Page 54 of Scarred

Amma nodded. “Yes. If Ru allows me to stay, I can keep track of the witches as they move through the territory. That way, the warriors and scouts can concentrate on preparing for the battle ahead.”

“Will it hurt you?” Suni didn’t want her to do anything that would cause her harm. The scouts had trained all their lives to do what they were doing. It was their job to make sure the village borders stayed safe, and they knew if someone invaded.

“No. I will be vulnerable when I’m controlling so many animals, but Jo will protect me.”

“No, I will protect you,” Suni growled. He would not allow a female to protect his mate. Not that Jo was an ordinary female, but it was his honor to see to Amma’s safety. “Where are Mike and Sam?”

“They promised to stay with Shelly.”

“If they come out here, I will send them back.” Suni knew how ugly a battlefield could become and didn’t want her friends to be traumatized or killed.

“Amma,” Jo interrupted. “How many animals can you control at once?”

“On Earth, six or seven,” Amma answered. “Here, I don’t know. I will have to see.”

“I do not like this,” Ru said.

“I do not either. It is our job to protect our mates.” Suni sighed. “Can I talk to you privately?” Ru nodded and led him towards the trees, discussing fighting tactics until they were out of earshot of the women.

“Are we really going to allow our mates into battle?” He rubbed behind his intact horn. “They are not trained warriors.”

“You have met my mate,” Ru answered. “Do you think she would have allowed me to stick her at home? You see what happened when I tried to order her.”

“These females are very strong willed.” Suni chuckled. “At least I am lucky enough to get a look at what will happen when Amma is pregnant.”

“Yes, learn from my bumbles.” Ru slapped him on the shoulder. “I suggest talking to her. My female loves to talk about everything.”

Suni chuckled. “Maybe it is something they can teach us. Warriors do not talk much.”

“We are mated to warriors,” Ru’s voice lowered. “If we do not allow them to fight, we are taking away a part of them.”

“A part that may leave them a husk of who they are,” Suni said. “It will be hard going against our instincts to protect.”

Chapter 22

Amma

Amma exchanged a knowing look with Jo. The males thought they were being secretive, but women always knew what their men were thinking. She shrugged, the only thing that could change the way the males viewed them was for Ru and Suni to see them in action together. While the males talked, Amma tried not to pace with excitement. She was about to test her magical limits and she wished her mother was able to see her. Not everyone respected witches with the power to speak to animals. They were seen as recluses living in a house full of strange creatures. Usually that was true; most zoopathic witches hated mingling with other witches and detested non-magical people. Amma could understand the need to get away from humans and deal solely with animals because of their pure souls. If they liked you, they showed it. When they were tired of you, they said so. There was no pretense with animals, and you always knew where you stood. Yet, zoopathic witches were often stronger than average witches. They didn’t exclusively depend on their own powers, but could ask any animal in the vicinity to do their bidding.

“Amma, are you sure about this?” Suni laid a hand on her arm. “You can still go with the other noncombatants.”

She turned into his arms and stroked his cheek. “Yes. I know what I’m doing and everything will be fine. I promise.”

“I only want to protect you.” He leaned into her touch. “We have just started our life together. It would kill me to lose you.”

“I feel the same. I promise to stay out of danger as best I can.” Amma promised. “Hey Ru,” she turned to when the other male walked up to them. “When would you like me to start scouting?”

“Can you do it now?” Ru asked.

“I can.” Amma nodded and locked eyes with her cousin. This would be the first time they used their magic together in a real fight. “Jo, are you ready for this?”

“Hell yeah.” Jo lifted one hand and played with the green light dancing around her fingers. “As the saying goes, ‘I was born ready.’”

“Why not?” Jo put a fist on her hip. “I’m amazing at it.”

“Keep telling yourself that.” Amma took stock of everything near them. “What are the table and chairs made out of?”

“Something similar to granite.” Jo answered. “Why?”

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