Red Hot Love: The Morningstar Series: Book 5
Red Hot Love – Chapter 5

The next day I woke up bright and early. I dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a white V-neck shirt. Then I booked it downstairs for breakfast. When I made it to the kitchen Mom was cooking while Dad sat at the table. Alessio and Amory are sitting with him.

“The others ran off already?” I asked as I took a seat next to my father.

Ares and I are spitting images of my father. Same raven black hair, same deep blue eyes, same smile, all of it. The only difference is that Dad is a bit taller than me.

“I think Akeehla is still in her bedroom, but everyone else ran off yes.” Mom answered me. “Are you hungry honey?” She asked.

I nodded. “Starving.” I said.

Mom slid a plate in front of me. I looked down at the eggs, toast, and bacon. Then I smiled up at Mom.

“Thanks Mom. It looks great.” I said.

Mom returned my smile. She always tells me I’m her sunshine. I mean, have you met my other siblings? All of them aside from Relly are little psychos.

“So, I didn’t see you all night last night Azai. You didn’t replace your mate and not tell me, did you?” Mom asked.

I chuckled and shook my head. “Trust me Mom, if I met my mate, the entire world would know by now.” I said.

Amory rolled her eyes at me. “Mates are gross.” She stated.

Alessio smiled. “I used to say the same thing when I was your age, you’ll change your mind.” He stated.

I shook my head at the two of them.

“Don’t listen to your brothers Mo. You can think mates are gross for the rest of your life if you want.” Dad told her.

Mom slammed a fresh cup of coffee down in front of Dad. He looked up at her and gulped. I took a drink of my OJ to hide my laughter.

“Don’t listen to your dad honey.” Mom said to Mo. “You just do whatever feels right.”

“If I meet my mate, will I have to move away like Relly did?” Mo asked.

We all paused.

Relly was the glue that held us all together. Now that she’s gone things have been.. different. Not in a bad way. It’s just been a lot of learning how to not have her around. Relly was always there to break up our fights, or be here for us when Mom and Dad were gone.

We just miss her a lot.

“No. You can stay here for as long as you want. Mate or not.” Dad told her.

Mom sighed. “Relly only moved because her mate has a pack to take care of. She’s a Luna now.”

Mo scrunched her face up.

“Well, I won’t be meeting my mate for a long time, but he better not be a Werewolf.” She said and then stabbed her eggs.

“Not for a long time huh?” I asked.

During the time that Relly met her mate, we found out that Amory can see the future. Seer’s haven’t existed for thousands of years. Honestly, I’m not suprised that the first Seer in thousands of years ended up being one of us. We’re all freaks.

Mo nodded her head.

“Yeah, when I am much, much older.” She told me.

“You sound relieved.” I said with a laugh. “Don’t you want to meet your mate?” I asked.

Mo squared her shoulders, and jutted out her jaw.

“Not really.” She stated.

Dad beamed. “That’s my girl.” He said proudly.

I rolled my eyes.

“Why not Mo? Your mate is your other half. Most of us can’t wait to meet our mates.”

Mo shrugged. “My mate is going to be an a*****e, so I’m fine without meeting him for a while.” She stated.

I sputtered on my OJ nearly choking. Alessio flat out laughed. Dad paused with his coffee cup to his lips. Mom was the only one able to scold Amory.

“Amory Rose Morningstar! Watch your mouth.” Mom said.

“Sorry.” Mo grumbled not sounding sorry at all.

Mom sat down at the table with a plate for her and Dad.

“Anyways,” Mom said dramatically. “Are you excited for this week?” She asked me.

I nodded. “Yeah. I hope that my mate is here this year.” I told her.

Mom beamed at me.

“It’s just the barbeque today right?” Mom asked.

“Yeah. Tia said more people came this year than ever before. She wanted to go with a homey feel still, so she kept things pretty simple. Barbeque today, so that people can meet and mingle, kind of like last night. But also simple enough that people can feel free to leave or whatever. Day three is game day.” I said with a big smile.

“Tia has all these cheesey games going on, but I saw her plans and it looks like a county fair. Theres going to be a three legged race, mini games all over the place, and tons of prizes. She definitely went for that romantic fair date theme.” I said with a laugh.

“That sounds fun.” Mom said. “I’m so proud of her. She’s doing great for her first year.”

“I’m just glad we don’t have to go for once.” Dad added.

Mom glared at him. “You aren’t taking me?” She asked.

“Ut oh.” I mumbled.

Dad cleared his throat. “What else is she having son?” He asked me.

Amory, Alessio, and I all shared a look and tried to hide our laughter.

“Day four is the hunt. There will be two hunts I guess. A scavenger hunt that is supposed to take all day. And then a nightly hunt for the wolves and other nightly creatures. Not exactly sure on the details for that one though.” I said.

“Day five is a what Tia is calling a free day. She is going to get a bus from the local high school to be able to take who ever wants, up town. I think that she thinks most of the people will replace their mates by then, and wanted to give them time. But she still will be having games set up like volleyball and s**t. Plus, we have the pool.” I said.

“Language Azai.” Mom scolded.

“Sorry.” I mumbled.

“The ball is after that right?” Alessio asked.

I nodded.

“Day six. Everyone will spend the whole day getting ready. Of course Tia will make me set everything up no doubt.” I said. “Then everyone will leave the next day.” I finished.

“Why would you think Tia will make you set up?” Mom asked. “I know we make you guys help me every year, but this year you have a better chance at replaceing your mate. With all the newcomers, and you being older and all.” She said.

I shrugged. “Just a hunch.”

Just then Tia came walking into the kitchen. She looks a bit flustered. Her wavy blonde hair that is usually down, is up in a messy bun and frizzed out. She looks tired. I felt bad, until she locked eyes with me.

“You. Get up. I need your help.” She ordered.

I g*****d. “Already?” I asked.

Tia nodded. “You were the first unlucky soul I ran into.” She stated.

“I’m starting to see why Kee never leaves her room.” I grumbled.

“Kee’s in her room? Good, go get her. I’ll take both of you.” Tia ordered.

“But.. I..” I trailed off.

s**t, I didn’t meant to drag Kee into all this.

“Go on. Vessa can come too if she’s still here.” Tia ordered.

I looked at Mom and Dad for help. Both of them refused to meet my eyes. What traitors. My own parents.

Groaning I got up from the table and trudged up to Kee’s bedroom. I paused outside of her bedroom door. Maybe I can just tell Tia that they weren’t here. But then she would come and check for herself.

In the middle of my inner battle, Kee’s bedroom door swung open. I looked down to see Kee dressed in a black T-shirt and jean shorts, with her thick curly hair up in a messy bun. Vessa is standing next to her looking the same but she has on a black crop top that ties around her neck.

“Uhh..” I trailed off.

“Don’t worry about it.” Kee said. “I know you didn’t mean to offer me up.”

I gave her a sheepish smile. “I can tell her that you aren’t here.” I offered.

Kee shook her head. “No, it’s fine.” She said and pushed past me.

I looked down at Vessa. “She okay?” I asked.

Kee was never asked to do anything since we got her back. I was all for that. I would light myself on fire before I let my little sister lift a finger ever again if that’s what she wanted. That isn’t what she wanted but I would still offer it. This is different though.

Normally she would just do what she wanted anyways. Whether that be leaving before or after I got here, telling me, or ignoring all of us. This time she just… agreed?

Vessa shrugged. “I think she’s been feeling different lately. She might even attend some of these events.”

“Really?” I asked.

Vessa nodded. “Maybe she just really had fun the other night.” She suggested.

“Good.” I said with a smile. “Let’s go get this over with. Maybe you can meet your mate too.” I told her.

A look of sadness passed over Vessa’s face before she hid it. I wanted to ask her about it, to press her about what the hell that look meant. Before I could, Vessa pushed past me and walked down the steps. I decided to save it for later and followed behind her.

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

Two and a half hours later and we were done. Tia made us come over to the area where the barbeque was to take place and finish setting up. I guess this was supposed to be partly Belle’s job, but no one can replace her.

Total bullshit.

Tia knows exactly where she is. At home getting f****d by that sexy dark haired mate of hers. I bet they haven’t taken their hands off of each other since meeting. They’ve probably been going at it for hours. I can just picture Belle’s ‘O’ face as he makes her c*m over and over and ove-

“Stop.” Kee shouted interrupting my thoughts.

I turned my head to see she was talking to me.

“Just stop. Do you ever think about anything other than s*x?” She asked me.

“It’s like you start off with totally normal thoughts, and then BAM. You’re thinking about our sisters, best friends, ‘O’ face. And the images you put out…” Kee visibly cringed.

“Uh, sorry.” I mumbled.

“I wish I could read his mind. I bet there’s endless masterbation material.” Vessa added.

I scrunched my face up.

“Don’t say that. You’re like my sister.” I told her.

Vessa only shrugged, and went back to putting the last table cloth on the last table. So far we had set up a couple more tables, put out all the napkins, utencils, and cups, and we set up coolers all over the place. One at each table and each grill, and a few more scattered around. There is going to be so much food, I can’t wait.

“What’s left?” Kee asked.

“We just have to get the food out here. Tia said to set up the cold stuff here and the other sides here.” I said pointing to tables. “She said to keep everything covered though. Then we grab the coolers with the meat, and go get the cooks.” I said.

Kee nodded, and we got to work. Another hour later and the grills were going. People are starting to gather around. We still have a few more things to get. I haven’t seen Kee or Vessa for quite a while now.

Where the hell did you two go? I asked Kee through the mind link.

We got hungry. She replied.

What? I asked. We literally just set up for a whole barbeque. There’s tons of food here. I said.

I know. But we we’re tired. Kee whined.

I sighed through the link.

Fine, I’ll finish up here. Don’t let Tia replace you. I said.

Thank you. Kee replied.

Yeah yeah. I said and then closed the link.

Sometimes I hate being such a f*****g push over for my sister. s**t, am I big push over for everyone? I had to think about it. It’s very possible that I am. I have a hard time saying no. It’s usually so much more fun when I say yes though.

“Azai!”

My head snapped up to see Tia called for me. I g*****d. I was just about to eat though. Slumping my body I walked over to my sister.

“Yes your highness?” I asked snarkily.

Tia totally ignored my tone as she stared down at clipboard in her hands.

“I need you to help me clean a few of the rooms while everyone is here.” She told me.

My jaw dropped. “But.. I’ve been doing things for you all day.. I was just about to eat.” I said.

Tia looked up at me from her clipboard. “Eat, and then get to it.” She said.

My sister tried to walk away, but I grabbed her arm and pulled her back around.

“Whoa, wait.” I started.

“Listen Azai, a lot of our workers met their mates yesterday. I’m super short handed and I need this week to go well. Please just help me.” Tia stated.

“I wasn’t going to argue about that.” I told her.

It wasn’t a lie. I had noticed that many of the people we had here to help us were MIA today.

“Have you eaten today?” I asked.

Tia forgets to eat all the time. I know that because Belle is always the one taking her food or reminding her to eat. And I just so happen to love being around Belle, so I picked up on a few things.

My sister looked around at the tables of food. She has a look of longing in her eyes. I tried not to laugh at it.

“No.” She stated.

“Eat with me-“

“I can’t. I’m too busy.” Tia interrupted me.

I took the clipboard from her hands. “Eat with me. The work will be there when we’re done.” I told her.

“Fine.” Tia agreed as someone walked past her with a plate full of meat.

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

Tia made me eat faster than I ever have before. I’m pretty sure we inhaled our food instead of tasting it. I wanted to cry honestly. I have a feeling I’m not getting a break this whole week. If I don’t meet my mate… I swear.

My sister gave me a list of rooms I needed to clean. I was suprised at how big the list is. A lot of our helpers must have met their mates. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for them, but damn this is a lot of work.

It took me over an hour just to do the rooms in the school. I had to hit a few houses as well. I rushed out of the school to head for the houses. The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can look for my mate. I was in such a big rush I almost ran into the man standing outside of the front doors to the school.

“Oh, sorry about that.” I said right before I ran into him.

The man has dark skin, much darker than Henry. He has on sunglasses, black work pants, and a plain white T-shirt. My eyes traveled down the length of his body and back up. He has a nice physique for a human.

“I bet you work out.” I mumbled.

“Huh?” The man asked.

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

Damn, maybe Kee was right about me and I do have a s*x problem.

“Can I help you with something?” I asked.

What is a human doing here, and right now?

“Oh, yeah I have delivery here for Atiana Morningstar.” He told me.

I furrowed my brow. “A delivery? Do you know what it is?” I asked.

The man shook his head.

“I just deliver.” He said.

I nodded.

Tia, there is a nice looking man here with a delivery for you. I told her through the link.

Be right there. She replied.

“Atiana will be here in a moment. Is there anything else I can help you with?” I asked him suggestively.

The man chuckled and shook his head.

“No thanks.” He said.

Tia popped up behind me just then.

“Thanks Azai, you can go finish.” She said without looking at me.

I rolled my eyes and ran off. Something tells me that I will not be getting to enjoy my time this week. Still, I hope that I can meet my mate.

My hope was dwindling down since I stilll haven’t found them yet. I wonder if my mate will be a boy or a girl. I know this is something I’ve been thinking about for a couple of days now, but I can’t help it.

All I know is that my mate is going to be loved, no matter who they turn out to be.