All Chapters of My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

SeraThe guard led me down a series of corridors that sloped deep into the mountain’s roots. As we descended, the air shifted. It went from the dry, biting chill of the upper fortress to a thick, heavy heat. It smelled of sulfur, damp stone, and something floral—like crushed lilies left in a sauna. Steam began to drift through the doorways, clinging to my hair and making my clothes feel heavy.My pulse climbed with every step. I kept thinking about what this was. Fenris had sent for me while he was at the springs. Was this the moment? Was he going to claim me here, in the dark and the heat? The thought made my stomach do a slow, nervous roll.We reached a massive archway carved with deep, swirling patterns. The guard stopped and gestured inside. "Go through," he said. He didn't wait for a response before turning and walking back the way we came.I stood at the entrance for a long heartbeat. Steam curled around my ankles like thick smoke. From inside, I could hear the echo of voices, th

SeraWhat was I thinking going into the water? I’d never taken a swimming class in my life. Even when my mother brought in a personal tutor for both me and Lyra back at the palace, I’d mostly ditched the lessons to plan my escapes. Now I was paying for it. It felt like an hour of drowning. Hot water bombarded my nose and throat, filling my lungs until I couldn't find the air. In the panic, my hands flailed and brushed against something underwater—something soft, meaty, and long.Then, strong hands clamped onto my waist.The next thing I knew, I was on my back on the hard stone ledge. I was gasping, coughing up mineral water that tasted like dirt. Fenris was over me, one hand braced on my chest to keep me steady, the other tilting my head back."Breathe," he commanded. His voice was sharp, cutting through the ringing in my ears. "Sera, can you hear me? Breathe."I coughed again, more water spraying onto the stone. My eyes finally found his face. His dark hair was plastered to his skull,

SeraMina 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. "Y

SeraThe dresser leaned in close, her breath smelling of peppermint and dried herbs. She dabbed a cool, damp cloth against the scratches on my forearm. "You’ll be fine," she said, her voice steady. "It’s just a scratch. It’ll heal up in a few hours if you leave it alone."I nodded, watching the red lines on my skin slowly stop seeping. I wasn't worried about the blood. I was thinking about what Fenris had said before he left. Taya’s father was a council chief, a man with power. Tomorrow was going to be a political nightmare, and I was right at the center of it.Mina stood at the edge of the firelight, her arms crossed over her chest. She waited in silence, watching the dresser pack up her supplies."Try to rest," the dresser told me as she stood up. "The body heals faster when the mind is quiet." She gave a small, respectful bow and disappeared through the heavy door.Mina didn't move. She just stood there, her hands on her hips, her eyes fixed on me. I could see her from the corner of

SeraA 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 hesitate