"Darian was here. Said he found some Others nearby," she said, watching Jonny carefully.
"I need more heads for my collection," the Black God said with vehemence. "I'm losing vamps right and left to them."
"They've started attacking?" she asked, unable to detect any duplicity in the anger he directed at the Others.
"Yesterday. It's another reason I was so harsh with you last night," he explained. "If you go back to Damian, I have no leverage to get him to help me."
After her discovery in the forest, Jenn wasn't certain what to believe. The Black God didn't give off any of the signs she knew would mean he was lying. His anger looked too real to be faked. If he wasn't working with Others, then what was going on?
"Something isn't right," she voiced.
"More than you know," he replied. "How do I fight an enemy I can't see until it's wiped out a few dozen of my vamps?"
"Darian can."
"Until you leave." The flash of darkness crossed Jonny's face again. "Then where am I?"
"The Grey God is sworn to help," Jenn reminded him. "He'll rid the planet of anything that comes from the immortal world to threaten us."
"No, Jenn," the Black God said with a shake of his head. "I've heard about the Grey God that existed long ago. Xander told me everything. I know why he was killed. It'll happen again."
"What're you talking about?"
"The Grey God existed for a very short time, and he was supposed to balance out the two worlds. But he didn't, Jenn. Darian was born in the immortal world. He belongs to that world. He will end ours to preserve his."
"Jonny, that's not true. Darian is a Guardian first and foremost. He's sworn to protect our world."
"Is that what he told you?"
"It's the same with every Guardian."
Jonny gazed at her for a long moment, more troubled than ever. He glanced at his vamps, several of which had moved closer while pretending not to listen. Jenn held her ground when the Black God marched towards her. He took her arm and hauled her down the hall and up the stairs to his chamber. Jenn bristled, but Jonny locked the door and ignored her, striding to his desk.
He dug out his black notebook from the depths of a desk drawer and held it out to her. She hesitated then took it, trying not to act too eager to read its secrets. She'd been looking for it for weeks now.