Loved by a Beast - Miranda Bridges Page 0,35

well.

Until Yania walks in, followed by Grefina.

In that moment, I kind of want to kill everybody except my friend.

Chapter 13

Grefina, the trazak.

The mysterious Boraq female is definitely not of our tribe, that’s for sure. But it doesn’t matter because she is stunning. Her coloring is a gorgeous violet hue with the gray acting as a melancholy undertone, creating a beautiful blend. Her hair is longer than most, the onyx tips hanging past her waist, and her eyes are a bright silver. And are clinging to my husband as if he is a buffet and she’s starving.

While she watches him, I study them. Jaxar folds his arms, his face an expressionless mask. Only the burning in his eyes gives away that he’s not as unaffected as he looks. If he’s pissed that I called his bluff by bringing Grefina here, oh fucking well. Eventually, her gaze slides to me and narrows as she takes in my lifted chin and straightened spine.

That’s right, bitch. You’re looking at a queen.

Grefina dismisses me by turning to Jaxar. “Why am I here, Masse?”

Even though I’m fuming inside, I keep my features schooled. However, Yania’s entire body goes taut like a rubber band, ready to snap at any second. This is why I wanted her here. To know it wasn’t all in my head that this woman is enticing Jaxar. He may be at fault as well, but I will deal with that after I have proof. Going around and around with accusations has gotten me nowhere, so now it’s time for something more concrete.

Jaxar juts his chin in my direction. “Ask the Massela.”

I was not expecting that response. And neither was Grefina.

She turns her head, and her gaze zips to mine, allowing me to easily see the fury within. By telling Grefina to address me, Jaxar has deferred power and authority to me.

She places a hand on her hip and tosses her hair in a nonchalant manner, but Grefina forgets to hide the nervous twitching of her tail. So when she doesn’t repeat the inquiry to me, as an act of defiance and disrespect, it doesn’t faze me because I know it’s all a front.

With my hands clasped in my lap, I sit there and wait. My calm behavior surprises me. I was sure the minute she waltzed in here that I would start yelling at the two of them, but instead I find myself curious to see what Grefina does.

And I don’t have to wait long.

“What is this all about?” she asks, unable to keep the venom out of her words.

Yania takes a threatening step forward, and her tail whips behind her. “That is not how you speak to the Massela.”

I hold up my hand, and Yania returns to my side, but that does not stop the growl that pours from her mouth. Grefina sizes Yania up with a single glance and then seeks out Jaxar once more. It bothers me greatly that she thinks he will protect her or intervene.

But he doesn’t.

Once again he defers to me by nodding in my direction, and the hope that I’ve kept locked deep inside threatens to escape. His behavior is not that of a male who wants a divorce or desires another because if he did, he wouldn’t be ignoring Grefina and giving me all the respect.

And by the scowl mangling her pretty features, I’m thinking she’s finally getting the hint.

Grefina pins me with her gaze, the silver of her eyes like melted metal. “What is going on?” When Yania growls again, Grefina hastily adds, “Massela.”

“Are you having sex with my husband?”

My words hit the air louder than fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Yania’s sharp inhale is paired with Grefina’s mouth falling open. Jaxar remains the same, but his gaze is ever watchful, intense with indiscernible thoughts. I wish I knew what was going through his mind.

I tilt my head, maintaining my composure and keeping my voice level. “Do not make me repeat myself.”

Jaxar quirks a brow at hearing me use his words from before, and I swear I catch a gleam of amusement flaring in his eyes.

Grefina’s gaze darts back and forth, and her hesitation to answer my question intrigues me. Is she debating whether to tell the truth, or is she actually scared to say it? As I study her, it’s hard for me to tell, since the manifestations of guilt and fear often are confused with each other. But then she looks me in the eyes, and I see neither of those things.

What