Page 67 of Scarred

Amma frowned at her cousin. “Your magic isn’t all bad. Your magic is a shield for the rest of us.”

“I know, but sometimes I want a gentler magic. Something that doesn’t make other witches want to cross the street.”

“Jo, they crossed the street because you enjoyed teasing them. You’ve always had a lot of pranks up your sleeves.”

Jo shrugged with a grin. “I had to practice somehow.”

Ru walked up behind Jo and caught her hand in his much larger one. “My mate, the battle is over. There is no need for you to be throwing your magic around.”

“I don’t throw my magic around.” Jo narrowed her eyes at him. “I do it with pose and dignity.”

“Yes, you do. My mistake.” Ru swung an arm around her shoulders and tucked her close. “We should start getting ready for the ceremony at suns’ set. Suni, Jo, you may use the house next to ours to get ready.”

“I do not have my formal clothing,” Suni said. He walked up behind Amma and pulled her into his arms. “I hope it is not seen as a slight.”

“It will not,” Ru said. “I can send over some of my paint, if it would make you feel better.”

“No. I would prefer to wear my own for such an honorable situation,” Suni replied. His low tones rumbled through Amma’s whole being.

“I understand.” Ru replied. He picked up Jo, hoisted her up over his shoulder, and began running for their home.

“See you guys later, and don’t make too much noise.” Jo shouted over his shoulder.

“Someone is impatient to get my cousin alone,” Amma said. She turned in Suni’s arms and blinked in surprise. “Suni, why are Sam and Mike on your head?”

“I have no idea.”

We are safe up here. Mike said. No one can beat Suni.

“Aww, they feel safe up there,” Amma translated. “Mike says no one can beat you.”

“They are growing on me.” Suni spun her around and started walking. “I will need to add a small area for them in our house.”

She shook her head. “They are wild animals. I am sure they will find a tree nearby and make it into their nest. What did you mean about paint?”

“Warriors paint their faces and hooves for the pyre burning ceremony. If I was at home, I would be wearing yellow and lighting one of the pyres.”

“Why don’t you use some of Ru's?”

“A warrior only uses paint in his family’s colors.” Suni answered. “I cannot wear another color.”

“That’s understandable. Is there anything I shouldn’t do? Jo told me a little about what to expect, but I don’t want to offend. anyone”

“No, just be yourself. You will fit in. We remember the fallen by remembering the good things about them.”

“I may not know any of the fallen warriors, but I have always loved a good story.”

Chapter 27

Suni

Suni rested beside his mate as she slept. He had worried she would tire herself out and had kept his eyes on her both during and after the battle. A Minotaur warrior was trained to stay awake and alert for rotations, but he doubted Amma had the same training. Normally, she usually slept a good while every night. He had been excited to get her alone and in the furs, but when she yawned three times while trying to keep her eyes open, he pulled her onto his chest and hummed her to sleep instead.

As Amma rested, Suni’s mind raced. He was anxious to get back home and make sure Gar and Rown had made it back safely. Not that he doubted the two young males, but Suni worried witches from the High Coven could be watching his village. He would be devastated if the brothers were captured and treated like the warriors he had fought earlier. He also wanted to apologize to his family for the way he had been acting. While he had celebrated his brothers finding their mates, he hadn’t let the celebration reach his heart. Jealousy had almost ruined the tight bond he had with his family, and he would have to be diligent to make sure it never happened again.

“Suni?” Amma's sleep-laden voice pulled him from his dark thoughts. “You’re wound up, what’s wrong?”

Suni smoothed a claw down her back. “Nothing that needs to be talked about right now. Go back to sleep. I will try to not bother you.”

---