Page 40 of Ghosted

First, I find the beads she was using, the oranges and reds bright and reflecting in the desk light she has over them.

Second, my gaze stops on the window, the afternoon sun dipping below the horizon painting the sky in the same hues as her beads.

Third, is the feel of clothes clinging to my body. It’s not exactly what he was getting at with five things in the room, but it’s so strange and intense I can’t help but use it.

Fourth, I’m drawn to the painting on the wall. It’s a dark forest with a moon shining brightly above it, casting a glow over the whole thing. Whoever painted it was talented.

Fifth, I finally look at the girl who changed it all. Her face is different, no mistaking her as Iris. No. Raven is her own person. A kind soul with a sarcastic exterior. She’s funny and sweet, all mixed into one. The kind of person who grabs your attention without trying yet doesn’t know how breathtaking she is. Even the dark clothes and makeup she wears add to her beauty.

“There you are,” she smiles at me, her hazel eyes soft as her hand touches my cheek. Her skin is so soft, the touch gentle, it has goosebumps breaking out over my skin.

“How is this possible?” I breathe out as I fight for words. “I’m wearing the same outfit I was buried in, yet I’m alive.”

“It’s called a second chance. We’ll figure it out, Lucien,” she promises. And instead of reasoning it out a million times like I would have before, I choose to believe her. Because now that I have her, that I have a body, a life, I won’t waste it with simple worries. If I’ve learned anything it’s that life is fleeting and I will enjoy every second of this new one.

“Well, first things first. Let’s get you some clothes from this decade.” Eli laughs and pats me on the shoulder. My chest warms at their welcoming reception. I’d expected anger and fear, but there’s none. I just can’t figure out why they are being so nice to me. Raven just admitted that we kissed and they didn’t want to kick me out.

“Come on, Wolf. Between Eli and I, we should have something that will fit.”

“What about Raven? Shouldn’t we take her to get checked out or something?”

“Lucien, I’m fine. Really. I think the kiss and you coming to life took more out of me than I expected. That scryer said that you were getting power from me and now we know why. I was meant to bring you back. Now we have to get Stella back to Hell where she belongs.”

Ah yes, Stella.What are we going to do about her?

“Any luck finding where she is buried?” I ask, my eyes stopping on Jayce. I’ve hung around in the shadows long enough to know he’s usually the one with the plan.

“Ah, Raven told you that I was researching it. It’s kinda my thing.”That and I could see you when you couldn’t see me.

“I don’t know how useful a new back-to-life professor of history will be to help on this, but you have my word I’ll do what I can. Stella has to be stopped.” I stop and glance back at Raven, the girl who has literally shaken up my afterlife and the laws of life and death. “I won’t fail her.” Raven’s eyes soften but the mention of Stella has tension filling her expression.

“Do you know anything about ghosts or spirits?”

“That’s not the kind of history I taught. I’m not sure that I will be much help at all,” I admit. Feeling useless isn’t something I’m okay with so I’ll have to find a way to add to the group, to prove to Raven I’m a worthy companion.

“I think that you will be helpful, even if we use you and Raven as bait,” Eli says without skipping a beat.

“Stella is hellbent on killing Raven and keeping you. I’m sure that you will be very useful,” Jayce agrees. “You may just have to do a bit of acting.”

I’m not sure what they mean, but I know it can’t be good. Before I can overthink it, my stomach lets out a long rumble that startles me enough I jump.

Raven giggles a little as she rises to her feet. “I think we have some leftovers I can heat up for you. And just think, you finally get to experience the fast food era.” I’ve eyed some meals on campus that looked amazing and the reminder has my stomach rumbling all over again.

“Rav, you lay back down. I can handle that and Eli can get the clothes. We have to get things ready for our little excursion. You rest, we don’t know how much bringing a soul from the other side took out of you.” Guilt bubbles in me at the thought of hurting Raven. That is the last thing I want to do but I know she won’t want me to dwell on something that isn’t in my control.

Raven makes a face at Jayce but does as she is asked. "I’m a little lightheaded but don’t you three even think of leaving me here alone.”

“Oh yes, that was the plan. Leave you here as live bait for Stella to have her way with,” Eli jokes. I like the easy dynamic they have with each other. Right now, I feel a bit like a fourth wheel but hopefully, that will ease. Because even I can admit that being here with her, even them, justfeelsright. “Come on, Wolf. Let’s get you changed and ready.”

I don’t want to leave Raven alone, especially if Stella is lurking around but I remind myself that between the three of us she’ll be safe. Not to mention I’ll have to change from my outdated clothes if I don’t want to draw attention to us.

“I don’t require much and I appreciate all your kindness so far,” I tell them as we walk down the hall.

“If our girl likes you, then you’re fine by us,” Jayce states.

“Don’t thank us yet. I know I can be an asshole,” Eli pipes in.

“I think we can all be that way,” I counter.

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