Page 53 of Scarred

“The scouts sent word ahead that a group of witches is headed this way,” Abeo blurted. “They passed our borders last night.”

Ru sprang to his feet and roared so loudly that all action on the field stopped. Two warriors even froze mid-swing. He announced, “Witches have crossed over into our borders. Instruct the females and calves to return to their homes. I want every warrior in position and ready to fight.” He turned to Suni. “I know this is not your fight, but I ask that you join us.”

“This is my fight,” Suni replied. “My mate’s family lives here and they are now my family too. Where do you want me?”

“At the gate,” Ru answered as he started sprinting.

Suni only hesitated a second. He wanted to find Amma and make sure she was safe, but he had to trust Ru’s warriors. They would get the vulnerable to safety and protect them. As some of the warriors raced for the gates, Suni noticed the rest of the village moved in an orderly faction as everyone did their part to prepare. He could tell Ru had not only trained his warriors, but everyone about what to do when their home was threatened. They entered the main clearing and were greeted by a line of warriors facing the woods.

“What about the rest of the boundaries?” Suni asked.

“They are covered,” Ru reassured him. “The village is surrounded by warriors, both on the ground and up in the trees.”

“In the trees?” Suni had never heard of such a thing. Most warriors were too heavy to climb trees by the time they reached maturity.

“We have trained the younger males with bows and arrows. They stay away from the main fight but can pick off enemies from a distance.”

Suni was impressed. Ru used every resource he had and covered every corner of his village.

“Ru? What do you think you are doing?”

Suni spun at the same time Ru did and saw their females storming toward them. The fire in Amma’s eyes almost caused Suni to take a step back.

Ru was visibly concerned, and murmured, “My mate, you should be at home,” He tried to pull Jo into his arms, but she pushed him away.

“What? You want me to wait at home while some bitches roll up in here and take over everyone’s minds?” Jo snapped. “I told you before: we fight together.”

“You are with calf!” Ru finally caught her waving arm. “It is my job to protect both you and the calf.”

“And it is my job to protect you, my mate.” Jo then pointed at Amma, who stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Suni. “We know what to do against different types of magic, do you?”

“What if they are coming in peace?” Suni asked.

“What if my mom comes back from the dead?” Jo snarled. “Those bitches are not coming to play nice. I killed two of them.”

“We were trained to fight with and without magic,” Amma added. “Let us help you.”

Suni knew the human females won the second Amma spoke. He looked behind them. “At least you left Shelly behind.”

“She is too young to see a battlefield,” Amma said. “We left her with Ru’s parents. I explained how it was important for her to stay put, but I doubt she will.”

“See?” Jo cocked an eyebrow at her mate. “With Amma by my side, you have nothing to worry about.”

“What about the calf?” Ru placed a hand on her stomach.

“A pregnant witch is actually stronger,” Amma said. “The baby lends the mother power.”

Suni smiled imagining Amma round with his calf surrounded by all manner of animals. He would make sure their home was a haven for all animals that needed his mate’s care.

“I still want you both to return to the house!” Ru ordered.

Jo laughed. “When has that voice ever worked on me?”

“My mate,” Ru pleaded.

“Do you want to stand here arguing, or get ready to defend our home?” Jo asked. “I can only do one at a time.”

Suni wanted to give them time to work out their couple issues and motioned for Amma to follow him a short distance away. “Are you sure you want to be on the front lines?” he asked.

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