Page 36 of Us Defiant Few

Raziel sighed, barely using energy as he blocked each hit. His laid-back expression only seemed to stoke Serene’s fury.

She gnashed her teeth and threw a wild punch, but Raziel sidestepped it and smacked her cheek. He didn’t put weight behind the hit, but when Serene stumbled back, her eyes watered.

That was about the same time Brock launched forward and clocked Raziel in the face.

Blood spurted from Raziel’s nose as he fell to the ground.

But he wasn’t angry. He laughed.

“What’s the problem, Death-Zoner? I said I wouldn’t hit too hard,” Raziel chuckled, licking the blood from his lip.

“You’re done,” Brock growled, his knuckles balled so tight, he looked like he was barely holding himself back from throwing another punch.

Khalani had never seen him so angry.

“It’s not over,” Serene protested, raising her chin. “I haven’t tapped out yet.”

“I said you’re done!”

It looked like a demon had taken over Brock as he whipped his head to Serene, breathing raggedly.

Serene returned the harsh glare, a storm brewing in her eyes, preparing to blow away everyone in its wake.

Khalani slowly inched forward, about to step in.

But a devious smile appeared on Serene’s face. “Glad to see your balls finally dropped.”

She turned away, striding up the stairs.

“Don’t follow me.” Serene brushed Adan off.

When the sound of her steps faded, Brock cursed, jaw locked like he wanted to chase her. But he stayed put, no doubt realizing that would only make the situation worse.

Raziel wiped his bloody nose and bounced to his feet like nothing had happened. “Well, this was fun. If you don’t mind me, I’m gonna find some food.”

When Raziel left, no one moved for a full minute.

Adan and Brock kept glancing at the stairs like they were debating running after Serene. Winnie muttered to herself incoherently about the “crazy effects of love.”

And Takeshi remained quiet in his dark corner, content in watching her dysfunctional family fall apart.

“So…” She awkwardly stepped forward. “Are we done for the day?”

“Not yet. You still haven’t gone.” Brock scrubbed a hand through his hair, but his eyes were tinged with bitterness.

“All right. Who am I fighting?”

Brock sighed, stepping forward, but Takeshi pushed off the wall.

“I’ll take her.”

Khalani’s knees threatened to buckle as Takeshi placed himself opposite her. His dark expression was indecipherable, but his eyes burned right through.

“Are you sure?” Brock hedged, clearly remembering the last time Takeshi tried to kill her. “I think it’s better if I fight.”

But when Brock moved closer, Takeshi ever so slowly shifted his gaze.

“I’ll only tell you once to back off, before I make you.” Takeshi’s whisper was laced with death.