Chapter 14

After drinking the potion Magnus had prepared to cloak his scent, Alec and the warlock had indeed taken that promised stroll around the city, stopping at some of the more popular touristy places. They had even done a bit of shopping, which at first Alec had protested vehemently, and the two were now enjoying lunch together in Central Park.

The scenery was an absolutely magnificent sight; a colorful canvas of reds and yellows clinging to trees and lining the green carpeted park floor. Flowers were still alive and blooming. And the downworlders and mundanes flittering about, were ripe for people watching. Even the various pets running about, added to the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

They'd found a perfect spot, one giving them a direct view of the beautiful pond that sat in the centre of the park. Although they were glamoured into invisibilty, they didn't want to sit out in the open, as it was a fairly warm day despite the summer having officially ended. With that they were both very grateful for the shade and peaceful seclusion that the quickly turning trees offered.

Magnus had conjured a large blanket, big enough for the two of them to comfortably lay out on, and a picnic basket filled with some goodies to go along with the fresh pastries Alec had insisted on purchasing at a nearby bakery. He was sitting upright with his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles, while Alec layed beside him, the omega's head resting comfortably in his lap. The two were discussing in-depth about wards, and magic in general. Alec had been curious as to how Magnus could have possibly gotten pass the wards at the Institute, to teleport the items he'd insisted on purchasing for him, into his bedroom. Magnus was explaining how most warlocks left themselves a secret backdoor in the wards they created, and it was simply a matter of finding it.

"So you're telling me that you can portal into the Institute, just like that...whenever you want, no problem?"

"Yes," Magnus confirmed as he hovered a hand over Alec's mouth, offering him a grape, his other hand playing gingerly in the shadowhunter's hair. The raven tresses were just so soft, he couldn't help but to continously run his fingers through them. "I can get through just about any ward I want to if I put my mind to it," Magnus explained. "Whoever created your previous wards, did a very lousy job. I'm actually suprised you lot haven't had any break-ins already. It was very easily penetrable. Which is why I made sure to put up new ones."

"And let me guess..." Alec smiled knowingly. "You've of course left yourself a backdoor." It wasn't a question.

Magnus chuckled. "Don't worry darling, I won't sneak into your bedroom at night. Well...unless of course you want me to." His grin was downright devilish as he wiggled his eye brows suggestively, causing Alec to groan, blushing a beautiful pink. The shadowhunter quickly hid his flushed face against Magnus' shirt.

"Let me see you, Alexander," Magnus coaxed, trying to get Alec's face away from the red silken fabric. "You know how much I love it when you blush." He trailed his fingers down Alec's sides, attempting to tickle the shadowhunter. But Alec was swift, and grabbed his hands. Magnus wasn't about to give up though. And the two of them ended up wrestling around on the blanket, trying to tickle each other.

He could definitely get use to this, Magnus thought, trying to catch his breath as Alec succeeded in pinning him down and straddled his lap: spending his days just being with his mate, relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

Someone looking at the two of them would have no doubt found it difficult to believe that they'd only known each other for a few days...a week perhaps. Time was of no relevance though, especially when it came to mates, fated mates. And even more so with Magnus being a warlock. Minutes could feel like days, days like years, sometimes with the opposite being the case. With Alec, Magnus felt like they'd known other forever. Yet at same time, he felt like he didn't know Alec at all...an ever growing craving to spend even more time with his beautiful omega.

A steamy make-out session, and a few minutes later after they'd managed to calm down and a comfortable silence had fallen between them, Magnus asked, "Do you want me to be in the room with you when you talk to your parents or...?"

"I really don't think that will be necessary," said Alec, looking up at Magnus. He was once again laying down with his head resting comfortably in the warlock's lap. "I feel like this is something I need to do alone."

During their stroll around the city, Alec had come to the logical conclusion, that he needed to tell his parents about what had happened. He didn't hate Jonathan, nor did he wish him any harm, but he just didn't want to be around the blonde if he didn't have to be. Maybe some day he would be able to forgive what Jonathan did. But for now, he just wanted his peace of mind, and to be able to focus wholly on his and Magnus' relationship. Magnus had agreed with his decision, adding his own thoughts and concerns. For one, he wanted to stay with Alec until everything was sorted. Which Alec of course didn't think was necessary, and had told Magnus as much.

"I still don't think you need to camp out at the Institute until Jonathan leaves," Alec reiterated, but Magnus shook his head.

"I meant what I said, Alexander. I'm not leaving you there with that...that person around." Magnus could feel his anger flaring up once again and tried not to let it seep into his voice. "If your parents don't immediately show him the door, then you're leaving with me. That was our deal. Remember?"

"I do," Alec hummed, thinking back once again to their earlier conversation. After Alec had told Magnus what he intended to do, not only had the warlock pledged not to leave his side, he had also made it clear that if Alec's parents didn't act as expected, then he would.

"I'm going to burn the bastard alive," Magnus had said. "For his sake, your parents had better show him the first portal back to Idris...preferably into a waiting dungeon."

Alec had done his best to temper his angered alpha, and the two of them had come to an understanding. One which, now looking back, Alec supposed he hadn't taken completely serious at the time, but Magnus obviously had.

If Alec's parents, for whatever reason were to allow Jonathan stay at the Institute, then Magnus would leave the shadowhunter be, if and only if Alec moved in with him. Alec didn't have a problem agreeing to this then, and he didn't have a problem with it now. Apart from the fact that Magnus was his mate, he was falling fast. He was tumbling head over heals, and would love nothing more than to go to bed and wake up, with Magnus' face being the first, and last thing he saw. And besides, the way he saw it, if his parents didn't react how he expected them to, then forget about Jonathan, he couldn't be around them anymore.

"This whole thing is just so annoying," Alec muttered with a groan, more so to himself than to Magnus. "I mean why would he even think to come here? Why now?"

"Who knows?" Magnus said, smoothing his fingers through Alec's hair, and releasing the tiniest bit of magic to soothe his agitated mate.

Apart of him was already starting to regret suggesting this whole courtship thing. The main reason why he'd even suggested it was because he didn't want to rush things, but also he'd wanted to give Alec's family a chance to get used to him...to them. He'd wanted to do things the right way, not just for Alec, but for himself as well. Now, he was starting to think that perhaps they should have just gone ahead and immediately did the Promise Rites; made their relationship wholly official. With what his father told him, and the situation at the Institute, he didn't want Alec out of his sight for even a moment.

"I hope it doesn't feel as if I am pressuring you, Alexander." Magnus said after a few beats. "To move in with me, I mean. It's really not my intention. I just need to know that you're safe. I honestly don't think I would be able to sleep knowing that there was a possibility of you being in danger."

"It's fine, Magnus." Alec assured, staring up at the warlock with nothing but honesty in his eyes. "I understand how you feel. I'm sure if the roles were reversed, I would feel the same way too. Let's just see what happens. Ok?"

Almost as if he couldn't help himself, Magnus leaned down and captured Alec's lips in a soft, tender kiss, pouring all of what he felt for the shadowhunter into it. "Hmm delicious," he moaned at sweet taste of wine on Alec's lips.

Alec chuckled, then sighed when Magnus pulled away. "I wish we could just stay like this forever," he said, enjoying Magnus' gentle caresses as the warlock's fingers massaged his scalp, the lovely autumn scenery adding to his feeling of contentment.

"I'm sure I could arrange something," said Magnus, smiling down at his mate. "There must be a spell somewhere capable of freezing time."

"Would you really do that if you could?" Alec asked, genuinely curious.

"Sure. Why not? Not this particular moment though. I'm sure we'll have much more time freezing worthy moments than this one," said Magnus.

"For instance...?"

"Well, one specific one comes to mind," Magnus smirked. With that mischievous glint in the warlock's eyes, Alec knew immediately what moment Magnus was talking about. He scoffed and elbowed his chuckling mate in the stomach.

"Ouch," Magnus gave a mock shout of pain, though still laughing. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Alexander. I was talking about a kissing moment...a kissing moment. "

"Right..." Alec drawled, rolling his eyes.

"Ok, ok. You've got me." Magnus admitted. "What better moment to freeze in time than the moment I truly make you mine. Hmm?"

Alec had no retort. He felt a sizzling shiver roll down his spine at the myriad of emotions swirling in Magnus' gaze. The warlock was looking down at him as if he was the most precious thing in world. His golden-green eyes blazed with a fire and a hunger, that threatened to consume Alec's very being.

"Magnus," he breathed. Then, Magnus was kissing him again.

That was how the two spent the rest of the early afternoon: relaxing in each other's arms, enjoying each other's company, taking turns feeding each other sweet treats, and just talking about any and everything. At a point, they'd even chased each other around the park, stopping at the pond to feed the ducks. It was almost four o'clock when they decided that it was time to head back to the Institute.

~ooOoo~

Alec and Magnus stepped out of the shimmering portal with their hands tucked snugly in each other. Now that he was back at the Institute, Alec could feel all of the stress that he'd managed to shed throughout the day, spending time with Magnus, already rushing back full force. He suddenly wanted to turn around and go back to the park.

"Are you ready for this?" Magnus asked, giving his hand an encouraging squeeze. Taking a calming breath, Alec nodded, humming his reply. The two then made their way towards the steps that led into the Institute. It was time to confront the situation head on, thought Alec, get this long over due conversation with his parents, over and done with.

'Great, now the place is going to reek of Downworlders.'

The insult was but a whisper. It floated in the air as they walked by the two guards posted just inside of the large double doors of the Institute's entrance. Alec halted immediately, causing Magnus to stop as well.

Although Magnus had heard the insult, he'd chosen to ignore it. After all, it was nothing new to him. It wasn't the first time he'd heard such insults, and would most definately not be the last. Shadowhunters, their ranking notwithstanding, have always thought themselves better than downworlders. And this shadowhunter in particular, was either very brave or very stupid, Magnus thought, to have chanced insulting him. Even with the knowledge of who Magnus was. Normally he would've dealt with the person, shadowhunter or not, by landing them a quick blow. Or, if he was in a particularly good mood, make a quippy comeback. This time however, he wanted to be on his best behavior for Alec's sake. After all, they had much more important matters than silly snide remarks, to attend to.

However, Alec didn't share in Magnus' apparent indifference to the situation. "I'm sorry, what?" He turned to look the two guards over, but neither of them said anything, choosing instead to remain stone faced. Alec didn't need a confession though. He would recognize that snobbish, condescending voice anywhere. Raj.

"Is there something you'd like to get off your chest?" Alec had let go of Magnus' hand and was now standing directly in front of Raj, staring him down.

"Alexander..." Magnus sighed, moving back to Alec's side. As touched as he was that Alec wanted to defend him, he didn't want them causing a scene. Not right now.

"Magnus..." Alec turned determined blue eyes on the warlock for a brief moment, before turning his gaze back to the shadowhunter, whose snide comment had only succeeded in fueling the fire already burning inside of him. "If we don't stomp down these moments of bigotry and disrespect when they arise..." his eyes bore into the overly cocky beta, "...then they'll only persist. What is it you were you saying?" His question directed at Raj.

After several beats, seeming to find his voice, the dark haired shadowhunter straightened his shoulders with a huff and spoke up. "Look, I'm not saying anything that we're not all thinking here. Of all the people you could've picked as your mate..." Raj looked Magnus up and down, a look of disgust marring his usually handsome features. "...you chose a filthy downworlder rat." It appeared as if once he'd started his rant, the beta just couldn't seem stop himself. "You're a disgrace to your family. A disgrace to your..."

Alec would've liked to say that he was surprised, but he wasn't. The only thing that had some what surprised him, was not what Raj was saying, but that it had taken this long...that it was only now just happening. It was rather brave of Raj, Alec had to admit, to come out and express what almost everyone was most likely thinking. Alec wasn't stupid. He knew that most of his fellow shadowhunters resented him for his choice. This was only to be expected. He'd gone completely contrary to what had been expected of him. And besides, it's not like he hadn't seen the looks or heard the whispers every time he walked into a room, he just hadn't allowed any of it to bother him...and it didn't. But he would be damned if he allowed anyone to insult Magnus, especially in his presence.

Before Alec could react however, Magnus struck. A rope of red magic shot forth from the warlock's fingers like a bolt of lightening, striking the shadowhunter, wrapping itself around his neck, cutting off his rantings.

Alec's eyes grew wide, watching as Raj began convulsing, the beta's hands instictively going to his neck as he fought to breathe.

"Magnus..." Alec gasped. The other guard who had been standing next to Raj - also a beta - quickly jumped back with a shout, getting into a fighting stance with his seraph blade drawn at the ready.

Magnus could take any insult. But what he would never accept, was someone insulting his mate. "Listen you sniveling little insignificant speck..." he spat dangerously even as Raj started turning an ugly shade of blue, his eyes bloodshot and briming with tears. "It will do you well to mind your words when next you're addressing my mate. Infact..." Magnus paused, his now dark, almost black eyes narrowing. "I suggest you forget Alexander's entire existence all together."

Other shadowhunters who had been milling around and took notice of the confrontation, started converging on the scene...some with their weapons drawn. Alec moved quickly to stand as a blockade in front of Magnus, seemingly ready to shield the warlock from any oncoming attacks. "Stand down," he ordered in a controlled voice, booming with authority. The eight or so shadowhunters immediately paused their advancement, looking around at each other with confused mutterings, not sure of what they should do. Alec really wished he had his bow in that moment. Not that he thought the situation would get to the point of him needing it, nor would he ever want to harm his fellow shadowhunters, but... As the saying goes: 'better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have'. Thus, he would have felt a whole lot better if he had it.

"Magnus." His voice held a sense of urgency. Alec glanced back at the warlock momentarily with worried eyes, before quickly focusing back on the shadowhunters gathered in the entrance hall. He knew he couldn't trust them not to attack Magnus if they saw an opportunity to. The scene looked bad. And even he had to admit that as things stood, technically speaking, they would only - and rightfully so - be trying to rescue their fellow shadowhunter.

But what Alec didn't know, was that Magnus had already placed a protective bubble around the two of them that would shield them from any possible attacks. The omega seemed to have forgotten - perhaps caught up in the heat of the moment - that Magnus was one of, if not the most powerful warlock alive. And if need be, Magnus could handily take on the entire Institute of shadowhunters. So in essence, him standing as a blockade in front of Magnus wasn't necessarily protecting the warlock from the shadowhunters if they were to attack, but it was actually the other way around.

"Please let him go," Alec implored. But Magnus made no move to release the slowly suffocating shadowhunter.

"The idiot insulted you," Magnus growled, the glamour over his eyes falling momentarily.

"Yes, and you as well, but that..."

Magnus scoffed at that, cutting Alec off. He was absolutely livid. The demon within him...the proud alpha that he was...wanted to rip the insolent beta's head off. In that moment he didn't care about being insulted, he cared about Alec. Challenging such a powerful alpha as Magnus was bad enough, but insulting his mate...and in his presence... No self respecting alpha would stand for that. And most especially not Magnus.

"We can deal with this another way, Magnus." Alec went on. "Preferably one that doesn't involve causing a strain on shadowhunter/downworlder relations. He's not worth the trouble..." As Alec spoke, a battle clad ready looking Izzy came into view.

"Don't you idiots have anything better to do?" She addressed the eight or so shadowhunters, some of them looking like they were just itching for a fight, as she sashayed into the entrance hall like the true alpha that she was. "Leave!" She bellowed after a few beats, when none of them made any effort to move.

Almost reluctantly, the shadowhunters began leaving the scene. Probably returning to their ever constant training, Magnus thought momentarily as he felt Alec's hand come to rest in the middle of his back.

"...it's alright..." Alec was saying, his voice calming the angered alpha. "Just let him go." He gestured with a tilt of his head towards the still spasming Raj. With a heavy sigh of exasperation, Magnus clenched his hand into a fist, causing the fiery rope of lightening around Raj's neck to tighten in one final squeeze, before he yanked his hand back, releasing the shadowhunter.