Page 41 of Exordium

“I didn’t think you liked him,”I said, finding it much easier to speak to the Fellat this way than when I communicated with Nathan.

“He needs to remove his head from his ass, but he does have good qualities that would enhance your Faction.”He yawned, showing all his teeth.

“I haven’t seen any proof of them yet.”I looked again at the Dean, who had pushed his chair as far away from the Fellat as he could.

Storm scowled at them both and said to the Dean, “She shouldn’t be allowed to keep him at the Academy. It could pose a danger to the other students. I would be glad to keep the Fellat with me.”

Pantar began growling again. The Dean stared at him fearfully, “You know as well as I that a Fellat will not be separated from their Nexus after they have bonded, which brings us to the following matter. Even though you haven’t performed any rituals, you are obviously Nexus. It’s highly unusual, but do you already have potential Faction members in mind?”

I needed to be extremely cautious here. Bonding with Pantar was strange enough without the Dean finding out about Nathan becoming my Faction with a simple blood exchange—no ritual needed.

“There are a few Passives I’ve felt a connection with. Of course, I have no intentions of getting serious about it until after initiation.” I told him.

“Zeke and Zane seemed upset when they couldn’t attend this meeting. That Nathan fellow, who I believe is from your human school, has also been rather invested in you since you arrived. Going so far as insulting my dear sister in a perceived slight against you. Seems serious to me.” ShitStorm looked down his nose at me. I hoped to have the opportunity to knock him on his ass soon. Maybe even start a club. I bet there would be plenty of Passives wanting to join.

Dean Mathews looked a little bewildered by Storm’s hostile tone. “There was a mishap with your sister, but it was cleared up—just a tiny misunderstanding. I’m surprised at your hostility, Instructor Storm. This is a fascinating development and a chance for our Passive students to become Faction.”

“I apologize if you felt like I was being harsh, Miss Hawthorne.” Storm said in a fake-as-shit, apologetic voice. He turned to the Dean, “I just wanted to point out she may have led some of our Passives to believe they would be first in line to perform the ritual. It’s unfair to make them think that if she’s not really interested.”

“Nexi, are you alright? I can feel your anger. Do you need me?”Nathan suddenly asked.

“No, ShitStorm just really pisses me off.”I replied.

“I’m here and waiting. Let me know as soon as you get out of there.”My Psycho said sternly.

“I will.”Oh, how I loved that man.

“Well, be that as it may, with so few Nexus, all Passives should expect a little competition. My dear nephew hasn’t found a Nexus yet, so I must introduce you.” Dean Mathews said casually.

I heard a growling noise coming from Storm, it must have been in annoyance at the Dean’s fawning. Glancing at Pantar, I saw him watching Oren with an expression that seemed almost smug. I wondered what that was all about.

That’s why it felt like the Dean was catering to me. Absolutely ridiculous. My mother never let anyone dictate to her about faction choices, and I damn sure wouldn’t either.

“I want to follow up with you directly after your initiation. It is astounding to have a Nexus revealed so soon, and it happened due to bonding with an animal we thought was eradicated due to the war. Simply amazing! I can’t wait to inform Councilman Hunter of these developments,” the Dean seemed almost euphoric. I saw Storm roll his eyes, but he said nothing further.

“May I speak to my parents?” I inquired.

“In our history it was told that Fellat had the power to create portals. Maybe your new companion would like to help with your request?” The Dean turned to Pantar in hopeful, expectation. Pantar looked around the room in boredom, not acknowledging him at all. “Or maybe not.” Annoyance showed briefly through his friendly demeanor.

“I’ll open a portal for you to visit. But I expect you back within the next couple of hours. There will be another portal waiting in the exact place you appear.” Dean Mathews gave me what I was sure he thought was a kind smile. To me, he just looked constipated. Oren looked pissed at this turn of events but said nothing. Doing us all a favor and keeping his mouth shut for once.

The Dean opened the portal; it would be nice if everyone had that ability. He then motioned Oren to follow him out of the office.

“The Dean has allowed me to use a portal to talk to my parents. Please let the twins and Chloe know what’s going on. When I get back, I’m going straight to my dorm because I’m exhausted.”I spoke to Nathan.

He answered me immediately,“I’ll let everyone know. I hate that I won’t see the shock on their faces, but you can describe it to me in detail tomorrow. I love you, my sweet Nexi. Get some rest, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

Surprised at getting no argument, I replied,“I love you too.”

I looked at Pantar,“Are you ready? I’m excited to see my parents, even if it’s only been a few days.”

“Let’s go Nexus. I, too, am excited to meet the parents of the one I’ve bonded.”Pantar extended a tentacle to me to hold while going through the portal.

We both stepped through and came out near the barn. I started walking toward the house; it was supper time, so my parents should be there. I stopped when two large grey wolvescame out of the barn and growled at Pantar. I forgot about Grumpy’s natural defense system.

“Your home is interesting, Nexus.”Pantar showed no fear of the wolves and why would he. The wolves on the other hand had never seen anything like him.

“Why don’t you tell them I mean no harm?”He asked.

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