21. Reverie
Chapter 21
Reverie
A fter I changed clothes, Zane walked me to conditioning, holding my hand the whole way, mean mugging the fuck out of any guy that even looked in my direction. I was thankful, with worry for Nathan weighing me down; I appreciated his running interference. I think that Kyle approaching me in the cafeteria broke the seal.
Before we entered the gym, I pulled Zane to the side, “You know I have no interest in Kyle, right?”
Leaning down, he kissed me, “Yes and I thank all our Ancestors that that’s the case. I can’t see him putting anyone above himself, even his Nexus.”
“I’m not actively looking for Passives. I was raised to trust in my ability, understanding it would let me know when I’ve found the people that belong in my Faction. When I met you and your brother, I felt an instant connection. I don’t understand how anyone would settle for anything less.” I leaned in and squeezed him tight.
“That’s why I love you, and I thank all the powers that be, every day that the ritual with Kristine didn’t work,” he squeezed me back.
I jerked back and looked at him, “Did you just tell me you love me outside a stinky gym on a Monday?”
“Looks like it.” He grinned that cocky smile that I loved. I smiled so big I’m sure he could see my molars.
“I love you too. It’ll be a crazy ride, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Now, let’s get inside. I’m suddenly ready to kick some ass.”
Holding hands and smiling with pure joy, we entered the gym. If only my Psycho were here, my happiness would be complete.
Zeke was standing inside the entrance, waiting for us. “Somebody looks happy,” he smiled at his brother.
Zane clapped him on the back, “What’s not to be happy about? It’s a beautiful day, I’m holding hands with the most beautiful woman in the world, and I’m one handsome motherfucker.”
“I can agree with the handsome motherfucker remark, and there is no more beautiful woman in all the dimensions than our Reverie, but it’s cloudy outside and looks like rain.” Zeke laughed.
“I didn’t notice.” He looked at me in complete adoration.
Chloe walked in and grabbed my hand, “We’re going to change for conditioning, and I need to talk to my friend. You two need to quit hogging her.”
I blew them both a kiss, reluctantly following Chloe into the locker room. I would have been content to blow off the rest of my classes and just hang with Zeke and Zane. I didn’t suggest it because there would’ve been hell to pay from Instructor Storm.
On the first day, Storm made us do the course in the clothes we had worn to class. It felt cruel then, but it taught us a valuable lesson. We dressed now, keeping in mind that Emberhold could take us without warning. The last few weeks we’d been allowed to change into something lightweight for conditioning. I made sure to pick clothes that would still work if I was taken to initiation.
“What made you smile so big out there? My brother looked happy enough to fart sprinkles.” Chloe opened her locker, getting her clothes out.
I wrinkled my nose, “That’s a disturbing visual. Never mention your brother farting again, sprinkles or not.”
Chloe laughed, “You better get used to it. I have first-hand experience living with those two, and I can assure you they’re toxic.”
“You’re an evil bitch, and they’d kill you if they knew you were telling me this.” I pulled on black leggings and a short-sleeved pink moisture-wicking shirt.
“That’s what they get for calling me Booger. How someone as fantastic as I am could get stuck with that nickname is ridiculous.” She tossed her hair and put her hand on her hip striking a pose.
“I don’t know, I think it suits you,” I tried to look serious.
“Take that back bitch!” Chloe laughed and punched me in the arm.
Joan and Paige came in and headed to their lockers.
“What are you two laughing so hard over?” Joan smirked.
“Nothing, really. Chloe is just being a booger today.” I side-eyed her.
Chloe screeched, “Take that back bestie or I’ll tell my brothers what happened when we watched movies the other night.”
I gasped, “You know I’m lactose intolerant. It’s a medical condition and nothing to joke about.”
Joan and Paige started laughing so hard they were leaning on each other.
“Bestie reset?” Chloe asked, arching her eyebrow.
“Absolutely.” I agreed.
Joan and Paige looked on in astonishment as they watched us perform a fantastic series of hand motions and hip bumps, ending with us slapping each other’s ass and blowing a raspberry. The sisters were in tears, but Chloe and I finished getting dressed like nothing had happened.
After our workout, I joined the twins, who were putting a group of Passives through an obstacle course.
“So, do y’all want to come over around six and talk?”
“That sounds good. We’ll pick up some food.” Zeke said, always eager to make sure I’d eaten.
Chloe and Joan walked over. “Paige is meeting a second year in the library to study, and we’re going to get something to eat. Do you want to go?”
“Yeah, I’ll hang out until the guys get finished here.” I bent over and picked up my bag. “See y’all tonight.”
I yelped when I was picked up suddenly.
“Were you actually leaving without kissing me goodbye?” Zane asked cocking his eyebrow.
“No?” I squeaked out.
“You don’t sound sure,” Zeke frowned playfully.
Putting me back on my feet, Zane said, “Maybe a punishment is needed for this slight? Would you agree, brother?”
Zeke’s eyes heated with desire, “I couldn’t agree more.”
A little confused about what they meant by that, I stood on my tiptoes to kiss Zane.
“It’s too late for that, my Nexi.” He gave me a peck on my puckered lips,
“You can settle up tonight for not saying goodbye to your men correctly.”
Hearing the words “my Nexi,” I felt my eyes tear up.
“What’s wrong, baby,” Zeke pulled me into his arms.
“Hearing ‘my Nexi’ made me think about Nathan and how much I miss him. I can’t stand not knowing what’s happening to him.” I cried into Zeke’s shirt. Zane rubbed my back.
“I’m sorry sweet girl. I won’t call you that again.”
“You can call me whatever you want. I’m being ridiculous. I have every confidence my sweet psycho will be fine. I just miss him and want us all to be together.” I sniffed, tears running down my face.
Zeke leaned back and used his thumb to catch a tear before it fell. He brought his thumb up to his mouth and sucked off the moisture. A bolt of heat shot through me at his action, and I stopped crying.
“That crazy bastard will be fine. Nothing in this world or any other would keep us from you, on that you can count.” He smiled and leaned down to give me a soft kiss. “Have fun with the girls, and we’ll see you tonight.” Turning to leave, I felt a sharp sting on my ass. I jerked around and Zeke winked at me, “That’s one. You’ll get the rest tonight.”
Feeling my cheeks turning red, both sets, I took off like I was being chased. I could hear the two assholes laughing so I flipped them off over my shoulder but never stopped walking.
Catching up to the girls, we walked to Java and Jam. Finding a table in the back after getting some Snickerdoodles and hot chocolate, Joan grabbed a cookie and took a large bite.
“Girl, I think I got pregnant just watching you with those, hot as fuck, guys.”
Chloe started gagging, “I don’t know if I’m more grossed out by you talking about my brothers like that or seeing your mouth full of masticated cookies.”
“I’d like a mouth full of your brother’s cookies, if you know what I mean.” Joan waggled her eyebrows.
We all laughed, “On a different note, are you doing all right in your classes? Finding out about this world and that you were Aurathion probably came as a shock to you.” Chloe blew on her hot chocolate.
“It was a huge shock. We lost our parents in a car accident last year. Keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table has been tough. Paige and I have been holding two jobs, but we barely scraped by. Even as dangerous as this is, we welcome the challenge. At least we go to sleep with a full belly.” She took another bite of her cookie.
I was shocked by her revelation. “I’m so sorry to hear about your parents. Losing two of my fathers before I was born sucked, but I have three other parents. I can’t imagine what you and your sister have gone through.”
“How did that work? That’s something we’ve had a hard time grasping. Was there no jealousy? Did humans just accept the dynamic of your family?” Joan asked in rapid succession.
“Damn, girl, take a breath.” Chloe laughed.
I smiled, “I don’t know about Chloe’s family, but I think people assumed mom was only married to one of my fathers and the other lived with us. My mom liked fucking with everybody by never confirming which one she was with. She’s a unique individual,” I smiled fondly. “Most Factions don’t have that issue because they live in Aurathion towns. Those towns take measures to keep humans out.”
“My dad is Nexus, and we grew up in an Aurathion community in Ohio. There was never any jealousy between my parents. It’s hard to explain, but once your Faction is formed, those feelings don’t exist.” Chloe said.
“It’s hard to wrap my head around. I see so much jealousy and cutthroat behavior here. I can’t imagine how that’s all put aside once your Faction is formed.” Joan frowned in confusion.
“The important thing is that when forming your Faction, you trust your gut. You get a special feeling when you know someone is right for you. Choose a Nexus or Faction based on that instead of who they are and what advantages they bring.” I took a sip from my mug. “The forming of a Faction can be a messy business. Just wait until more Nexus are revealed. Then things get ugly. Even with a class our size, there probably won’t be more than ten.” Chloe popped another cookie in her mouth. “Some Factions only consist of two people. That leaves lots of Passives out and unable to access their abilities. Nexus vary in strength, so the number of Faction members they can support depends on that.”
“Wow, no wonder people are so desperate. That makes me feel bad for the Passives who have been here for years.” Joan shook her head.
“Just imagine being unable to access your abilities and living a mundane life knowing what could have been. There’s nothing wrong with that if it’s all you know, but it’s like being at a massive buffet and starving to death when you’ve grown up in this world.” I took another cookie.
“Good analogy, Miss Hawthorne.” Instructor Storm said, startling us. This guy must secretly be a ninja.
“Instructor, we didn’t see you walking up,” Chloe put her hand on her chest.
“I would suggest keeping a better eye out for your surroundings. If you’re this lax, you may not make it through initiation. Miss Hawthorne, could I have a word with you?” He gestured toward the door. I nodded my head and followed him out of the café. He walked to a small bench partially secluded by a large bush. Sitting, he turned to me, “Where is your Fellat?”
“Pantar went hunting. I think he needed a break from being around so many people. What did you want to talk to me about?” I was curious about what he could possibly want with me.
Storm looked hesitant but took a deep breath, “I wanted to know if you could meet me in my office tomorrow after lunch. I know I’ve been a bit of an ass to you, and I’m sorry for that. I could use your help teaching the students your techniques for dealing with the obstacle courses.”
“I’m flattered, but you’re amazing at it yourself. I saw you run through a course for the new Passives last week. I’m not sure how I can help.” It was awkward speaking to him, or being this close, it made it harder to ignore the way he made me feel. We’d only interacted a handful of times, and those were hostile.
“You’ve had advanced training, and it shows. I thought coming from a fellow student it might make more sense. We could review some of your tapes this week and devise a plan. Then, you could demonstrate it to the students.” Seeing my hesitation, he said, “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it would help some of them survive initiation.” There was no way I could refuse, even if I only saved one Passive. Sometimes I truly hated being a nice person.
“Okay, I’ll help.”
Storm stood abruptly and began to walk away.
“I’ll get back to you with an exact time. Thank you.”
I couldn’t see the sinister smile on his face. If I had, I would never have agreed to meet him alone.