Page 32 of Scarred

Thank you.

“You’re welcome. But shouldn’t you be trying to find your mate?”

I will. There are many females to choose from. I do not have anything like you in my memories.

“I am not from this world. What do you mean in your memories?”

I know what those before me know. Those of my blood.

“Are you talking to it?” Suni asked.

“Him,” Amma corrected. “And yes.” She shivered when Mike's whiskers tickled her ear as he tried to get closer to the lunkers. “Be still, you guys.”

My young will now know about you and your kindness. Be blessed. The lurker launched into the air and joined the others in their mating dance.

“It’s times like these that I love my magic,” Amma said. “Did you know that they have genetic memory?”

“What is that?” Suni asked.

“It means that they inherit their ancestors’ memories. I’ve heard theories of it, but never knew it was something that really happened. Every generation they gain more knowledge. Exceptional.”

“I have learned something tonight.” Suni stood and held out his hand. “We will move around the lunkers so they can finish their dance in peace.”

“I wish we could stay here all night.” Amma took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet. “It’s magical. For a second, I felt like I’d been pulled into another realm.” She wished she had brought her phone so she could show her sisters and cousins when they found each other. Amma doubted anyone would believe her.

Quietly, so they didn’t disturb the lunkers, Amma and Suni continued on the path until it thinned too much to follow. Suni motioned for her to walk behind him as he cleared the way. She was entranced by his tight butt. How could she not when his tail twitched from side to side, teasing and demanding she grab it. She was paying so much attention to his butt she didn’t notice he had stopped until her nose was buried in the fur on his back.

“A little warning next time,” she mumbled, rubbing her nose.

“The trail ended,” Suni said. “And I smell someone who is not supposed to be here. He is an enemy to my village and can be dangerous.”

Amma lifted her nose and took a deep breath. It smelled like all the other times she took a breath. “What does it smell like?”

Suni growled. “A male is marking territory that is not his.”

“How can you tell where one territory ends and the other begins? As a human I cannot smell anything different than the forest.”

“Our males will scent mark when out on patrol or hunting.”

“Scent mark?” Amma asked. “Like claw marks or scent marking trees?”

“Something like that.”

She took a step to walk around him but stopped when she heard water hitting the forest floor. “Suni!” Amma burst out laughing. “Really such a primal way to mark territory.”

“We all know each other’s scent,” Suni chuckled. “How else would we make sure others knew they were in the wrong territory?”

“I don’t know. You could scratch your back like a bear or dig grooves with your claws, or I don’t know, there are a lot of ways to do it.” She shrugged. “I guess I’m thinking like a human. We put up signs and fences to mark our property lines.”

“There are posts in the fields, but in the forest this is better. Why cut down a tree to make a post when the tree can continue to live?” Suni started walking. “Stay close. I do not know if the male has left the area. His scent was still fresh. If we come upon this male, I want you to hide.”

“What if you need my help?” Amma chuckled and ducked under the branches when he growled. “What? I can fight.”

“Female, you wound me. I am not a weak male and will not need your protection in a fight.”

“Don’t you remember I’m a witch? My family trained me to fight. I may not be as good as my cousin Jo, but I can hold my own.”

“I still want you to run and hide. This male does not fight honorably. Watch your footing here.”

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