My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 387

387 /526

Fenris

The fire pit in the center of the hall was lit again, the flames throwing shadows on the vaulted stone above. I sat at the high table, waiting for Halvard to take his seat so the rest could fill theirs.

Across the hall the long tables were being loaded up with the first courses: salted meats, steaming bread, the stink of strong cheese, jugs of ale and wine. The noise was rising fast as men and women took their places. I scanned for the familiar shapes of my guards.

Halvard strode up to the high table with someone on his arm, a girl of about eighteen. Her dress was cut low, and her hair was curled loose down her back.

The top of the gown was a deep red silk that made her skin look pale. She was taller than Mina, maybe taller than Sera, with breasts so large they made the silk tight across the bodice, pushing up an unhidden cleavage. The look she gave me over her father's shoulder was as direct as a spear.

"Volkov," Halvard said. "I'd like to introduce my daughter Sigrid. I've arranged for her to join you, since you're here as our guest."

The table parted for her. She smiled at me, a perfect, practiced thing. "Alpha," she said. "I'm honored to be at your side this evening."

She had the same cold, pale eyes as her father. I nodded. "The honor is mine."

Halvard's men settled in around me. The girl slid onto the bench at my right. The servers began to pour and hand out platters. The noise in the hall spiked with the first taste of the meat and the first swigs of ale.

"The food is magnificent," Sigrid said. Her voice was as smooth as the silk. "I hope you're enjoying it."

"It is," I said. "I'm grateful for your father's hospitality."

"Oh, Father can be a good host when he wants to be." She leaned forward, reaching for a platter, and in that moment the cleavage was on full display, right at eye level. I didn't look down. I didn't look away either.

"The hunting here is excellent," I said. "Your father mentioned the south slope. I'll have to try it before I leave."

She sat back with the platter, and then she set a hand on my forearm. "I'd be happy to show you myself," she said. "It's my favorite ride."

I took a swig of ale and pulled my arm gently free, putting the jug back on the table. I nodded at a servant coming up with a fresh meat tray. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't know what our plans will be yet."