My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 22

Sera

Taya’s smile sharpened. "What exactly is 'this'?"

"The hot water will help your legs," Fenris cut in before she could escalate. "You could barely stand when we arrived. The minerals will help the joints heal properly."

I stared at him, trying to find the lie. If you want to fuck me, just say it. "I’m fine. My legs are fine."

"They aren't," he said.

"I said no."

Fenris didn't react. He just watched me.

Taya let out a sharp laugh. "She’s a soft princess. That’s all. She probably thinks we’re animals. Look at her—she thinks we’re dirty." She looked at Mina. "Did you really think someone like this could be what the Alpha needs? She can’t even take a bath."

"Taya, stop," Fenris said. His voice was low and carried a warning.

But she didn't. She was emboldened by his proximity. "She’s useless to us. A pampered Southern pet who—"

"Taya," Fenris said again, sharper this time.

I cut in before she could finish. "Mind your own business. Whatever you think you’re doing with him, you can keep doing it. I want no part of it."

Fenris watched the exchange, his face an unreadable mask. He still hadn't pushed Taya away. I looked at Mina. She gave me a brief, pleading look before dropping her head.

"I’m leaving," I said. I turned on my heel and started toward the archway.

Behind me, Taya’s voice dripped with contempt. "Princess."

The word hit me like a slap. I stopped. It didn't sound like a title. It sounded like a slur, like the worst thing a person could be. I stood there for several heartbeats, my hands shaking.

Who did this bitch think she was?

Slowly, I turned around. Taya was smirking, her chin tilted up. She thought she’d won. She thought she’d successfully chased away the uptight Southern girl.

I walked back to the edge of the pool. I looked directly at Fenris. "Do you want me to join you?"

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