Brenna's POV ~ Early The Next Morning

I trudged up the stairs next to Sten. At least I wasn't tossed over his shoulder this time. I couldn't bare to look any of them in the eyes. I was hurt, ashamed, and embarrassed. I hadn't trusted Jasper.

I knew my father could be cruel, but I never thought he could be this corrupt. At least now, I knew, even though it hurt me. I had yet to face Jasper. I felt like I was crawling back after wronging him, but I had nowhere else to go.

Last night my father had two knights from his close circle take me back to the border. They just left me there to cross over into the Orruk side myself. I eventually found a group of them posted out there.

One of the orcs there took me back to the mountains. Now I was about to face Jasper, and I didn't even know what I would say to him. Sten took me back to the room I'd been in before staying with Jasper.

It was still very early, and Jasper hadn't gotten up yet. I wasn't sure if he'd still request that I stay in his quarters or not. After having doubts about his honesty, he might not be as kind to me now.

We stopped outside his door. Sten knocked to check and see if he was awake. At first, there was no answer. He started to turn away and say something to me, but he was interrupted by a few thuds.

Then the door swung open. There Jasper was, completely nude. He had a thin bed sheet wrapped around his waist to cover his privates.

"What the fuck Sten?" He growled.

He must have just woken up and clearly wasn't expecting to see me.

I could feel my cheeks begin to burn as I looked at him. His bare chest was so broad. He had a trail of hair down his stomach leading underneath the sheet. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by him.

I didn't quite understand why he seemed so angry. Sten had faced away from him for some reason and was rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh shit, I didn't know." He said

I still was confused until I saw past Jasper. In his bed was a naked woman. She was still sleeping through all the commotion. I had an instant flood of emotions. I felt angry, jealous, sad, and several others. I didn't understand why I felt this way.

Not even the night before, I was in his bed. Was that his only intention? We hadn't done anything. I wouldn't know how to, even if he wanted to. The thought that he might have only been kind to me for the prospect of my body made a small part of me die inside.

I was even more crushed just knowing he was with another woman. It wasn't like we had anything serious between us. I couldn't deny I had begun to have feelings for him. We'd only known each other for barely five weeks now. He must have seen the mortification on my face.

He stepped toward me. "Brenna, listen to me."

I didn't let him finish. I turned and ran to my room.

"Brenna, wait!" I could hear his voice calling after me.

I paced back and forth, not knowing what to do. My father had all but ripped out my heart, and I was foolish to believe there was something more between Jasper and me.

He peeked his head through the door. Before I knew what I was doing, I gripped the same poker by the fireplace and launched it at his head.

"Holy shit!" He ducked his head back out just in time before it could hit him.

"What in the hell, Brenna?" This time there was anger in his voice.

He swung the door open. The sheet that covered him was now on the floor around his feet. I was so shocked I couldn't react. I had never seen a man's privates before. He charged in and grabbed my arms so I couldn't move.

I tried to struggle, but it was useless. Jasper was at least three times my size. He looked at me and didn't say anything at first. He just stood there naked and huffing from having chased after me and dodging the flying poker.

I think he was just as shocked as I was. "Are you trying to kill me..." he said, still huffing. "Why are you back?"

I struggled to speak. "My father..." I squeaked. "H...he doesn't want me." Tears were beginning to pour down my cheeks.

He didn't say anything in response. He knew I had learned the truth for myself. His next move shocked me even more than his nudity. Instead of being angry with me for not having trusted him, he pulled me against his chest and embraced me with his massive arms.

He held me for what seemed like forever. I had forgotten about the woman across the hall in his bed for a second. I didn't even know what to say about it. I hoped he wouldn't say anything right now. I didn't want to seem crazy.

I feel like after all that's happened, I didn't have the right to be jealous. I left here and didn't intend to come back. We didn't really have anything solid between us, but I couldn't help my urge to continue exploring my feelings.

I began to realize I had an interest in him. I had tried to deny it. I mean, I'm a princess of a human kingdom. It wouldn't sit well with anyone, most likely. For all I knew, if I wanted more from him, he wouldn't feel the same, especially since all that's happened. If there was something more between us, how could my father twist the situation more?

He kissed the top of my head. "I'm sorry your father would do this to you, but I am glad to see you again. I didn't think I would. I know you're hurting and confused right now. I'll go and let you calm down."

He paused to give me a chance to speak, but I didn't have anything to say.

"I'll come back when you're ready to talk."

He let his hands slide down my back before letting me go. He gave me one last look before leaving the room.

"What would I say to him?"