Sour Souls The Morningstar Series Book 6
Sour Souls Chapter 15

As soon as Ares was out of sight, I scarfed down as much as I could. I missed food so much. I am definitely taking as much advantage as I can to eat.

I made it through a tray, and a half of food. Almost half the pitcher of orange juice, and am on my second glass of water. All in the amount of time it took Ares to walk out of the bathroom. My eyes snapped up, and I dropped the sausage link sticking out of my mouth.

There my mate is, shirtless with water dripping down his chiseled body. A white towel is hanging low on his hips. A trail of dark hair went from just under his belly button, all to disappear under that towel. I gulped.

Ares head snapped up. I watched as his nostrils flared. My face heated.

Oh no.. Don't tell me that he can smell me.

Ares eyes connected with mine. Then he closed them, and took a deep inhale. When Ares opened them again, he smirked, and walked over to me.

I swallowed hard.

Ares bent down until we are eye level. My heart is beating so fast. What is he going to do?

"Something in here smells... absolutely divine." He said lowly.

Damn him, and that fucking voice.

"P-p-probably b-b-breakfast." I stuttered out like an idiot.

Ares smirked at me. He took another deep inhale as he leaned in even closer. Heat is rising across my entire body.

"It's definitely not the food." Ares mumbled.

Just when I thought I was going to get eaten alive.. Ares stood back up. He walked away from me, and over to the bed where he left his bag. I feel equal parts disappointed, and relieved.

"You should have put clothes on before coming out of the bathroom." I complained.

I can hear Ares chuckle lowly from behind me.

"Just because you want to hide from me, does not mean that I am going to hide from you. I don't mind how much of my body you see. I am yours afterall." Ares said.

I rolled my eyes.

"And I know you like what you saw." He said teasingly.

I froze.

"Don't flatter yourself." I said with a scoff.

Ares walked up behind me, but I ignored him. He grabbed a handful of my hair, and pulled me head back until I'm looking up at him. The way he grabbed me is different than what I've been through in my life. It's almost like he grabbed me in the perfect spot. It didn't hurt really. In fact, I think I liked it.

"I thought we have been over the fact that you are a bad liar pet." Ares said.

I frowned up at him.

"I am not lying." I lied.

Ares smirked down at me. He bent his head down to the crook of my neck. Ares ran his nose along my neck as he inhaled my scent.

"That's not what I smell." He said lowly.

F**k!

"Mmmm, it's getting stronger." Ares teased in that low tone.

My mate is still trailing his nose along my neck. His grip is still firm in my hair. Everything is intense. His scent, him touching me, his grip, his teasing.

I'm about to let out a whimper, but then Ares pulled away from me.

"I'll dress quickly, then I can just grab something to eat on the way." Ares said as he walked back to the bed.

I frowned, but did not dare to turn to look at him.

"Are you sure? We can wait until you have a proper meal." I said.

"I can just have you as a proper meal." Ares said.

My face heated.

What does that mean?

It means that he is going to go down on- Honi started, but Ares interrupted her.

"I am part Vampire. I could just have a small taste of you, and be fine for the entire day." He said.

I turned on the coach to face him, thankful that he's dressed now. Ares has on a pair of dark jeans, and a black V-neck shirt. That's what he was weaing yesterday. Does he not own any other color shirt? "Really?" I asked.

Ares nodded.

"Okay, if it'll help you, I guess you can have some of my blood." I said.

Ares eyes snapped up to mine. He stared at me intently for a moment. It's almost like he doesn't know how to respond, which confuses me.

"I don't think you understand what that means pet." He finally said.

I frowned. "Why? Does it hurt?" I asked. "I'm kind of used to pain ya know." I added.

Ares shook his head. "It wouldn't hurt you." He said.

I opened my mouth to reply, but Ares cut me off before I could.

"Maybe later. Talia is going to break down the door if I don't get you to her, and soon." He said.

I beamed at that.

Ares grabbed my hand. He grabbed a waffle, and wrapped it around a few sausage links. Then he pulled us out of the door. We made it one step down the hall before my mate turned to me.

"If you see anyone that ever laid a finger on you, or that you are afraid of, I want you to tell me." He said. "Why?" I asked.

"Because, I'm going to kill them." He stated simply.

Ares eyes bore into mine. He's gauging my reaction. Does he think I would be afraid to hear those words?

"Okay." I said.

Ares turned back, and pulled me with him down the halls. We are on the first floor of the pack house. Everything in here looks the same. A few of the Omega's looked at us, and whispered. I ignored all of them, and so did Ares.

When we walked out of the pack house, I took a deep inhale. I miss the fresh air, the sunshine. Ares slowed down his pace to let me look around. It's been so long since I've seen... well, anything.

People stared, and talked as Ares and I made our way to Grannys.

"Remember what I said pet. Tell me if-"

"I know. If anyone who hurt me is here. These people only hurt me with their words." I said as I looked at my mate. "If you kill them, you might as well kill the entire pack." I said.

"Don't think I won't." Ares said.

"Oh, I don't." I said with an eye roll.

Finally, I can see Granny's house. It looks exactly the same. The porch is lined with flowers. Grannys rocking chair is outside. Excitment poured through me.

"Go on." Ares whispered to me as he let go of my hand.

I beamed at him before taking off in a run to the house. I know that Ares is right behind me. He will make sure no one stops me.

I ran up the steps, and paused at the door.

Should I knock? Just go in? I'm not even sure anymore.

Before I could make a decision, the door opened. A girl I've ever seen before is standing in front of me. She has curly red hair like mine, but not as wild. Her bright blue eyes smiled up at me. She's curvey, and wearing tight black clothes, with all kinds of weapons strapped to her. "You must be Emi." She said.

I nodded.

"I'm Karla. I'm part of Ares team. Come, they've been waiting for you." She said.

Karla grabbed my wrist, and pulled me into the house. Granny's cooking filled my nose, making my mouth water. It looks the same in here as well. I smiled as my fingers skimmed the small table next to the door.

"Talia, you have to be patient. Mr. Morningstar said that he would bring her here as soon as she wakes up."

Is that Derek? And, I'm sorry, Mr. Morningstar? Is there another Morningstar here? They can't be talking about my mate.

"It's been more than three days! What if he took her away before we could see her?"

That's Talia.

"I wouldn't blame him."

That voice.. is that.. is that Noah?

I turned the corner to come to the dining area. There they all are, sitting around the table. Well, Talia is standing with her arms crossed, and her back to me. My eyes scanned over all of them.

Even from the back, I can see that Talia's curves grew. Of course they did. My best friends is practically a Goddess. It's unfair, and I am happy for her anyways.

Derek looks different too. His dark brown hair is a little longer now, but not much. He looks... older, more buff. I wonder what he's doing here though.

I don't see Granny, but I do see my brother.

Noah is sitting across from Talia, and Derek. He's.. so big. I mean, I guess Noah is 11 now. His hair is shaved in a buzz cut. He even looks like he's gotten a bit muscular.

"Now, Talia, you be patient now. That boy is-"

Granny words were cut off when she turned the corner. She dropped the pan of cobbler she was holding. Her eyes found me immediately.

"Oh my Goddess.." Granny breathed out.

Everyone followed Granny's eyesight, straight to me.

"Uh, h-hey." I stuttered out like an idiot.

Talia was the first to react. She ran up to me, wrapping her arms around me. Talia squeezed me so tightly I think I might break in half.

"I told you I'd bring you my mate, but you better not break her." Ares growled out from behind me.

Talia completely ignored Ares, but she did let me go. Only to pull back enough to look me over. Her eyes misted with tears, and mine did too.

"It's unfair how pretty you are." I told her. "Still a Goddess I see." I told her as I looked over her face. "And your mark." I said with a gasp.

"You're here.." Talia breathed out.

Then she looked up at Ares.

"You really did it." She said. "You really got her out of there."

"Of course I did." Ares stated offended.

Talia gave Ares a blank look. I had to laugh at her over it. It's not a secret to me that Ares is a scary man. He doesn't have that affect on me, but I see the way other's have looked at him. Still, my best friend isn't phased at all. "Let that child come, and sit Talia. You aren't the only one that missed her." Granny said.

Talia moved out of the way so that Granny can hug me. I wrapped my arms around Granny, and I swear I melted against her. I missed her hugs so much.

"Oh honey, we missed you so much." She whispered in my ear.

Granny let go of me, only so I can be engulfed by another. I looked down at Noah. I wrapped my arms around him as tears filled my eyes. I pulled Noah away to look at him. Tears are now streaming down my face.

Ares wrapped his arm around my waist from behind, but I swatted him away. Someone in the room snorted. Ares growled, but I ignored him.

"You're so big.. You're almost as tall as me." I said to him. "And look at this muscle." I blubbered.

"I missed you so much Emi." Noah said.

"Your voice is so deep." I said through tears.

Noah rolled his eyes at me.

"We've been taking good care of him here." Talia told me.

I looked up at her.

"He's been staying here?" I asked.

Talia nodded.

"At first they wouldn't let me." Noah said. "I gave them all hell until they couldn't stand me anymore." He said proudly.

Talia scoffed. "Kid went insane. Granny was the only one able to calm him down." She said.

"Good." I told Noah.

I looked around at all of them. Ares wrapped his arm around me again. I went to shoved him off again, but then he reached around to wipe the last of my tears from my cheek.

"Give me some space." I grumbled as I pushed his hand away.

Karla snorted earning a glare from Ares.

"Mr. Morningstar, come I can use your help in the kitchen." Granny said.

I snorted at that.

"Why are they calling you that?" I asked Ares.

"He told us to." Talia said.

I glared at Ares, who ignored me to follow Granny into the kitchen.

"Well, don't call him that. It's weird. His name is Ares." I said.

Ares turned to narrow his eyes at me.

"This is my family, my family is not going to call you Mr. Morningstar, you weirdo." I said as I took a seat at the table.

"You're undermining my authority." Ares stated.

"Tell someone who cares." I muttered.

Karla lost her shit at that.

"Oh, they are going to love you back home." She said.

"Home?" Noah asked.

I looked at my brother.

"I'm leaving today. Finally getting out of this pack, and I want you to come." I said.

I'm surprised that Ares didn't chime in with something stupid. Noah just stared back at me. He looked around before meeting my eyes again.

"But.. I'm going to be the Beta." He said.

I gave him a confused look.

"You never cared before." I said.

"When I was a toddler." Noah argued.

"You want to stay here?" I asked.

He feels a sense of protectiveness to this pack. He is their Beta. It is his job to serve under the Alpha, and protect this pack. Honi told me.

"Things are going to be different now that Alpha Frederick is dead. I can make this pack better." Noah said.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

"Stay here with me, I can protect you now." Noah said.

"She is not staying here." Ares growled.

I looked up to narrow my eyes at him. Ares kept his eyes on Noah the whole time, ignoring me. He walked over to us, and set a plate down in front of me.

"Don't say another word Ares, or I might actually stay." I warned.

Ares eyes snapped down to me.

"And if I said no?" He asked.

My eyes narrowed at him again.

"You wouldn't." I stated.

Ares raised a brow at me in challenge.

"You'd just stay here too." I said with an eye roll.

Karla snorted again. I ignored Ares as I started eating my food. Eventually, he disappeared into the kitchen.

"Oh wow, Bexley is going to have a field day with you." Karla said.

I turned my head to her. That's the second time I've heard that name. Who is this Bexley?

"You say one word to that annoying woman, and I will be kicking your a*s Karla." Ares growled out from the kitchen.

Karla looked at me, and rolled her eyes.

"You talk so bravely to Mr.... Ares." Derek said awkwardly.

I noticed the mark on his neck too.

Karla shrugged. "I've known them my whole life. He isn't as scary as he comes off." She said.

"Don't tell people that Karla." Ares yelled from the kitchen.

"You just focus on cutting up this ham child." Granny scolded him.

"Ouu, ham?" I asked.

A second later, Ares appeared from the kitchen with a huge piece of ham in his hand. He brought it over to set it on my plate. Then he kissed the top of my head before diappearing again. Karla did a double take at the doorway that Ares disappeared behind. Then she laughed.

"Oh wow, this is rich." She muttered.

"Shut your mouth Karla." Ares yelled.

"What is so funny?" I asked her.

"Uh, your mate." She stated.

"Karal." Ares shouted.

"My Gods, will you stop yelling!" I yelled back.

"You're yelling!" He replied.

"I'm not annoying!" I yelled.

I heard Ares scoff. "Who told you that? They lied!"

I let out a scoff of my own.

"No one winces when I yell!" I shouted.

"Both of you stop it right now." Granny scolded us.

"Sorry Granny." I muttered.

I turned back to my food. When I looked up, everyone at the table is trying to hide their laughter. What the hell is so funny?

"You are so much more mouthy now." Noah said.

"She has always been that way, she just hid it from everyone." Talia said.

I shrugged.

"So, Tal, you gonna tell me who the lucky guy is?" I asked her.

Talia looked at me amused.

"Oh sorry, is it a lucky girl?" I asked.

Talia sputtered out laughter as she looked at Derek. Derek is giving me a bored look. I looked between the two of them.

"Oh my Goddess.. You two.. You really ended up being mate?" I asked.

Derek smirked as he slid his arm around Talia's shoulders.

"We shifted the same day, we knew at that moment." Talia told me. "We were 18."

"I always knew you belonged to me." Derek told her teasingly.

I smiled at them.

"You really did always know. I bet it was exciting for you to finally not get shot down by Talia." I said.

Talia sputtered out more laughter, as Derek rolled his eyes at me.

"She always wanted to say yes, she just refused." Derek said.

I snorted.

"I remember how red your face used to get when she would tease you, and I'm pretty sure it was Talia that told you to wait to see if you were mates." I said.

"Okay, okay, I get it. I was a big simp from the beginning." Derek said with a laugh.

"Simp?" I asked.

What the hell does that mean?

Everyone paused awkwardly. I looked around the table. Noah just shrugged to me. He must not know either. Talia is trying to hide her laughter. Derek's face is a deep red.

I looked at Karla.

"A simp is a kind of slang term for-"

"Don't fucking tell her." Ares said dangerously from the doorway to the kitchen.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Then you tell me." I said.

Karla snorted, and covered her mouth quickly.

Ares deep blue eyes bore into my hazel ones.

"It's a term that means something like being whipped, but more s****l." Ares said.

I frowned, and looked at Derek.

"Gross." I muttered.

Ares walked up behind me, and kiss the top of my head. I ignored him as I continued to eat my food. What am I going to do without Granny's cooking?

"I have to go take care of a few things." Ares told me.

My eyes snapped up to his.

"You're leaving?" I asked.

He's leaving me? Where? Why? For how long? Why am I so panicked over that?

Calm down, he will come back. Honi said.

"I have a few things to wrap up, and then we are leaving. Stay here, enjoy your time with your family. Karla will be staying with you." He said.

"What if someone tries to come in here for me?" I asked.

Ares eyes grew cold.

"Then they have a death wish. Karla has orders to kill anyone. No one will lay a finger on you."

"Okay." I mumbled.

Ares bent down to kiss my forehead.

"I will be quick."