Page 52 of Exordium

Wow, I was off my game. I hadn’t told anyone I could communicate with Pantar except my parents. It’s not that I didn’t trust the guys. Worry for Nathan had put everything else on the back burner, and I still hadn’t discussed it with Pantar.

“It’s acceptable that they know. I have followed and observed the two brothers, and they will make fine members of your Faction. As you complete your bond with each of your men, they will gain the ability communicate with me.”Pantar yawned.

“So, you could have been talking to Nathan this whole time?”I asked stunned.

“If I so chose. I didn’t because I was waiting for you to tell him.”He laid down and put his head on his giant paws.

Leading Zeke over to the couch, I started to explain about Pantar when Chloe entered the room.

“Good morning, Bestie. How did you sleep last night?” she asked, sitting beside me and patting my leg.

“I tried, if that counts. Whenever I closed my eyes, I saw Nathan in every horrible scenario my mind could conjure up. I have complete confidence in his skills, but I just wish I knew what he was dealing with.” Picking up my coffee, I took a long drink.

Chloe looked at Zeke with narrowed eyes, “Where is my coffee, dear brother?”

“Your juice is in the refrigerator. You know how you get with too much caffeine.” Zeke smirked.

“I will cut off your balls. Nobody keeps me from my coffee.” Chloe reached in her boot for the knife I had given her.

Zeke started laughing and motioned to the counter where another to-go cup sat. “I just wanted to get your heart pumping this morning.”

Chloe punched him in the arm on her way to retrieve her coffee. “Did I say that my brothers were perfect for your Faction? If so, I take it back. They suck balls, and I think you should ditch them both.”

“Hey Booger, I would never withhold coffee from Reverie. I can think of much better ways to get her heart pumping.” He laughed, winking at me.

The twins had ramped up the flirting in the last week, and I had enjoyed every moment. If Nathan had been here, I would have sat down with them and seriously discussed them joining my Faction. They needed to know everything that was going on before they committed.

“I will fuck you up! I’ve already warned you once about calling me that. Coffee or no, one more time, and I’m telling Mom.” Glancing in my direction, she said, “You better think hard before accepting my brothers. I’m not sure the aggravation outweighs the benefits.”

Turning to me, Zeke grinned and winked, “The benefits outweigh the aggravation. Of that, you can be certain.”

Chloe started gagging, but I couldn’t look away. He wasn’t holding back anymore, and looking into those beautiful blue eyes, I felt myself begin to fall.

Seeing the look in my eyes, Zeke lost his smile, pulled me into his lap, and kissed me like he was dying of thirst, and I was a glass of water. I thought I heard Chloe say something about going to class and getting the hell out of there, but I couldn’t be sure. The kiss was all-consuming, and I felt my nipples harden as Zeke’s mouth wandered down my throat. I tunneled both hands in his silky hair and tilted my head to give him better access. I vaguely heard the door open but jerked away from Zeke when someone cleared their throat loudly.

“I hate to interrupt, but you’re going to be late to class,” Zane said with a heated look in his eyes. “I also want to point out how rude it is to leave me out. I’m a much better kisser than him.”

Zeke pulled me in, hugged me tightly and kissed my head. “He’s delusional. My kissing skills are unparalleled.”

“You’ll certainly get no argument from me.” I kissed his chin hating to give up the safety and comfort surrounding me. “He’s right about one thing, I’ll be late for class if I don’t get going.” I started to stand but Zeke wouldn’t let go and pulled me down to give me another scorching hot kiss.

Zane walked over, jerked me away from Zeke, grabbed the back of my neck, and kissed me like it was his job. Pulling back, he gave me a hard look.

“No leaving me behind. Understand?”

I nodded my head because I’d lost my ability to speak. These men left me breathless, and I was lucky to have found them. I decided then and there to have the conversation with them later tonight. I would have liked Nathan to be a part of it, but it wasn’t fair to these two to keep essential things from them. Feeling that Nathan would approve, I hesitantly asked,

“Can we talk later? There are things I think we need to discuss before you make the final decision to join my Faction.”

Zeke came up and put his arms around me. Zane had never let me go, so I was cradled between the two brothers. Other than when Nathan held me, I’d never felt so safe and loved.

“I speak for both of us when I say it’s too late. It doesn’t matter what you tell us, we’ll be a part of this Faction. The ritual is just a formality because, in our hearts, we’re already yours.”

That was just it.

We didn’t need the ritual.

After morning classes, Pantar told me he was going to hunt for lunch in the forest behind the Academy. I decided to go for a easier meal and headed into the cafeteria. I made a colossalsalad with a little of everything and heaps of ranch dressing. Then, I went to the table Chloe was sitting at with two other first-year students. Paige and Joan were sisters. I thought Paige was a few years older. They were both found Passives, so they started Emberhold together. Neither had been called to initiation.

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