The Stalking Dead (Gang of Ghouls, #1)

by Eva Chase

Near-death experiences have this funny way of putting everything else in perspective. I almost kicked the bucket in five feet of murky marsh water when I was six, and compared to that, nothing at Lovell Rise College could be all that horrifying. Even if this was my first full day back in town after seven years in a mental hospital.

I felt the attention of all three of my men shift to me. They were my men—I’d been the leader of the Skullbreakers, and they’d been my closest colleagues as we built the gang together.

Nox spoke up first, which was fair since he was the man in charge. “The teacher’s mine. Let’s see how the idiots around here like it when they’ve got a real authority figure.” He chuckled. “I’ll take the one with all the friends who follow him around listening to what he says,” Ruin announced. “Lots of people to ‘play’ with. And I’ve got tons of better things to tell them about Lily.” “I can go with the grades-obsessed guy who just wanted to be left alone,” Jett said. “Works for me.” He turned his attention my way. “Or were you hoping to take the nerd, Kai?” I snorted. “It wouldn’t work in my favor very well if I picked the one with the same strengths I already have. I’m happy to take the football player. My brains and his brawn should be an unstoppable combination.”

Ruin bounded right at me, throwing his almost-as-brawny arms around me. Right. I’d forgotten that when he had arms, he was a hugger.

Mr. Grimes had styled his short hair up in little spikes, dyed black with crimson at the tips.

Ansel had gone for a vibrant fox-red. Vincent had turned his blond locks a deep plum and cut them so they flopped across his dark eyes instead of tucking behind his ears. Zach had only darkened his brown hair to a richer shade, but he was also sporting a pair of rectangular glasses that looked unexpectedly natural on his face.

“We’re going to do right by you,” he said. “If that’s what you want right now, then that’s what we’ll give you. But we are going to be here when you need more than that, and I don’t think it’s going to be very long before you do.”

“Tell me you didn’t just try to justify attempted murder on the basis that you needed a good workout.” Vincent had been pretty dour most of the time I’d seen him, but now a hint of a smile touched his lips. “If it’s accurate…”

You’re with us, Minnow, just like you’re meant to be, and we can show you ten times better than any fucking normal.”

“No one but you. There never will be anyone else from now on. And I don’t mean just for enjoying ourselves. You’ve got my whole heart.”