The Stalking Dead (Gang of Ghouls, #1)

by Eva Chase

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 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.

“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.”