Page 84 of Scarred

“I like how that is the answer for everything,” Amma chuckled. “Let me concentrate without distractions.”

“Mama, can I heal them now?” Julian asked.

“Yes, baby girl, now.”

“Jabari and Kofi, would you mind kneeling so Julian can reach you?”

Both brothers dropped to their knees and stared at the young witch. Amma was amazed that they could trust three witches after what had happened to them. She was also happy her family was able to show the brothers that there were good witches too. Amma sat cross-legged next to Mia and laid a hand on Julian’s shoulders, while Mia did the same. Connected, Amma opened herself to the flow of her family. It was even more powerful than when she had met Mia. The small witch didn’t know to close herself off, and the pureness of her soul was beyond words. With a deep breath, Amma sank into her magic well and prepared to support Julian if she needed it during the healing session.

Chapter 32

Suni

Suni stood next to his brother Ni'em as they guarded their mates and Julian. The tension in the air felt like oil on his fur, and he feared someone would do or say something to make everything snap. He hadn’t lied to his chief when he told him that he trusted Jabari and Kofi. They had proven themselves and deserved to be given a chance to live outside of a witch's control. He glanced over his shoulder and wasn’t surprised to see his family had his back. Even Lasko, his youngest brother and a troublemaker, stood with an unsmiling face. They would be the first defense if anyone tried to attack. His dam alone could take down four or five warriors in their prime, and his sire would come in a close second.

“Brother, do you think we will have to fight?” Ni’em asked.

“I hope not,” he answered. “If we do, there is a haven we can run to. Ru offered me a place and I am sure my entire family will be welcomed.”

“It will not come to that,” their dam said. “We have friends here. Stop talking and watch over your mates.”

Suni flicked his ears. He knew he should know better than to talk when he was supposed to be on alert. He looked down at the three females sitting with their eyes closed, one hand of each adult on Julian’s shoulders. It was just as amazing to see the green lights dancing on Julian’s tiny fingers as it had been to watch Jo fight. Jabari and Kofi knelt before them, still as mountains, with their hands on their thighs. Their warped bodies were still sitting as straight as they could. Suni hoped his chief was watching and understood that they were no threat.

“Why is this taking so long?” Kellan demanded. “Is something wrong?”

Amma opened her eyes and glanced at the chief, who stood behind the two brothers with his arms crossed. “Healing the mind is a lot more work than healing the body. It will take as long as Julian needs.” She closed her eyes and went still.

Suni smiled. He was proud of his mate. Kellan, not so much, but he kept his mouth closed. A male could challenge any other male who dishonored his female, even if the male was the chief.

“All done.” Julian’s voice was small and thin. She sounded weaker than he had ever heard, and it worried him. He was only a second behind Ni’em when she fainted.

“She has done her job, and we are taking her home,” Ni’em stated. “If the males need more healing, she will do so when she is better.”

“Brother, send word if you need anything,” Suni said.

“I will.” Ni’em helped his mate off the ground and they left the area together.

Suni understood his brother’s need to get his family into the safety of his home. Since the healing was finished for the time being, the villagers became more restless as they waited to see what the warriors would say.

“Jabari,” Amma started. She still knelt in front of the brothers. “Can you use your voice?”

“Yeeees.” Jabari’s eyes widened and he placed a hand on his throat. He cleared his throat and winced. His voice was gravelly and rough. Very slowly, he replied, “It has been a year since I have heard my voice.”

“Can we get you some water? Maybe something with healing herbs?” Amma asked. Even before she stopped speaking, Suni handed her his water skin. She handed it to Jabari. “Drink this slowly and share with your brother. This is plain water, but I will mix something up later.”

“What about the other one?” Kellan still towered over the brothers with a frown on his face. “Can he speak?”

“I can.” Kofi’s voice was softer than his brother’s, almost a whisper, with a little lilt to his words.

“Stand and face me,” Kellan demanded.

Suni helped Amma to her feet and tucked her under his arm while the brothers followed orders. He sensed his family move into position behind him. By the snarl on Kellan’s face, the chief was not happy with the stand of faith.

“I am not going to hurt them,” Kellan snapped. “I have to ask them questions to decide if I trust them enough to stay within the village walls.”

“Yes, but they have been through a lot in their lives,” Amma said.

Suni tightened his arm. “Mate, let the chief talk.”

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