Exordium (Emberhold Academy #1)

20. Reverie

Chapter 20

Reverie

I didn’t know how much longer I could take this. Nathan had been gone for a week, and I was losing my mind. The only reason I was still reasonably sane was thanks to the Moons. The three of them had proved I was correct in trusting them and our friendship.

Getting ready for class, I wore the usual T-shirt, cargo pants, and hot pink combat boots Zeke had bought me. I put my dark hair up in space buns, grabbed my go bag, and left the room. Waking up early wasn’t a problem because I barely slept at all. I knew I needed to rest, I could be initiated anytime, but my worry for Nathan wouldn’t let me.

Walking into the living room, I saw Zeke sitting on the couch, drinking one coffee and a large to-go cup on the table. It felt like déjà vu. It would be perfect, if only my Psycho would only pop in.

Standing, Zeke walked over and pulled me into his arms.

“I guess I look exactly how I feel.” I sighed feeling like I’d aged ten years.

“You’re always beautiful, but I know stressing about Nathan is weighing on you.” He whispered into my hair. I took a deep inhale of his shirt, fresh laundry, and a faint scent of pine. He was everything safe and I didn’t want the hug to end.

“If it weren’t for your family, I would be insane by now. I don’t understand why he’s not back yet. Most Passives that make it through are only gone a matter of days. I know he’s alright because I would feel it through our bond if he wasn’t.” I took another deep breath, hoping the comfort he gave me would last through the day.

Pantar appeared in the room suddenly, making us jump. “Nexi, you shouldn’t worry so. I have complete faith in the crazy one. He fits perfectly in your Faction because nothing would keep him from you for long. You need to bond with more. I sense that a full Faction will be needed for what’s to come.”

Seeing the frown on my face, Zeke asked, “What’s wrong.”

“I’m not sure—just something Pantar said to me.” I really didn’t want to tell him.

“Said to you?” Zeke raised one eyebrow in question.

Wow, I was off my game. I hadn’t told anyone I could communicate with Pantar except my parents. It’s not that I didn’t trust the guys. Worry for Nathan had put everything else on the back burner, and I still hadn’t discussed it with Pantar.

“It’s acceptable that they know. I have followed and observed the two brothers, and they will make fine members of your Faction. As you complete your bond with each of your men, they will gain the ability communicate with me.” Pantar yawned.

“So, you could have been talking to Nathan this whole time?” I asked stunned.

“If I so chose. I didn’t because I was waiting for you to tell him.” He laid down and put his head on his giant paws.

Leading Zeke over to the couch, I started to explain about Pantar when Chloe entered the room.

“Good morning, Bestie. How did you sleep last night?” she asked, sitting beside me and patting my leg.

“I tried, if that counts. Whenever I closed my eyes, I saw Nathan in every horrible scenario my mind could conjure up. I have complete confidence in his skills, but I just wish I knew what he was dealing with.” Picking up my coffee, I took a long drink.

Chloe looked at Zeke with narrowed eyes, “Where is my coffee, dear brother?”

“Your juice is in the refrigerator. You know how you get with too much caffeine.” Zeke smirked.

“I will cut off your balls. Nobody keeps me from my coffee.” Chloe reached in her boot for the knife I had given her.

Zeke started laughing and motioned to the counter where another to-go cup sat. “I just wanted to get your heart pumping this morning.”

Chloe punched him in the arm on her way to retrieve her coffee. “Did I say that my brothers were perfect for your Faction? If so, I take it back. They suck balls, and I think you should ditch them both.”

“Hey Booger, I would never withhold coffee from Reverie. I can think of much better ways to get her heart pumping.” He laughed, winking at me.

The twins had ramped up the flirting in the last week, and I had enjoyed every moment. If Nathan had been here, I would have sat down with them and seriously discussed them joining my Faction. They needed to know everything that was going on before they committed.

“I will fuck you up! I’ve already warned you once about calling me that. Coffee or no, one more time, and I’m telling Mom.” Glancing in my direction, she said, “You better think hard before accepting my brothers. I’m not sure the aggravation outweighs the benefits.”

Turning to me, Zeke grinned and winked, “The benefits outweigh the aggravation. Of that, you can be certain.”

Chloe started gagging, but I couldn’t look away. He wasn’t holding back anymore, and looking into those beautiful blue eyes, I felt myself begin to fall.

Seeing the look in my eyes, Zeke lost his smile, pulled me into his lap, and kissed me like he was dying of thirst, and I was a glass of water. I thought I heard Chloe say something about going to class and getting the hell out of there, but I couldn’t be sure. The kiss was all-consuming, and I felt my nipples harden as Zeke’s mouth wandered down my throat. I tunneled both hands in his silky hair and tilted my head to give him better access. I vaguely heard the door open but jerked away from Zeke when someone cleared their throat loudly.

“I hate to interrupt, but you’re going to be late to class,” Zane said with a heated look in his eyes. “I also want to point out how rude it is to leave me out. I’m a much better kisser than him.”

Zeke pulled me in, hugged me tightly and kissed my head. “He’s delusional. My kissing skills are unparalleled.”

“You’ll certainly get no argument from me.” I kissed his chin hating to give up the safety and comfort surrounding me. “He’s right about one thing, I’ll be late for class if I don’t get going.” I started to stand but Zeke wouldn’t let go and pulled me down to give me another scorching hot kiss.

Zane walked over, jerked me away from Zeke, grabbed the back of my neck, and kissed me like it was his job. Pulling back, he gave me a hard look.

“No leaving me behind. Understand?”

I nodded my head because I’d lost my ability to speak. These men left me breathless, and I was lucky to have found them. I decided then and there to have the conversation with them later tonight. I would have liked Nathan to be a part of it, but it wasn’t fair to these two to keep essential things from them. Feeling that Nathan would approve, I hesitantly asked,

“Can we talk later? There are things I think we need to discuss before you make the final decision to join my Faction.”

Zeke came up and put his arms around me. Zane had never let me go, so I was cradled between the two brothers. Other than when Nathan held me, I’d never felt so safe and loved.

“I speak for both of us when I say it’s too late. It doesn’t matter what you tell us, we’ll be a part of this Faction. The ritual is just a formality because, in our hearts, we’re already yours.”

That was just it.

We didn’t need the ritual.

After morning classes, Pantar told me he was going to hunt for lunch in the forest behind the Academy. I decided to go for a easier meal and headed into the cafeteria. I made a colossal salad with a little of everything and heaps of ranch dressing. Then, I went to the table Chloe was sitting at with two other first-year students. Paige and Joan were sisters. I thought Paige was a few years older. They were both found Passives, so they started Emberhold together. Neither had been called to initiation.

“Are y’all ready for ShitStorm’s torture session?” I set my tray on the table beside Paige. Joan winced and quickly looked around the room.

“Be careful. Who knows the torture he’d put us through if he heard you call him that.”

“No shit. That man is a sadist.” Paige whispered, eyeing Kristine, who was watching them from one table over with the Bitch Brigade seated around her.

“I hate to give him any credit, but he’s the reason why we haven’t lost more Passives to initiation this year. There is no doubt that the conditioning has helped.” I popped a tomato in my mouth and winked at Kristine. At this point, I fucked with her every chance I got.

Kristine started whispering to her friends, and I saw Sophie stand. It continued to amaze me at the immaturity and entitlement they had. We were in this shit together. Why were there always a few assholes that had to make everything more difficult?

“Could you possibly get one more thing on that salad?” Chloe smirked while digging into her pizza.

I laughed, flicking a crouton at her, “I’ll try next time.” Chloe had made it her mission to keep my mind off Nathan. There was no way it would work, but I appreciated the effort.

I heard a throat clearing behind me and turned to see a handsome guy with dark blond hair and blue eyes smiling widely, “Hey, Reverie, we haven’t met, and I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Dean Mathews’ nephew, Kyle.”

“Hi, Kyle. It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled, hoping it looked sincere. With Nathan gone, this was the last thing I wanted to deal with. He was probably taking his chance now because Pantar and the twins weren’t around.

Kyle sat down, putting his arm along the back of my chair. This was the first time I was thankful Nathan was being initiated. “How are you enjoying classes?” Before I could answer, he started talking again. “Most Passives have trouble when they first start the Academy, but I had no issues.” He puffed out his chest and crossed his ankle over his knee. I guess he was going to make himself at home.

“Classes are fine.” I responded, hoping if I kept it short, he would get the hint and leave. I could already tell he was an entitled little shit.

“If you need any help, let me know. I’m available for tutoring.” He winked at me flirtatiously, completely ignoring everyone else at the table, moving his hand from my chair to my back.

“I appreciate that, Kyle, but I’m doing ok.” I leaned forward dislodging his hand and took a bite of my salad. I wanted to punch him, but, for now, being in the dean’s good graces was too important to indulge my temper. Kyle turned to face me, laying his other arm on the table and caging me in.

“Would you like to grab lunch tomorrow? I know a great place, and the lunch is free.” He winked at me again.

Was this fool implying that I come to his dorm room? This was escalating fast.

“Hello Kyle, I’m Chloe. It’s nice to meet you.” She glanced in my direction and crossed her eyes.

I snorted out a laugh before I could stop myself. Kyle glanced at me and frowned before turning and smiling at Chloe. “Nice to meet you, too.”

Feeling a warm hand on my other shoulder, I looked up and saw Zane standing beside me frowning at Kyle.

“Reverie, could I speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure, Zane.” I moved to scoot my chair back, but Kyle’s arm blocked my progress.

“We were talking Moon. You can speak to her later.” Kyle scowled at Zane.

I was shocked, what the actual fuck? Before I could part his ball sack from his body, Zane had me up and out of my chair, standing behind him.

“I will rip your fucking head from your body and shit down your neck. You don’t keep her from me.”

“You can’t talk to me like that.” Kyle stood and puffed out his chest, but I noticed he’d moved out of Zane’s reach.

Since I was behind Zane, I couldn’t see his face, but I felt the muscles in his back tense, “You’re right, talking is overrated. Why don’t I just beat the fuck out of you instead, for touching what’s not yours.”

Instructor Storm appeared beside our table, “Is there a problem here?”

Where in the hell, did he come from? These days, it seemed he was everywhere I went. I was at Java and Jam getting coffee, he was there. I went for a run, and he just happened to be running too. I walked out of my dorm, and he was outside my building. It was a little disturbing, especially since Storm never said a word, he just nodded in greeting like it was all a big coincidence.

“No problem, just Moon being his usual dickish self.” Kyle scowled at Zane.

“We can settle this in the Arena if I’ve offended you.” Zane stared at Kyle with a creepy as fuck smile.

“No need for the arena. I was just having a conversation with the Nexus.” Kyle glanced at me, “I’ll find you later.” He took off like his ass was on fire.

Did he refer to me as “the Nexus”? He probably already forgot my name. “What’s the Arena?” I asked, stepping around Zane.

“I know this one.” Chloe raised her hand enthusiastically, “It’s behind the gym, close to the edge of the woods. Passives fight there to settle disputes. If they’re lucky, they can prove themselves valuable enough to have a Nexus consider them for their Faction. Last year, two Passives died, so it’s no joke.”

“My parents never told me about that.” I frowned, what the hell was wrong with these people. We were already losing Passives to initiation. Now we were killing each other.

“Probably because it only started three years ago,” Storm smiled.

Damn, that smile was devastating. I looked away before he could see the admiration on my face. Why couldn’t I shake these feelings for the tremendous asshole?

Strangely enough, Storm had been decent the previous week. He was still hard on me but no more than he was to every other student. It was starting to freak me out just a little. No way could he possibly believe I would consider him for my Faction. My Nexus senses had to be wrong about this one, and even if they weren’t, no way the other guys would accept him.

Storm left as quickly as he appeared, and Zane went to get food. I was finishing my salad when I felt something cold spill down my back. Turning, I saw Sophie standing behind me, holding a cup. Paige jumped to her feet and shoved Sophie back.

“What the hell, Sophie? You did that shit on purpose!”

“I did no such thing.” She smirked, not putting much effort into denying it. “Her chair was in the middle of the aisle as if she owned the whole cafeteria. Just because she’s Nexus doesn’t mean she has more rights than the rest of us.” Sophia hissed at Paige, pointing in my direction.

“You’re just jealous that she’s Nexus.” Paige frowned at her.

“Please, I’m not jealous in the least of her fat ass. I’m not sure she’s Nexus anyway. Her mother probably helped her get that Fellat.” She taunted.

I had been wiping the sticky liquid off my neck listening to their interaction this whole time. Standing, I grabbed the back of Sophie’s neck and slammed her face into Paige’s mashed potatoes. When Sophie raised her head, mashed potatoes covered her face, and gravy dripped from her nose. She started franticly wiping at her eyes and nose, crying like the little bitch she was.

“You better watch yourself! Kristine is going to get your ass whipped. One more transgression against me or my friends, and we’ll settle this in the Arena.” Now I felt like a hypocrite from my earlier thoughts, but these bitches were on my last nerve.

Zane walked up, “What the fuck is going on here?” He asked, then saw the food dripping down Sophie’s face. He didn’t try to hide his amusement.

“Nexus, are you responsible for this?”

Hearing Zane call me Nexus was the last straw for Sophia. She let out an enraged scream and ran out of the cafeteria. Looking less than pleased, Kristine followed behind her with the rest of their posse.

Chloe raised her glass to me, “‘Maybe someday we could become friends—friends who ride majestic, translucent steeds, shooting flaming arrows across the bridge of Herndale.’”

I replied, “‘I would follow you into the mists of Avalon.’” We both started laughing hysterically.

Zeke walked up, “What the hell are they laughing at?”

Zane looked at him and said, “Chloe finally found someone who loves Stepbrothers as much as she does.”

They both groaned in unison. Chloe grinned at me, and I burst out laughing.