Olympus to scope things out. No one could see me. I could overhear the plans they were making to attack us. When I came back I tried to tell Ambrose but he was still so angry with me that he wouldn’t listen.” Guilt wrapped around my throat making it hard to swallow. My mate looked up at me. “It’s alright my love, I understand.” She said before kissing my jaw.

I smiled down at her. “I’m still sorry.” I said.

“You’re forgiven.” She said with a bright smile.

“Annnyyywaayysss.” Bexley drawled out bringing Epperly’s attention back to her.

I glared at Bexley, but Epperly just giggled.

“When Ambrose wouldn’t listen to me I went to you. I needed someone who I knew would be on my side. Not that I didn’t trust anyone else, but I knew that I could take your memories, and I knew that you would help me come up with the best plan.” She said.

“You and I spent the entire night going over everything. I knew that I was the only one that had the power to take on Zeus. Our objective was to get me and Zeus alone. I didn’t want anyone to die and you trusted that I could do this.”

Ares turned to Bexley absolutely fuming. “You’re the reason my sister was able to get in a room alone with a madman?” He asked.

Bexley raised a brow at him. “Looks like it.” She said with a shrug.

Epperly let out a laugh and I couldn’t help but join her.

“Sister?” I asked my brother.

Ares grumbled something under his breath before crossing his arms. He leaned back in his chair and avoided looking at us. My littler brother was worried about my mate. How cute. He does have a heart.

“That’s the most I’ve ever seen you care about one of your siblings mates.” Mom commented.

“Yeah whatever.” Ares grumbled.

Mom chuckled. “That one is going to be just like you when he finds his mate.” She said to Dad.

Dad g*****d and rolled his eyes.

“Let’s just hope his mate never gives up, just like you didn’t.” Pops said to them.

“Baby, what happened when you left. I get that you teleported there on your own but.. how did you know that he would be alone?” I asked my mate.

Epperly shrugged. “I just did.” She stated.

“Must be nice to just know things.” Ares grumbled.

We all ignored him.

“When I teleported up there, I tried to reason with him. Tried to get him to see what he had done. Cronus wasn’t the only God whose power Zeus had stolen. Even as a God his body couldn’t handle all of that power. It was making his paranoia even worse. He was slowly losing it and knowing that I most likely had his mothers power was making him crazy. He was going to lose his s**t very soon, and I didn’t want anyone to be caught up in that.” Epperly said.

“He refused to listen to reason though. Zeus called the others, but that’s when Bexley’s plan came into action. It was because of her that no one else had to be involved.” Epperly said and then looked at Bexley.

“You should be very proud of yourself. You might have let all the other Gods know that you exist, but you saved them at the same time. They are not only in your debt, but they are extremely greatful to you now.” She said.

Bexley blushed and for the first time ever, she looked shy. Nix wrapped her arms around her friend and hugged her side. Kee got up and hugged her from behind. Even Ares slapped an encouraging hand on her back.

“Did you hear that Bex?” Nix asked excitedly. “It was your plan that saved everyone.” She said.

Bexley nodded. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Epperly.” She said.

Epperly nodded. “I think you still could of. All I did was provide you with information.” She said.

“What happened next?” I asked my mate.

Epperly blew out a breath.

“Well, Zeus was about to pierce me with a lightening bolt when he realized that no one was coming to back him up. That was part of the plan. I knew that it would connect to him and that was how I was going to pull the power from him. But then you appeared right in front of me. You took the bolt.” She said.

“He was slowly pulling the life from you, and I was losing my control. I thought that he was going to kill you. And then… You pieced it together, so quickly.” She said as she looked up at me in awe.

“You started to pull back and you were winning. I don’t know if that is because of my power, or your own will, but you were doing it. In Zeus’s shock, I was able to rip his heart from his body.” She finished.

“I like it. It’s true Morningstar fashion” Pops said. Epperly smiled brightly at him, I remember her saying the same thing now. “Ripping a heart from a God shouldn’t have killed him though.” He said. “What did you do with his heart my dear?” Pops asked.

The look in my grandfather’s eyes told me that he already knew what had happened. My memories are a little fuzzy still, but the more that my mate speaks the more I remember from the event. Pops wanted the rest of the group to know exactly what my mate and I had done with the heart of a God.

“We ate it.” Epperly stated darkly.

A weird sense of excitement shot through me. Honestly, I’m not sure if it belongs to my mate or myself. I remember now. All of it. Well, up until I passed out.

“You ate his heart?” Nix asked.

Epperly nodded.

“Like raw?” Bexley asked.

Ares snapped his head to her. “What was she supposed to do? Cook it?” He asked.

Bexley shrugged. “She’s a Goddess, she could of grilled it up first.” She said.

Ares blinked at her. “How the f**k did you become such a good strategist? Especially when such stupid things leave your mouth.” He asked.

Bexley turned a blank look to him. “Don’t be jealous because I’m smarter than you Ares. The green monster isn’t a good look on you.” She stated before turning away from him.

Ares looked ready to argue more but my dad spoke, stopping him.

“What happened when you ate his heart?” He asked.

Epperly looked up at me and I nodded before she turned back to the group.

“We took on his power. It split between the two of us.” She admitted.

The group stared at us in stunned silence.

“So,” Kee said breaking the silence. “You two possess all the power that Zeus did.” It wasn’t a question but Epperly nodded anyways. “How are your bodys able to handle it? Especially with everything else that you are?” My little sister asked.

“It is because of everything else that we are, that we are able to handle it. We aren’t normal Gods. I think that it is only because of Tia that Max is able to control all that he has.” Epperly told them.

“Because he has a strong, powerful mate to ground him.” Kee muttered more to herserlf.

Epperly nodded.

“Where is Max by the way? Everyone made it out safe right?” I asked.

Nix nodded to me. “He went to get his mate and kids. Along with Bou. B and Kari went to get Tate. Belle and Robby are on their way back. Ryce went home to start arranging for the students to come back now that it’s safe.” She told me.

I nodded. “Good.” I kissed Epperly’s head. “Our son will be home soon.” I said.

Epperly smiled up at me. “I know. I can’t wait, I miss him.” She said.

“Well,” Pops said as he stood. “I think that it is time we left. It seems things are handled for now. Thank you my darling new granddaughter. I look forward to what else you bring.” He said before disappearing.

One by one they all left. Mom and Dad were the last to leave. I think that they were more worried about us then they let on. I don’t blame them. If it were Tate or Calliope, I imagine I would feel the same. No matter how grown they are.

When it was just my mate and I, I picked her up and she wrapped her body around me. I walked us back to our bedroom and didn’t stop until we were to the shower. Pressing a few buttons on the pad I set my mate on the counter as the water heated up.

I stripped out of my sweatpants and boxers before stripping my mate from her clothes. Epperly stared at me the entire time that I took her clothes off of her. When she was completely naked I picked her up again and walked us to the shower.

The moss and flowers recoiled to allow me inside. Steam already filled the area and it gave the moss and flowers a slight glow. The tree stretched out making a makeshift bench that was the perfect height for me to set Epperly down and still be at this height.

I set my mate down before getting her luffa and soaping it up.

“Did you do this?” She asked as she patted the bench.

I shrugged. “If I did, I don’t know how.” I told her.

Epperly giggled and it bounced off the walls making my heart sing.

“I think it was definitely you.” She said as she watched the tree begin to glow.

I took the luffa to her and began to wash her body.

“This new power must work similar to how yours does.” I said. “I like hearing your giggles.” I told her.

Epperly smiled. “Do you feel different?” She asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Not really I guess. I feel… like I understand more. Kohen and I have an odd sense of peace. Not that I am ungreat for feeling peace, its just.. different.” I told her.

“I spent my whole life trying to be the best person I could be. I waited for 20 years to find you. Not even our first night together, did I feel this peaceful. There was always a sense of panic hovering beneath me.” I said.

“Then I spent those five long years away from you, and not an ounce of peace found it’s way to me. When I found you again I was still scared, but then you convinced Kohen into marking you.” I said with a smile.

“After that there was peace inside of me, but not like this. It feels like I have not a worry in the world. Like nothing could ever hurt me or those I love.” I admitted.

I looked at my mates face to see her smiling at me. She reached up and placed her hand on my cheek. The love that radiates from her is different than before. Like it’s not all hers. That must belong to our daughter. I leaned into her touch, enjoying the sparks that tingled throughout my body.

“I feel it too.” She said softly. “I’m not sure what it means but… I think that it means our war is over.” She said. “I think that life is going to be different now, even for our children.”

Epperly placed a hand over her small bump. She smiled at me and I returned it. I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers as I covered my hand over hers on her belly.

“I think you are right my love.” I said.

Epperly and I chatted about our children as I washed her body and hair. We discussed what to do with Tate when he comes back. I thought that, given the events, we needed to celebrate. Epperly agreed and we decided to go into town tomorrow for dinner and a movie. We could take Tate to the park to play as well.

Once I was done washing my mate she washed me. I had get down on my knees for her to wash my hair. Not that I’m complaining. I have the most perfect veiw. I gripped my mate’s h**s and kissed her belly as she washed me.

“She likes hearing your voice ya know.” Epperly told me.

“She does?” I asked.

Epperly nodded. “Maybe you should start telling her stories or something. I could start joining you and Tate at night for story time.” She offered.

I stood to my feet and rinsed my hair.

“I would like that a lot.” I told her.

After I was rinsed I turned the shower off and stepped out. I grabbed a towel to wrapped around myself before grabbing one for Epperly. She stepped out into the towel and I dried her off before wrapping her in it.

Then I pulled her to our bedroom where I dressed her in one of my shirts and dried her hair for her. I brushed her long dark hair before tucking her into our bed. Then I rested my head on her thighs and began speaking.

“Hello little Calliope Sandra Morningstar.” I started.

“Ya know, I was going to make your first name Sandra, after your grandmother, but I like the name Calliope too much. Ever since I was a little boy I said that I was going to grow up to have a daughter named Calliope. We are going to call you Ope.” I told her.

Epperly smiled down at me as she ran her fingers through my damp hair.

“Would you like to hear a story little Ope? Okay, I’ll tell you one.” I said making Epperly giggle.

“Once upon a time there was a lonely wolf searching for his mate…”