The Morningstar Series Book 2 - Book 6

Chapter Three: Max's P.O.V.

I had just got off the plane, and walked into the building to find Robby waiting for me. As soon as he noticed me he broke out in a huge smile. He walked right up to me, and gave me a huge hug.

"Hey bro, I missed you." I told him as I hugged him back.

Robby pulled away. "I missed you too brother." He said.

Robby has really grown up over the years. He is a spitting image of his father. Tall, but not as tall as me. Not as big a build as Bou, but he is packing muscle. Robby is the fastest out of all of us, and the smartest.

His black hair is shaved at the sides, and long on the top. Robby has it styled to the side. His hazel eyes stared back at me.

"I can't believe you're here." He said.

"Well I just couldn't wait to come." I said sarcastically.

Robby rolled his eyes, and turned to walk away. I quickly caught up to him, and we walked out of the airport together.

"I don't care what you say. I have a really good feeling about you being here, and I'm excited that you get to meet my mate." He said giddy.

We walked through the parking lot before Robby stopped at a car. He unlocked it, and I threw my bag in the back before getting in. I blew out a whistle.

"Nice ride. Where'd ya get it?" I asked.

"It's Atiana's." He said.

"Is that your mate?" I asked wiggling my eyebrows at me.

Robby laughed as he backed out of the space.

"No. Atiana is the head mistress of the school. Belle is my mate, and she doesn't have a car. She's a Wood Nymph. I'm not even sure she knows how to drive." He told me.

"Wow, a whole week together, and you don't know if she can drive?" I teased. "What kind of mate are you?"

"Ha ha, very funny." He said with a smile.

"And this Alexa doesn't mind you have her car?" I asked.

"Atiana." He rolled his eyes. "Don't start that s**t, just because she's a Morningstar. She's a good person." He scolded me.

"One whole week, and you know that already." I grumbled.

"She's Belle's best friend. Do you really I would be mated to someone who is such bad judge of character?" He teased me back.

"Well she's mated to you, she could just be really unlucky." I said, and we both laughed.

"Oh man." Robby said as his laughter died down. "She really is unlucky to have a mate like me." He said softly.

Despite being rescued, Robby still went through some s**t when we were kids. He struggled every day with what happened to him. Honestly, Robby never seemed happy. He used to tell me how he thought he would never be whole again.

After Bruce taught us what mates were Robby was obsessed. He was convinced that only his mate would heal him. How was I supposed to argue with that now? I'd never seen Robby so happy before.

"I bet she doesn't feel that way." I said. Robby smiled, but didn't say anything. "So, tell me about her. She's a Wood Nymph, but what else?" I proded.

Robby sighed dreamily, and I fake gagged making him laugh.

"Shut up, you ass." He said laughing. "She's amazing. And absolutely beautiful. I know she's my mate, but damn shes hot. Her hair is kinda like your color, but brighter?" He tried to explain. "Her eyes match her hair."

"Golden eyes eh?" I said.

Robby nodded. "It's otherworldly. And she's the kindest person I've ever met. I didn't think I'd ever find her. It was literally as soon as we arrived. I was so stunned by her, entranced." He told me.

"How did you know you were mates?" I asked.

He shrugged. "I can't explain it. We just knew. Belle said that my aura glows brighter than anyone else's, but she said something was pulling her to me. For me, I don't know. I just knew. I look at her, and it's like she''s the only other person in the room. We haven't spent any time apart, until today." He told me with a laugh.

"Wow, you are so clingy." I teased.

"Ha ha. One thing I can't believe I missed was your stupid sarcasm." He told me.

"Thanks for picking me up by the way. Sorry my flight landed in the middle of the damn night." I told him.

Robby waved me off. "Don't be. I'm sure I would have been up anyways." He said with a smirk.

"You sly dog you." I said with a fake gasp.

"Whatever man. When you find you're mate you'll understand." He told me.

I scoffed. "Yeah right."

"Oh come on. I know you wanna meet her." He told me.

I shrugged. "I'm not convinced I have one." I said honestly.

"Everyone who is deserving has a mate Max. And I don't know anyone more deserving than you." He told me.

We drove the next hour talking, and joking around. I'm not going to lie I was kind of excited to meet his mate. He talked so highly of her. Robby is the sweetest guy I know, so his mate had to be as well right?

Finally we pulled down a long driveway. We stopped at a gate that had guards. Robby nodded to them, and the gates slowly opened.

"The property is gaurded?" I asked.

Robby shrugged. "This is a school Max. They just want to make sure the kids are safe here." He told me.

I gave him a blank look. "It's summer." I stated.

"Good job Maxi, you know your seasons." He said laughing. "Some of the kids that go here don't have anywhere else to go. A lot of them are orphans like we were."

"So they let them stay here?" I asked.

Robby laughed. "What are they supposed to do? Kick them out?" He asked.

"I don't know." I mumbled.

"They're aren't many here right now. Belle told me that a lot of them go home with other families for the summer. I guess they also set up summer programs with close family friends who take a few for the summers too." He told me.

"Wow. That's... very thoughtful actually." I said.

Robby smirked as we pulled into the driveway of a small cottage on the edge of the forest.

"Wanna know who's idea it was to start that program?" He said.

"A Morningstar?" I asked as I rolled my eyes.

"Yup." He said putting an extra pop on the P. "Atiana apparently suggested it to her mom when she was a kid, and her mother looked into it. Made it happen." He told me.

We got out of the car, and I grabbed my bag.

"Yeah yeah." I mumbled.

Why is everyone so pushy about this Morningstar thing?

"Come on in." Robby said as he sprinted up the steps.

I shook my head at his back. So eager to get back to his mate. I checked my phone, and it is 9:34 at night. Sending a quick text to Bou to let him know I made it, I followed Robby. I walked into the cottage, and looked around.

The cottage is filled with plants. It gave the place a very earthy vibe, and I was digging it. The place is small and cozy. This place could pose for some cottage core. I instantly loved it.

Living in NYC was fun and all, but I love the outdoors. The smell of fresh dirt and a campfire was my favorite. I was standing in the small living room when a small woman came around the corner.

She's wearing a cute white summer dress, and has a kitchen towel drapped on her shoulder.

"Oh hi!" She greeted me. Her golden eyes seemed to sparkle. She held her hand out, and I took it. "You must be Max. It's so nice to meet you. I'm Belle." She said while giving me a birght smile.

Belle smiled so brightly that it was hard not to return it.

I took her hand and said, "Yeah that's me".

The moment I touched Belle I could tell that she's a great person in general. I didn't know much about Nymphs, but I heard they are gentle creatures who mostly kept to themselves. We didn't see very many of them out in the world. From what I heard they like to stay in their element. Which explained why Belle's house was right at the edge of the forest, and covered in plants.

Robby came around the corner a second later. He sported a huge smile as he walked up behind his girl, and wrapped is arms around her. Belle seemed to glow as she giggled in his arms. Must be a mate thing.

"I see you've met Max." He said in her ear.

"We did, but I didn't even get a chance to tell her my favorite embarrassing stories about you yet." I teased.

Belle let out a small laugh as Robby rolled his eyes.

"So, what color is it?" He asked her.

I frowned as Belle looked me up and down.

"Black." She said a bit surprised.

"Black?" Robby furrowed his brow. "That doesn't sound good." He said.

Belle walked closer to me, and I was feeling a bit uncomfortable. She stared into my eyes as I looked between her and Robby.

"It's like a soft black." She put her finger on her chin like she was thinking. "Usually when I see black it's because the person is really bad, but your's is different." She said.

"Different?" Robby asked.

"What are you guys talking about?" I asked.

"Your aura." Belle said it like I should have just known already.

"Oh, okay." I said sarcastically.

Belle gave me a small chuckle as she stared into my eyes.

"Well, it's like a soft black. Usually people have more than one color aura. Demons are usually black and red, pretty basic. I've only ever met one other person who had one color aura." She said.

I could see a small twinkle in her eye that made me feel like she knew something I didn't.

"And who is that?" I asked.

Belle's smile grew. "My best friend. Atiana Morningstar."

I couldn't help my eyeroll. Luckily Belle wasn't offended. Instead, she laughed.

"Let me guess her's is even blacker than mine." I said smugly.

"Nope." She said. "Her's is a pure white. Sometimes it's almost blinding." She told me.

"And what does white mean?" I asked curious.

Belle giggled as she leaned back into Robby.

"Tia is the best person I know. Her aura wraps me in warmth everytime I'm around her. It was originally why I stuck to her like glue when we were kids. That, and because the other kids were mean, but that's another story." She told me.

"So, what does black mean then?" I had a feeling it couldn't be good.

Belle's smile faltered. "Like I said, usually it means bad things, but yours is different. It's... soft?" She said as she tried to describe what she felt. "Like silk."

"What does that mean?" I asked.

She shrugged. "Don't know. Could be good, or bad. I doubt you're a bad person though. Robby's told me a lot about you." She told me.

We were slient for a moment as the information settled in. After I had enough I clapped my hands together.

"Well, I need a drink." I said.

Belle laughed as she walked to the kitchen. Robby followed behind her, and I followed behind him. Her kitchen is small and cozy, just like the rest of her house. It was litered with all kinds of plants, and I found I liked being around them. There is a sliding glass door in the small dining room off of the kitchen that lead to a small back porch. Robby walked over to the door, and slid the screen over. He motioned for me to follow him, and I did.

The back porch had an awning over it, and had lights strung all around it. There is a few chairs, and a small table to the side. Robby sat down, and I followed suit.

I looked out at the land. Mostly all I could just see the forest, but I could see the school in the distance, and a few other bigger houses.

A few seconds later Belle came out carrying three beers.

"I didn't think you'd be a beer drinker." I said as she handed me one.

Belle sat down on Robby's lap, and he popped open their beers.

"Why because I'm a Wood Nymph?" She asked amused.

"Well, yeah." I said.

Robby rolled his eyes at me, and kissed his girl on the cheek.

"Don't pay him any attention. He's simple minded." He said making us all laugh.

"So anyways, when do I get to meet this infamous Atiana Morningstar?" I asked saracastically.

"Let me give her a call." Belle suggested.

She got up, and walked back into the cottage.

As soon as she was out of ear shot I turned to Robby.

"She seems great dude." I said as I wiggled my eyebrows.

"She's more than great." He said, and then took a swig of his beer. "I never thought I'd find my mate. Makes me thankful that they hold that Mate Week here every year. Do you know how many more supernaturals have found their mates because of that?" He asked.

I rolled my eyes, and took a drink of my beer.

"I don't really care." I said honestly.

"I think you, and the twins should come to the next one." He said nearly making me choke.

"You want our s*x demon friends to try, and find their mates?" I asked laughing.

"Don't give me that s**t. Demons can have mates." He said.

"Yeah, but they're s*x demons. They aren't meant to have one mate." I said.

"Maybe they'll have more than one. Tia's little brother found his mates this past week. A boy and a girl." He wiggled his eyebrows at me.

"That must be the dream." I mumbled.

Belle walked back out on the porch carrying her phone.

"She isn't answering me." She said frowning.

"Maybe she's busy." Robby offered. "She does run this entire school, and the Black Ops Core."

"But she always answers me." She grumbled. "I called the twins and Acaisia told me she was out on a date." She snorted. "They're better liars than that."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Is it not possible she's out with someone?" I asked.

Robby and Belle shared a look before looking back at me.

"No." Belle answered. "Tia's family has been raised to wait for their mates. Not only that, Tia has never shown interest in anyone, ever. I wouldn't even know who would ask her out." She paused, and I watched as realization set in her features. "No way." She said shaking her head. "There's just no way she's out with anyone."

Robby and I shared our own look, and he shrugged.

"She's fine baby. I've seen Tia fight. I'd feel bad for anyone who went up against her." He reasurred as he rubbed her back.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. She was really tired from the past few weeks. Maybe she's sleeping." Belle concluded.

We spent the next hour chit chatting. I decided I really liked Belle. Robby had never looked so happy. I couldn't wait for her to meet Bruce. Belle also told me that she was part of the Black Ops Core, which was surprising to everyone apparently. Nymphs are gentle creautres who keep to themselves. Belle was the first Nymph, not only attend this school, but be part of the BOC. According to Robby, Belle was quite the fighter too.

I stretched my legs, and arms out as a yawn escaped me.

"Alright, I'm pooped." I said.

"Let me show you where your room is." Robby said.

I followed him back into the house, and grabbed my bag from the couch. Robby lead me down a hall to a small bedroom. It has a full bed, a side table, and a small closet.

"Bathrooms next door, and we are down the hall if you need anything." Robby said.

"Thanks man." I said as I walked in.

"I'm really happy you're here Max." Robby said. I turned to look at him. "Goodnight brother." With that he turned, and walked away.

I threw my bag on the floor at the end of the bed. Stripping down to my briefs I crawled into the comfy bed. I felt more calm than I ever had before, and sleep claimed me quickly.

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

I woke up the next morning gasping for air. Another nightmare. Seemed to be all I had lately. Sitting up, I shook my head trying to rid my braid of the lingering shadows. I grabbed my phone to see that it was only 8 A.M. The smell of eggs and bacon wafted to my nostrils making my stomach growl. Damn that smells good. I hope there's coffee.

Standing up I walked out of my room, and followed the smell to the kitchen. Belle was standing at the stove humming as she cooked.

"Good morning!" She said without looking at me. "There's coffee on the table, and Robby is in the shower. Should be out soon though." She told me. Finally, she turned around, and smiled at me. "Hungry?" She asked as she held out a plate.

"Starving." I said as I took it. "Thank you." I sat at the table, and poured a cup of coffee for myself. Taking a sip I sighed. Coffee is the best thing to ever happen to this planet.

"Do you want any cream or sugar?" Belle asked.

"Nope he likes it black, like his aura." Robby said laughing.

He walked up to Belle, and gave her a soft kiss. I had to admit that watching them together made me a bit jealous. They are so in love already.

"We meeting with Atiana this morning?" I asked.

"Yeah as soon as she wakes up." Belle said. "Shouldn't be long. She never sleeps long."

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

Three hours later, and we had finally heard something from Atiana. Doesn't sleep long my ass. The whole morning is gone. I wasn't irritated though.

Belle and Robby showed me around campus. I got to take a peek at the BOC training grounds, and was really impressed. This place is pretty dope. I love that it's surrounded by the forest too.

We finally made it to Atiana's office. Belle and Robby walked in, and I stopped outside the door to tie my boot. Walking in I caught sight of the most gorgeous woman I'd ever seen.

She has long light blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. Her simple jean shorts, and white tank top hug her figure, giving me a full idea of how curvy she is. When her black eyes connected with mine it nearly knocked the breath out of me. She has a cute small nose, and light freckles lined across her cheeks and nose. Her lips look to be in a permant pout, and everything inside of me begged me to kiss her. I watched as her eyes swirled with color, and then settled on pink.

Whoa, that's f*****g cool.

Reaching my hand out I introduced myself.

"Hi, I'm Max." I gave her my best smile.

Damn, who would of thought a Morningstar would be so hot. This is supposed to be Atiana Morningstar? She's so... small.

She took my hand, and tingles spread up my arm. I must be dreaming. Even though she shook my hand, she didn't say anything. She just stared at me like she couldn't figure out what I was.

Someone in the room cleared their throat, and it snapped Atiana out of whatever had a hold on her. She let go of my hand quickly like I burned her, and I frowned.

"Sorry." She mumbled. "I'm Atiana, nice to meet you." She said as she looked back into my eyes. Her's had turned a weird shade of orange. She closed her eyes, and shook her head. Looking back at Belle she said, "I'm sorry you guys had to wait so long. I guess I really needed some sleep".

Belle shrugged. "I forgive you." She said with a huge smile.

Belle looked Atiana up and down, and giggled.

"What?" Atiana said frowning.

Belle's eyes flicked to mine, and then back to her friend.

"Oh nothing." She said.

Atiana shrugged Belle off, and returned to her seat behind the desk. She looked between the three of us, and gestured for us to have a seat.

"I'm not sure where to start." She admitted.

"How about with some lunch?" Robby suggested.

Atiana's stomach growled at the mention of food. I watched as her face turned a light shade of pink, and her eyes turned orange again. I wonder how good her ass would look turned pink like that.

The thought hit me before I could stop it. What the f**k is wrong with me? I'm thinking s****l thoughts about a Morningstar.

"Did you not eat yet Tia?" Belle asked.

Atiana cleared her throat.

"No." Was all she said.

A small surge of anger coursed through me. Why the hell hadn't she fed herself yet? It's like 2 P.M. I stood up from my chair, and she turned her strange eyes on me.

Holding her gaze I said, "Let's get you some food then".

"Okay." She said as she stood up.

Atiana straightened her top out, and walked for the door, her hair swaying with her steps.

"What are we going to eat?" Robby asked.

"There's something in the kitchen I'm sure." Atiana replied.

We followed behind her as she lead us around the school. I couldn't stop myself from staring at her ass as she walked. Damn she has a nice ass. Perfect for me to grab. I shook my head trying to get rid of the thoughts, but it didn't work. Atiana is hot as hell, and I want her.

We walked through some double swinging doors, into a very, very large kitchen. Robby sat at one of the stools that was sitting at the kitchen island, and I joined him. He fiddled with some things sitting on the counter in front of him while I watched the girls. And by girls I meant Atiana. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her.

"Just go sit down Tia. I'll make you something." Belle said from the walk in fridge.

"I can make myself something." Atiana said back.

There is no emotion to her voice when she speaks.

"Ha. No." Belle replied.

"Belle, I can handle making a sandwhich." Atiana said.

"Just go sit down. You can't cook to save your life. Even a sandwhich." Belle said, and I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped me.

Atiana walked out, and our eyes connected immediately. Her eyes swirled with different colors, but I couldn't catch them. She turned her head away too soon. I pulled out a stool next to me and patted it.

"This spots open." I offered.

She walked over, and sat down next to me.

"Thank you." She mumbled.

"Sorry what was that?" I teased.

Atiana looked up, and narrowed her black eyes at me.

"You heard what I said." She accused.

I chuckled. "I don't know, you were pretty quiet." I said.

She looked away, and crossed her arms. Leaning on the counter she ignored me. I wanted to hear her voice more so I opened my mouth, but Robby beat me to it.

"So, where were you last night Tia?" He asked.

Atiana's back straightened, and I caught her look at me from the corner of her eye.

"I was on a date." She said.

Most of the time when girls went on dates they were excited. They gushed about it, or even got angry depending on the situation, but Atiana sounded bored. Most of been a boring date. I don't know why that thought brought me joy.

"No way, really? Did you find your mate?" Robby asked.

Atiana cleared her throat, and took a drink of her water before answering.

"Uhm, no, he wasn't my mate." She said.

I was trying to look at her eyes again, but she was refusing to look at me.

Robby snorted. "I thought you didn't date, or anything before you found your mate?" He asked.

Belle came out carrying a bunch of stuff to make sandwhiches. She winked at Atiana, and handed us a few bags of chips to snack on.

"Yeah do your parents know you let someone who isn't your mate take you out?" She asked.

I watched Atiana scrunch her face up in anger. Goddamn she's cute when she's mad.

"I am 20 years old. I don't need their permission." She stated.

Belle gave her a look, but Atiana ignored it.

"Your dad is gonna be so mad. Russell must have a death wish." Belle said laughing.

"I know I'd hate to explain to the Devils son why I asked his daughter out." Robby said amused.

Atiana ignored them as they teased her. She didn't seem the least bit bothered as she drank her water, and munched on her chips.

"Did you have fun?" I asked.

I had honestly doubted it. Atiana looked like a woman not many knew how to handle. All I know is that I'd love to learn. She looked up at me, and I smiled at her. Atiana's eyes started to swirl with pink as she stared at me.

"It was fun, I guess." She looked away. "I had a good time."

Frowning I turned in my seat. That wasn't what I was expecting to hear. Belle handed us each a sandwhich, and then spoke.

"I doubt you'll go out with him again though." She said.

"Probably not." Atiana answered.

"Why not?" I asked. "If you had a good time."

Atiana answered without looking at me.

"I didn't feel anything." She said it so matter-of-factly.

Didn't feel anything? What the hell did that mean? Guy must not be very good looking, or be a total dork. I knew that most wolves waited for their mates, and it spread to other species of supernaturals over the years. Still, I knew they found other people attractive, they felt things for other people. Whoever this Russell guy is must be a real boring guy.

"So." Belle said clapping her hands together. "Where should we start?"