My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 29

Sera

A murmur went around the table. Some of the chiefs looked uncomfortable, but others were nodding. Fenris’s expression didn't change. "You are suggesting I flog my own mate?".

"The law doesn't make exceptions for mates," Kael said. "If anything, the Alpha’s mate should be held to a higher standard. She represents Ironmaw now. If she cannot control herself, it reflects on you."

Taya was smiling behind her father. She was enjoying every second of this.

"The attack wasn't unprovoked," I said, stepping forward. My voice was steadier than I felt.

Kael turned to me, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"

"Taya came to my room uninvited," I said. "She refused to leave. She verbally attacked me. She called me a broodmare."

Kael’s expression flickered for a split second. Then he waved a hand dismissively. "But she didn’t hit you. My daughter may have been rude, but rudeness does not justify a punch."

"Is this true?" one of the older chiefs asked Taya. "Did you call her that?"

Taya hesitated, then gave a small, practiced shrug. "I may have said something like that. But I was provoked. She was disrespectful to me at the springs. I was only defending myself."

That was a fucking lie.

"She’s lying," I whispered, but Kael ignored me.

"It doesn't matter who said what," Kael said. "She threw the first punch. That is assault. The law is clear."

Fenris sat quietly, watching the exchange. I couldn't read a single thing on his face.

"There is another issue here," a chief with a voice like gravel said. "The princess is an Omega.".

The room shifted. Every eye turned to me.

"Perhaps this is the real problem," Kael picked up the thread. "An Omega doesn't have the temperament to stand beside an Alpha . They are emotional. Impulsive. This incident proves it. Perhaps the Alpha should reconsider this arrangement. The contract was also made with the expectation of a suitable bride. An Omega who attacks council members' daughters is not suitable".

He wasn't just asking for lashes. He was trying to get rid of me entirely.

"Sera is my mate," Fenris finally spoke, his voice flat and final. "Not just a contract bride. My fated mate. The bond is real" .

That created a stir. Some of the chiefs clearly hadn't known the extent of the bond.

Kael’s jaw was tight. "Fine. My daughter will be ready." He looked at me, his eyes full of malice. "I hope the princess knows what she’s agreed to. Taya won't hold back this time."

He left, Taya following close behind with a wicked smile. The other chiefs filed out, leaving just me, Fenris, Yvara, and Mina.

"What the hell was that?" I turned on Fenris. "A trial by challenge? I barely survived the first fight."

"It was the only option that didn't end with you being flogged or exiled," Fenris said.

"I didn't ask you to—"

"You have one week," Fenris cut me off. He stood up, looking down at me with those cold grey eyes. "Yvara will train you. You will learn to fight properly. Or you will lose. I cannot protect you from this, Sera. You have to protect yourself."

Then he turned and walked out.

I stood in the center of the room. One week. One week to learn how to beat a woman who had been fighting her whole life.

Yvara pushed off the wall and walked toward me. She looked me up and down, then gave a sharp nod. "We start tomorrow. Dawn. Don't be late."

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