Page 69 of Exordium

The twins were a bonus. We had been good friends before I was forced to put distance between us. I expected their abilities to be tremendous and help us through the days ahead. They were both loyal to the extreme and almost as ruthless as me. I knew they would be invaluable in helping our Faction work together as a unit. It was vital that we accomplished that, the future of Aurathion and humankind might depend on it.

I felt like everything was coming together on schedule. I just hoped things would hold off until we were ready. My sources thought it would only be a matter of weeks, possibly even days.

Reverie was due in my office soon, and I needed to decide what to do with the information I’d found out last night. The ability to become invisible had come in handy before, but nothing like it did yesterday. I couldn’t stop smiling when I thought abouther reaction to my lecture, I was sure she had no idea it was a warning. I wanted her to begin to wrap her mind around how important she was and, if I was honest, see how she handled the information. I couldn’t believe she was the one my father had been searching for.

This changed things and made it even more critical for us to complete the bond. Now that I knew she didn’t need the ritual, I had to devise a way to initiate our joining, with or without her consent. The completion of our Faction needed to happen sooner rather than later, and I was sure that as soon as I bonded with Reverie, the rest of her guys would insist on following me. I was counting on it.

My mouth curled up in a sinister smile. I’m sure I resembled the Grinch that Reverie had compared me to. I had just decided on a plan of action. My meeting with Reverie was going to be fun. If everything went as I wanted, I would meet Reverie’s family as a member of her Faction. The next few hours were going to be life changing. However, I doubted my future Faction would enjoy it as much as I would.

I hurried out of my office. I had a few tweaks to make before Reverie arrived. They better buckle the fuck up. Daddy was coming home. My laugh echoed down the hallway at the thought.

Chapter 28

Reverie

Iheaded to the cafeteria with Chloe. I needed to find some calm before the ShitStorm. The corners of my mouth turned up in a tiny smile. That was funny, no matter who you are. I took my laughs where I could these days. Since Nathan had been taken, it was hard to smile, and the longer he was absent, the harder it became.

Emberhold had taken two students from Biology for initiation. Even though it was becoming more common now, it still upseteveryone. Passives had been together long enough now that they had developed friendships, so tensions were high waiting to see who was next.

I was startled out of my thoughts when Chloe suddenly stopped in front of me and turned and flicked my forehead. “What the actual hell, Chloe?” I rubbed the spot on my head and looked at her in confusion.

“You need to get out of your head. You’re welcome! That’s what besties are for.” Chloe smirked as she started walking again. I rolled my eyes and took off after my Bestie. Hearing me speed up, Chloe looked behind her. Her eyes widened, and she started laughing as she broke into a run. “What are you doing, Bestie?!!”

“Getting out of my head!” I laughed as I reached for Chloe’s shirt. Right before I grabbed it, I was pulled off my feet. Apparently, my men thought since I was fun sized it was ok to pick me up whenever they wanted.

“What’s going on with my two favorite girls?” Zane grinned kissing me on the head before setting me back on my feet.

“Did he just call us girls?” Chloe winked at me when he turned his head.

“You know, I think he did. The question is, what should we do about it?” I walked over to Chloe, and we both turned to face Zane.

“I clearly misspoke. You’re both women, and your behavior reinforces that.” Zane tried to appear sincere, while obviously laughing at us.

“I feel like he’s trying to placate us,” I gave Zane the stink eye.

“I agree, and as strong, independent women, we need to show him the error of his ways.” Chloe whispered in my ear, “I’m going to do absolutely nothing.”

My eyes widened, and I started laughing. “You’re completely diabolical, and I love it.”

“Hey now, you two need to take a breath and remember who you’re talking to. Chloe, you know I’m the prank king in our family. You and Reverie don’t want to start something you can’t finish.” Zane was starting to sound a little nervous.

“You’re completely right, and we’re just going to drop the whole thing.” Chloe nudged me with her elbow.

“I saw that, and I’ll be on high alert. Just be sure you’re ready for retaliation.” Zane walked up and turned me in the direction of the cafeteria, slapping me on the ass.

I frowned at him, rubbing my butt to get the sting out. “You Moons are a violent family.”

Zeke met our group at the entrance to the cafeteria and took over the rubbing of my ass, “Those Moons are, but I’m not. I’ll be glad to massage the ache out later tonight. Now, come take the seat I saved you, and I’ll get you something to eat.”

I turned to follow Zeke, sticking my tongue out at Zane. Chloe laughed and put her arm through Zane’s.

“Come on, brother. You clearly need to watch and learn from your eldest sibling.”

“Just by a few minutes, and I can promise you I don’t need any tips on how to treat my woman.” Zane glowered at his sister.

Chloe just laughed and pulled him toward our table. After I had taken my seat, Zane leaned over, kissed me on the head, and left to get his food.

“So, the plan is to do nothing?” I smirked at my friend who could give Dr. Evil a run for his money.

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