Page 56 of Darkness Defined

“Demons, or at least Shadow Demons, live a really long time. The more we use our powers, the more our aging slows down. Probably has something to do with being part of a plane of existence that doesn’t observe the passage of time. So, the good news is I’ll probably look this good forever.” I did my best to maintain a stoic expression, but laughter won out.

Matt quirked a half smile at me. “A little full of yourself, aren’t you?”

“Eh, beauty may be a curse, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it.”

“Let me make sure I have this right.” He shifted around and put on a super serious expression that I couldn’t help but chuckle at. “You’re saying that because you’ve been using your powers for years, that you’ll look sixteen forever.”

I pressed my free hand to my chest and gasped in exaggerated insult. “Excuse you, I will be nineteen in a few months.”

“No way!” Matt’s face lit up with a joy that did a better job of intoxicating me than whatever alcohol he was plying us with. “When’s your birthday?”

“Yes, way. It’s in November. When’s yours?”

“I can’t believe you’re older than me. Mine is in February. The thirteenth.”

“Dang. So close.” I chuckled and gave him a crooked smile. “Still, I bet you’re a regular Casanova.”

He tilted his head to the side before taking another drink. “A what?”

“Casanova, Matt. Notorious guy who slept with like half of France.”

He scoffed. “I don’t know about that.”

I shrugged. “Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if he was some kind of supernatural in real life. Maybe one of the Fae. Those guys can get around.”

Matt looked at me with those absurdly full lips and high color on his cheeks. “How do you know all of this stuff?”

“Because, Matt, I want to.” I finished my drink and poured another, not sure how many that made. Judging by Matt’s slurring words, he’d had as many, if not more than me already.

“You seem like the kind of guy who usually gets what he wants.” He finished his latest drink, then rolled the empty glass between his hands. Night, he was cute.

“Not always,” I replied, casually setting my glass down next to the empty pitcher. I did a double take. When had we finished it?

“Oh really?” He laughed. “And when do you not?” he asked, turning to me.

I was waiting for him, though. When he turned, his lips met mine. I giggled to myself and sat back. I’d literally caught his laugh. Another giggle bubbled up, but he just sat there, staring blankly back.

Maybe I should give it back.

“Why are you looking at me like that? It was just-” My chest constricted.

Oh shit.

He blinked and turned to look straight ahead.

What have I done? I knew drinking with Matt was a bad idea.

He looked around at the room as if trying to figure out what to do.

“I didn’t mean to do that.” No response. “Matt,” I tried again.

The sound of his name seemed to break whatever spell he was under. He set his glass down on the coffee table and glanced at me out of the corner of his eye. “So…” The question trailed off.

This was my worst nightmare. He could barely even look at me. I swallowed. “It was an accident.”

“I’m getting that.”

“Matt, please.” I didn’t know what else to say.