31. Oren
Chapter 31
Oren
I left Reverie sleeping in my bed and headed to the cafeteria to grab us something to eat. The need to take care of her was riding me hard. I couldn’t believe that I was now part of a Faction and had a Nexus to take care of. I regretted how it came about but I didn’t have time to court Reverie properly. My very life was on the line.
Reverie didn’t know it, but I had put plans into place to become part of her Faction before she stepped foot on campus. Those plans changed when I slipped into the twins' apartment using one of my most useful abilities. There was a learning curve to mastering invisibility, but my father had made sure I became proficient. Remus Storm had a lot of enemies and liked to stay two steps ahead. Learning Reverie didn’t need the ritual to bond made things a great deal easier.
I was at a gathering of Aurathions to celebrate the New Year when I first saw Reverie. She was only fifteen or so and I was on winter break from Emberhold. My father had pointed out the Hawthorne Faction. Then, of course, went into a long monologue about their disloyalty to the Aurathion people. At that time, I was just starting to realize my father was not the man I thought he was. It was my second year at the Academy. I hadn’t found my Nexus and was starting to get discouraged. Thanks to my father it was critical that I find one sooner rather than later.
I heard laughter and tuned out my father’s words to see a small teenager with midnight hair. She punched one of her fathers in the arm and he picked her up and tossed her to what was obviously his twin brother. Adelaide walked up and pulled her out of his arms and stood in front of Reverie protectively. (I knew who Adelaide was, all Aurathions did.)
Suddenly, a massive tiger came out of nowhere and pounced on the two tiny females. I started forward when the tiger transformed into one of her fathers. They were all laughing, even as her other father pulled him off and thumped him on the forehead.
I felt the need to get closer to the girl and as soon as my father turned his back, I slipped away. Staying to the shadows I drew near enough to see her stunning amber eyes. Those eyes, combined with her midnight hair, and pale skin made her stunningly beautiful. I felt drawn to her and when she turned my way like she could sense me there, I knew she was destined to be my Nexus.
I had kept close track of her over the next few years until she made her way to Emberhold Academy. I knew Nathan had become part of her Faction but had assumed her mother had performed the ceremony or found someone else to do it. Imagine my surprise when I found out the truth.
I wasn’t a good guy, and I knew it. Honestly, none of the guys that were going to be my Faction brothers were. Except, possibly Jet. To defeat what was coming it was going to take every bit of ruthlessness we possessed. I hoped it would be enough. I would give my life ten times over to protect my Nexus and I knew that was the hook that would bring my Faction brothers together.
Entering the cafeteria, I threw some sandwiches and chips together. There was a cold selection of food available to students or teachers twenty-four hours a day. I had drinks in my apartment but had spent so much time following Reverie there hadn’t been time to stock up on food.
Turning to head for the door I heard my name being called.
“Oren!”
Fucking Kristine! Just great. I stopped, knowing it was useless to try and ignore her. She would just follow me back to my apartment and I didn’t want any of my family to know I had become part of Reverie’s Faction…yet.
“What do you want?” I sighed in exasperation.
“Well, I had news but with that attitude I don’t know if I’m going to tell you.” She pouted. I turned back toward the door and started walking. “Hey, where are you going? Didn’t you hear that I had news?” Kristine stomped her foot. I turned around once more.
“I don’t have the patience for your shit, Kristine. Either tell me or don’t.”
“You’re no fun. I’ll tell you but only because I can’t tell anyone else.” She walked closer and leaned in. “Mommy told me that things are beginning to come together, and it won’t be long now.”
I felt chills all over my body.
“When?”
“I don’t know. She did say that when students went home for winter break, they were going to have quite a surprise.”
Sophie walked in, halting our conversation.
“Hi Oren.” She batted her eyes, not even acknowledging Kristine.
“Hey Sophie, I was just headed to talk to you. Did you see Zane on your way over?” Kristine asked, obviously annoyed with her friend.
“No but I think Lindy said she’d seen him earlier near the library.” Sophie licked her lips, eyeing me like I was the last tampon in an all-girl’s school. I knew I shouldn’t have worn these damn grey sweatpants in public.
“I’m out. I know if I can catch him alone, I’ll be able to convince him to stay away from that stupid Hawthorne bitch.” Kristine said over her shoulder as she hurried away.
Sophie sidled closer to me, lowering her lashes, “So, do you want to come over to our dorm? Kristine will be out for a while looking for Zane.”
I felt the need to throw up just from the thought.
“Fuck no I don’t. I’ve told you more than once that I’m not interested.”
Sophie stuck her lip out, “But I’ve been practicing, and I can swallow a whole pickle without choking.” She ran her hand down my chest.
I stepped back, not being able to stand her touch, “I’m sure your digestive system thanks you. Now fuck off.” I hurried away before she touched me again.
Fuck, change of plans. I had to collect the guys from the wild goose chase I’d sent them on. Things were moving faster than I had anticipated.
I found them regrouping in the twins' apartment. I enjoyed immensely the look on their faces when I appeared out of nowhere.
“WHAT THE FUCK?” Zane screamed like a little girl while going for the knife he kept in his boot.
“How the hell did you get in here?” Zeke growled heading my way.
I held my hands out, “Calm the fuck down. I’ll explain everything, just hear me out.”
“Talk fast.” Zeke demanded in his no-nonsense way.
Jet remained quiet just observing us. He had positioned his body so that he could see everyone and keep an eye on the door in case anyone entered. Yep, military, no doubt about that.
“I’m going to explain some things and you’re going to want to kick my ass. Don’t do it. We don’t have time to fight with each other.” I crossed my arms over my chest and narrowed my eyes.
Zeke and Zane stood side by side. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, and Zane motioned me to get on with it, always the impatient one.
“Shit is about to go down and my family is responsible. I’ve been gathering information, but it’s gotten harder over the years. I think my father has begun to suspect I’m not on board with his plans.” I relaxed my stance but still watched the guys cautiously.
“What shit, exactly?” Zeke questioned.
“The Dark Factions are planning on invading our new world.” I said then waited for the explosion.
“What the Fuck!??” Zane yelled.
“The Fuck you say?!” Zeke thundered.
“What kind of timeline are we talking?” Jet asked, much calmer than the other two.
“Unfortunately, sooner rather than later.” I cleared my throat, “We need to wake up my Nexus and make plans.” All three guys looked confused.
“You don’t have a Nexus.” Zane muttered still distracted by the news I had just delivered.
“I didn’t have a Nexus, but that changed tonight.” I took a small step back when Zane’s eyes widened, and he immediately gave me his complete attention.
Zeke narrowed his eyes, “How did you get a Nexus tonight? There haven’t been any rituals performed in several weeks, much less tonight.”
Zane and Zeke looked at each other, then turned and stared at me with rage.
“What the fuck have you done?” Zeke said in a voice that raised the hair on my arms.
“I did what needed to be d-” Zane lost his shit and punched me before I could finish my sentence. I let Zane have that hit before I used another of my abilities and froze him on the spot. I knew I deserved that and more, but it would have to wait until later, if we survived what was coming.
“What the hell have you done to my brother?” Zeke grabbed me and shook me hard.
I pushed him away from me, “I’ll let him go but you two have got to get ahold of yourselves.”
“Where are you? I can feel how upset you are.” Reverie sounded drowsy.
I closed my eyes so I could savor the feeling of my Nexus communicating like this for the first time. I had waited years to make Reverie mine and everything I’d gone through was worth it.
“Everything will be ok, but you may want to get dressed. I’ll be there soon and I’m bringing company.”
“Oh shit! OK I’m getting up. What the hell have you done now, Storm?” I could hear the exasperation in her voice.
“I like when you call me Oren much better, sweet Nexus.” I smiled.
“Then I suggest you earn it.” Damn she was something else, and she was mine.
I smirked, loving that sass. Even with everything that was going on, I knew how lucky I was.
“I think I earned it several times over tonight.” I was jerked out of our conversation by another punch to the face. This one knocked me on my ass.
“Now unfreeze my twin, motherfucker.” Zeke stood over me with his fists clenched. When he came into his abilities this bastard would be invincible. Thank fuck he was in my Faction. I waved my hand, Zane blinked his eyes and slowly looked down at me.
“I know that look Moon and I promise we’ll have our reckoning, but we don’t have time for it now.”
Zeke walked over to Zane, “Come on brother let’s get to Reverie and make sure she’s OK.”
“I’m holding you to that reckoning, Storm.” Zane turned and followed his brother toward the door.
I stood and wiped the blood from my nose, “Are you coming?” I asked Jet, sure I knew the answer.
“Yes, I am.” Jet turned and headed out behind the twins.
Man of few words, he may have just become my favorite brother. Time to fill my Nexus in on what was going on and decide what to do next.