After I finished, they stared at me in complete disbelief. I knew it was a lot to process, so I remained quiet, waiting for their reaction. Hayes never interrupted once. It's a good thing I didn’t bet my nuts.
“I don’t know what to say,” Damien sighed. “Why don’t you head to lunch and give us time to process this? We’ll talk to you later this evening, after training is complete.”
I nodded and walked out. The ball was in their court.
Hopefully, they believed me and would help reunite me with my Nexi. But for now, I was starving. Confession was exhausting and I needed to refuel before tackling the training fields again. Upon entering the eating hall, I made a beeline for the buffet. There were large pieces of meat resembling enormous turkey legs. I didn’t examine the food too closely. If it looked recognizable, I placed it on my plate and started eating.
Lucky for me, I’d never been finicky. I could eat almost anything. The only exception was pizza, I refused to eat it without pineapple. I wasn’t a complete psycho, unlike Reverie, who couldn’t stand it. I sighed. It was her only imperfection.
“Hey Nathan, is everything alright?” I jumped. I hadn’t been aware Taylor had come up beside me, too lost in my thoughts.
“Yes, everything is fine.” I continued filling my plate then turned and walked to the long table in the middle of the room. I deliberately sat between two people, hoping this time would be different and she’d get the hint.
Once again, Taylor stood staring at the person next to me, clearing her throat to get their attention. The guy stood, but instead of walking away, he smiled and tried to start a conversation with her. She ignored him like I wished she would ignore me and took his seat. Her determination was admirable, but she had no idea who she was messing with. I was the most hard-headed person on the planet.
“Did you get into trouble?” Taylor took a bite, looking at me in expectation.
“No, why would I be in trouble?” I kept my eyes trained on my plate.
She placed her hand on my thigh. “For using your ability on Hayes.”
I looked down at her hand and frowned. “You know this means I’m part of a Faction, right?” I might as well use what Hayes had accused me of earlier to get rid of her.
She removed her hand and shrugged her shoulders. “We’re all part of a Faction, so what?”
That was news to me. I had no idea she was already part of a Faction. Supposedly, that came after you proved yourself in the coliseum. She’d never mentioned it, and I didn’t ask because, truthfully, I didn’t care.
“I’m loyal to my Nexus and not interested in anyone else.” It felt so good to say those words. I’d felt sickened not being able to tell people who I belonged to. I didn’t want anyone to know her name, but it felt amazing to at least be able to say this much.
Taylor rolled her eyes. “Everyone will be assigned to a Faction in another few months. You don’t have to be worried about looking bad to any of us. We all know the score and have relationships elsewhere.”
I was stunned. I knew most of these people did or would belong to a Faction to keep their sanity because of the serum. Ijust expected a little more loyalty. I shouldn’t, since I met Hayes trying to escape from his.
“I don’t give a shit what anyone else does. I’m loyal to my Nexus and I’d appreciate it if you started respecting that. If you can’t, I’ll get another training partner.” I scowled at her.
She reared her head back, her eyes welling up with tears. “I’ll respect that, Nathan. I promise. There’s no need to find another partner.”
The hurt on her face didn’t bother me. I’d tried several times to be subtle, but at this point, I knew that wouldn’t cut it. “Fine. But there’s no need to walk with me to breakfast or try to be friends. Training partners is the extent of it.”
I continued eating, and Taylor didn’t say another word. Hopefully, she would move on at this point and give her attention to the other men. Plenty were interested, but I wasn’t one of them and never would be.
When I was finished, I stood and disposed of my plate. I noticed she was deep in conversation with the guy beside her and I wished them all the best.
I left the hall and went to my room to piss and regroup.
Those two old dicks better believe me. If not, I would be back to square one, trying to figure out what Emberhold wanted, so I could leave.
Being without Reverie was unbearable and became more so every day I spent here. Had she been taken away for initiation? Was Pantar able to go with her? Did Emberhold bring her here? How the hell did I gain the ability of fire? Which one of those motherfuckers bonded my Nexi without my express permission?
I hadn’t even been able to put them through the series of tests I had planned. They better be ready for an ass-kicking when I get back. That was the very least those two soulless gingers deserved. I splashed some water on my face and took a deep breath. As long as Reverie stayed safe and was there when Ireturned, I’d be overjoyed and might go a little easier on the assheads. It was unlikely, but stranger things had happened.
This whole experience had been fucked. There had to be a reason I’d been sent here, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. Was I supposed to find out what happened to Reverie’s two lost parents? That would be impossible while I was stuck here at the coliseum. I had to put every minute of my spare time into staying alive. Investigating anything had been put on the back burner, but that would have to change. Getting home to Reverie was the most important thing to me. It looked like I was going to learn to multitask. It shouldn’t be too hard. Lucky for my Nexi, I wasn’t just a pretty face. I’d be back in her arms in no time. Heading back to the training yard, I prayed with my whole soul (thank God one of her Faction had one) that I would return to my Nexi soon. I didn’t know how long I could stand being away from her and keep what was left of my sanity.
Chapter 3
Hayes
Iwas stunned. Leaning back in my chair, Damien and I stared at each other in shock. What did this mean for me?
