Keeley Thomson (Book 4): Demon Trap by P.S. Power Page B

a bit of focus she was able to track things as they happened. Finias watched for a while, waiting for a lull, with part of Zack noticing him instantly, and another totally oblivious to what was happening, except his work.
    Finally the Greater Demon got to the counter and started chatting. That part was strange, since it wasn't about anything important at all, he really seemed to just be making conversation.
    "I was wondering if you have plans for Christmas? I was thinking we could get together, perhaps for dinner?" The words had too much charm to them and made Keeley role her eyes. She couldn't tell what her father wanted with Zack, not directly, since his mind was closed right now, just like hers was, but unless the goal was to pick him up, he was coming on too strong.
    Zack answered, sounding a bit hesitant.
    "Um, well, I don't really know. My grandparents are in town, so I'll be with them part of the day, then, you know, my girlfriend and I should be doing something." It was horribly polite of him to phrase it that way, really. Finias practically ignored it all.
    "Wonderful! We can all get together. Say six in the evening? I'll see you then." He smiled happily and walked out, stopping when he noticed Hally, which was followed by a solid connect that tried to read Keeley, but failed. The Greater Demon could probably force his way in, no matter what she did, but he didn't, just walking over instead.
    "Keeley! How wonderful to see you. You too, miss. Hally York, isn't it?" He shook hands with her, but they'd met before, so even though she was a bit wide eyed the girl nodded.
    "Hello!" There was a chipper tone to the words and a smile that seemed totally real and was. Dan Carmichael was kind of hot, after all. What wasn't to like?
    She gestured for him to sit, but didn't buy him a treat. Instead she ate her own for a moment before speaking.
    "This is Hally. She's mine. For that matter, I'm fairly certain that Zack is as well, unless you wish to explain your prior claim on him? I noticed you seemed to be trying to get his attention pretty hard in there. Since he isn't into men, I think you might want to dial that back a notch." She grinned and then winked at her biological father. After all, it wasn't like he didn't know what he was doing. Even if it didn't make sense to her based on the information she had at the moment.
    "Yes, well... He's not yours. I've been watching him since he was a child. Technically he'd be your brother's, but that shouldn't be paid too much heed. Isn't that why you're attempting to lay claim to him now? To draw Xenses to you?"
    That just got a nod.
    "That's true. So, we should talk about that, don't you think? Maybe not here. I don't know, perhaps if you're not busy seeming like you want to pick up store clerks, you could stop by my house later? Say six or so? The main one, since I know that Sherry would love to see you too." She also wouldn't care if Zack was a Greater Demon, or not.
    It wasn't that subtle, but no one else got it and Dan snorted at her, a bit derisively.
    "You can cut the old and wise act, you know. Everyone knows your secret now. A bit of a shame, but I haven't heard of anyone planning against you yet. Which means it will only be others of our own kind doing so then, most likely."
    "Good to hear. What makes you think that this is an act though? Can't it just be my naturally clever personality coming through?" She giggled a little, which was on purpose, making herself seem young, but not going over the top with it. "I suppose I could try a bit harder to blend in. Be a real girl for a while. Go get drunk and lose my virginity in the back seat of a compact car or something."
    That or joint the cheerleaders squad. She'd avoided that so far though, but she had been in the school play in November, not the female lead, just as an extra, since it wouldn't do to suddenly take the first spot in anything really. She had the looks for it, but didn't need the attention yet. She'd accidently