Page 58 of Exordium

“What the hell?” I yelled, I was a little on edge.

“I couldn’t resist. I called your name twice, but you were a million miles away.” Zane laughed, poking my side.

Zeke pulled me into his arms, “Is everything all right?”

“Yes, I’m just looking forward to our talk tonight. I think it’s past due.” I squeezed him tight.

“Do you have any objections to having this conversation in our dorm instead of yours and Chloe’s?” Zeke kissed the top of my head.

I looked up at him, “I was going to suggest that. Chloe is your family, and I trust her, but this is a Faction thing. Y’all can decide later if you want to tell her about our discussion.”

Zane jerked me away from Zeke threw me over his shoulder and slapped my ass,

“Let’s get this party started then! Zeke, order some food, and let’s put our future Nexus’s mind to rest.”

“Put me down, Zane!” I yelled and grabbed two handfuls of his ass, prepared to squeeze the shit out of it.

Pantar appeared abruptly.

“Does the flame-haired replica need to be reprimanded?”

“Where in the hell did he come from?” Zane shrieked in surprise at seeing a giant Fellat appear right before him.

“I don’t think he likes you carrying me like this.” He must have agreed because he slowly lowered me to my feet. I walked overto Pantar and hugged him.“We were just playing, no need to reprimand him.”I laughed sticking my tongue out at Zane.

“The Nexus should be treated with dignity, not like a wayward youngling.”Pantar huffed out a breath.

“They were trying to distract me from worrying about Nathan.”I ran my hand down the soft fur on his back.

“The crazy one will be just fine. You should be worrying more about completing your Faction. I feel there is trouble coming, and it’s important that you are at your strongest.”He nuzzled my head.

“What’s coming?”I stepped back with a frown.

“I am not sure, but I feel a sense of foreboding. Now, if everything is well, I will continue my hunt. I also need to be at my strongest.”He disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

“I assume he’s gotten your power of teleportation, or is that something a Fellat is born with?” Before I could answer, Zeke continued, “I haven’t forgotten how you implied you were speaking to Pantar.” He walked over to me. “I hope that’s one of the things we’ll discuss tonight.”

I took his hand, and with Zane following close behind, I led them away from the path and stopped at the forest’s edge. Looking around to ensure no one was near, I turned and frowned at the brothers, “There’s a lot I need to tell you both. I would’ve spoken to y’all sooner because my gut told me I could trust you from the moment we met, but it wasn’t just my safety on the line if I was wrong.” More serious than he was moments ago, Zane stepped up and grabbed my hand, weaving our fingers together, he tugged me back towards the path.

“Let’s head to our dorm. We’ll all feel better when we get things out in the open.”

Zeke nodded and took my other hand. Hopefully, they both felt the same after I explained everything.

Entering the building that housed Zeke and Zane, I immediately noticed the differences between this structure and mine. Theirs was coed, housing both male and female third and fourth years who had chosen to stay at Emberhold hoping to join a Faction. The building was also significantly larger, having six floors instead of four. Upon entering, Passives began whispering in the hallways, noticing that I was holding both Moons' hands.

Since bonding with Pantar had revealed my Nexus status, I’d noticed many of the advanced years hanging around the cafeteria and other public venues, staring at me and even trying to strike up a conversation. It was getting hard to go anywhere without someone approaching me. I was honestly surprised I’d been able to enjoy my time with Chloe and Joan without interruption. Well, other than Storm popping in.

I understood why they were desperate for a Nexus and sympathized with their plight. Hopefully, as soon as initiation was over, another Nexus would be revealed, and I would fade into the background.

We stepped onto the elevator, and Zane punched the button for the sixth floor.

“There is nothing to be nervous about.” Zeke reached over and grabbed my hands with his. I hadn’t even realized I was fiddling with the hem of my shirt, twisting it repeatedly. “We’re already yours. Nothing you can say will change that.” He kissed the top of my head gently just as the elevator doors opened.

Exiting, we headed to the end of the massive hall and stopped at the last door. Holding his thumb to the scanner, the door clicked open. Zeke stepped back and gestured for me to enter first.

The first thing I noticed was the size of the room. It was more like an apartment than a dorm room. They had a full kitchen with an island separating it from the living room. A colossal television hung over the massive fireplace with an enormoussectional that looked like the perfect place to curl up with a blanket and nap. I could see a long hallway to my left that must have led to the bedrooms.

“Wow, this place is huge compared to our dorm.”

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