Defiant: Battle Born, #13

By Cyndi Friberg

Rivals, enemies, lovers, Jenna and Drex are soon all three. She wants him, nearly as much as she resents him, so how can they ever hope to build a future together? Jenna has good reason to despise all Rodytes, but that doesn’t keep her from longing for Drex, thinking of him night and day, and finding incredible pleasure every time they touch. Still, happily ever after is built on trust, and Jenna will never trust a Rodyte.

Drex is determined to prove to Jenna that he is different. He never expected to find a mate, so he refuses to let her slip away. He will court her with ruthless patience, wear down her emotional defenses until she understands that she is the most important person in the universe to him. But hostilities between humans and the battle born are rapidly escalating and the couple keeps getting caught in the middle. Can they overcome their pasts and focus on the future or will the conflict consume their love?

Note to Readers: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.

From Cyndi: Battle Born is a fully integrated sci-fi series. Each romance is resolved within the given book, but many plot elements continue on from story to story. For this reason, it’s best to read the books in order. Enjoy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary Books
• Release date: Aug 11, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386432357

Cyndi Friberg

Passionate Sci-Fi with a touch of danger and a whole lot of sass. Cyndi has written about rock stars, vampires, and cat shifters, but she’s currently focused on outer space. Her stories are fun, fast-paced, and seriously hot. Her books have made the USA Today Top 100, and frequently land on Amazon Best Seller lists. She is currently working on the Shadowborn Rebellion, a spin-off series set in the Outcasts universe.   She loves to hear from readers: [e-mail] https://facebook.com/fribergc https://twitter.com/Cyndi_Friberg

Book preview

Defiant

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Copyright © 2017 Cyndi Friberg

Cover art by Dar Albert

Editor: Mary Moran

Electronic Book Publication, August 2017

Trade Paperback Publication, August 2017

Edition 1a

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the author, Cyndi Friberg.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

Praise for Beyond Ontariese

Taken by Storm

"Taken by Storm had it all—tense action, suspense, erotic sex, humor and a wildly imaginative plot."

~The Romance Studio

"Unplug the phone and put the kids to bed; once you start reading Taken by Storm you won’t want any interruptions!"

~Fallen Angel Reviews

"For a story that will delight, entertain, and keep you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend Taken by Storm and award it RRT’s Perfect 10."

~Romance Reviews Today

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Operation Hydra

"I highly recommend Operation Hydra...it’s one of the best science fiction romances I’ve ever read. Perfect 10!"

~Romance Reviews Today

"Outstanding! This segment only whetted my appetite for more. The heat between Kyrsta and Trey could cause a nuclear meltdown."

~Simply Romance Reviews

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City of Tears

"WOW! City of Tears by Cyndi Friberg is one amazing blend of science fiction at its best and romance at its hottest..."

~eCata Reviews

Defiant

Cyndi Friberg

Battle Born, Book Thirteen: Rivals, enemies, lovers, Jenna and Drex are soon all three. She wants him, nearly as much as she resents him, so how can they ever hope to build a future together? Jenna has good reason to despise all Rodytes, but that doesn’t keep her from longing for Drex, thinking of him night and day, and finding incredible pleasure every time they touch. Still, happily ever after is built on trust, and Jenna will never trust a Rodyte.

Drex is determined to prove to Jenna that he is different. He never expected to find a mate, so he refuses to let her slip away. He will court her with ruthless patience, wear down her emotional defenses until she understands that she is the most important person in the universe to him. But hostilities between humans and the battle born are rapidly escalating and the couple keeps getting caught in the middle. Can they overcome their pasts and focus on the future or will the conflict consume their love?

Note to Readers: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.

From Cyndi: Battle Born is a fully integrated sci-fi series. Each romance is resolved within the given book, but many plot elements continue on from story to story. For this reason, it’s best to read the books in order. Enjoy!

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter One

Slipping off her high-heeled pumps, Jenna Fermont collapsed into her favorite armchair with a loud sigh.

"One of those days?" her mother, Lenore, asked with an understanding smile.

You have no idea. Jenna paused to rub the arches of her aching feet. As chairperson for the First Contact Committee, much of her time was spent behind a desk or seated at a conference table. Today, however, had been particularly hectic. The committee facilitated the ever-growing challenges created by human interaction with alien races. It was empowered by the U.S. government, though no one beyond the State Department, and select members of the military, knew the committee existed. "I’ve suspected this was coming for weeks and thought I was prepared for it, but when they told me he was going to represent the battle born, I just sort of lost it."

Wait. Her mother held up one slender hand with a patient laugh. What are you talking about? You knew what was coming, and who made you lose it?

Jenna lowered her foot to the floor and glanced around the room, drawing comfort from the familiar setting. Lenore had decorated the cozy salon in the front of their Upper Westside home without the help of her design team, so it more accurately reflected her laidback personality. Jenna loved the understated elegance and uncluttered tranquility because it reminded her of her mother, so Jenna often came here to unwind.

The L.A. massacre motivated both sides to negotiate a formal alliance, Jenna began, drawing her gaze back to her mother’s pleasant face. Unlike so many of her peers, Lenore had allowed herself to age naturally, claiming she’d earned every line and gray hair. Now in her late fifties, she was still beautiful in her own way. The battle born must have access to human females if they want to awaken their latent magic, and we want access to their technology. Which means an alliance must be formalized and I’ve been chosen to represent the U.S. in the negotiations. This was the sort of situation for which the First Contact Committee had been formed, so why was she dreading the assignment?

Lenore nodded, but her amber eyes filled with questions. Do you consider an alliance good or bad for humans?

It’s not as simple as good and bad. Life seldom is. In fact, this wasn’t even the first time the U.S. government had formed an alliance with an alien race. Tempted by advance technology, Jenna’s superiors had allied themselves with a race called the Evonti. They were secretive and often inaccessible, but humankind had learned much from the sporadic interactions.

What do we stand to gain, this time? The subtle derision in Lenore’s tone made her position clear.

Forming an alliance with the battle born could prevent another tragedy like the one in L.A., but it could also open the door to all sorts of corruption. I have to make sure that doesn’t happen. A spaceship, provided by the Evonti but piloted by humans, had crashed into the heart of L.A. five weeks ago while attempting to drive off one of the battle born warships. Several hundred thousand people were killed. The entire country was still reeling from the senseless loss and it didn’t seem to matter that the spaceship actually belonged to the U.S. military, not the battle born. Ripples of suspicion and anger spread across the country like wildfire, making everyone hostile and discontent.

L.A. wasn’t their fault. Lenore sounded hostile, even as she defended them. The dichotomy didn’t surprise Jenna. Her mother had damn good reasons for hating Rodytes, the species to which the battle born belonged. The tribunal proved that Solar Warden was to blame not the battle born.

Jenna just nodded. The reminder wasn’t necessary. Jenna had participated in the tribunal, representing humans, or at least humans residing on U.S. soil. She’d known she’d lose the case before the tribunal began, because the entire thing had been for show. Her superiors negotiated the outcome with the battle born and both sides agreed to play their part. Well, to be honest, her superiors had demanded the tribunal in exchange for allowing the truth to come out and exonerating the battle born commander who had been blamed for the tragedy. The battle born reluctantly agreed to the farce, and the leaders of Solar Warden were punished severely for their unauthorized actions.

Solar Warden. Jenna had always been conflicted about the program. They’d been Earth’s only defense against technologically advanced threats like the battle born, but a lack of accountability led to corruption and mismanagement. Now the covert project had been exposed and their leadership dismantled, leaving Earth powerless and at the mercy of aliens.

Jenna heaved another sigh. She’d honestly hoped the tribunal would put an end to the conflict, not be used as a pivot point. But rather than demanding that the battle born leave Earth-space and never return, her supervisors offered to reopen negotiations. Hadn’t they learned anything from their interaction with the Evonti? Aliens could not be trusted!

Lenore crossed the room and sat down across from Jenna. They both had amber-colored eyes and long sooty lashes. But Lenore was blonde, while Jenna’s hair was deep auburn like her father’s. Or so her mother told her. Jenna had never met her father, and Lenore didn’t even have a snapshot of the man who had so dramatically changed her life.

The battle born can’t leave unless they’re willing to abandon the possibility of releasing their magic, and that’s never going to happen. Lenore continued when Jenna remained sullen and silent. No one with that sort of potential is just going to walk away. Or fly away, in this case.

I’m well aware of their motivation, Jenna finally responded. What I don’t understand is why the human race should help them. We’d risk much more than we’d gain. The battle born are dangerous.

Lenore’s brow creased as she slowly shook her head. Even I understand the rebellion. They’re fighting for the sorts of freedoms we take for granted.

Jenna pushed to her feet and gingerly walked to the window, skirting the baby grand piano as she went. Her feet felt better without her four-inch heels, but each step still sent dull pulses of pain up her legs. What she needed most was a nice long bath. The window overlooked the tree-lined street in front of their brownstone. Afternoon light had been overtaken by twilight’s shadows. A middle-aged woman strolled by, chatting on a cell phone. It was a typical spring evening in New York City. The battle born are Rodyte. Need I say more?

After a silent pause, her mother spoke in a soft, tense voice. Hating an entire race for the actions of a few is horribly unfair. She couldn’t see her mother’s disapproving look, but she could hear it in her voice. I understand your resentment better than anyone. But if you can’t see beyond the past, bow out of the negotiations.

Unable to conceal her annoyance, Jenna turned around and leaned against the window sill. I know giving advice is a mother’s job, but I’m not in the mood for a lecture.

I’m serious. Lenore stood and crossed the room, facing off with her semi-hostile daughter. If what happened with your father is going to keep you from being objective, you need to bow out now.

The past has made me less susceptible to their appeal and cautious about their motives. That will only ensure that humans are well represented in the agreement. I won’t sabotage the negotiations. I’m a professional.

Lenore searched Jenna’s gaze for a moment, clearly unconvinced by her assurance. It’s obvious I’m not going to change your mind, so tell me about your opponent. Lenore pulled the piano bench out and sat, patiently waiting for Jenna’s answer.

His name is Drexel Kaen. He represented the battle born during the tribunal. His litigation style is different from mine, but he’s good. No, he’s very good.

A knowing smile spread across her mother’s face and her amber eyes began to shimmer. Describe him for me.

My aversion to the man has nothing to do with his looks. All the Rodytes are deceptively handsome. You know that. They’re also arrogant and barbaric. I’m not even sure some of them are house broken.

Lenore chuckled, not bothering to hide her amusement. I thought Drexel Kaen was a lawyer. I don’t know too many ‘barbaric’ attorneys. Ruthless, yes, but they tend to be quite civilized.

Drexel might wear a custom suit and speak eloquently, but he’s a caveman just like the rest of them. You should have seen the way he looked at me during the tribunal. He’d be thrown out of a courtroom on Earth for being so rude and inappropriate.

Lenore’s smile vanished and her gaze grew serious. Rodytes don’t hesitate when it comes to females. If a Rodyte male finds a female he wants, he makes damn sure she knows he’s interested.

Well, I’m in no way interested in becoming the chattel of some barbaric alien. So Drexel Kaen will just have to deal with disappointment.

Catching Jenna’s hand, Lenore looked worried. "You cannot turn this into a competition. Rodyte males will never back down from a challenge. If Drexel makes his desire obvious again, you must avoid him. Do not encourage him in any way."

Jenna slipped her hand out of her mother’s light grasp and turned back to the window. Easier said than done when my supervisors keep throwing me into his path.

Has he touched you? Lenore stood and moved to Jenna’s side. I know you don’t like him, but are you physically attracted to him?

No and no. He’s an arrogant jerk. I want nothing to do with him.

For a long, tense moment, Lenore stared at Jenna, her gaze sharp and assessing. Be very careful. Some females react this way to genetically compatible males.

What are you talking about? Her mother’s unique past had exposed Jenna to information unavailable to most humans. At least until recently. Now everyone knew about Rodytes and their determination to loose their latent magic.

I’ve told you about ‘the pull’, Rodyte bonding fever. Jenna only nodded, so Lenore continued, Some couples are driven wild with the need for sex, while others become combative. A female will sometimes challenge her potential mate, demand he prove that he is strong enough to protect her.

That’s fascinating. Sarcasm dripped off every syllable. What does it have to do with me?

Your instantaneous dislike of a male you barely know could be the result of genetic compatibility.

Jenna rolled her eyes, then looked out the window again. I don’t need to know Drexel personally. I know his type. And even if we are genetically compatible, it’s irrelevant. I will never tie myself to a Rodyte.

Never is a very long time, her mother cautioned, then squeezed Jenna’s hand. Please consider bowing out of the negotiations. The less interaction we have with Rodytes, the better.

* * * * *

The following night, Drexel Kaen shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he looked out across the crowded ballroom. He was on the third floor of some glitzy hotel, in the heart of Manhattan. Everyone was dressed up and smiling, even if many of those smiles didn’t reach calculative eyes. He’d never been fond of parties and this one was more annoying than most. He’d visited Earth many times before, but this was his first trip to New York City. The huge metropolis felt cluttered and chaotic after the regimented order of battle born spaceships. The party was meant to break the ice between the battle born and human participants. Did anyone really believe that sharing drinks and casual conversation would minimize the obstacles impeding a battle born/human alliance? How naive.

You look irritated, General Sedrik Lux noted as he stepped up beside Drex. The general was turned out in military finery, though his black-and-gold dress uniform didn’t fully disguise the lethalness of the warrior beneath. Did someone spit in your drink, or are you just not in the mood for a party?

Pausing for a sip of g’haut, Drex let the fiery liquor burn through him before responding. Cocktail parties have never appealed to me, and this one feels particularly hypocritical.

Sedrik flashed a fleeting smile. You’d rather get right to work?

These negotiations are important and this is a waste of time. He motioned around them with his drink, unwilling to soften his attitude, even for General Lux.

Have you spoken to her since the tribunal?

Who?

Sedrik shot him an irritated look. Don’t play stupid with me. I know better.

I haven’t spoken to Doctor Fermont, but I’ve found out as much as I could about her. Far more than he needed to know, if truth be told. Facts were surprisingly difficult to uncover, which indicates friends in high places. Keeping one’s personal life off the internet is becoming harder and harder for humans.

She’s a former Solicitor General at the Department of Justice, Sedrik pointed out. Of course she has friends in high places.

Drex scanned the room until he spotted the subject of their discussion. Jenna Fermont. His counterpart, temporary rival, and current obsession. Ever since the tribunal, the mysterious human hadn’t left his thoughts. Her shiny auburn hair was swept up and away from her face, exposing the elegant line of her neck. Her eyes were so light a brown that they appeared golden, or amber, even at this distance. Her sleeveless dress skimmed over her curves in a shimmer of black and gold. Was the choice paying homage to battle born uniforms? They featured the same colors. Unlikely. A small purse, also black and gold, rested against the distinct curve of her hip, supported by a chain that hooked over one shoulder. She laughed at something her companion said, drawing Drex’s attention back to her lovely face. He focused on her lush red lips. He’d spent endless hours imagining how those lips would feel beneath his, or in other not nearly as polite places on his body.

The tribunal had only lasted a few days, but they’d spent the entire time together. He’d been impressed by her intellect and ambition. She was highly educated and extremely well accomplished for someone so young. But it was her tantalizing scent that he couldn’t forget. It called to him, stirred feelings and urges he’d never experienced before.

Are you compatible? Sedrik’s unexpected question snapped Drex’s attention back to the general. How had Sedrik known genetic compatibility was even an issue? Drex had told no one. You snagged her water bottle after the tribunal. Security saw you do it and brought it to my attention. Did you test her DNA?

Drex smiled, impressed, not for the first time, by his new friend. Nothing took place on the Triumphant without General Lux finding out about it, and that was saying a lot. The ship was an enormous movable base that could rival many human cities. We’re a ninety-eight percent match, Drex admitted, but I haven’t decided what I want to do about it. I’m nearly certain she will not welcome a courtship.

Most human females are intimidated by the idea of mating for life. Human relationships are seldom permanent. When Drex just nodded, Sedrik went on. "You should have secured her permission before you tested her DNA. I must insist that she be told now."

Perfect. That would abolish any hope Drex had of courting her. Once she learned that he had collected her DNA and run tests on it without her permission, she would never speak to him again. He’d known he was breaking protocol when he’d done it. He just didn’t realize General Lux would find out. I’ll tell her.

Tell her tonight, Sedrik suggested. She’s less likely to make a scene in the middle of a reception in our honor.

It was a sound strategy. Still, Drex hesitated. The Rodyte obsession with genetic engineering had resulted in numerous anomalies, some desirable like the ultra-psychic harbingers; some dangerous, like the need for genetically compatible mates. With each generation compatible mates became harder and harder to find. Could Drex really ignore this opportunity? If he didn’t at least attempt to draw Jenna’s attention, this chance might never come again.

He handed his empty glass to a passing waiter and wended his way through the crowd. The man Jenna had been speaking with drifted away, leaving her alone, momentarily. She clearly knew most, if not all, of the humans present, so she wouldn’t be alone for long.

Snatching two champagne glasses off the beverage table, he made his way to Jenna’s side. So we meet again. He held out one of the glasses with a lazy smile.

She took the glass, but didn’t raise it to her lips. Are you enjoying the party? A ripple of sarcasm hinted at her suspicion that he was not.

The reaction made him curious enough to open his empathic receptors, a risky move in a crowd this large. He could be overwhelmed by emotion in a matter of seconds if his control slipped even a fraction. Meticulously focusing on his lovely companion, he waited for her emotions to trickle into his mind. Nothing happened. It’s a cocktail party like any other. I find them all rather dull. He expanded the opening in his mental shields until external emotions reached his mind, but it was impossible to tell their source. Reluctantly, he reinforced his shields and studied her face instead. He’d been trained to read body language and micro-expressions by the best operatives on Rodymia, and still her delicate features gave nothing away.

The champagne helps. She took a sip and casually averted her gaze, as if something in the crowd had caught her attention.

Are you prepared for tomorrow? He hated small talk, generally avoided the practice