Jesse’s frown deepens as she explains the situation, the well-worn creases around his eyes becoming more pronounced. It’s true that they’re not young anymore, but some things don’t get easier with time. They might not hit the same, might not have the same weight, but they become complex in new ways. Killing is one such thing. Even if justified, he knows what it can take out of a person.

“Those cats might not uphold the law when it matters, but they could still catch you at this and tear you apart. Did you think about that?” Plenty of Sleepers over the years have been killed by those cats for their actions, fair and unfair alike. The thought that he could have lost her tonight without even knowing… he’s not the least bit tired anymore, not with the adrenaline running high through his system.

“You should have told me.” His tone brooks no argument, and neither does his expression as he watches her in the mirror. “You could’ve died tonight Ashe, and I wouldn’t have even known where you were at. If somethin’ had gone wrong or they’d fought back harder than you expected, what were you gonna do then?”