Page 28 of Ghosted

“What?” Jayce breathes out, looking like he wants nothing to do with the end of this story.Same, dude.

“She wasn’t even scared. That crazy bitch welcomed the flames. Lucien was her last thought and how she’d find him again. Guess she was right,” he ended with a groan. “And now we’re all involved. I did this to us. Never should have suggested that damned tour.”

“This isn’t on you, Eli. It’s on Stella and it trickled down to involve us,” Jayce reassures him quickly. “We just need to find a way to send her to Hell where she belongs.”

Eli nods. “On that, we agree.”

* * *

Stella

I almost had that bitch,but my love was there to stop me from doing anything rash. He was always the more level-headed of us two. Opposites really do attract. And even better, I was in his arms once more. Even in this limbo, it felt like it had all those years ago. It took me back to the day we met.

“Stella, it’s time to head to the college.” Daddy’s voice floated into my room from downstairs.

“Coming, Daddy,” I called back as I finished braiding my hair.

Last night at dinner, Daddy told me that the new professor was starting today. It had been the talk of the town. It’s not often that a single man moves in, so I was excited to meet him. I took a little extra time to dress this morning. Since I was meeting the new professor, I thought it was best to make a lasting impression.

All the men in this quaint town were dull and I longed for adventure, and this mystery man may be my answer to that. Maybe he would be the one to sweep me off my feet. You know, just like a princess in a fairytale.

I glided down the stairs as if I was walking on air. Thoughts of what my life would be like with this new man filled my head.

Daddy was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, his grin wide, “Don’t you look adorable as all get out today. What’s the reason for dressing up so?” He was always trying to make me feel good, a sweet man through and through.

“Aww, Daddy, you're too kind. I thought it was best to make a good impression on the new teacher. We don’t want him thinking that we are all heathens, do we?”

“Right, you are Stella.”

He beamed at me once more before he held out an arm for me. I took it, returning his smile.

“It’s gonna be a great day, Daddy.”

“I do believe you are correct, sweetheart.”

The summer breeze felt nice on this warm day. Daddy and I had a nice little chat as we crossed the lawn to the university he was in charge of. There were perks to being the Dean’s daughter and this was my last year to attend before I graduated with my teaching degree. Then I would work here, too. There was already a position waiting for me. Once Daddy retired, he would make sure the board let me take over. It was my legacy and a handsome husband would be icing on the cake.

As we approached the main doors, the most dashing man I ever laid eyes on was standing there looking a little lost. Well that was until my father waved at him and a smile tipped his full lips. He took a few steps toward us and when the sun hit his hair it went ablaze. Oh a redhead, and those green eyes were a deadly combination. How he hadn’t been snatched up already was a mystery. Well, until now. Just one look at him and all of my future plans fell into place, him starring in the role as my partner. He may not know it yet, but we were perfect for each other.

He held out a hand to my father. “Pleasure to see you again, Mr. Walker. I’m excited for the opportunity to teach at this fine university.”

My daddy smirked. “It’s a delight to get some fresh blood in this place. Some of the teachers should have retired ages ago but they just chug on. We are all eager to see what you bring to the college.”

I did a fake little cough to remind him of my presence.

“Oh my, where are my manners? Sorry, this is my daughter Stella.”

He held out a hand and I placed mine on top of his. His lips glazed my skin with a gentle kiss, I felt a tingle and I knew he was meant to be mine.

“Well, aren't you a gentleman? How is it that you haven’t been snatched up yet?”

He let out a little chuckle before answering, “I wanted to be well established before I courted anyone. My father told me that a good foundation was the best way to build a family, so I thought it was best to finish college and have a year or two of teaching behind me.”

“That’s why we hired you. You’re a man with a plan. Just what we need here to keep this fine college running smoothly. Don’t you agree, Stella?” my father asked. The pride in his expression had my smile growing.

“Too true, Daddy. If you two will excuse me, I best be off to class. Don’t want to be late on the first day, do I?”

They both nodded as I took off toward the science labs. I was excited for not only my last year of being a student, but getting to know Mr. Wolf personally. Because now that I’d set my sights on him, I wouldn’t let him go.

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