Xander's Chance

Tears forming, Jessi sank into her couch, eyes on the photo of her and the two teens she was supposed to be taking care of. She was a horrible guardian.

"Ashley!" she called.

Her cousin hurried back, her face falling when she realized Jonny was gone.

"I don't want you talking to that kid," Jessi said.

"Jonny?" Ashley appeared genuinely surprised. "He's been nice to me. He rescued me the other night."

"Yeah, well, he's a wacko."

"You're so lame." Ashley rolled her eyes.

"Ash, I'm serious."

"First I have to check in every other hour and now I can't see Jonny." Ashley's face flushed. "You can't tell me what to do."

"Like hell I can't!" Jessi snapped. "I'll ground your ass for weeks if you don't listen to me."

"You're never home anyway. You have no idea what I do when you're out."

Jessi bit her tongue, not wanting to get into a pissing match with her cousin. She drew a deep breath.

"Look, just do me a favor this week. Don't see Jonny. We'll see how it goes with your healing and then talk about it this weekend," she said.

Ashley hesitated. There were still circles under her eyes and she was paler than normal.

"Okay?" Jessi prodded.

"Whatever."

It was as close to a yes as she was going to get. Ashley stormed back to her room and slammed the door.

Jesse leaned against the wall. She had to keep it together. Wiping her face, she forced herself to breathe steadily. Jonny was right. All three of their lives were at stake. It was one stupid necklace.

Owned by a vampire much larger than this one. If she took it, what would Xander do?

Could she risk finding out?

Jessi rose. Too much was on the line for her to give up. If Xander hadn't erased the events calendar, she'd know where he'd be so she could search his house for the necklace.

When you're ready to talk, let me know.

Why did she have the feeling his deal involved making her Tuesday? There was no way she was sleeping with a man like that. If he threw out every woman he slept with, she'd have to save this option for a last resort, in case he fired her the morning after. If she wasn't certain she'd be able to take the necklace out the door with her, she was screwed.

At least the offer was on the table, barring any anger he had at her slapping him today.

"I'm not to that point yet," she told herself. She needed to figure out when he was leaving the house, so she could find the necklace and be done with the vampires.