22. Reverie
Chapter 22
Reverie
I went back inside the café and sat down.
“What did ShitStorm want?” Chloe asked wide-eyed.
“Can you believe he asked for my help with the new Passives? He even complimented me on my technique in getting through the courses.” I grabbed another Snickerdoodle.
“You did kick ass on those courses, so I think it makes sense.” Joan groaned, patting her belly. “There is no way I can eat anymore. I’m going to head back to my dorm. I’ve got a paper due in Professor Austin’s class. Aurathion history is no joke.”
“I finished that paper yesterday if you need any help.” I offered.
“Thanks, but I’ve got this, plus the tutor I was assigned is hot. If I need any help, I’ll ask him. I might ask even if I don’t.” She winked at us and then left the cafe.
We both laughed as she left. I truly liked the two sisters. I was glad my friend group was expanding, “Well, what do you think about me helping Storm?”
“I guess if it makes it possible for Passives to survive initiation, then it’s worth dealing with the asshole. I’d be cautious. He started acting civil a few days after discovering your Nexus. Maybe he’s hoping for a spot in the Hawthorne Faction.” She grinned mischievously.
“Bite your tongue. No way would I want him or his fucked-up family a part of my Faction. I could never trust him, and the most crucial part of a successful Faction is having complete faith in each other.” I wrinkled my nose at the lunatic, ignoring the way I felt sitting so close to him only a few minutes ago.
“That and a great sex life.” Chloe waggled her eyebrows, “He walks like he’s packing so you might want to rethink that.” I laughed despite myself and then downed the rest of my hot chocolate.
“I don’t care what he’s packing, bitch, I’m not interested.” I flicked her forehead. “I’m going to head out to meet your brothers.” She flicked me back and we both giggled.
“Okay, I’ll see you back at the dorm.” Following me out of the café, Chloe blew me a kiss and headed toward our dorm.
That girl was something else. I was so happy Chloe had been assigned as my roommate. It felt like we’d known each other forever.
I waited outside the gym for Zeke and Zane with my stomach doing flips. I was about ninety nine percent sure they were going to be alright with everything, but that one percent chance was freaking me out. I looked forward to sharing everything, telling Chloe how vital honesty was in a Faction reinforced my decision to get this done. I hated that Nathan wouldn’t be there, but it was the right thing to do. I wanted a Faction that was as strong as my parents, and this was the first step.
“Boo!!!” I jumped.
“What the hell?” I yelled, I was a little on edge.
“I couldn’t resist. I called your name twice, but you were a million miles away.” Zane laughed, poking my side.
Zeke pulled me into his arms, “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, I’m just looking forward to our talk tonight. I think it’s past due.” I squeezed him tight.
“Do you have any objections to having this conversation in our dorm instead of yours and Chloe’s?” Zeke kissed the top of my head.
I looked up at him, “I was going to suggest that. Chloe is your family, and I trust her, but this is a Faction thing. Y’all can decide later if you want to tell her about our discussion.”
Zane jerked me away from Zeke threw me over his shoulder and slapped my ass,
“Let’s get this party started then! Zeke, order some food, and let’s put our future Nexus’s mind to rest.”
“Put me down, Zane!” I yelled and grabbed two handfuls of his ass, prepared to squeeze the shit out of it.
Pantar appeared abruptly.
“Does the flame-haired replica need to be reprimanded?”
“Where in the hell did he come from?” Zane shrieked in surprise at seeing a giant Fellat appear right before him.
“I don’t think he likes you carrying me like this.” He must have agreed because he slowly lowered me to my feet. I walked over to Pantar and hugged him. “We were just playing, no need to reprimand him.” I laughed sticking my tongue out at Zane.
“The Nexus should be treated with dignity, not like a wayward youngling.” Pantar huffed out a breath.
“They were trying to distract me from worrying about Nathan.” I ran my hand down the soft fur on his back.
“The crazy one will be just fine. You should be worrying more about completing your Faction. I feel there is trouble coming, and it’s important that you are at your strongest.” He nuzzled my head.
“What’s coming?” I stepped back with a frown.
“I am not sure, but I feel a sense of foreboding. Now, if everything is well, I will continue my hunt. I also need to be at my strongest.” He disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.
“I assume he’s gotten your power of teleportation, or is that something a Fellat is born with?” Before I could answer, Zeke continued, “I haven’t forgotten how you implied you were speaking to Pantar.” He walked over to me. “I hope that’s one of the things we’ll discuss tonight.”
I took his hand, and with Zane following close behind, I led them away from the path and stopped at the forest’s edge. Looking around to ensure no one was near, I turned and frowned at the brothers, “There’s a lot I need to tell you both. I would’ve spoken to y’all sooner because my gut told me I could trust you from the moment we met, but it wasn’t just my safety on the line if I was wrong.” More serious than he was moments ago, Zane stepped up and grabbed my hand, weaving our fingers together, he tugged me back towards the path.
“Let’s head to our dorm. We’ll all feel better when we get things out in the open.”
Zeke nodded and took my other hand. Hopefully, they both felt the same after I explained everything.
Entering the building that housed Zeke and Zane, I immediately noticed the differences between this structure and mine. Theirs was coed, housing both male and female third and fourth years who had chosen to stay at Emberhold hoping to join a Faction. The building was also significantly larger, having six floors instead of four. Upon entering, Passives began whispering in the hallways, noticing that I was holding both Moons' hands.
Since bonding with Pantar had revealed my Nexus status, I’d noticed many of the advanced years hanging around the cafeteria and other public venues, staring at me and even trying to strike up a conversation. It was getting hard to go anywhere without someone approaching me. I was honestly surprised I’d been able to enjoy my time with Chloe and Joan without interruption. Well, other than Storm popping in.
I understood why they were desperate for a Nexus and sympathized with their plight. Hopefully, as soon as initiation was over, another Nexus would be revealed, and I would fade into the background.
We stepped onto the elevator, and Zane punched the button for the sixth floor.
“There is nothing to be nervous about.” Zeke reached over and grabbed my hands with his. I hadn’t even realized I was fiddling with the hem of my shirt, twisting it repeatedly. “We’re already yours. Nothing you can say will change that.” He kissed the top of my head gently just as the elevator doors opened.
Exiting, we headed to the end of the massive hall and stopped at the last door. Holding his thumb to the scanner, the door clicked open. Zeke stepped back and gestured for me to enter first.
The first thing I noticed was the size of the room. It was more like an apartment than a dorm room. They had a full kitchen with an island separating it from the living room. A colossal television hung over the massive fireplace with an enormous sectional that looked like the perfect place to curl up with a blanket and nap. I could see a long hallway to my left that must have led to the bedrooms.
“Wow, this place is huge compared to our dorm.”
Zane scoffed as he walked into the kitchen to grab some beer from the fridge, “When you move into this building, you know you may be here for the long haul. I guess the luxury is supposed to distract us from the reality that our days are numbered, and it’s a good possibility we’ll leave here without a Faction.”
Handing us both a beer, Zane picked up his phone, “I know Zeke said nothing could cause us to change our mind about becoming your Faction, but depending on the answer to my question, we just might have to bale.”
“What question is that?” I could feel the nerves returning and started twisting the hem of my shirt again.
“Do you like pineapple on your pizza?” Zeke walked over and hit Zane on the back of his head. Zane scowled at Zeke rubbing his head, “What the fuck, dude?”
“Really, jackass, can’t you see how nervous she is?” Zeke growled at his brother.
Zane winced, “I was just trying to lighten the mood. I’m sorry, Reverie.” He frowned, seeing I had turned my back to them, and my shoulders shook. Rushing to me, Zane put both arms around me. “Please forgive me! Please don’t cry! I’m so sorry!”
I pushed at his arms, and he reluctantly released me. I slowly turned and raised my face to his, expecting tears; he was shocked when I laughed,
“Got you!” I stuck my tongue out at him.
Zane looked at me, stunned, then growled, “Brat! You scared me to death.” He turned to Zeke and winked, “Your punishments are adding up.”
“She needs her ass reddened for that.” Zeke walked over, pulling me into his arms. “We’ll get to that later. For now, answer his question.” He grinned.
I was stuck on the spanking comment. I didn’t know how I felt about that. Pushing the thought to the back of my mind, I answered, “No pineapple, of course. I’m not completely insane.” Laughing, I looked at Zane solemnly. “Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Nathan. He loves pineapple on his pizza.”
“That proves it. He is a psycho.” Zeke frowned. Then, all three of us burst out laughing.
We got comfortable on the couch after handing out the beer and ordering our pizza. Taking a long drink, I rose and turned to sit on the coffee table facing the brothers.
“You were right, Zeke. I can communicate with Pantar. I gained the ability after we bonded in the cave. Nathan isn’t aware either. I was still in shock, and I wasn’t sure if Pantar wanted it known.” I took another long sip of my beer. “Pantar explained that he could communicate with Nathan too since we were Faction.”
They looked thoughtful, “Do you know how it’s possible?” Zeke took a pull from his beer.
“My dad can communicate with animals. Apparently, I inherited his ability.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“I was amazed that you gained one ability without an entire Faction. Now, knowing you’ve gotten two, I’m completely stunned.” Zeke stared at me in awe.
“Answering the question, you asked earlier, I have no idea when Pantar gained the ability to teleport. He just started doing it, and I haven’t questioned him. I’m assuming, as you did, he can do it through our bond.” I tilted my head in thought, “Maybe it’s an ability all Fellats have, I guess I need to ask him.”
“I can’t imagine why you thought any of this would be a big deal. It just shows how exceptional you are.” Zeke smiled proudly.
I winced, “Um, well, that’s not everything.”
Both twins leaned toward me, “Out with it then. I’m ready to get to the part where we kiss and make up.” Zane grinned.
“Kiss and makeup? We’re not fighting.” I scrunched up my face in confusion.
“No, we’re not, but the same theory still applies,” Zane nodded his head like this was common knowledge.
Zeke frowned at him, “Really? Looking back at me, he gave a soft smile. Please continue, just ignore this moron.” He gestured in his brother’s direction.
I blurted quickly, “Ididn’tperformtheritualwithNathan.” I took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. “Damn, I do feel better getting that off my chest.”
Zeke and Zane just stared at me. I jumped to my feet, “I knew you’d be weirded out! I’ll just leave, and you don’t have to speak to me anymore, no hard feelings.” I felt my eyes welling up with tears and headed for the door.
Zeke rushed to me and pulled me down on the couch between him and Zane, “No, baby, we just couldn’t understand what you said! Calm down and say it slower this time.” Zane lifted me into his lap, and Zeke grabbed my hands and held them between his.
“I didn’t perform the ritual with Nathan.” I turned my head and stared at the fireplace.
“What do you mean you didn’t perform the ritual? Nathan is clearly your Faction.” Zane was confused.
“I didn’t say he wasn’t my Faction. I said we didn’t perform the ritual. There’s a difference.” I turned my head to look at Zane.
“If you didn’t do the ritual, how did he become Faction?” Zeke grabbed my chin so he could look into my eyes.
Seeing nothing but love and care on his face, I explained, “We had several difficult years. I was trying to ignore how I felt about Nathan because I thought he was 100% human. Knowing I would leave for the academy and form a Faction made a relationship with him impossible.”
“I’ve only known Nathan briefly, but I’m sure he didn’t take that well,” Zane smirked.
“That’s putting it mildly. He was furious because he knew how I felt about him. I’m sure when he looked at me, it was clear on my face. Hiding it was difficult, and now I know why.” I sighed in remembered pain.
“So, what happened?” Zeke urged me to continue.
“There was a scene at prom, and Nathan pulled me outside. He then proceeded to kiss the hell out of me; in the clash of teeth, we must have exchanged blood, and before we could take another breath, we teleported into my living room in front of my parents. You can imagine the scene from there.” I smiled wryly.
The guys were stunned into silence. When I tried to get up, they held me still. “Just give us a minute, sweetheart,” Zane mumbled looking at me in amazement.
Zeke was staring into space. Suddenly he pulled me away from Zane and into his lap, wrapping his arms around me, “Do you know how fortunate we are to have met you? There is no other Nexus in this world or any other that is as extraordinary as you, and we get to call you ours.”
Zane started laughing, “Can you go into more detail about your parents' reaction to you and Nathan appearing out of nowhere?”
Zeke tried to keep a straight face but failed and began laughing too, I joined in remembering Grumpy’s face. Both Moons leaned in to hug me, and our laughter died slowly. “No one can know out about this. The Council would use you as a lab rat if they found out.” Zeke warned. “Not needing the ritual to bond is unbelievable.”
“I just don’t understand how it’s possible,” Zane frowned. We need to tell Chloe, she’s excellent with research, and maybe she can find something in the ancient scrolls kept in the archives.”
I raised my head from Zeke’s chest, “I’m glad you said that. I know Chloe can be trusted, and since she’ll be family, she should know.”
Zane’s grin was huge, “I love hearing that. We’ll be a family, and that’s way more important than becoming a Faction or gaining abilities. This calls for another group hug. Bring it in, people.”
Zeke and I started laughing again, Zeke with humor and me with relief. They had become vital to me, and I didn’t know what I would’ve done if they’d wanted out.