Page 26 of Exordium

“That was interesting. I found that class intense at first, then strangely relaxing at the end. What did you think?” she innocently looked at me with a twinkle in her eye.

Damn, I felt my face grow hot once again. I thought she was too distracted to realize what we had been up to. I had a feeling it would be a while before I heard the end of it.

We entered the cafeteria. It was a large room with cream-colored walls and large black sconces spread every few feet. The tables were of different sizes and shapes made of the same stone used throughout Emberhold. I was happy I didn’t have to move them. Hopefully, whoever did, had an established Faction. There were long windows on one wall made of stained glass with the Aurathion Triquetra on the middle panel, the outer panels had animals and plants from our home world like the ones in the assembly hall.

The food was arranged in a buffet-style spread for self-service and there was a vast salad bar. Various vending machines were lined up against one wall, with a variety of drinks and sweets offered. Nathan led me to a long table close to the windows. I was surprised at that, I figured he would sit at a smaller table with room for no more than three, or four.

“We might as well sit at a large table since you keep collecting people,” Nathan joked, and pulled me onto his lap.

Chloe stuck her tongue out at him as she sat opposite the seat, that would’ve been mine, if not for possessive Faction. Jet followed behind her and took the seat across from us.

I kept my gaze focused on Chloe, no way did I want to look at Jet. I’m sure my face was still glowing red. The more I tried not to look at him, the more I felt my eyes stray his way. I couldn’t believe I had let Nathan finger me in class. I was such a hoe. I smiled in remembrance, but an extremely satisfied one. Feeling eyes burning into my forehead, I couldn’t resist glancing Jet’s way. He was staring directly at me.

“Do you want tocometo our dorm later and study? I’m sure Nathan won’t care if youcome. If you don’t want tocometonight, you cancometomorrow.”

I stared at him, not amused at all. Nathan started laughing, “I don’t care when youcomejust as long as you do.“ Giving zero fucks who knew what we had done. Chloe died laughing, pointing to Nathan.

“Where can I find one?”

“You can’t. I’m one of a kind, baby Moon.” Nathan gave her a cocky grin. “See, my sweet, how fortunate you are.” He smirked and squeezed my thigh.

I turned and kissed his cheek.

“I never doubted that.” I couldn’t imagine my life without this man in it. Zeke and Zane showed up, pulled out a seat, and sat down.

“Hello, sweet Reverie of mine. How was Battle Strategies?” Zane smiled.

“I think she was delighted at having the opportunity tocomeand hear the lecture,“ Jet looked innocently over at Zane.

“Who knew you had such a sense of humor, Jolly,” Nathan grinned. “I might let some of your past behavior slide.”

“I feel like we’re missing something,” Zeke looked at all of them suspiciously.

“You definitely are.” Chloe cackled. “I would tell you, but I’m trying to solidify my best friend status.”

“There is no solidifying that. I hold that position and every other position of importance.” Nathan scowled at her, losing his grin.

“I’ve decided to take the best friend status. My personality fits her much better.” Zane stared at Nathan in challenge.

“The hell you say? Everything I’ve got fits her.” Nathan hissed at Zane. “Some things are a little tight, but we make it work.”

I face-palmed, groaning in embarrassment. These men were going to be the death of me. I was tired of their shit and moved to my own chair, giving Nathan the evil eye. Zeke and Jet left the table, presumedly to get food.

“Sure, they are,” Zane held his finger and thumb about an inch apart.

“Reverie, tell him that’s not true!” Nathan demanded. “It’s about ten of those. Add that up if you can, you soulless ginger!”

“If you want to see a ginger snap, keep calling me soulless. I’m full of fucking soul! I know the words to every song Muddy Waters ever sang.” Zane snapped at Nathan.

I sighed, and looked at Chloe “Let’s go get some food. The big dick energy in here is smothering me.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’m starving, and they aren’t showing signs of stopping.” Chloe rolled her eyes.

“That confirms it, B-I-G D-I-C-K energy!” Nathan spelled out like a cheerleader at a pep rally. Smirking at Zane.

I shook my head and turned to leave, bumping into Zeke who had plates for me and Chloe.

“No need to go anywhere, I brought food for my two favorite ladies.” He slid a plate of spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread in front of Chloe and a massive plate of food in front of me.“I just put a little of everything on your plate, since I wasn’t sure what you liked.”

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