Page 71 of Exordium

I stood and handed her a napkin. “Bless your heart! I hope that doesn’t stain your nice shirt,” I cooed in mock sympathy.

“You’d think the bitch would be getting tired of leaving the cafeteria with our food on her face.” Chloe grinned.

Kristine got up in my face and said through gritted teeth, “You better be grateful there are people around. When I catch you alone, you’ll regret getting on my bad side.”

“There’s nothing but air and opportunity, Bitch.” I smiled spreading my arms wide.

“Come on, girls. Let’s leave these two thirsty sluts alone so they can continue feeding their fat asses.” Kristine growled out, shoulder-bumping me as she passed. Before leaving the cafeteria, Sophie turned and flipped us off.

“It just doesn’t come off that threatening with chocolate running down her face,” I smirked, sitting back down.

“True story, now let’s continue to feed our fat asses so you can get to your meeting, you thirsty bitch.” We both laughed but managed to finish our meal in complete peace.

I arrived at Oren’s office a little early, but he told me to come in when I knocked, sounding out of breath.

Entering his office, I saw he was performing a series of chin-ups using a bar installed in the ceiling. It was in an area that also contained a bench press and weights. Storm wore a tank showing his defined pecks and eight-pack, with his massive dick on full display in a pair of grey sweats.

I knew I was eye fucking him, but how could I be blamed when he was dressed so alluringly. He was practically begging to be objectified with that get-up. Grey sweatpants, really, universe!

Trying to get my head on straight, I took a seat in front of his desk. Taking a deep breath, I tried to think unsexy thoughts, dog crap, vomit, old man balls-

“I’ll be with you in just a minute, I’m almost done.” Storm grunted out, drawing my attention back to him.

I barely heard him since I was hypnotized by the anaconda in his pants bouncing around every time he did a chin-up. It was very distracting; there was no way he had on underwear. I felt my skin heat up and knew I was probably drooling.

I closed my eyes against the tempting sight. I refused to believe he was part of my Faction. I planned on fighting this as long as possible because I couldn’t imagine living with the giant asshole. I jumped when I felt him touch my arm.

“What’s wrong, Hawthorne? You seem to be sweating, and your face is flushed.” He asked in concern. When he touched me, goosebumps broke out, and my voice sounded breathless, much to my annoyance.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just ready to get this meeting started.”

“Well, let’s not delay any longer.” Instead of sitting in his chair, he sat on the desk in front of me. “First, I’d like to see if you have any suggestions regarding conditioning. Then we’ll move on to training.” He shifted, causing his massive dick to change position, drawing my attention since I was basically at eye level with it. As I stared, I noticed it getting hard and growing even larger. How in the actual fuck could that thing possibly get bigger? Hearing a throat clear, I looked back at Storm, “Anything bothering you? You’re looking flushed again.”

“Nothing at all.” I rubbed the back of my neck and coughed. “So, good talk. Anything else we need to discuss?”

“We haven’t discussed anything yet. Are you sure you’re alright?” He stood up and put his hand on my forehead, his massive dick brushing against my shoulder, “You do feel a little hot.”

I jumped up and backed toward the door. “I do feel a little funny. Maybe we should…” I ran into the door, “I mean….” I tripped over my foot. What was wrong with me? I finally got the door open, “Continue this at another time.”

I was so busy fumbling with the door trying get the hell out of there that I missed the satisfied smile on Oren’s face.

Chapter 29

Reverie

Ientered the gymnasium like my ass was on fire. I sat off to the side and started stretching. These feelings were getting extremely uncomfortable. The longer I was around men I knew were meant to be in my Faction, my resistance to them became non-existent.

It was like an illness, and it pissed me off. The drive I felt to bond with them was nothing like I had ever heard of. My mother had told me about the goosebumps and shivers but not theburning need to touch and be touched by them. The mark that appeared between my breasts was unique too. I needed to find out what it all meant.

There were so many differences between us and what I knew of other Factions that it worried me. I tried not to dwell on it. Nathan being gone this long was my biggest concern. However, my feelings for Jet (and he who shall not be named) were getting hard to ignore.

I had no relationship with Jet, other than friendship but, could feel my Nexus instincts pushing me toward him in a much different capacity. I wouldn’t force anyone to bond with me, but maybe Jet and I needed to have a conversation. Zeke and Zane kept telling me that Jet had feelings for me and watched me when I wasn’t looking. I guess it was time to woman up and find out if all that was true.

Storm was an entirely different matter. I had no idea what I was going to do about him. His behavior had changed, and I had grown to respect his brilliance in training Passives. That didn’t mean I agreed with his technique, but I thought he cared more about their survival than he admitted. Still, no matter how good-looking he was, and yes, I wouldn’t continue lying to myself, I didn’t know what my Faction would look like with him in it. It made me a complete idiot, but I would try and delay the inevitable for as long as possible.

“Reverie, earth to Reverie.” Zane sat beside me and had apparently, been trying to get my attention for a while.

“Sorry, my mind was a million miles away. You’re not mad from earlier?” I gave him my best attempt at puppy dog eyes, hoping it didn’t make me look constipated.

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