Sour Souls The Morningstar Series Book 6
Sour Souls Chapter 43

I shot up in my bed with a small gasp. Luca and Uma were quick to come to me. Uma wrapped her arm aound me from the side. Luca sat in front of me.

"Well?" Luca asked.

"I found him." I said.

"Good." Uma said.

I nodded.

"You look better." Luca stated.

"Huh? I asked.

"You look healthier already. The dark circles under your eyes has lightened." He told me.

"Uh, thanks." I said.

"No, not thanks." Uma said.

I turned to frown at her.

"Seeing your mate, even only for a few minutes, has you looking better. That might raise some questions." She told me.

Oh no. I didn't think about that before. Shit.

"It will be okay. We will tell the others that we think you're finally getting over your mate. Maybe they won't question it." Luca said.

"That's going to be our best shot." Uma agreed.

"Okay." I said with a nod.

"What happened?" Luca asked.

"Well, it turns out that my mate knows a lot too. He knows about you all now, and Darian." I said.

"Does that mean that they are going to kill us all once they find you?" Uma asked me.

I looked between her and Luca.

"I already told you both. Ares is not like that. I don't know what happened all those years ago, but my mate.. his family.. they don't believe in punishing someone who didn't actually do anything wrong." I said. "What if they think we did something wrong?" Luca asked.

"To them.. us existing is wrong." Uma said.

I shook my head.

"It's not like that anymore. Maybe Ares grandfather, or uncle think that way, but the rest of them don't. I'm telling you they don't. The Anderson school.. it was built for creatures like you. It's a symbol that we are all equal." I told them. "We are scared Emi." Luca admitted to me.

He sounds so monotone, but so serious at the same time.

"I won't let anything happen to you. At this point, if someone messes with you guys, they mess with me. My mate would never do that, but Darian is." I stated.

"Okay, we trust you." Luca said.

"Good. I can't do this without you." I said. "Did anyone come by while I was out?" I asked.

"Jace stopped by. He tried to take over for us, but we refused to leave your side." Uma said.

I smiled at them.

"Thank you." I said.

"So, what happened with your mate?" Luca asked.

I sighed as I recalled everything.

Ares held me so tight. His lips felt so good against mine. Just taking in his smokey scent, and feeling his warmth had me feeling heeps better. I wish I didn't have to leave him.

Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure I saw Rex there too. I was too wrapped up in Ares to really look, or question it. How is that even possible though?

He was there. Honi said.

You saw Rex too? I asked.

Mhmm, I wanted to get out too. To play with him, but there wasn't enough time. She said.

What do you mean get out? I asked her.

Like Rex. Honi said.

I don't know what that means Honi. I gritted out.

Honi huffed at me.

Rex's soul followed Ares there. Haven't you ever noticed that we are less connected in that place? She asked.

In that place? The Dream realm? I asked.

Honi shook her head.

Not the Dream realm. She stated.

Then what is it? I asked.

I dunno. A different place. A place that only mate can get to. We were only pulled there because he was looking for us. She said.

Was Ares looking for us? I thought we were looking for him. I said.

Honi shook her head.

You didn't hear him calling to us? She asked.

Now that I think about it.. I felt a tugging as soon as I fell asleep. I thought it was me, trying to will myself to my mate. Was it really Ares calling to me? How?

His soul was crying out for us. Honi said sadly.

Ares did look pretty bad when I tackled him. Now that Honi meantions it.. I think I could feel his sadness. Just like I could feel his relief when he finally got me in his arms. It's a good thing we marked mate. Honi said.

A really good thing. I replied.

I looked up at my friends. Both of them are waiting patiently for me to say something. I took a deep breath.

"I marked him." I told them.

"We know." Uma said bored.

"What do you mean you know?" I asked.

"He marked you back." Luca said.

I frowned at the two of them.

"No he didn't." I argued.

Uma lifted my shirt passed my stomach. I looked down as she did so. And there it is. Sure as shit. Ares really did mark me.

There sitting low on the left side of my stomach, is a beautiful waxing cresant moon. It looks like a tattoo. There are the letters E and A hanging from the tip of it. "It's beautiful." I whispered.

Honi howled happily in my bed.

"It is." Uma said as she pulled my shirt back down.

"It's a good thing Jace wasn't here when it happened." Luca said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because, your stomach glowed a bright color right as it happened." Uma answered.

"Oh." Was all I said.

I can't believe I have one of Ares marks. He marked me. Without even meaning too. I can't bring myself to be upset about this in the slightest.

Uma rested her hand on top of mine. I looked up into her hazel eyes. She gave me a small smile.

"We are so happy for you Emi." She said ernestly.

I returned her smile.

"I think we should back to more important things. Like how is Ares going to find you before Jace tries to rape you?" Luca asked annoyed.

Annoyed is Luca's only emotion, I swear.

"I'm not that worried about it honestly." I told them.

"What do you mean? Isn't that why you wanted to find Ares in the first place?" Luca asked.

"Yes. I was scared before, I guess I still am now, but.. Now is different." I said.

"Just because Ares marked you doesn't mean that he can find you. We still have to convince Darian to drop us on earth, and then drop the cloak." Luca said.

"That might not be necessarily true anymore." I said.

"What do you mean?" Uma asked.

I looked both of them in their eyes.

"Ares marked me. This is his Witches mark. I might be able to tap into his magic now. On top of that, Jace and Darian don't realize just how powerful I am. They also have no idea that I know. We can use that to our advantage." I said. "What if you can't tap into his powers?" Luca asked.

"I'll do it. I know I can. Ares and I are already connected." I stated confidently.

"What if Darian doesn't agree to let you outside of this house?" Uma asked.

"He will. If they really want me to give Jace a freaking chance, they will let me out of here. Plus, Darian suggested it to Jace, all I have to do is play my cards right." I said. "What if they realize that you are marked before Ares can find you?" Luca asked.

I huffed at them.

"What if we stay here forever? What if Jace rapes me, and I become a fucking puppet for Darian to use? What if all of us suffer in this war he wants?" I asked them. Uma and Luca shared a look, but didn't say anything.

"We can't be so scared that we do nothing. Doing nothing is worse. I can't just let this happen. Darian isn't only keeping things from me, but from all of you. I don't trust him to do what is best for the Banchee's. Darian only wants to do what's best for himself." I said. Both of them averted their eyes, but not before I saw the sadness in them. I don't know much about any of the Banchee's lives before Darian found them. They don't tell me, and I don't ask much. As shitty as this sounds.. I've been too caught up in my own head to ask.

That being said, I have no idea what Darian rescued them from. It's clear that they have certain loyalty to Darian. Of course I overrule that. I didn't understand it before, but I do now. Now that Ares told me the truth.

"You must understand that this is hard for us." Uma said softly.

I grabbed one of her hands in both of mine. When Uma's sad eyes met mine, I gave her a small smile. Then I grabbed Luca's hand as well. Connecting the three of us.

I tapped into my white flame, begging it to share strength with our friends. All of our connected hands began to glow. Brighter than I have ever seen it happen so far.

"I can't imagine how hard this must be. I know that I am asking a lot from the two of you." I said softly. "I don't know what Darian saved you from, or where your loyalty to him comes from. All I know, is that I have gained your loyalty as well. Unfortunately, I need you to make a choice. Let me help you. Please." I said.

Luca and Uma are staring at our connected hands. Uma has tears funning down her face. Luca is just staring in awe.

I know that this is more power than they have ever felt. I realized a while ago that I am more powerful than the rest of them. Finding out who I really am to them only has it making more sense

"I want you all to go out into the world. See what it has to offer. Meet people. Find your mates. Travel the world. Don't you want that?" I asked them.

They shared another look before looking up at me.

"Darian has you all in a dungeon disguised as a house." I stated.

Luca shook his head.

"It's safer in here. If the world found out what we are.. They would kill us." He said.

"No one even knows that Banchee's exist!" I said.

Uma and Luca frowned at me.

"Isn't that why you were brought here? Why you were taken from your mate?" Uma asked. "Huh?" I asked.

"Darian said that we needed to get you, and take you away from your mate." Luca said.

"He said that the only reason you survived this long was because your mate wanted to sacrafice you. Something about an offering to the Devil." Uma said.

My jaw dropped.

What!

Honi growled.

What an idiot. She said.

"But why would he.."

Why would he think that would work? That none of us would ever find out the truth? Did Darian plan to keep me as a puppet from the beginning?

"Listen, I don't know what Darian's game is, but that is not true." I said.

The both of them frowned at me.

"How long do you two think I have been with my mate?" I asked them.

"Darian said that the Anderson school found you when you were young. He said that Ares had always known you were his mate, but he didn't act on it until recently. Althought.. he didn't really tell us more than that." Uma said. Luca clentched his jaw.

"He's been lying to us nonstop." He said.

"Yes he has." I said. "Ares and I met just over a month ago. He saved me. I was living in a pack before then. My stepfather was extremely abusive. I have a little brother that I was forced to raise since I was ten. When I was 16, my step dad went after my little brother. That was the first time I killed anyone with my Banchee powers. He was the Beta of the pack." I told them.

"So, you woke up in a dungeon? Without saying goodbye to anyone?" Uma asked.

I furrowed my brow at her.

"No, I was dragged away kicking and screaming." I replied.

Luca and Uma shared a confused look before turning back to me.

"You didn't pass out after?" Luca asked.

I scrunched my face up at them.

"No?" I said.

"Wow.." Uma breathed out. "You really are powerful." She said.

Was I supposed to pass out?

"Maybe it was because you had your wolf?" Luca asked.

I shook my head.

"I got Honi later than most wolves. I didn't get her until after I was locked away." I told them.

Both are staring at me in awe.

"Ares was the one to save me from that place. He killed every single person that beat me, tried to r**e me, or even if they knew what was happening to me. He fed me, clothed me, took me away from all of my pain. Ares cared and loved for me when my own mother couldn't. And I know that he would not agree with the death of every single Banchee." I said sternly.

"We were mistaken then." Uma said.

I nodded to them.

"Why would Darian do all of this though?" Luca asked.

"Because, he was there." I said. "Back then, during the war. Ares wasn't able to share much information with me in that short time, but he did tell me that. He told me something else too. The reason why Darian needs me so badly." I said. "Whys that?" Luca asked.

"Because.. Apparently.. I am your Queen. I come from the blood line of the very first Banchee to ever exist." I told them.

Luca and Uma's eyes went wide.

"Our savior.." Uma breathed out.

"Well, I sure shit am going to try." I said.

"We need a plan." Luca said.

"Alright, then let's make one."

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

"Hey Emi, how are you feeling today?" Jace asked.

I've been wandering around the house, just waiting for Jace to find me. He's going to ask me to go somewhere alone with him. Before he does that.. I am going to try to get him to take me outside.

"Hey Jace. I'm okay I guess. I feel a bit better now, but I'm still kind of sad. I just can't believe I was so wrong about Ares." I said sadly.

Jace gave me a small smile. He stepped closer to me, and grabbed one of my hands. Then Jace brought it to his mouth, and kissed the back of my hand.

Ares can't feel stuff like that right? I asked Honi.

I dunno. I hope not. She replied.

"I'm sorry Emi. You deserve so much better." Jace said.

I gave him a small sad smile.

"I guess so." I said, and then sighed. "I just wish that I could go outside. I am half Werewolf. I crave the forest. I spent so much of my life hidden away. Being tortured underground, never seeing the sun. I was only free for a month before you all found me." Then I looked at Jace with a wide smile.

"Thank you for rescuing me by the way. I don't think I've thanked any of you yet." I said.

"It was a hard adjustment." Jace said.

Our hands are still locked together. It's taking everything in me to keep myself relaxed. All I want to do is pull my hand back, and use it to slap Jace across his smug face.

"Still, I should have thanked you all for your hospitality at least." I said.

Then I looked back out the black window. I put a look of longing on my face, and sighed. Jace is staring at me still.

"Is it hurting you to be away from nature this long?" Jace asked.

I turned to him with a small smile.

"It makes my wolf weak, but I guess Honi has been in the darkness longer. It doesn't feel great though." I said.

Which is a lie. Honi hasn't weakened at all. Espeically since marking our mate.

"What if I could take us outside?" Jace asked.

My eyes snapped to him. I let go of his hand to grip onto his shirt. Then I practically jumped into his chest.

"Really? You could do that?" I asked.

Jace gave me a wide smile.

"I'm sure that Darian could be talked into it. You'll have to stay with me though, in a barrier. Can't risk anyone finding us." He said.

"Okay." I said as I nodded enthusastically.

Jace chuckled at me as he wrapped his arms around me.

"Can the other's come?" I asked.

"Possibly." Jace said. "Wait here, let me go talk to Darian."

********

Holy shit. It fucking worked. My plan worked. Jace convinced Darian to let us outside.

I walked off of the porch steps of the dreary house. The grass tickled between my toes. I let out a shakey laugh.

"You just can't shift right now." Jace said from behind me. "We aren't sure how the barrier will react to a different species." He told me.

What the hell does that mean?

"Okay. That's fine. I don't think Honi is strong enough to shift anyways." I lied.

Honi grumbled in my head.

Hey chill. I have to play this right. I told her.

I am not a weak wolf. Honi stated.

No. You are the strongest wolf, and my life would not be the same without you Honi. I told her.

I felt Honi's happiness spread through me.

Alright Honi, you know what to do. I told her.

Honi gave me a nod, and retreated to the back of my mind. Her job is to call out to our mate. It might help him find us sooner.

"Thank you for making this happen." I said to Jace.

Jace moved from behind me to my side. He grabbed my hand in his, and brought it to his lips. I gave him a smile as I gagged inside my head.

"Come somewhere with me." He said.

I tried not to let the panic show.

"But.. What about everyone else?" I asked.

Jace looked around at the others. They all seem to be doing their own thing. Mostly enjpying the sunshine. I feel so bad for them. They never get to see the sun because of Darian. That f*****g physchopath.

"I think it would be a great idea for the two of you to go off on your own." Darian said as he stepped off the porch behind us.

I tried not to narrow my eyes at him. Gods, this pretending shit is exhuasting. No wonder why Ares never does it.

"Just come back in time for supper. Anna is making a big feast for us to have out here." Darian said with a bright smile.

Jace and I smiled back at him, then Jace looked at me. He grabbed my hand again, and pulled me around the house. My eyes flickered to Uma and Luca for a moment before everyone disappeared from view. "Where are we doing?" I asked.

"Just right over here. I may, or may not have asked Darian to set a blanket out for us." Jace said with a smug smile.

Fucking bastard.

Jace lead me to a red and white checkered blanket. He sat down, and pulled me down at well. I'm desperately trying to keep myself relaxed.

So far it isn't so bad. Jace hasn't made a move on me yet, and we've been sitting here for a half an hour. Maybe he is chickening out on the whole ra-

My thoughts were interrupted by Jace pressing his disgusting lips to mine. I pushed on his chest, but he wouldn't budge. I pushed on him again as I backed away, and finally our lips parted.

Oh,

I think I'm going to be sick.

"Jace." I scolded softly.

"Don't be like that Emi. I can make you feel better." Jace said.

Shit, he's moving closer to me. Crawling on top of me. I really hope the betrayl pains aren't slowing Ares down.

"Let me show you all of the things that Morningstar bastard." He said as he started kissing my neck.

Gross.

"N-no Jace. I'm not ready." I said.

"Don't worry baby, I'll get you ready." He said.

I let Jace fiddle with my jeans as I whimpered. I'm purposely not fighting back. Any moment now Luca is going to pop out of the bushes and save me. All I need to do is focus on taking that barrier down.

I squeezed my eyes shut as I focused on my mark. Ares magic. I need it. I called on it jsut like I do my own power now.

Then I felt it.

I'm not sure how to use it, so I begged it to take the barrier down. To bring my mate to me. All I can do is hope it works.

Jace is moving to take my jeans off. I started to struggle a bit more. Where the hell is Luca?

"Jace stop. I said no." I said more sternly.

"Don't worry. After this, all you'll be saying is yes."