Page 81 of Scarred

“And have you seen the muscles upon muscles you have? Or the way you get laugh lines even when you smirk? Or maybe how you can do simple sit-ups just using your abdominal muscles?” Amma squeezed his hand. “Or how cute your tail is when it flicks every time you walk?”

Nora beamed at them. “My son, you have found the perfect female for yourself. I know there was one out there who would see the male I see every day. Thank you, Amma, for loving my son.”

“It wasn’t hard to do,” Amma admitted. “He stormed into the clearing where I was camping and stole my heart with a growl.”

Suni lifted her hand and nibbled along her knuckles. “I believe you stole mine first.”

“Amma, it has been forever!”

Amma jumped to her feet and whirled around to face her cousin Mia. The last time they had seen each other was at a family gathering when they had both been about ten years old. Mia looked older, of course, but she was still short and cute. “I know. I was wondering why you hadn’t made it to the gathering this year. It was off the hook.”

“I am sorry I missed it,” Mia said, and gave Amma a huge hug. Amma could feel the flow of magic as their bond sang with recognition. “With you and Jo here, maybe we can have our own gathering soon.”

Amma returned to her seat and Mia sat across from her. “I never thought of that. It would be nice to have a reunion once more of us are found.”

“How did you come to be here?” Mia asked. “I doubt it was on Halloween after your mother meddled from the other side.”

“Oh no, as far as I know my mother is still alive,” Amma said. She hoped her words would prove to be true. “Right after everyone left from the generational celebration, our ancestral home was invaded. The younger generation took off for the woods and safety while the older stayed behind. I think most of our family came over here through different portals. It will just take time for us all to come together.”

“Isn’t our ancestral home protected by generations of powerful wards?” Mia asked. “They should have been strong enough to protect anyone within.”

“I thought the same. I’ve had time to think and maybe someone betrayed us. I know our family is tight, but we have had some bad apples in our family tree.”

“I hate to think of that. It has been generations since we’ve had anyone like that.” Mia frowned. “Please tell me that the willow was not harmed.”

Amma hated admitting she didn’t stay and try to help protect their home. “When I left, it was still standing. I hope the power we fed it through the celebration will allow it to survive until our family can return.”

“I hope it stays for future generations.” Mia rubbed her stomach. “I can never return to Earth. I’m pregnant. I can’t imagine what the witch hunters would do if they saw a half-breed, but maybe someday I can open a portal to our ancestral home and show them where their roots began.”

Amma grinned. “There must be something in the water,” she said, and reached over the table to take her cousin’s hands. “Congratulations. Jo is pregnant too.”

“It has nothing to do with water,” Mia snickered. “It has to do with a lot of hot nights.”

“You mean cold nights, when you need to snuggle with a living heater?” Amma giggled. “I have found I like my male covered with fur.”

“It is the best,” Mia said. “But I sense there’s something else you want to ask me.”

“You have always been able to read people.” Amma took a deep breath. “This is a big favor I need to ask. While fighting to save Jo’s village, a group of witches used magic to mutate and control warriors as attack dogs. Shelly and I were able to save two of them, and I promised them a safe home. I need you to convince Kellan that they are no danger. Do you have any of your diviner tools?”

“You have been busy.” Mia patted her breast pocket. “I was lucky enough to have my cards on me when I followed my adventurous daughter through the portal, I’m sure my mother opened. I can do a reading on the warriors, but it may not tell you what you want to hear.”

“During the battle and after, I was in their minds. They are still moral,” Amma said. “I need you to do a reading and tell the village that these males just need a chance. They will accept your word over mine.”

“Amma, I know what we are talking about is important, but I’ve been trying to ignore the fact that your mate has two squirrels on his head. They’re staring at me,” Mia said. “Why?”

“Oh, that’s Sam and Mike. I rescued them as kits a year or so ago when I was exploring the woods behind the house. Their mother had been killed and I couldn’t let them just die.” Amma reached out and stroked Mike’s back. “They didn’t want to be left alone when I came here, so they jumped through the portal with me. Sam, the rounder one, has even found a female here and eventually I’m going to have more kits to play with.”

Mia laughed. “You sound like a proud mama. I’m happy you have a piece of home with you. I can say that I do miss my coffee. Maybe we can open a portal to my old town and not only visit my old friend but grab some goodness as well.”

“Mama?”

The soft, inquisitive human child’s voice reminded Amma of her sisters and cousins now lost in a new world. She turned around and saw a young girl about six or seven years old holding Ni’em’s hand. She had on dirty clothes and there were dirt smudges on her face, signs of a well-loved and well-entertained child.

“Julian, you are supposed to be with your uncle,” Mia said. “What are you doing here?”

“I found her trying to get to Jabari and Kofi,” Ni'em said. “She was very determined.”

“Julian,” Mia growled through clenched teeth. “What have I told you about going into unsafe areas without me or your sire??”

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