Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

was no longer in the practice room where the Scions kept their

punching bags and fight cage. Helen swallowed a mouthful of spit

and blood and instantly regretted it when she choked on one of her

own teeth.

?May I have some water, please?? she asked Ariadne, who was

standing over her with a damp cloth.

On the other side of the cage, Helen saw Jason standing between

Lucas and Hector. Jason?s shirt was half torn off and blood was

running from a cut on his head, but still he fought to keep the two

larger Delos boys from ripping each other up like wrapping paper

on Christmas morning. Hector was yelling at Lucas, pleading his

case.

?She can take anything. Anything! I hit her harder than I?ve ever

hit anyone and she stood right back up! But she won?t hit back!?

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Hector roared, his voice crack

ing with passion. He saw Helen looking

at him and pointed an accusing finger at her. ?You think you

can just stand back and let Luke do all your fighting for you?

You?re stronger than all of us combined, but you?re too good to

fight, Princess??

Jason wrapped both his arms around his brother and held on as

Hector bucked and struggled.

?I?m not trying to get hit!? Helen lisped through her broken and

rapidly regrowing teeth. Ariadne put her own arms around Helen

and held her as she stared daggers at her big brother.

?How dare you, Hector? She wasn?t raised like we were, always at

each other?s throats. It just isn?t in her,? she scolded.

Hector seemed chastened by his sister?s tone and finally stopped

struggling against Jason?s restraint. He slumped against his brother