Page 53 of Exordium

“Are y’all ready for ShitStorm’s torture session?” I set my tray on the table beside Paige. Joan winced and quickly looked around the room.

“Be careful. Who knows the torture he’d put us through if he heard you call him that.”

“No shit. That man is a sadist.” Paige whispered, eyeing Kristine, who was watching them from one table over with the Bitch Brigade seated around her.

“I hate to give him any credit, but he’s the reason why we haven’t lost more Passives to initiation this year. There is no doubt that the conditioning has helped.” I popped a tomato in my mouth and winked at Kristine. At this point, I fucked with her every chance I got.

Kristine started whispering to her friends, and I saw Sophie stand. It continued to amaze me at the immaturity and entitlement they had. We were in this shit together. Why were there always a few assholes that had to make everything more difficult?

“Could you possibly get one more thing on that salad?” Chloe smirked while digging into her pizza.

I laughed, flicking a crouton at her, “I’ll try next time.” Chloe had made it her mission to keep my mind off Nathan. There was no way it would work, but I appreciated the effort.

I heard a throat clearing behind me and turned to see a handsome guy with dark blond hair and blue eyes smiling widely, “Hey, Reverie, we haven’t met, and I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Dean Mathews’ nephew, Kyle.”

“Hi, Kyle. It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled, hoping it looked sincere. With Nathan gone, this was the last thing I wanted to deal with. He was probably taking his chance now because Pantar and the twins weren’t around.

Kyle sat down, putting his arm along the back of my chair. This was the first time I was thankful Nathan was being initiated. “How are you enjoying classes?” Before I could answer, he started talking again. “Most Passives have trouble when they first start the Academy, but I had no issues.” He puffed out his chest and crossed his ankle over his knee. I guess he was going to make himself at home.

“Classes are fine.” I responded, hoping if I kept it short, he would get the hint and leave. I could already tell he was an entitled little shit.

“If you need any help, let me know. I’m available for tutoring.” He winked at me flirtatiously, completely ignoring everyone else at the table, moving his hand from my chair to my back.

“I appreciate that, Kyle, but I’m doing ok.” I leaned forward dislodging his hand and took a bite of my salad. I wanted to punch him, but, for now, being in the dean’s good graces was too important to indulge my temper. Kyle turned to face me, laying his other arm on the table and caging me in.

“Would you like to grab lunch tomorrow? I know a great place, and the lunch is free.” He winked at me again.

Was this fool implying that I come to his dorm room? This was escalating fast.

“Hello Kyle, I’m Chloe. It’s nice to meet you.” She glanced in my direction and crossed her eyes.

I snorted out a laugh before I could stop myself. Kyle glanced at me and frowned before turning and smiling at Chloe. “Nice to meet you, too.”

Feeling a warm hand on my other shoulder, I looked up and saw Zane standing beside me frowning at Kyle.

“Reverie, could I speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure, Zane.” I moved to scoot my chair back, but Kyle’s arm blocked my progress.

“We were talking Moon. You can speak to her later.” Kyle scowled at Zane.

I was shocked, what the actual fuck? Before I could part his ball sack from his body, Zane had me up and out of my chair, standing behind him.

“I will rip your fucking head from your body and shit down your neck. You don’t keep her from me.”

“You can’t talk to me like that.” Kyle stood and puffed out his chest, but I noticed he’d moved out of Zane’s reach.

Since I was behind Zane, I couldn’t see his face, but I felt the muscles in his back tense, “You’re right, talking is overrated. Why don’t I just beat the fuck out of you instead, for touching what’s not yours.”

Instructor Storm appeared beside our table, “Is there a problem here?”

Where in the hell, did he come from? These days, it seemed he was everywhere I went. I was at Java and Jam getting coffee, he was there. I went for a run, and he just happened to be running too. I walked out of my dorm, and he was outside my building. It was a little disturbing, especially since Storm never said a word, he just nodded in greeting like it was all a big coincidence.

“No problem, just Moon being his usual dickish self.” Kyle scowled at Zane.

“We can settle this in the Arena if I’ve offended you.” Zane stared at Kyle with a creepy as fuck smile.

“No need for the arena. I was just having a conversation with the Nexus.” Kyle glanced at me, “I’ll find you later.” He took off like his ass was on fire.

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