Sour Souls The Morningstar Series Book 6
Sour Souls Chapter 9

We have been here for three days. I'm exhuasted. I haven't been able to get more than a couple hours of sleep since being here. Rex is constantly waiting, hovering at the surface.

I think the sinister feel in the air is getting to him. Although, he shouldn't be acting this way over it. It's like he's waiting to spot something, or someone.

Rex you need to chill. I can't do my job if I can't sleep. I complained.

It's morning now, well, 5 in the morning. I rolled my eyes as I got up to shower. This is getting ridiculous.

Can't. Rex said. We are going to save them.

I rolled my eyes.

He keeps saying that. Rex won't elaborate more on what he means either. It's annoying.

How can I 'save them' if I can't even get some sleep?

After my shower, I dressed in a pair of dark jeans, and a black V-neck shirt. I'm staring out the window at the pack as I wait for the other's to get here. Things are going according to plan so far, though I wish it would speed up. I want to get out of here. A knock to my door stopped my thoughts.

"Come in." I called.

My door opened, and Kee walked in with the rest of the team behind her.

"Talk." I ordered when they all sat down.

"Alpha Frederick is a disgusting man. I don't know how Aunt Lenny always played the flity type with these... men." Kee choked out the word.

"Has he been acting suspicous?" I asked.

Kee shrugged. "I caught him sneaking away in the middle of the night the first night we got here. He went to this small building on the other side of the pack. I later found out that it's the dungeon though." She said.

"There's something down there." Melia said. "Something that everyone here is hiding." She said.

"I

I agree. The warriors are really weird about it. Almost like it's cursed, or something." Karla said.

I nodded. "I'll try to check it out today." I said.

"Well, I can assure you that this entire pack is mostly dark. I've only found a handful of people who seem to be genuinely kind." Melia told me.

"Who?" I asked.

"The future Beta. He's an 11 year old kid with tons of light, but he's quiet, sad, there's... something going on there." She told me.

I nodded for her to continue.

"The future Alpha is.. well.. he has light in him, but I fear that his father is snuffing it out." Melia said.

"Do you think he would be good to take over?" I asked.

"He's 11 so, no." Melia said. "But, I think that without his fathers guide, he will be a good person. Eventually, he could grow to be a wonderful Alpha."

I nodded. "Ryce should be able to handle that then." I said. "Who else?" I asked.

"The pack doctor is a nice man, but his heart is broken. I don't know why though." She said.

"We will find out." I said. "Anyone else?" I asked.

"There is a family of three that are also light. An old women, her grand daughter, and her grand daughters mate. They are both warriors." Melia said.

"I bet I can guess who they are." Karla said. "Talia, and Derek right?" She asked.

Melia nodded. "Isn't Talia goregous? She looks like an African Goddess." She gushed.

I rolled my eyes.

"Anyone else?" I asked.

Melia shook her head. "Not one other in this entire damn pack."

"How is that even possible?" Karla asked. "This pack has almost 200 wolves. Only five of them are good people?" She asked.

"It happens." Kee said. "Especially when their leader is so awful. With a new leader, this pack might be able to be saved. As long as they aren't involved in the trafficking that is." She said. "Karla, how are their defenses?" I asked.

"Well, they have warriors who patrol the property. Two for every 40 feet." She said.

"That isn't much." Kee said.

"I

agree. What else?" I asked.

"Their warriors train, but it seems that most of them don't take it seriously. It's almost like they think they're invincible. They spar more with each other, than actually working as a team. It's strange." Karla said. I nodded.

That is strange. Sure, sparring is a good thing to have going on between warriors, but it shouldn't be the only thing. Team work is important in a packs army. They should be learning new moves, and working together, not goofing off. What are they hiding?

"I think they're hiding more than just a trafficking supernaturals." Marco said.

My eyes snapped to his.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"At first, there was barely any talk about us coming. Most were saying that it was a routine inspection sent from the Lycan King. They all think we are all wolves." Marco said.

"And what did you do?" I asked.

Marco shrugged. "I might have saved a pack member from falling with my magic. Then I loudly announced that we were here to protect the pack, sent by Atiana Morningstar herself. After that rumors started to spread. I started to drop more hints about the Alpha being under investigation." He said.

"And?" I asked.

Marco smiled. "I hear them whisper. They are afraid. I don't think any of them know about the trafficking though. They are afraid we are going to find something else." He said.

I blew out a breath. "At least they know that we are here to investigate something." I said.

"Alright. Karla, I want you to speak with these warriors. See if you can find any information from them." I said.

"Kay." She said.

"Melia, talk with the doctor." I ordered.

Melia nodded.

"Marco, keep doing what you're doing." I said.

"You got it boss." He replied.

"Kee, see if the Alpha's son will give you any information. Maybe you can help steer him in a better direction." I ordered.

"Alright." She mumbled.

"Again, what about you?" Karla asked.

"I'm going to find out what's in that dungeon."

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

I've been wandering around the pack for about an hour, or two now. I found the dungeon a while ago, but I can't get in without tipping Alpha Frederick off. Still, it's clear that something is in there.

I have a desperate need to find out what they are hiding in there. Every time I catch sight of it, Rex growls loudly. He feels something in that place.

"Mr. Morningstar!"

Someone called out.

I turned to see a young boy running up to me. He has blonde hair, shaved down at the sides, and bright blue eyes. The boy ran up to me, panting from his run. "Mr. Morningstar.. Can I walk with you?" He asked.

I looked the boy up, and down. He is the future Beta. I can feel his power. It's strong despite his young age. That must be because his father died.

"May I." I said as a I turned to walk away.

"Huh?" The boy asked.

"The correct way to ask, is 'May I', not 'Can I." I said.

"O-oh, sorry. May I walk with you please?" He asked politely.

I nodded, and continued my walk.

"Uhm, my name is Noah. I'm the future Beta here." He said.

"Nice to meet you Noah." I said.

There is a scent coming off of him that has Rex drooling in my head. I can't quite place it, but it smells lovely. Although, I wouldn't say drool worthy. "Forgive me Mr. Moringstar, but I need to talk with you about something important." He said.

"So, talk." I said.

Noah ran in front of me, and I stopped walking. He has a deep frown on his face as he looks up at me. I raised a brow at him.

"Sir, I'm sorry, but this is important. They are saying that you're here because Alpha Frederick is under investigation. Is that true?" He asked.

"Listen kid, you should probably stay out of-"

"Is it true?" Noah asked interrupting me.

I raised a brow at his disrespect.

"I'm sorry Mr. Morningstar, but.. I.. What is he under investgiation for? Is it because of what he's hiding in the dungeon?" Noah asked.

None of them even suspect the trafficking. They all think this is about whatever the Alpha has in that dungeon of his. I need to know what's down there.

"Do you know what he has down there?" I asked.

Noah's jaw tensed.

"Look Noah, if you know something, you need to tell me." I said. "I can protect you-"

"It's not me I'm worried about." He said interrupting me.

I chuckled at the kid.

"Trust me Noah, your Alpha is no match for me, or anyone on my team." I said.

"I'm not worried about you either." He said.

"Then what is it?" I asked.

Noah looked around before his eyes settled on me.

"Do you know how my dad died?" He asked.

I frowned. "Your Alpha said it was a rouge attack." I said.

"Of course he did." Noah said angrily.

Noah grabbed my arm, and leaned in closer to me. His eyes are pleading with me. What is that look about?

"She's innocent. When you find her down there.. the Alpha.. he.. He's going to lie to you. She didn't do it, and even if she did, that asshole deserved it. Please, you have to rescue her, take her far away from here." The young Beta begged me. "Who Noah?" I asked.

"Young Beta, there you are, your teacher is looking for you." Alpha Frederick interrupted us.

Noah's jaw tightened, and he let me go.

"Yes Alpha." He replied.

Then Noah turned to head for the pack house. I watched him walk away. Noah turned back to look at me, then at the dungeon, then back to me. His eyes are still pleading with me.

What the hell is down there? Who was Noah talking about? What really happened to Alpha Frederick's Beta? "Ares-"

"Mr. Morningstar." I corrected.

"Ah, I see you wish to be talked to with respect, yet you refuse to acknowlegde me as the Alpha." Frederick stated.

I looked him dead in his eyes. The Alpha might like to act like he's top dog, but I see the fear in his eyes. And all I did, was look at him.

"You will call me Mr. Morningstar, not because I demand respect Alpha, but because I do not like you. Make no mistake Frederick, we are not here on joyful terms. You better hope that we don't find any evidence in this pack. If we do, you will pay dearly." I stated dangerously.

"Is that a threat Morningstar?" Frederick narrowed his eyes at me.

I stepped up the the Alpha. He's a few inches shorter than me. He isn't even as muscular as me. I glared down at this false Alpha.

"You bet your ass it is." I stated in a low tone.

This Alpha might like to act like he isn't scared of me, but I can smell his fear. His heart beat spikes any time I look at him. Frederick is not good at faking confidence. Not when it comes to me anyways.

"Just remember you are in my pack Morningstar." The Alpha seethed.

I gave him a dry chuckle.

"Just remember who you are dealing with, Alpha." I said.

"Alpha, could I speak with you for a moment." The Gamma came up to interrupt our stare down.

I looked up at the Gamma. He hates me. Which makes me even more skeptical. They are all hiding something, and it's more than just s*x trafficking.

"If you will excuse me." Frederick said, and then turned around.

"Frederick, I would like permission to explore every inch of your territory. Including the dungeon." I said.

I didn't have to ask. Whether this Alpha likes it, or not, I am in charge here. Orders went to Frederick straight from Ryce, and he cannot defy the Lycan King. It would mean instant death.

The only reason I asked was to see the Alpha's reaction.

Frederick's body stiffened. He stopped mid step. His back is to me, but he turned around with a sneer on his face.

"You may not go into the dungeons." He said.

"Why not?" I asked nonchalantly.

"There are dangerous rouges down there. Other criminals in my pack. I would hate for you to get hurt Mr. Morningstar." Frederick said.

I smirked at him. "Me? Get hurt?" I laughed. "How adorably ignorant of you." I said.

Then I walked away.

That should make that bastard squirm. Serves him right too. Some Alpha he is.

I walked the property for a little while. Pack members stared, and whispered about me everywhere I went. Which is usual.

Eventually, someone approched me. A women. She looks to be a few years older than me. Pretty little brunette. Though I like my women with more muscle, the scrawny ones can never last as long as I want. Maybe I'd still give her a chance though. "Excuse me, are you one of the people here for the Alpha's investigation?" She asked.

I raised a brow at her. That was pretty braisen. Especially for an Omega. She could very well lose her head if I were any other arrogant Alpha.

"Forgive me for being so brave, it's just.. is it true that you're invegitating the Alpha? Please, I.. I need to know." She said.

"Why?" I asked.

Is this another dungeon thing?

The women looked around, before her eyes settled back to me.

"My little sister, and I were brought here when we were children. Alpha Frederick killed our parents, they were rouges. We were brought here to serve as Omega's to the pack." She stated.

"My little sister went missing a couple months ago. I asked the Alpha about it, but.. he just seemed so unbothered. I know we were rouges, and we aren't high ranking wolves, but.. my sister.. She's only 15, please, I think the Alpha knows what happened to her." The women said.

Tears filled her eyes as she bowed slightly.

"I know that I have no right as an Omega to ask this of you, but please.."

I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her words. The women's body went rigid as she looked back up at me. I just stared down at her expressionless.

"It does not matter if you were a rouge, or if you are an Omega. You are a person. You deserve to be heard, and cared for. I cannot promise that I will find your sister, but I will try. As for your Alpha, we are here looking for proof. So, if you know of any.." I trailed off. "Deborah!"

The women jumped.

"I have to go, but.. check his office. There is a secret cabinet behind the hutch."

Then she took off.

I sighed.

Kee, gather everyone. We need to talk.

*******

"What the hell is this about?" I asked when I walked into my room.

Not only is my whole team here, but so is Noah, and two other people I don't know.

"This is Talia, and Derek, the warriors I was telling you about." Karla said.

I nodded.

"Did you go in the dungeons yet?" Noah asked.

"No." I said.

"You have to." The Talia girl said as she jumped up.

"Tal.." Her mate scolded, and grabbed her arm.

Talia pulled her arm from her mate's grasp. She stared at me unmoving. That's new, most peopel can't hold eye contact with me.

"You have to go down there, and get Emi. She doesn't deserve to be locked up." Talia said.

"Who is Emi?" I asked.

"She's my sister." Noah said.

I looked to him.

"The rightful heir to the Beta title?" I asked.

Noah shook his head.

"We have different fathers." He said.

I gave him a nod.

"She's locked up for killing the previous Beta?" I asked.

"Emi did this pack a favor killing that scum." Talia said.

"Talia." Derek scolded her again.

"No! I don't care what this means for me, you have to help her. She's been down there for over five years. Please, I don't care if you take her to a different dungeon, just take her away from this place." Talia begged.

Kee looked up at me.

"She has magic." She said.

I frowned at her.

"I can see what happened from Noah's head. She used magic to kill him, but.. it didn't seem like she knew what she was doing. I've also never seen a power like what she used." Kee said.

I gave her a nod.

"So, what are we gonna do?" Karla asked.

"An Omega stopped me today, she told me a place to look for evidence on the traficking." I said.

"Trafficking?" Derek asked.

I ignored him.

"I can get in there, and look." Kee said.

"Okay, I want the rest of you to gather the other's that you found Melia. Bring them here, keep them safe. That includes the young Alpha." I said.

"Got it." Melia said.

"Marco, Karla, gather the Alpha, the Gamma, and their most trusted warriors. Hold them in a room here until Kee finds her evidence." I said.

"Okay boss." Marco replied.

"I'm going to the dungeon. Now."

With that I walked back out of my room. I marched all the way to the dungeon doors. Two warriors stood gaurd.

"We cannot let you pass." One said.

I groweld. "You will either let me pass, or I will tell the Lycan King that you disobeyed orders straight from him." I said.

The two looked at each other for a moment. Then they looked back to me. They stepped out of the way.

"I will be telling my Alpha about this." One said.

I smirked. "Good."

I opened the door to the small building. Inside is a small room with no windows. There are torture items on one wall, and sets of keys hanging up as well. Then there is a door on the far wall with seven different locks on it.

I walked to the door, and used my magic to unlock all of them. The door creaked open. The smell of death, and blood filled my nostrils.

Gross.

I walked down the steps. It's completely dark in here. I can barely see a thing.

Wait..

I've been here before. That dream that I had.. This is the same place.

I walked down the halls as a chill crept up my spine. Rex is right at the surface looking through my eyes. We are almost to the back of the hall.

That's when I smelled it.

Cherry blossoms, and sandal wood.

It smells fucking delious. Rex is going crazy in my head. I have to know the source of that scent. I need to know. I've never smelled something so amazing in my life.

My mouth started to water, and my feet moved faster. Rex is urging me on. Finally, I made it to end of the hall. I turned to my left, just like in my dream, and my eyes landed on the figure of a small women.

"Back already Frederick? Scared that your little guests will find me?" The girl sneered without looking at me.

I just stared at her. I can see her so much more clearly now than in that dream. It's the same person though. I can tell by the wild red hair.

Finally, the girl turned her head to me. Our eyes connected. Her hazel ones went wide. I gripped onto the bars of her cell as Rex growled in my head.

"Mate."