Read Online Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost - Free Book Online

“What more did they say?”
    Fabian gave him a shrewd look. “I don’t want to be forgotten any longer.”
    “Of course not,” Bones agreed. “I’ve got a grand memory, I’ll remember you forever.”
    “That’s not what he means.”
    It was one of the few times I’d spoken in their conversation. Hell, I couldn’t swap tales about early-twentieth-century life, the sadness of seeing automobiles replace horses, or what the air smelled like before fossil fuels. But this part I understood.
    “Fabian wants companionship,” I said. “He’s lonely. That’s what you mean, isn’t it?”
    “Yes.” Maybe it was the reflection of the sunlight, but there could have been tears in the ghost’s eyes. “I want a home. Oh, I know I can’t have a real family anymore, but I want to belong to someone again.”
    Some things never change. The need for companionship transcends mortality or immortality.
    Bones had a resigned expression on his face. “Taking in strays, Kitten? Not without rules first. Any deviance from these, Fabian, would result in an immediate exorcism by the most qualified spook-slayer I could find, savvy?”
    “I’m listening.” Fabian tried to look blasé, but he was almost quivering in excitement.
    “First, you do not report any information about me, my wife, or my people to anyone alive, dead, undead, or otherwise. Got it?”
    Fabian’s head bobbed. “Agreed.”
    “Privacy is to be respected just as if you were a real boy, mate. If you think being a ghost allows for voyeurism, you’re mistaken.”
    An indignant huff. “I will excuse your misassumption of my character on the basis of current debauchery, which is so common among modern persons.”
    “Is that a yes?” I asked with a laugh.
    “Yes.”
    “Right.” Bones cracked his knuckles. “And lastly, no bragging about your accommodations. I don’t want to be chased everywhere by needy spirits. Not a bloody word, understood?”
    “Inescapably.”
    “Then we have an agreement, Fabian du Brac.”
    The ghost smiled one of the happiest smiles I’d ever seen. Bones rose from his chair. I followed suit, taking a last swallow from my glass.
    “All right, Fabian, you’re one of mine now. Can’t say it’s the best arrangement you could aspire to, but I promise if you abide by our accord, you won’t ever lack for a home again.”
    We left the outside patio area and headed back to the house, the ghost trailing behind us with one hand on my shoulder.

S EVEN

    B ONES TOLD ME TO WEAR BOOTS . A T FIRST I thought they were for storing weapons, but nothing beyond my feet went into my new leather boots. My other new clothes consisted of a pair of midnight-blue pants and a white blouse. I didn’t have on any jewelry except for my engagement ring. Liza had wanted to do my hair, but I declined. This wasn’t a party. It was a polite confrontation.
    We left the house on foot after our escort arrived. His name was Jacques, and he was a ghoul. Jacques had skin dark as pitch, and a subdued but resonating power emanated from him. Bones had negotiated beforehand that he would walk with me to a certain point. After that, Jacques would show me the way. I wasn’t armed, and my lack of weapons made me feel like I was only half-dressed. I missed my knives. They felt familiar and comforting to me. Guess that in itself marked me as a weirdo.
    Bones walked abreast of me, my hand in his. From the sureness of his steps, he knew where we were going. Jacques didn’t chat on the way. I didn’t talk, either, not wanting to say anything the ghoul could later use against me. Just like being arrested, I had the right to remain silent. Of course, anything I wanted to say to Bones, I could just think at him. Times like this, his mind-reading skill came in handy.
    Fabian hovered about a hundred feet away, flitting in and out of the buildings as if he were minding his own ghostly business. Jacques never once looked in his direction. It was amazing how ignored ghosts were by