Chapter 21

"I'm sorry, Alec. But this was the only way."

The expression on Jonathan's face could not be mistaken for anything else other than that of genuine remorse. It was a truly pitiful look, one that could pull at the heart strings of anyone seeing it.

....that is of course, anyone except for Alec.

Forgetting how weak his body currently felt, Alec's movements were swift as he lept off of the bed. He was going to rip Jonathan apart with his bare hands. He was going to wipe that pitiful look off of the bastard's face. And when he was done with him, there would be nothing left of him but a bloody heap. Unfortunately, as soon as Alec placed all of his weight on his legs, his legs gave out and he collapsed to the floor.

Jonathan was by his side in an instant. Wrapping his arms around Alec's shoulder, he attempted to help him up, only for Alec to push him away.

"Get off of me!" Alec screamed as the two of them grappled on the floor; Jonathan attempting to craddle Alec, Alec pushing his hands away, all whilst simultaneously attacking him.

"Don't touch me!"

Jonathan suffered one blow after another. The bitter taste of blood exploded in his mouth as he tried evading Alec's next punch, grabbing the omega's hands. "Alec, stop!" Jonathan licked the blood off of his lips, leaving a red tint behind, "Please just listen me. I'm not going to hurt you."

"But I'm going to hurt you!"

Alec managed to pull his hands free of Jonathan's grasp, landing yet another blow to the alpha's cheek. Jonathan refused to fully fight back. This continued, the two of them tearing and pulling at each other, until Alec, in his current condition, eventually wore himself out.

Jonathan, sitting behind Alec on the floor, had both his arms and legs wrapped securely around him, keeping him in place. Alec was seething. "Let - me - go," he managed through gritted teeth, his breathing heavy.

Jonathan's breaths were just as heavy, replying, "Only if you promise to calm down. Stop fighting me." His hot breath tickled Alec's ear as he leaned in closer, causing goosebumps to flood the omega's body. "I really don't want to have to drug you again," he whispered. "I'll much rather have you conscious."

It was because of this last statement that Alec finally stopped struggling. His body suddenly went lax in Jonathan's embrace. Even his breathing slowed down, worrying the alpha momentarily.

Seeing that Alec was alright, "Do you need me to help you up?" Jonathan offered.

Alec didn't respond, but nonetheless, Jonathan took his silence as acceptance and helped him up.

With Jonathan's assistance, Alec layed back down on the bed, shuffling his body until he was once again leaning against the headboard.

Jonathan sat down beside him on the edge of the bed. "Are you alright?" He asked. "Do you need anything?"

Yes. For you to die, thought Alec as he begrudgingly took in Jonathan's concerned expression, his own expression one of absolute disdain.

"Water? Something to eat?" Jonathan continued to question unperturbed.

Despite how dry his throat felt, Alec also felt like his insides were in knots, as if someone had tied his intestines and organs together. He didn't think he could keep anything down even if he tried. Therefore, drinking, not to talk of eating anything, was definately out of the question. And besides, how could he be sure that Jonathan wasn't just trying to drug him again.

Thinking about it, Alec shook his head, subconsciously bringing his hand up to rub at his sore neck, "I'm fine."

"Good. Because all of this...lover's concern...was starting to make me bit nauseous," Camille, who'd been pretending to admire her manicure this entire time, suddenly interjected, causing Jonathan's head to quickly snap in her direction.

"Camille," the alpha drawled, the warning clear in his voice.

However, Camille didn't seem the least bit concerned, asking him with an air of innocence, "What did I say? Isn't that why he's here?"

Alec's ears perked up at that. Upon Jonathan's grand entrance, he'd already put two and two together, but hearing the confirmation was just.... It was still somehow gut wrenching. He watched as the two exchanged several harsh glances. It was as if they were having an entire conversation, using only their eyes.

After some few beats of silent back and forth, the battle finally came to an end with Camille rolling her eyes.

Shifting her gaze towards Alec, "I guess I'll leave you two to it then." Camille then snapped her fingers at Walker before turning around to leave the room.

Walker quickly followed on her heels. The sickly looking vampire looked back at Alec one last time, smiling, before closing the door behind him.

As soon as Alec was certain that they were truly alone, his expression changed to one seemingly showing concern. "Jonathan, what are you doing.... you're working with Camille now? Are you crazy?" Whispered Alec. A small part of him was hoping that perhaps Jonathan could still be reasoned with.

"I had no choice," Jonathan explained. He stood up and began pacing beside the bed. "You wouldn't listen to me," he stressed, his demeanor that of someone truly at their wits end. "You chose that warlock over me, over your own people."

"And you thought joining forces with Camille and kidnapping me, would make me accept you?" Alec could feel an even bigger head ache coming on. In fact, he was starting to feel feverish. What in all of hell was Jonathan thinking? What kind of sick twisted mind...

"It doesn't matter if you accept me right now," Jonathan explained. "All I have to do is wait. In ten days time, you won't have any choice but to accept me."

Alec felt like his head was about to explode. So this was indeed Jonathan's plan; keep him here until his birthday and then what... mate with him by force? Then with him out of the way, Camille could worm her way back into Magnus' arms.

"I would rather die!" Alec screamed, his voice cracking.

"Don't say that!" Jonathan bellowed in return, his breathing chaotic. After taking several deep breaths, he sat back down on the bed. He reached for Alec, trying to touch his face, but Alec quickly turned his head away, causing Jonathan to release a tired sigh. With his hand still hanging in the air, Jonathan softened his expression, his voice now eerily calm, "Once we become mates, you won't feel that way anymore."

Alec knew that he needed to be smart; control his emotions. It was the only way that he was going to get out of this situation alive and wholly intact. Still, this was easier said than done. The more Jonathan spoke, the more he wanted to scream.

Jonathan placed his hand that was still hanging in the air on Alec's shoulder in a comforting gesture. "We used to be bestfriends. We use to care deeply for each other. I know we can have that again. You'll see."

Alec met and held Jonathan's gaze, his eyes boring into the alpha, "You won't get away with this," he assured him. "Magnus will find me. And when he does..."

"Don't worry," said Jonathan, cutting him off. "He won't. If the rumors in the downworld are to be trusted, then your little warlock is about to have his hands full very soon."

Alec started at that, his brows knitting together, "What do you mean?" Was Magnus in some kind of trouble?

A devilish smile curved at the corners of Jonathan's lips, "It's nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over. Just don't expect your little warlock friend to be leading a rescue mission anytime soon."

~ooOoo~

"And?" Maryse asked as soon as Robert entered their joint office. This question did not need any further clarification.

Robert sighed as he approached the large antique desk. "And..." he answered, the exhaustion clear in his voice. "He insists that he doesn't know anything."

Maryse frowned in confusion, "And you believe him?"

After Magnus had left them, Robert had continued to question Raj. Unfortunately, Raj was still sticking to his story. And at this point, Robert wasn't really sure what to believe.

Maryse was furious. How could this be? She was really starting to believe that Raj was somehow involved. Could they be wrong? "What exactly did he say? Perhaps he needs to be encouraged."

Robert's expression was unreadable, the implication of Maryse's suggestion not at all lost on him. "Now you're starting to sound a lot like Magnus Bane," he admonished.

Needless to say that Maryse was not at all pleased with the comparison. "Do not compare me with that demon, who's probably getting some sick twisted pleasure out of all of this. Do you think I'm happy suggesting the torture of one of our own? As much as I might dislike Raj...."

Maryse didn't finish her statement. Sighing, she closed her eyes and took a calming breath before she continued, "This is about finding our son, That being said, if Raj is proving difficult..."

Robert was not at all surprised with his mate's reasoning. That was one of the big differences between the two of them; she tended to start the fires, whilst he did his best to put them out.

After thinking for a moment, he reminded her, "There's still another way."

Maryse immediately shook her head, "No. We've already agreed. That is a last resort. We're not there yet, there's still time. We'll be bringing down the entire Clave upon our heads. It will no longer just be about finding Alec and you know it."

Robert hissed through gritted teeth, roughly slamming his hand down on the desk in frustration. They both knew that it was only a matter of time before the Clave realized that something was wrong. That is if they hadn't already.

Maryse stood up from the desk and joined him in front. "We just need a lead in the right direction. There must be another way without involving the Clave."

"What about the guards who were on duty lastnight...did any of them say anything?" Asked Robert impatiently.

"Also nothing."

"That can't be. They must have noticed something," Robert stressed, very much unconvinced. How is it possible that someone could enter the Institute without any of the guards seeing anything? Unless... unless they must have abandoned their post? Thought Robert, an idea forming in his mind.

"Where are they now?"

~ooOoo~

Magnus was pulled from his slumber by the sound of someone knocking on the door.

Although slumber might not be the right word, as he wasn't actually sleeping, as much as he was in a grief stricken haze. The warlock didn't know how long ago it was, ten minutes, and hour, but he'd crawled into Alec's bed and wrapped himself in the omega's blankets.

At the time it was the only thing he could think of to keep himself from falling apart...not that it helped. But, at the very least, he'd gotten a bit of space and some time to think.

The noise sounded at the door once again. "Magnus, Luke's here."

It was Jace.

Not bothering with a reply, Magnus climbed down from Alec's bed and made his way to the door.

"Luke's here," Jace reiterated upon seeing the warlock, taking note of his disheveled appearance. "He's already in one of the meeting rooms," he explained as the two of them started down the hallway.

"Good," Magnus said simply, his eyes remaining fixed ahead. Then, after a moment, almost a bit hesitantly, he suddenly asked, "How's he doing? Have you felt any changes?" In this moment, Magnus was the most envious of Jace.

Jace didn't need to ask what Magnus meant, shaking his head in response, "Pretty much the same."

Although he could feel that Alec's emotions were no longer calm as it was before, but was instead in a tumultuous state, Jace did not think that it was good idea to tell Magnus this. Alec was alive and well, at least physically, and that was the most important thing right now. Worrying the warlock further would not help their situtation. He could only imagine what Magnus must be going through. If this happened to his mate... Jace didn't even want to think about. Being able to feel Alec through their parabatai bond, knowing that he was alright wherever he was, was honestly the only thing keeping him from losing his mind.

In the hours since Alec dissapearance, Jace has not stopped trying to track his parabatai, holding tightly to the simple lined stele in his pocket.

Similarly, even now as the two walked side by side, Magnus also had his own hand in his pocket. Wrapped tightly in the warlock's hand was a small strip of one of Alec's t-shirts. Even with knowing that his own warlock tracking would not fair any better than Jace's parabatai tracking, Magnus has also not given up trying.

In the same pocket, brushing against his fingers, there was also the omamori charm that Alec had given him as a gift after one of their dates.

This sort of story was becoming a familiar one in their relationship: he'd gone to the Institute to see Alec. Arriving a bit early, he'd found the shadowhunter still training with his little band of misfit's. It was the first time he'd seen the omega in action.

He knew that Alec was highly skilled, not to mention fit, but seeing that lean body of his shirtless and drenched in sweat as he sparred with Jace, was truly a sight to behold. Magnus remembered having the most severe nose bleed that day. He'd popped several blood vessels just trying to contain himself.

After Alec had finished his training, he'd asked the omega what he wanted for lunch, and when Alec had said that he was in the mood for sushi, instead of conjuring the delicious meal, he'd portaled them to Tokyo instantly. He'd been so surprised when they'd gotten back to the Institute and Alec had handed him the tiny package with the charm inside.

Magnus could still remember how shocked he'd been. Not only had he not noticed Alec purchasing the charm, but he'd felt beyond touched. Having Alec think of him in that way was just... People did not give Magnus Bane, the Prince of Edom, gifts. Why would they? He was all great and powerful, he had the world at his finger tips. He would probably be insulted. And even if they did, it was always with the hopes of gaining something in return. It was these simple things that had further convinced him, not that he needed to be, that Alec was indeed his fated mate.

And since that day, the charm has not left his person.

Magnus and Jace soon arrived at the small sitting room where Luke was waiting for them.

It was the same room where he and Alec had their second meeting, Magnus noted.

As soon as they opened the door, Luke was on his feet. "Magnus, Jace," he greeted the two, obvious concern and curiosity painting his features. "What's going on? Your phone call sounded urgent... and there's a barrior around the Institute." Luke's brows knitted together. "No one would tell me anything."

Magnus didn't have time to waste, getting straight to the point, "Alexander's missing."

Silence...

To say that Luke was shocked would be an understatement. The leader of the New York pack stumbled back several steps and retook his seat. His dismay was palpable.

"I don't think I need to explain to you further why I've called you here. I need your help," said Magnus.

Luke has spent years working in the mundane world as a police detective and has earned himself a very high standing reputation amongst his peers. Not only has he solved his own fair share of high profile mundane cases, but he's also been very useful in the downworld over the years.

Getting his wits about him, Luke nodded, "Alright...alright. Tell me everything," he said, getting into his detective mode. He knew enough about Magnus to know that the warlock would not care for his whispered condolences. So he wasn't going to offend the warlock by wasting both of their time with useless words. Instead, he would put is energy into helping him however he can.

Magnus quickly briefed Luke on everything that they knew thus far, not leaving out any detail.

"Since you already have a suspect in mind, we'll start from there. We'll do things the mundane way first and see where that leads us. We'll check Alec's room for finger prints, and anything else we can find, see if anything matches with...what's his name?"

"Raj," Jace interjected.

"Right, Raj." Already on his feet, Luke looked towards Magnus. "I'll need a few things."

Magnus nodded, holding out a hand towards the door in gesture. And without a moment to waste, the three of them headed back to Alec's room.

This was precisely why he'd called Luke. He still didn't trust the Lightwoods completely. And although this was something that he could have probably done himself using magic, having never done something like this before, there was just too much room for error. Even a four hundred years old warlock knew that sometimes you simply had to do things the mundane way.

So, after conjuring everything that Luke needed, they all got to work.

Jace offered to stay and help, a bit frustrated about not finding anything helpful on the surveillance, leaving Simon to continue scouring through the files.

With some few magic tricks along with Luke's own bag of tricks, the three quickly covered Alec's room, from one end to another, collecting fingerprints, hair samples, and anything else that could be useful.

Other than his parents, Magnus and his little band of misfit's, Alec didn't allow anybody else into his room, not even for cleaning. Therefore, anything they found that didn't belong to those people, most likely belonged to the perpetrator.

Upon hearing what was happening, needless to say that Alec's parents weren't at all happy that a werewolf had been given free reigns to run around the Institute. A warlock was bad enough.

Maryse had come storming towards Alec's room with Robert hot on her heels.

"What exactly is going on here?" Asked Maryse, seething with anger.

She tried to enter Alec's room but luckily Jace was already at the door and blocked her path. He tried exasperatedly to explain what was happening to them, begging her to calm down.

Just then Magnus also came to the door. He exited the room and into the hallway, leaving Luke to continue working.

"What's going on here?" Maryse asked again.

"What does it look like? I've called the police," said Magnus. "Since you're not comfortable torturing one of your own without sufficient evidence, I've brought someone here who can help. Although I'm not sure how much help this will be."

With so many people having entered Alec's room after his dissapearance, evidence might have already been lost. It would be a miracle to find anything useful at this point. Still, it couldn't hurt to try.

Turning his gaze to Luke, who was still busy collecting fingerprints off of the bottles on the bedside table, Magnus sneered as he looked back at Maryse, "You can either be useful, or get out of my way."

With that, the warlock made his way back into the room. Using his magic, he continued to scan the room, letting the palm of his hands ghost over each and every surface, sensing what belonged to his mate and what didn't. An air of determination surrounded him as his brows furrowed in deep concentration. I'll find you Alexander, no matter what it takes.

After realizing what was happening, Maryse managed to calm down.