The Black God

His own experience with Others left him soured on the Watchers as well, for they had the power to stop the Others and had left the job to him.

"You won't return," Jonny said, the menace and threat in his voice clear. "Ever."

"I will not, ikir." The Watcher said. "If you do not object, I wanted to thank your mate for her help."

"You've spoken to her before?" Anger flared to life inside him at the thought of the Watcher anywhere near Ashley.

"Yes, ikir. I told her how to break the bone weapons to help you. You see, I'm not your enemy. I'm -"

"I don't give a fuck what you are," Jonny snapped. "If you go near her, I will spend my eternity making you suffer." His hands squeezed the creature's neck reflexively.

"Easy," Damian said, resting a hand on his forearm. "I hate these things as much as you do. But he poses no threat. And sometimes, letting someone go who might help you down the road is the smartest thing you can do."

Jonny didn't move, but he reined in the side of him that wanted to feel warm Watcher's blood sliding down his throat.

"Especially since Ashley's grandfather is a Watcher. Having a blood tie to someone with this power is smart."

"I remember Xander saying that," Jonny said. "It's why Jessi, Brandon and Ash are stronger than normal Naturals."

"Yes, ikir," the Watcher choked out.

"Alliances are important to have in your position," Damian advised.

Jonny loosened his grip and then dropped his hand completely. He had learned as much from Xander and his own experience battling Others and then Valon.

"Thank you, ikir." The Watcher sounded too cheerful. Jonny had the urge to strangle him again.

"Get the fuck out of here," he ordered. "And stay away from all of us."

The Watcher nodded his head and winked out of existence in a spark of green.

Jonny rolled his shoulders back and faced Damian.

The White God was smiling. "You did good."

"I did what I had to," Jonny replied.

"And you're certain you can take a Natural into your organization and keep her safe?"

"Absolutely."

"For being my mortal enemy, you aren't so bad." Damian said with a snort. "You gotta keep the catch and release protocol in place or I'll be at your door."

"I understand," Jonny replied. "I want you and the Originals out of my business. Permanently."

"That can be arranged. Get the fuck out of my database."

Jonny hid a smile. "Fine." Stuart had mirrored it. He wasn't going to stop seeking out Naturals with gifts to vamp and help rebuild his organization, but Damian didn't need to know that. He'd learned many lessons the first few years in charge of the vamps. Among them, he wasn't going to be caught off guard by anything or anyone ever again. His people deserved to have lines of defense against the rest of the world.