His power stopped her seizure. She lay still, breathing raggedly and balled up on her side.
"I don't want … your help," she whispered weakly. "Unless it's for … Brandon."
"Quiet, Ash. You aren't fooling anyone."
An expression of torment crossed her features. She swiped his hand away. "Get away from me."
"You brought this on yourself," he reminded her. "I'm the one trying to find a solution that lets you live."
Her eyes opened. She peered up at him, gaze foggy. His power was working its way through her system, soothing her despite her rejection.
"Traveling fucks you up," he added. "That's why you have episodes more frequently when you Travel."
"I didn't … someone …" she clamped her mouth closed.
Someone else had dropped her off. He knew it wasn't Xander. It had to be another Guardian, and they were supposed to know his property was off limits.
"Your body can't handle it." He touched her again to assess her. "You can't be in direct contact with someone who Travels or you risk this happening."
"I hate you … Jonny."
He was almost disappointed his talk last night appeared to have worked. He almost believed her this time, unlike yesterday. "I became the Black God when I killed my predecessor to save my sister's life," he said quietly, thoughts on the idle threat he'd made before about turning her into his personal food source. It was starting to look like a viable option. He had to do something about her challenging him in front of his own vamps. "What would you do to save Brandon?"
"Anything," she replied without hesitation.
"Are you sure?"
Ashley nodded.
"You may not like what I have in mind."
Unease was in her eyes. She forced herself into a seated position and leaned against the wall for support. She was weak, trembling, pale. She resembled the girl he remembered from four years ago rather than the strong warrior she had become. "Are you going to blackmail me, too?" she ventured when he said nothing else.
"I'm considering it."
"I can't hack. All I can do is fight."
Jonny touched the light scarring on the side of her neck. "You can do more than that, Ashley."
She recoiled.
"You've got all the time in the world to think about it," he said and rose once more. "We'll discuss it later." This time when he left, he didn't pause or turn back. What he planned wasn't going to win him any favor with Xander or Damian. Chances were, it was going to end up a huge mistake since he already struggled not to feel anything when she was around.