Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 31

Where am I?

I’ve never seen this place before.

I’m standing in the middle of a grand room. The ceilings are high with beautiful paintings on them. Paintings of Gods in wars but I couldn’t name any of them. In fact, I’m not even sure why or how I know they are Gods.

The walls are painted with gold and I wondered if it is real gold or not. There is a long wooden table on one side of the room with five chairs, all empty. I’m standing in front of the table wondering how I got here. My bare feet are on the marble flooring but it isn’t cold. In fact, I feel very warm and fuzzy.

How is that even possible? I’m in nothing but a simple white dress that falls to my knees. It looks more like a nightgown than a dress. When did I put this on?

The last thing that I remember was being with my mate… In that shed.. I blushed as a smile slowly spread across my face.

Then my smile disappeared. Where is my mate? My Ambrose?

I looked around but it appears that I am alone. There are no windows in the room or doors. How did I get here if there are no doors?

“We brought you here.” Came a voice from the table.

I turned around to find all the chairs at the table filled. My eyes scanned the five newcomers. I recognized Lockern immediately and narrowed my eyes at him.

“You.” I said accusingly as I point a finger at him. “Did you kidnap me?” I asked.

Lockern is already on my bad guy list and I am not sure that he will ever get off of it. He not only put my mate and myself in danger, but he also hurt my son. For that, he will never be forgiven.

“We all brought you here my dear.” Said one of the woman.

She is absolutely stunning with long midnight hair that hung in waves until it reached the floor. Her silver eyes are the same color as the moon. She has beautiful pale skin that seems to slightly glow. Her high cheek bones are to die for and so is her small striaght nose.

The woman smiled lovingly at me but I could only stare at her.

“You poor thing, you must be so confused.” Another woman said from the opposite side of the table.

I looked down to find another stunning creature. This woman is almost an exact opposite of the first. Her hair is a golden blonde that was tied up in all kinds of braids. She has a softness about her. Her eyes are so green and vibrant that I feel that I could get lost in them. This woman’s skin is a golden tan that also seems to glow, but in a much different way.

She smiled at me with just as much love as the first woman.

“She’s a strong one. Herclues would be proud.” A man sitting next to the black haired women said.

This is probably the manliest man I have ever seen. He has blonde hair that is shaved at the sides with one long ponytail down the middle of his head. His beard is even longer than his hair, and thicker. I wonder if Ambrose could grow a beard like that.

The man has scars lining his face and his huge bare arms. There is black, what I think is makeup, smuged across his face and over his eyes. A knowing smile is spread across his cheerful face.

“Just wait until she is really riled up.” Lockern whispered loudly to the manly man.

I glared at him.

“How about you just keep your trap shut.” I suggested snidely.

The manly man let out a loud belly laugh.

“My, my Lockern, she told you.” He said proudly.

“That’s enough.” A more powerful voice interrupted.

I looked at the man who sat in the middle of the table between Lockern and the manly man. This man reeks of power, it rolls off of him in waves. He has short light brown hair that is falling in perfect locks across his forehead. His ocean blue eyes almost seemed to glow as he stared at me. This man has muscles, but not as many as the manly man.

I looked across the table at each of their faces. All of them smiled except the man in the middle. His hands are folded over his mouth with his elbows resting on the table. It seems that the men don’t glow like the women do. But none of them had me feeling scared. It’s almost like I know them.

“Who are you?” I asked them all.

Lockern smirked.

“I have already told you who they are my dear niece.” He said.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I’m pretty sure I told you to keep your mouth shut.” I gritted out.

Lockern only looked at me with amusement in his brown eyes.

“Epperly, my dear, ignore Lockern. He just likes to rile everyone up. He can’t help it, it’s in his nature.” The blonde woman told me.

I raised a brow at her.

“It’s in his nature to put young children in danger?” I asked angrily.

“Children?” The black haired woman asked.

Lockern seemed to shrink back in his chair as all eyes turned to him. I crossed my arms over my chest and raised a brow at him. Obviously he hadn’t told these other Gods what he did to my son, but he will be now.

“I already told you that I didn’t know he was in the car.” Lockern told me.

I scoffed.

“You put Tate in danger?” The black haired woman practically screamed.

She’s fuming just like I am.

“You know my son?” I asked her.

The women looked to me with fury in her eyes.

“I know all of my children.” She said.

I had to think about what she said for a moment. Locker told me about the five Gods that got together to help my ancestors. That must mean that she is…

“You’re the Moon Goddess…” I whispered.

The Goddess smiled at me.

“My name is Selene. It is a plessure to meet you my dear.” She said.

“You..” I trailed off as an oddly giddy feeling started to bubble up inside of me. “You’re the one that gave me Ambrose..” I said softly.

Selene nodded.

“I did. You both deserve happiness and are perfect for each other.” She told me.

“Thank you..” I whispered as happy tears began to fall from my eyes.

“Thank you?” The manly man shouted. “She paired you up with a Morningstar! Are you sure you meant to say thank you?” He asked me.

I turned my head to glare at him.

“Do not talk about my mate that way.” I stated sternly.

A wide smile spread across his face.

“Or what? Going to tell your little Morningstar mate to come and get me?” He asked with a laugh.

I marched up to the table and slammed my plam down in front of him.

“You will respect my mate or I will kick your a*s myself.” I seethed.

The man’s smiled widened. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. The man looked me up and down as if wondering to take me seriously or not. Well, he better because I will do it, I don’t care how many scars he has, I had my own at one point.

After what felt like an hour of staring each other down, the manly man let out another loud belly laugh.

“Wonderful! Hercules would be so proud of what has become of his bloodline.” He boasted.

I took a step back from the table with a triumphant smile. That’s right, I faced off with a scar faced God over my mate and won. I can’t wait to tell Ambrose. And Tate, Tate is going to think this is so cool.

“Perhaps the rest of us should introduce ourselves.” The blonde woman announced. “My name is Venus, the Goddess of beauty and love. It’s a joy to see that you have grown into my gift.” She told me with a smile.

“Your gift?” I asked.

Venus nodded.

“We all blessed your bloodline with gifts. That is how you got the protection from us. I blessed you with beauty like no other and a big heart ready to love.” She told me dreamily. “It’s a shame you were only blessed with one mate.” She said.

My eyes went wide and snapped back to the Selene. I don’t want another mate. I’m happy with just Ambrose and me. I am also not sure I could take seeing Ambrose with anyone else, mate or not. He is mine and mine only.

Selene shook her head and rolled her silver eyes.

“My gift to you was a mate dear and I promise it is only the one.” She assured me.

I smiled at her feeling relieved.

“I am Bersek Tyr the Viking God of War!” The manly man said proudly. “But you, my dear niece, may call me Tyr.” He told me.

I nodded to him.

“Hello Tyr.” I greeted.

Tyr smiled brightly making his light eyes twinkle.

“My gift to you was strength. You’re ability to take pain and learn to fight like a real warrior. Being a descendent of Hercules already gives you a certain strength not all have. I only added onto it. You might wind up a bit b***d thirsty though.” He told me.

“B***d thirsty?” I asked.

Tyr shrugged.

“Vikings like to battle.” Was all he said.

“Okay.” I said and then turned to Lockern. “And what about you? If you haven’t gifted me yet may I request that you get out of my life.” I stated angrily.

Lockern gave me an amused smile.

“I am the God of tricks. Much like Loki, but I go by Lockern right now.” He told me.

“Great, just who I wanted to bless me with something.” I mumbled making Tyr laugh again.

Lockern chuckled.

“I blessed you with curiosity.” He said and I gave him a confused look. “People, even humans, are good at tricking another to get what they want. With the gift of curiosity comes causation. No one will ever be able to trick you into something as long as you are smart. Curious people are always smart.” He stated.

I thought about that for a moment. Lockern is right. Even while I was at the lab I asked questions. I knew when to pick my battles.

When I was on the run I made sure to keep moving. No one was ever able to trick me into staying, meeting alone, or telling them who I really am. Not even when I met the Witches. Eventually they figured it out but still.

I turned my eyes to the last man. The one in the middle. He has been very quiet but has kept his glowing blue eyes on me the entire time. Now, I held his gaze.

“You must be Poseidon.” I said.

Poseidon gave me one nod and finally moved his hands from his face.

“I am.” He said.

“You are the one risking the most by being here and doing this, helping me?” I asked.

“I am.” He stated with no emotions.

“I’m sorry that you are going against your family for me. Thank you.” I said softly.

For the first time Poseidon’s face softened. A small smile fell on his lips. It almost seems shy.

“What my brother wants is not right. I am just trying to maintain the balance while also giving you a life.” He told me. I smiled and nodded my head. “That is why I gifted you with clarity and intuition.” He said.

“Clarity and intuition?” I asked.

Poseidon nodded.

“You learn quickly right?” He asked and I nodded. “You knew at the lab that they were doing something no matter how hard they tried to keep you ignorant. You left with Kiah because you knew you could trust him. You left the pack because you knew you couldn’t protect them. And you trusted your mate within minnutes because you knew he was connected to you.” He told me.

“I guess that makes sense.” I mumbled. “So,” I said after an awkward silence settled. “Where are we?” I asked.

“We brought you to our meeting grounds. Another world if you will. A place only the five of us can enter.” Selene told me.

I nodded.

“Okay.. How did I get here?” I asked.

“You fell asleep after… the adventure with your mate.” Venus said with a giggle.

Her giggle sounds like soft windchimes blowing in a gentle breeze. Wow..

“We brought your subconscious here so that we could speak with you. After Lockern opened his mouth and freaked you out we thought it would be best for us to have a meeting.” She explained.

“My subconscious? So.. my body is still with my mate?” I asked worried.

Ambrose would lose his mind if he found that I was missing.

“Your mate only thinks you are asleep my darling, do not worry.” Selene told me.

I smiled at all of them.

“Why did you bring me here?” I asked them.

“My dear there are many things coming your way.” Venus started. “The Gods are aware of your existence and now aware of your mateship.” She told me.

“Isn’t that a good thing? Ambrose said that even a God would think twice before messing with our family.” I said.

Tyr let out another belly laugh, he likes to do that I guess.

“Your mate is right. Morningstar’s are b***d thirsty creatures. They reign in the depths of Hell for a reason my darling niece. Many Gods wouldn’t dare touch you with a mate like Ambrose Morningstar.” He said.

“Many?” I asked. So not all.

I didn’t like the sound of that. Ambrose seemed so sure that none of them would. Although, he did say that even if one of them did his family could handle it. Tyr seems to be pretty confident in my mates power as well though.

“There are a few Gods who are willing to take the risk.” Poseidon said. “My brothers included. And Zeus has a way with people. He could gather a few other Gods up to help him I’m sure.” He told me.

My eyes went wide and panic started to set in.

“That… That could start a war.” I breathed out.

Poseidon’s eyes only bore into mine letting me know that’s exactly why I’m here. That means the other Gods must be planning already. Planning on how to capture me. More panic started to seep into me.

What if they do get me? What if they find out about Tate? What is going to happen to Ambrose if they get me? Will he stay strong for our son? Will he lose himself? And my son… They can’t know about him.

Suddenly soft warm hands cupped either side of my face. My eyes snapped into focus to stare into beautiful silver eyes. Selene gave me a warm smile and my body slumped.

“You needn’t worry my little warrior. Even if it comes to war they will not win. You will have a happy and safe life with your mate and son.” She told me confidently then her eyes went hard. “And no one will ever touch a hair on Tate’s head. He not only is dear to us but to Lucifer as well. He will always be safe.” She assured me.

“But… it’s Zeus.. a God among Gods.” I whispered.

“And you have a Lucifer, one of the most powerful Gods to ever exist. He gives Zeus a run for his money. Not to mention that he has five sons, and more grandchildren than he can count. All of which are more powerful than the last. They alone are an army.” She told me and I instantly started to feel better.

Wow… my mates family really are powerful.

“Plus my darling, you also have us.” Selene gestured to the table behind her. “And we each have our own army as well.” She whispered and then gave me a wink.

I blew out a breath.

“I want to be strong enough to fight too.” I told her.

The Moon Goddess waved her hand and a comfortable arm chair appeared next to me. She offered for me to have a seat before returning to her own. I looked at the five Gods who all stared back at me like they were trying to figure me out.

“She wants to fight Poseidon, did ya hear that?” Tyr boasted.

I gave them a confused look but they only continued to stare.

“She is the first of her bloodline to say that she wants to fight back.” Selene said proudly. “That is her wolf instinct.”

Tyr scoffed at her.

“Wolf instinct.” He mumbled sarcastically. “That is the war in her! The thirst for vengence! The influence from her favorite uncle! Me!” He said.

I couldn’t help but giggle at him. Selene rolled her eyes. Venus also giggled. Lockern looked bored. And Poseidon.. well, he just stared at me completely ignoring the conversation.

“You don’t want me to fight.” It wasn’t a question, but a realization. He did tell me he blessed me clarity afterall.

Poseidon nodded.

“It is too dangerous. You are not ready and I refuse to unlock your mind.” He stated.

I frowned.

“It’s my life. I can’t just let everyone else fight for it if I can’t even help.” I argued.

“Without unlocking the rest of your powers you will not be able to do anything. You will only be in the way.” The water God told me.

My frown grew.

“I will get my powers unlocked. I don’t need any of you to help me with that.” I gritted out.

Lockern chuckled.

“Yes, the little Morningstar girl said she would be able to do but I seriously doubt it Epperly. One Demigod breaking a seal that five full and very powerful Gods put on you? Be serious darling neice.” He stated amused.

I turned my glare to him but it was Selene who spoke before I could.

“Akeehla will be able to do it.” She stated and all eyes turned to her. Selene turned a smug smile to Lockern. “You should not underestimate her, she is far more powerful than any of us could ever dream to be.”

A matching smug smile spread across my face. Lockern only blinked at the Moon Goddess. The rest seemed to share in his reaction. Except for Poseidon. I think that he knows much more than he lets on.

“Your confidence in your wolf child is admirable Selene, but I doubt that she will actually be able to do it.” Poseidon stated. Okay maybe he doesn’t know much more than he lets on.

Selene’s smile grew and then she turned to me.

“It is going to be so exciting when Akeehla succeeds.” She told me.

“Perhaps we should get back to the point.” Venus suggested.

“What is the point exactly?” I asked them.

“We brought you here to warn you dear.” Venus told me. “You need to stay close to your mate. If you are insistant on helping then keep up with your training. You’re officially mated now, learn how to use your mates powers.” She said.

“How much longer do I have until they come?” I asked.

Tyr gave me a proud smile.

“They will send others first to test your strengths and weaknesses. Use your instincts on who to trust.” He told me.

I gave him a nod. “Got it.”

“I will continue to watch over you. When they attack we will be there in a flash.” Lockern told me.

Despite our first meeting… that actually had me feeling better. At least I knew that they would be right there if I ever needed them. Well, at least from here on out.

“My brother doesn’t suspect that I am not on his side as of right now. I will continue to gather information and pass it along to help you.” Poseidon said.

“I am sorry that you have to betray your family to do this for me.” I told him honestly.

The corners of the water Gods lips twitched.

“I am only doing what I feel is right.” He said.

I nodded.

“Thank you.” Then I looked at each of them. “All of you, thank you so much.” I said as tears filled my eyes.

“Well, I think it’s about time we all get back to our own realms then.” Poseidon said dismissing everyone.

The water God was the first to leave. In the blink of an eye he was just gone. No goodbye or good luck. Figures.

Tyr was the first to get to his feet and walk over to me. I stood before he reached me and clasped my hands in front of me. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but it certainly was not to be engulfed in a giant bear hug. Tyr even lifted me off of my feet and spun me around.

“It was such a plessure to meet you my dear neice. It was so nice to see the light that we have all missed so much again. There is no doubt that you are the daughter of Hercules. Remember that for the battle to come. If Zeus is a God among Gods… than what does that make his children? What does that make of you my dear?” He whispered into my ear before pulling away.

Tyr is smiling brightly at me. I wasn’t sure if he actually wanted an answer, or how to even respond to what he said. I didn’t even think about the fact that I share a bloodline with Zeus. Just before I was going to open my mouth the man disappeared from in front of me.

Will I ever get used to that?

“I suppose I will just go without a hug.” Lockern said. “I assume you are still angry with me?” He asked.

I turned and narrowed my eyes at him.

“You put my son in danger. It’s going to take a while to not be angry everytime I see your stupid face.” I stated making Selene giggle.

Lockern gave me a single nod before disappearing like the other men.

“Now that it is just us girls….” Venus said as she walked over and grabbed my hands in hers.

“What is your mate like? I am so thrilled that you found each other. It was touch and go there for a couple of years but thankfully Selene knows what she’s doing.” She rushed out.

I smiled shyly at her.

“Ambrose is so amazing. He’s kind and patient and sometimes an a*****e.” I grumbled the last part as I remembered how he treated me before we were marked. “And he is such a good father. I love him more than I thought I was ever capable of.” I said honestly.

Venus’s smile grew and then she looked at Selene.

“I knew that he would be a perfect fit.” Then she looked back at me. “That boy has it bad for you my dear. I have went down to Earth to help him through those five years. Just so that he wouldn’t lose himself. He’s loved you for so long. I am so happy that he was finally able to find the two of you.” She told me.

“Now, I must go. But we will meet again. Possibly this time I could meet your son as well. Little boy is going to be a heart breaker.” She said with a laugh. “He is the first boy born of your bloodline since the death of your ancestors. I am excited to see how he turns out.” She said and then engulfed me in a hug.

“Thank you, so much. For helping him through his darkest time.” I whispered in her ear.

“Anything for my dearest neice.” She said. Then she pulled away from me, wiped her eyes before tears could fall, and then she was gone like the rest.

I turned to Selene.

“How am I all of yours’ neice?” I asked her.

Selene smiled.

“Many many, many years ago we were all the best of friends. When wars were constant for Gods, we found a friendship. We watched the destruction of our worlds. Even of our children, the humans, the wolves, the other supernaturals, they were all suffering from the wars between the Gods. It was Hercules that convinced us to have a rebellion. He told us that it wasn’t right what the Gods were doing. Not the wars or using the Djin’s. That was before he even met Serenity. She was Zeus’s Djin. That is why he is taking this a bit more personally than most of the Gods.” She told me.

“We all worked hard to free the Djin’s and hide them but… we never succeeded.” She said sadly.

“When he finally met Serenity… Things had changed drastically. They were mates. A mateship simply made by the universe, by the Fates. Something that only happens once every 1,000 years. Gods do not have mates like others. Unless you are blessed by me.” Selene said with a wink and then she sighed.

“We were more of a family than we were friends. At the time Lockern wasn’t offically one of us, he was just helping when we needed him. We didn’t trust him being the trickster God and all. He was promoted when Herclues went into hiding. That is how you are a neice to all of us.” She concluded.

“Tyr said I have a light that none of you have seen in a while. What did he mean by that?” I asked.

Selene smiled, her silver eyes glowing.

“Hercules held a light that even Zeus was jealous of. Even after Hercules proved himself and became a God again, he was different than the rest of us. It was this special light that shined from within him. Something that he created by being a good person, something that Zeus could never attain. You have that same light. You might not see it right now Epperly but it is there. Ambrose can see it, Lucifer can see it, we can see it. Tate has it as well.” She told me.

“Wow… Tate is going to be… really powerful.” I gulped.

Selene nodded and closed the distance between us.

“More than you or any of us will expect. But do not worry my darling girl, he will have others just as powerful. Cousins and such.” She assured me. I nodded and Selene pulled me into a hug.

“You must go now my dear. But I must give you another piece of advice. Read that file.” She told me.

“What happened to my wolf?” I tried to ask her as she let me go but I everything started to fade in the room. “Wait! I have to know what happened to me!” I shouted.

“Read that file Epperly, and know, your wolf is not all gone, just locked far, far way.”

“Wait!”