Interest crossed the youth's face. He rose and approached her, followed by the intensity of a storm cloud. She instinctively retreated, but he took her arm to stop her and tilted her chin.
"He did," he confirmed. "He's a vampire. It's what he does. You're lucky he let you live."
She stared up at him.
"Jessi, let me get one thing straight. You and I both know what's at stake here," he started. His grip on her arm tightened. There was a strange glow in his gaze, a dangerous one that made her reconsider calling him.
"I know, but…" she trailed off, wincing as he squeezed her harder.
"But nothing. You want me to take it out on your cousins?"
"No."
"No excuses, Jessi. You do whatever you have to in order to get that necklace," he said. "You'll call me tomorrow with his schedule."
Pain radiated through her. She tried to pull away, but he yanked her back to him.
"Do you understand?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Your cousins' lives are at stake. I shouldn't be here reminding you," he said in a sharp voice. "You are the only person who can do this, or I'd kill all three of you now."
Jessi gasped. Jonny's eyes were burning with something inhuman. She held her breath, the pain in her arm crippling.
"You don't get another warning," he whispered.
He let her go.
"Hi, Jonny."
They turned in unison towards the speaker.
"Is something wrong?" Ashley asked, her smile fading.
"No," Jonny said in a softer voice. "We were talking about this weekend."
"Did you ask her?" Ashley's face glowed. "Jessi, did he tell you?"
Jonny's gaze was intense. "About the weekend trip? Yes, I did."
"Yeah. Sounds fun," Jessi forced herself to say.
"Jonny is so sweet to offer. He has a huge house in the forest. It's got like … oh," Ashley flushed. "I wasn't supposed to tell you I'd been there before. Sorry, Jonny."
"It's okay, Ash. We'll show her together this weekend." The youthful vampire smiled in return, appearing to be a normal teen there to visit a friend.
Jessi almost panicked. Ashley was gazing at him, completely in love with any guy who gave her the time of day.
"Finish your homework, Ashley. I'll start dinner in a few minutes," Jessi managed.
Ashley grinned at Jonny and darted down the hallway.
"Sweet girl," Jonny said.
"Stay away from her," Jessi snapped.
"Do your job."
Jonny turned and strode out.
Jessi watched him go, fear seizing her chest as she realized how dangerous he was. Her arm didn't just feel bruised; it felt damaged. She flexed her hand and winced at the pain it caused. Her forearm was starting to swell, as if he'd broken or sprained it. The pain was warm.