My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 25

Sera

Mina didn’t wait for an answer. She moved toward the door, her small frame blocking the entrance like she actually thought she could stop Taya from coming in .

"I told you once already," Mina snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut wood. "Get out. You have no business being here".

Taya didn’t even look at her. She walked past Mina like the girl was made of glass, strolling into the room with a slow, arrogant stride . She looked at the heavy timber furniture, the roaring fire, and then finally at me, bundled under the layers of dark furs.

"Look at this," Taya said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "How comfortable. The drowning princess is being tucked in like a child".

I didn't say anything. I just watched her. I was exhausted, my lungs still feeling heavy from the water I’d swallowed at the spring. I wanted her gone so I could close my eyes and forget this day ever happened.

Taya didn't stop. She walked closer to the bed, her eyes scanning the room with obvious contempt. "You don't belong here, Sera. Today proved that. You couldn’t even get into a pool without nearly killing yourself. How are you supposed to survive a winter here? How are you supposed to stand beside a man like Fenris?" .

The jealousy hit me instantly, a sharp, physical sting that made the scar on my collarbone burn . The bond reacted to the way she said his name—the way she acted like she knew him better than I did . I kept my face blank, refusing to give her the satisfaction of seeing me flinch.

Mina stepped up behind her, her jaw set. "You’re pathetic, Taya. You’ve been throwing yourself at my brother for years and you’ve gotten nowhere" .

Taya’s smile didn't falter.

"He tolerates you because your father is politically useful," Mina continued, her voice gaining volume. "That’s it. You’re convenient. You aren't wanted."

Taya turned on Mina then. The fake sweetness disappeared, replaced by something vicious. "Stop trying to make him notice her, Mina. It’s not going to work. He doesn't care about a Southern princess. He never will."

She looked back at me, her eyes cold. "You’re a signature on a piece of paper, Sera. A duty he fulfilled because his brother died. Nothing more" .

Mina didn't back down. "And you think he cares about you? You can keep throwing yourself at him. You can keep trying. You can spread your legs for him whenever he wants—"

My chest tightened. The image of Taya underneath Fenris flashed in my head, making me feel sick. I hated how much it bothered me. I hated that I was even thinking about him that way .

"It won’t matter," Mina finished, her voice flat. "An Alpha always chooses his mate over anyone else."

Taya went completely still.

The room went silent, the only sound the crackle of the logs in the hearth. Taya looked at me, really looked at me this time, before turning back to Mina. "What did you just say?"

Mina smiled. It was a cold, satisfied expression. "Sera is his mate, Taya. Not just a contract bride. His actual fated mate." .

Taya’s confidence cracked. I saw the real shock underneath her mask. She hadn't known .

"You look shocked," I said, unable to stop the small smile from touching my lips.

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