Sour Souls The Morningstar Series Book 6
Sour Souls Chapter 12

"Now you are Emilia Every Morningstar."

When Ares came back drentched in blood I should have known then. Hell, I should have known the moment that menacing aura poured off of him. Even when Kee told me she could read minds. I should have known. Maybe not that they are Morningstar's, but I could have at least guessed. We learned about them in school. I know how powerful they are, but.. Why am I mated to one? Because we deserve a strong mate. Honi said.

Strong is an understatement. He's a f*****g God of the Underworld. I said.

Honi puffed out her chest in pride, and I rolled my eyes.

"Are you scared?" Ares asked knocking me from my thoughts.

I furrowed my brow.

"Of what?" I asked.

Kee snorted from behind Ares. Ares stared down at me with amusement. Oh shit, he probably means of him.

"Once again in my life, it doesn't seem like I have a choice." I grumbled.

A look of pain flashed across Ares face.

"You're right. You don't have a choice." He said.

Then Ares threw me over his shoulder. I let out a yelp of surprise. Then Ares walked me out of the dungeon, up the steps, through the door.

"Ares wait, she hasn't seen the sun in years you migh-" Kee tried, but it was too late.

Ares walked me outside. The harsh light stung my eyes painfully. I groaned, and pushed my face into his back.

"You fucking prick, your sister tried to warn you." I said as I clung onto him.

The smell of the fresh air hit me first. Grass, earth, the forest, someone is cooking on a grill somewhere right now. All the scents I missed so much.

I still can't open my eyes, but I know that we walked into a building. I opened my eyes slowly to replace that we are in the pack house. Instant panic hit me. I started to thrash around. "Calm down Emilia, or I'll drop you." Ares said.

"I never asked you to carry me in the first place." I argued.

I heard the loud slap before I felt the sting to my ass. My whole face heated. He just spanked me. Fucking spanked me.

We liked it. Honi added.

Yeah, thanks for that Honi, super helpful. I gritted out.

"All of the people you have to fear are dead." Ares stated.

I scoffed. "Oh, you killed the whole pack then." I stated snidely.

"The whole pack might have known about your abuse love, but none of them will lay a finger on you now. If they do, I'll present their heads on a platter for you." Ares stated. "Better be a fucking silver platter." I grumbled under my breath.

We came to a stop finally. Ares entered a room, and slammed the door shut behind us. Then he dumped me onto a bed.

I looked around at the room. This is a first floor room. Used to house guests. I guess that makes sense. It smells like Ares too. His scent is thick in here.

Tell him you like his scent. Honi pushed.

"I like your scent."

Oh shit.

What the fuck Honi? I scolded.

Honi shrugged. You said it.

Oh my Gods, that was embarrassing.

I looked up at Ares. He smirked down at me. I frowned up at him.

"My wolf made me say it." I rushed out defensively.

Ares leaned over me to grip my chin.

"I like your scent too." He said.

Then Ares took in a deep inhale. My cheeks flamed. He's so braizen.

You belong to him, of course he is. Honi said.

I belong to no one. I argued.

Honi huffed. Then he belongs to us.

Exactly. I agreed.

Ares reached for the torn shirt I have on. He tried to pull it off of me, but I slapped his hands away.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I asked.

Ares frowned at me. "Getting you in the shower." He said.

My cheeks heated more.

"I-I can shower myself thank you." I argued.

Ares jaw tightened. Heat pooled in my lower abdomen. Which caused more heat to my cheeks.

Our mate is hot when he's angry. Honi said.

I ignored her. No way I can give her the satisfaction of agreeing. She'd probably talk me into saying something dumb again.

"Fine." Ares finally said.

He grabbed my arm, and pulled me into a bathroom off of the room. I looked around for a moment. It's so bright in here. My eyes lingered on the tub.

"You're too dirty for a bath, sorry." Ares said.

My fingers skimmed the edge of the tub.

Looks big enough for two. Honi commented.

I rolled my eyes at her.

"Does that mean I can take a bath later?" I asked.

"After this shower, you can all the baths you want." Ares told me.

I looked over to see him fiddling with the shower knobs.

"Really?" I asked.

Ares finally got the shower going. He turned to me with a confused look.

"You're free now Emilia." He stated simply.

Free..

I looked back at the tub. He said I'm free now, but doesn't he plan to take me back with him? How free am I really?

"It's just a tub Emilia." Ares said.

I didn't look up at him.

"You've never taken a bath before?" Ares asked angrily.

The anger in his voice doesn't bother me though. I'm not sure if he intends it to scare me, or something, but it doesn't. If anything, I've never felt this safe in my life. Not even when Mom was alive. Not even before she met Dave. Never, not once, did I feel so safe. We will never be alone again. Honi told me softly.

I looked up into Ares eyes. He looks so angry. Even his nostrils are flaring.

"Not since I was a kid." I said softly.

Ares jaw tightened again, and I saw a little tick.

"I'm going to send Kee in here with some clothes, and other things. I'll be right outside this door."

Ares grabbed the bathroom door. He walked out, and shut the door softly. I let out a deep breath.

I stripped out of the dirty clothes. I grabbed the pile, and cracked the door opened a bit.

"Everything okay?" Ares asked.

I handed him the pile of clothes with one hand, while keeping the door closed enough that Ares can't get a peak.

"Burn these." I stated.

"Gladly." Ares said.

The clothes burst into flames in my hand. I dropped them with a gasp.

"You could have warned me! Are you trying to set me on fire?" I asked angrily.

"My flames would never hurt you pet." Ares replied.

Did he just call me his pet?

It's a term of endearment. Honi told me.

It is? I asked.

Honi nodded. Our mate thinks we are cute, like a pet.

Oh.. Okay. I said.

I closed the door without another word. Then I turned for the shower. I avoided looking at myself in the mirror for now. I'm sure I look fucking awful.

I watched the dirt mix with the hot water as it went down the drain. The hot water feels amazing against my skin. I took my time soaking under the stream. Then I washed my hair, my body, then repeated the process.

Finally, after probably a full hour, I turned the water off. Ares had set down a towel for me before he had left. So, I grabbed it wrapping it around my body.

I stepped out of the shower, and cleared off the mirror. My eyes are closed. Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes to look at myself for the first time in five years.

Scars litter my body. All from the stabbings with wolvesbane. I turned to see that they are literally everywhere. My cheeks are more sunken in now than when I first got put down there. Even though my red hair is damp, it's still starting to curl already. It's so long, all the way down to my b**t. I still have no curves, but I wonder if that's due to malnourishment.

I look terrible. There are even dark circles under my eyes. My skin is pale making my freckles pop out in a bad way. Tears filled my eyes as I stared at myself. Honi whimpered in my head.

How can Ares want me when I look like this?

He is our mate. Honi said softly. He will always want us.

I shook my head.

What if he doesn't? Look at me Honi. I said.

Give him a chance. She said.

There's a knock to the bathroom door.

"Emi?" That's Kee. "I have some clothes for you. Can I come in?" She asked.

"As long as Ares doesn't come with you." I said.

You should have told her to stay away, and let our mate come in. Honi said.

I ignored her.

Kee opened the door. She squeezed her body inside, and shut the door behind her. Then she turned to me with a smile on her face.

"I brought you some of Melia's clothes. She's one of our team mates. She's a fairy, and a small little thing. We thought her clothes would fit you best. There is also fresh, unworn underwear." Kee told me.

"Thank you." I mumbled.

"I'll wait in here while you dress." She said.

I chewed on my bottom lip.

"If you are worried about the scars, don't be. I can help you get rid of them when we get home." She said.

"You can?" I asked.

Kee nodded. "I'm part Wtich ya know." She said with a smile.

I smiled back at her.

I dropped my towel, and pulled on the white cotton underwear. Then I pulled up the black sweat pants, that barely fit me. They're a bit big. Then I pulled the over sized black T-shirt over my head. This thing goes all the way down past my knees. "This shirt belonged to a fairy?" I asked.

Kee smirked at me. "That is your mates. He insisted."

"Oh." Was all I could think to say.

"Come, sit. Let me brush your hair. I have some hair oil to help your curls." She said.

I sat down on the toilet. Kee and I were quiet as she did my hair. It feels so nice. I feel so nice. I'm clean for the first time in years. I have the most comfortable socks on ever. And someone is brushing my hair for me. "Alright, done." Kee announced.

I smiled at her.

"Thank you."

"Anytime." Kee replied.

I got up, and took a deep breath. Kee opened the door wide, and walked out. Now I'm faced with my mate.

Ares is so handsome. Is he sure he wants me? I mean, look at him. I don't think I've ever seen someone so attractive.

He is our mate. Of course he is sure. Honi huffed.

Ares held his hand out to me. I placed my hand in his. Sparks danced up my arm.

Wow..

I was pulled from the bathroom, but I can't take my eyes off of Ares.

"Ahem."

Ares broke eye contact to look to the side of us. I followed his line of sight, and my breath caught in my throat.

"D-Dr. Stevens?" I asked.

"Hello little Emi. I have missed you." He replied.

Tears filled my eyes as I looked at him. I walked the few steps to the doctor. A small sob tore from me. Dr. Stevens looked up at Ares for a moment. Then he engulfed me in a huge hug.

My body slumped against him.

"It's really you." I sobbed.

"It is. I am so sorry Emi. I'm so sorry I couldn't save you." Dr. Stevens said sadly.

I shook my head as I clung to him.

"It wasn't your fault." I whispered.

Dr. Stevens hugged me tighter.

"How is my brother?" I asked as I pulled away. "Noah, how is he? He's good right?" I asked panicked.

Dr. Stevens nodded. "He is. He's grown a bit. Still a polite little guy!"

I let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank the Goddess." I said.

"I am here to look you over Emi." Dr. Stevens stated.

I furrowed my brow. "Isn't that something we should do at the clinic?" I asked.

Dr. Steven's eyes flickered to Ares for just a moment.

"You are not leaving my sight, and I don't trust any one in this pack. The doctor can look you over just fine right here." Ares said.

I rolled my eyes.

"Okay, so what do you want me to do?" I asked Dr. Stevens.

"Have a seat Emi."

Dr. Stevens checked my vitals. My reflexes. My eyes, ears, and throat. All while remaining silent.

"Well?" Ares asked impatiently.

Dr. Stevens sighed. "Emi, would you mind letting me inspect your body? You don't have to get naked, or anything. I just want to look over your other areas. You can just lift your shirt, and pant legs." He told me.

I looked up at Ares. He stared down at the doctor. I frowned at him.

Dr. Stevens cleared his throat.

"Mr. Morningstar, would you mind stepping out for-"

"I'm not leaving this room." Ares interrupted.

"Then I'm not getting checked out." I stated with my arms crossed.

Ares eyes met mine.

"Yes you are." He said dangerously.

I huffed. "At least turn around then." I whined.

Ares rolled his eyes, but turned his back to me. I lifted my pant legs first. Then I lifted my shirt. Dr. Stevens took in a sharp inhale.

Ares stiffened.

"Don't you dare turn around." I threatened.

Ares didn't turn around, but his body didn't relax at all either.

"Okay Emi, you can put your shirt down." Dr. Stevens told me.

I had barely gotten the shirt pulled back over my body when Ares turned around. I frowned at him, but he ignored me. Instead, Ares looked at the doctor expectantly.

"She is severly malnourished." Dr. Stevens said.

"Ovbiously." Ares gritted out.

Something about the way he said that has sadness settling in my heart.

"I'm not sure what else you want me to tell you Mr. Morningstar. All of her vitals are decent. Her blood pressure is low, oxygen levels are low. These things will get better over time." Dr. Stevens said.

"What about her psyche?" Ares asked.

My jaw dropped.

"Well, I'm not ignorant you prick." I stated.

"That's not what I meant Emilia." Ares said.

"Then what is it?" I asked.

Ares tightened his jaw.

Damn, I wish he would quit doing that.

"You said you've been down there for five years. You barely look 18. I have no idea what age your brain level is at. Not to mention what you went through being trapped in a dark cell for five straight years being fucking tortured." Ares voice got louder, and louder, until he was finally yelling.

I blinked at him.

"I'm 21 first of all." I said. "I went to school until I was a junior. I'm not stuck at some 14 year old level." I rolled my eyes.

"No, just 16." Ares grumbled back.

"As for what I went through, I guess we'll just have to see how deep my trauma goes." I stated nonchalantly.

Silence fell over the room. The only thing you can hear is Ares huffing next to me. I ignroed him though.

There was a knock to the door.

Ares came from around the bed to answer it. He didn't say anything, but opened the door wider. Several Omega's came in carrying trays of food, and a few pitchers of water. My mouth watered at the smell.

"Thank you." I said as the last Omega left.

"Dr. Stevens, you may leave." Ares said dsimissively.

"Wait!" I called out as the doctor stood up. "What about Noah? Talia?" I asked.

Dr. Stevens looked to Ares.

"Why are you looking at him? I'm the one who asked you." I said angrily. "Because I'm your mate." Ares stated like that was all the excuse in the world.

"Yeah, my equal, not my fucking keeper." I seethed. "I want to see my brother." I stated.

Ares sighed, and looked at the doctor. Dr. Stevens walked to the door.

"Let me know if she needs anything else. Your sister told me that she would be supplying vitams to help with the malnourishment?" Dr. Stevens asked Ares.

Ares nodded. "Akeehla is very good with herbs and such. Emilia will be well looked after." He said.

Dr. Stevens gave him a nod, then looked at me. A small smile touched his lips. Then he left.

"Why can't I see my brother?" I asked as soon as the door was shut.

"I never said that you couldn't see him." Ares said.

My mate picked up a tray of food, and brought it to the bed. I crossed my arms, and stuck my nose in the air.

"Emilia." Are scolded.

"I'm not eating until I get answers." I said.

"Fine. Guess I'll just eat all this food by myself then." Ares stated.

I popped one eye open to look at him. Ares kept his eyes on me as he picked up a thick piece of ham. He took a huge bite, and groaned as his eyes rolled back.

I think I'm drooling.

Not just from the food, but.. That groan.. It..

It made you horny. Honi snickered in my head.

Shut up. I stated.

Ares went to take another bite of the ham, but I snatched it from his hand before he could. Angrily, I bite a huge piece off. Then I moaned myself.

Holy shit this is good.

"Is all I have to do is eat, and then I can see Noah?" I asked with my mouth full.

Ares shook his head. "You can see them all tomorrow before we leave." He said.

My eyes snapped to his. "Gee, what a blessing." I grumbled.

"It's not that I don't want you to see them Emilia." Ares said.

"Then what is it?" I asked.

Ares sighed. "Noah, along with the Alpha's son are being briefed on what happens in this pack now. He has a lot going on right now Emilia. As for Talia, her mate, and Granny... I'm only not letting them see you because you need to sleep. You are exhuasted." He said.

How does he know that?

"Talia met her mate?" I asked.

Ares nodded.

"Who?" I asked.

Ares smiled. He reached up to tuck a damp strand of hair behind my ear. The light contact sent shivers down my spine.

"I'll let you be surprised. Now eat."