Free Dead and Beyond by Jayde Scott Page A

love them so much.” I smiled through gritted teeth as I tried to pry my body away. Didn’t work.
    A kiss.
    That eerie voice again. I groaned. I didn’t want to kiss the guy.
    “You look like you’re glued to the gate. Do you need any help?” Devon smiled. At least I was being an entertaining hostess in that my visitor had a good time.
    “Nah, I’m good.” I pushed one last time, realizing this was one strong apparition. In fact, maybe too strong for me. Ghosts usually hover around until they no longer feel they have unfinished business to tend to. This one probably died without ever kissing a guy. It was a strange request but not too unusual. I might never get it to leave, unless I fulfilled its last wish on earth so it could pass into the light.
    “Hey, there’s something on your face.” I waved Devon to inch closer.
    “Where?” He rubbed his hand over his forehead and mouth.
    I shook my head. “Nope, still there. Come here, let me get it for you.” He leaned forward until his face was mere inches from the metal bars. I squeezed my fingers through. “You can come closer, you know. I won’t bite.” I winked. “Unless you want me to.” I had no idea why I just said that. My mind must’ve switched off for a second. Or maybe the ghost wanted me to.
    He frowned slightly but didn’t comment as he leaned in until I could feel his breath on my skin. In one swift motion, my fingers wrapped around his neck and I pulled him against me, surprising him. My mouth moved fast, touching his cheek in a quick and sloppy kiss, then pulled back. My hands released their iron grip and I stopped to listen. The ghostly voice was gone, just like the strange breeze. Finally, I breathed out relieved and was even a bit proud of myself, not least because I had probably just warded off some major haunting attack.
    Confusion crossed Devon’s face, joined by suspicion and something else, but I didn’t want to hover around so he could start his interrogation. What could I possibly say? That a ghost made me do it? “I’ve got to go. Aidan will be back soon,” I said, jumping to my feet.
    “Sure. You wouldn’t want to keep him waiting,” Devon whispered. I was surprised he didn’t ask what the kiss was all about. Maybe he was too confused and needed time to think. I snorted to myself. Yeah, right! As if guys ever did that. Usually it was, kiss and NEXT.
    “Thanks for coming. It really means a lot.”
    “So I figured. I might’ve even been able to help if you actually told me what’s wrong. If you wanna talk—” His voice trailed off as his gaze brushed over me, and finally rested on my lips. I ignored the questions in his eyes. It was clear he was still thinking about our kiss.
    me, and finally rested on my lips. I ignored the questions in his eyes. It was clear he was still thinking about our kiss.
    “Yeah, I know where to find you. I might even take you up on the offer.”
    “You gonna be okay?” Concern mirrored in his voice. For a moment, I felt guilty because I had made him come all the way down here and now I was sending him away without telling him why I had needed to see him in the first place. Then again, he had almost guessed my reasons, so maybe I didn’t need to tell him after all.
    “I’ll be all right. Don’t worry.” I studied his features—perfect just like Aidan’s, and yet so different. I had always been a sucker for blue eyes, but there was something about Devon’s black gaze that mesmerized me. Something that beckoned to me, challenging me, daring me to look closer. I didn’t want to fall for it, but somehow I couldn’t help myself. My vision blurred slightly, as though I was looking through a window splattered with raindrops. A shiver ran down my spine. A soft whisper in my head urged me to do something. Definitely a ghost again. I groaned inwardly. Seriously, this whole necromancer business was a full-time job.
    “Will I see you again?” My voice came low, barely audible in my ears, and