31. Amma

Chapter 31

Amma

A mma had been teasing when she told Suni he should be worried about his mother, but as they walked, she could sense his tension. She wished there was something she could say, but he would have to deal with his mother on his own terms. Maybe once she met his mother, Amma would have a better handle on what could soothe his mind when he worried.

The inside of Lnuuk was beautiful. The market was in full swing, and each stall was more colorful than the next. The smells of cooking food permeated the air, and Amma's stomach growled. She slammed a hand over it to muffle the noise, and glanced up at Suni to see if he had heard.

"Are you hungry?"

"I could eat. Think we could grab some of those fried leaves before the market closes?"

Suni looked around and redirected them toward a stall along the north side of the market. "I do not think my dam will mind if I feed you a little snack."

"Are you sure?" Amma's mouth started watering as they walked closer to a stall with a blue and green banner. The female behind the bar was beautiful with thick shiny fur, yellow painted horns, and a yellow skirt.

"Trust me. She will pull my ears if she finds out I ignored your hunger."

"Suni!" The female behind the counter smiled and waved them closer. "I heard whispers that you have claimed a human female."

"Yes, this my mate, Amma," Suni answered. "Amma, meet the female who makes the best fried leaves in the village, Fiadh."

"Nice to meet you," Amma said.

"Human females are so cute." Fiadh finished handing another customer a bowl of leaves before fully facing them. "I need to send my son into the forest to find himself a human. I swear that male loves his weapons more than females."

"I'm sure he will be snatched up by a female soon," Amma said. "Whatever you're cooking smells amazing."

"Thank you. I make fried leaves. Do you prefer sweet or spicy?"

"Spicy," Amma said, and rubbed her hands together. "Suni introduced me to these wonderful spicy leaves while we were in the forest. They tasted great with everything, and I would be sad if I couldn't get them here."

The vendor smiled and said, "I have an old family recipe." Fiadh turned to her back counter and started filling a bowl. "The spices are a secret." She handed the food to Amma. "Let me know what you think."

Amma took a leaf and tossed it into her mouth. The taste of unusual spices burst across her tongue, and she moaned. "Here, you have to taste this." She picked another one and held it up to Suni.

He smirked at her as he sucked the leaf and her finger into his mouth. "It is the best one I have ever tasted."

"Suni."

"Aw, young love," Fiadh chuckled. "I remember when me and my mate were falling in love. Cherish each other. Oh, and Suni, go see your dam. She has not been quiet about her displeasure at you staying away."

"Thank you," Suni replied and guided Amma to the side. "Is there anything you need, Fiadh?"

"Nothing at all." She waved them away. "Go, but come back to visit anytime."

"Oh, I will," mumbled Amma. She stuffed another leaf into her mouth as they left the market and entered the housing area. As an established village, everything was laid out and clean. The homes were longhouses that stretched out next to large household gardens. She wondered what they looked like inside and how she would decorate the one she would share with Suni. "Suni?" Amma stopped walking and looked behind her. She hadn't noticed he stopped walking, and he hadn't noticed she had passed him. "Suni?"

"I am sorry, my mate." Suni cracked his neck. "This one over here is my parents' home."

The yard had a fire pit, benches, and the most beautiful flower garden to one side. Well taken care of and Amma could feel the love it had taken to make it a home. "I like the yard. Will we have an outside fire pit too?"

"Only if you want one," Suni answered.

"Okay, you have been quiet and tense. Want to talk about it?"

"When I left, I didn't tell my family I was leaving. I asked Ni'em to tell them. I saw the way my dam almost fell apart when my brother did not come home from a scrimmage. I should never have left. How is she going to forgive me?"

"I'm not a mother, but I'm sure she will forgive you. My cousins and I got into a lot of mischief as young girls and my mother never batted an eye."

"She never what?"

"She never yelled or lost faith in us. Your mother is probably the same."

"I am a strong male. I should be able to face my own dam." He straightened his shoulders and took a deep breath. "Let me introduce you to the female who holds my family together."

Amma was surrounded with warmth the second she stepped into the home. Flowers in pots along the wall reminded her of home. Nora, Suni's mother, didn't disappoint in her reaction to the return of her wayward son.

The second she saw Suni, the shorter female grabbed him in a tight hug before stepping back and flicking his ear with a claw. "What have I told you about going out alone without telling your family where you are? I have been through enough with your brother. I don't need you to act like a silly calf too! I cannot lose any of you."

"Dam, I can only say I am sorry and hope you accept my apology." Suni hung his head. "I let my emotions build up until I had to run away."

"Oh, my son," Nora said, and cupped his cheek. "I knew you were unhappy and restless, but I never thought you would run away. Next time, come to me and talk. Sometimes just having someone there to listen can help. I am glad you are back. We will talk more about this later." She paused and her expression grew curious. "Your sire said you have a mate?"

"Hi." Amma waved shyly. "My name is Amma."

"Amma, you are as beautiful as my mate told me you were." Nora walked to a long table with twelve chairs. "Oumi also told me that you helped keep my son safe during a battle. I swear, I am not allowing any of them to leave the village again unless I am with them. Come, we should sit and wait for Mia to join us. She wanted to settle Julian before coming over."

"I was hoping to meet my little cousin," Amma said. She sat on a smaller chair that looked like it had been made for humans. "From what I hear, she has not only come into her magic, but has a power strong for her age."

"I do not have anything to compare it to, but Mia says the same thing," Nora replied. She leaned her elbows on the table. "What is your power? You do not have to answer if you do not wish, but I am really interested in learning all I can about my sons' mates. Humans have smaller and weaker bodies, but I have found they are strong in other areas."

Amma found it refreshing to be able to talk about her magic openly, without fearing death. "I can talk to and influence animals. Not as interesting as some of my cousin's powers, but I love it."

"I – Amma, what are the strange animals on your shoulders?" Nora cocked her head as she studied first Mike and then Sam.

"Squirrels," Amma answered. "They came with me from my world. I have known them since they were little kits left behind when their mother died."

"They are cute. Can I hold one?" Nora reached out a hand.

"Sam?" Amma asked.

I like her. Sam jumped from Amma's shoulder and scampered across the table and jumped in Nora's waiting hand. She smells good.

"He likes the way you smell," Amma said. "I must warn you, if you are too nice to them, they will always be underfoot."

Nora stroked Sam head to tail with one finger. "He is so soft. What is his name?"

"He's Sam," Amma answered. "The one now climbing all over your son is Mike."

"I fear Julian is going to want one. Are they both males?" Nora carefully put Sam down and he ran back to race his brother to Suni's horns.

"They are, but Sam has recently met a local female," Amma said. She snorted when Sam slipped and clung to one of Suni's ears. "I hope they have kits. If so, I will ask if one of them would like to live with Julian."

"Thank you. Maybe you can do that if Julian is calmer by the time the kit is of age to leave its dam," Nora said. "She has to be ready for that type of responsibility."

Amma liked that Nora thought of the safety of the animals. "Yes, she does. Thank you for thinking about their well-being. There are so many people on Earth that give their children animals as presents and then end up not taking care of them."

"That is sad to hear. I promise your animals will be treated kindly by all, or they will answer to me." She watched Suni as they spoke, and continued, "I do not mean to change the subject, but I must ask my son a question." Nora turned to Suni. "Son. I must know. Why didn't you come to me with your overwhelming emotions?

"I am ashamed to admit it was more than just loneliness," Suni answered. "I was starting to get jealous every time I saw a male with his family. I know I am not much to look at, but I am strong and worthy."

"Not much to look at?" Amma glared at her mate. "You're one big sexy male who has a kind heart. I wish you could see what I see when I look at you."

"Thank you, my mate," Suni grabbed her hand and went on, "But I have seen my reflection."

"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??"

"But Papa was there," Julian said with the innocence of a protected child. "Uncle Suni is here too. They will protect me."

Mia scooted back from the table. "Come here, baby girl." Julian let go of her father's hand and walked to her mother's side. "I know your father, uncles, aunties, grandmother, and grandfather, will make sure you are always safe, but I give you boundaries to keep you safer."

"But Mama," Julian said. Her smile had a gap, and Amma snickered at the missing tooth. "No one can beat Papa."

"No one can, you are right, but you weren't with Papa the whole time," Mia reminded her. "Since you didn't listen, you must stay home tomorrow until the second sun is high in the sky. I expect your furs to be cleaned and the bathroom shining."

"Can I have a spanking instead?" Julian asked.

Amma couldn't hold back her laughter. She had never heard a child ask for a spanking, and the way Julian said it, she asked a lot. "I'm sorry," Amma coughed out. She covered her mouth when Mia glared at her. "I just – she's just cute."

"Hi," Julian said, and turned her gap-toothed grin on Amma. "You look like my mommy."

"I am your cousin," Amma said. "Your grandmother was my mother's sister. We all look a little like each other. You remind me of my younger sister, Joy. So bubbly."

"Is she here?" Julian asked. "I want to meet her."

"I hope so," Amma answered. "Our home back on Earth was not safe when we left."

"Julian," Mia turned her baby's attention back to her. "You are not going to get a spanking because I want you to think about what you did wrong, and your papa wouldn't stand to see you cry."

Julian's smile dropped. "I am sorry. Remember when we found Papa all hurt on the ground?"

"Yes," Mia answered. "You saved him."

"Yes, I did," Julian nodded. "I feel the same about the two warriors outside. They need my help."

"What warriors?" Mia glanced at Amma. "Was someone hurt?"

"No mama, they're not from our village," Julian said. "They came with Cousin Amma."

"Is she talking about Jabari and Kofi?" Amma asked. "How did she even know where to find them?"

"From what I can understand, Julian can feel their pain," Mia answered. "I need to talk to another healer, because I don't really know how to help my daughter control her magic."

"I hope we find one. Maybe we should ask some of the healers who have passed on?"

"I never thought of that, I will."

"As for the brothers, they're not physically hurt. There is something blocking their ability to speak. When I touch their spirits I can talk to them, but that can't be the long-term solution."

"Julian has healed both physical and mental wounds," Mia said.

Amma's jaw dropped. "Amazing. I wonder if there's something in this world that amplifies our powers. Shelly hasn't been formally trained either, and yet she was able to control just as many animals as I was."

"This will draw the attention of the High Coven," Mia said. "We need to find a way to shield them."

Amma nodded. "It may be too late. The ones who descended on Jo's village have now seen three witches not from their world. If they were able to get word back to the coven, they will be on high alert."

"How are we going to protect our sisters and cousins who are still lost out in the forest?" Mia asked.

"I don't know. My younger sister is out there, and she's only seventeen. She is a sea witch, so she will have more protection than many of the others."

"A sea witch?" Mia lifted an eyebrow. "I have only heard of them. Never met one."

"I think she's the first in a long time. You should see her work her magic, it's beautiful."

"I hope to one day."

"Excuse me, Mama," Julian pulled at her mother's arm. "I need to help them now before something happens."

"Amma, I know we have a lot to talk about, but do you mind if we–" Mia asked.

Amma interrupted, "I don't mind at all. We have all the time in the world to talk after things settle down. I want to make sure Jabari and Kofi are safe and accepted before I rest."

"Is there a way of healing them without my family being in danger?" Ni'em asked.

"They're not in danger," Amma promised the aggravated male.

"And honey, have you forgotten what Julian did for you on that battlefield?" Mia asked. "What if I hadn't allowed her to follow her magic and save you?"

"I know you sacrificed a lot for me," Ni'em said. "But now it is my job to make sure you and our calves stay safe."

"And that is the only reason I am willing to allow Julian near those males," Mia said. "You and your family will be there at our backs. We are the safest females in the village."

"Brother," Suni said as he stood. "I will be with you to protect our females. I am sure our sire will join us if we ask. Nothing can get through us to them."

"Papa," Julian stomped her foot. " Now ."

"Julian." Ni'em squatted and gently gripped the young girl's shoulder. "Remember, it is my job to make sure you are safe. There is no reason for you to be disrespectful."

"I'm sorry, Papa." The little girl hung her head. "It's like a string is pulling me. I didn't mean to yell at you."

"Next time, try explaining without yelling." Ni'em said. He stood, picked Julian up, and placed her on his shoulders. "Brother, how about we go and clean up the mess you started?"

" I did not get stabbed in the back twice," Suni teased. "Maybe you are the one with the mess. I simply brought in new warriors who are going to fight to keep our families safe."

"I will be joining you," Nora announced. She stood and grabbed a spear that was hanging by the door. "Your sire will already be waiting."

"You are a warrior too?" Amma asked.

"I have fought my share of battles," Nora answered. "I am old now and leave the fighting to the youngsters, but I can help protect all of you."

As everyone strapped on weapons and Mia tried to clean Julian up a little, Amma took a second to admire her new family. They hadn't asked too many questions when she asked for help, and they were willing to back her against their chief. As more of her cousins and sisters were found, Amma didn't doubt that loyalty would become stronger than anything on Earth. Nora took point when they left the house. Mia, Julian, and Ni'em were behind her and Suni and Amma brought up the rear.

Oumi stood with Jabari and Kofi, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword on his back. The two brothers had been stripped of their weapons and knelt on the hard ground. Their pronounced deformities were in stark contrast to the warriors surrounding them. The whispers coming from the gathered crowd made the small hairs on the back of Amma's neck stand on end.

Behind Jabari and Kofi, Kellan sat on a raised dais with three older males. When he saw them, Kellan stood and smiled. "Suni, thank you for coming so quickly. I was beginning to wonder if you had, perhaps, forgotten."

"No, Chief." Suni stepped forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his brother. "My priority was making sure my mate had not been harmed during our travels. I also thought it would be a good idea to have Amma and Mia meet before we came here. It had been solars since they had seen each other, and my mate needed to ask her cousin for a favor."

"It is my pleasure to have three witches living in our village," Kellan said. "I understand the importance of family. Mia, Amma has informed me that you can help get information from the warriors about their intent."

"As I have done for many, I can read their cards," Mia said. "This will only allow me to interpret what they are thinking at the moment. My daughter, on the other hand, has a strong pull to heal the warriors."

Kellan frowned. "I have seen what happens to your daughter when she heals. We will need her abilities if something happens with the warriors."

"I thank you for your concern." Mia half-smiled. "I can assure you Julian will be just fine."

"Then I will allow this," Kellan said, and sat.

Amma wondered what had the chief acting like an ass. She doubted it was his normal personality, because Amma knew Suni would not follow such a male. Later, she decided, she would have a long talk with Suni, and they would have to choose whether to stay or not. There was no way she would live in a village run by a male who treated those under him as unimportant.

"Amma, can you come here and explain to the warriors what we are about to do?" Mia asked.

"Sorry, my mind was elsewhere," Amma said. She joined her cousin and stood in front of the two warriors. "Jabari and Kofi, my little cousin wants to try to heal you. I cannot work out what took your voices, but she may be able to. Would you allow her to heal you?" Both brothers nodded. "Good. I have faith everything will work out."

"They will be fine," Suni said. He stood so closely that his body heat warmed her back. "They are warriors."

"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.