My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 236

Jace

I sighed. I looked toward the Northern Soldiers. Even with the crowd moving around, they were impossible to miss. They were just that tall.

"What are you here for, really?" the guard asked again.

"I told you. I'm seeing a friend in Ironmaw."

The border market was a symbol of the treaty. Travelers had to pass through it. It was neutral ground, but the rules were strictly Northern.

"I'll let you in," the guard said, pointing a thumb toward a small, narrow gate. "But if you love yourself and you don't want trouble, you'll take heed. Ditch the clothing. Wash off that reek."

I looked at the small gate. Then at the main entrance where the mastiffs stood. I wasn't an Alpha. I didn't have a crest to show, mainly because I’d told Kane I didn't want it. I wanted to come in lowkey. I wanted to find my friend first. It had been years since I’d seen her. If I showed a crest, the guards would immediately yank me to the Alpha's audience hall. I didn't want that. Not yet. I wanted to spend time with her before I had to deal with the Butcher.

"Maybe if I’d just listened to Kane," I muttered.

The guard led me to the side. There was a barrel full of water near the wall. Just to the side was an open gutter full of stink and shit. It had no cover, just a narrow stone wall to separate the washing area from the main path. The guard stood to the side and threw a rough, grey cloth at me. I caught it before it hit the dirt.

People were still walking in and out of the market from the bigger gate. I was exposed.

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