“You must have returned it later because I’m sure that’s the same scroll that I found the information in,” Oren remarked, unconcerned with the windbag comment.
“He returned it when we knew Remus would be at a gathering of Aurathions. I painstakingly copied it by hand to avoid an outcry at its absence.” Grumpy finished his pie.
“Was it Professor Lee who told you all of these things about me?” I figured it must be since he had given them the note years before.
Grumpy nodded, “It was. He warned us to expect many unbelievable things where you’re concerned. There’s much that he didn’t share with us. We learned a lot by following hints and clues in documents we’ve strategically relocated from others.” He and Pop shared a grin.
“Is there anything else you can tell me now?” I pushed back my plate, unable to eat, and Zeke frowned, pushing it back in front of me.
“Eat Nexus, we’re in this with you. No need to lose your appetite because of it.” He put a bite on his fork and brought it to my mouth. I accepted the bite dutifully, and he nodded his head in approval.
“Good girl.”
I squirmed at the way those words made me feel spoken in his deep, rumbling voice. They truly did something to me, and I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it while sitting at the table with my parents.
Dad frowned at Zeke and cleared his throat.
“Continue to research Queen Lilibet. You’re on the right track, and anything you find out about her will help you in the future."
“Why me? What’s so special about me?” I didn’t understand it.
My parents exchanged looks, and Mom gently asked, “Can you be patient and trust us? We need to confirm with Lee that what we say won’t harm you or others in any way.” She sighed, “And to answer your question, why not you? I can’t think of one thing about you that’s not special.” Mom looked around the table, “I bet each one of these lucky men would agree. You are meant for great things, Reverie Cleopatra Hawthorne.”
I wanted to demand answers, but respected them enough to honor their wishes.
“Okay.” There really wasn’t anything else to say. I knew they loved me, and I trusted them completely.
“We’ll keep researching and let you in on what we can. In the meantime, keep those marks hidden and contact us the instant something new occurs, because there will be more. You can count on it.” Pop said seriously.
“Sooo… if we have a daughter, I want her middle name to be Cleopatra.” Zane smiled, threw his hands up, “What the hell? If it’s a son, I still want to use it.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, “Not no, but hell no!”
Mom gasped, “Reverie, I’m appalled. Cleopatra was your great-great-great-great-great-great…” She took a deep breath, “-great-great-great-great-great-great-great cousin thrice removed. I think it’s sweet that Zane would want to do that.”
I saw Zane smirk and decided to ask Chloe to help me get revenge on the asshead. It would serve him right if I did name our future son Cleopatra.
“My grandson will not be named Cleopatra,” Pop stated, clearly alarmed at the idea.
“Do you all agree with him?” Mom looked at her other Faction and frowned.
The two tough guys shook their heads negatively, unwilling to stand with Pop.
“Pussies.” Pop mumbled, narrowing his eyes at them.
The comment fazed neither man. I had to smother my laughter when Pop flipped them off with both hands when Mom turned her back.
“We’ve decided to send Nathan to the Dean to ask for Faction housing,” Oren said, changing the subject. I’m sure Pop was relieved.
“I won’t leave Chloe alone in our dorm.” I was annoyed because it was apparent they’d been making plans without me.
“Chloe isn’t the one in danger, and it might make her safer. Until we come out with our bond, no one would think to get to you through her.” Zeke ran a hand through his hair, “and anyway, she won’t be alone if Oliver has anything to say about it. I think she’d spend more time at his place if she weren’t worried about you.”
“We’ll make sure Chloe is safe,” Zane said seriously, and that reassured me more than anything else. The boy was never serious.
I knew they loved her fiercely, and if they thought it was for the best, then I wouldn’t argue.
“Okay, if that’s what y’all believe to be the best option, I’ll go along with it.”
