When she spoke again, her voice was strained but controlled. "I'm not leaving."
Jax tilted his head curiously. "And why is that?"
"Because..." She glanced at Seris, then back at Jax. "Because I'm worried about Seris! Someone needs to watch over her! Make sure you don't do anything... inappropriate!"
Jax's expression went completely flat. "Inappropriate? Me?"
"Yes, you!" Astrid's confidence returned with a vengeance. "You're a known predator and I have seen it through my own eyes!"
She made a smug face, crossing her arms triumphantly.
"But your magic failed miserably in front of me. That's why you're treating me this way. I've known your tricks from the beginning, and that's exactly why you're pushing me aside."
Seris stepped forward awkwardly. "Astrid, I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine—"
"No!" Astrid grabbed her hands desperately. "I won't leave you alone with this... this..."
She struggled to find an insult that wouldn't trigger Jax's wrath again.
