Born of Defiance

“She’s been completely housebound,” Talyn added, “which isn’t her nature.”


“Well, part of that is I didn’t want to leave you while you’ve been recovering, either.” Felicia gestured at the training gloves. “And as we’ve seen, I can’t exactly turn my back on you lest I find you into something you shouldn’t be.” She glanced to Jayne. “While I show Qorach and Morra where to bunk, would you please make sure Talyn stands down from training? I want the gloves stowed and his gorgeous bottom attached to a seat of some kind.”

Jayne gave her a sharp military salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” Felicia led the other two to the guest rooms she’d set up for them. She showed Qorach to his first, and then Morra.

As she started to leave, Morra stopped her. “Okay, so here’s my question that I didn’t want to ask in front of Jayne, who would have taken my head for it. But… why haven’t you chained that luscious piece of male to your bed? Holy gods, Felicia! If I had unrestricted access to that, I’d never walk straight again.”

Felicia laughed. “It’s not easy. I have to admit, I do get frequent spontaneous urges to straddle him.”

Sucking her breath in sharply, Morra shook her hand in a gesture of supreme appreciation. “The fact you can restrain yourself at all amazes me.” She let out a low whistle. “I’m not normally attracted to other species, but dang… you a lucky female to have full access to that body.”

“Should I be worried?”

Morra laughed. “No. If I was going to make a move on him, I wouldn’t be telling you I’m lusting for him. What am I? Nuts? Besides, Qory’s the only male I’d ever trust at my back.”

“Oh. I didn’t even consider that. Would you like to be in the same room?”

“Nuh-uh. That’s not what I meant. I love and adore him, but we’re family. He’s my best friend, brother, and drinking bud. Not my boyfriend or lover. Told you… I like my men green. And not just behind their ears.” Morra began unpacking an insane amount of firearms and weaponry Felicia couldn’t even identify, nor had she any idea the female had strapped that amount underneath her clothes.

“Should I ask?”

“Sentella. We fight hard.” She looked up with a wicked grin. “And I fight to win.”

“You sound a lot like Talyn. I’m beginning to think I should be worried.”

Morra laughed. “Relax, sweetie. I have a very strict dating code. I would never take another female’s heart. Besides, the way he looks at you… he doesn’t even know I possess female body parts. Trust me. I could walk in butt naked, shake it in his face, and his only question would be, ‘Have you seen Felicia?’ ”

Snorting, Felicia shook her head. “I know we just met, but I really like you.”

“It’s the green thing. Me and fungi. We grow on things fast.”

“Yeah, right. I’m glad you’re the ones Jayne brought. I doubt anyone else would be half as entertaining… I’ll let you get settled. When you and Qorach are ready, let me know and I’ll show you around.”

“Thanks.”

Felicia returned to the gym to find Talyn sitting with his back to her and drinking water while he and Jayne had a rather loud discussion.

“Keep the creds, boy. Don’t you even insult me with that! You’re not taking money from me or my family, and I include The Sentella with that. And I’m not taking money from you. Your mother told me they reduced your pay.”

“I didn’t ask for charity, Jayne.”

“And I’m not giving you any. What am I, a stranger?”

“No, but —”

“No buts. You and your mom are my family, too. What you love, I love. What threatens you, threatens me. It’s that simple, T. So don’t argue or I’ll put you over my knee and spank you. I don’t care how big you think you are.”

He laughed. “You’ve never spanked me.”

Smiling, Jayne rubbed his arm. “It’s so weird to see you grown now. And with facial hair, no less. I still think of you as that studious little boy who sat so quietly in the corner of my room. Never making a peep. Always doing his work without prompting.”

She brushed her hand over the faded bruises on his face. “I know many of the secrets you hide, Talyn. I’ve seen you stand strong against the maelstrom that would tear anyone else apart. But I also know the toll it takes to do that. While you are stronger than anyone I know, and I include Nemesis in that list, you’re not invincible. I’ve been through and survived torture, too. I know how long it takes to get over the nightmares. Have you been sleeping at all?”

“Not really.”

“Anxiety issues? Panic attacks?”

He gave a subtle nod. “Anger outbursts, too, that lead to… you know. It’s why I was working out. I was hoping to burn it out of my system.”

“Have you told Felicia?”

“No.”

“She needs to know, Baby T. Nothing heals like the touch of a loved one.”