Page 59 of Exordium

Zane scoffed as he walked into the kitchen to grab some beer from the fridge, “When you move into this building, you know you may be here for the long haul. I guess the luxury is supposed to distract us from the reality that our days are numbered, and it’s a good possibility we’ll leave here without a Faction.”

Handing us both a beer, Zane picked up his phone, “I know Zeke said nothing could cause us to change our mind about becoming your Faction, but depending on the answer to my question, we just might have to bale.”

“What question is that?” I could feel the nerves returning and started twisting the hem of my shirt again.

“Do you like pineapple on your pizza?” Zeke walked over and hit Zane on the back of his head. Zane scowled at Zeke rubbing his head, “What the fuck, dude?”

“Really, jackass, can’t you see how nervous she is?” Zeke growled at his brother.

Zane winced, “I was just trying to lighten the mood. I’m sorry, Reverie.” He frowned, seeing I had turned my back to them, and my shoulders shook. Rushing to me, Zane put both arms around me. “Please forgive me! Please don’t cry! I’m so sorry!”

I pushed at his arms, and he reluctantly released me. I slowly turned and raised my face to his, expecting tears; he was shocked when I laughed,

“Got you!” I stuck my tongue out at him.

Zane looked at me, stunned, then growled, “Brat! You scared me to death.” He turned to Zeke and winked, “Your punishments are adding up.”

“She needs her ass reddened for that.” Zeke walked over, pulling me into his arms. “We’ll get to that later. For now, answer his question.” He grinned.

I was stuck on the spanking comment. I didn’t know how I felt about that. Pushing the thought to the back of my mind, I answered, “No pineapple, of course. I’m not completely insane.” Laughing, I looked at Zane solemnly. “Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Nathan. He loves pineapple on his pizza.”

“That proves it. He is a psycho.” Zeke frowned. Then, all three of us burst out laughing.

We got comfortable on the couch after handing out the beer and ordering our pizza. Taking a long drink, I rose and turned to sit on the coffee table facing the brothers.

“You were right, Zeke. I can communicate with Pantar. I gained the ability after we bonded in the cave. Nathan isn’t aware either. I was still in shock, and I wasn’t sure if Pantar wanted it known.” I took another long sip of my beer. “Pantar explained that he could communicate with Nathan too since we were Faction.”

They looked thoughtful, “Do you know how it’s possible?” Zeke took a pull from his beer.

“My dad can communicate with animals. Apparently, I inherited his ability.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“I was amazed that you gained one ability without an entire Faction. Now, knowing you’ve gotten two, I’m completely stunned.” Zeke stared at me in awe.

“Answering the question, you asked earlier, I have no idea when Pantar gained the ability to teleport. He just started doing it, and I haven’t questioned him. I’m assuming, as you did, he can do it through our bond.” I tilted my head in thought, “Maybe it’s an ability all Fellats have, I guess I need to ask him.”

“I can’t imagine why you thought any of this would be a big deal. It just shows how exceptional you are.” Zeke smiled proudly.

I winced, “Um, well, that’s not everything.”

Both twins leaned toward me, “Out with it then. I’m ready to get to the part where we kiss and make up.” Zane grinned.

“Kiss and makeup? We’re not fighting.” I scrunched up my face in confusion.

“No, we’re not, but the same theory still applies,” Zane nodded his head like this was common knowledge.

Zeke frowned at him, “Really? Looking back at me, he gave a soft smile. Please continue, just ignore this moron.” He gestured in his brother’s direction.

I blurted quickly, “Ididn’tperformtheritualwithNathan.” I took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. “Damn, I do feel better getting that off my chest.”

Zeke and Zane just stared at me. I jumped to my feet, “I knew you’d be weirded out! I’ll just leave, and you don’t have to speak to me anymore, no hard feelings.” I felt my eyes welling up with tears and headed for the door.

Zeke rushed to me and pulled me down on the couch between him and Zane, “No, baby, we just couldn’t understand what you said! Calm down and say it slower this time.” Zane lifted me into his lap, and Zeke grabbed my hands and held them between his.

“I didn’t perform the ritual with Nathan.” I turned my head and stared at the fireplace.

“What do you mean you didn’t perform the ritual? Nathan is clearly your Faction.” Zane was confused.

“I didn’t say he wasn’t my Faction. I said we didn’t perform the ritual. There’s a difference.” I turned my head to look at Zane.

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