Page 72 of Exordium

“No, baby, I wasn’t ever mad.” He laughed. “We Moons love our prank wars. I’m just laying the groundwork for catching Chloe unaware.” He picked me up and moved me between his legs, all without showing the least bit of strain. I felt my bloodheat seeing that kind of forearm porn. After watching Storm work out and Zane’s display of strength, I was turning into a thirsty bitch just like Kristine and Sophie said. Zane buried his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply, “You smell so good. I’m one of the luckiest men alive and I can’t wait to complete our bond. Being inside your head and always knowing where you are will relieve most of my stress.”

I turned slightly so I could reach his mouth. He leaned down and kissed me like he hadn’t seen me in years. I lost myself entirely and just enjoyed the moment, wrapped securely in Zane’s strong arms.

“That’s enough PDA for the moment, Miss Hawthorne. I hope you put that much enthusiasm into your performance today.” Storm’s voice startled me. My eyes flew open, and I saw him wink at me and then return his attention to direct Passives to the first obstacle course.

My jaw dropped and I pushed to my feet. What was that? Had he dropped a weight on his head? Zane used his finger to close my mouth, and then narrowed his eyes on Storm

“Did Oren just wink at you?”

“Thank God you saw that too. I thought I’d lost my mind.” I whispered still in shock.

“Why are you whispering?” Zane whispered grinning.

“I don’t want to draw Storm’s attention. If he winks at me again, I might pass out,” I said, still whispering.

Zane laughed, “I think it’s too late for that. Seems you already have his attention.” He shook his head, “Our Faction is going to be unique.” He kissed me then walked to his station yelling at his group to line up.

After gym, I was even more confused by Storm’s actions. He didn’t flirt or give me special treatment in any way. He was as much of a hard ass as he always was. I didn’t want to be treated any differently, but his actions were confusing to say the least. Maybe luck would be with me, and I could delay the inevitable a little longer.

Zane walked me back to my dorm and said he still hadn’t located his portal making friend. He was worried because the guy’s Faction hadn’t seen him since yesterday. Zane was going to help them search for him, and much to my surprise Jet volunteered to help also. I wanted to believe it was out of the goodness of his heart, but I suspected it was to ensure we made it to my parents’ house. I’d wanted to help, but Chloe had shown up and recruited me to decipher some ancient books she had found in the library. Thinking they could answer some questions and possibly help my Faction, I agreed.

“This is hopeless. The writing is so old that I can’t make out half the words, and translating this ancient Aurathion script takes forever.” Chloe whined.

We were sitting on the floor with several old books spread out on the table. Zeke brought snacks and then left to help Zane look for their friend. That guy always ensured I was fed, and I loved him for it. He was a caretaker at heart and what a lucky woman I was that he was mine.

“We’ll get it. It’s just going to take time. I bet my parents can help us and maybe they know some of the old stories of Dionysus’s time.” I leaned my head back on the couch. It was getting late, and we still hadn’t heard from the twins.

Just then, we heard a knock. Heaving myself up, I opened the door, but nobody was there. I saw a picnic basket with a bow tied on the handle, picking it up, I closed the door and sat the basket on the coffee table.

“Who sent that?” Chloe yawned, flicking the bow with her finger.

“I have no idea.” I opened the basket and saw two eclairs, one chocolate, and the other raspberry. There were also two mason jars with what looked to be hot chocolate. Each jar had directions on a cute little tag that gave the amount of warm water or milk to pour in to get the perfect cup of chocolaty goodness.

“Wow, that’s thoughtful. I bet Zeke sent it to impress you. He’s the chef in our family.” Chloe pulled out the Raspberry éclair, as I knew she would.

“I guess I’ll take the chocolate.” I sighed heavily in mock disappointment.

“Don’t act like you wouldn’t eat that one anyway. We both know you have a serious weakness for anything chocolate,” she narrowed her eyes at me.

Chloe opened her mouth to take a bite of her éclair, then paused, “You don’t think Zane is fucking with me, do you?”

“Normally I would, but he’s obviously worried about his friend, so I don’t think he would take time out of his search to fuck with you.” I bit into my éclair and moaned. “Damn, that’s delicious.”

“Screw it.” Chloe joined me in the enjoyment of our unexpected treat. As I took the last bite, I licked the delicious cream filling from my fingers and then let out a massive belch.

“My compliments to the Chef.”

“What the hell? That was terrible.” Before I could call her out on her bullshit, Chloe let out a burp that shook the walls and lasted at least thirty seconds. “Now that’s how it’s done.” She smiled at me smugly.

“Ya basic!” I said with a straight face, trying to hide my amazement at that manly burp. Chloe flipped me off and we both laughed until tears poured down our faces. Chloe made ourhot chocolate, and we sipped it while continuing to decipher the ancient books.

About thirty minutes later, I let out a jaw-cracking yawn, followed by Chloe’s, “I’m exhausted, I say we go to bed and attempt this again tomorrow.”

“I agree. I can barely keep my eyes open.” Chloe yawned again.

“See you in the morning,” I staggered to my room, shut the door, shed my minion pajama pants, and fell into bed.

Later that night, I woke slightly when I felt a sting on the palm of my hand. I smelled cinnamon and embers, and those two scents triggered my internal alarm. My eyes were too heavy to open. Feeling a gentle kiss on my lips, I heard a soft whisper, “Go back to sleep, Nexus of mine.”

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