Born of Defiance

Talyn froze midswing at Felicia’s angry tone, unsure about her confusion over his current activity. Surely it was obvious, given his workout shorts and gloves. “Training.”


Her face a mask of fury, she closed the distance between them. “You’re supposed to be in bed. It’s only been a few days since you were released from the hospital.”

Wiping at the sweat on his brow, he returned to swinging at the doublebag. “Doesn’t matter. I have to get back into shape as soon as I can. Once I report for duty, I doubt I’ll have much training time.”

And the first of his blood matches was looming before him.

She moved to block him, and softened her expression. “Honey, I’m a physical therapist. Your physical therapist. Your body isn’t ready for this kind of abuse. You need to rest.”

“Fel —”

“Talyn.” She reached up to touch his lips and melt his will in the process. “Don’t argue. Get your hulking butt back in bed. Now!”

A feminine laugh sounded in the doorway. “Wow. It’s like watching a tiny little kitten yell at a rhino. I can see why you like her, sexy baby. She’s fearless.”

Felicia frowned at the foreign female voice until she saw Jayne. Heat stung her cheeks at having been caught chastising Talyn.

Smiling, Talyn peeled his gloves off and went to her. “Jaynie! How’s my favorite aunt?” He kissed her on the cheek.

“Doing great. Sorry it took so long to get here. Had another dire situation with a friend that couldn’t wait.”

By Talyn’s expression, Felicia could tell he knew exactly who Jayne meant. “Is he okay?”

Jayne nodded. “He will be. We pulled him out and I left him with Hadrian, then headed straight here.”

As they talked, Felicia felt truly inadequate. While Jayne’s photo had been attractive, it didn’t compare to the live version of the female. With long black hair swept up into a messy bun and wearing a black battlesuit that hugged a body honed by countless gym hours, Jayne was the kind of female most magazines had to airbrush into existence.

And she latched on to Talyn like a mother who hadn’t seen her child in far too long. She hugged him until he protested.

“Bruised ribs. Bruised ribs.”

Tsking at him, Jayne let go and chucked his chin. “So how’s my sexy baby? Your mom said I got you into all kinds of trouble with your girl.”

“Yes, you did.” He stepped back. “Jayne, meet my Felicia.”

Jayne approached her with a piercing stare that said the female took in a lot more than just Felicia’s physical appearance. “You look so tiny and harmless. But there’s a fire in your eyes that says you would and could kick my ass if you had to. I finally believe Hadrian’s story about the hospital.”

Felicia smiled at the truth. “If you’re going to rattle my cage, you better make sure I’m padlocked in it.”

Jayne hugged her. “I love that and I’m stealing it. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tara Felicia.” Taking her hand, she pulled Felicia to the door, where Talyn was still standing. “Now allow me to introduce you to your two new best friends. Qorach and Morra.”

Felicia pulled up short as the largest male she’d ever seen stepped into the room. Holy gods! Her jaw went slack.

As did Talyn’s.

The man was at least half a foot taller than he was. For that matter, he was even broader, with muscles that were every bit as defined as Talyn’s. They were just bigger. A lot bigger. His head was shaved and held only the tiniest trace of black hair trying to grow back in. Fierce and deadly, he inclined his head to them and stepped to the side to reveal the tiny woman behind him.

Since she was wearing a black battlesuit identical to Jayne’s and Qorach’s, the only part of her skin that was visible was her neon green face and neck. The vivid color was interrupted by black markings that at first seemed to be painted on. But up close, it was obvious that intricate design was actually her skin, too. Her long, straight black hair was pulled back into a ponytail that hung over her right shoulder.

And she was as tiny as Qorach was huge. She barely reached midchest on Felicia, who was barefoot. Compared to the males, Morra barely reached their waists.

“I know,” Morra said with a sigh. “I’m basically here to tie Qory’s shoes. They’re just too dang far down for him to reach them on his own.”