"No one can kill Jonny but a godslayer," Xander continued.
"I meant in general. Not just him," she said. "Like, how does someone kill Darian or -"
"I can read minds, Ash. You know how I feel about lying and deception."
Her shoulders sagged. "I know," she mumbled. "I just … thought you'd be mad."
Xander eyed her.
"For the record, I just do what Ash says," Brandon said, sensing the vamp's dissatisfaction.
"Shut up!" She slapped his arm.
"Let me guess. You thought no one knew you were running around beating up vamps," Xander went on. "But Jonny figured it out."
Ashley sneaked a look at him. He didn't appear angry, but it was really hard to tell with Xander. "How did you know about the vamps?"
"The local Guardian station called me. They've been tracking the movements of a certain vigilante, one they hope to bring into the organization," Xander replied. "One they can't track because said vigilante appears to be a mind manipulator as well as a Natural warrior, which is virtually impossible." He eyed Brandon. "Unless it's a fighter and mind manipulator working together."
Brandon mumbled something under his breath.
Ashley cleared her throat. "Okay, so yeah. We've been tracking vamps and beating them up. And yeah, Jonny found out."
"I couldn't care at all about the vamps. I do care about how he found you," Xander said. "And what his intentions are."
She started to reach for the fang scars on her neck then stopped, knowing this was an interrogation, even if it occurred over the weekly family dinner.
"He told me we need to back off," Brandon replied.
"Me, too," Ashley seconded.
The uncomfortable quiet was broken up by Alex banging his spoon on the table. Ashley toyed with her food. Brandon was staring at his water glass.
"Brandon, take Alex to his room," Xander said finally.
Brandon bolted up, and Ashley glared at him for abandoning her.
When they were gone, Xander rose and motioned for her to follow him. He led her outside to the private beach that stretched a quarter mile in each direction. The sun was close to setting, the ocean breeze cool.
Ashley crossed her arms, sensing she was in trouble, and walked alongside him.
"I know your motivation for learning to fight," Xander started. "I know it's because of what happened. You're not stupid enough to challenge Jonny, are you?"
She sighed in exasperation. "It's not stupid to beat up his vamps and help humans!"
"It is if your goal is to get to Jonny. What's your plan, Ash?"
"Xander … I …" she stopped, uncertain what to say that wouldn't get her in more trouble.