Page 34 of Halluci-Dating A Demon
My kind adapts to wherever they are and whoever’s around them. Elias is a campfire I want to be surrounded by, dancing in the heat and light he doesn’t realize he’s capable of until he’s been fed with what he needs to produce it.
“Weird, because I was about to say the same about you. I haven’t slept that long without interruption in months.” He drops beside me, dragging me into his lap. “I did, however, get more sleep when you started coming around, but then you’d leave . . . I’m sure that was a coincidence though.”
“I actually . . .” I let out a soft chuckle. “We have the ability to make your body more relaxed whenever we’re close enough. It’show we keep humans under paralysis for longer. I didn’t even mean to do it. My being so relaxed must have brought it on.”
His lips twitch, curving into a crooked smile. “In that case, feel free to share a bed with me anytime you want.”
“Oh, if I did that, we’d probably never get out of it.”
He sucks in a breath, eyes darkening. “You already convinced me; you don’t have to oversell it.”
Laughter trickles out of me and he smashes his lips to mine. We kiss, cuddle, and kiss. When our breaths are both ragged and our lips are bruised, we take a break to eat lunch. Elias is sitting right next to me, his body spilling over into my chair, foot pressed to mine and hand on my leg. He really does love physical touch and I’m happy to volunteer as tribute.
“So, what movie are we watching tomorrow?” My fork makes a scratching sound against my plate. Yes, I know it’s weird for someone who doesn’t need to eat to have so much cookware and glassware, but without it my house would be so empty. It’s also nice to have on hand for when my human friends visit—acquaintances,is probably the more accurate term. They’re accepting of me but also see me as different.
It's all in the way they look at me and occasionally make me feel left out. Elias is different. In his eyes I’m not someone to study or figure out, there’s no hesitation, and if anything, he’s more comfortable with me in this form than he was when I was human.
The others make suggestions for how I could blend in, while Elias is perfectly okay with me standing out beside him. He wants to take me out somewhere and is so eager he’s surprised me with tickets. Going out with me in public was never a second-guess in his mind, and I really need to stop accidentally peeking, but my power is full force with him being so hyped up.
“It’s a surprise.” He drags his fingers across his lips as if to zip them shut.
Chuckling, I lift a forkful of chicken to my lips. Savory goodness dances on my tongue, and how does human food have a right to be this good?
“I don’t think I’ve been out to a theater with someone before. I usually go alone.”
His eyebrows dip. “What . . . why?”
I shrug my shoulders. “No one’s ever asked me. I get invited to people’s houses all the time but never anywhere outside them.”
He frowns. “That’s strange. And these are friends of yours?”
“Kinda,” I say, shoving more food into my mouth.
“They don’t sound like any friends I’d want.”
“They’re all I have here. I mean, I have some monster friends but there are some species who think they’re too good to socialize with mine. People see us all as schemers and tricksters without realizing I’m not that kind of demon.”
His brow furrows and he rests a hand on my thigh, kissing my ear. “I don’t see you as any of that. I think you’re wonderful.”
Sparks flash inside me and I lean into his lips. “You sure you aren’t worried I’ll steal your soul?”
A puff of air hits my cheek and he shakes his head. “No, but I’d probably gladly hand it over if you asked me to.”
I snort, pressing my lips to his, and it always feels so right. Like everything I could ever need. Pulling away, he goes back to eating his food and we talk about what else there is to do here. The skating rink, parks, swimming pools, and ponds.
“What about that lake you took me to . . . the one with all the weird-looking fish and turtles.”
I flash a smile, chasing down my food with some water before responding. “Yes, except we don’t call them lakes. They’re just bodies of fresh water. Some have salt as well and are filled with healing properties.”
His eyes widen, full of wonder. “Can we go to the one you took me to before? Like in person?”
My gaze drifts to the table and I fumble with a napkin. “We can, but I don’t know how safe it’ll be.” A thought comes to me and I look back at him. “I’ve never done this before but always wanted to try it. I think it’s possible if I have enough energy.”
“What is?” His eyes shine.
“You know how I can visit you from wherever I’m from?”
“Kinda, yeah.” Resting his chin on his closed fist, he leans closer. “Tell me about it.”
