Page 80 of Scarred

“When I left, I didn’t tell my family I was leaving. I asked Ni’em to tell them. I saw the way my dam almost fell apart when my brother did not come home from a scrimmage. I should never have left. How is she going to forgive me?”

“I’m not a mother, but I’m sure she will forgive you. My cousins and I got into a lot of mischief as young girls and my mother never batted an eye.”

“She never what?”

“She never yelled or lost faith in us. Your mother is probably the same.”

“I am a strong male. I should be able to face my own dam.” He straightened his shoulders and took a deep breath. “Let me introduce you to the female who holds my family together.”

Amma was surrounded with warmth the second she stepped into the home. Flowers in pots along the wall reminded her of home. Nora, Suni’s mother, didn’t disappoint in her reaction to the return of her wayward son.

The second she saw Suni, the shorter female grabbed him in a tight hug before stepping back and flicking his ear with a claw. “What have I told you about going out alone without telling your family where you are? I have been through enough with your brother. I don’t need you to act like a silly calf too! I cannot lose any of you.”

“Dam, I can only say I am sorry and hope you accept my apology.” Suni hung his head. “I let my emotions build up until I had to run away.”

“Oh, my son,” Nora said, and cupped his cheek. “I knew you were unhappy and restless, but I never thought you would run away. Next time, come to me and talk. Sometimes just having someone there to listen can help. I am glad you are back. We will talk more about this later.” She paused and her expression grew curious. “Your sire said you have a mate?”

“Hi.” Amma waved shyly. “My name is Amma.”

“Amma, you are as beautiful as my mate told me you were.” Nora walked to a long table with twelve chairs. “Oumi also told me that you helped keep my son safe during a battle. I swear, I am not allowing any of them to leave the village again unless I am with them. Come, we should sit and wait for Mia to join us. She wanted to settle Julian before coming over.”

“I was hoping to meet my little cousin,” Amma said. She sat on a smaller chair that looked like it had been made for humans. “From what I hear, she has not only come into her magic, but has a power strong for her age.”

“I do not have anything to compare it to, but Mia says the same thing,” Nora replied. She leaned her elbows on the table. “What is your power? You do not have to answer if you do not wish, but I am really interested in learning all I can about my sons’ mates. Humans have smaller and weaker bodies, but I have found they are strong in other areas.”

Amma found it refreshing to be able to talk about her magic openly, without fearing death. “I can talk to and influence animals. Not as interesting as some of my cousin’s powers, but I love it.”

“I – Amma, what are the strange animals on your shoulders?” Nora cocked her head as she studied first Mike and then Sam.

“Squirrels,” Amma answered. “They came with me from my world. I have known them since they were little kits left behind when their mother died.”

“They are cute. Can I hold one?” Nora reached out a hand.

“Sam?” Amma asked.

I like her. Sam jumped from Amma's shoulder and scampered across the table and jumped in Nora’s waiting hand. She smells good.

“He likes the way you smell,” Amma said. “I must warn you, if you are too nice to them, they will always be underfoot.”

Nora stroked Sam head to tail with one finger. “He is so soft. What is his name?”

“He’s Sam,” Amma answered. “The one now climbing all over your son is Mike.”

“I fear Julian is going to want one. Are they both males?” Nora carefully put Sam down and he ran back to race his brother to Suni’s horns.

“They are, but Sam has recently met a local female,” Amma said. She snorted when Sam slipped and clung to one of Suni’s ears. “I hope they have kits. If so, I will ask if one of them would like to live with Julian.”

“Thank you. Maybe you can do that if Julian is calmer by the time the kit is of age to leave its dam,” Nora said. “She has to be ready for that type of responsibility.”

Amma liked that Nora thought of the safety of the animals. “Yes, she does. Thank you for thinking about their well-being. There are so many people on Earth that give their children animals as presents and then end up not taking care of them.”

“That is sad to hear. I promise your animals will be treated kindly by all, or they will answer to me.” She watched Suni as they spoke, and continued, “I do not mean to change the subject, but I must ask my son a question.” Nora turned to Suni. “Son. I must know. Why didn’t you come to me with your overwhelming emotions?

“I am ashamed to admit it was more than just loneliness,” Suni answered. “I was starting to get jealous every time I saw a male with his family. I know I am not much to look at, but I am strong and worthy.”

“Not much to look at?” Amma glared at her mate. “You’re one big sexy male who has a kind heart. I wish you could see what I see when I look at you.”

“Thank you, my mate,” Suni grabbed her hand and went on, “But I have seen my reflection.”

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