Red Hot Love: The Morningstar Series: Book 5
Red Hot Love – Chapter 9

This is not happening. No. No way. This isn’t real. I didn’t just meet another mate. It didn’t happen. This is some kind of whack a*s dream.

A nightmare.

“Olive calm down.” My mom said to me.

We are in Atiana’s office waiting for Ozzy’s parents to show up. Azai is here with his apparent sister. Their parents are also on their way. I’ve been pacing the room nonstop.

“I can’t.” I said. “This is too weird.”

“Maybe if you sit down you’ll feel better.” Azai said. “I could go get you some water or-“

“I don’t need you to get me anything. I already have a mate for that.” I bit out.

A look of hurt settled on Azai’s face. I felt guilty. Like really guilty. And that only made me more mad. I shouldn’t care at all about him or his feelings.

So why do I? Why did I hate the fact that he’s hurt?

“Olive.” Ozzy scolded.

My eyes snapped to his. He’s being a traitor. I could feel through our bond that he is interested in Azai. I don’t know if it’s the pull of the bond, or if Ozzy just feels bad, but I wish he would be on my side. I don’t want another mate.

What will the others think? What would the world think?

The office door opened, and Ozzy’s parents walked in followed by two people I had saw wandering around over the last week. The women is stunning. She looks exactly like Atiana other than the black eyes. This woman’s eyes are light green and warm. The man that followed behind her is a spitting image of Azai, but with less curly hair.

Wow. He’s….. kind of hot.

I shook my head. This stupid third mate s**t is already getting to me. I just called a man old enough to be my dad hot. Even if he looks like he’s in his mid 20s.

“Uh, what’s going on?” Billy asked.

“Yeah Tia, is everything okay?” The women asked her.

Atiana nodded. “Azai met his mates.” She announced casually.

How can they all talk so causally about this? I’m freaking out. Ozzy is…. low key freaking out. My parents are even freaking out.

The women looked at Azai, and grabbed his face between her hands.

“You did? Who did it turn out to be? Oh I am so happy for you honey. You’ve been waiting so long. Why are we in here? You should have brought your mate home honey.” The women rambled on and on.

“Mom.” Azai said through smushed lips.

I couldn’t help the small smile that fell on my lips. The Morningstar’s are much more normal than I thought they would be. It’s kind of cute. Not that I would admit that out loud.

“Wait, did you say mates? As in more than one?” The women asked Atiana.

Azai grabbed his mothers wrists, and moved them from his face. He gave her a wide smile before turning to Ozzy and me. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.

“Mom, Dad, these are my mates.” He said.

No one said a thing.

“Uh, what?” Billy finally asked.

“I’m confused as well.” Evie added.

“First off, I think we should have some introductions.” Atiana annoucned. “Our mother Lydia, and our father Kasyn.” She said, and then looked to the rest of us.

“I’m Charolette, a friend of Atiana’s. This is my mate Gian, and our daughter, Olive.” Mom said proudly.

I rolled my eyes.

“Uhm, I’m Billy. This is my mate Evie, and our son Ozzy.” Billy introduced them awkwardly.

“Hi. I’m Azai. I’m mated to your son. I already met Olive’s parents.” Azai said polietly, and held his hand out.

Billy just blinked at him. Azai let his hand fall to his side. Kasyn glared at Billy, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.

“You guys look like someone just killed your puppy.” Lydia said with a laugh.

Wow, what an analogy.

“I’m sorry. I’m just confused.” Billy said.

“Yeah, our children are already mated.” Evie added.

A look of understanding passed over Lydia’s face.

“Oh, I understand now. You guys haven’t heard of third mates before.” She stated.

“Third mates?” Evie asked.

Lydia nodded. “It’s super rare, but it happens.”

Super rare.

Everyone keeps saying that. If it’s so rare than how did Ozzy and I get so unlucky? Rare my a*s. How is this even supposed to work? They share me? We all share each other?

Why are both of those options exciting to me?

“Olive, Ozzy.” We both looked over to Evie. “Do you guys feel the bond?” She asked.

I opened my mouth to lie and say no, but Ozzy beat me to it.

“Yes.” He said.

I turned a glare to him. Ozzy caught my eye. The look in his told me to give this a chance. I don’t want to though.

“Well. Where do we go from here?” Mom asked.

“Azai still has a year of high school left. And then he plans for college.” Kasyn answered.

I looked at Azai. He wants to go to college? For what?

“Same with our kids. So what do we do in the meantime?” Mom said.

“I can teleport back and fourth whenever.” Azai offered.

“I don’t know if I like the thought of you popping up whenever or where ever you want.” Dad stated.

At least someone is on my side with this.

“I would never disrespect you sir, or your daughter.” Azai stated.

My heart flutterd. f*****g goddamnit. My body is already reacting to the bond.

“You can’t teleport that much anyways honey.” Lydia said. “It would take too much out of you.”

“Well, I don’t know how I feel about them all exploring a relationship this young.” Billy said.

“M-maybe I can transfer to the school you guys go to.” Azai offered.

Damn he’s pushy.

“Maybe Olive and Ozzy can go to school here.” Atiana offered. “We have dorms, our parents are here to supervise, not to mention the rest of the teachers. They would be our first Fury’s. It could open a lot of options for the school.” She said.

My jaw dropped. She can’t be serious? Stay here? Away from our home? We’re Fury’s. We don’t even talk to any other species.

“That isn’t a bad idea.” Evie said.

“I agree.” Mom added.

My head snapped to them.

“What?” I asked. “You want us to leave home?”

Mom sighed. “It’s just an option honey. Try it out for a couple of months. If you don’t like it then you can come home.” She offered.

“Plus, Ozzy will be with you. You guys won’t be alone. And your… other mate will be here.” Evie asked.

“I think this is a lot to talk about, and we need time to talk it over.” Dad said.

I nodded in agreement. “Yeah. We should slow down a bit.” I said.

“You guys can take the whole summer. Let me know as soon as you make a decision. I’ll hold open a couple of spots for you.” Atiana said.

“Maybe you guys can take the night to get to know each other better.” Lydia suggested. “Take them home to the game room. And behave yourself.” She added.

I opened my mouth to object, but I never got the chance.

“I think that’s a lovely idea.” Mom said. “Just remember that we leave early in the morning.” She said and then got up.

I crossed my arms, and looked at Azai. He smiled at me. I’m never going to win. Not tonight anyways.

“Can I at least change first?” I asked rudely.

Not that Azai seemed to care. He only nodded to me. His curly hair bobbed around him. Goddamn he’s attractive.

“Of course.” Azai said. “I’ll wait for you guys at the front of the school.”

Ozzy stood up, and took my hand.

“Just give us a few minutes okay?” He said.

Azai nodded, and Ozzy dragged me from the room. We walked upstairs. Ozzy pulled me into his room, and grabbed a handful of clothes before ushering me to my room.

“We’re really going to entertain this?” I asked him as we changed.

“He’s our mate Olive. What are we supposed to do?” He asked.

I scoffed. “We could reject him.”

As soon as the words left my mouth I frowned. How can words taste bad? I shook my head. It’s just the bond, it’s just the bond, it’s just the bond.

“We don’t even know how. And why would you want to? You really don’t want to give him a chance?” Ozzy asked.

My eyes went wide. “You do?” I asked.

Ozzy pulled on his jeans, and I gawked at his bare chest. I bet Azai looks sexy in just his jeans too. I shook my head again. After tomorrow I can get away from this stupid bond, and things will go back to normal.

“Olive, you and I have each other. Azai doesn’t have another mate. If we reject him that could be it for him. And you saw how happy he was when he found us. And what about his mom huh? She looked so relieved.” Ozzy said.

I have to admit that Lydia did look relieved. Azai can’t be too much older than us right? Why would she look like that if he’s still so young?

“I’m not saying we should mark him right away. I’m just saying to give it a chance.” Ozzy said.

I shimmied into my jean shorts, and Ozzy held up one of his shirts for me. He slipped it over my head, and I blew some stray hairs out of my face. Ozzy smiled down at me and kissed my lips.

“I’ll give him tonight, but I’m not promising to ever see or talk to him again.” I stated.

“Okay baby.” Ozzy said as he pulled me out of the room.

I wish that Ozzy’s excitement bothered me more, or at all. It should be stranger for him than it is for me. I’m used to liking men, well a man. Ozzy is used to me, a girl. Yet, he seems so interested.

When we got down to the front of the school Azai was outside waiting for us. He apparently had changed too. Now, he’s in a pair of khaki shorts and a red tank top. His arms are huge.

Am I gawking?

“Hey.” Azai greeted us.

“Hey.” Ozzy replied.

“Uh, this way. I live there.” Azai said as he pointed to a f*****g mansion.

“You live in a mansion? I thought that was just an extention of the school.” I said as we began walking.

Azai chuckled from my left. Wait, how the f**k did I get in the middle of them? I looked up at Ozzy, and he smiled down at me.

“My parents needed a lot of space after having 12 kids.” Azai said.

My eyes went wide as they snapped up to him. Up. Why am I so short? They’re like the same height, leaving them both almost a full foot taller than me.

“12?” I asked.

Azai nodded. “I know it’s a lot. Kinda cool though right?” He asked.

I shook my head. “That sounds like a living hell.” I said.

Azai sputtered out laughter. I found myself enjoying the sound. A smile started to spread across my face, but I shook my head clearing it away.

“It gets crazy, but I couldn’t picture my life any other way.” Azai said. “Do you guys have siblings?” He asked as we reached the front door.

Azai opened the door and walked in. He lead us through a foyer, a living room, and around the corner to another hallway. The house is quiet despite the fact that he has 11 siblings. Once we reached the game room Azai flipped the light on, and shut the door behind us.

“No, we are both only children.” Ozzy answered his question.

Azai nodded. “But you guys always had each other right?” He asked with a smile.

I nodded. “We have others too.”

Azai smiled and stared at us for a moment. Why does this feel so comfortable? After a moment Azai shook his head.

“I’m a terrible host, sorry. Make yourselves comfortable.” He said gesturing to the large black sofa. “Are you guys thirsty or anything?” He asked.

I shook my head.

“We’ll take waters if that’s okay.” Ozzy answered for me.

Azai walked to a mini fridge in the room givng me time to look around. Across from the sofa is the biggest flat screen TV I’ve ever seen. I can see a bunch of game systems hooked up around it. There’s a fooseball table on one side of the room. A mini frigde on the other side, and a bunch of girlie kid toys.

“Here you go beautiful.” Azai said as he handed me my water. I blushed. “And for you handsome.” He handed Ozzy his water.

Ozzy blushed as well. It was hard to tell whose butterflies belonged to who through this bond. I can’t believe Azai just complimented us so openly. Is he not freaked out at all by two mates?

“So, how old are you guys?” Azai asked as he sat on the other side of me on the sofa.

Great, I’m sandwhiched again.

“I turned 17 back in Febauary. Olive turned 17 back in March.” Ozzy answered. “What about you?”

“I’m 16, but I’ll be 17 in the middle of July.” He answered.

Ozzy smiled. “It’s coming up then.” Azai nodded enthusastically. “You, uh, doing anything special?” He asked.

“That depends. Will I get to see the two of you?” Azai asked.

Ozzy’s face flushed. He looks so adorable all flustered. I leaned up and kissed his cheek before I could stop myself. I looked at Azai out of the corner of my eye. He looks… happy.

“Uhm, possibly?” Ozzy answered.

“Well, if I get to spend it with my mates it’ll probably be the best birthday ever.” Azai said.

Ozzy looked down at me. My own face is heated now. Azai sure knows how to make us blush. A*****e.

“So, you’re a Morningstar.” Ozzy commented.

Azai nodded. “Yeah, sorry if that freaks you out.” He said shyly.

“That’s not what is freaking us out. We don’t know much about Morningstar’s.” I said.

“Well, I’m many different things.” Azai told us. “I have a wolf, I drink b***d, I can do magic, and I’m part demon.” He said.

“Wow.” I said.

“What’s your wolf’s name?” Ozzy asked.

Azai locked eyes with Ozzy, and took on a sort of glow. I swear the air sizzled around us. The look that Azai is giving him is very heated. I felt myself get wet. s**t, f*****g tretorious body.

“Ezra.” Azai finally said.

“So,” I said trying to calm down the very hot room. “You’ve lived here all your life?”

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

The three of us spent all night talking. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a good night. Azai asked us all kinds of questions. It was clear he just wanted to get to know us. Not once did he try to touch either of us, nor did he make either of us uncomfortable. I almost wish he would of. Just so I had a real reason to not want him.

At some point we must have fallen asleep. I woke up just as the sun was rising through the window. We’re all still on the couch. Azai is sitting up, but leaned back. He has his mouth open and is snoring. It’s kind of funny.

I woke up with my head in his lap, and my legs on Ozzy. Ozzy is half sitting up and half laying on me. Azai has an arm over me with his hand resting on Ozzy’s head. That was the best sleep I’ve ever gotten. I don’t even remember falling asleep.

Carefully, I moved Azai’s arm and shook Ozzy awake. Ozzy wiped the side of his mouth as he opened his eyes. He looked down at me, and then up at Azai.

“We should get going.” I whispered.

Ozzy sat all the way up. “Should we wake him?”

I shook my head. “No, let him sleep.” I said as I got to my feet.

Ozzy stood up, and followed me to the door.

“But, he won’t get to say goodbye.” He said.

I shook my head, and tip toed through the house. Ozzy was hot on my heels. I didn’t respond to him until we were outside.

“I don’t care.” I said.

Ozzy paused on the steps of the mansion.

“How can you say that? Didn’t you have fun last night?” He asked.

I sighed, and covered my face with my hands.

“Yes Ozzy. I had a wonderful time. It was great. But all it did was confuse me more. I need space to take all of this in.” I said.

“You’re about to get months away from him, we could at least tell him good bye.” Ozzy argued.

Tears filled my eyes. Why am I even sad? I don’t ever get sad or cry. I’m not sensitive enough.

“I just can’t Ozzy. It’s too much.” I said.

“Hey, hey, hey.” Ozzy said as he pulled me into his arms. “It’s alright Olive. You have me. You always have me. I don’t agree with leaving this way but… if it’s what you want..” He trailed off.

I nodded and pulled out of his arms. “Please. I need to get out of this place.” I said.

Ozzy nodded. “Okay, let’s go pack.” He said.

I started to walk off, but turned back to look at my mate. Ozzy is staring back at the mansion. I can tell that he doesn’t want to go. I don’t either. But I need to. The sooner I’m away from here, the sooner I can put all of this behind me. I have no intention of coming back for Azai’s birthday, or to attend the school here.

In fact, I have no intention of ever seeing my third mate again.