Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 48

Two weeks ago Pops barged into the home I share with my mate, and ruined our happy moment. He told us what had unfolded with the Gods in Olympus. We were all preparing for war now.

The only good thing that came out of the conversation between the three of us, was that I figured out what happens when I panic. The world shakes.

Panic had such a strong choke hold on me that the ground shook for miles. Even the humans in town felt it. Everyone had chalked it up to an earthquake, but we knew the truth.

I had little control over my powers. They react to my emotions and I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. This power is different, and I’m different because of it.

Over the last two weeks we had come up with several plans. Poseidon and the other Gods that joined him in this rebellion have been staying on the property. It’s been…. strange to have them all here.

No one is really sure how to act around them, and they feel the same way. It’s been so long since they have walked among their people, and they are not as worshipped as they once were.

Tia sent all the students away. They were either sent home or sent to the Lycan King’s pack. That way they could still do their school work and they would be safe.

Alpha Ryce was more than happy to shelter them until we could settle this stupid war. I felt awful for tearing them from their home here. Ambrose was sure that there was no where else we could go though. I even offered to go to Hell and wait it out there, but my mate refused.

Belle and Robby sent their kids to Robby’s father, the head of the Bounty Hunters. Robby had to force his mate to stay there with their children as well.

Since she is pregnant it was safer to have her out of here. Belle was furious, she went on and on about how she could be helpful with the injured. In the end, she lost that battle. But I made Robby stay with her. I wouldn’t be responsible for his death.

Tia and Max’s children, along with Acaisia and Tia herself, had all went to Hell with a few of their demon friends. Aciaisa and Tia had to pratically be dragged away. I have no idea how their mates forced them to stay where they were. Regardless, I was happy that they weren’t here.

They will be safe.

I had to force my father to take his pack and leave. We argued for several days over it. Dad insisted that I keep at least a few of his pack members. If it wasn’t for Ryce I would have lost then and there with my dad.

Ryce ordered his entire pack to leave with no room for disobediance. I couldn’t stand to see anymore of his people killed, or anyone for that matter. One thing that we all agreed on, was forcing everyone who could die or was pregnant away. Except me of course.

Tate went with my father back to his pack. He didn’t understand why. We had to tell him that he was taking a vacation but he still had to go to school. Ambrose and I shared in heart break as we watched our son go. It was for the best and we understood that, but it didn’t make it any easier. For all I know, that could have been the last time I saw my son.

The only ones that were left at the school are the Gods, my mate and I, Lydia and Kasyn, Max, Bou, the rest of the Morningstars, Bexley, Phoenix, and a few others that Max was certain could handle the situation.

When Pops had showed up and explained that we needed to start prepping for war, he admitted to me how Gods can die. Pops explained that they could be absorbed. Poseidon seems sure that that is what Zeus’s plan will be now. If he can absorb me then he won’t have any use for a Djin, because he will be one. All of my power will be absorbed into him.

I can’t let that happen.

While the others came up with strategies and trained, I did my own planning and training. Everyone knew that I was trying to control my powers. What they didn’t know is that I have already taken control.

Sure, I was practicing, just making sure that I really could control myself. As long as my emotions stay in tack, which I doubt will happen in the midst of war.

Everyone here is someone dear to me. I can’t let any of them die. They are all here preparing to fight for me, because I exist. I have to do something.

Ambrose has been furious with me that I stayed. When we first decided to send everyone off, Ambrose wanted Tate and I to go to Hell with his sisters. I refused. Ambrose never agreed with me.

I had to get others on my side. Ryce and Pops were the only ones to back me up but it was enough. My mate has barely been able to speak to me over the last couple of weeks. It kills me inside, but this is what I need to do.

Ryce and Pops said that I should stay here because I am who they are after. If I went with the others then Zeus would follow me. Anyone around me would be in danger and sending off the others would have been for nothing. Everyone else seemed to understand that I felt like it was my choice, though they didn’t agree. Only because of the child growing inside of me.

I placed my hand over my stomach and sighed. There is a small bump to me now. I opened my eyes to stare out at the vast forest. I’ve been meditating for hours. During my meditation the forest had grown more lush. The same tiny flowers that grow throughout my house, now dot the forest around us. This always happens when I sit out here for too long. Nature grows.

“You have a lot on your mind, my daughter.”

I didn’t need to look at the voice to know that it is Selene. She checks on me more than anyone else. Ambrose knows where I am at all times but he doesn’t speak. He doesn’t know the inner turmoil I have going on.

I nodded even though it wasn’t a question.

“I do.” I stated simply.

The Moon Goddess gracefully wandered over to me. She took a seat in the grass beside me and looked out at what I had created. We were silent for a few moments before she spoke again.

“You power reminds me of another powerful Goddess. There is no one else I know that leaves life everywhere they go.” She told me.

That was true. Now, with every step I took, I left behind nature. It grows around me, within me. Nature has taken over our home even. It is now covered fully on the outside, blending in with the forest behind it. Inside is sort of the same. It’s still a house but plants grow everywhere.

Our shower and table have remained the same. A few other things in the house have taken on the same look as well. Honestly, it looks like a whole different world and it feels like home. But I was curious about Selene’s words.

I turned to the Moon Goddess and she is looking at me.

“Who?” I asked her.

A smile spread over her beautiful lips. The wind blew, gently brushing Selene’s long dark hair with it. Her long white gown ruffled in the wind as well. The Moon Goddess always looks so beautiful, so divine.

“Gaia.” She told me.

I smiled. “That is quite the compliment.” I said.

Selene raised a brow at me. “Is it?” She asked and I nodded. “I wasn’t aware you even knew who Gaia is.” She commented.

My smile grew as I looked back at the forest.

“I think that we both know that I have recently gained knew knowlegde.” I said.

Selene sighed. “It’s part of being a God. Usually it happens much slower than this, but you are much different than the rest of us.” She told me.

I nodded to her. Everyone keeps saying that. I’m different. There is no one else like me. I understand but it’s exhuasting.

Over the last couple of weeks I have started to just know things. Things about the other Gods and myself. How to control my power. It’s like I wake up knowing new things every day.

I can also feel other peoples emotions. Most of the time it’s subtle. Just flickers of things like anger, sadness, or happiness. Stronger emotions. It has let me know just how scared some of the people here are, and how others should be more scared than they are.

It’s how I know that my mate is furious with me and why I haven’t pushed him to forgive me. I understand more than I want to. I want to lash out at him, at everyone. I want to scream at my mate until he forgives me.

I want to force them all away and handle this myself, but I understand that that won’t happen. And I understand why Ambrose is so angry with me. I’m putting our unborn daughter in danger.

Zeus has no idea about Tate, or that I’m pregnant, but he will once he sees me. I find it hard to believe that a tyrant like him will care that I’m with child. He will try to take my power regardless.

Or worse. Zeus very well might take me and force me to give birth in Olympus, then he will absorb me and use my daughter for his personal gain. I won’t be letting either of those options happen.

“Selene, can I ask you something?” I said to the Moon Goddess.

“Of course my child.” She replied happily.

“Does Tate have the same seal that was placed on me?” I asked.

I have been wondering about this since finding out I had a seal. Tate is so powerful right now, I fear for what is behind that seal if it exists within him. Gods like Max, Bexley, and me are one thing, but one like Tate?

That would draw danger to him for his entire life.

“He does.” She answered honestly. I sighed. “Do not worry child.” Selene added.

I turned to look at her beautiful face.

“Why shouldn’t I worry?” I asked.

Selene smiled. “He will break the seal himself one day Epperly. There is no reason for your fear. Tate will grow up to be stronger than you know.” She told me.

I rolled my eyes. “That doesn’t make him safe.” I said.

Selene reached out and placed her hand on my small bump.

“Unfortunately my dear, it is too late for that. Your children will grow and prosper in this world.” She told me.

“That still doesn’t make me feel better.” I muttered.

Selene giggled softly and removed her hand.

“All you can do is guide them.” She said as her eyes went back to the forest.

A small smile fell on my lips.

“That’s what Ambrose used to say to me.” I said. “Before all of this. Now he lives in a state of fear and panic.” My voice grew sterner. “I’m not sure he even thinks of anything other than making everyone here stronger.”

A small flame burst in the palm of my hand. I played with the flame for a few minutes trying to calm my anger. Ambrose is in total soldier mode and I fear for his mental health. My mate is tearing himself apart on the inside and thinks I don’t know.

Selene grabbed my hand and folded it into a fist. The fire died as my hand closed. I looked up at the Moon Goddesses face as she held my fist.

“He is scared for you and his children.” She said.

“I know.” I replied. “But we will be fine.”

“You seem so sure of that.” Selene commented but I said nothing. “Epperly, do not underestimate Zeus. He is called the God of Gods for a reason.” She warned me.

I nodded.

Oh, I know why Zeus is called the God of Gods. He stole that power and I wonder if the other Gods realize it.

They all talk of his power but do they know where it came from? Do they know that he stole it from his father, and even others? Or do they believe him when he says his father gave him that power?

I know that Poseidon and Hedes don’t believe Zeus’s lies for a second, but they never speak openly about it. Selene is the same. I think she has known for a very long time now. That’s why she has been working to build the supernatural creatures by giving them all mates of different races. It’s the others that I’m unsure of.

“You’re scared of him too.” I stated.

Everyone is. Zeus is a mighty a*****e who ruled with fear. He slaughter anyone that got in his way no matter who they were. I have no idea how I got this information, but I know that it’s the truth. Even with their fear though,they are standing up against him.

“It would be pretty stupid of me if I wasn’t.” Selene admitted.

Again, I nodded.

I suppose that she is right. It would be a stupid mistake to not take Zeus seriously. So, why can’t I? Why can’t I bring myself to fear him? Why can’t I seem to feel like the others do?

“How is Adria?” Selene asked shaking me from my thoughts.

“She hasn’t surfaced since I refused to leave. At first I thought that she was ignoring me because she’s angry, like Ambrose.” I told her.

“And now?” The Moon Goddess asked.

I shrugged. “I think she is still angry but it doesn’t feel like she is ignoring me anymore.” I said.

“What does it feel like then?” Selene pressed softly.

I turned to look her in her silver glowing eyes.

“It feels like she’s waiting.”

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

After talking with Selene for a few more minutes I decided to go find the others. They are where they usually are, the conference room. This is where most of the strategies are talked about.

Athena has been an immense help, which is not surprising. Honestly, its a bit scary when she and Bexley get together. You’d never guess just how smart Bexley is unless you really knew her. Its no wonder how she became to be so high up in the ranks here. Between her strategic skills and Goddess powers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

When I reached the room the door was left open. I leaned against the wall outside of the door and listened to them talk. Ambrose had been trying to keep the plans from me. He was worried I would put myself on the front lines after promising that I would stay back. Little did he know, nothing was going to turn out how they thought.

“It would work if we could use Epperly as bait.” Ryce said.

“You are not using my pregnant mate as bait.” Ambrose growled out.

I’m having a weird sense of deja vu.

“Ambrose, this might be the best plan we have.” Bexley argued.

She was right. This was their best plan, and I don’t even know what it is. I just know that this was the plan that had the best outcome for them. Images of the war to come flashed across my mind. So many of my friends and family dead or absorbed.

“We are not doing it.” Ambrose said dangerously.

I could feel his aura darken in the air. Our power mixed together and the room went quiet. Ambrose does that every once in a while. Taps into my power unknowingly. It isn’t his fault, he’s just scared and wants to protect me.

“Fine.” Bexley said. “Athena and I will keep thinking.” She said.

“What if we do a spell to make someone look like Epperly? We could still use this plan.” Bianca suggested.

I shook my head.

“That won’t work. Zeus would see right through the magic.” Poseidon said.

It’s these things. These are the things I seem to know. It’s like the universe opened up to me and told me all of it’s secrets. Sometimes it makes sense and sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, its exhuasting.

“That’s enough for now, we have an easdropper.” Ambrose said.

Oops, I’ve been caught.

There was some shuffling in the room and then my mate walked out. He turned and met my eyes. I held my breath. This is the most attention I’ve gotten from him over the last couple weeks.

Except for when he comes home late at night and crawls into bed with me. I’m not sure if I should count that since he is always gone when I wake up.

“Hi.” I said softly.

Ambrose grunted at me but walked away. I sighed and followed after him. He’s going to head for our house just to make sure that I stay there, then he will leave me again. My heart ached. I just wish he would look at me without that angry fire.

I miss him.

Just like I thought, Ambrose started to head to our home. He didn’t speak the whole walk there and I just trailed behind him. I haven’t really touched him in so long.

My fingers itched with the thought of reaching out for him. Just when I was about to he walked faster. He must have felt what I was about to do.

I sighed and tried to ignore the pain in my chest. Ambrose walked up our moss covered steps. He reached out for the doorknob and the vines that coated it moved out of his way. I followed my mate into our home. Ambrose marched straight back to our bedroom.

I followed after him.

Ambrose walked into his closet and I leaned against the door frame. I watched as he walked out shirtless. A small spark of excitement shot through me at the sight of him.

Is he changing into something more comfortable? Is he going to stay?

Just as the thoughts crossed my mind Ambrose tossed a different T-shirt over his head. My heart sank and my face fell. I looked down at my hands as I picked at my nails. It feels so lonely without him.

“You’re leaving again?” I asked softly.

“Yup.” Was all he said.

It was only one word but it brought goosebumps to my skin. I haven’t heard him speak to me in days that just the simplest word is affecting me this way. Our connection is falling apart, or at least it feels that way.

“I feel like we are back to square one.” I said as I looked up to see my mate rummaging around our bedroom.

He ignored me.

“Ya know, back when you were avoiding me because you were afraid to mark me.” I said with a small laugh.

Still I was ignored.

“At least you still spoke to me then, even if it was barely.” I said.

Again, no answer.

I swallowed down the lump in my throat. Turning around so that my back is to the wall in the hallway, I slid down the wall and brought my knees to my chest. I feel so lost without the connection of my mate, and with my son so far away. No matter how much I understand the situation, it hurts.

Ambrose came out of our room. He paused when he saw me. I looked up at him and he stared down at me. After a moment Ambrose reached his hand out to me. Hope sparked in my heart and I placed my hand in his.

Without a word Ambrose brought me to my feet and ushered me into our bedroom. He moved me to the bed and helped me out of my clothes until I was just in my shirt and panties. Then he kissed my head and turned around to leave.

I was going to let him go, I really was. As much as I wanted him to stay, I was going to let him leave. But a small sob escaped me before I could stop it. I didn’t even realize that I was crying honestly. The sound of heavy rainfall sounded on our roof. s**t, I lost control.

Ambrose turned around to look at me.

“The rain won’t stop me from leaving.” He told me.

“I know.” I whispered. “But..” I said when he turned around to leave again. “M-maybe you can stay for other reasons.” I suggested softly.

Ambrose paused in the doorway. He turned around slowly. When his eyes met mine my bottom l*p trembled.

He’s angry. With me. For all of this. My mate is so angry that our whole bond is crumbling. I sucked in a sharp breath hoping that it would stop the sob threatening to escape me.

“What other reasons do I have to stay?” His voice came out hard.

I know he’s holding onto all that anger. It’s in his nature, but it still hurts.

I looked away from him and out our window.

“I guess none.” I mumbled.

This sucks. Everything hurts when Ambrose ignores me. My heart, my body, my mind. All of me suffers and my wolf isn’t even here to help me through it.

Ambrose sighed heavily.

“Do you want me to stay?” He asked.

My eyes snapped up to him.

“More than anything.” I admitted.

My mated nodded and walked into our room. He kicked off his shoes and sat on the bed next to me. I looked up at him as my whole body began to shake slightly.

“Then that’s all the reason I need.” He said to me.

“Really?” I asked as my l*p trembled again.

Ambrose nodded and reached up to wipe the tears from my cheeks.

“I’m sorry that I’ve been ignoring you.” He said softly.

“It’s okay. I know you’re mad at me.” I said as I crawled into his lap.

Ambrose wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. His fear was so sudden that I almost choked on it. I clung to him tighter.

“I can’t lose you. Either of you.” He told me as he rested his hand on my bump.

A sense of peace washed over me and I knew that came from my daughter. Little Calliope has been struggling herself with the lack of attention from her father. Not that I was going to tell Ambrose that.

“You won’t lose us.” I said confidently.

Ambrose sighed. “You keep saying that but anything could happen at this point.” He said.

I nodded. He has no idea how right he is. I lifted my head up to his. Ambrose met my eyes and I could see the sadness in them. It broke my heart.

“I won’t let him win.” I promised my mate.

Ambrose gave me a small smile and rested his head to mine. I soaked up the feeling that being in my mates arms brought me. How could I ever give this up?

There’s no way that I could let Zeus win. Not after having a taste of this life.

“Should we have dinner?” Ambrose asked me.

I pulled back to smile at him. “And a movie?”

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

Ambrose cooked us a delicious meal like he always does. We spent the rest of our evening together like we used to, before we started preparing for war. Ambrose and I cuddled up on our couch for a movie. He took me back to our bedroom, where we made love over and over. It was the perfect night and it left me glowing.

I feel rejuvinated.

I lay on my mate as I listen to his steady heartbeat. It’s been a few hours since he fell asleep. Quietly I got up from our bed and peered up at the night sky. Everyone should be settled in and sleeping for the night. It’s time.

Walking to my closet I threw on some underwear and a bra. Then I dressed in black leggings and a pink T-shirt that my mate had replaced after destroying my last one. I threw my long, thick dark hair up into a messy bun and walked back over to my mate.

My fingers brushed his hair from his face lightly. He didn’t move. I bent down and placed a k**s to his head.

“I’m so sorry that I lied, but I will keep my promise to you.” I said softly before turning my back on my mate.

I won’t let Zeus win.