Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series Book 4

Chapter 4: Epperly's P.O.V.

~ Three years later ~

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It's been three years today since I left my family, my pack. Its my birthday again. I have learned a lot, more than staying at base could have ever taught me. Seirra and Kiah thought that they had prepared me for this world, but they did not.

Nothing could prepare you for being thrown into this cruel world.

Felix drove for three straight days and nights after leaving my home. I wondered at the time how he was able to do that but he never spoke to me so I never knew.

When he dropped me off at the small and run down apartment, he practically left me immediately after. That was the only time he had spoke to me.

He had said: "Nothing personal kid, just don't want to get caught up in your mess."

Then he was gone.

I supposed I couldn't blame him. No one had told me exactly who was after me, but I didn't want to be caught up in this mess either. It was forced on me, just like everything else in my life.

I had come to realize that I would never be free. Even while traveling the country I would never be really free. Someone would always be after me. Someone out there would always want to force me to do their bidding. I would never be free and I would never be safe. That was something that took me a while to come to terms with but eventually I did.

Seirra had told me in a note that was in my duffle bag that I had that first apartment for three months. She explained that I should move every three months.

Now I was moving every two.

Still, when I had first arrived at that apartment I stayed inside the entire three months. I didn't go out for a job, or fresh air. I spent those three long months being paranoid. Everyone and Everything was a suspect that was out to get me. I didn't trust anyone and I didn't trust myself.

It wasn't until the police showed up to escort me off the propety that I forced myself to man up. This wasn't like me. I wasn't the type to stay scared and I certainly wasn't the type to let my fear control me.

Not after everything that I went through at the lab. I didn't spend my first 13 years being experimented on and imprisoned just to be trapped again.

So, I left. Not with the police though. I actually escaped out a window and was thankful that my apartment was only on the second floor.

Then I ran. I ran to a bus station and picked a random destination.

About a year into being on my own I was robbed. At the time I was just bouncing from place to place. Not really working but I was at least making sure to keep training. I practiced my knive skills like Kiah had taught me, and I practiced my Djin abilities like Seirra had taught me.

Then my apartment was broken into one night. Thankfully I was not there, and thankfully it wasn't a supernatural. Or well, it didn't seem to be. Whoever it was ransacked my place and stole all of my money.

That was when I had to get a job. I started waitressing until I found out that I enjoyed bar tending more. Apparently, I was very good at it and it seemed that every drink I made was stronger than it was supposed to be. I have no idea how I was able to do that or if it was even a thing.

I found myself wishing more and more, that I knew more about the world. I was still so ignorant and naive no matter how hard I try. But that was fine, the world has a way of teaching you.

I have been to almost every single state in the country. Something I learned about myself was that I preffered the smaller towns to the big cities. I think that it's because they are so homey. Everyone knows everyone. It reminds me of my home that I left behind.

It was really hard at first to not reach out to my friends. Not that I could. I didn't even know how to work a phone. But not a day went by that I didn't think about them all. Especially Angela and CJ. I wonder if they ended up being mates.

About two years into being on my own I met a coven of witches. It was only a few at first. They had come into the bar I was working in and knew that I was different. Thankfully they ended up becoming good friends of mine.

When I felt I could trust them I told them that some powerful people were after me. I didn't give them much more information than that though. They didn't need to know everything. Their High Priestess enchanced the crystal that always hung around my neck.

Now not only would I know if someone was near that was a threat to me, it would be impossible for anyone to track me using magic. I was sheilded, invisible to the supernatural world. They gave me a sense of peace, but I didn't let that stop me from being cautious and I never stopped moving.

Right now I am in a bar in Fort Benton, Montana. I have been here for just about two months and I actually really like it here. Small town bar owners tend to ask less questions and be more willing to take a risk on me. Sam, the owner of this bar sure was.

I looked myself over in the mirror in the bathroom.

My long hair is even longer now, it's hanging around me in thick, dark waves. Over the last few years my body filled out even more. I'm wearing a tight pair of dark blue skinny jeans and black tank top that is way to small for me. It shows my bellybutton and is extremely low cut. There are a few buttons down the top and I undid two of them to show more cleavage.

My bright red bra stood out and I decided I looked hot. Plus dressing like this always gets me extra tips and if anyone grabs me I know how to defend myself, and Sam has no problem with me putting people in their place.

I sighed at my reflection. I wish I could stay here. For just once I wish I could stay in one place. My life has been torn from me. Honestly I wasn't sure how much more running I could do. Would I be running still when I am 50?

Ugh, I'm getting a headache.

Pouding on the door drew me back to the present.

"Come on Epperly, you got customers!" Sam called from the other side.

I rushed to the door and opened it to find Sam's big build leaning on the wall.

"Sorry Sam." I apologized and gave him a sweet smile.

"Yeah yeah. Just do what I pay you do to." He grumbled before turning back.

Fighting back a giggle I walked back to the bar. It's a full house tonight. Good that means lots of tips and I am dying for some chinese food. I walked behind the bar and got a few people drinks before I noticed someone at the other end.

A man. A very....very sexy man. That's werid, I don't usually find anyone attractive.

The man's head was turned around so I couldn't get a good look at his face, but the rest of him was enough to make my mouth water. My face heated. Why is my mouth watering like this?

The man has blonde hair that is shaved at the sides and styled on the top. He looks huge, like way huge, like possibly bigger than Kiah huge. My feet started moving on their own and before I knew it I was standing so close I could smell his cologne. I faught down a sigh, he smells like fresh dirt and camp fire.

My favorite combination.

"What can I get for ya?" I asked drawing his attention to me.

The most beautiful deep blue eyes connected with mine and it was like I was frozen in a trance. His nose is straight, he has high cheek bones, and a very strong jawline.

My Gods he is sexy.

The man stared at me for a few moments before his eyes trailed down my body. I could feel my face heat but tried to fight it down. s**t, I hope I don't look like a tomato. The man is even more attractive in the face and I was kicking myself for being so drawn to him.

I'm still a virgin for f**k's sake.

"Uhm I can come back in a minute if you don't know..." I said awkwardly after he just continued to stare at me.

If he keeps looking at me like that I'm going to soak through my jeans, so I turned around to check on the other customers.

"No no." He rushed out the words causing me to smile.

I turned back around and he was staring at me with that look in his eyes again. No one has ever looked at me like that before.

"Well, what do you want?" I asked slightly amused after he just stared instead of talking.

"Your name." He told me a bit breathlessly.

I couldn't help the giggle that fell from my lips. He seems so flustered and just by looking at me. It's clear he wants to flirt and for the first time, I was thinking I might enjoy the attention.

"My name is Epperly." I told him. "Now, what kind of drink can I get you? I have other customers." I said because it was true.

If Sam found me neglecting all the other customers just because I met the hottest guy on the planet then I would get fired, and I need a little bit more money before skipping town.

"Epperly.." He tested out my name and I blushed.

How can my name sound so magical coming from his mouth?

"Can I just get a beer. Whatever you have on tap." He told me.

"Sure thing cutie."

Uhm, did I just flirt?

"As soon as I see your I.D." I said trying to ignore the fact that I just called him cute.

The man scrambled to pull out his I.D. for me and a hotel key fell out of his pocket. Hmm, so he isn't from around here.

I looked into his face. He doesn't seem to know what I am and my crystal hasn't warned me of anything. This man must just be here for buisness or something.

"Oops." He murmured as he shoved the hotel key back in his pocket and handed me his I.D.

Ambrose James Morningstar. Hmmm, that is interesting.

I have heard of the Morninstar family but no way he was that Morningstar. This guy doesn't look menacing in the slightest. I looked him over again.

Well, maybe he does. He is a very big man, like wildly huge. Still, I didn't get any warning from the crystal and something about him just seemed.... safe.

It's been so long since I've felt safe.

"Hmm. Morningstar. Interesting." I commented. "That your real last name?" I asked as I went to pour him a beer.

I didn't even check his birthdate but honestly, who cares.

Ambrose shook his head and gave me a small laugh. Damn, even his laugh is deep and sexy.

"No. I know it seems fake but it's not." He told me. I didn't believe him though.

"Oh so you are just the devils spawn then." I teased as I set his beer down in front of him.

"I guess you could say that." He said teasingly.

"So, you're from out of town I see." I said as I fluttered my eyelashes at him.

"Are you flirting with me Epperly?" He asked as he leaned over the bar to get closer to me.

My faced heated as I stared at his face.

Was I flirting? I didn't mean to, did I?

I opened my mouth to say something back when someone from down the bar called for me. I gave Ambrose and apologetic smile.

"Sorry, like I said, I got other customers." I told him before going down to the customers.

The next hour had me working my ass off. Everyone wanted drinks. Every once in a while my eyes would flicker over to the tall blonde man.

He was always there and always watching me. His eyes would connect with mine and he would smile at me. Never in my life have I met someone so distracting.

Thankfully I was able to keep his beers coming though. Finally though there was a break in customers and I slid Ambrose another beer.

"You're going to get drunk at this rate Ambrose. This is your fifth beer in an hour." I told him in a teasing tone as I leaned on the bar.

Ambrose blessed me with another gorgeous smile that made my knees weak.

"I know how to handle myself, but if you're worried you can always walk me back to my hotel room." He offered with a sexy smile.

I sucked in my bottom lip and Ambrose eyes zeroed in on the action. My breath caught in my throat with the look he was giving me. It was like he could rip all of my clothes off and have his way with me right here on the bar in front of everyone.

No one has ever made me feel this way and it has been so long since I have had company outside of working. Should I really take him up on his hidden offer?

I am a 20 year old virgin and who knows if I will even live long enough to meet my mate.

Fuck it.

"If you stay until we close and help me clean up I just might make sure you make it back to your hotel room safely." I told him.

Ambrose eyes darkened and a smirk fell on his lips.

"Then by all means, keep the beer coming." He said.

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A couple hours later Sam and I finished closing up. Ambrose did help us and he was right about being able to hold his aclohol. Especially with me serving him.

Sam had pulled me aside before I left with Ambrose to make sure that I was okay with this. All I had to do was tell Sam to look at Ambrose. Of course I am okay with this. He seems nice and I could lose my virginity to worse.

Not that Sam knew I was a virgin, but still.

Ambrose held my hand the whole back to his hotel. It was a warming gesture and honestly it brought me more comfort than I would like to admit. Damn, how long has it been since I have had contact with another person.

Even the simplest actions made my heart flutter. Maybe I am lonelier than I thought. Ambrose also made conversation the whole way. He asked me a lot of questions and was completely fine when I didn't want to answer some of them.

How is possible that someone I just met makes me feel this good?

Ambrose is understanding and kind. I know I have only known him for a few hours and I wasn't expecting much honestly, so why is he giving me so much?

Maybe he just really wants in my pants. Still, he doesn't have to try that hard, I am already very willing.

Once we entered the lobby of the hotel it was very quiet. There was no one at the front desk and I noticed that Ambrose seemed to sigh in relief that the lobby was empty. When we reached his hotel door he stopped before putting the key card in and turned to me.

"Before I open this door I want to make sure you know why I asked you to come up here. We don't have to do anything that you don't want to do. If you want to stop at anytime just tell me. Okay?" I nodded to him.

"And you're sure?" He asked making me laugh.

"Yes Ambrose. I am very sure that I want you to take me into your hotel room and f**k me." I told him sweetly.

Ambrose blushed at my words causing me to laugh again. I have always been a very blunt person. I didn't know how to be anything else.

"Alright then." He said as he adjusted his jeans and pushed the card into the slot.

The door let out a soft beep and Ambrose opened the it for me.

I walked into the room and looked around. It looks like any other hotel room I guess. I mean, I was guessing since I have never been in one.

Though, I have heard that hotel beds are the best. I ran my hands over the soft duvet before jumping onto the bed with a giggle. A deep sigh left my lips as I sunk into the bed.

A deep chuckle sounded from the room and I sat up on my elbows to see Ambrose watching me with amusement.

"You laughing at me?" I asked with a fake attitude.

Ambrose chuckled again.

"What if I am?" He asked me.

I fluttered my lashes at him.

"Well that wouldn't be very nice of you Mr. Morningstar." I said in what I hoped was a seductive voice.

Even in the dark of the hotel room I could see his blue eyes darken. Ambrose sauntered over to me until he was standing where my feet were.

Without breaking eye contact he crawled onto the bed over me. He paused when he came face to face with me and I really got to take in how big he is.

I reached up and ran my hands along his chest and shoulders. Ambrose closed his eyes, like me touching him was the best feeling in the world. I'm not sure what had me feeling so brave with this man but I trailed my hands along every inch of him that I could reach.

My Gods, just touching him feels good. Is this how it always is?

"You are such a big man." I told him.

Ambrose chuckled and opened his eyes to look at me.

"I've been told." He said and then reached up to trail a finger along my face.

"Are these contacts?" He asked referring to my strange eyes.

I nodded my lie and Ambrose smiled down at me.

"Can I kiss you?" He asked.

Again I nodded.

Ambrose dipped his head down until his lips brushed against mine. My heart beat picked up with anticipation. Then he pressed his soft full lips to mine.

Our kiss started off slow and honestly it was mind blowing. I have never been kissed before and this was the most amazing first kiss I could have ever asked for.

It didn't take long for Ambrose to deepen the kiss though. My lips moved against his and my hands moved to wrap around his neck. It was like my body had a mind of its own, like it knew how to react to him.

Ambrose ran his tongue across my bottom lip and I wasn't sure what he wanted. When I didn't do anything but kiss him back he sucked in my bottom lip and nibbled. I let out a soft gasp and Ambrose took the opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth.

So that is what he wanted.

Ambrose explored my mouth with his tongue and eventually I slipped my own tongue into his mouth too. Holy s**t he tastes good. I didn't even know people's mouths could taste good. I could taste the beer that he had drank but his own flavor overpowered it.

How is that even possible?

I felt Ambrose's hands roam my body, igniting fire in his wake. Ambrose lips left mine to trail down my jaw and to my neck. He licked and sucked on my sensitive skin causing little noises to leave my mouth, noises I have never made before.

Ambrose leaned up on his knees that were between my legs and stared down at me. He pulled his shirt over his head and that was when I was 100% positive that I made a good choice in coming here.

"How is it even fair that you look like that?" I asked with a whine. "You're literally irresistible."

Ambrose chuckled at me before grabbing the bottom of my small tank top.

"Can I take this off?" He asked.

I nodded and he started to slip it up my body slowly before I grabbed his hand to stop him.

"Uhm, I, uh, I think that I should come clean about something first." I told him.

"Okay." He said patiently.

"This might be hard to believe since I left the bar with a stranger." I said with a hollow laugh. "But I have never done this before.." I said softly.

"Had s*x?" Ambrose asked with a furrowed brow.

How is he so cute?

I nodded.

"I, uhm, have never done anything before." I told him.

Ambrose smiled down at me and pressed his lips to mine.

"Neither have I. I'm glad you get to be my first Epperly." He whispered to me.

I didn't believe that for a second. This God of a man has never let anyone touch him? Okay.

Still, I didn't say anything. I wanted this and I wanted it bad.

Ambrose peeled the rest of my clothes off slowly. Honestly, his pace was nearly agonizing and I suspect he is doing it on purpse. He made sure to give every inch of my body attention. It was almost like he was trying to memorize all of me. Is it always like this?

No wonder why some supernaturals can't wait for their mates. This is amazing.

I lay completely naked under Ambrose while he remained half dressed. He was kissing down my body and I was about to open my mouth and complain that he still had clothes on when I felt his hot breath on my core. I gasped and tried to wiggle away, but he just wrapped his arms around my thighs and pulled me right into his face.

"I want to taste you. I bet you taste even better than you smell." He mumbled with his face between my legs.

Before I could ask what he meant by that I felt his tongue on me. A loud noise left my lips and my fingers tangled in Ambrose's hair. I could feel his tongue swirl and suck all the parts of me down there.

Holy s**t. This feels..... really f*****g good. I felt an orgasm like I had never felt before build up inside of me.

Ambrose bit down on my most sensitive spot and the orgasm burst inside of me. I thought he would pull away but he didn't. Instead, Ambrose kept licking me until I had come down from my orgasm.

Then he had kissed back up my body to my lips. I could taste myself on him and it only ignited the fire back inside of me. I was desperate for more of him.

"I certainly hope you are ready for many more of those tonight. And you do taste even better than you smell by the way." Ambrose murmured against my lips.

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The sun was shining brightly through the windows the next morning, but that was not what woke me up. A burning on my chest had woken me. My eyes snapped open and I looked down to see the crystal glowing on my chest.

Oh no. They found me.

I looked around the room until I remembered where I was. Then I realized that a very heavy arm was drapped over my middle. Careful not to wake Ambrose I lifted his arm and scooted out of the bed.

Standing up I realized that my legs were a bit wobbly and my core is a bit sore. I smiled though. Last night was the most amazing night of my life.

Walking to the bathroom I quickly did my buisness before looking at my body in the mirror. Ambrose sure is rough, and he likes to bite.

There are hickeys and teeth marks all over my body. I sighed, I really love it. Too bad I have to haul ass out of here.

When I walked back to the main room I gathered up my clothes and dressed quickly. Ambrose stayed asleep the entire time and I couldn't blame him. I was pretty sure that we had only been asleep for a couple of hours. He was not kidding when he told me I was going to have plenty more orgasms.

It was like neither of us wanted to stop pleasing the other. It was the most amazing night of my life and I will never forget it, or him.

I looked at Ambrose one last time with more longing than I have ever felt. This is for the best. I have to leave. If I stay I will be putting him in danger. I can't drag him into this mess with me. He'll get killed, and I'll get captured.

So, I quickly and quietly left the hotel room. You would think that after losing everything in my life over and over again that I would be used to it by now.

So why does this hurt so much? Why does it feel like I am being ripped apart?