Page 60 of Exordium

“If you didn’t do the ritual, how did he become Faction?” Zeke grabbed my chin so he could look into my eyes.

Seeing nothing but love and care on his face, I explained, “We had several difficult years. I was trying to ignore how I felt about Nathan because I thought he was 100% human. Knowing I would leave for the academy and form a Faction made a relationship with him impossible.”

“I’ve only known Nathan briefly, but I’m sure he didn’t take that well,” Zane smirked.

“That’s putting it mildly. He was furious because he knew how I felt about him. I’m sure when he looked at me, it was clear on my face. Hiding it was difficult, and now I know why.” I sighed in remembered pain.

“So, what happened?” Zeke urged me to continue.

“There was a scene at prom, and Nathan pulled me outside. He then proceeded to kiss the hell out of me; in the clash of teeth, we must have exchanged blood, and before we could take another breath, we teleported into my living room in front of my parents. You can imagine the scene from there.” I smiled wryly.

The guys were stunned into silence. When I tried to get up, they held me still. “Just give us a minute, sweetheart,” Zane mumbled looking at me in amazement.

Zeke was staring into space. Suddenly he pulled me away from Zane and into his lap, wrapping his arms around me, “Do you know how fortunate we are to have met you? There is no other Nexus in this world or any other that is as extraordinary as you, and we get to call you ours.”

Zane started laughing, “Can you go into more detail about your parents' reaction to you and Nathan appearing out of nowhere?”

Zeke tried to keep a straight face but failed and began laughing too, I joined in remembering Grumpy’s face. Both Moons leaned in to hug me, and our laughter died slowly. “No one can know out about this. The Council would use you as a lab rat if theyfound out.” Zeke warned. “Not needing the ritual to bond is unbelievable.”

“I just don’t understand how it’s possible,” Zane frowned. We need to tell Chloe, she’s excellent with research, and maybe she can find something in the ancient scrolls kept in the archives.”

I raised my head from Zeke’s chest, “I’m glad you said that. I know Chloe can be trusted, and since she’ll be family, she should know.”

Zane’s grin was huge, “I love hearing that. We’ll be a family, and that’s way more important than becoming a Faction or gaining abilities. This calls for another group hug. Bring it in, people.”

Zeke and I started laughing again, Zeke with humor and me with relief. They had become vital to me, and I didn’t know what I would’ve done if they’d wanted out.

Chapter 23

Reverie

Wrapped up in their warmth, I only regretted that Nathan wasn’t there with us. His presence would make this night perfect. I heard the floor creak as if someone were taking a step.

“Did you hear that?” I asked the guys.

“Hear what?” Zane asked.

“I thought I heard something over by the door.” I untangled myself from their arms and got up to look around, Zeke joined me.

“I didn’t hear anything.” Zane rose from the couch. Zeke opened the door and walked out into the hallway. I followed behind him, but neither of us saw anything. We entered the apartment as Zane was walking out of the kitchen. “I checked the entire apartment. Nobody’s here but us. Did you two see anyone?”

“No, I’m probably just being paranoid.” I was a little jumpy after our talk. Shaking off those feelings, I smiled, “Now that everything is out in the open, I’ve got my appetite back! Let’s finish the pizza and decide when we’ll tell Chloe.” I grabbed another slice and sat down.

“I’m on board with finishing the pizza, but I’d like to make plans to complete our bond,” Zane said, basically bouncing in his seat.

“I agree. I want to complete our bond before you’re taken to initiation. Even though you can’t communicate with Nathan now, if you gain more Faction and we develop our abilities, maybe your capacity to communicate will strengthen. You can check in on him, and we can keep track of you,” Zeke said seriously.

“Wow, I can’t believe I was worried about y’all‘s reaction,” I smiled thankful these two had come into my life. “I hope you’re right because I don’t think I’ve slept more than a few hours since Nathan was taken.”

“Maybe you need to be the meat in a twin sandwich,” Zane winked. “I think I heard somewhere it was the cure for insomnia.”

I really hoped he and Nathan never decided to join forces. Those two were hard enough to handle individually; together, it would be a losing battle.

Zeke frowned at his brother, “Let’s not freak her out before she bonds us.”

I smiled mischievously, “I love sandwiches.” These two needed to know they couldn’t fluster me that easily.

Both guys turned simultaneously to look at me. It was a little freaky when they did that. I started to squirm a little bit at the intensity in their eyes. Maybe they could fluster me that easily.

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