Page 18 of Scarred

Amma wanted to laugh at how normal things seemed. They were three towering alien males who could kill her with a flick of a finger and yet, the fear she had felt at first was dissipating.

“Would you honor us with your name, little female.”

“My name is Amma.”

“Amma.” The sound of her voice on his lips gave her goosebumps.

“That’s me.” She nodded.

“Are you a witch?” Gar asked.

“Gar,” Suni knocked the smaller male in the head with his fist, making a sound that was oddly hollow.

Gar shook his head from side to side and whined, “We were all thinking it.”

“I am sorry about my companion,” Suni said. “He is still young and has not learned to hold his tongue.”

Amma covered her laugh. “I am used to youngsters.” Suni reminded her of how the older cousins corrected the younger ones. Instead of fists, they used their magic. She turned to Gar. “Do I look like a witch?”

“We have only ever seen two witches,” Suni answered. “They are human, like you.”

“Not all humans are witches,” Amma said. “In fact–wait.” She took a half step forward. “Is this the Mia you spoke of?”

“Mia is mated to my younger brother.” Suni replied. “He has adopted her calf as his own.”

“Mia.” Amma had heard the name before, but it couldn’t be who she was thinking of. “What is her daughter’s name?”

“How do you know Julian is a female?” Suni asked.

“You asked if I was a witch and that means Mia is one. If she is part of my family, we only have girls.” Amma shrugged. “It was a lucky guess. You said mated? How long have they been here?”

“Three seasons.”

“Three?” Amma wondered if passing through the portal somehow took more time than it seemed. “Is there a way I can talk to Mia?”

“We can head back early.” Suni grabbed Rown before he could move much further into the clearing. “Would you mind sharing your space with us?”

“I’m the trespasser.” She smiled. “Be my guess, but I wasn’t expecting three visitors. I have nothing that will fill your bellies.”

“What type of warriors would we be if we took food from you?” Suni asked. “We will hunt for last meal and sleep under the stars. It is what we are used to when away from our home.”

“Aren’t you worried about the animals if you sleep outside?” Amma had learned the hard way that the animals of this place were much different from the ones of Earth. The most dangerous ones roamed during the day.

Suni lips lifted in a half smile showing off the tip of a fang. “They will scent us and know to keep away. We will protect you.”

“After being on my own for the last few days, I welcome the company.”

“I will hunt while Gar and Rown start a fire and ready the camp. While we eat, I will answer any questions you have.”

Amma tried to hide her excitement at sharing dinner with the three males. She loved her furry friends, but she missed her sisters and cousins and the trouble they got into over meals.

“I expect the camp to be set up upon my return.” Suni turned on his hooves and disappeared into the forest.

She stared at the spot he had been in surprise. If she hadn’t been staring at him, she would never have known he moved. For such a large male, he moved light on his hooves. Amma turned to find Gar and Rown staring at her with large eyes. They reminded her of the younger girls when they saw something new. “How about I clear the air? I am a witch. I have been practicing since I was around five years old and can control my magic. You are in no danger.”

“We do not think you will hurt us.” Gar said. “Suni would not have left us alone if that was the case. We are just surprised to see another witch. We grew up hearing horror stories and yet, we have not met a bad witch.”

“There are good and bad in every species.” Amma said. “While I like to think my family is above playing with the dark arts, I know for sure some do. I even have a few who play both sides.”

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