That's what I assumed, anyway. I'd never touched Edgar, despite wanting to. But I was scared of what would happen. His body didn't look fully tangible. What if my hand went right through him? The idea of falling for an alpha I couldn't touch—and who couldn't touch me back—was heartbreaking.
Ugh, why was I thinking about touching Edgar? I kicked those thoughts away.
“Now, now,” Edgar said calmly. “Melwasmaking a documentary.”
“You don't even know what a documentary is,” Bert said, deadpan.
“I believe it involves filming a video of some kind?” Edgar shot back.
Bert met his gaze, then sighed. “Fine, whatever. As long as this guy wasn't bothering you.”
“His name is notthis guy,” Edgar said, puffing out his chest. “I told you his name is Mel, and he is my dear friend.”
There it was again. My heart did a backflip. Not only had he stood up for me, but he did it while using a term of endearment. Could he be any sweeter?
Bert nodded slowly. “Okay, Edgar, if you say so. I don't want humans to take advantage of you. The ones who can see you, I mean.” He gave me a knowing look.
“I'd never take advantage of Edgar,” I said honestly. The idea of it made my stomach twist in discomfort.
Bert made a face like he didn't quite believe me. “So you're filming him out of the goodness of your heart?”
“I asked for Edgar's consent to be filmed,” I said. “And if he retracts it at any time, I'll stop and won't post anything. I care about him, not the videos.”
A smile flitted across Edgar's face. Meanwhile, Bert finally sighed and gave in.
“You seem like a decent guy, Mel. I just don't want to see Edgar get hurt,” Bert said.
“I have no intention of hurting him,” I promised.
I wanted to say more—I wanted to say that Ireallyliked Edgar, but I didn't want to blurt out my embarrassing feelings in front of them.
Edgar clapped his hands. “Then it's settled!”
“What's settled?” Bert asked.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you! I'll be spending Halloween night with dear Mel,” Edgar announced. His visible excitement manifested as blue wisps floating around him.
“You're leaving the houseandthe cemetery grounds?” Bert asked, flabbergasted.
“Indeed. I'm going on a grand adventure.” Edgar winked at me. “Come, Mel. While the night is still young!”
“Erm... okay. Have fun?” Bert called out after us.
As we left the cemetery and the path opened up to the main road, exhilaration filled my blood. Edgar was right next to me, floating down the city street on Halloween night. It was like a wish come true.
Edgar gazed around with awe. “So many sights and sounds... It's overwhelming!” He let out a whooping laugh of enjoyment.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched him. “You've never been out here before?”
“Never! What's the fun in exploring alone? Everything is better with a friend.”
That was an odd way of thinking, but I understood what he meant. I'd often dreamed of a companion to go ghost-hunting with me. It just wasn't the same by myself. Maybe Edgar and I were more alike than I originally assumed.
“Did Bert not want to go with you?” I asked.
Edgar shook his head. “Bert was afraid of people seeing me, I think. But not everyone is like you and him. Most people have no clue I exist. Look around us.”
I followed his gaze. The streets were full of people, many of them dressed up in fun costumes fitting the occasion. Nobody batted an eye at Edgar.
