Page 78 of Exordium

Storm walked up and leaned down to kiss me. I turned my head. He kissed my cheek, like that was his target all along. Then he had the gall to put his arm around me and face the guys like we were a united front.

Shaking his arm off I moved a few steps in front of him. Zane rushed up to me, pulling me into his arms. Zeke was only steps behind and jerked me away from him then proceeded to look me over, for what I didn’t know. He looked less than thrilled seeing the hickeys and bite marks on my neck.

“Are you alright?” Zeke murmured looking for any signs of distress on my face.

I reached up and put my hand on his face, “I’m fine, Zeke.”

He pulled me into his arms and hugged the shit out of me. These Moons gave the best hugs. I couldn’t wait to meet their parents.

I felt Zane move up behind me engulfing me in the warmth of their bodies, one of my new favorite places to be.

“You may not be our Nexus yet, but we couldn’t adore you any more than we do now.” He was such a charmer.

“You’re speaking bullshit and don’t even know it, the feelings you have now will strengthen tenfold.” Storm grunted.

The guys just continued holding me and didn’t acknowledge him. It was obvious they were upset, and I didn’t blame them. Storm had jumped the line and both men were pissed. They’d put in the effort to court me properly and now were left on the outside looking in. I planned to correct that as soon as possible.

I saw Jet looking me over but keeping his distance.

“Are you good?” He murmured like the words were pulled out of him against his will. I nodded my head and reluctantly pulled away from the twins.

“What’s going on?”

“Please everybody, take a seat and I’ll try to explain.” Oren gestured toward the couch.

Everyone sat down except for Jet, he moved to stand directly behind me. I immediately felt protected when the massive man took the position.

Storm stood in front of us and cleared his throat, “I explained some of this in my lecture yesterday in class.” I interrupted him before he could continue speaking.

“Zane can you please go get Chloe? I think she needs to be part of this conversation.” I looked at Storm expecting him to protest but he remained quiet.

“Yes, I’ll be right back.” He left, but not before kissing me gently on the mouth, giving Storm a smug look. Storm was smart enough to let him have it.

“I brought sandwiches back for you, Nexus. Can I make you a small plate?” Storm headed toward the kitchen before I could answer.

Zeke frowned, “What kind of sandwich did you get? She prefers turkey and tomatoes with lots of mayo.”

I hid my grin because I knew Zeke enjoyed the role of providing me with food and didn’t appreciate Storm horning in on what he considered his responsibility.

“I’ve been watching her for weeks. I know what kind of sandwich she likes.” Storm said over his shoulder.

“Are you people really talking about sandwiches? There are way more important things to concentrate on.” Jet frowned impatient with all the delays.

Storm turned and looked at him in admonishment, “There is no more important thing in this world or any other than caring for our Nexus.”

I was a little stunned when Zeke grunted in agreement. Jet just stared at them like they were both crazy. Maybe they were but, I had to admit, I dug it. The Nexus in me preened at their words and attention.

I was used to this attitude since I was raised in the Aurathion culture. From Jet’s perspective I was sure it looked ridiculous, but to Faction the health and welfare of a Nexus was of utmost importance. I grew up seeing my fathers treat my mother like she was made of glass. I remember asking my mother why they did it when they both knew how strong she was.

“They don’t do it because they think I’m weak, they do it to show me they are worthy to be Faction.” Mom smiled at me.

“You don’t think they’re worthy already?” I was mad in my fathers' defense.

Mom pulled me close and kissed my forehead, “Of course they’re worthy. There are no better men in Aurathia or any other world, but if it makes them happy, who am I to deny them that.”

I understood what my mother meant now. I could feel through my connection with Oren how important it was for him to show me he cared and that all my needs were met. I couldn’t imagine how intense Zeke would feel after we bonded, he was a natural caretaker.

Oren returned with my food, and although he had a lot to make up for, it was hard not to forgive him when I could feel how much I meant to him.

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