She paced and watched his methodical movements, wanting to hurry him so he'd give her a straight answer. Finally, she approached him.
"You're killing me, Jonny!" she uttered. "Are you going to let me search for Brandon or not?"
Jonny sat back, at eye level with her from his seated position. "We had a bad night last night," he started. "Charles estimates we lost about eighty and we're still searching for another ten. Valon hit us hard."
"I can help."
"If you're well enough."
"Even if I'm not … Jonny, I can fight better than a squad of your vamps. Charles knows it, too."
He reached out to cup her neck in one large hand. He pulled her closer to him until she stood between his parted thighs. Uncertain what to do with her hands, she rested them on his lean thighs and quickly grew too aware of his body heat reaching her through the thin material. A shiver of heat and tickle of energy went through her at his nearness and the heady scent of him after their sparring session. She held his gaze and willed her weakness to lie low for now. Her breathing quickened, and her stomach fluttered beneath the intensity of his look.
"Healing runs in my family, Ash. I can't do it well to others, but I can feel it if you're not ready for another night like the one you had."
Her heart fell. "You can patch the seizure before it drops me."
"Not if you're in battle and I can't feel it coming."
"Jonny," she wetted her lips, terrified he meant to keep her from her brother. "Brandon needs me. Your vamps need me. If I start to feel it coming on, I'll stop fighting and leave."
"You think I believe that?" Amusement was in his gaze. "I couldn't scare you off with sucking your blood. You won't stop with Brandon in danger."
True. She didn't know what else to say.
"I said I'll consider it, and I will. I know Charles could use the help," he added. "I'll check your body closer to the raid time."
"I will do anything, Jonny," she whispered. She searched his face. "Anything in the world."
"That's dangerous, Ashley," he said just as quietly. "I'm not the person you knew. I won't walk away."
"I know that." She swallowed hard, eyes going to his lips. "I can help you with what Charles was trying to tell you."
Jonny lifted an inquisitive eyebrow. "Meaning …"
"The part of you that's afraid to feel. I can help you remember," she said.
"You think I'm afraid of something?" He appeared genuinely surprised.