Page 74 of Scarred

“Everyone will know how dedicated I am to my mate.”

“There’s nothing I can say to that.” Amma started picking up sticks from along the tree line. “How about we get the fire going before the brothers return. Don’t want them thinking we are slackers.”

Suni snorted. The brothers looked at Amma as if she was the reason the suns rose in the morning. He would be jealous if he thought it was romantic, but he knew better. They were grateful to be free of the High Coven’s magic and have someone believe in them.

The meal was quiet but comfortable as everyone ate their fill before banking the fire and settling down for some sleep.

Chapter 29

Suni

“If I have to leave home one more time to find one of my sons, I will kick you all out of the village.”

Suni broke out in laughter as his father pushed through the brush in front of them. Oumi had burrs and knots in his fur, as if he had run without care through the very wildest parts of the forest.

“Sir. Hold.” Suni whipped around and moved between his sire and Jabari and Kofi, who were primed to fight with fangs and claws on display. “This male is my sire.”

Oumi’s eyes widened as he saw Jabari and Kofi for the first time. He reached for the two daggers at his side. “What-who-are those?”

“They are warriors,” Amma answered. “They were forced to fight for an evil witch and their physical forms have been changed. They are not a danger to anyone and only wish to live in peace. Their names are Jabari and Kofi.”

“Son?” Oumi’s hands twitch over his dagger.

“Sire, do not worry. It is as she stated,” Suni hurried to reassure him. “They are no longer controlled by magic, and we promised them a home in which to heal.”

Oumi studied the two warriors, who stood as straight as they could. “I have never judged a warrior by their physical appearance, and I will not start now. I would caution against approaching Lnuuk before Chief Kellan has been warned. He has been troubled lately.”

“I take it the news has reached the home about the witches?”

“We have heard the witches have been spotted more frequently,” Oumi answered. “They have not bothered our village, but Kellan is not taking any chances.”

“I do not blame him.” Suni shuddered to think of what would happen to Lnuuk if attacked. They didn’t have anyone like Jo to beat them back. “We had to fight them. The witches do not fight fair.”

“Did you expect them to?” Oumi asked.

“No. Did Gar and Rown make it back home?” Suni asked. “They should have explained what happened and where I was headed.”

“They returned with tales of a human witch who could talk to animals.” Oumi glanced at Amma. “I assume that’s you. Son, your mother was ready to roast them over a fire for leaving you alone with an unknown witch.”

“I am a capable warrior,” Suni said. “I can defend myself against anything.”

“Until the day we draw our last breath, your dam and I will worry about you and your siblings,” Oumi countered. “How about you introduce me to the little human by your side?”

“Amma, this grouchy old male is my sire, Oumi. Sire, my mate Amma.”

“Your mate?” Oumi smiled widely enough to show almost all his teeth. “Congratulations!” He pulled Suni into his arms and thumped him hard on his back. “I had hoped to see this day.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Oumi.” Amma placed a hand over her heart. “Your son is a wonderful male, and he has been nothing but the best since I’ve met him.”

“You can call me sire.” Oumi thumped Suni on his back one more time before stepping back. “If you do not mind, Amma, I would like to call you the daughter of my heart.”

“I never knew my father,” she said. “It would be an honor to call you mine.”

Suni loved how his sire was getting along with his mate. He wanted his entire family to fall in love with Amma just as he had. “How are Mia and Julian?” he asked. “I’ve missed that little troublemaker.”

“Julian has been asking about her favorite uncle. She was worried you would get hurt and she would not be there to heal you,” Oumi said.

Suni hung his head in shame. “I am sorry I worried the family. I know I left under uncertain circumstances.”

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