It was a good three hours before a grim-faced Ben appeared again. Even without the expression, his taut body language told Asher immediately that his friend was furious. He stood quickly, hurrying around his desk.

“What’s happened?” he asked.

“That man ...” Ben shook his head, needing more control before he could speak. “That man wants me to retire. Wants to close the church, except for special occasions.”

“What? Can he do that?” Asher asked.

“He’s going to try.” Ben began to pace. “He intends to bring the bishop here for the Christmas service. If we can’t fill the church then, he says we won’t fill it anytime. He doesn’t care we look after our community in other ways, like the mums and bubs, or the after sixties teas.”

“Is it because I’m here? I can resign --” Asher started but Ben stopped him with an impatient gesture.

“No, it’s me. He wants me gone. Encouraging me to retire, he called it. For the best. Well, he just threw down the gauntlet and if he wants a fight, then he’ll get one. And my first blow will be to contact the bishop and register my disgust.” Ben turned sharply and returned tohis office.

His heart aching for his friend, his eyes blurred by tears, Asher stumbled his way into the church. All he could think of was being in Oz’s arms, being comforted by his lover. In his shock and grief, he forgot about the psychic link he shared with Oz.

“Asher, are you okay?” At Ivy’s voice, Asher looked up just as Oz, in his demon form, appeared.

It was then that Asher saw that Ivy wasn’t alone. The whole committee were standing there, staring.

“I’m ... I’m sorry,” Asher whispered to Oz. “But this isn’t a good time.”

“Oz stared past Asher toward the entire congregation. “Yeah, no, I can see that.”

“I forgot about the link I’ll see you at home tonight.” Asher looked at Oz, waiting for his husband to vanish.

Oz looked skyward, then leaned in toward Asher. “For fuck’s sake, at least pretend to banish me.”

Asher’s eyes went wide. “Oh yeah. Shoo, naughty one.”

With a deep sigh, Oz spun around, vanishing in a spiral of red smoke. For a few seconds, Asher stared at where his lover had been, then turned slowly around.

The committee remained staring, then Jez broke the silence by roaring with laughter, and clapping. To Asher’s shock the others joined in before Ivy approached him.

“I think it’s time we told you that we know Oz is a demon, Asher. Ben knows, too, but he didn’t tell us. I come from a long line of kitchen witches, Ivy has talents of her own, and Jez is a shifter.”

“He ... he is? You are?” Asher shook his head. “I ... don’t understand.” He felt dizzy, disorientated, and Jez steadied him as he swayed on his feet.

There was another red flash, and Oz materialised again, growling at the group surrounding Asher.

“Asher. Are you all right?” he demanded, his voice reverberating around the church, tail flicking back and forth like a cat’s.

“I think it’s all been a bit much for him, Oz,” Ivy indicated for him to come forward. “You’re both among friends, I promise.”

“Asher?” Oz came forward, wrapping his arms around Asher who leaned against his lover.

“They know,” he whispered.

“We’ll leave.” Oz announced, but Nel dashed forward, Ivy at her side.

“No, we want you to stay. Both of you.”