Page 89 of Scarred

“Why?”

“You saw the aftermath of a battle, right? I saw the whole battle with those High Coven witches. Jo was a badass, but she’s a battle witch. Shelly froze. She’s our seventeen-year-old cousin. She could have been killed because she hadn’t been trained.”

“I have to stop thinking like a human.”

“No, you have to keep thinking like a human, but change some of your views.” Amma didn’t want her cousin to lose who she was, but to become something better. “Maybe you should pick up training with a weapon.”

“You have made a good point. I may try it, but only after I have this baby.” Mia rubbed her stomach. “I’m so excited to see what our baby will look like. I’m hoping they have a cute little tail and horns.”

Amma smiled. “I can’t wait either.” She wondered when she would get pregnant. She was ready to be a mom and to see Suni as a father.

“Take your time,” Mia lowered her voice. “Your mate will become overprotective and stalk you. I got away because I said I was going to be with you.”

“Well, let's get going.” She linked her arms with Mia’s. “You can show me all the best spots to eat and get some clothes.”

The market was one of the best Amma had ever been to. It was low tech, and everyone was friendly. She grabbed another order of fried leaves and laughed when Mia made a gagging noise and refused to walk next to her until she finished. The pastries were a better hit, and they both filled up on the large flaky buns. She had seen Mike and Sam for a second as they ran past on their way to another stall. She was happy they were being accepted and watched over. She didn’t have to worry that they were being mistreated.

Soon, the two women picked out a large white fur that Amma wanted to put on the floor by the fire pit. It would be comfortable to cuddle on when the weather turned cooler. The clothing hunt was unsuccessful, but she had found a light blue skirt that she could tailor to fit her like a tube top dress. With her arms full, she walked Mia to her home before going to hers.

Chapter 35

Amma

Amma sat with Suni’s family as the village gathered to celebrate the six males who were now full warriors. Long, low tables had been set up outside the gates in a circular pattern. Everyone sat with their family and friends, and the tables were filled with roasted meats, vegetables, and all manner of foods. It reminded her of her family celebration. She looked up and was a little disappointed there wasn’t a ring of long-dead ancestors ready to celebrate.

“What are you frowning at?” Mia said. She leaned over Julian, who was stuffing her mouth with sweets, to talk to Amma.

“I was thinking about the last time I saw our family at the celebration. It was like this, only without the two moons or warriors planning to dance.”

Mia grabbed a cup Julian almost upended. “Everything will work out. I read the cards earlier. Everything will work out.”

“Now you sound like a seer,” Amma teased. “I am going to try to enjoy the night. I am surrounded by my new family, my old family, and friends. Mike,” Amma snatched the male off the table before he dove headfirst into the cooked meat in gravy. “No one wants to taste your fur. Where’s Sam?”

With Nora. She is feeding him too much. Mike answered.

“Well, you need to behave. Sit down and I will make you a small plate.” Amma quickly did as she said and put the plate in front of Mike. “When you want more, ask.”

“They are like children,” Mia chuckled. “You will be ready when you have your own calves.”

“Did you just say ‘calves?’” Amma asked. “Like it was normal?”

“It is the normal term here. Julian, slow down. The food is not going anywhere.”

“Mama,” Julian started with a full mouth.

“Baby girl, I raised you with better manners.”

Julian swallowed. “Can I go sit with Granddam?”

“Nora,” Mia called. “Do you mind Julian sitting with you?”

“Not at all,” Nora said. She opened her arms and caught Julian as she flew across the grass. “She is one of my favorite grandcalves. Don’t tell anyone.”

“I’m the best!” Julian chanted. “I’m the best!”

“How much energy does that girl have?” Amma asked.

“Too much. And all this is after she practiced fighting this morning. I’m thinking she might need to do something else too, like running.”

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