Porter always had the dish on everybody on campus-a bigger gossip Eli didn't know. Strange since he never saw Porter talking to anyone. Porter might be outgoing with Eli, but he was shy with everyone else. "You think he'd go out with me?"

"Why not? You're cute. I mean, I'm not partial to redheads, but you have that fresh-faced appeal some guys want to mess up."

"Um, thanks, I think. I just hope I'm attractive to Devin. It's not like he's ever asked me out and I haven't heard the triplets are shy."

Porter grabbed Eli's wrist and pulled him up and off the bed. "Go. Do it now while he's still thinking of you as the guy who stopped him from being electrocuted. Besides, what's the worst thing he could do? Say no?"

Eli ran a shaky hand through his hair. "Besides crush me completely? Nothing."

Chapter Two.

Devin flipped to the next page of his math book. The equations were all spinning round, his mind focused on what had happened earlier. He shied away from memories of the charred professor. Without Eli's warning, he could've been fried and dead like Professor Kalvin. Devin had been sitting in the front of the room and several students there had been burnt-the ones who hadn't listened to Eli. Idiots. Anyone could hear the desperation in Eli's voice when he'd told everyone to get down. Devin hadn't known if Eli was clairvoyant, but he knew better than to ignore a warning. Of course, it had been more shocking to find out Eli was a necromancer than a seer.

The campus buzzed with the story of Eli's assistant professor ghost. Students were shocked at the teacher's death, but even more surprised to hear about a real necromancer among them. Devin was going to go to the library tomorrow and do some research. Necromancers were the least known specialty, so hopefully the next time he talked to Eli, he could pretend some knowledge about the subject. Dean had told Devin he'd seen Eli watching him. Devin had tried to catch the gorgeous redhead's eye ever since, but Eli's natural shyness prevented him from making a connection.

When he'd spoken to Eli earlier, Devin's confidence had abandoned him and he'd stumbled to speak. Usually easygoing around men and women, it had been a weird experience to worry about saying the wrong thing. He'd stressed over scaring off the pretty redhead. In the end, he'd patted Eli on the shoulder and rushed away, not speaking any of the words aching to get out.

A knock on his door pulled Devin's attention away from his book. Thankful for the interruption, he rushed to open the door. Maybe one of his friends wanted to go have an early dinner or something.

"Eli!" Devin's hands turned clammy. He tried to subtly rub them on his pants. "What are you doing here?"

"I, um, wanted to talk to you if you have a minute." Eli shoved in his hands into his pockets and shifted from foot to foot.

Devin realized the redhead was nervous. "Come on in. My brothers and Farren are in class."

"So it's true, Farren did move in here?" Eli darted his gaze around the dorm, taking in everything with his remarkable eyes.

Devin could imagine all kinds of situations where staring into Eli's gaze would be an enjoyable experience.

"Yeah." Devin's brother Dan had completely fallen for his djinn mate. Of course everyone still thought Farren was a fire wizard, but that was for the best. "Luckily we have two separate bedrooms, because I do not need to know why Farren makes those noises at night."

Eli laughed. "Yeah, that would be creepy. I'm hoping my older brother never has sex. The thought of him reproducing keeps me awake at night." He shuddered dramatically.

"I can imagine." Frederick hadn't made a good impression on Devin the first-or tenth-time he'd met Eli's brother. He'd had a class with the jerk a few times and they'd never gotten along.

"You know Frederick?"

"I met him. I don't want to offend you, but he's kind of a prick."

"Yep. You definitely met Frederick." A wry smile crossed Eli's face. "He tends to rub people the wrong way, by speaking-and breathing. It's probably because he takes after Father. They're both pompous asses."

Devin didn't know what to say to that. He loved his brothers with a fierce loyalty. He didn't know how he'd react if one of them had an abrasive personality. "Want a drink?"

"No. I don't need anything, thanks." Eli glanced at the floor, the walls, anywhere but at Devin.

Devin smiled at the shy man. "So what did you come here to talk to me about? Thanks again for saving my life, by the way," Devin blurted out the words then blushed. He sounded like a lovesick idiot. He didn't know Eli well enough to be acting so stupid over him. His reputation as a smooth playboy suffered chips and dings in Eli's presence.

"We don't know for sure you would've been hit, but you're welcome anyway. I'm more embarrassed that I didn't know the teacher's assistant was a ghost."

Tension unfurled in Devin's chest. "Did you want to have a seat?" He pointed to the couch. Their sitting area was enough for the four men living there, but it suddenly seemed too small. Devin dragged in a deep breath. The smell of something rich and dark filled his nose. He stepped closer.

"What are you doing?"

"You smell amazing." How had he never noticed Eli's scent before? He now understood the wolves' compulsion to sniff at their mate. Not that he considered Eli his mate, but he definitely was someone he'd like to see more of.

"Um, thanks. Listen, would you like to go out sometime? To grab coffee or a movie or something?"

Devin stepped closer. He hadn't been certain Eli was gay despite the fact that his brothers claimed Eli watched him with a hungry gaze. Dan and Dean had both transferred to a different class after two sessions with Professor Kalvin. Devin had stayed because he hadn't wanted to leave Eli. He had to admit he enjoyed the younger man's attention. Although he didn't suffer from a lack of dates, Eli's gaze had a soft, wistful quality Devin couldn't resist. However, he'd been unable to go over and talk to the redhead before now.

"I would love to have coffee or something." Naked mud wrestling, dozens of body shots, anything at all. He sniffed at Eli again, trying to be discreet, but from the puzzled look he received, he doubted he'd done a good job.

"Really?" Eli seemed to have run out of steam now that Devin had actually agreed to go out with him.

Devin clenched his fists to resist reaching out and grabbing Eli. "I think we should kiss to make sure we're compatible before we waste time going out, don't you?"

"You think?"

"Absolutely."

"Well, if it will save time." Eli's eyes widened with fake innocence as he watched Devin.

"That's what I was thinking." Devin took Eli's right hand and led him to the couch. "Sit and get comfortable. It might take a while."

Eli laughed. "I see. Is it going to be a long experiment?"

"Possibly, or I'm being optimistic."

"I appreciate optimism."

"Let me know if I'm moving too fast." Devin didn't want to scare Eli off or make the younger man think all he wanted was a quick fuck. Devin really just wanted a kiss, not that he'd turn down anything else Eli might offer. He'd been attracted to the redhead for months and he didn't want to deter him from a closer relationship. This might be his only chance to make a good impression.

Eli sat down on the couch and looked up at Devin, his expression unsure. "We're just going to kiss, right?"

"Right. Not that I wouldn't want to do more at some point but we should get to know each other first." Devin couldn't believe those words had actually made it past his lips. He'd had many encounters in clubs where he hadn't even learned the guy's name before letting him suck him off. Eli was different. The combination of innocence and hunger called to Devin and twisted him in knots.

He sat down beside Eli and cupped his cheek with a shaking hand. Closing his eyes, Devin brushed his lips against Eli's, an intimate meeting of mouths that sizzled down his spine despite the tenderness in his touch.

Eli's soft moan encouraged Devin to seek more contact. Sliding his tongue across Eli's lips, he begged for entrance. Eli opened his mouth and allowed the familiarity, twining his tongue alongside Devin's in return.

Devin slid his fingers into Eli's hair and tilted his head. The little bit of angle increased their contact. Devin moaned, his cock pressed at his zipper, eager for attention. As much as he'd promised only a kiss, his body craved more. His entire body clenched with need.

Eli's fingers sliding across his back melted Devin and had him scooting closer. Pressing their chests together, he pushed Eli farther into the cushions, relishing the contact.

A quick knock rapped against the door. Devin groaned. "Sorry- Don't go anywhere. Let me go see who that is."

He pressed a kiss on Eli's cheek before standing, unable to completely leave without another touch. Could necromancers be incubi too? Now that he'd touched and tasted Eli, Devin craved more. He opened the door to find Mary Sue Banin on the other side. She and Devin had become friends after she'd confessed that she had a huge crush on Dean. The pair of them had been trying to figure out how to get Dean to notice her. Still devastated from his girlfriend's death, Dean didn't date anymore. Devin and Mary Sue were plotting to end Dean's dry spell.

"Hey, Devin, we all set for tonight?" the perky brunette asked, stepping into the room.

"Oh, damn, I forgot about that." He winced as he realized he'd forgotten about his promise to help her get together with Dean. "Yeah, I'll be there. Dean, Dan and Farren should meet us."

"I'll just get going," Eli said. Devin turned around to find the redhead standing. Eli flashed Devin a disappointed look before heading to the door.

"Wait, Eli, you don't have to go," Devin argued even as he moved out of the way. Eli's glare should've incinerated him on the spot. Good thing Eli wasn't like Dan's boyfriend. Farren probably would've set him on fire.

"I-I'll talk to you later," Eli tossed over his shoulder.

"Okay, if you're sure." Devin wouldn't let Eli escape that easily. Luckily he knew where Eli lived. The dorm wasn't that big.

Eli nodded. He gave Devin a shaky smile before scooting around him and Mary Sue.

"Did I interrupt something?" Mary Sue watched Eli go, a frown creasing her smooth forehead. She twirled a strand of hair around her finger as she contemplated Eli's back.

"Yes. But nothing that can't be fixed." Hopefully. If he'd just ruined things with Eli, he wouldn't forgive himself any time soon.

"Good. He's cute. Did you make a move on him?" She pointed in the direction Eli headed.

"I was trying to, but you interrupted." Devin let his displeasure show. If she'd come a few hours later he might've gotten more than a kiss from the reserved necromancer.

"Sorry." Her eyes danced with amusement.

"No you're not." He couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping. "I'll catch up with him later. I don't want him to think I'm fickle." He knew gossip around campus would work against him. Eli had probably heard all about Devin's dating past.

"I'm sure he'll be fine once you explain that I'm not after you. On the plus side, at least your guy likes you." Mary sighed. "I don't think Dean is ever going to notice me."

Devin didn't know what to say to make her feel better. Dean hadn't told Devin his feelings one way or another. "We'll meet up over pizza and see how it goes. Are your friends coming?"

Mary Sue nodded, her curls bouncing with her vehemence. "Yeah, I've recruited a few of them to be my cover. Dean is bound to notice me."

"Good." If she really wanted Dean's attention, she'd have to do more than look pretty, but Devin held back the words, not wanting to hurt Mary Sue's feelings. An attractive woman might garner Dean's appreciation, but he wouldn't stick with a woman who didn't appeal to him mentally too.

He couldn't believe he'd given up another possible kiss from a pretty necromancer for this.

Mary Sue tapped a finger on her chin. "We'll bump into you around seven and see if I can pull Dean from his rut. Maybe you can get that cute student to go with you? What's his specialty anyway?"

"Necromancy."

"Wow." Mary Sue's eyes widened larger than an anime character's. "He's cute. Do you think he's bi?"

"No." He might be willing to help Mary Sue with Dean, but no way was he helping her with Elijah. "He's gay."

Devin didn't know if Eli was bi or gay or whatever, but he knew he wanted him with an unusual obsession.

Mary Sue grinned. "I see how it is. I'll keep my claws out of him then. Want me to put the word out that he's off the market?"

He thought about it for a split second before shaking his head. "No. Not yet. We've barely started talking-it might be a bit premature to stake my claim." He wanted to keep Eli to himself but no way did he want word of his obsession to reach Eli yet. Let the necromancer think he was calling the shots. Some guys liked to think they were in charge. Whether Eli thought that way, he didn't know, but part of the fun of dating was getting to know each other. He just had to convince Eli that he was worth the effort.

"Well, let me know. I'm always willing to help out a fellow love-seeker."

"Will do." He kissed Mary Sue on the cheek then watched her saunter away. Too bad he didn't feel the least bit of sexual chemistry between them. She was a nice girl, a little aggressive for his taste, but she'd make some lucky guy a wonderful girlfriend. Whether that guy was Dean remained to be seen.

He closed the door and went back to his studies. His mind kept returning to thoughts of Eli. The slide of the necromancer's mouth and his incredible taste burst into Devin's memory and he groaned. Frustrated, he threw his pencil across the room, need burning in him. His cock pushed against his zipper as if trying to burst its way out. Traitorous body. He'd never figure out the magical composition of a third level fire spell if he couldn't concentrate.

Devin stood up, pushing back his chair with more force than necessary before marching to his bedroom. He locked the door behind him. He didn't want Dean to walk in while he was taking care of his problem.

Thoughts of Eli didn't help his erection go down. He would have to take the edge off if he planned on getting any studying done. Devin couldn't remember the last time someone, anyone, had excited him like Eli. He wasn't shy about sex, but seeking a deeper relationship had Devin struggling in shark-infested waters.

Lying down on his bed, he lowered his zipper. His cock sprang free, seeking release. Devin sighed, pleased for the first time that he couldn't find any clean underwear that morning. Blindly he grabbed a bottle of lube out of his drawer. He flicked the lid then poured a bit onto his palm. Gripping his erection, he slid his right hand up and down cock. The hard rod jerked in his hold.

"Yesss," Devin hissed.

Images of Eli's face after they'd kissed flashed through his head like a moving picture. Soft eyes, silky mouth, everything needed to keep Devin enthralled. Devin licked his lips, imagining he could taste Eli again. He began a jerky rhythm-squeeze and pump, pump and squeeze. It took him little time to spurt out his release.

"Ahh," he sighed. Minutes passed before his heartbeat slowed and he could catch his breath. His orgasm had taken away some of the stress he'd been under since his brush with death.

A necromancer. What would it be like to date a guy who could talk to ghosts? A man so powerful he hadn't realized the ghosts he saw weren't real people? Devin had always assumed spirits would appear as faded figures, outlines of the shape they'd been when alive. Apparently that wasn't true Devin felt a pang of protectiveness toward the younger student. As a senior, it was his last year in the school before going off to start his professional career. He and his brothers were planning to go into business together. As a tri-fold power, they were much stronger combined than alone. Still, as much as he loved his siblings, he longed for a lover of his own. With Dan finding Farren, the feeling had only increased. If Eli turned out to be his soul mate, how would a necromancer fit in with the four of them?

Only time would tell.

Eli opened his dorm room door to find Porter waiting inside.

"How did it go?" Porter sat up, his expression as excited as a child waiting for a bedtime story.

"He said yes." Eli blushed even as despair almost choked him.

"And?"

"We kissed." He bit his lip, his stomach churning. Overall, this had turned out to be a day of dramatic highs and lows.

"How was it?"

Eli sighed. "Great, then his girlfriend came by and asked if they were still going out." Eli frowned as the incident washed away the happy memory of their kiss. He'd have been willing to do so much more if they hadn't been interrupted.

Anger darkened Porter's warm brown eyes. "Bastard. Want me to go kick his ass?"

Eli sighed. "No. I knew he was bi. I just didn't know he was a cheater. I guess he's one of those guys who think because he's bi he gets one of each. Fucker."

"Did you ask him about it?"

"No. I'm not confrontational like that." Eli had spent his lifetime avoiding attention. To confront someone went counter to his personality. His stomach churned and he swallowed to keep the bile down his throat. Tears threatened but he blinked them back. Devin wasn't worth crying over-they hadn't been involved. Eli's dramatic reaction had more to do with crushed expectations than a real life commitment.