Page 79 of Scarred

“She’s going to love me. It’s you who should be worried.”

“I am.”

Chapter 31

Amma

Amma had been teasing when she told Suni he should be worried about his mother, but as they walked, she could sense his tension. She wished there was something she could say, but he would have to deal with his mother on his own terms. Maybe once she met his mother, Amma would have a better handle on what could soothe his mind when he worried.

The inside of Lnuuk was beautiful. The market was in full swing, and each stall was more colorful than the next. The smells of cooking food permeated the air, and Amma’s stomach growled. She slammed a hand over it to muffle the noise, and glanced up at Suni to see if he had heard.

“Are you hungry?”

“I could eat. Think we could grab some of those fried leaves before the market closes?”

Suni looked around and redirected them toward a stall along the north side of the market. “I do not think my dam will mind if I feed you a little snack.”

“Are you sure?” Amma’s mouth started watering as they walked closer to a stall with a blue and green banner. The female behind the bar was beautiful with thick shiny fur, yellow painted horns, and a yellow skirt.

“Trust me. She will pull my ears if she finds out I ignored your hunger.”

“Suni!” The female behind the counter smiled and waved them closer. “I heard whispers that you have claimed a human female.”

“Yes, this my mate, Amma,” Suni answered. “Amma, meet the female who makes the best fried leaves in the village, Fiadh.”

“Nice to meet you,” Amma said.

“Human females are so cute.” Fiadh finished handing another customer a bowl of leaves before fully facing them. “I need to send my son into the forest to find himself a human. I swear that male loves his weapons more than females.”

“I’m sure he will be snatched up by a female soon,” Amma said. “Whatever you’re cooking smells amazing.”

“Thank you. I make fried leaves. Do you prefer sweet or spicy?”

“Spicy,” Amma said, and rubbed her hands together. “Suni introduced me to these wonderful spicy leaves while we were in the forest. They tasted great with everything, and I would be sad if I couldn’t get them here.”

The vendor smiled and said, “I have an old family recipe.” Fiadh turned to her back counter and started filling a bowl. “The spices are a secret.” She handed the food to Amma. “Let me know what you think.”

Amma took a leaf and tossed it into her mouth. The taste of unusual spices burst across her tongue, and she moaned. “Here, you have to taste this.” She picked another one and held it up to Suni.

He smirked at her as he sucked the leaf and her finger into his mouth. “It is the best one I have ever tasted.”

“Suni.”

“Aw, young love,” Fiadh chuckled. “I remember when me and my mate were falling in love. Cherish each other. Oh, and Suni, go see your dam. She has not been quiet about her displeasure at you staying away.”

“Thank you,” Suni replied and guided Amma to the side. “Is there anything you need, Fiadh?”

“Nothing at all.” She waved them away. “Go, but come back to visit anytime.”

“Oh, I will,” mumbled Amma. She stuffed another leaf into her mouth as they left the market and entered the housing area. As an established village, everything was laid out and clean. The homes were longhouses that stretched out next to large household gardens. She wondered what they looked like inside and how she would decorate the one she would share with Suni. “Suni?” Amma stopped walking and looked behind her. She hadn’t noticed he stopped walking, and he hadn’t noticed she had passed him. “Suni?”

“I am sorry, my mate.” Suni cracked his neck. “This one over here is my parents’ home.”

The yard had a fire pit, benches, and the most beautiful flower garden to one side. Well taken care of and Amma could feel the love it had taken to make it a home. “I like the yard. Will we have an outside fire pit too?”

“Only if you want one,” Suni answered.

“Okay, you have been quiet and tense. Want to talk about it?”

---