“Really well,” I said. “I mean, we haven’t started the aura work yet, but...Alex, he’s helping me a lot.” I stopped, realizing that I couldn’t say much without going into a long explanation; I hadn’t told Alex about how worried I was in the first place.

“Good,” said Alex. “I’m glad.” And I knew he really was, though it was clear Seb still wasn’t his favourite person. He smiled, and brushed a strand of my hair back. “Got to make sure the guy earns his keep, at least.”

Earns his keep. Was I even earning mine? I tried to smile back, but suddenly it wasn’t easy.

“What?” said Alex.

“Nothing. It’s just...here I am, hanging out in the house with Seb, while you and the others are going on another hunt, maybe risking your lives—”

“Stop,” he said firmly. He reached for my hand; gripped it reassuringly. “What you’re doing here is just as important, Willow – I mean it.” He hesitated, looking down at our linked fingers. “And...I sort of wanted to talk to you about that. Now that the Council’s here in the city, I think maybe it’s better if—”

“I know,” I broke in. “Don’t worry, I’d already decided. I’m not coming on any more hunts until I’ve learned how to change my aura.” Though the thought of sitting at home while the others put themselves in danger grated at me, I couldn’t justify the threat that my half-angel energy posed, not when I knew it was possible to change it.

Alex nodded, looking conflicted. I could feel his relief that I wouldn’t be going out with them for the time being – but at the same time it bothered him that the team hadn’t really accepted me yet, and we both knew this wouldn’t help. Just then we heard the sound of the others, congregating in the kitchen.

“Better go,” he said. Leaning forward, he kissed me and I linked my arms around his neck, relishing the warmth of his lips on mine. It felt like it had been years, not days, since I’d been able to kiss him without worrying; I had a burst of relieved pleasure that was almost giddy. Now that I knew everything was okay, all I wanted was to be alone with Alex – really alone, for as long as possible.

“See you later,” he said when we drew apart. The look in his blue-grey eyes melted me. He kissed my nose. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” I stood against the wall, watching as he walked back through the firing range and disappeared into the kitchen. The sound of voices, the door opening and closing. My happiness faded and I sighed, hoping they were going to be okay. It felt so strange, Alex going someplace without me – this was almost the only time it had happened since we’d first met.