Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 38

I woke up the next morning alone in bed. Rolling over I shoved my face into my mates pillow. He let me sleep in. I feel like Ambrose always lets me sleep in if he can.

How did I get so lucky?

Sighing, I reluctantly I sat up and got out of bed. I trudged to the bathroom to brush my teeth. The moment I stepped onto the cold tiled floor an overwhelming nausea wave hit me. I rushed to the toliet and emptied the contents of my stomach.

At least I made it. When I was pregnant with Tate there were a few times that I didn’t. I remember keeping a waste basket next to me at all times because I was always sick.

Just as another wave hit me and I doubled over the toliet again, I felt hands on my back. My hair was pulled out of my face and the smell of fresh dirt and camp fire engulfed me. I instantly felt better. All of the nausea disappeared in an instant, and a wave of calm settled in my stomach.

I leaned back onto Ambrose’s legs, and look up into his worried deep blues.

“Are you alright baby?” He asked me.

I nodded and gave him a weak smile.

“Morning sickness.” I said.

Ambrose helped me to my feet. He hovered over me as I brushed my teeth, and washed my face. I could feel his worry through the bond, and it was getting slightly annoying.

“I’m not helpless ya know. It’s just morning sickness. I used to get it way worse with Tate.” I told my mate.

“You did?” He asked, and I nodded. “I’m sorry baby. I wish I could have been there to help you. I just.. want to make it better.” He told me.

I patted my face dry, and turned around.

“It’s not your fault. It’s part of being pregnant. It’ll pass soon. Hopefully. With Tate I was sick constantly.” I said with an eye roll.

Ambrose brushed some hair out of my face, and tucked it behind my ear.

“Is there anything I can do to make it better?” He asked.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him. Pushing my face into his neck I inhaled deeply. Ambrose wrapped his arms around me, and held me close.

“Just your scent makes me feel better.” I said as I kept inhaling deeply.

It was like I couldn’t get enough of him. He smells so damn good. I placed an open mouth k**s to Ambrose’s neck, and he shivered. Even his skin tastes good. I sucked on Ambrose’s neck. It was like I couldn’t get enough of his scent, of his taste.

“Baby, what are you doing?” Ambrose asked in a deep voice.

All that did was spark l**t inside of me further. I m****d and bit down on my mate. Ambrose hissed out the pain, and his hold on me tightened. I didn’t think I bit down that hard on him, but then I tasted it. His b***d.

I broke skin.

I didn’t mean to do that. But the taste of his b***d was exactly what I needed. I bit down harder, and more b***d filled my mouth. I m****d again.

Ambrose grabbed my h**s and lifted me up. He set me on the counter, and then held me flush against him. I continued to suck on his neck, trying to get as much of his b***d as I could.

“If you wanted to feed from me all you had to do was ask baby.” Ambrose said lowly.

He pulled away from me and I frowned. Before I could argue with him over it though, Ambrose extended one claw. His pointer finger sliced across the bite mark that is somehow still bleeding. I opened my mouth to protest.

Why would he hurt himself? But before I could, Ambrose grabbed the back of my head, and pulled me to his open wound.

I couldn’t help but give in. My mouth latched onto his neck, and I drank all the b***d that I could. I’m not sure how Ambrose is able to keep his wound from closing, but I’m happy he can. His b***d tastes so good. Far better than the stuff he gave me yesterday.

After another minute or so my mates wound closed. I licked up all the b***d I could from his skin. Ambrose chuckled when I kept licking him. He pulled back to look me in the eyes.

“I can start feeding you my b***d if that’s what you’re craving.” He told me.

“Really?” I asked excitedly.

Ambrose laughed.

“Yeah baby. I could probably get you a few cups a day without losing strength.” He told me.

I gave him a bright smile.

“Yay!” I said.

“Alright. Let’s go have some breakfast. Tate and I made chocolate chip pancakes.” My mate told me.

“Oh yay! Can I have some pickles too?” I asked as I hopped off of the counter.

Ambrose grabbed my hand.

“You can have anything you want baby.” He told me with a laugh.

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

A short while later I was sitting at the table in my comfy robe. Tate and Ambrose had finished eating about ten minutes ago, but I am an endless pit. I’ve had ten pancakes, a full jar of pickles, 11 sausage links, eight slices of bacon, three eggs, and two full glasses of Ambrose’s b***d.

It took him a while to fill them up for me and I felt really bad. Ambrose assured me that it was completely fine though. He said something about having Olive make up some b***d bags when he has more time.

So, here I am, still shoveling food into my mouth. Tate is playing in his room with his Wii. Thankfully, Ambrose stayed at the table with me so I didn’t feel so alone.

“So, when are Kiah and the others going to be here?” I asked as I took the last bite of my food.

“They will be here shortly after lunch. Kiah already called this morning and said they were on their way. It is a drive though.” My mate told me.

I sat back in my chair and patted my belly.

“Okay.” I said. “I’m so excited.” I told him.

Ambrose chuckled.

“I know baby. I can feel it through our bond.” He told me and then looked at my plate. “Are you finally full or do I have to make you more pancakes?” He asked amused.

I shook my head.

“I am finally full.” I said with a laugh. “I did not eat this much with Ambrose. What if little Calliope eats even more than our son does?” I asked worried.

Ambrose kissed my cheek and stood up.

“Then we will feed her.” He said simply. “It’s no big deal if she does. But I think that you are more thirsty than hungry. Once you start getting more b***d into your system I think that your appetite will die down some.” He told me.

I narrowed my eyes at my mate as he took my plate to the sink.

“You seem to know a lot for someome who claims to not know a lot.” I said as I remembered our conversation from last night.

Ambrose chuckled.

“I am just guessing based on my sisters and what my mom has told me. For all we know you really could eat like this for the full five months.” He said.

My eyes went wide and Ambrose laughed. I frowned at him and crossed my arms over my chest. Ambrose finished washing the dishes and came back to the table where I’m still sitting. Watching him do anything is beyond sexy. I also am having a hard time not being in the same room as him.

An hour ago I went to the bathroom and that same nausea washed over me. Ambrose is convinced that we can’t be too far apart without me having severe side affects. After the way I threw up an hour ago, I had to agree.

“I’m going to get as big as a house.” I grumbled.

“No you won’t baby.” Ambrose said as he walked over to me.

He pressed a k**s to the top of my head and then sat down.

“So, I was thinking, if you wanted to, maybe we can go see Olive?” He asked.

I furrowed my brow.

“For what?” I asked.

Ambrose smiled.

“I know that we are going to announce it tonight but she can give you an ultrasound. We can see how far along you are, you can listen to her heart beat.” He told me as he placed his hand on my belly.

My eyebrows shot up. I looked down at my belly and placed my hand over his. Tears welled in my eyes.

“I… I didn’t even think about it.” I mumbled. “I never got to hear Tate’s heartbeat.” I whispered as a single tear fell.

Ambrose reached over and wiped the tear from my cheek.

“Would you like to listen to our daughter? Tate can come too.” Ambrose offered.

I looked up and nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes. Please.” I said.

Ambrose pressed a soft k**s to my lips. “Go get dressed. I’ll call Olive and get Tate ready.” He told me.

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

A few minutes later I was picking out an outfit for today. After staring at my clothes for what seemed like forever, I finally decided on a beautiful baby blue sundress. It has short sleeves and ends right above my knee.

The back is open, but I planned to leave my hair down anyways. There is a small opening around my middle right under my boobs as well, almost giving the dress a two piece look.

I love it.

When I walked back to the living room Ambrose and Tate were there. Tate has on a matching outfit of his father, to which I frowned at. They are both wearing dark blue jeans and baby blue T-shirts.

We all match. I don’t think I intentionally did that. Ambrose had come in and changed while I was still searching for what to wear. I didn’t even look at him before he left our room.

“Hi Momma.” Tate said when he noticed me.

“Hi.” I replied to him.

Ambrose looked me up and down and then looked to our son. When he looked back at me I raised a brow at him. Then he smirked.

“Are you matching us now?” He asked.

I frowned.

“No, you two are matching me.” I stated.

Ambrose chuckled.

“Whatever you say babe.” He said and then kissed my cheek. “Ready?” He asked me.

I nodded and before I knew it we were telling Olive that I’m pregnant. She screeched and I thought my ears were going to bleed. Olive promised to keep our secret. She took us to a private room with all sorts of machines set up.

Olive told me to lay on the table. She gave me a towel to drape over my lower half as she lifted my dress up over my belly. Then she turned on a bunch of the machines.

“Okay, this gel is going to be cold.” She said and then squirted some of it on my belly. “Usually this early on we would use a wand for the ultrasound, but with Werewolf pregnancies we won’t have to do that.” She explained to me.

“Okay.” I said.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what else to say. I have no idea what a wand is. When I was pregnant with Tate I never went to a doctor. I couldn’t. I had to stay hidden, and I couldn’t trust anyone. I gave birth in a dingy motel room all alone. This is all new for me.

Ambrose grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze as Olive started moving a part of the machine over my belly. My mate can feel my sadness through our bond and I hope that he knows it isn’t for now, but for my past. I wish that I would have stayed that morning five years ago, almost six years ago now. I wish I would have woken him up at least.

“You are no longer alone my love.” Ambrose whispered in my ear.

“Yeah Mommy you have us.” Tate agreed from next to his father.

“You have all of us now Epperly.” Olive chimed in.

I smiled at all of them. “Thank you.” I said.

“Look.” Olive said. “She’s right here.” She said pointing to a small little speck on the screen.

“That’s my sister?” Tate asked as he squinted at the screen.

“That’s right buddy.” Ambrose said as tears filled his eyes. “Thats little Calliope.” He said and then kissed my forehead.

“Let’s listen to her heartbeat.” Olive said.

She flipped a switch in the machine and then room was filled with the sound of our daughters strong heartbeat. Ambrose looked down at me to get my reaction. Afterall he has been able to hear her heartbeat since he realized I was pregnant. Tears pooled in my eyes as I listened to it.

“It’s so strong.” I said as the tears began to fall.

Ambrose nodded.

“She’s strong like her mother.” He told me and then started kissing all over my face as I cried.

“She does have a very strong heartbeat. That along with her size, she seems to be about two weeks along.” Olive told us.

“That means we got her on the first try.” Ambrose said smugly.

I rolled my eyes.

“She could be three weeks along if you didn’t want so long.” I said.

Olive snorted and Ambrose chuckled.

“Well, everything looks to be going well so far, I’ll get some pictures printed out for you guys.” Olive said.

“For the first few months I will see you once every two weeks. It’ll be a lot of b***d draws and ultrasounds. Then when we start getting to the end I’ll be seeing you once a week. We can discuss how you’d like the birth to go and all that.” Olive told me as she froze the screen.

“Did you want a similar birth to Tate’s?” She asked as she started to wipe the gel from my belly.

Fear froze my veins and I started shaking my head.

“No.” I said.

Ambrose grabbed my hand.

“You will never be alone Epperly. You will not be having this baby in a room alone. You have us now. I’ll be with you every step of the way. My mom can help. And Olive will be helping you deliver the baby.” He assured me.

I looked at Olive.

“Really?” I asked her.

Olive gave me a smile and nodded.

“All you’ll have to do is push.” She told me.

“Thank you.” I whispered to her.

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

After I had my little meltdown Olive gave us the ultrasound pictures and tons of copies, one of which she kept for herself. We made another appointment with her two weeks from now.

Then we headed back home. For whatever reason I am feeling exhausted. I let out a big yawn as we stepped through the front door.

“We have a few hours until anyone shows up. Why don’t you go take a nap baby.” Ambrose suggested.

“Okay.” I said.

Ambrose kissed me and even tucked me into our bed. Tate joined him and kissed the top of my head like his father often does. My eyes fluttered shut as I watched them leave the room.

Then sleep claimed me.

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

“Baby, it’s time to wake up.”

I g*****d and shoved the noise away.

A deep chuckle sounded in the room. I love that sound. So deep, so sexy, all mine.

“Baby, your family is going to be here in an hour.”

I g*****d again.

“No.” I grumbled.

That deep chuckle came back.

“Yes my love.”

I ignored the sexy voice.

“I know you’re hungry.”

Damn. He’s getting to me.

“I know you want more of my b***d.”

That did it.

I popped open one eye to see my sexy mate hovering above me. He has a dazzeling smile spread across his full lips. I couldn’t help but smile up at him.

“Fine.” I grumbled.

I rolled over in the bed and stretched my limbs. Ambrose chuckled at me. He reached a hand out and I gladly took it. Ambrose helped me to my feet and I leaned into him.

“So warm. So cuddly.” I said and then inhaled deeply. “So good.” I mumbled.

Ambrose chuckled.

“Come on. I have grilled ham and cheese sandwhiches for lunch. You can eat two bags of chips if you want. And I also have some b***d for you.” He told me.

I smiled up at him.

“Hmmm. Sounds amazing.” I said.

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

I ate four sandwhiches and an entire family sized bag of vinegar chips. I didn’t even know I liked vinegar that much. I also ate another jar of pickles. I was so happy to see that Ambrose had managed to get me more.

After I was done eating we got word that my family were coming down the road that lead to the front gates. Ambrose, Tate, and I walked to the front of the school to greet them. My nerves are all over the place. I think that I would be tearing at my skin if it weren’t for my mate.

“Calm down baby.” Ambrose whispered in my ear.

“I can’t help it. I don’t think I have ever been this nervous.” I told him.

“I thought you were excited Mommy?” Tate asked.

I looked down at my son.

“I am. I just… it’s been a very long time.” I said.

Just then we saw a few big black cars pull around the drive of the school. I held my breath as the four cars came to a halt in front of us. Ambrose squeezed my hand and Tate shrunk behind me.

The second car was the first to have a door thrown open. Familiar light brown hair was the first thing that I noticed. The girl stopped and stared at me. Her dark blue eyes misted with unshed tears.

“Angela?” I asked.

She nodded and then ran up to me. Angela hugged me so hard that I staggered on my feet. I had to let go of Ambrose’s hand to hug her back. We held each other tightly as our tears began to fall.

“I can’t believe it’s really you.” She whispered in my ear. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too.” I said as I squeezed her tighter.

“Okay, okay, we missed her too ya know.” Came another familiar voice.

Angela let me go and stepped aside. Standing behind her is the other best friend that I had. CJ smiled brightly at me making his brown eyes twinkle.

“CJ.” I said as I engulfed him in a hug.

CJ didn’t hug me back at first. I pulled back to look at him. He’s looking at my mate. I turned my head to see Ambrose glaring at the man. I frowned.

“Why are you looking at him like that?” I asked.

“I didn’t know you had a mate Epp… Especially not a powerful one..” CJ said nervously.

I looked up at my friend and then back to my mate waiting for him to answer me.

“I don’t like when other men touch you.” Was all the explaination I got.

I raised a brow at Ambrose. Is he being serious? I’m literally pregnant with his child and we already have one together.

“Well, get over it. I want to hug my friends.” I said and then wrapped my arms back around CJ. He still stayed frozen. “I swear if you don’t hug me back I’m going to kick you in the nuts.” I whispered to him.

Angela giggled next to us.

“If it makes you feel any better, CJ is a mated man.” She said.

I pulled back.

“You are?” I asked.

“Where’s your mark?” I asked when I didn’t see it.

“Oh the back of his left shoulder.” Angela said. “Don’t ask. That’s just where it showed up.” She said with a shrug.

I turned my head to her. She’s smiling proudly. I looked at her neck to see she has a mark of her own. It didn’t take me long to put two and two together.

“You guys ended up being mates for real?” I asked.

Angela nodded with a huge smile on her face.

“Momma momma! Kaylee hit me.” Said a little girl who came running up to Angela.

The little girl looks just like Angela but with strawberry blonde hair. Her dark blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. Angela scooped her up and the little girl looked at me.

“Momma is this your friend?” She asked completely forgetting about being hit.

The little girl’s hair is in pigtails. Her little pink dress is ruffled around her mothers arm. She has little freckles that dot across her nose and cheeks. I take it back, she looks a lot like CJ too.

“It is.” Angela said. “Cece, this is my best friend, Epperly.” Angela introduced us.

“Hi.” I said as more tears pooled in my eyes.

Just then another little girl came running up. This one looks more like CJ. Her deep red hair is falling around her in loose curls. She has dark blue eyes that are fit in a scowl right now. The little girl has her arms crossed as she marched to her fathers side. She has on jeans and a purple shirt with a unicorn on it.

“I did not hit her Daddy. I just pulled her hair.” Kaylee said like it was totally okay.

CJ scooped her up in his arms.

“And this is Kaylee. Our oldest.” He told me. “Kaylee this is mine and your moms best friend, Epperly.”

Kaylee turned her eyes to me still scowling. “Hi.” She stated making me laugh.

“Lose the attitude Kay.” Angela warned.

“They look so big.” I said.

“Kaylee is six and Cece is four.” Angela told me. “And I’m also pregnant again.” She whispered.

I giggled.

“I can’t believe you guys are here.” I said. Ambrose cleared his throat behind me and I rolled my eyes. “This is my mate, Ambrose Morningstar. Ambrose, this is CJ and Angela.” I introduced them.

Ambrose held his hand out to them but they only stared at him with their jaws on the floor. After a moment my mate let his hand drop. I could feel the awkwardness start to settle.

“I like your dress. It’s fluffy.” I looked down to see Tate looking up and talking to Cece.

All eyes fell down to my son. Ambrose scooped him up into his arms so that he is at the same level as all of us. Everyone blinked at us.

“And this is our son, Tate. He’s five.” I said.

“Five?” CJ asked. “But I thought Kiah said you had just met your mate a few weeks ago.” He said.

I nodded. “It’s a long story.” I said.

“You’re mated to a Mornigstar… And you guys have a kid together…” Angela said. I think she might be having trouble wrapping her head around this. “You have a Morningstar child.” She whispered.

I nodded.

“I do.” I said.

I’m not really sure how to take their reactions. It’s a bit offensive. My son and mate are good people. I’ve heard stories about the Morningstar’s myself, from them, but we never put much thought into them. Not like this anyways. My friends look genuinely scared.

Even Tate is picking up on their fear. He wrapped his arms around his fathers neck and turned away from my friends. Ambrose ran his hand up and down Tate’s back. I could tell through the bond that he was having his own mix of emotions. Anger, nervousness, fear of his own, uncertainty.

“We aren’t trying to be rude.” Angela said. “It’s just… mind blowing is all. We have heard so many stories.” She told Ambrose.

My mate shifted on his feet.

“Yeah, we heard about all the bad guys you and your family have taken down. Even the Anderson side. And we’ve met your sister. She’s been a big help for our pack.” CJ added.

“Honestly, it’s like meeting a celebrity.” Angela said with a laugh.

I could feel Ambrose’s shock mix with my own. That was not what we were expecting them to say. But it is a lot better than what we were.

“Are you guys done or what? There are other people here who would like to see Epperly too.” Came a female voice.

“Seirra.” I said.