Damian, he said into the White God's head. Take Brandon. You get your bargaining chip. I get my mate.

Damian studied him and then glanced at the Original Vamp. Mate?

Jonny's cheeks felt warm. Isn't that what you immortals call them? Mates?

Yeah. Didn't know the Black God was capable of having one. Damian started to smile. Help me convince Xander of it, and I'll tell Dusty to back down.

The idea Jonny had a bargaining chip, one that wasn't going to make Xander happy, almost made him smile. Not only that but for once, he wasn't the one being teamed up on by everyone else. He was involved in the politics instead of watching everyone else argue and waiting for them to smack him around.

"There's always Brandon," he said aloud. "He's going to need some serious rehab time with my sister. She can't regrow his eye or hand."

"He can heal at home," Xander replied.

"Not as well as he can here," the White God pointed out. "Bianca's skill set is definitely unique. She'll be able to help him adjust."

Xander shifted, his eyes narrowing. Jonny felt him prod his mind and neatly blocked it. The White God's wards around the compound weakened the power of anyone who entered, making it easier to fend off Xander's attempt to penetrate his thoughts.

"It doesn't have to be permanent, Xander," Jonny continued. "Give him some time to heal with Bianca. Then let him decide what he wants to do. I'm sure Damian will agree to help a Natural heal."

And then conscript him before he has a chance to refuse, Damian added into Jonny's mind.

Jonny coughed to cover his laugh. He didn't expect the humor from the man who had viewed him as either a child who needed schooling or an enemy who was lost - but never as an equal he joked around with.

The silence that followed was long, and Jonny willed his features unreadable by the Original Vamp who was always too sharp for people to hide much of anything from him.

"I know how powerful Bianca is. In theory, I don't object, but I do have one condition," Xander said finally. "Jessi has to agree or I will never, ever hear the end of it."

"I understand what it means to be terrified of the tiny woman you live with," Damian said wisely. "It's only fair Jessi makes the final call."

"Give me a few hours to talk to her."

"Darian," Damian called over his shoulder. "I know you're lurking. Give X a ride home."

The Grey God emerged from the shadows of the house and winked at Jonny as he approached. He strode to Xander and touched his arm, and they both disappeared.




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