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Chapter Text

               Magnus reclined lazily in his seat overlooking the dancefloor of Pandemonium and rolled his eyes as one of his Beta entourage offered him a drink. He was never one to turn down a drink, so he sipped at it, bored with the Betas he had gathered around him. They no longer kept him entertained long enough to distract him from his suppressed instincts trying to break free. As he scanned over the dancefloor and towards the bar, his eyes landed on two men who were doing a horrible job of blending in. Seriously? Sunglasses indoors? In a nightclub no less? His eyes scanned down, and he fought back a snarl when he took in the circle runes burned into their necks. He pushed himself up from his seat gracefully and stalked over towards the two men.

               “Circle members aren’t welcome in my club,” he said. He took a subtle sniff and had to hold back a growl at the overwhelming scents of gasoline and paint burning his nostrils. Alphas. Not that he was surprised. Most Shadowhunters were Alphas these days. Now knowing they were both Alphas, he took a step forward, putting himself too close to the unknown Alphas to be polite. Members of the Circle didn’t deserve politeness. Especially not from a Downworlder.

               “No worries, warlock. It’s all ancient history,” one of them said.

               Magnus raised an eyebrow and sneered. Ancient history?! “Really,” he said, the glamour falling to reveal his golden cat eyes. “To me it was like the blink of an eye.” Without breaking eye contact, he raised his hand to stop the other Alpha from lunging at him. He smirked as the man struggled, hand grasping at his throat as Magnus’ magic crushed his windpipe.

               “We’ve endured worse,” the man ground out through gritted teeth.

               Magnus could tell that if his windpipe wasn’t being crushed, the Alpha would be growling at him. He opened his mouth to respond that no, the Circle had inflicted worse, but was stopped by the other Alpha growling and taking a step closer to him.

               “You’re a disgrace of an Alpha. Pretending to be a Beta, when everyone can smell that you are concealing your true dynamic,” the man said.

               Magnus grit his teeth, releasing the man from the grip of his magic. “Leave,” he said, barely holding back a growl of his own. He watched the two men leave through narrowed eyes. It wasn’t the first time someone had brought up being able to smell that he chose to live as a Beta and was concealing his true dynamic, but it unsettled him every time.

               His skin itched and his heart hammered painfully fast in his chest, and he growled at himself as he struggled to get himself back under control. How could he let two Circle members unsettle him so easily? He took a deep, steadying breath and decided to call it a night and go home alone tonight. The Betas had been boring him even in bed lately anyway, so what was the point? He turned around, making his way through the crowd, when he was bumped into from behind. He turned to chew the person out, but his eyes widened in shock when he took in the fiery red hair and frightened eyes of who could only be Jocelyn’s daughter.

               Their eyes met for but a moment, but to him it felt like an eternity as memories of her as a child flashed through his mind. “Sorry,” she muttered, shaking her head, and running out of the club. Magnus fumbled his phone out of his pocket hastily. He had to warn Dorothea and Jocelyn. There was no way the Circle members hadn’t noticed her presence in the club.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus strode into his loft, slamming the door behind him. Centuries ago, he had chosen to live his life as a Beta, but he could still be undone by people pointing out that they knew he wasn’t. No matter what he did, nothing could completely cover his scent to the point that he could pass as a true, scentless Beta. He could suppress his instincts and change his scent, but he couldn’t get rid of it completely. Instead, he just ended up smelling like rotting fruit. Even magic couldn’t hide him completely.

               He growled as he waved his hand, sending a table smashing into the wall to his left. He panted as he felt his magic swelling up in his chest, reacting to his mood. He flopped ungracefully onto his sofa. A flick of the wrist and the table and the mess it caused were righted and cleaned up. He sighed, rubbing his temples. Why did this still get to him after all this time? He was immortal, and even he couldn’t escape the cruel joke Fate had played on him.

               He sat up, snapping his fingers, and summoning a martini and the potion he took every night to help him pass as a Beta. To Mundanes, he would come across as a true Beta because they would be unable to smell him at all, but to members of the Shadow World, he would smell like rotting fruit. He didn’t know why the potion caused him to smell like that, or even if that’s what he smelled like to everyone. He just knew it didn’t completely mask his scent from members of the Shadow World, just changed his scent to something wholly unpleasant. This putrid smell, whatever it may smell like to each person that smelled it, was a sure sign that he was purposely hiding his true dynamic. He downed the potion, then sipped at his martini, wishing he had a distraction from his dark thoughts.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus strode through Pandemonium, eyes scanning the warlocks that had responded to his summons, taking a headcount of those he would be protecting. As soon as he had gotten wind of Valentine’s hunt for the warlock that had aided Jocelyn, he had sent invitations for sanctuary out to as many warlocks as he could think of. He was happy to see that many had accepted his invitation. He took a steadying breath and created a portal to his lair. “Hurry up warlocks. Last train to salvation,” he said, motioning for them to start making their way through the portal.

               “Magnus!”

               Magnus quirked a brow and turned to see Dorothea rushing towards him. His eyes widened as she grabbed his arm, almost causing him to spill his drink.

               “Why haven’t you been answering my texts,” she demanded.

               His forehead scrunched in anger and he growled. She took a step back and he huffed. “I’ve been a little busy protecting our people from certain death,” he said, unable to keep his words from coming out as a growl.

               “What are you talking about,” she asked, stepping forward again.

               He growled and said, “Valentine knows a warlock made the potion that put Jocelyn to sleep, and he’s hunting us down one by one.” He took a subtle step back from her as she frowned.

               “So, you’re leaving?” she demanded, voice almost a growl.

               “Until we know what Valentine is up to, I see no other choice,” he said, taking a step closer to the portal. “Come with me Dorothea,” he said softly, grabbing her hand and pulling gently.

               “I can’t Magnus. I’ve been looking for Clary everywhere, and my magic is dangerously low. I need your help, please,” she whispered.

               Magnus could tell by the look in her eyes that she was all but begging him for help. He clenched his hand around his glass and grimaced. His heart told him to help her look for Clary, but his head told him that the many warlocks he had just sent to his lair needed him more. “I have a lair full of warlocks that need my protection. I can’t abandon them to help you find one Shadowhunter,” he said.

               “Magnus…this isn’t just about Clary. If Valentine gets to her, he could get the Mortal Cup and kill us all,” Dorothea said.

               “He can’t kill what he can’t find, Dorothea,” Magnus said. He bit his lip, offered her one last chance, then clenched his eyes shut as he forced himself to take the last step through the portal, leaving her behind. He drew in a deep breath and turned with a fake smile to check on his guests.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus smiled as his eyes followed Zoe as she talked excitedly with different warlocks. It had been a while since he had any children around him, and he savored it while he could. Her energy was infectious, and he couldn’t help the warm, contented feeling building in his chest. He growled at himself and tried to shake the feeling and started looking for a distraction. With all these warlocks here needing his protection, his instincts were fighting his suppression potion. He had upped his dosage to be sure he wouldn’t slip, even though he knew it wasn’t quite safe to do so. But he would much rather spend a week in bed sicker than he’s ever been, than slip accidentally and have anyone know his tightly held secret.

               He stood quickly from his armchair and grabbed the fire message as it flared into being in front of him. His eyes narrowed as he read it and felt his heart hammering in his chest. A chance to get back the necklace he bought for Camille? He’d risk anything for that, including walking into a trap or being captured by Valentine’s people. He glanced up to see most of his warlocks staring at him warily. The light atmosphere had suddenly gotten very heavy. He smiled reassuringly and said, “Never fear. Just some business I can’t avoid.” His smile softened when Zoe automatically smiled and plopped down on the arm of the chair her father was sitting on. He summoned a paper and pen and quickly wrote a reply to the Wayland boy, confirming that he would indeed meet him and Clary, and then sent it off.

               He summoned a glass of wine and sighed blissfully when the taste hit his tongue. His people were safe for now. He had an opportunity to reunite with the necklace he had bought for Camille so long ago. What was there to complain about at the moment? He blinked his eyes open when he sensed someone walking towards him. Ah, Elias. And he was looking grim and concerned as always. If he kept frowning that way, it would leave its mark on his beautiful face.

               “You can’t seriously be considering leaving the lair, Magnus,” Elias said without preamble, brow scrunched as he frowned at Magnus.

               Magnus sighed and said, “With what they’re offering I can’t refuse.” He tried to turn away, to him the conversation was already finished. His brow rose as a hand locked around his bicep. He turned, holding back a growl. The one thing he hated about passing as a Beta was people invading his space and touching him without permission.

               “What could be so important that you’d risk Valentine capturing you?” Elias asked, letting go of Magnus’ arm.

               “A necklace I bought a long time ago and have longed to reunite with since it was lost,” Magnus muttered, glaring at the Beta.

               “Is one necklace really so important,” Elias asked.

               Magnus suppressed another growl at the Beta’s question. He knew the other warlock had no way of knowing just how important this necklace was, and only questioned him out of concern for his safety, but he overstepped. “This necklace is,” Magnus whispered, circling Elias, and a part of him sang with glee when the other warlock gulped. “Stop worrying so much Elias, even immortals can get wrinkles, and we wouldn’t want to mar that pretty face, now would we?” He placed his hand on the Beta’s lower back reassuringly, letting the other know he was upset with his questioning but understood his intentions.

               Elias sighed and fumbled with the glass Magnus thrust his way. “Make sure to maintain the protective wards while I’m gone, and tell Tessa we need more shields,” Magnus said, circling back around to stand in front of Elias and cupping his face in his hand. “I may be prepared to take on Valentine, but my guests are not.” He patted the Beta’s cheek before spinning around, opening a portal, and striding through it.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus sat at a table at the back of the club he was meeting the Shadowhunters in. He pulled out a mirror to make sure his makeup was perfect. Couldn’t have subpar armor when facing Nephilim, now could he? Especially not since he had felt Dorothea’s magical signature disappear, leaving a gaping hole in his heart.

               “Magnus!”

               He looked up when he heard his name called and saw a blonde Shadowhunter, who must be the Wayland boy, and Clary approaching. He took a subtle sniff and grimaced when he smelled the acrid scent of smoke burning his nose. The Wayland boy was an Alpha. He stood quickly as the blonde and Clary approached. He held back a smile when he smelled Clary’s familiar scent of cotton. He had missed it so much. “Clary Fairchild. You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman,” he said, unable to keep a proud smile off his face.

               “Magnus Bane. So, you’re the one who stole my memories,” Clary said.

               Magnus held back a wince at hearing the disdain in her voice. “Only at your mother’s request. I did explain the risks to her, but she insisted,” he said softly. He had fought so hard to get Jocelyn to reconsider, but she wouldn’t listen to reason, and it was something he still regretted having to do. He grimaced and turned to the blonde, extending his hand out and saying, “Show me the jewelry, Shadowhunter.” When he saw the necklace dangle from the man’s hand he grinned and grabbed for it, heart thumping painfully quickly.

               He growled when the blonde pulled his hand back and said, “First, give Clary back her memories. Then, you can have the necklace.”

               He sneered at the blonde Alpha’s audacity and said, “I have to confirm it’s authentic.” He smirked as he held his hand out and wiggled his fingers to taunt the Alpha. He took great pleasure in watching the war of emotions that played across the man’s face and hummed in satisfaction when the necklace was dropped into his palm. He turned the pendant over and clenched his eyes shut for a moment, savoring having it back in his possession after so long. “Amor verus numquam moritur, true love never dies,” he muttered as he stroked the ‘Amor’ engraved on the back. He sighed and said, “Oh how I’ve missed this jewel.”

               “Now it’s your turn. Pay up,” Clary said.

               Magnus’ eyebrow quirked at her fierceness. She had a fire in her that wasn’t common in Shadowhunter Omegas, and it made him proud of her. The Wayland boy was in for a fight with her. “I’m afraid I can’t retrieve your memories. I no longer have them,” he said with regret making his words hang heavy between them.

               “What? Where are they?” Clary said, eyes flicking between Jace and Magnus.

               Magnus avoided meeting either of their gazes and said, “I fed them to a memory demon to keep them safe.”

               Jace growled at him and said, “Why the hell would you do that?”

               Magnus narrowed his eyes and growled at the blonde Alpha whose scent was getting stronger, trying to overpower him to demand the answer from him. “To protect Clary and the Cup. If Valentine ever captured me, he could torture the information out of me,” he said, pausing for a moment to prepare himself for what he was going to say next. “Just like he did to Dot,” he muttered, meeting Clary’s eyes with a grimace.

               “Tortured? Is she okay?” She whispered, eyes widening.

               Magnus could tell she hadn’t known Dorothea’s fate, and it made him even more regretful for how this meeting was going, and how he had revealed it to Clary. “You didn’t know…Dot is dead,” he whispered, keeping a tight hold of the pain he felt at saying that out loud. He watched as her face fell and reflected what he himself was feeling but couldn’t show. Absolute devastation and disbelief.

               “What? How do you know?” she demanded, cotton scent sharpening with her emotions.

               Magnus clenched his fist harder, necklace digging into his skin unforgivingly. “I can’t feel her magic anymore,” he whispered, voice threatening to crack even though he tried to control his emotions. He clenched his teeth as Clary drew in a shuddering breath. “Valentine killed her because she wouldn’t betray your mother,” he whispered.

               “Oh my God,” Clary muttered, looking away from Magnus.

               Magnus stepped forwards slightly and his hand hovered a respectable distance from the Omega’s wrist, hoping she’d understand the gesture as him begging her to listen to him. “Come with me,” he offered. His eyes met the blonde Alpha’s and he glared. “My lair can protect you better than any Shadowhunter ever could.”

               The Alpha growled and stepped towards him, invading his space. Clary pulled her wrist away from his hand and said, “No! I’m not going anywhere with you!”         

               He huffed and said, “Don’t be foolish. Your mother would want you to survive.” He held back a growl as she stepped closer and squared up with him.

               “Then help me get my memories back from that demon,” she said through clenched teeth.

               Magnus growled and said, “Valentine is hunting you, too! And every moment we’re not protected by my wards is a moment Valentine gets closer to finding us!” he clenched his teeth at her hesitant look and turned to open a portal. He took a calming breath before turning back to look at her. He offered his hand and said, “Please, come with me, Clary.” He rolled his eyes when she looked at the blonde Alpha for advice on what to do. “I won’t offer again,” he ground out.

               “No,” she said simply, and he could see the determination in her eyes and her stance. “I won’t run from my problems, and neither should you.”

               Magnus opened his mouth to tell her he wasn’t running but was stopped by a shouted, “Watch out!” He acted on instinct, dodging an arrow that flew past him. His nostrils flared as he snarled and turned to see a fallen Circle member. He looked around warily to make sure there were no more Circle members around. His eyes widened when he saw a tall Alpha pass him. The Alpha smelled of roses and Magnus had to stop himself from purring contently. An Alpha’s scent hadn’t been so appealing in centuries. “Who are you?” he muttered aloud, letting his intrigue cloud his better judgement for just a moment. He shook himself free of the intoxicating scent before stepping towards the portal.

               “Magnus, wait!” Clary said, rushing forward and grabbing his hand tightly. “You’re my only hope.”

               Magnus felt his heart skip a beat at her plea, but he couldn’t risk staying now. “Valentine found us, I can’t stay,” he said, eyes glancing around wearily before turning and swiftly entering the portal.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus stepped out of his portal and into utter chaos in his lair. He snarled when he smelled the overlapping, cloying scents of multiple Alphas in his lair, when there shouldn’t be any there at all. All his warlocks were Betas, as most warlocks were because they were infertile. Only the extremely powerful ones were Alphas, and Omega warlocks were unheard of. He could see that his warlocks were trying to stand their ground, but most of them had already fallen. Hopefully only injured. He clenched his teeth and let his magic manifest and pool in his hands right as a Circle member rounded the corner. He growled and used his magic to overturn the bookshelf, hoping it would knock down or startle the Alpha.

               The Alpha stepped back, raising an eyebrow. Magnus could smell the man’s hate, could taste it on his tongue it was so thick in his scent that smelled of bleach and something darker that he couldn’t name. “Your magic is strong, warlock,” the Alpha said as he walked over the downed bookshelf and stalked towards Magnus. “Much stronger than that horned Beta weakling I killed this morning,” he said with a smirk.

               Magnus’ heart skipped a beat and he whispered, “Elias?” He directed a strong pulse of magic at the Alpha, growling when the man ducked it.

               “So that was his name,” the Alpha asked, grinning in a way that made shivers run down Magnus’ spine. “Well, lucky for us he sold you out before I took his warlock mark.”

               Magnus snarled, thrusting his right hand forward and throwing a blast of magic the Alpha’s way.

               The man growled and said, “The smell of decay from you tells me all I need to know. You’re a disgrace. An Alpha pretending to be a Beta. I’ll take your mark too; you don’t deserve it. Your cat eyes will make a nice addition to my collection. Finally, I’ll have an Alpha warlock’s mark to display.” Before Magnus could react, the Alpha yelled out, falling to one knee when an arrow flew past Magnus to embed itself in the Alpha’s thigh.

               Magnus growled and thrust a blast of magic at the fallen Alpha that was strong enough to kill him. “Well done,” a deep voice said from behind him.

               Magnus took a deep breath of that rose scent from the club and said, “More like medium-rare.” He turned around and his breath caught in his throat when he finally got a good look at the black-haired Alpha. He was a tall, muscled Adonis with the most beautiful blue eyes Magnus had ever seen in his long life. “I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced,” Magnus said with a lazy smile as he strutted towards the Alpha.

               He felt a rush of something he couldn’t quite put a name to right now, when the man smiled broadly at him and said, “Alec.”

               Magnus smirked and hovered just far enough to be polite, but close enough to make the other man nervous.

               “Oh…uh…we should really…you know, probably get…” Alec stuttered.

               “We should join the party,” Magnus said softly, eyes raking up and down the Alpha’s figure. Impressive physique. Tantalizing Alpha scent. Innocent stammering. This man was intriguing to say the least. He’d never met a Shadowhunter quite like this Alec. Especially not an Alpha that acted this purely.

               “Right,” Alec muttered, smiling as his eyes danced over Magnus’ face before turning abruptly and exiting the room.

               Magnus watched the Alpha walk away, eyes unashamedly wandering down to the Alpha’s ass. He hummed appreciatively before turning to look back at the destruction in his lair. He growled softly and said, “This fight’s far from over.”

~*~*~*~*~

               “Magnus.”

               He turned from where he was healing one of his warlocks, to see Clary with young Zoe. He couldn’t stop the soft purr he let out when he hugged Zoe, glad to have her in his arms safe and sound. He pulled back from her, cupping her cheek and saying, “Go join the others, my dear. This is no place for a little girl.” He watched her walk away before turning back to Clary. “I heard what you did for her. Without hesitation, you risked your life to save a warlock child,” he said softly, with an undercurrent of awe to his words.

               “She was just a girl in trouble, I had no choice,” Clary said softly, turning to stand in front of him.

               Magnus smiled softly and said, “You always have a choice. You’re not like the others. Most Shadowhunters only protect Downworlders out of a sense of duty, even the Omegas. But you… you saved her because of what was in your heart.” He looked at Clary proudly before he continued. “You’re more like your mother than you will ever know.” He could see that what he said had caused conflicting emotions, as they crossed her face. He meant it though. Jocelyn tended to follow her heart rather than her duties. Not always to the best end, but everyone makes mistakes for love. Even him, as much as he hated to admit that to himself and would never say aloud.

               “Magnus please… You can’t hide from this. Valentine has already found you once. He will find you again. We need to work together,” Clary said.

               Magnus grimaced at the pleading tone of her voice. Unfortunately, he knew she was right, and he could no longer sit this out on the sidelines. didn’t mean that he was happy about being dragged into Shadowhunter affairs. “I can summon the demon,” he began, meeting Clary’s eyes and trying to convey the seriousness of this situation, before continuing, “but you must make the demand. Now I warn you, retrieving your memoires will be extremely difficult.”

               He raised an eyebrow when Clary scoffed at him. “I will do what I have to do,” she said.

               He almost purred at the determined tone of her voice. He always did love a feisty, powerful Omega. “All right,” he said with a wary look around his lair. “But we’re not safe here. The lair’s location is compromised.” He turned to face his lounge area and said, “Hold tight everyone, we’re about to move.” With a flourish of his hands and a flash of his magic, he transferred the lair to a new location.

               He set about renewing his wards as quickly as possible. He sighed deeply when they settled around him like warm, familiar caresses against his skin. “Much better,” he muttered, turning to look at the Shadowhunters. When he saw Alec standing there broodily, he said whatever came to his mind first, which was awkwardly about redecorating his dirty lair. He cringed internally and wanted to whine when the black-haired Alpha gave him a narrow-eyed look of confusion and walked away. He looked away from the other man and he smiled when he saw his sister. Perfect.

               “I believe in payment for services rendered,” he said, dangling the necklace in front of her and smirking when she gaped at him. “Thank you for defending my warlocks.”

               “I couldn’t,” she said softly, despite her cinnamon scent spiking in interest.

               Magnus smiled at the young Alpha as he circled behind her. “Oh, but you could. And you should. The Lightwoods have been wearing this necklace for years, but it would look silly on your brother, don’t you think?” he said, placing the necklace around her neck and clasping it. He leaned a little closer to her and whispered, “Does your brother prefer flowers? Or cologne?” and smiled when she let out a breathless laugh.

               He stepped back from her when Clary asked about summoning the demon. So impatient. “Are you certain?” he said flatly, walking around Isabelle to face Clary across the room. He worried about how eager she was for this. This was not something to be undertaken lightly. Any number of things could go wrong. Especially with a bunch of young Shadowhunters. “Summoning such a powerful demon could be lethal,” he said, meeting her eyes. He hoped she would hear that and reconsider, but he could tell by the stubborn way she held herself, that she wouldn’t back down.

               “My mother means everything to me. I’ll do anything to save her,” she said, raising her chin as her cotton scent spiked intensely, filling Magnus’ senses with her determination.

               Despite the seriousness of the situation, he felt his lips quirk up in a fond smile. “Okay. Pretty boy get your team ready,” he said with a sly smile.

               “I know what to do,” Jace muttered, moving forward to do what Magnus asked.

               Scoffing, Magnus blocked the blonde Alpha’s advance with his arm. He rolled his eyes when the other growled, and said, “I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to you.” He pointed at Alec, grinning at the confused looks he was getting from everyone. Good. Jace was an Alpha that could do with being taken down a peg. And the tiny smile he got from Alec made it even more worthwhile. “Come with me,” he said to Clary, strolling languidly towards the other room and summoning what she would need to complete the pentagram for the summoning. “Everyone wants the Mortal Cup. Don’t trust anyone. Especially not the Clave,” he said with a quirked brow.

               “Then why should I trust you,” Clary asked.

               Magnus smirked at the defiance in her voice. Good girl. “You shouldn’t,” he said flippantly, smiling as her eyes widened in shock. “My dear, you’ve stepped into something you barely understand. Be wary of everyone,” he said with a genuine smile and a soft, reassuring purr. She frowned at him, eyes narrowing slightly, and he sighed. He handed her the chalks and said, “Only trust yourself.”

               Her frown deepened before she began opening the pouch the chalks were in. She gasped and ran one hand over them reverently. “These chalks are beautiful, Magnus. What are they for?” she whispered.

               “You must draw the pentagram to summon the demon so you can retrieve your memories,” Magnus said simply, unrolling the diagram and handing it to her. “I can walk you through it if you like?” he said challengingly.

               He chuckled when she smirked confidently, and said, “I think I can handle it.”

               Magnus nodded approvingly at her and beckoned for the blonde Alpha to join them. “Prepare her the best you can,” he said. He growled when the Alpha bumped shoulders with him but continued out of the room without confronting him. He had never gotten on well with Shadowhunter Alphas and their egos.

               He made his way out of the living room and smiled when he saw Alec standing against the far wall. That was one Shadowhunter Alpha he wouldn’t mind getting to know. He had long ago sworn to never pursue a relationship with an Alpha, but there was just something about this one that drew him in. Magnus made his way over to the man’s sister to make casual conversation while he observed Alec. He didn’t want to come on too strong and scare the poor thing off after all.

~*~*~*~*~

               “Jocelyn was right, your artistry is beyond compare,” Magnus said, taking in the perfection of the complicated pentagram Clary had drawn. He smiled softly when the young Omega’s scent spiked in embarrassed pleasure.

               “I don’t know about that,” she whispered, lips quirking up in a soft smile.

               “Oh, but I do. The only person I’ve known who could even compare was Michelangelo. Who was fantastic in bed, for a Beta,” he said. He sent subtle looks towards the black-haired Alpha to see how he’d react. He pouted when he just got confusion as a response. Oh well. He’d figure out how to crack that shell at a later date. For now, he needed to focus all his energy on summoning this demon. He walked around to stand at the top point of the pentagram, rolling up his sleeves as he said, “Okay. We’re ready. Everyone take your place on the pentagram.”

               He watched as each of them took their place, Jace helping Clary find hers. “We must initiate a bond. This bond cannot be broken, no matter what, until we are done dealing with the demon. Do not let go of each other’s hands,” he said, making sure to meet each of their eyes to insure they understood the gravity of his words. When he was sure they each understood, he offered his hand to Alec. The man stoically placed his hand in Magnus’, but his eyes widened when he felt the same jolt of power as Magnus. They each grasped hands around the circle, jolting when their hand clasped the next person’s.

               Magnus smirked when Isabelle called them all pathetic for being affected by the jolt of power. He took a deep breath before explaining to them what would happen and that the demon would ask for payment. He growled when the blonde Alpha questioned him about the payment. Did he think this would be free? It was an exchange. A deal. That’s how demons worked. “We will see what Valak wants. Let’s begin,” he said simply. He ignored Clary and Jace exchanging glances and whispered words, and began chanting the summoning in Chthonian.

               “The necklace is pulsing,” Isabelle said.

               “The demon is among us. Do not break the bond. He demands payment first,” Magnus growled, gathering his power, readying himself in case anything went wrong.

               “What does it want,” Alec asked, hand gripping Magnus’ tighter.

               “A beloved memory from each of us, of the one we love most,” Magnus said, closing his eyes as he tried to think who he loved most out of the many he had encountered in his life so far. Could it be Ragnor? Catarina? Dorothea? It certainly could no longer be Camille? Right?

               He opened his eyes when Clary gasped, and smiled softly, but unsurprised, when he saw an image of her mother appear in the stormy darkness in the center of the pentagram. Alec grunted and Magnus’ eyes widened when he saw an image of the blonde Alpha appear before them. Well, that might make things a little complicated for Magnus.

               “No! The demon deceived me!” Alec cried out when everyone looked at him.

               “Do not break the bond!” Magnus growled when he could feel the Alpha’s hand loosening from his grip.

               “Alec! It’s okay!” Isabelle shouted.

               “No!” Alec said with a growl, ripping his hands from Magnus and Jace’s grips.

               “No!” Magnus growled as they were all thrown back from the pentagram. He grunted and threw his arms wide, power collected in his hands as he tried to contain the demon. “I cannot contain the demon for much longer,” he yelled, arms shaking from the strain of containing a greater demon. He grunted when the blonde pushed Alec away from the demon but was caught in the process. He looked up to see Clary advancing with a Seraph blade and said, “If you kill the demon, your memories will be lost with it forever!”

               He gasped and fell to his hands and knees when she sliced through the demon, killing it without any hesitation. He panted as he stood on shaky legs. He was impressed by her selflessness. That didn’t happen often any more. Especially not in terms of Shadowhunters either. He wiped the dirt from his pants and stalked towards the Shadowhunters hovering over their downed friend.

               “Is he going to be alright?” Clary said.

               He quirked a brow, unrolling his sleeves unconcernedly as he said, “I don’t know. Does he normally just lay like that unmoving?”

               Clary glared at him and he shrugged. He rolled his eyes when the blonde Alpha took a gasping breath and jolted up to his hands and knees. Shadowhunters were always so dramatic. He followed Alec out of the room when the Alpha stalked away. He advanced as close as was respectful for Alphas and said, “You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

               “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” the Alpha growled, avoiding his gaze.

               Magnus took a subtle sniff of the other’s scent and he could tell the man was feeling ashamed and guilty. “You will,” he whispered, walking away to leave the Alpha to his internal conflict. Being a Shadowhunter Alpha and loving another Alpha, was a love doomed from the beginning. He felt for the young Alpha and the war of heart and duty he had obviously been fighting for many years.

               He summoned a drink and sat heavily on his sofa, watching as the Shadowhunters stumbled out of his lair without barely a goodbye, let alone a thank you. Typical Shadowhunters. Thinking Downworlders were just there to do whatever they wanted. He sat there, staring out at the city from his window, long after they left. His drink was long abandoned on the coffee table as he was lost in thought. Thoughts that had gone back to who would have appeared if the demon had gotten a chance to collect from him. He had many warlock friends still alive who he cared deeply about. And there was always Camille. As volatile as their relationship had been, and will always be, he had loved her. Deeply. If only the feeling had been mutual. He shook himself out of his thoughts and summoned his suppressant potion. He downed it like a shot and stood slowly. A good distraction was needed. Time to redecorate the lair.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Text

               Magnus frowned as he stood back, looking at the painting on the wall to see if it was crooked or not. He hummed when he was satisfied that it was hanging straight and moved on to putting books on the bookcase. He had been redecorating for hours, not even stopping to sleep, and the whole time his thoughts had been full of nothing but Alexander. The black-haired Shadowhunter Alpha had caught his undivided attention like no Alpha had in centuries.

               He hummed and fished his phone out of his pocket. To call the stoic Alpha, or not to call him? He would really love to see the man again. But was it worth it? Magnus shrugged and decided, what the hell. Why not? And called the young Shadowhunter. Magnus smiled when the Alpha answered the phone. Deep voice intense as ever. He grabbed a book and made his way over to the bookshelf again, saying, “Alexander. Hi. It’s Magnus. We met the other day. You know, with the demon?”

               “Uh, yeah…Yeah, hey, what’s up?” the Alpha said.

               Humming, magnus said, “I was just thinking. It was really nice getting to know you. You seem…sympathetic. Would you like to go out for a drink sometime?” He put the book on the shelf with the others, holding his breath as he waited for the Alpha’s response.

               There was a slight pause before the Alpha said, “That sounds fun, um…when?”

               Magnus let out a relieved breath and smiled softly. “How about now?” he said.

               “Um…”

               Magnus gripped the phone tighter at the hesitance from the Alpha. Why was he so nervous? He was Magnus Bane. Centuries old warlock. Immortal. Devastatingly, alluringly handsome. Harbinger of Debauchery. He could have anyone he wanted, any way he wanted them. Yet this Alpha had him questioning his confidence.

               “You know, now’s not really a good time for me. Another time? Gotta go,” the Alpha said before hanging up.

               Magnus pulled the phone away from his ear and stared down at it. Another time, hmm? He smirked and muttered, “Playing hard to get. I do love a challenge.” He always had loved a challenge in love. Maybe pursuing Alexander was exactly what he needed to get himself out of this funk of boredom he had fallen into of late. He smiled and began planning how he could woo the Shadowhunter Alpha.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus spent the rest of the day decorating and thinking about the dark-haired Alpha that had captivated his thoughts. He was just about to summon himself dinner when there was an urgent-sounding banging on his door. He hummed, making his way to the door. He wasn’t too worried because his wards would have warned him of anyone approaching with ill intent. He opened the door and his eyes widened when he saw a very injured Luke being supported by Clary and a Mundane Beta boy. Probably a friend of hers. He spun around, motioning them to follow him and closed the door with a wave of his hand. “What happened,” he asked as he led them through his lair towards the couch.

               “He was attacked!” the Mundane boy said with strain clear in his voice.

               “He needs a warlock. He needs you,” Clary said, panting as they dragged Luke over to the couch.

               Magnus frowned, conjuring a sheet, and then laying it over the couch. Luke groaned and Magnus said, “Put him here!”

               Luke muttered deliriously as Magnus helped Clary and her friend lay him down on the couch. Magnus’ hand gripped Luke’s as his eyes scanned over the werewolf’s injuries and he grit his teeth. Could these mortals not take care of themselves? Another wolf had clearly done a number on Luke, and Magnus hated to think what would have happened to the Beta if Clary and her friend hadn’t brought him here.

               “Jocelyn. Jocelyn…” Luke cried out, cupping Clary’s cheek in his hand.

               “No, Luke it’s Clary. Can you hear me?” Clary said, placing her hand over his on her face.

               “Clary! Listen to me. I have to tell you…just in case,” Luke said, panting.

               “No! Don’t even say that Luke!” Clary whispered.

               “No! You need to know!”

               Magnus’ eyes widened at the exchange, and he said, “Was he bitten by a werewolf Alpha?”

               “Yeah, why?” the Mundane boy said.

               Magnus sighed and counted down from three. When he got to one, just as he expected, Luke’s back arched up from the couch. The werewolf growled as his eyes flashed green of their own accord. Luke started snarling and thrashing and Magnus dropped his hand and began walking away.

               “Where do you think you’re going?” Clary’s friend demanded.

               “Hold him down,” Magnus commanded, walking over to his apothecary. He grabbed what he needed and rushed back over to the couch. “We don’t have a lot of time,” he said, grabbing Luke’s face and placing the bark between his teeth. “It’ll take a few moments to take effect.”

               “What’s happening to him,” Clary asked, wide eyes meeting Magnus’.

               Magnus sighed and said, “Dynamics are different for werewolves. Luke was born a Beta, but he defeated the Alpha, so his body is trying to shift dynamics. Add to that the poison from the Alpha bite? His body is trying to fight off the poison while simultaneously shifting dynamics. Either of these factors alone can be lethal.” His fingers flittered unsurely over Luke’s face, wanting to give comfort but afraid it would set Luke off because of his scent. He took one look at Clary’s devastated expression and pulled back from Luke and rushed to get ingredients and equipment. He would make a complicated potion that would hopefully help ease the dynamic shift, whilst also helping his body fight off the poison.

               He rushed back into the room and over to the table, placing everything in his hands down as he said, “The bark will help stop the poison for now, but Luke needs something stronger to stop the poison completely and help his body with the change to his dynamic.” Sighing, he turned to rush towards his balcony while saying, “But, I don’t have all the ingredients here.”

               “Just tell me what you need, how much, and how to get it,” Clary said.

               Magnus turned, pointing at Clary, and saying, “No, you stay here. Luke will need you if he wakes up.”

               He turned to start taking clippings of the ingredients he had available on his balcony. “When he wakes up,” Clary muttered, and Magnus smiled despite the dire situation they were in. Her spirit never wavered.

               “I’ll go!”

               “I’ll go!”

               Magnus rolled his eyes at the two men as he walked back inside. “Jace, what happened to you?” he said, pushing the blonde Alpha’s face to the side so he could get a better look at the bloody nose he was sporting.

               The Alpha growled at him before saying he had wrecked Luke’s car. Magnus huffed, rolling his eyes again. Of course. “What do you need for the potion?” the Alpha asked, wiping the blood from his upper lip with a grimace.

               Ignoring Clary’s little Mundane friend’s protests, Magnus told Jace what ingredients he would need. He walked past the two arguing before spinning to a stop. “One more thing,” he said, smirking internally at his idea. “I need Alexander.”

               “Why do you need Alec?” Jace muttered, frowning as his brow furrowed.

               Magnus thought for a good excuse and just blurted the first thing that came to mind. “Virgin Shadowhunter Alpha energy.”

               “Uh…I can’t ask Alec for help right now,” Jace muttered.

               “Jace, please…” Clary said, grabbing Jace’s arm.

               “Trouble in paradise?” Magnus said as he walked past Jace, brow quirking up questioningly. When he got back to the table, he began to prepare the base of the potion.

               “What’s all this?” Clary said, coming to stand next to him at the table once the two men had left the lair.

               “The base for the potion,” he said, watching as the ingredients reacted properly, glowing brightly. “Stir. We need to have this ready before your courters come back,” he said, thrusting the flowing vial towards her.

               She huffed and said, “They’re not trying to court me, Magnus. Also, what if they don’t get back in time.”

               “You can’t think like that, Biscuit,” Magnus said, making his way back out to the balcony.

               She scoffed and said, “That’s all I can think about.”

               Magnus worked on cutting more ingredients for the potion and cringed as Clary said that as an artist her adventures should be two-dimensional. That was so far from the truth, and he told her so. He ran back over to the potion when she left it to tell him why she shouldn’t be fighting demons. He put the ingredients in his hand into the potion and stirred.

               “I don’t know what I’m doing,” Clary said, meeting his eyes.

               “Don’t sell yourself short. You forget, I’ve seen you in action, Clary Fairchild,” he said with a soft smile.

               The Omega huffed and was about to say something, but they were interrupted by Luke thrashing around on the couch and crying out deliriously for Jocelyn.

               “Luke, I’m here, I’m here,” Clary said, rushing to Luke’s side and muttering soothing words to him.

               Magnus rushed over to Luke’s side, pushing Clary out of the way as he fell to his knees beside the couch. “Let me take your pain away,” he whispered to the injured werewolf.

               “No, no,” Luke muttered as his body shuddered from pain.

               “Agitation only makes the venom work faster,” Magnus said softly, trying to free his hand from the man’s grasp so he could take his pain away.

               “I need to tell Clary,” Luke whispered imploringly.

               “Save your strength,” Clary whispered.

               “No, you need to know,” Luke insisted, meeting her eyes.

               “Magnus, do it,” Clary demanded.

               Luke groaned as his body was wracked by another wave of pain. “You need to tell her, all of it,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “Promise me.”

               Nodding solemnly, Magnus snapped his fingers, passing his hand over Luke’s body, blue magic flowing from his hand and into Luke to soothe the pain. “The poison is spreading,” he muttered, brow scrunching in concentration. “Your courters need to hurry.”

~*~*~*~*~

               “Tell me what,” Clary asked, leaning against the table the potion was on. They had finally been able to get Luke stable with Magnus’ magic, and the man was resting on the couch for however long it would last.

               Magnus summoned himself a strong glass of alcohol. He was going to need it for this conversation. “Everything Jocelyn hoped to hide from you,” he said, taking a sip of his drink and making his way to Clary’s side. He snapped his fingers, summoning charcoal, and a sketchbook on the table beside the distraught Omega.

               “What’s this for?” she said, moving over to the sketchbook and opening it.

               Magnus sighed as memories flashed through his mind of a young Clary sitting in his lair and drawing. Jocelyn hadn’t just kept Clary from the Downworld, she had kept Clary from him. He had loved her like he would have loved his own child if he could have one, and Jocelyn had taken her away on the pretense of protecting her, when really…it just made everything that much more complicated. “When you were younger, I’d watch you sketching. I was your bliss,” he told her, soft smile on his face as he stirred the potion. “You’re going to need some of that bliss now,” he muttered darkly.

               “Back then, there wasn’t a day that I didn’t draw something. It was like breathing. Now, I look down at this blank page…and I barely know what to do,” Clary whispered, head shaking slightly. “Sometimes I think my art, my memories, my life…everything, vanished when I killed that memory demon.”

               Sighing, Magnus drew closer to her, saying, “Your art, everything you are…they’re all still here. You’re the woman Jocelyn always knew you could be.”

               Clary scoffed and said, “But tried to keep me from becoming.”

               “That’s why you need to know how you got here,” Magnus said softly.

               “Will it help me find her, Magnus?” she whispered, cotton scent spiking with anxiety.

               Magnus sighed, shaking his head. “That’s the only reason I can think of for why Luke is so insistent you be told,” he muttered, frowning, and returning to the potion to continue stirring it.

               “I’m ready,” Clary said, turning to face Magnus. He turned to face her with a frown. “Bring it, warlock.” As much as he didn’t want to be the one to tell her this tale, he was proud of her determination and strength, and he was determined to tell her the story in a way that wouldn’t completely break her. He sighed and began to tell her the tale of her parents’ past.

               He told her that her father had been a virtuous man, and her mother had stood proudly at his side. But that had only lasted a short time before he had become a force of devastation to all Downworlders. He would often break the accords and kill Downworlders for no reason other than his own envy and hatred.

               “They never did find all the bodies. We’d all stood with the Clave for centuries to keep peace…” Magnus muttered, staring solemnly out the window at the city as his thoughts were clouded by the memories of that time. A time of fear for his people and the rest of the Downworld.

               “How could that not matter to him,” Clary asked.

               Magnus growled and said, “Like so many other men before him, he was obsessed with ensuring purity of blood. He was convinced that, what he saw as impurities, were a threat to peace.”

               “He was a threat to peace,” she muttered as she continued drawing.

               He snorted and nodded in agreement and said, “Madmen rarely make sense, Biscuit. They just hate, and Valentine hated Downworlders for our gifts. Gifts that he couldn’t possess, but we could. He hated, and envied, us enough to kill us all.” Magnus dragged in a shuddering breath, nostrils flaring as he fought for control of his emotions, so he could continue his tale.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus sat in the seat Clary had vacated, staring down at the picture the young Omega had sketched. He frowned down at it as dark emotions swirled in him.

               “Ever since Valentine’s men took my mother, and my life was invaded by the Shadow World, so many Downworlders have helped me, not even thinking about what it could cost them to do so. How could Valentine not see the good in them?” Clary said, scent spiking and taking on a musty edge to reflect her anger.

               “He was blinded by his ambition,” Magnus muttered, taking a sip of his drink.

               “Why didn’t the Clave stop him?” Clary demanded, stabbing her finger at the picture she had drawn. A picture depicting the murder of a Downworlder, just like his tale had described to her.

               Magnus sighed, shaking his head. “He was clever. He and his followers convinced the Clave that the Downworlders they killed had violated the Accords in some way. Complete fabrications, of course,” he said, growling softly. He sat his glass down and stood quickly from the table. He was no longer able to look at the Omega’s sketch. It hurt too much.

               “How could the Clave not see, though?” the Omega whispered. He could tell from her scent that she was overcome by emotions and his heart ached for her.

               He took a steadying breath and stood beside her. “Shadowhunters believe the Law is absolute. They could never conceive that one of their own could go astray,” he muttered.

               Clary chuckled darkly, turning to meet Magnus’ eyes with her own shining with unshed tears. “My father didn’t go astray, Magnus. He went insane,” she muttered.

               Magnus gritted his teeth, holding his instincts back. His instincts that were fighting his suppressant harder than ever, wanting him to comfort her. “What happened then, is happening again now. The Clave refuses to believe that Valentine could be a threat. Nineteen years ago, their denial allowed Valentine to almost decimate the entire Shadow World,” he said. He could see in her eyes, the realization of what his words meant.

               “That was the Uprising?” she said softly.

               “Yes. Valentine wanted to make a new Shadowhunter army, which he needed the Mortal Cup to create,” Magnus muttered. He told her Valentine went to the signing of the Accords, slaughtering everyone in his path, to take the Mortal Cup.

               “How could my mom and Luke be part of something like that, Magnus?” She asked, pacing beside the couch Luke was laying on.

               “Jocelyn and Luke tried to prevent the Uprising,” Magnus said, making his way to the distraught Omega’s side. “They tried to change Valentine’s mind about Downworlders.”

               “Obviously they didn’t,” Clary snarled, turning to face Magnus.

               “Clary,” Magnus said, placing a hesitant hand on her wrist to comfort her. “If it wasn’t for your mother and Luke, the Circle would have won.” He stroked her wrist, feeling her rapid pulse there and frowning. He purred reassuringly and her eyes fluttered closed as her scent softened thankfully. He dropped her wrist and cupped the side of her neck, rubbing her scent gland with his thumb soothingly as he continued his story. He told her how Luke tried to stop Valentine, but Valentine almost killed him, only stopped by her mother’s intervention.

~*~*~*~*~

               “Ever since I found out Valentine was my father, I wondered how my mother could be mated to an Alpha like that…and why she stayed,” Clary whispered, working on a new sketch. Magnus sighed and made his way around the couch Luke was on and over to Clary’s side. “She had to stop him,” Clary said, looking up and meeting Magnus’ eyes sadly.

               “And safeguard the Cup,” Magnus finished for her with a grim nod. “Everything she did, she did to save the people she swore to protect. She took her Shadowhunter oath very seriously,” he said softly.

               “I understand that. But how does that help me find the cup?” Clary said, meeting his gaze.

               “I don’t know. Maybe Luke thinks if you understand your mother better, you’ll know where she would have hidden the Cup,” Magnus said with a small shrug.

               Clary sighed and shook her head. “Then, tell me why she gave up being a Shadowhunter,” she said softly.

               Magnus went down on his knees beside her, cupping her neck in his hand again and said, “Never underestimate the love an Omega parent has for their cubs, Biscuit. The one thing Jocelyn loved more in this world than her job, is you. She had to protect you.” He purred reassuringly when her gaze fell.

               “From my father, the lunatic,” she whispered, sighing wearily.

               Both their heads jerked to look at the couch when Luke started groaning again. “Luke!” Clary said, standing and rushing to the back of the couch. Magnus stood to make his way to the couch, kneeling beside it when he reached it. Clary moved the bandage aside and gasped. “It’s worse,” she whispered.

               Magnus took a calming breath before snapping his fingers and channeling his magic into Luke. Luke groaned as Magnus worked to keep the poison and dynamic shift from killing him. Magnus grunted as everything in the lair began to shake, as if in an earthquake, with the amount of power he was exerting. “I’m running out of magic,” he muttered.

               “What do I do?” Clary said breathlessly.

               Magnus grunted again and said, “I can’t leave him, but the potion base still needs Komodo scale. Find it and add the rest when your courters get back with the final ingredients. You’ll have to feed it to Luke.” His words came out in a rush and his voice was strained as he continued to push against the poison coursing through Luke’s veins.

               “What about you?” Clary said.

               His heart plunged at her concern, and he said, “I’ll hold on as long as I can. Go!” His breath quickened as he swayed slightly. He could feel himself slipping sideways as black spots started dancing in his vision. His descent was stopped by strong arms, and he looked up to see Alexander. Magnus panted and whispered, “Help me.” He held his hand out for the Alpha and said imploringly, “I need your strength.” Their eyes met for a long moment and Magnus’ heart jackhammered in his chest as he continued pushing magic into Luke.

               “Take what you need,” the Alpha said, offering his hand to Magnus.

               Wrapping his hand around the Alpha’s, Magnus smiled gratefully up at the black-haired man. The Alpha’s lips quirked up slightly before he helped lift Magnus back upright, placing his bent leg behind Magnus’ back to support him. Magnus growled as he began pulling energy from the Alpha and strengthened the magic he was pouring into Luke. He panted and sweat beaded on his brow as the room continued shaking. He saw Clary feed the potion to Luke out of the corner of his eye, and he could feel as the poison neutralized, allowing for his body to handle the shift to Alpha. He cut the flow of his magic off and swayed. He gasped as he fell back but sighed when the Alpha’s leg supported his back and he came to rest, exhausted, against the Shadowhunter’s chest.

               “You okay,” the Alpha asked, breathing heavily from energy loss.

               “Yeah,” Magnus whispered, gaze meeting Alexander’s as he smiled gratefully at the Alpha.   

               “Are you sure? You smell different,” Alec said softly, brow furrowed.

               Magnus gasped and struggled to push himself from the Alpha’s grasp and stand. He listed to the side once he was on his feet, and the black-haired Alpha was on his feet and catching Magnus and steadying him faster than Magnus could track. “No!” Magnus said, pushing at the Alpha’s chest and stumbling back.

               “Magnus, what’s wrong?” Clary said softly.

               “Suppressant,” Magnus mumbled, stumbling towards his apothecary. He had used too much magic to try summoning the potion. That could just make his situation worse. He stumbled into the wall and grunted.

               “Hey, let me help you, Magnus,” Alec said as he approached where Magnus was leaning against the wall catching his breath.

               “No! I don’t need your help!” Magnus cried, jerking away from the hand the Alpha had put on his shoulder. He snarled when the Alpha’s eyes widened and retracted his hand. His eyes narrowed and he used the wall to support his way to his apothecary, eyes never leaving the Alpha as he moved. When he reached his apothecary, he reached for one of the suppressant potions he kept stocked at all times. His hands shook as he unstopped the vial and drank the potion like a shot. He could feel as his instincts became muted and his scent changed, but he could tell one wasn’t going to be enough. He fumbled for another bottle and growled as he knocked it off the shelf and it smashed on the ground.

               His head jerked up when his personal space was invaded, and he growled as the black-haired Alpha grabbed one of the potions and handed it to him. He growled softly but took the potion, stepping back slightly. He opened the vial and drank the potion just as quickly as the first. He sighed; eyes fluttering closed as his instincts became completely muted. His eyes opened slowly, and he looked up to see the other man giving him a narrow-eyed look. Magnus gulped and looked away stepping around the Shadowhunter and shuffling exhaustedly back into the room.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus nervously propped Luke up with pillows. He hovered behind him plumping up those pillows, trying to avoid returning to the living room where he knew the black-haired Alpha still was.

               “Thank you, Magnus,” Luke said pointedly.

               Magnus chuckled nervously and said, “You’re welcome.” He looked over at Clary and sighed. “I’ll leave you two alone,” he said, walking towards the door. He looked back at Luke and groaned at the Alpha’s despondent look. He touched Clary’s wrist lightly and said, “Go easy on him.” He gave her a small smile and made his way out of the room so they could have some privacy.

               He took a calming breath before strutting into the living room. He quirked a brow when he saw the Alpha scrubbing the blood from his couch. Moving over to his drink cart, he started preparing drinks for himself and the Alpha. He poured something different for them both and turned. “You know I have magic for that, right?” he said with a small smile.

               “I think you’ve exerted yourself enough for one day, don’t you?” the Alpha said.

               Magnus smiled indulgently and said, “Drink break?” His heart fluttered nervously as the Alpha sighed, stood and approached him slowly. Carefully. Like the Alpha expected sudden movements would spook him. Any other day that would be impossible, but after his close call earlier Magnus could admit to being slightly jumpy. He offered the clear drink to the Alpha with a smile, snapping his fingers and conjuring blue flames on the top of the liquid. “To us,” he said softly, meeting the Alpha’s gaze. He held back a purr when the Shadowhunter clinked glasses with him, and they both then took sips of their drinks. He held back a laugh when the other’s brow furrowed, and his nose scrunched up in distaste.

               “Why did you ask for me? Jace and Clary were both here already,” Alec said, frowning.

               Magnus hummed and said, “Jace didn’t tell you?” When the Alpha just shook his head, Magnus sighed and turned to look out of the window. “It doesn’t really matter. It was a lie anyway,” he said, playing with his ear cuff and biting his lip.

               “Are warlocks always this cryptic,” the Alpha asked.

               Magnus smirked, chuckling softly. “Oh, I’m not being cryptic. I’m being coy,” he said, turning to look at the Alpha. Something about this Shadowhunter just kept drawing him in, leading him to flirt despite the near disaster earlier with his suppressant failing. He saw the confused look on the man’s face as he fiddled with his glass and sighed, deciding to take pity on the clueless Alpha. “Let me spell it out for you. I wanted to see you again,” he said, stepping closer to the Alpha and gazing up into his mesmerizing blue eyes.

               He wasn’t sure what emotions were crossing over the Alpha’s face. He was a complicated one to read. “Why?” the Alpha said.

               Magnus shrugged and said, “Why’d you come?”

               Alec hesitated for a moment before shaking his head and saying, “I’m not sure.”

               Magnus took a shuddering, nervous breath, eyes flittering away from Alec’s gaze. “For almost a century…I’ve closed myself off from feeling anything for anyone. Man or woman. Alpha, Beta or Omega. You’ve unlocked something in me, Alexander,” he said softly, eyes flicking back up to meet the Alpha’s. His heart ached as the other man hesitated for a torturously long few moments before the Alpha’s phone rang. Magnus sighed, looking away from the Alpha and turning to look out the window while the Alpha answered the call that was apparently from his mother. Leave it to Maryse Lightwood to ruin a moment.

               He took a sip of his drink and sighed. He turned when it sounded like the conversation was over and saw the young Alpha grabbing his jacket. “Duty calls,” the man said.

               Magnus sighed again and said, “Oh, the furrowed brow. Maryse must be recruiting you for something…unseemly.” He stalked closer to the Alpha, smiling softly.

               “Listen Magnus, I…I wish I could…I just…I don’t know what…” the Alpha said, stammering.

               He raised his hand, pointer raised and hovering a polite distance from the Alpha’s lips. “I understand,” he whispered. When the Alpha smiled, Magnus moved his hand and turned to grab the man’s glass, refilling it. “Stay for one more drink,” he asked softly, offering the glass to the man. The Alpha continued smiling, causing Magnus’s heart to skip hopefully. “And then decide,” he whispered.

               The Alpha hesitated a moment before raising his hand and taking the glass from Magnus. Magnus smiled before leading the Alpha over to the couches, sitting down on opposite ones.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus jolted to awareness quickly, eyes flying open. He sat up slowly, looking over at the other couch and sucking in a shocked breath. The night before had not been a dream. He really had spent the night talking with the young Alpha and drinking until they had both fallen asleep. Thankfully on separate couches. As much as he would have loved to have fallen asleep next to such a beautiful man, he knew that was not something the Alpha was even close to comfortable doing yet.

               Rising quietly, he made his way towards his bedroom to shower. He turned the water on hot, snapping his fingers and vanishing his clothes. He stepped into the steaming shower and stood under the hot water. He closed his eyes and purred softly in contentment. As he lathered the shampoo in his hair, his thoughts strayed towards the young Alpha still asleep on his couch. A Shadowhunter, falling asleep in a warlock’s lair. It seemed unreal.

               The Alpha had seemed to enjoy Magnus’ flirting last night, even if it had left him a stuttering mess. It made Magnus hopeful that he could possibly pursue something with the Alpha. He groaned, thumping his forehead against the tiled wall. Was he really going to break his centuries-long avoidance of pursuing anything romantic with an Alpha? For a Shadowhunter? A Lightwood, no less? But this one was unlike any Lightwood, any Shadowhunter Alpha even, that Magnus had ever met.

               Magnus sighed and lifted his head, stepping under the water to rinse his hair. The boy could be worth it. He hadn’t lied last night when he told the Alpha he’d unlocked something in him. It’s something he hadn’t felt in centuries. Maybe never felt at all. Could he risk losing this, and maybe never experiencing it again? The thought made his heart ache and his stomach flip uncomfortably. That was a no, then. He couldn’t risk never experiencing this.

               He shook himself and quickly finished his shower. He could start the courting process himself. He’d offer the black-haired Alpha breakfast and hope he’d accept.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Text

               Magnus lounged on his sofa, stirring his colorful drink with his finger as he stared unseeingly out of his window. Alec had left as soon as the sun went up, rejecting Magnus’ offer of breakfast. Honestly, he should have known the Alpha would refuse, but he had still been hopeful. He had always fallen too fast and too hard in the past, giving his whole heart and soul to those he cared for or tried courting. Only to be hurt, too often. Which is why he had put walls up around his heart in the first place.

               Sighing, Magnus sipped his drink absentmindedly. Luke had left a few hours after Alec, to meet with Clary and Jace to get the Tarot cards from the precinct. He grimaced as he thought of the young Omega. Before her talk with Luke the night before, she had taken Magnus aside to talk to him about what had happened with his scent.

               “Hey Magnus, are you alright?” Clary whispered, eyeing the Alphas in the lair cautiously.

                “I’m fine, Biscuit,” he said, waving his hand dismissively.

               Clary’s brow scrunched as her scent sharpened with worry. “Magnus…” she said seriously.

               “Really, I’m fine,” Magnus said, lips quirking up slightly, trying to reassure her with a smile he didn’t feel.

               “Really? Because I smelled what Alec did,” Clary said softly.

               “I need to help Luke to the bedroom,” Magnus said.

               Clary grabbed Magnus’ wrist, preventing him from turning and running away. “I don’t think anyone else noticed, but I did, Magnus. You’re an…”

               “Don’t!” Magnus said with a warning growl, stomach clenching painfully.

               “Magnus,” Clary said softly, reaching up to cup his cheek. Magnus whined, clenching his eyes shut, pushing down his instincts that were already fighting against his suppressants again. “What you’re doing…it’s dangerous. What about your health? What are the side effects you don’t tell anyone about?”

               Magnus bit his lip, holding back another whine. Centuries of no one finding out his secret, and he slips once in her presence and his secret is out. He brought a shaking hand up to grab hers that was still cupping his cheek. He squeezed her hand tightly and met her eyes with his own. “You can’t tell anyone about this. No one! Do you understand me? No one can know,” Magnus whispered.

               “Magnus…”

               “No! No one can know! And nothing can change. It’s too dangerous,” Magnus muttered.

               “I don’t understand,” Clary said softly.

               Magnus sighed, looking up to check where the Alphas were. Nowhere near enough to be a concern. Good. “There are no Omega warlocks, Biscuit. And that must remain the truth,” Magnus said pointedly.

               “I…see,” Clary said, eyes wide and scent still sharp with worry. “Your secret is safe with me Magnus.” Clary kissed his cheek, smiling softly at him, before going to check on Luke.

               Magnus shook himself from the memory, standing and dropping his glass on the table. He walked out onto his balcony, leaning against the railing. Centuries of hiding from the truth. Hiding from the fact that he was the only Omega warlock ever. Or at least that’s what he had gotten from all the covert research he had done in his youth. Because warlocks were infertile, they were usually Betas. Because Betas weren’t ruled by instincts to breed. Or, if they were powerful enough, they could be Alphas. That’s it. No warlocks were Omegas because that would just be cruel. Right? To be a dynamic with instincts that cry out for creating a family of your own to protect and cherish but being unable to do so. Having heats that only end in despair… Magnus’ shoulders slumped. Clary was right to be concerned about the side effects of the suppressants, but the real concern would be how he would be without the potions.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus made his way through the New York Institute, sighing as he followed a Shadowhunter Beta to where he would find the Forsaken he had been called in to help with. He had taken a double dose of his suppressant potion before leaving his lair, knowing his instincts had been fighting extra hard against it lately. It had never been like this before, and he had no idea why the suppressants weren’t working properly now. The potion was of his own invention too, so it wasn’t like he had a reference for this.

               He smiled at Isabelle as he put on a protective face shield. He wasn’t risking getting anything on his face. Thank you very much. He needed his armor securely in place today. Avoiding conversation with the female Alpha, Magnus got straight to examining the body with his magic. He could feel Isabelle’s gaze on him, and it was making his skin crawl. Could she see through his carefully crafted armor? Was his suppressant working sufficiently? Magnus fought down a snarl at his insecurity. Damn these Shadowhunters, bursting their way into his life and ruining centuries of work.

               “You almost done,” Isabelle asked.          

               “Patience is a virtue, my dear,” he said, trying to sound nonchalant even as his skin continued to itch with her presence so close.

               “Come on, I want to get my hand on that thing,” she said, coming to stand at his side.

               He side-eyed her as she stepped too close for his comfort at the moment. He gulped and his back stiffened as he tried to stop himself from flinching away from her closeness. “Speaking of which, how is Alexander?” he said, trying to distract himself from his body that was screaming at him despite the suppressant. “I was hoping I might hear from him,” he muttered.

               “Putrefaction. It’s decomposing,” Isabelle muttered.

               “It’s just so hard to tell if Alexander is even interested,” Magnus muttered, continuing to talk about the male Alpha he had eyes for to distract from Isabelle’s presence at his side. “I mean, I can’t fathom why he wouldn’t be. I am fabulous after all.” Distract. Deflect. A game he had been playing for centuries now and was quite accomplished at. Hopefully it was enough to get him through this.

               Isabelle scoffed and said, “I’m not sure if you noticed, but my brother isn’t exactly what you’d call a warm and fuzzy Alpha.”

               Magnus hummed and said, “I suppose with Clary’s arrival…”

               “And Valentine’s return…” Isabelle muttered.

               Magnus chuckled darkly and said, “Running the Institute…”

               “The envoy from the Clave…” Isabelle said, chuckling lightly.

               “Oh, who I hear is very impressive,” he said, smirking. He hummed softly, thinking. “What else?” “Oh,” he said, chuckling softly. “Babysitting Jace.”

               “And dealing with our parents who are trying to find him an Omega mate,” Isabelle said.

               Magnus swallowed heavily, heart skipping a beat at her words. His eyes widened as they met hers and she gaped at him, cinnamon scent spiking guiltily. “Sorry,” she muttered.

               He took a steadying breath and shook his head, grimacing. “It’s quite all right. I supposed Alec is just following his duty,” he said softly.

               “Not everyone has the luxury of following their heart,” Isabelle said, moving down the table.

               Magnus moved out of her way as she examined the body. He sighed and said, “I’m going to go deliver the preliminary findings. It seems like you have everything under control here.” He turned; hands clenched into fists to keep them from shaking as he left the room. He dropped the face shield and used his magic to disinfect his hands. No matter how unnecessary it was, it made him feel better. He asked a random Shadowhunter he passed where he could find Alec, and then made his way towards the training room.

               His eyes widened and his steps faltered when his gaze fell on the shirtless Alpha at the punching bag. His eyes zoned in on a drop of sweat that slid down the Shadowhunter’s spine, only to stop at the waistband of the Alpha’s sweatpants. Magnus rounded the man and quirked a brow at the Alpha as he stopped punching.

               “Magnus,” Alec said, panting softly.

               “Okay, I’m back,” Magnus said softly, heart fluttering rapidly at the overpowering scent of the Alpha permeating the training room. He turned as the Alpha walked past him to grab his jacket off a bench. “Oh, you don’t have to get dressed up for me,” he said, suppressing a whine. When Alec just quirked a brow and stared at him pointedly, continuing to put on his jacket, Magnus just sighed. “Fine. But I liked what I saw. I have the preliminary autopsy findings,” he said, offering the folder in his hand to the Alpha.

               Alec grabbed the folder from his hands, shaking his head and saying, “Why are you giving these to me? They should go to the head of the Institute.” He tossed the file on the bench with a weary sigh.

               Magnus shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “And it is,” he said softly, meeting Alec’s eyes.

               “I’m not, and I never will be,” Alec muttered heatedly, scent spiking anxiously. “Magnus…it’s like…it’s like my whole life…has been a lie. Now, everything I’ve ever known is…”

               “It’s not what you thought,” Magnus asked.

               Alec sighed and said, “I’ve done everything for my parents…for the Clave and…I’ve done everything they’ve asked.”

               Magnus could tell that it had taken a lot out of Alec to say how he was feeling by the way he was breathless after unloading it, and from the spiking of his rose scent. “Maybe you should start living for yourself. Do what’s in your heart,” he said softly, meeting the Alpha’s gaze unblinkingly.

               “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think you’re right,” the Alpha said with a sigh.

               Magnus smiled softly at the Alpha, proud that the young Shadowhunter could see that following his heart was the best thing for himself. Duty was important, but it wasn’t everything.

~*~*~*~*~

               “Are the wards solid now? Nothing will get through?”

               Magnus quirked a brow at Robert Lightwood’s question. Did they think he was a miracle worker? He wasn’t all-powerful. He could only protect against what he knew about. He couldn’t begin to guess what else Valentine was cooking up with his little experiments. “Even my magic has limits,” he said, turning with a flourish and strutting over to another area to check and strengthen the wards. “The wards won’t hold off the Forsaken attack, but my protections will slow them down.”

               “Extra time is priceless,” the Alpha said.

               “No…say that after you get my bill,” Magnus said with a small smirk.

               “Lydia will take care of that,” Robert said pointedly, before walking away and leaving Magnus alone with Alexander.

               “A Forsaken wound often needs a little warlock TLC. May I? Free of charge of course,” Magnus said lightly, hand raising towards the bandage wrapped around the Alpha’s upper arm.

               “It’s okay,” Alec said, jerking his arm away from Magnus’ touch. “I’m fine.

               Magnus quirked a brow questioningly. “If anything were to happen to you…” he whispered.

               “Magnus…I’m good. All right? I gotta…”

               “Go?” Magnus said, only slightly bitterly. “Of course. You’re a busy man…And I should find this Lydia, payment up front is just smart business. Where might I find her.”

               “I haven’t seen her. But if I do, I’ll send her your way,” Alec muttered, turning and walking away from Magnus abruptly.

               Magnus sighed, watching the black-haired Alpha stalk off. His skin continued to itch as he stood there. Too much time with all these Shadowhunter Alphas was really messing with him. As Alec moved out of his sight, Magnus turned and walked off, hoping to find this Lydia person to get his payment.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus had been waiting patiently for the Clave envoy to finish whatever meeting she was conducting for far too long for his liking. He had other things he could be doing than just waiting around the Institute all night. He was about to give up and leave a message about his payment when he smelled cinnamon and smoke. He spun around, quirking his brow at Jace and Isabelle as they approached him. “What can I do for you?” he said with a light smile. He listened to what they were proposing with a frown, holding back a small growl. “Let me get this straight. You need Alec’s stele to open the safe, and you want me to steal it?” he said.

               “We prefer the word ‘borrow’ but yes,” Jace muttered.

               “Without his knowledge,” Isabelle added.

               “No,” Magnus said simply, shaking his head with a disbelieving laugh. “No can do. Not happening.” He turned to walk away and growled when he was stopped by Jace’s hand on his shoulder.

               “Magnus, ever since Alec found out our parents were in the Circle, he’s been messed up,” Jace said with a snarl, dropping his hand when Magnus turned back around to listen to him. “He can’t see the big picture.”

               “If the Clave is willing to subject Meliorn to the Silent Brothers…if they’re willing to go this far…what do you think will happen if we turn the Cup over to them?” Isabelle said softly. Her eyes meeting Magnus’ were imploring him to help them. He could tell. “This affects everyone.”

               “Help us get into the safe. Help us stop this Magnus,” Jace said.

               Magnus sighed wearily. As much as his heart told him he couldn’t do anything to possibly compromise what he hoped was developing with Alexander, he knew logically that the two Alphas in front of him were correct. “You’re both going to owe me. I’m talking 14^th century. Gold…rubies…definitely diamonds. And Alexander can never know about this,” Magnus muttered.

               “That’s a given,” the blonde Alpha said.

               “If we’re going to do this…there’s no turning back,” Magnus said, meeting the Alpha’s gaze seriously. When the two young Alphas nodded at each other, Magnus sighed and explained how they were going to do this. When they each understood their part in the plan, he spun around with a flourish and strutted off towards Alexander’s room. He walked with confidence, even as his heart thudded nervously.

               He stopped outside the black-haired Alpha’s room and checked to make sure the hall was clear of Shadowhunters. He used his magic to see into Alexander’s room and bit his lip when he saw the shirtless Alpha. He snapped his finger, transporting the stele to Jace. He just kept telling himself he was doing the right thing. He was protecting Downworlders from what the Clave could do with the Cup. But the guilt of doing this behind Alexander’s back was eating him up. When he got the text that Jace was finished, he snapped his fingers again, returning Alec’s stele to its original place in the Alpha’s jacket pocket. Seeing the Alpha grabbing his jacket to leave his room, Magnus waved his hand and the wall returned to normal.

               “All done for the day. Place is secure,” he said with a chuckle as Alec exited his room. “Not bad for a day’s work. Thought I’d see how you were doing,” he said, walking down the hallway with the Alpha.

               “I meant to thank you for your advice,” Alec said, turning and stopping in front of Magnus. Magnus quirked his brow curiously and hopefully at the Alpha’s words. “The whole…follow your heart thing.”

               “Oh, well…what can I say?” Magnus said with a light chuckle, heart pounding rapidly with hope. “I have a deep understanding of the human psyche. At least, that’s what Freud always used to tell me.”

               “I’m getting mated,” Alec said after an awkward moment of hesitation.

               Magnus’ heart skipped a beat. “Whoa! That’s a tad…sudden, isn’t it? I mean…we should at least go to dinner first,” he said with a nervous chuckle, turning quickly to escape the conversation.

               “No, Magnus…family is everything to me,” Alec said, grabbing Magnus’ wrist to keep him from leaving. “You have to know that,” he muttered.

               Magnus swallowed nervously, looking down at the Alpha’s hand on his wrist. “I get it,” he muttered, heart pounding erratically. “You’re a traditional guy…” Magnus said with forced lightness in his voice.

               “Yeah, I am. That’s why I began courting Lydia,” Alec said softly.

               Magnus’ mouth opened slightly in shock. Lydia? The Alpha had only just met the woman. “That’s…interesting,” he said, looking down at his hands that he had clenched together in front of him to keep them from shaking.

               “It…it makes sense. She’s an Omega, she can give me children to continue my family name. It would be a solid partnership. For both of us,” Alec muttered.

               Magnus scoffed. Was the Alpha trying to convince Magnus? Or himself? “Solid partnership?” Magnus muttered, eyes looking over Alec’s shoulder, refusing to meet the Alpha’s gaze. He chuckled darkly. “That’s hot!” He raised his gaze to meet the Alpha’s heatedly. “Well, okay then. Congratulations. Mating is a wonderful thing. Not that I’d know,” Magnus muttered. He inhaled sharply, almost whining when he realized that this was the last time he would be able to really enjoy Alec’s rose scent. “Goodbye, Alexander,” he whispered. His head fell as he brushed past the Alpha to walk away as quickly as he could.

~*~*~*~*~

               The lights in his lair were a dull glow as Magnus slumped in his armchair, nursing a drink. He had been siting here since he left the Institute. He hadn’t even stopped to talk to Lydia. He had simply sent her his bill. He was brooding. He knew it, and he hated himself for it. How, after Camille, had he allowed someone to break his heart. Again. And an Alpha, no less.

               He sighed, putting his glass down on the table beside him. He stood and meandered out onto his balcony. He summoned his suppressant, staring at the lavender potion and sighing. For centuries, the sight of this potion was a comfort. But now, it was just another reminder of his cruel fate, and what he could never have. He huffed, opened the potion, and drank it, vanishing the vial when he was done.

               He growled when his skin continued to itch. It had been a constant irritation of late. Since the night Alec had shared his power with him. He had tried tripling his dosage to fix the issue, but all that had done was had him on the ground, clutching his abdomen in agony as he threw up everything he had eaten. That was something not worth repeating just in hopes of getting rid of the itching. Turning quickly, Magnus strutted towards his room, determined not to let a young Shadowhunter ruin him. Time to put on his armor.

~*~*~*~*~

               “Tired of bickering over the guest list for your mating ceremony?” Magnus said with a sigh, leading Alec into his lair.

               “I need to ask you something,” the Alpha said.

               Magnus rolled his eyes as he hummed wearily. Of course he needed something. Shadowhunters always needed something. “Will it take long?” he said, making his way over to his drink cart. “I have a life to live, and there’s nothing for us to talk about.” He grabbed a glass and began making himself a drink, trying to ignore the increased itching caused by the Alpha’s presence.

               “It’s not about me…or any of…that. This is about Isabelle,” Alec said.

               “Oh, I see,” Magnus muttered, pouring his orange drink into his glass. “Are you referring to the fact that your adorable little Omega mate-to-be has your sister on trial for high treason,” Magnus asked, turning to meet the Alpha’s gaze with a growl. He grabbed his glass and stalked over to his armchair, sitting, and looking back up at the Alpha with a sigh. “Now, what can I do for you, Alec?” He stirred his drink as the Alpha told him about Isabelle wanting him to defend her. He stood slowly and approached the Alpha as he explained that he could defend Isabelle. For the right price of course.

               “Name it,” Alec said confidently, rose scent strong and attacking Magnus’ senses.

               “You,” Magnus stated simply, meeting the Alpha’s gaze challengingly. “In fact, I’ll do you pro bono.”

               Alec sighed and said, “Anything else, Magnus.”

               “What else is as important to you as your sister?” Magnus said with a sigh. “Oh, I know,” he said with a spiteful smirk. “Your bow and quiver. How about that?” Magnus watched as Alec’s face fell. Good. Maybe losing a piece of himself would open the Alpha’s eyes to what he was doing to him.

               Alec sighed and said, “Done.”

               Magnus hummed, taking a sip of his drink. Well-played Shadowhunter. He turned away from the Alpha and said, “I’ll be there. For Isabelle.” He waved his hand in dismissal as he walked away from the Shadowhunter. He had to prepare himself to be around so many Alphas for so long.

~*~*~*~*~

               “Will I survive if I touch it?” Magnus said, staring at the sword warily.

               “If you tell the truth,” the Inquisitor said softly.

               Magnus eyed the Beta warily before grasping the hilt of the sword with both hands. He sighed softly in relief when nothing immediately happened. He listened to the Silent Brother’s questions about him defending Isabelle with integrity and honesty. That was easy. He did everything with those concepts in mind. “You’ll hear no argument from me on that,” he said, and quickly let go of the sword.

               “Make your case warlock,” the Inquisitor said softly.

               Magnus took a steadying breath, calming his nerves and preparing himself to speak steadily and confidently in front of an entire room of people who hated his existence. For Isabelle, he told himself. When really, he knew he was doing this to prove a point to Alec. “My case is simple,” he said steadily. “It’s true that Isabelle Lightwood acted against the orders of the Clave, but she didn’t act against the interests of the Clave. By releasing the Seelie Meliorn, she prevented his forced questioning and possible death. And, she may have even saved the Accords by doing so.”

               “We’re not here to speculate about what might have happened if the defendant hadn’t interfered,” the Inquisitor said steadily.

               Magnus had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes. No, never contemplate the what-ifs or might-haves. That’s only what allowed for the Uprising, and Valentine’s return now, in the first place. “You mean what might have happened if she hadn’t acted to stop the Silent Brothers from torturing a Seelie on Clave orders?” Magnus said bitingly.

               “I await a valid argument,” the Inquisitor said, scoffing and turning her gaze from Magnus’. Had he unsettled her? Good. “Do you have one?” the Beta said, meeting his gaze again.

               Magnus held back a growl. “What you really want is the Mortal Cup. My client doesn’t have it. This whole proceeding isn’t about what it’s really about. Therefore, I move to have this case dismissed,” Magnus said, eyes blazing as he met the Inquisitor’s in challenge.

               “You’re out of order,” the Inquisitor said, voice no longer steady.

               “No,” Magnus said softly. “This whole thing is out of order. It’s not Isabelle’s fault! It’s the Cup! Put the Cup on trial!” he said with a soft growl, turning with a flourish to sit beside Isabelle. He subtly put a comforting hand on the Alpha’s thigh under the table where no one could see. He smelled her scent soften gratefully and he shot her a small smile he hoped was reassuring.

               He moved his hand when they called Isabelle up to be questioned. His eyes narrowed as he watched Lydia stand and move forward slowly to question Isabelle. He couldn’t get a lock on her scent, and he realized she had decided to use a pheromone blocker for the trial. Unlike everyone else in attendance. He listened as the blonde Omega questioned Isabelle about acting alone, and he felt pride at Isabelle’s unflinching loyalty to her friends.

               “I don’t want Valentine to succeed,” Isabelle said with a small growl at the Inquisitor’s insinuations.

               “Well, that’s the first sane thing you’ve said so far today,” the Beta said.

               “You know what’s insane?” Isabelle began with a growl. “Thinking we have the right to treat the lives of Downworlders as worthless.”

               “Isabelle, I should warn you that everything you say here will be considered in the verdict,” Lydia said seriously.

               “Good,” Isabelle said confidently, standing from her seat. Magnus sat straight in his seat, eyes widening as she began to speak. “Consider this. Valentine didn’t come from nowhere. Just like him, we use our angel blood to justify everything we do. We forget that we not only have angel blood. We have Mundane blood too. We can be afraid. And that fear causes us to make cruel decisions towards those who aren’t like us. Like Downworlders. Just like Valentine did. And just like him, we will end up turning against each other out of fear,” she said.

               “You think we’re doing that to you?” the Inquisitor asked with a surprised frown.

               “You have to answer that for yourself, Madam Inquisitor,” Isabelle said, meeting the Beta’s gaze steadily.

               Magnus gazed at Isabelle proudly and with a new insight. He had known the young Alpha felt differently about Downworlders, but not to this extent. That she would openly defend and advocate for Downworlders in an official courtroom was so out of the realm of anything Magnus had ever imagined any Shadowhunter would ever do. Isabelle returned to her seat, head held high, when she was dismissed from the stand. He squeezed her hand when she sat before standing to call Lydia to the stand. It was time he found out why she was really prosecuting this case. Was she another blind follower? Following her duty despite whatever the consequence may be? Like Alexander…

               He shook himself from the thought of the Alpha. Bad enough he could smell his rose scent over all the other Alphas in the room. “I’d like to call Lydia Branwell to the stand,” he said, avoiding looking her way.

               The Inquisitor glanced at the Omega in shock saying, “I don’t see the relevance.”

               Magnus scoffed and said, “Well, that makes two of us. I don’t see the relevance of this whole trial. Ms. Branwell?” he then turned to meet her gaze challengingly. “If you’ll take the stand?” he said with a quirked brow.

               Lydia stood slowly, avoiding his gaze and made her way to the stand to sit. Magnus watched her walk, thinking of what he could say to hopefully get what he wanted out of this trial. He stepped forward once she was seated and said, “I just have one question. Why are you prosecuting this case?” He watched the shock take over her face at his simple question. But her answer to his simple question would tell him all he needed to know about her character.

               Lydia met the Inquisitor’s eyes nervously. “Answer the question, counselor,” the Beta said with a furrowed brow.

               He watched as the Omega hesitated. “Because the Law is hard, but it is the Law,” she said, confidently gazing up at Magnus. He sighed and couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes this time. Just as he thought. Typical Shadowhunter response. He opened his mouth to say something, but Lydia continued speaking softly, shocking him with her words about the Law being the Law not making it right. He tilted his head thoughtfully at her. “We’re trying someone for being compassionate. Thinking for herself,” she said with a furrowed brow and a frown pulling at the corners of her lips. “She saved a life that was being sacrificed for nothing.”

               “That will be enough, Branwell,” the Beta said softly.

               “No, it isn’t,” Lydia said with a grimace, looking away from the Inquisitor and out at the rest of the people assembled. “I’m looking out at the faces here. There’s a brother and sister who disagree on everything, except for their love for one another, and the lengths they’ll go to, to protect each other. And then there’s the man who took this case, pretending to want payment in rare objects,” Lydia said. Magnus looked at her, eyes wide with shock. “But who really believes that injustice towards his friends is intolerable.” Magnus swallowed heavily as he met her knowing gaze. “Loyalty, decency…compassion…love. These things are what should be considered to decide someone’s guilt or innocence in cases like this,” she said, looking at the Inquisitor.

               “Those are not the concepts of the Law! Now enough of this nonsense,” the Beta shouted, banging her hand down on her seat. Anger taking over her calm countenance for the first time.

               “I agree,” Lydia said with a small growl. “The case is nonsense. I withdraw the charges.” She stood proudly as she spoke, and the tension in Magnus’ shoulders released.

               He smiled, turning to excitedly embrace the shocked Alpha he was defending. Everyone began clapping as they embraced, and he sent his notes flying into the air excitedly when Alec replaced him in Isabelle’s embrace.

               “Silence!” the Inquisitor roared, banging her gavel to get their attention.

               “Refusing to prosecute the defendant does not change the fact that she is guilty,” she said. Magnus glared as she confirmed that he was right, and what they really wanted was the Mortal Cup. He held back a growl as she said that Isabelle would be de-runed if the Mortal Cup was not given over to the clave within twenty-four hours. His nostrils flared at the injustice of this farce of a trial. What was the point of even having one to begin with if they were just going to find her guilty no matter what happened in the trial?

               He turned to Isabelle and met the Alpha’s eyes sadly. Magnus had known his defense of her wouldn’t make a difference, but he had hoped. For her sake.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus sat with Isabelle after the trial, comforting hand on her knee. “I am sorry, Isabelle,” he whispered.

               “What are you sorry about, Magnus? You were brilliant,” the Alpha said with a quivering smile.

               “I wish I could have done more to help you,” he said seriously.

               She sighed, standing, and hugging herself. “It is what it is. I knew this would be the outcome. I went in with my eyes wide open,” she whispered.

               He got up from the couch and moved to grab her hand. “What you said in there…it was very brave,” he said with a proud smile.

               Isabelle grinned, gripping his hand, and opening her mouth to say something, but her brow scrunched up and she frowned. She took a subtle sniff of the air, and gripped Magnus’ hand tighter. “Magnus?” she whispered.

               His eyes widened and he yanked his hand from hers. He snapped his fingers, summoning one of his potions. His hands shook as he drank the potion quickly, avoiding her eyes that were burning into him with their intensity.

               “Magnus,” she said again, cinnamon scent spiking with concern.

               “What!” he snapped, nostrils flaring as he met her gaze with a glare.

               “Magnus…if you told Alec…he wouldn’t be mating Lydia,” Isabelle whispered, eyes wide.

               Magnus scoffed and said, “There’s no way to know that for sure. And besides, I don’t want that to be the reason he chooses me.”

               Their conversation was cut off by the door opening and Alec entering the room. The Alpha’s eyebrows rose questioningly at them “Am I interrupting something?”

               “Of course not, Alec,” Magnus said with a forced smile. “What can we do for you?”

               Alec narrowed his eyes at Magnus for a moment before turning to look at Isabelle. “Jace and Clary are back. They gave the Cup to Lydia,” he said with a grin. When Magnus and Isabelle just stared at him with wide eyes, he said, “You’re free to go.”

               Isabelle rushed to hug Alec and said, “You were right! They came back! You knew!”

               “Actually, I didn’t,” he said softly.

               Magnus watched the two Alphas embrace for a moment before he couldn’t ignore his skin itching any longer. Best to get away quickly. “Well, my work here is done,” he said, grabbing his jacket and draping it over his arm with a flourish. “Walk me out? We have a debt to settle.” He quirked a brow at the Alpha before walking out of the room, knowing the man would follow. They walked silently, side by side, to the weapons rack where Alec kept his bow and quiver. The Alpha sighed as he grabbed both and handed them to Magnus.

               “As promised, payment in full,” the Alpha said through gritted teeth. “Thank you.”

               Magnus turned with the weapon in his hands, taking a few steps before stopping with a sigh. He thought of what Lydia had said during the trial, about his motives, and Alec’s scent smelled like wilting roses as he handed over the weapon. He turned and said, “I just want you to know, Lydia was wonderful in court today. She’s great.”

               “So you get it,” Alec said hopefully.

               “No, Alec,” Magnus said with a scoff, stepping a little closer to the Alpha. “I get her. I even like her. But you don’t have to make her your mate,” he whispered.

               “Yes, I do Magnus,” Alec said with a growl, nostrils flaring slightly.

               “You’ll be lonely all your life, and so will she. You may enjoy heats and ruts because of your instincts, but you’ll feel empty after each one. Neither of you deserve that life. And I don’t either,” Magnus said softly, grimacing at the way the Alpha was taking shuddering breaths because of his words. He met the Alpha’s eyes for a few moments before sighing and looking away. “I don’t know what to do with these,” he said, shrugging and holding up the bow and quiver. “You keep them for me, okay?” he said with a smile he didn’t feel.

               The Alpha sighed and took them from his hands. Magnus nodded and turned, walking away as quickly and confidently as he could.

~*~*~*~*~

               As soon as Magnus exited the portal from the Institute, he let his magic erupt from him with a growl. He let it loose enough to smash everything in his lair simultaneously. He panted as his skin crackled with his magic, drowning out the ever-present itch in his skin for but a moment. He sucked in a breath, choking back a sob before snapping his fingers and fixing what his fit had destroyed.

               He wanted to hate Alec for what he was doing to him, but Magnus knew the Alpha was young and driven by a sense of duty that had been drilled into him since birth. Magnus knew all about what one could do to get the smallest sliver of parental approval. No matter how those actions may destroy your very heart and soul.

               He made his way over to the sofa, slumping down on it ungracefully. He stared out of the window, thoughts on the past. Memories he had long ago locked away to protect himself. Thoughts of loves that he had devoted his whole being to, only to never be enough for them. Was he destined for that to be his romantic fate repeatedly? Indefinitely?

               He sighed as he watched the sky lighten as the sun began to rise. He stood, grabbing his phone out of his pocket, deciding to call Alec here for one, last ditch effort to win the Alpha over.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Text

               “Hello! Magnus? You said you needed to talk to me.”

               Magnus inhaled a calming breath when he heard Alec’s voice. It was now or never. Last chance to make the Alpha see that mating Lydia out of a sense of duty was a mistake. “Nice to see you, Alec. I wasn’t sure you’d come,” he said, snapping his fingers and conjuring a glass of wine in the Alpha’s hand. “You know how I hate to drink alone.” He chuckled, going to clink glasses with Alec’s but frowning when the Alpha drew his glass away.

               “I didn’t come here to drink,” the Alpha said, moving to place his glass on the drink cart. “Do you have any information…”

               Magnus rolled his eyes and interrupted the Alpha’s question before he could finish. “On the warlock who cast the spell on Jocelyn,” he asked, meeting Alec’s gaze. “I’m working on it. But we never really finished our conversation after Izzy’s trial. About your mating ceremony,” he said, quirking a brow at the stoic Alpha.

               “There’s nothing else to talk about. Lydia and I are mating,” Alec said. Magnus’ nostrils flared and he held back a small growl at the Alpha’s words. “You and I have a very different understanding of mating. I’m a Shadowhunter and an Alpha. This is about family, tradition and honor…”

               “Honor?” Magnus said with a scoff, eyebrows raising in disbelief. Was the Alpha serious? “Where’s the honor in living a lie?”

               “What are you talking about?” Alec said softly.

               Magnus sighed. Was the Alpha so far in denial he couldn’t even see what the lie was? “What about love? Even Shadowhunters fall in love, Alec,” he said, slowly approaching the Alpha. He stopped a respectable distance from the Alpha before continuing. “Just tell me you’re in love with Lydia, and not her dynamic, and I’ll stop.” Magnus’ heart beat erratically as he watched the Shadowhunter Alpha hesitate for a few moments.

               “I don’t know,” Alec said simply. Magnus tilted his head and smiled sadly. Really? You should be able to tell if you are in love with someone or not. At least you should if you are making them your mate and dedicating the rest of your life to that person. “Why do you keep pushing? Y…you’re…you’re confusing me!”

               Magnus clenched his eyes shut as the Alpha stuttered and then brushed past him to stalk away. He sighed, dropping his wine glass on the drink cart and spinning around to follow the Alpha. “Confusion is part of it. That’s how you find out if something is there,” he said softly, brow scrunched as he approached the Alpha. The Shadowhunter’s scent was starting to smell like wilting roses again, and it made Magnus’ nose itch. “Emotions are never black and white. They’re more like symptoms,” he whispered. He slowly began to circle the Alpha, purring softly. “You lose your breath whenever they enter a room.” He smiled softly when the Alpha inhaled sharply. He snapped his fingers, giving the illusion to the Alpha of his heartbeat fluttering anxiously, and if it matched how Magnus’ heart beat every time he saw the man, the Alpha didn’t need to know that. “Your heart beats faster when they walk by.” The Alpha’s hand pressed to his sternum shakily as Magnus continued to circle him slowly.

               “Their scent drowns out everyone else’s,” Magnus whispered, making a breeze waft a scent of sandalwood towards the Alpha. Alec’s back stiffened slightly, and Magnus’ lips quivered slightly. “Your skin tingles when they stand close enough to feel their breath.” Magnus stood close to the Alpha’s neck, blowing a bit of his magic to send shivers down the Alpha’s neck along with a bit of the itch the Alpha had caused in him.

               The Alpha turned sharply away from Magnus as he finally circled completely around the Shadowhunter. He sighed after a moment and spun back around to glare at Magnus, rose scent spiking with his anger. “I know you feel what I feel, Alec,” Magnus whispered desperately. He would never admit to anyone that in that moment he was desperate. Desperate to make Alec see what he did to Magnus. Desperate to make him see that, what he knew the Alpha felt in his presence, was real and mating with Lydia just because she was an Omega was wrong.

               Alec scoffed and growled softly. “You don’t have any clue what I feel, so back off,” he muttered, glaring at Magnus.

               Magnus swallowed anxiously, heart thudding loudly in his ears. The itch in his skin was almost unbearable, and it was making him want to scratch it off. The Alpha spun away from him, taking a few steps away and taking a deep breath. “This is all just a game to you, isn’t it?” he said, spinning back around to glare heatedly at Magnus. Magnus’ heart ached at the accusation. It wasn’t the first time he had been accused of playing games, but he never played games with love. “You flirt, you laugh…you use magic…” Alec said. Magnus grimaced at those words, holding back a whine. “But at the end of the day, what do you risk? You live your life as a Beta, using potions to suppress your instincts. Your responsibilities…”

               Magnus felt the distinct stinging sensation that meant he would have to fight back tears. He clenched his teeth against the feeling caused by Alec throwing his suppressant use in his face. But Alec thought he was just a lazy Alpha, rather than an Omega devastated by his infertility. It was the same accusation that had been hurled at him by many throughout his long life. No one ever thought for one second that Magnus Bane could be an Omega. An Omega grieving, for centuries, for something he’d never have but desperately wanted. Even after centuries of coming to terms with it, he still wanted it. Longed for it, and was still affected when reminded of his lacking.

               “Even if I did feel something for you…you want me to give up my life for you? I have to do what’s right for me and my family. I could lose them, my career, everything! You just don’t get it,” Alec said with an exasperated sigh.

               “And if I was an Omega? Would that make a difference?” Magnus whispered, eyes downcast for once. He refused to let the Alpha see just how affected he was by his words and accusations.

               Alec scoffed and shook his head. “Of course it would make a difference, Magnus. Shadowhunter Alphas must mate with an Omega. That is our duty. But why bother dealing in what-ifs.”

               Magnus nodded his head with a grimace. “Right…well…duty or a chance at something more…you have a choice to make,” he whispered, meeting Alec’s eyes. When the man huffed and turned away, Magnus took a steadying breath. “I will not ask again.” He turned and stalked away silently before the man could turn around and respond, if he even chose to do so. Let the man think about what Magnus had said, and if he truly valued duty more than love, then so be it.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus sat at the table in the Ops Center at the Institute, staring at his beautifully painted nails as he anxiously waited for Jace and Clary. He better hurry because he would really rather avoid a certain black-haired Alpha. He’d said all he needed. He’d done all he could. He knew when he wasn’t wanted and could bow out gracefully. He’d lick his wounds and drown his sorrow as soon as he was done helping Clary.

               His eyes flittered up to look at Clary and Jace as they greeted each other and had the most awkward conversation he had been privy to in a long time. “While this conversation is no doubt scintillating, remind me why we couldn’t do this at my place? At least there we’d have cocktails,” Magnus said.

               “It’s nine in the morning, Magnus,” Clary said, eyes wide in concern.

               Magnus rolled his eyes and said, “Oh, it’s happy hour somewhere, my dear.” He winked at Clary, scoffing when she just narrowed her eyes at him in concern. He huffed. First of all, he was an immortal warlock and alcohol did not affect him the same way it did mortals. Second of all, he didn’t need to be mother-henned by an Omega far younger than him.

               “We invited you here, Magnus, because Hodge can’t leave the Institute. He’s an important part of this mission,” Jace said.

               “Well then, where is our tardy little tutor? There are certain individuals I’d really like to avoid, so let’s make this quick,” Magnus said as carefree as he could at the moment.”

               “Pardon the delay, Magnus. I was following up on a lead,” Hodge said as he approached, getting way too close for Magnus’ current comfort level for Alphas.

               Magnus looked up at the screen when Hodge said they’d narrowed the list down to four warlocks that they believed were stronger than Magnus. What criteria they were using to determine warlock strength he had no idea. His brows scrunched as his eyes scanned the photos, two of them really standing out to him. For very different reasons. “First of all, how do you even know about Ravn. His friends haven’t even seen nor heard from him in over a century. We all think he’s dead,” Magnus whispered, frowning. Did they know something he didn’t about Ravn’s whereabouts? He had been suspicious about his friend’s disappearance from the start.

               “Do you have any proof that he’s dead,” Hodge asked with a quirked brow.

               Magnus growled and said, “He was one of my closest friends. If he was alive, I’d know. Now, why is Ragnor Fell up there? He’s not more powerful than me.” Damn these Shadowhunters for bringing up a painful memory while he was already upset.

               “Well, some would disagree. He is older than you,” Hodge said challengingly.

               Ha! He’d known their criteria was flawed. He huffed. Shadowhunters and their arrogance. They knew nothing about Downworlders, except what they needed to know to manipulate or destroy them. Age did not equal power for most beings that existed. “Certainly not wiser,” he said simply. He didn’t need to correct them. Let them believe what they wanted about warlocks and their powers. Through their discussion about Ragnor, they were able to determine that it must have been him that gave Jocelyn the potion. Meaning, Magnus was going on this mission. It would be good to see Ragnor again.

               “You’re going on this mission,” Hodge said, brow quirked in shock.

               “Of course! I’m the only one Ragnor trusts. Besides, I’ve played my last hand here. Even I know when to fold,” Magnus said, standing and turning, only to be faced with the very Alpha he was trying to avoid. Fantastic.

               “Magnus, I didn’t know you were here,” Lydia said with a smile. Her scent spiked happily, and for the first time he took in her calming Omega scent. It was a lovely scent of lily for a lovely Omega. If only the two of them had met under different circumstances.

               “That was the point,” he muttered, avoiding meeting Alec’s gaze.

               “We’re just on our way to greet a few representatives of the Clave who arrived early for tomorrow’s mating ceremony,” Lydia said, smiling lightly. Magnus swallowed, meeting Alec’s gaze finally. “How long are you staying?”

               Magnus could tell by her smile, the spike of excitement in her scent and the lilt to her voice that she was excited to see him, and probably would love to spend time talking to him. And here he was, unable to even look at her without feeling nauseous.

               “What’s going on here? Nobody told me about a meeting,” Alec said heatedly.

               Magnus averted his eyes from the angry Alpha, the itching in his skin becoming more of a staticky feeling that was wholly uncomfortable and disconcerting. He continued avoiding the Alpha’s gaze, focusing on Clary’s cotton scent as she explained their mission to get Ragnor to wake Jocelyn.

               “How can I help,” Alec asked.

               “We’re just recovering a warlock, Alec. We got this covered,” Jace said dismissively.

               “Besides, you have emissaries from the Clave to meet. You wouldn’t want to tarnish your family’s perfectly crafted image, now would you?” Magnus said, gazing at Alec hoping he couldn’t see the pain he was feeling reflected in his eyes. But he could feel his lips quivering, so Magnus knew he was failing miserably at hiding it.

               Lydia looked between Alec and Magnus with wide, curious eyes. “Again, lovely seeing you, Magnus,” she said with a smile.

               He smiled and chuckled uncomfortably, hoping it came across as genuine. He watched her and Alec walk away with a frown, before turning with a flourish and stalking off to wait while Jace and Clary prepared for their mission.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus rolled his eyes as he got a front row seat to Jace and Clary’s complicated relationship. He had come on this mission, not only because Ragnor was one of his oldest friends and seeing the man would help ease some of the ache in Magnus’ heart, but also because he wanted to get away from his own relationship issues. Was it too much to ask for a little, peaceful distraction?

               At least he got a little bit of a reprieve from their bickering when they passed through the fire to talk to Ragnor. Magnus just huffed when his friend tricked Clary into offering anything in exchange for help waking her mother. “Honestly, Ragnor, was that nonsense necessary,” he asked, sighing at the Alpha’s dramatics. He smiled as he smelled his friend’s familiar, calming scent of eucalyptus.

               “Of course. She offered me anything. You were only up to a timeshare of your flat in Paris. Yawn,” Ragnor said. Magnus growled softly at his friend, pouting when the Alpha smirked at him. Oh, how he’d missed Ragnor.

               “Enough of the warlock games. Can you help wake my mother or not?” Clary said, cotton scent spiking angrily.

               “Not without the Book of the White,” Ragnor said simply.

               “What is the Book of the White,” Jace asked with a soft growl.

               “It’s an ancient book of warlock magic, containing spells more powerful than most warlocks could ever imagine,” magnus said with a chuckle, eyeing his friend pointedly. He patted his friend’s shoulder to distract the Shadowhunters from his other hand caressing Ragnor’s wrist quickly as he walked past. He hadn’t scent-marked anyone in ages, and it felt good to do it to Ragnor for the first time in years. He tuned out of the conversation as he basked in the Alpha’s scent, which he had missed so much. It had always calmed him, and it set his frayed senses at ease now too. It was just what he had needed to recover a bit from what Alec had been doing to him.

               “Won’t be but a moment,” Ragnor said, rushing past Magnus to find whatever it was he was going to use to track the book.

               “What do we do if he can’t find the book,” Clary asked softly.

               “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” Jace said.

               “It’s a bit drab, isn’t it,” Magnus asked lightly, crinkling his nose as he scanned his friend’s cluttered cottage. Magnus’ heart leapt into his throat when Ragnor screamed, followed closely by the roar of a demon. He turned, eyes wide as Ragnor was knocked over the railing and hit the ground as the demon died. “Ragnor,” he shouted, rushing to the Alpha’s side. He whined as he fell to his knees and cradled Ragnor into his arms as the man choked for breath.

               “Creature…took me…by surprise,” Ragnor choked out.

               Magnus snapped his fingers and began healing the gouge in the Alpha’s neck, ignoring Jace and Clary’s discussion. He only had eyes for Ragnor, who was staring up at him brokenly. “Be still, my sweet little peapod,” Magnus whispered as he tried to heal Ragnor’s wound as quickly as possible. “Your wounds are deep. Hold on, please.” He felt his eyes burn with unshed tears as his fingers shook. Ragnor’s hand cupped his cheek shakily before falling as he gasped one last breath. “No,” Magnus whispered, holding back a sob. “For centuries, this man knew me better than anyone,” Magnus said, growling lowly.

               “Magnus, I’m so sorry,” Clary said softly, cotton scent dull with sympathetic grief.

               “We have to leave, now,” Jace said, standing abruptly.

               Magnus felt his magic crackling angrily beneath his skin as the two Shadowhunters bickered while he held his dead friend in his arms. He clutched Ragnor’s hand tightly in his and kissed the back of his knuckles lightly. Magnus snapped his fingers and made a portal for the two Shadowhunters. “Get back to the Institute. I’ll transport everything back to my place and find what you need. Now leave me to take care of my friend,” Magnus muttered.

               “Magnus, I am…” Clary whispered.

               “Go!” he said, snarling at the two Shadowhunters, magic crackling angrily in the air around him. Once they had left through the portal, Magnus looked back down at Ragnor, stroking the Alpha’s cheek as a broken whine escaped him.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus’ brows scrunched and he bit his lip as he looked through Ragnor’s things. Many of the things had personal significance for him as well, and it was like taking a bittersweet walk down memory lane. Though, it was more bitter than sweet today. He had lost one of his dearest friends today, and tomorrow he would lose his chance with the only Alpha he had every allowed himself to feel anything for. He sighed, sitting down heavily in his armchair as he stroked the picture of Ragnor, Camille and himself.

               “Oh, how I loathe that photograph.” Magnus missed the rest of what was said as he was too shocked to see Ragnor standing in front of him to listen.

               “You’re here,” he whispered with a whine.

               “You didn’t think you’d get rid of me that easily, did you,” Ragnor asked, one brow quirked upwards. Magnus gulped, staring up at his friend. Was he really hallucinating his friend right now? Had he overdone it on the double doses of suppressants? “Oh, my dear friend, I will always be here for you,” Ragnor said softly, cupping his face. Magnus shivered. He would almost swear he actually felt the warm touch of fingers on his cheek, and a subtle scent of Eucalyptus tickle his nose. “Now please, put away that horrid photograph. It commemorates a night I’d rather not remember. Oh, how I had to comfort you,” Ragnor said, moving to lounge lazily across the armchair in front of Magnus.

               Magnus looked back down at the picture with a self-deprecating smile and said, “How I loved her. I prayed she’d love me the same, but…she just laughed. To Camille, immortals, especially Betas like her, aren’t supposed to feel true love. She was so cynical. Camille broke my heart.”

               “You let her break your heart, my friend. You’re immortal…and she killed you,” Ragnor whispered.

               Magnus’ heart stuttered in his chest at the accusation. He had let her break his heart. He had chosen to love Camille despite knowing how she felt about love and mating before she even told him. Looking back, he knew he chose to love Camille because she was a Beta, and that was a safe choice. He looked back up to see an empty chair and he clenched his eyes shut against the pain. Despite knowing it was a hallucination, he had still found comfort in talking with his friend. He picked his phone up and quickly found Alec’s contact to call him. The urge to try to talk the Alpha out of his mating was so hard to resist amidst the devastation he was feeling from losing Ragnor, but he was able to fight it and pressed cancel before he could make a huge mistake and appear desperate to a Shadowhunter who had made it clear he wasn’t interested. He sighed, ignoring the staticky crackling beneath his skin as he stood to go through more of Ragnor’s things. This could take all night.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus grabbed the Charango, stroking a few chords and letting them sing beautifully. He smiled sadly at the sound.

               “I wouldn’t describe that as an instrument of music,” Ragnor muttered, reappearing lounged across the armchair. “An instrument of torture perhaps.”

               “Oh, you never liked the charango,” Magnus said, smiling softly as he sat back down, instrument across his lap

               “No, I did not,” Ragnor said heatedly. “And I pray you don’t play it. You were always horrid at it and death has already given me enough of a headache.”

               “Do you remember Imasu? He played this so beautifully,” Magnus said lightly. He hummed as he thought of the first time he’d seen the musician. The Beta had been playing the charango at the Plaza Republicana in Puno. Ahhh how he’d loved the sound of that man’s music.

               “I’m surprised that lasted as long as it did. He was always so much better looking than you,” Ragnor said with a smirk. Magnus huffed, meeting Ragnor’s eyes with a playful smirk. “I don’t understand why you didn’t go after the boy,” Ragnor muttered.

               Magnus grabbed the glass and the bottle of alcohol from the table beside him and began to pour himself a drink. “No, Imasu wanted more than I can give,” Magnus muttered. He thought of how Imasu had described him as ephemeral. A laughable concept really, considering he was immortal. He had never understood why the man thought that way about him. “Maybe Camille was right, I am immortal. I can party and have fun to my heart’s content without the anchors of love around my feet,” he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. Looking back at the loves he had that hadn’t lasted, he wondered if Camille was right after all. Maybe being immortal meant never having a real, true, lasting love.

               “You are not Camille,” Ragnor said vehemently, moving closer to Magnus. “And, though I know you won’t believe me, someday someone will come along who will tear down those walls you’ve built around your heart. And when that happens and you can truly feel love again, you must do everything in your power to fight for it.”

               Magnus’ heart skipped a beat as he listened to the Alpha’s words. He remembered what he had told Alec the night he’d shared his strength with him, and they’d had their first drink together. The Alpha had unlocked something in him. After Camille, he had locked away the possibility of loving anyone. And even longer before that, he had decided to lock away any feelings for an Alpha. Just one of the Alpha’s crooked smiles, and Magnus had been ready to throw away centuries of denying the lure of finding an Alpha to settle down with. Ragnor was right, there was no way Magnus could give up the feelings and draw towards Alec without truly fighting for it. He smiled and placed his drink on the table, standing swiftly.

               “Going somewhere?” Ragnor said with a knowing lilt to his voice.

               Magnus paused, looking back at his friend and taking in his features one last time. “Even in death, you give the best advice,” he said softly.

               “Be nice if you took it more than once every 300 years,” Ragnor said with a smirk.

               Magnus huffed, looking away for a moment as he choked back a sad sound. He turned back around to say something heartfelt, but Ragnor, well the hallucination of him, was gone. Magnus clenched his eyes shut, grieving his friend for a moment. He took a steadying breath before heading to his room. He had to dress to impress. He wanted Alec to gasp for breath when he saw him. He wanted there to be no way the Alpha could continue ignoring his feelings for him.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus portaled to the Institute, pausing only a moment to take a calming breath before strutting into the old church. He held his head high as he stormed through the Institute to where the ceremony was being held. Eyes followed him as he passed, but no one tried to stop him. Before the doors to the hall, he paused again, steadying his breathing but unable to calm his frantically beating heart. He released a shaky breath before pushing the doors open to bang against the walls. He ignored the echoes of the sound as he strutted into the hall, head held high, and eyes only for Alec.

               Their eyes met and Magnus came to a stop at the end of the aisle. His whole focus zeroed in on the Alpha who was looking at him with wide eyes. He took no notice of all the stares on him as his heart raced as he waited for Alec’s reaction to his presence. He said nothing, he had already said all he could. It was up to the Alpha to make the next move. His skin felt like there was an electric current flowing beneath it constantly. Like his blood was charged and waiting for Alec’s decision.

               “Magnus, leave this wedding now,” Maryse said as the Omega rushed towards him furiously.

               “Maryse, this is between me and your son,” he said, waving her away as he took a few more steps forward. “I’ll leave if he asks me to.”

               He stared challengingly up at the Alpha who was still frozen where he stood. The man turned to talk with a smiling Lydia, and Magnus’ heart skipped a beat. All his cards were on the table. This was his last move, and he didn’t even want to think about another rejection. Alec turned to look towards him, and Magnus’ heart leapt into his throat. His blood rushed in his ears as the Alpha stepped down, away from the blonde Omega, and began walking down the aisle towards Magnus.

               Maryse rushed past him towards Alec saying, “Alec, what are you doing?”

               “Enough,” the Alpha said, voice booming stronger than Magnus had ever heard it, and Magnus forgot how to breathe. Alec grabbed the lapels of Magnus’ jacket and pulled him against his chest and into a heated kiss.

               As their lips touched, Magnus felt the static beneath his skin flare stronger and he gasped in a shocked breath when Alec pulled back from him. Magnus whined softly, but his eyes widened when the Alpha dragged him back in for another kiss. He and Alec both panted for breath when they finally pulled away from their kiss. His eyes met the Alpha’s and he grinned. “You never cease to amaze me Alec,” he said breathlessly.

               “Yeah,” the Alpha said, gasping softly. His eyes were glazed slightly as he took deep breaths. “What’d I just do?” he released a nervous breath and turned to look at his mother. Magnus followed the Alpha’s gaze, his heart still pounding erratically, to see Maryse huff and stomp away, followed closely by Robert. He took a steadying breath as Izzy rushed over to them with a huge grin.

               “Alec, I am so proud of you,” she said lightly.

               Magnus stared at Clary’s vampire friend as he enthused about the comparison between what just happened and some movie. Really it was all too much for Magnus to really process at the moment. He was still overwhelmed by the fact that the Alpha had actually chosen him over his duty.

               “Who invited the vampire,” Alec asked stoically.

               Magnus chuckled softly and turned to Isabelle. “Thank you for inviting me. Though, I almost didn’t come,” he said softly.

               “I’m glad you did,” she said, cinnamon scent caressing Magnus’ senses joyfully. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it gratefully, before making his way over to Jace and Clary.

               “Much as this might shock Alec, my visit tonight wasn’t all for him. We need to speak privately,” he said softly, looking around the hall at all the guests. As much as he wanted to revel in this moment forever, there was business to attend to first.

~*~*~*~*~

               With a flourish he summoned the relevant items of Ragnor’s onto the table in the training room. “I pulled every item of magical significance from Ragnor’s belongings. But I can’t determine which will lead to the Book of the White,” he said as each of them scanned the items on the table.

               “Wait, this bookmark. I’ve seen it before. In the alternate dimension you showed me a book of spells, and this was in it. It must have been the Book of the White,” Clary said excitedly, picking up the elaborate bookmark.

               Magnus’ brow quirked up at her words. Alternate dimension? These young Shadowhunters had been busy and doing such interesting things. He’d have to ask her more about this other dimension at another time.

               “If that’s the case, we can use the bookmark to track the owner of the book,” Alec said.

               “Okay,” Jace said, going to grab the bookmark from Clary.

               Magnus snatched the bookmark before Jace could and said, “Warlock tracking is stronger.” There was no way he was letting the blonde Parabatai track with Alec right in front of him. Not tonight. Things were still too new for the Alpha and him. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply as he concentrated his magic on finding whoever currently had possession of the book. He growled softly when he got a brief image of an angry Camille trapped in the Hotel Dumort. Well, that was going to be a complication. To say the least. “Well, there’s good news, and there’s bad news…the good news is I know the owner. The bad news is…it’s Camille,” he muttered.

               “Camille?” Clary said, disbelief covering her face.

               He confirmed that yes, it was Camille, and that Raphael apparently had her locked up in the basement of the Hotel Dumort. He watched Alec as Clary and Jace discussed whether it was impossible to get Camille’s help or not. He could really care less how they did it, he cared more about the Alpha who was staring steadily back at him across the table. When Clary and Jace finally left them to have some privacy, Magnus couldn’t hold back an elated grin any longer. He leaned back against the table, sighing wistfully.

               “I’m so glad we got away from that crowd and all those people. That was so intense,” Alec said, rounding the table to where Magnus was standing.

               Magnus chuckled softly and said, “I have to hand it to you, Alexander…you certainly know how to make a statement.” He stepped closer to the grinning Alpha and purred softly at the sweet rose scent that tickled his nose. He was so proud of the young Alpha for choosing a chance at love over settling on his duty.

               They both turned when they heard footsteps approaching. Magnus sighed when he saw the Alpha’s parents. Maryse Lightwood was looking particularly prickly…and pissed. He turned away to give the family a semblance of privacy. That was no place for him at the moment. The Alpha had to deal with that alone sadly. He listened as Maryse viciously attacked her son’s decision with her words. He was again proud of Alec because of his response to her about him now being himself in the open.

               “And all for a Downworlder and an Alpha,” Maryse said, huffing and stalking away.

               Magnus rolled his eyes. Maryse Lightwood would never change. She had always been bigoted, and he couldn’t imagine a day where that would change. Not unless something drastic changed. If the situation was different for Shadowhunters, and they had any male Omegas like the rest of the world did, then maybe their views on same sex relationships would be different. But, there hadn’t been male Omega Shadowhunters in generations. But from the sound of it, Robert seemed like he wasn’t completely against them.

               “How long has this been going on? Are you two in love?” he asked Alec.

               Magnus’ eyes widened. Love? They barely knew each other. Hadn’t even gone on a date yet. No courting started. And their first kiss had been with an audience.

               Alec scoffed and began stuttering nervously. “Love? What? No,” he muttered. “No, it’s…it’s uh, it’s sort of a different…it’s not…”

               And that was Magnus’ cue to step back in and save Alexander from himself. “It’s all very new,” he said softly, patting the Alpha’s arm reassuringly as he stood beside him.

               “Right,” Robert said skeptically. He sighed and patted Alec’s arm with a grimace. “I’m going to go check on Mom.”

               Magnus watched Robert walk away, scrambling to think of something to say to reassure the Alpha at this side. “You know what I just realized?” he said lightly, smiling at the Shadowhunter. “We haven’t gone on a first date yet.”

               The Alpha smiled crookedly and said, “Yeah, you’re right. You wanna…get a drink sometime?”

               “I’d love that,” Magnus said, meeting the Alpha’s gaze with a soft smile.

               “Great,” Alec whispered, and Magnus hummed as the Alpha’s rose scent engulfed his senses with the man’s joy.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus paced in the hall alone. It was the first bit of space he’d gotten from the Alpha since they kissed. His mind was racing, wondering how Alec was faring with his parents. Wondering if they could possibly convince the Alpha to change his mind about taking a chance with Magnus. That would be humiliating for his reputation in the Downworld if that happened. Magnus Bane, putting himself out there in front of an entire Institute of Shadowhunters, only to be rejected after it all was said and done. He’d have to go home and lick his wounds. Maybe even disappear from New York for a while if that was the case.

               He sighed when Alec joined him in the hall. “On a scale of one to ten, how unpleasant was it,” he asked.

               “Off the charts. I’ve never seen them so angry,” the Alpha muttered.

               “Just give them some time,” Magnus said softly.

               “You’re immortal. Time is on your side. After what I did? I don’t think they’ll ever forgive me,” Alec said, walking towards the office to find Lydia.

               “Don’t underestimate a parent’s love,” Magnus said. He had seen the way many parents cared for their children and would look past transgressions out of love. “You don’t regret it, do you?” His heart pounded as the Alpha stopped to look at him.

               Alec sighed, and Magnus gulped. “Everything happened so fast. I didn’t have time to think. I just want to make sure Lydia’s okay. I owe her so much,” the Alpha said.

               “We owe her. What she did was nothing short of heroic,” Magnus said softly. He could never thank the blonde Omega enough for what she had done for them. For him. He could see the Alpha overthinking already, and he quickly tried to reassure him. “Hey, look, maybe we can slow things down? Why don’t we start with that first date, huh?” he said softly.

               “Yeah, let’s do that,” Alec whispered with a small smile.

               Magnus sucked in a relieved breath at the Alpha’s agreement and watched the man walk into the office. He excitedly started describing his favorite restaurant to the man but was interrupted by him shouting Lydia’s name. They both rushed to the Omega’s side and Magnus felt for a pulse with shaking fingers. He nodded to Alec, sighing softly in relief. He stood quickly to go get help at Alec’s demand.

               Once he found someone to help them, he bade a hasty goodbye to Alec and got out of the Institute as quickly as possible. He did not want to be around for any more Shadowhunter drama. Especially since he had caused a huge stir today.

~*~*~*~*~

               It had only taken a few minutes away from the Institute, and far from Alec’s presence, for Magnus to realize something was wrong. The itching in his skin, that had changed to a staticky crackling beneath his skin, was now gone. But a head-splitting migraine had taken its place. It had started as a dull pulsing ache when he had kissed Alec, and he had made nothing of it while at the Institute because it hadn’t worsened. But as soon as he had stepped out of the portal into his lair, he had stumbled and fallen against the wall, clutching his head at the pain.

               He had no explanation for what could be causing it. All he knew was that the lights and smells in his lair were making him cripplingly nauseous. He needed to figure something out. He stumbled over to his apothecary and first tried a simple pain-relieving potion. He downed the pale blue potion and waited. He growled when nothing happened. He grabbed his suppressant next, downing it in one shot. It did nothing, as usual of late, so he grabbed a second dose of it. He downed the second dose just as fast, and waited.

               He waited for the usual cold wave to wash over his body. Waited for the typical dulling of his senses. For the slight dampening of his magic that was always a sad result of his senses dulling to those of a Beta. He waited, and he waited for those tell-tale affects, but they never came.

               He felt his heart stutter in his chest, and he gasped a breath as he started to panic. Two doses and they had done nothing at all? That had never happened before. His fingers trembled as he grasped his third vial of the lavender potion. He unstopped it and drank it slowly this time. He wondered, irrationally, if the speed he drank it was a factor. He dropped the vial on the shelf and waited anxiously. He bit back a broken sob when nothing changed. His stomach clenched painfully, and he gripped the apothecary shelf so hard his knuckles turned white. He bit his lip against a dizzying wave of nausea. He breathed through his nose, trying to calm himself, but he was unsuccessful. He doubled over, falling to his hands and knees as he vomited on the floor.

               He cringed and vanished the mess with a snap of his fingers. His magic crackled restlessly under his skin. It was like an animal that had been caged for too long and finally had a taste of freedom. It was a dangerous feeling. Magnus hadn’t realized just how much he’d been denying himself, and his magic, by using the suppressants for so long. He hadn’t felt his magic like this since his time living with his father.

               He waved his hand and strengthened the wards on his lair. Basically, putting the lair on lockdown. He couldn’t risk anyone coming by unannounced when he was not in control of his instincts, or completely in control of his magic.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Text

               Magnus groaned, eyes fluttering open when he felt a pulse from his wards letting him know someone was approaching. He felt a stabbing pain in his abdomen, and he whined lowly as he struggled to raise himself onto his trembling hands and knees. He crawled towards the living room when he heard frantic knocking at his door. He collapsed into a fetal position next to one of his sofas. A bead of sweat dripped from his temple into his eye, and he shivered as his skin seemed to burn with a steadily intensifying fire.

               He choked back a sob as he realized what was happening. After centuries of denying his body what it needed, it was inducing a heat after only a short period without his suppressants. Possibly due to the Alpha that he had kissed not too long ago. He had never allowed himself to have a heat. He had made the suppressant potion as soon as he had presented, and never looked back. He had no idea what to expect, and he was terrified.

               His phone started buzzing and he fumbled it out of his pocket. He stared at the screen with bleary eyes. Clary was calling. He refused the call and slid his phone across the floor, and out of his reach. He didn’t want to risk calling anyone for help. He knew his first instinct would be to call Alexander, and that was a whole mess he’d really rather avoid. He’d prefer the Alpha not to see him desperate, needy, and weak. Not to mention having to explain to the Shadowhunter Alpha how he was actually an Omega, not an Alpha shirking his duties and responsibilities to play as a Beta.

               His phone continued to buzz with incoming calls and texts, but Magnus ignored it as he clawed his way onto the sofa. He snapped his fingers, meaning to conjure a blanket to wrap himself up in, but nothing happened. Great! So, he was powerless for the duration of this heat? Fantastic. Magnus flinched when the doors to his lair banged open. How had anyone gotten through his wards?

               “Magnus!”

               Magnus whined at the sound of Alec’s booming voice. No! The Alpha couldn’t be here. He used the back of the sofa to drag himself up to a seated position as the black-haired Alpha fell to his knees in front of him. The Alpha’s hand hovered an inch from Magnus’ cheek as his nostrils flared and his pupils dilated.

               “Magnus?” Alec whispered.

               Magnus bit his lip, clenching his eyes shut and whining lowly. He could feel the flush in his cheeks. The sweat beading on his forehead. The staticky fire flowing through his veins. The shivers overtaking his body. And he hated that the Alpha was also witnessing him coming undone. “I…I can explain…” Magnus said, cringing when his voice came out far too breathy.

               “Magnus…you’re…”

               “Pathetic?” Magnus muttered; eyes downcast to avoid seeing the Alpha’s reactions to his current state.

               “What? No, Magnus. You’re in heat. Why didn’t you tell me you were an Omega? I wouldn’t have kissed you like that without asking. And in front of everyone…and then commanding you to find help for Lydia and then letting you leave my side so abruptly…” Alec whispered. Magnus looked up to see that the Alpha looked horrified, and he whined. “Hey, how can I help you?”

               Magnus’ head shot up to stare over the Alpha’s shoulder, horrified to see who had followed the Shadowhunter into his lair. Isabelle and Clary weren’t a big deal, they had already discovered his secret. Clary’s Mundane-turned-vampire friend didn’t matter either. But Camille? The vampire was grinning evilly at him.

               “Well, well, well,” she said, eyes roving over Magnus’ hunched, shivering body slowly. “Magnus Bane is a secret Omega. All those years of you pursuing me so pathetically make so much sense now.”

               “Get out!” Alec said, growling loudly as his hand grasped Magnus’ in a crushing grip. “All of you, now! Keep an eye on the vampire until I call you.” When none of them moved, the Alpha snarled, and Izzy ushered them all out of the lair without a backwards glance at the two of them.

               Magnus eyed Alexander warily as he growled until the door closed behind the others. He gulped when the Alpha turned to look at him again. He couldn’t read the emotions that were passing over the man’s face, and it frightened him. He was Magnus Bane. Centuries-old, powerful warlock. But right now, he was powerless and at the mercy of his body and instincts. And both were crying out for the black-haired Alpha’s touch. “You asked what you could do?” he whispered.

               “Yes,” Alec said breathily.

               Magnus sucked in a steadying breath, sighing at the Alpha’s rose scent as it tickled his nose. He met the Alpha’s eyes and said, “I need you to help me through my heat.”

               Alec’s eyes widened, nostrils flaring. “W-what?” he said.

               “I-if you can’t help me…sexually…I understand, but…but I don’t know what I’m doing and…and I’m scared, Alexander,” Magnus whispered, eyes clenching shut at his admission.

               “Hey,” Alec whispered, touching Magnus’ cheek gently. Magnus’ eyes fluttered open, meeting Alec’s steady gaze. “You don’t need to be afraid. I’m here. I’ll protect you, Omega.”

               Magnus whined, launching himself into the Alpha’s arms. He shoved his nose into Alec’s neck, dragging in a deep breath of the Alpha’s scent. The Alpha wrapped his arms around Magnus and lifted him up as he stood. Magnus wrapped his legs around the Alpha’s waist, purring as the man carried him to the bedroom. As fearful as he was, he made the decision to stop fighting his instincts, knowing that he was safe in this Alpha’s embrace. That the Alpha would protect him fiercely, as a trained warrior should. And that? That made his Omega instincts purr happily.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus’ eyes shot open, and his magic crackled defensively beneath his skin. He sighed softly, magic settling down when he realized he was not in danger. No, he was safe, being held tight in a pair of strong arms. Held against the Shadowhunter Alpha’s apparently very hairy chest. He purred softly, pushing his nose into the Alpha’s neck. His body stiffened when he realized what he was doing.

               He slowly extricated himself from the Alpha’s arms. He froze when Alexander growled lowly, but when he didn’t wake up, Magnus crawled off the bed. He tiptoed out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. He busied himself making tea the Mundane way as his thoughts wandered to the Alpha asleep in his bed. Magnus’ hands shook as he picked up his teacup and took a sip.

               The Alpha had been amazing. Magnus had abandoned himself to his instincts, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t remember every moment of what happened. On the contrary. He could remember every detail as if each moment was seared into his memory.

               “Alpha,” Magnus whispered when Alexander dropped him on the bed gently.

               “How long,” the Alpha asked, eyes raking over Magnus’ shivering form.

                Magnus’ brows scrunched in confusion. “How long, what?” he said breathily.

               “How long since your last heat? How long do they usually last? Do you need to build a nest,” Alec asked.

               “Alexander,” Magnus whispered, sitting up and gripping the Alpha’s wrist tightly. “I’ve never had a heat before.”

               “What?” the Alpha demanded, nostrils flaring as he growled lightly. Magnus swallowed heavily, dropping the Alpha’s wrist and scooting back on the bed. “How could you never have had a heat before?”
               “As soon as I presented, I created the suppressant potion I take, and never let myself have one. I couldn’t let myself experience one,” Magnus whispered, clenching his eyes shut and turning his head away from the Alpha.

               “How could you deny your body what it needs for so long? Are you ashamed of being an Omega,” Alec asked.

               Magnus’ eyes shot open, and he turned to look at the Alpha when he felt the man’s hand on his cheek. The Alpha had crawled onto the bed to sit in front of him and was frowning at him. “I’m…not ashamed, Alexander,” Magnus whispered.

               The Alpha quirked a brow and said, “Then why?”

               “Because I didn’t see the point,” Magnus hissed, glaring at the Alpha and wiping the sweat from his brow absentmindedly. His skin was beginning to feel like it could melt off at any moment.

               “You couldn’t see the point? It’s your body’s biology. I don’t understand how you couldn’t see a point in something that is so important to your body’s health,” the Alpha said, pushing Magnus’ hair away from where it was sticking in the sweat on the Omega’s forehead.

               Magnus sighed and grabbed the Alpha’s hand, drawing it closer so he could push his nose against the Alpha’s wrist. “I’m a warlock, Alexander. You know what that means about my fertility,” he whispered, whining softly.

               Alec sighed and drew Magnus into his arms, hand on the back of the Omega’s head, pushing his face into his neck. Magnus purred and nosed at the Alpha’s scent-gland softly, taking in his calming rose scent. “Infertile doesn’t mean defective, Magnus. Being an Omega is more than just heats and having children,” Alec said.

               Magnus pulled back and met the Alpha’s eyes. “What’s the point of heats if I can’t give my mate a family?” Magnus whispered.

               Alec cupped Magnus’ cheek, stroking his cheek with his thumb. Magnus purred and leaned into the Alpha’s touch. “Magnus, you can make your own family. Let me show you that heats are more than just for breeding,” Alec whispered.

               Magnus shook himself from the memory with a smile. The Alpha, who Magnus knew couldn’t have had any experience with heats and Omegas, had done an amazing job of caring for Magnus during his. And his heat had hit him like a Mac truck. Magnus didn’t even want to think about how he would have gotten through it without Alec’s help. It certainly would have been far less pleasant than the black-haired Alpha had made it. He jumped when strong arms wrapped around him from behind, and a nose rubbed against his scent gland.

               “Good morning,” Alec muttered sleepily.

               Magnus smiled and turned in the Alpha’s arms. “Good morning, Alexander,” he whispered. It may have been a little early to have taken this relationship to a sexual level before they even had a first date or started the courting process, but he couldn’t regret it.

               “How are you feeling today,” Alec asked softly, cupping Magnus’ cheek.

               “Much better. I think my heat has passed,” Magnus said, smiling and purring softly.

               Alec hummed, leaning down slightly to nose at Magnus’ neck. “Are you sore at all?” he mumbled against Magnus’ neck.

               Magnus shivered at the sensation of the Alpha’s lips on his neck. “Not at all, Alexander. In fact, I feel fantastic,” he said.

               Alec drew back and gave Magnus a crooked grin. “Good…that…that’s good…” he stuttered.

               Magnus chuckled at the Alpha’s nervous stutter. The man had literally taken Magnus apart and put him back together, and he was still nervous and stuttering. It was actually an attractive quality in an Alpha if Magnus was honest with himself. Nothing like the usual egotistical Shadowhunter Alpha. “Now, why don’t you call your delightful sister and tell her to bring Camille here so we can get the Book of the White, huh?” he said with a grin.

                              Alec hummed softly, pushing Magnus’ hair back from his forehead. “Alright, Magnus,” he whispered.

~*~*~*~*~

               “So, you’re just going to live your life as an Omega now, after sharing your heat once with a Shadowhunter? How desperate are you, Magnus?” Camille said, eyes raking over Magnus’ body hungrily.

               Her eyes on him made him shiver, and Magnus had to put his hand on Alexander’s arm when the Alpha started to growl, stopping him from lunging at Camille. “I can defend myself, Alexander.”

               “I know you can,” Alec said, continuing to growl lowly. “That doesn’t mean you have to.”

               “Just take us to your apartment, and I’ll sign the document,” Simon said, stepping forward before a fight could break out.

               “Fine,” Camille said, hissing angrily before turning and stalking off.

               Magnus sighed. He had loved her once, but she was a spiteful, evil thing sometimes. “I’m sorry, Magnus,” Alec said.

               He spun around to look at the Alpha with a frown. “Sorry for what exactly?” he said.

               “For getting all possessive and protective. It’s really not my place to do so…yet. Besides, you can defend yourself quite masterfully,” Alec muttered.

               Magnus hummed, stepping close to the Alpha, and cupping his cheek. “This whole heat thing has really made a mess of things, huh? You still owe me a first date. Let’s help wake up Jocelyn, then we’ll go out. Get to know each other. How’s that sound?” Magnus said.

               “Sounds perfect,” Alec said with a grin.

~*~*~*~*~

               Of course, Valentine had tracked them down when they were getting the Book of the White from Camille’s place. Alec and he had been ambushed as they were checking the perimeter. Magnus probably could have taken down all of them singlehandedly, if one of the Circle members hadn’t disarmed Alec and used him against Magnus. He had surrendered quickly when they had threatened to kill the Alpha if he didn’t.

               Now, his skin was crawling at the feel of the Alpha Circle member’s hands on him. By the wandering touches, Magnus could tell he had lost control of his scent, so now the enemy knew what he was. He stumbled when he was pushed into the room after Alec. He looked up to see Jace in a standoff with Valentine.

               “See, you are strong, but they make you weak,” Valentine said to Jace.

               Magnus’ heart leapt into his throat when Valentine took a subtle scent of the air, and he knew the man had caught the foreign Omega scent in the room. He kept a straight face when the Alpha looked his way, a dark look crossing Valentine’s face when their eyes met.

               “Let us go,” Clary said. Magnus let out a relieved sigh, too low for anyone to hear as Valentine looked away from him to look at Clary. “You can have the book. We won’t be able to stop you without it.”

               “Oh, Clarissa. So much like your mother. Willing to do anything for those you love. I’m touched, but…the book was never part of my plan. I want you to wake up your mother because I know you’ll both join me eventually. It is fated,” Valentine said. The man was purposely increasing his pheromones, trying to overwhelm their senses with his scent of turpentine. The Alpha turned away from Clary with a smirk. He locked eyes with Magnus again, and the Omega had to hold back a growl at the way his eyes raked over him. “An Omega warlock…how interesting. I didn’t think your kind had Omegas. Such a waste you are,” the man muttered.

               Alec growled beside Magnus and Valentine turned his gaze to him. “Your scent is all over him. Sullying yourself with a dirty warlock. Disgusting,” Valentine said, scoffing. He turned away from them to Jace and said, “Ready?”

               Magnus’ eyes widened as the blonde Alpha lowered his Seraph blade. “If I go with you…promise me you won’t hurt them,” Jace muttered.

               “You have my word,” Valentine said with a manic grin.

Magnus held back a scoff, Valentine’s word wasn’t worth anything. Jace had to know that. He watched Clary try to convince Jace that Valentine was wrong, but Magnus could tell by Jace’s scent that the man was broken. The Alpha was going to go with Valentine, and there was nothing that any of them could do to convince him otherwise.

               He watched the blonde Alpha leave through the portal, grateful when Alec stopped Clary from trying to follow them when she had no idea where the portal led to. He rushed forward when she collapsed against Alec, sobbing. Magnus gathered her into his arms, purring soothingly. She tucked her face into his neck as she cried, and for the first time, Magnus purposely increased his sandalwood scent to sooth a fellow Omega. Clary whined and clung tighter to him, trembling in his arms.

~*~*~*~*~

               “Do you really think this is going to work, Magnus,” Clary asked, handing the Book of the White to him as they stood before Jocelyn’s floating, sleeping form.

               “Let’s hope,” he said, taking the book and opening it to the correct page. He hoped for Clary’s sake that it did work because she could really use her mother after what happened with Jace. He snapped his fingers and began reading out the spell in Chthonian. He stepped back when the magic pulsed and released Jocelyn to wake and fall into Luke’s waiting arms.

               He smiled as Luke let her down and she automatically turned towards Clary’s cotton scent, and the two Omegas embrace. But, as beautiful as their reunion was, they had other problems. Specifically, the problem that had the brooding Alpha beside him growling continuously. They needed to track down Jace.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Text

               “Any word from the Clave?” Isabelle said.

               Magnus walked with her, Lydia and Alexander to the middle of the Ops Center. He sniffed the shirt in his hand, huffing at the overwhelming scent of smoke that still lingered from its owner. Hopefully Jace’s shirt would be enough to track the Alpha by. For Alexander’s sake.

               “Nothing yet and we’ve been trying for the past four hours. Something’s up,” Lydia said.

               Magnus scoffed, rolling his eyes. The Clave be at all helpful? Not likely unless it benefited them in some way. Tracking down one rogue Shadowhunter obviously wasn’t high on their list of priorities. “The Clave being unhelpful? Who’s shocked? Show of hands?” he said.

               “I’m worried. I can’t sense Jace through our Parabatai bond,” Alec muttered, growling lowly as his scent sharpened.

               “We’ll find him, Alexander,” Magnus said, concentrating on making his scent calming for the Alpha. By the way the man’s shoulders loosened slightly, he knew it was working. He moved slightly away from them so he could concentrate on Jace’s scent and the shirt it was coming from. He snapped his fingers, running his hand over the Alpha’s shirt. His brow creased as he pushed more magic into the tracking but kept getting nothing.

               “Anything,” Alec asked, voice sharp and demanding.

               “I’m sorry,” Magnus whispered with a frown.

               “There’s got to be something!” Alec said.

               Magnus took a subtle step back from the furious Alpha and breathed through his mouth when the man’s scent choked him. “I don’t see him,” he whispered. His nostrils flared when the Alpha turned from him with a snarl to address the Institute. He could tell the Alpha was hurting. But snapping at him? At all the Shadowhunters in the Institute? Uncalled for when he was doing everything in his power to help, and so were his people. He watched the Alpha lash out verbally at both Lydia and his sister and rushed forward to grab the man’s arm gently. “Hey…” he whispered, purring reassuringly.

               The Alpha growled lowly, yanking his arm from Magnus’ grip. Magnus’ eyes widened, nostrils flaring as the man’s scent soured, assaulting his senses and making him want to whine. “Everybody, just back off!” the Alpha said, snarling and stalking away without a backwards glance.

               Magnus panted as he tried to hold back a devastated whine. He couldn’t track the Alpha’s Parabatai, and he couldn’t comfort the Alpha. What good was he to the Alpha if he couldn’t do those simple things? Magnus’ eyes widened and he growled. Damn his suppressant potion refusing to work any longer. And damn the Alpha for helping him through his heat and causing these…Omega instincts. He jumped when a hand gripped his wrist gently and he closed his eyes, breathing in Lydia’s calming scent of lily. He turned, smiling gratefully at her before walking away. He would find that stubborn Alpha and try to hep him deal with the anger and devastation he was feeling at the absence of his Parabatai.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus took a steadying breath as he stepped out onto the roof to confront Alexander. The black-haired Alpha was leaning against the parapet with hunched shoulders. Magnus warily approached the brooding Alpha, careful not to advance too far and invade the Alpha’s space.

               “I’m sorry for how I reacted before. It’s not personal,” Alec muttered.

               Magnus sighed and took a few more cautious steps towards the Alpha. “I get it. I’m a lot to get used to,” he said, sighing and leaning against the parapet a good foot away from the Alpha. He reached out with his sandalwood scent, trying to soothe the Alpha. “I know what you’re going through, Alexander.”

               “No, I…I don’t think you do,” Alec muttered with a low growl, turning to face Magnus. “Jace is a part of me. Through our rune, we are both physically and emotionally connected. If he dies…a part of me dies, too. And I know he’s out there. And he’s in trouble, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.”

               Magnus’ eyes flitted away from Alexander’s as the Alpha fumed. The man’s scent was clogging his senses and he feared he may soon choke on the overwhelming smell of wilted roses. “Tell me what I can do,” he said quickly when the Alpha spun and began stalking away.

               Alexander turned to look at him and Magnus could tell the man was overwhelmed and was desperate to find his Parabatai. “Help me track Jace using our rune,” Alec said. Magnus sucked in a breath sharply. He would not help him with that. It was far too dangerous. “I just need your magic for the pain.”

               “I can’t help you with this, Alexander,” he whispered, refusing to meet the distraught Alpha’s gaze.

               “Why not?” the Alpha demanded with a snarl.

               Magnus growled, raising his chin, and meeting the Alpha’s gaze with narrowed eyes. “Because the last time you used your rune to track Jace it almost killed you. I will not help you do it again,” Magnus said.

               “Why can’t you just do this one thing for me? After everything I’ve done for you,” Alec said, snarling and stalking off.

               Magnus watched the Alpha leave, nostrils flared in disbelief. Everything he’d done for him? Magnus growled lowly. The Alpha would regret those words soon enough.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus stood at the back of the crowd assembled in the Ops Center. He was concentrating more on controlling his scent than on the Clave representative Maryse Lightwood was introducing as the new, acting head of the Institute. Until the man stepped forward and declared the Institute was on lockdown and everyone on the mission where Jace disappeared would be interviewed. Magnus hoped he was on the top of that list. He wanted away from the Institute as quickly as possible.

               He glared as he watched as Isabelle, Alexander and Clary were all called in before him. Of course they left him for last. Probably were only interviewing him as a formality and didn’t care about his view of what happened. He rolled his eyes when a Shadowhunter finally approached him to tell him it was his turn.

               Magnus stepped into the office, taking a subtle sniff, and hiding a shudder at the Alpha’s scent. Asphalt. He hated that smell. “Ah, Mr. Bane. Welcome. Sit, sit,” the Alpha said with a smile that made Magnus’ skin crawl. “Official business, so excuse the camera.”

               “Sure,” Magnus said, waving his hand dismissively.

               “So, tell me about what happened with Jace,” the Alpha said, leaning back against his desk, legs crossed in front of him.

               “What’s to tell? Valentine had us all with swords at our throats, and Jace sacrificed himself for the sake of all of us,” Magnus said, meeting the Alpha’s gaze unflinchingly. He had never been intimidated by an Alpha before, and he wouldn’t be now either.

               The Alpha hummed and said, “Could Jace have taken out Valentine at any point?”

               “No,” Magnus said simply. He knew exactly what the man was fishing for, and he wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of a long enough response to twist, and incriminate Jace.

               The Alpha’s eyes narrowed at his response and Magnus quirked a brow challengingly in response. “I don’t know what hold you have over the Lightwood boy, or the rest of these young Shadowhunters, but I will be keeping my eyes on you. You’re dismissed.”

               Magnus stood, meeting the Alpha’s narrowed gaze steadily. “Good luck,” he said, before stalking out of the office. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to relieve the throbbing headache, as he stalked through the Institute.

               “Hey! Hey!” Alec called. Magnus growled lowly before turning to face the approaching Alpha. “Are you going home?”

               Magnus scoffed and said, “Where else would I be going? My interview is over and I’m exhausted, and my abdomen is cramping. My body is still getting used to these hormones and instincts. Being around all these Alphas isn’t helping. Besides, at my house there’s steak and vodka. I’d much rather be there.” He turned to leave but his steps faltered at the Alpha’s scent spiking.

               “Wait, you’re just…You’re not going to help?” the Alpha muttered.

               Magnus turned back around to look at the Alpha, eyes narrowed in disbelief. “You really don’t get it, do you?” he said. He scoffed when the Alpha looked at him with a lost expression. “You didn’t risk anything for me by calling off your mating ceremony. You did that for you. And if you were referring to helping me through my heat…well, then you’re not the kind of Alpha I thought you were.”

               “What?” Alec muttered, eyes narrowing and brow furrowing slightly. “Are you seriously doing this? Right now?” The Alpha’s scent spiked angrily, threatening to overwhelm Magnus.

               He growled loudly at the Alpha, even as his instincts were screaming at him to cower from the angry Alpha. “You know damn well I want to find Jace just as much as you do, but that’s no excuse to treat me like…”

               “Well, then, what do you want from me?” Alec demanded, growling and taking a step forward.

               Magnus fought against his instinct to step back away from the advancing Alpha with a snarl. He raised his chin and met the Alpha’s furious gaze steadily. “At the moment…nothing,” he said simply. He bit his lip when the Institute’s alarm started blaring. He huffed, spinning around and stalking away. Let the Shadowhunters handle their issues without him.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus was sulking. He knew he was, and he didn’t care. He didn’t think he had been irrational in his anger at the way Alec had treated him. It had been a couple of days since he had stalked out of the Institute, and his magic was still crackling angrily beneath his skin. He growled and launched to his feet. He snapped his fingers, changing into a workout outfit. He needed to channel this energy productively.

               He made his way out to his balcony, unzipping his sleeveless hoody as he went. He tossed it onto the small table before taking a calming breath in through his nose. He focused inward on his magical core, drawing energy to his hands, and falling into a routine that was like muscle memory. He flowed fluidly through the movements, mind on nothing but his magic and his movements.

               “Magnus.”

               He had heard and smelled the Alpha before he spoke, but he wasn’t going to acknowledge him first. He didn’t deserve any consideration from him at the moment.

               “I’m not good at apologies…but I’m…I’m sorry,” Alec said softly.

               Magnus took a steadying breath, bringing his glamour back over his cat eyes. “Continue,” he said shortly.

               “I’m…really sorry,” Alec muttered.

               He rolled his eyes and said, “For?”

               “Look, can you just cut that out for a second and look at me?” Alec demanded.

               Magnus growled and threw the ball of crackling energy over his shoulder in the direction of the Alpha’s voice and scent. He huffed when he heard it hit his lamp, breaking the poor thing. He moved to grab his hoody from the table as the Alpha stepped out onto the balcony with him.

               “You were right,” the Alpha said. Magnus rolled his eyes as he put his hoody on. Of course he was right. But what did the Alpha think he was right about? “When I called off the mating ceremony, that was for me. But this is all just…It’s very new.”

               Magnus scoffed and said, “This may surprise you, but you’re new for me, too.” He growled as he zipped up his sleeveless hoody, avoiding looking at the Alpha.

               “Look, with Jace missing, it’s just like…the ground has shifted, and I can’t keep my balance,” Alec said. Magnus rolled his eyes and turned to stalk away. His eyes darted down to where Alec’s hand had just grabbed his forearm. “Just…I didn’t mean to take it out on you. Also, I would never use helping you through your heat against you,” Alec whispered, hand moving to grip Magnus’ wrist gently. Magnus’ eyes raised to meet the Alpha’s hesitantly. “I’m sorry.”

               Magnus swallowed heavily as he gazed into the Alpha’s eyes. He could see and smell the Alpha’s sincerity. “You’re forgiven,” he whispered, smiling softly. “Also, you’re great at apologies, Alexander.” He straightened out the Alpha’s jacket, using that as an excuse for his fingers to brush lightly across the Alpha’s scent gland. The grin and chuckle the Alpha rewarded him with made Magnus’ heart skip a beat.

               “Thanks,” Alec whispered, moving to lean against the railing. “I’ve been working on it.”

               Magnus hesitantly moved to stand beside the Alpha. “Here’s the thing…” he said softly. “We’re always going to face challenges. So, when things get crazy, don’t push me away.” His eyes met the Alpha’s seriously as he spoke, and his lips quirked up in a hopeful smile when the man nodded. He took a steadying breath before taking a small step backwards. “Now,” he said seriously. “I know you came here for more than just an apology.”

               Alec sighed and said, “Yeah. I need your help tracking Jace, Magnus.”

               Magnus clenched his eyes shut and sighed. He didn’t want to help the Alpha with this, but he knew the man was too determined, and stubborn, and would do it with or without his help. At least if he helped him, Magnus could protect him. Hopefully. “Fine,” he said, eyes meeting Alexander’s steadily.

               “Thank you, Magnus,” the Alpha said with a sharp exhale.

               “Don’t thank me yet,” Magnus muttered, ushering the Alpha over to the couch. Once the Alpha had removed his shirt and laid down on the couch, Magnus approached. “Alright, Alexander, ready to track your Parabatai?” Alec simply nodded and Magnus snapped his fingers, moving his hands over the Alpha’s body, using his magic to keep the man from feeling the pain the tracking would cause.

               The Alpha moved his Stele to the rune, but his head jerked up suddenly. Magnus quirked a brow and said, “What happened? Did it start?”

               “I don’t need to. I sense him. He’s on land,” Alec said, grabbing his shirt and jacket and throwing them on quickly.

               “Go get him,” Magnus whispered, meeting the Alpha’s gaze and nodding. The Alpha nodded back before dashing out of Magnus’ lair.

               Magnus let out a shaky breath and moved around the couch so he could sit heavily on it. This young Alpha could go from devastating him to amazing him so quickly it was giving him whiplash. Magnus wasn’t yet used to dealing with the effects of pheromones and instincts. He really needed to get a handle on them before he did something he’d regret.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus groaned as he tumbled out of bed. He hadn’t slept well at all the last few nights. It had been a little over a week since his heat, and his abdomen had been cramping regularly since then. If this was his body’s way of punishing him for using his suppressant potions for centuries…he wasn’t a fan. He also hoped it didn’t mean he was going to have another seat so soon after the first. His body better not decide to make up for lost time.

               He stumbled to the bathroom to take a warm shower, hoping that would be enough to wake him up and lessen the cramping. He sighed as the hot water cascaded over his body. Unfortunately, his mind decided now was a good time to think about all the things that could happen now that even a few people knew he was an Omega. Especially Valentine. He didn’t want to dwell on the dark thoughts, but he couldn’t help but wonder when the proverbial shit would hit the fan.

               He shook himself, rushing through his shower, thinking that at least he had a few new Shadowhunter friends that owed him favors. In case he ever needed their help that is. He also had Alexander and just the thought of the Alpha had his Omega instincts purring contentedly.

               Stepping out of the shower, he snapped his fingers to dry himself and summoned a burgundy, silk robe. A bit of comfortable lounging could do him some good. He frowned as he felt something warm drip onto his lip. He brought his hand up to touch his lips and his eyes widened when he saw blood. He moved over to the mirror to see his nose was bleeding. He snapped his fingers, summoning a towel so he could stop the bleeding. He sat down on the closed toilet and leaned his head forward.

               Why was his nose bleeding? He’d never had a nosebleed before…and he couldn’t think of a reason for him to have one now. He pulled the towel back and stood to look back at the mirror, hoping the bleeding had stopped. He sighed when no more blood decided to drip from his nose and snapped his fingers to vanish the bloody towel. He snapped his fingers again and dressed himself and did his makeup and hair for the day. No lounging today. He needed to figure out what was going on with him. Cramping he could ignore, but a nosebleed…when he’s never had one in over four centuries…not so much. He’d be spending his day brewing potions it seemed.

               He made his way out towards his apothecary, scanning for the ingredients he would need. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he sighed. Who had a death wish by bothering him today? He narrowed his eyes at the screen. An unknown number? He growled lightly, answering the phone with a curt, “Yes!”

               “Uh…hey, Magnus…this is Magnus, right?”

               “Clary’s friend? What do you want?” Magnus said with a growl.

               “Oh…uh…I need your help…”

               Magnus rolled his eyes. Of course he needed his help. Why else would he be calling him? He grabbed the ingredients he needed immediately and made his way over to the living room, phone held between his ear and his shoulder. “What do you need,” he asked, snapping his fingers and summoning the rest of his brewing supplies.

               “It…it’s easier if I explain in person.”

               “Fine. I’ll open you a portal. Where are you?” Magnus mixed the first two ingredients and stirred for a few seconds.

               “The Jade Wolf.”

               Magnus snapped his fingers, summoning a portal for the young vampire. He tossed his phone beside him on the couch, picking up his mortar and pestle to crush up the ingredients he needed to add next.

               “You didn’t tell me portal travel was going to make me want to barf,” the Beta muttered after stumbling through the portal.

               Magnus smirked, snapping his fingers to close the portal. “You’ll get used to it,” he said lightly, adding the powder from the mortar into the potion.

               “Hopefully sooner than later,” the vampire said.

               “So, what’s the emergency,” Magnus asked, standing and strutting to his apothecary for the last few ingredients he’d need.

               “I need your help tracking down your friend Camille. You’re the only one I know who knows her as well as Raphael,” the Beta said as he rushed after Magnus.

               Magnus growled lowly. “I know her better, in fact,” he said, turning with the needed ingredients and walking away. “Which also means I know how stupid it is to go looking for her.”

               “I know she could be holding a grudge about the whole blackmail…”

               “Could be?” Magnus said, spinning to give the young vampire an incredulous look. Camille was the queen of holding grudges for the smallest things. “Camille’s absolute favorite thing is holding grudges. I forgot her 607^th birthday, which isn’t even…”

               “I could forget my nineteenth birthday if we don’t find her,” the Beta shouted. Magnus raised an eyebrow as he sat, adding the leaves from their container into the red potion and stirring. “So, can you take a break from your day job and help a vamp out?”

               Magnus sighed and looked up at the young vampire with a grimace. “Lucky for you, this potion will take a few hours to stew,” he said, standing. He slowly stalked towards the smiling Beta. “But it’ll cost you.”

               “Okay,” the Beta whispered nervously.

               Magnus smirked and raised his hand towards the young vampire’s head. He snipped a lock of his hair, ignoring the man’s exclamation as he summoned the correct vial. “I’ve been running low,” he said nonchalantly, showing the label to the vamp. He held back a laugh when the Beta read the ‘Vampire Hair’ label, eyes wide with shock. It was so much fun to mess with the young vampire, maybe helping him would be a good distraction from his current problem.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus walked through the portal to Agra and smiled wistfully. He rolled his eyes when the Beta doubled over beside him. He was so dramatic.

               “Portaling is not my thing,” the Beta muttered. “Is there like a YouTube tutorial I can watch?” the Beta stood straight, slowly and cautiously.

               “Practice makes perfect,” Magnus said lightly. He frowned when he felt warmth on his upper lip, lifting his hand to his face. He flared at the blood on his fingertips. Again? A nosebleed twice in one day? Really?

               “Are you okay, Magnus?” the Beta said, eyes wide when he saw, and smelled, the warlock’s blood.

               Magnus raised a finger, telling him to wait as he snapped his fingers, summoning a towel again. He held the towel to his nose for a couple minutes before pulling it back. He summoned a hand mirror and checked his face. No more blood flowed from his nose, and no traces were left on his face. He put the mirror in his pocket and snapped his fingers, getting rid of the bloody towel. “Let’s go,” Magnus muttered.

               “Wait, are we in India?” the Beta said as he followed Magnus.

               Magnus smirked and said, “Welcome to Agra.”

               “Camille lives in India,” the Beta asked.

               Manus rolled his eyes and said, “Camille lives wherever she wants. Homes all over the globe. She’s always liked to spend the winters in Agra. She loves the smell of lotus blossoms.”

               “Who doesn’t?” the Beta muttered.

               Magnus huffed softly. He used to love the smell himself, but the smell was no longer associated with good memories for him. Now, the smell just made him queasy. He hummed as they entered a room and his eyes stopped on a vase. “I recognize that. Ming Dynasty,” he muttered, moving forward to lift the vase into his hands gently. He frowned when he realized why he recognized. “Of course I recognize it. It’s mine.” He growled, eyes flicking around the room to see if there was any more of his possessions lying around Camille’s home.

               “Well unless she’s in that vase, she’s not here,” the Beta muttered. “So, come on. You said there are, like, 62 other rooms we have to search.”

               “You go on. I have a few things Camille never returned after one of our many breakups,” he said, hugging the vase to his chest protectively. “I want to find them.”

               “So, you’re not going to help me find her?”

               Magnus rolled his eyes. The Beta could use his puppy eyes all he wanted. They wouldn’t work on him. Cuter people had tried the same thing to sway him and failed. “I portaled you to India. The rest of your sire squabble is all on you. I do not want to get in the middle of it,” he said. “Now, go. And find me when you’re ready to leave. Preferably after you’ve dealt with Camille.” He really didn’t want to see her if he didn’t have to. Not now that his suppressant potions were no longer working, and she knew he was an Omega. And definitely not when he had no idea why he was suddenly getting spontaneous nose bleeds.

               “Right, because why would you need a powerful warlock when you’ve got a scrappy nerd from Brooklyn?” the Beta muttered, playing with a sword from the wall.

               Magnus sighed and said, “What are you so afraid of?” Seriously the boy was a vampire now, not a Mundane. Had he not figured that out yet?

               “Where do I start? Elevators…snakes…clowns…Raphael trying to burn my junk off…”

               Magnus rolled his eyes again. “You’re a vampire, Simon. You’re tougher than you think. Honestly, it’s time to man up,” he said, stalking closer to the Beta. He grabbed the sword from the Beta and nodded pointedly towards the next room. He smirked when the Beta pouted but stalked away. He had missed giving pep talks and helping young Downworlders. He hummed, squinting his eyes as he thought about that. Could he help the young vampire? He could certainly offer. He smiled, humming as he began to look around for more of his things.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus walked around Camille’s home, grabbing anything that was his. Whether it was a gift he had given her, or something that was actually his, he didn’t care. He was grabbing all of it. Less for her to try to hold over his head at a later date. He sneered at the painting of the two of them together. Why did they always seem to get his bad side? Or, was it just how he looked when he was with Camille? That was a thought he wasn’t going to dwell on.

               His heart skipped a beat when he turned, and his eyes landed on the blade displayed behind him. He moved forward slowly and gently grasped the hilt, picking it up. He sucked in a steadying breath as his skin buzzed uncomfortably. He dripped the blade gently into the bag of his things and shook himself. He refused to let dark thoughts take over right now. He should probably find Simon and make sure the Beta was okay.

               He portaled to a room downstairs and looked up when he heard his name. “There you are,” he said, turning to look at the young vampire. He looked down and smiled. “And there it is. My baby!” He moved forward and crouched down when he saw the snake he created slithering by.

               “Your baby?” the Beta said incredulously.

               “I created it for Camille ages ago. The best gift I ever gave,” he said with a proud smile.

               “Great. Well, then, maybe don’t include me on your Christmas list,” Simon muttered.

               Magnus rolled his eyes at the Beta. “He didn’t scare you, did he?” he said, holding back a smirk. He remembered the Beta saying snakes were one of his fears.

               “No, of course not. I encantoed him. No big,” the Beta said with a proud smile.

               Magus smirked at the Beta. He had definitely been scared, but Magnus was proud of him for facing that fear. He patted the Beta’s shoulder before opening a portal for them back to the lair. Camille was clearly not there, and there was no need for them to stick around there any longer than they had to.

~*~*~*~*~

               When they got to the lair, Magnus quickly started pulling things from the bag. When he pulled out the blade, he put it into a protective box, trying to keep the memories from swamping him as he did so. In the box, it would at least be out of sight out of mind and be protected.

               “Listen Antique Roadshow, you got all your stuff back, but Raphael still wants to kill me, and Camille is nowhere to be found,” Simon said.

               “We might not have her, but at least we have this,” Magnus said softly, raising up the small box the Beta had found.

               “This? From inside the serpent statue? This helps me how?” the Beta muttered, grabbing the box from Magnus.

               “If Camille had that snake guarding it, it must be precious to her. Maybe you can use what’s inside to lure her back. If you can get it open,” he said, turning away to start putting his things away.

               “How?” the Beta muttered.

               “I wish I knew. Whatever it is, it has wards keeping warlocks like me out,” Magnus said. Whatever was in the box was extremely important if Camille had gone through the effort of protecting it so extensively.

               “Maybe I can, uh, you know, pry it open,” Simon muttered.

               Magnus turned and his heart dropped when he saw the vampire holding the blade. “No! Not with this,” he shouted, rushing to grab it from the Beta and place it gently back into its box. “It’s too important.”

               “You know what else is important? The parts Raphael wants to burn off me if I don’t find Camille,” the Beta muttered.

               Magnus sighed and said, “We’ll figure something out, Simon.”

               “We?” the Beta muttered incredulously.

               Magnus frowned. He deserved the skepticism he supposed. He had abandoned the boy at Camille’s. “When I was a boy…” he whispered, turning to look at the Beta. When the vampire looked up at him and met his gaze, he continued talking. “…discovering my powers, I had no one. I had to figure out the Downworld all on my own,” he said as he walked past the vampire, avoiding his intense gaze. “It was awful,” he whispered, turning to look at the Beta with a grimace. “So, I vowed to myself that if I ever found someone in a similar situation, I’d try to make sure they didn’t have to go it alone.”

               “So you’re going to be, like, my Downworld sponsor? Cool,” Simon said, grinning and punching his shoulder like they were bros.

               Magnus raised a brow and glared down at where the Beta had touched him so casually. “Let’s not get carried away,” he said.

               “No,” the Beta said with a nervous laugh.

               “I said I’ll try,” Magnus muttered. He couldn’t make any promises and wouldn’t let the young vampire get his hopes up. “Even though I’ve lived more centuries than I’d like to admit, it doesn’t mean I’m patient.”

               The Beta chuckled lightly and said, “Noted.”

               Magnus smiled at the Beta and patted his shoulder. He would do what he could for the boy. The boy really seemed to have no one who truly cared about what happened to him. Not even Clary, and that caused an ache in Magnus’ chest that he really didn’t want to acknowledge but was definitely a part of his Omega instincts. Somehow, his instincts were thinking of Simon like he was his own pup, meaning Magnus was going to be seeing a lot of the talkative vampire. He could feel the stress already.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus sighed when Simon had finally left his apartment. He had promised to keep an ear out for Camille’s whereabouts. And now, he could finally use the potion he had started this morning. He sat heavily on the couch worried about what the results would be. He picked up a needle from the coffee table and pricked his thumb, letting a few drops of blood drop into the red potion. He watched hesitantly for any change in the red potion but frowned when nothing happened. This particular potion was limited to revealing if one had a curse placed on them or was suffering from any kind of demonic illness. So, there was slight relief in the knowledge that he wasn’t suffering from any of those. But he still didn’t know what it could be if not one of those.

               He could call Catarina, but it wasn’t something he really wanted to worry her with it until he thought it was really concerning. At the moment, he was only disconcerted, not concerned. He snapped his fingers, cleaning up the potion mess and deciding he should get some rest. He could stress out about this later. If the nose bleeds continued after today, then he’d call Cat.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus growled when his phone ringing woke him up from his dream. He couldn’t really remember what it was abut, just that it had left him feeling warm and his Omega purring contently. So, probably about Alexander. He grabbed his phone and answered with a hoarse, “What?”

               “Magnus? I need your help…It’s Alec.”

               Magnus’ eyes flew open, and he jolted up in bed. What was so wrong with Alexander, that Isabelle was calling him for help? “I’ll be there in five minutes,” he muttered, hanging up before she could respond. He jumped out of bed and snapped his fingers, so he was completely ready to go. He was dressed and his makeup and hair were immaculate as always. He grabbed his phone and snapped his fingers, opening a portal to the Institute. He stepped through the portal and rushed up the stairs and into the Institute. Isabelle was there and turned immediately to lead him to Alexander.

               Magnus growled when he entered the Alpha’s room to see him laying out on his bed and mumbling incoherently. He rushed forward and snapped his fingers, running his hands over Alexander’s body. His magic trying to determine what had caused the Alpha’s current state.

               “Jocelyn gave us adamas to help us track Jace, but there were…risks. I tried to talk him out of it, but Alec was insistent on doing whatever he could to find Jace,” Isabelle whispered.

               Magnus snarled. He felt for Isabelle, but at the moment he was too angry to comfort her. Jocelyn fucking Fairchild couldn’t keep her nose out of anything. She was so selfish. Having others do her dirty work and reaping the benefits as they suffered. She was more like her mate than she wanted to pretend or admit. He focused his magic on trying to draw Alexander back to him.

               Isabelle sat down on the bed next to Alec and gripped his hand tightly in hers. “It’s not working,” she whispered.

               Magnus grunted and gasped in a breath as he stopped his flow of magic for a quick rest. “I’m sorry, Isabelle.” He took a steadying breath before starting again. His magic flowed from him into Alexander steadily, trying to draw Alexander back to them both. “Parabatai bonds are like a tether that binds two souls. Jace and Alec share emotions…instincts…strength. It’s an angelic bond. My magic can only do so much.”

               “So Jace is like this too,” she asked softly.

               Magnus huffed, taking another break as sweat dripped from his brow. “Not necessarily. It appears that when Alexander called out to him, part of his soul never returned. Now he’s stuck, lost somewhere between himself and his Parabatai,” he muttered. He grit his teeth, beginning to push his magic into Alexander again.

               “But if Jace brought back that missing piece of his soul…” Isabelle said, looking at him with wide eyes, her scent clogging his senses with her hope.

               “We may very well have a cure,” he said, meeting her gaze. He hoped, just as much as she did, that getting Jace to Alexander’s side would wake him up. “He turned his attention back to Alexander. He needed to concentrate fully. He had to keep the Alpha safe until they could get Jace to him.

               “Stay with Alec. I’ll go find Jace,” Isabelle said.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus panted as he took another short break. He caressed Alexander’s cheek and whined softly. Nothing he was doing was making any difference, and it was killing him. His head shot up and he growled when he sensed Jocelyn approaching. He stood and stalked to the bedroom door, yanking it open before the other Omega could even knock. “Oh, great. Clary’s safe,” he said when he smelled the young Omega’s scent on Jocelyn. “We can all go home now.” He turned to close the door in her face but growled when she grabbed his arm to stop him.

               “Whoa. Wait, Magnus. How’s Alec? Is he going to be okay?” Jocelyn whispered, her scent of soap trying to reach out to Magnus soothingly.

               He growled, glaring as he said, “Do you remember the first thing I said when you brought a frightened six-year-old girl to my door?” He stepped out of the doorway, forcing the other Omega to retreat back into the hall.

               “You didn’t want to get involved in Shadowhunter business,” Jocelyn muttered.

               Magnus growled and said, “And I should’ve stuck to my guns. But instead, I let you convince me. How many years of memory wipes was it?”

               Jocelyn looked down a moment before answering. “Twelve,” she said solemnly.

               Magnus’ nostrils flared as he nodded. Twelve years of memory wipes. Twelve years that she had taken from Clary and from him.

               “Look, I owe you. Let me help with Alec,” Jocelyn pleaded, scent spiking hopefully.

               “I think you’ve done enough, don’t you?” Magnus said with a sneer.

               “I was only trying to find…”

               “You were only trying to do exactly what you always have, Jocelyn. You manipulate people into helping you fix problems that you created in the first place. And now Alexander, just like everyone else who helps you, including me, is paying the price,” Magnus said.

               “That’s not true,” Jocelyn muttered, tears gathering in her eyes.

               “Then prove me wrong,” Magnus said simply. He turned, snapping his fingers and closing the door in her face with a satisfying click. He sat back down on his knees at Alexander’s side, growling constantly as he began pushing his magic into the Alpha again. How dare she. She was exactly the type of Omega he hated. She used her designation to manipulate people, especially powerful Alphas, into doing things for her, and then when she was confronted about it she denied it, claiming she could possibly have done that as an Omega. Just as Alpha’s had their voices to command Omegas, Omegas had their ways of manipulating Alphas. It was disgusting, and it was taboo to do it.

               Jocelyn had done it and would continue doing it. She didn’t care who she hurt, as long as she got what she wanted, and he would no longer just stand by and watch it happen. Not after she had brought his Alexander into her games.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus growled as his magic continued to make no difference for Alexander’s condition. He summoned his apothecary box of quick healing potions and herbal cures, hoping he could find something to help. Isabelle had returned at some point while he had been working, and she was now sitting at Alexander’s side again.

               “Best team,” Alexander mumbled.

               “It’s okay, Alexander. You hear me? We’re going to get you out of here and bring you back to us,” Magnus whispered, resting his hand gently over the Alpha’s heart.

               The door slammed open, and Magnus growled at the cloying scent of asphalt. “You put in a request to transfer your brother to Idris?” Aldertree demanded with a deep growl.

               “My parents put in the request,” Isabelle stated as she and Magnus both stood protectively in front of Alec’s bed.

               “Alec isn’t leaving this Institute. I’m sure his warlock friend can figure something out. Here,” Aldertree stated as he looked at Magnus with a sneer.

               Magnus growled lowly, nostrils flaring angrily. “This isn’t waking Sleeping Beauty with a kiss,” he said softly. “Runic power is deep. It requires magic that can’t be accessed in the walls of the Institute.”

               “I don’t know what you’re up to, and, ultimately, I don’t care. But as far as I’m concerned, your brother is too weak to be portaled,” Aldertree said.

               “You’re just using Alec as bait to arrest Jace,” Isabelle said.

               “No, I’m working to capture the fugitive who put Alec in this position in the first place. I have allowed this warlock into the Institute for the sole purpose of treating your brother. Although, you don’t seem to be doing too good a job. I’m placing Raj by the door. Don’t try this again,” the Alpha said before stalking out of the room.

               Magnus growled at Raj and spun around to return to Alexander’s side. He scent-marked the Alpha’s neck before returning to trying to draw him back to them with his magic. Magnus could feel a headache coming on and he growled in frustration. Isabelle returned to his side and gripped Alexander’s hand tightly. She gasped and said, “Magnus, your nose…”

               Magnus grunted, his magic dissipating as he raised a hand to his nose. “Damnit,” he said as he pulled his hand back and saw blood. Isabelle got up and grabbed something before returning to his side. She thrust a box of tissues at him, and he rolled his eyes. He grabbed a few and held them to his nose with a groan. Why was this happening again now? He didn’t have time to deal with it. After a few minutes he moved the tissues away and vanished them.

               “Are you okay, Magnus?” Isabelle whispered, grasping his wrist gently.

               “I’m fine,” he muttered, returning to trying to help Alexander. He ignored her as she took a step back from him and sighed, before leaving him alone with her brother. Well, alone except for Raj.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus growled, jumping to his feet. He snapped his fingers and summoned his magic as he began running it over Alexander’s body, from his feet upward, hoping that would help draw his soul back from where it had gotten stuck.

               “No…it’s too late…I…”

               “Alec?” he whispered, stopping what he was doing to lean closer to the man, hoping he was coming back to them. When there was no change in Alexander’s condition Magnus snarled and spun, lashing out with his magic and tossing something across the room. What he tossed was insignificant. He just needed to release his frustration on something.

               “You know you’re going to have to clean that up, right?” Raj said with a sneer. Magnus growled, turning away from the Beta. “I feel you man, but I have direct orders. If you can’t help him, then your going to need to go,” Raj said as he stalked towards him

               Magnus turned with a dangerous growl. “My magic is the only thing keeping Alexander from completely slipping away. I won’t leave,” he said.

               “I know you’re old, but I didn’t realize you were hard of hearing. He’s clearly not waking up any time soon, so you can leave now, or I can remove you myself…”

               Magnus raised his hand and his magic shot from his fingertips, glowing red with his anger and wrapping tightly around the Beta’s neck. “I’m sorry. I don’t like being rushed,” he said as the Beta choked. He drew his hand back and thrust his magic forward, blasting the Beta back and into the wall.

               “Magnus, stop,” Isabelle said as she entered the room when he was advancing towards the Beta with a snarl. His nostril flared when she put her hands against his chest to stop him. “We need to get Alec out of here, but this isn’t helping.”

               Magnus growled lowly, but he knew she was right. He needed to focus on Alexander, and not let his anger take over him completely. His instincts were screaming at him to protect the Alpha. His Alpha. He shook himself at that thought. Alexander wasn’t his Alpha, and Magnus was stronger than his instincts. At least he hoped he was.

~*~*~*~*~

               Getting Alexander out of the Institute and to his lair had been no easy feat. Luckily, they had Raj as a decoy to give Magnus extra time to help Alec. Not that it really made a difference. His magic was no longer doing anything at all, and Alec was taking a turn for the worse. Magnus knelt at the Alpha’s side, adamas gripped tightly in his hand as he begged the Alpha to come back to him. “I’m all out of answers. I’ve tried everything,” he whispered brokenly. His brow furrowed as he thought.

               Earlier he had said this wasn’t Sleeping Beauty, so True Love’s Kiss wouldn’t work. But…every fairy tale had a glimmer of reality in them. The Grimm Brothers were Mundanes with the sight. So, they knew more than people often gave them credit for. Could True Love’s Kiss help here? He took a steadying breath and leaned forward. His lips touched the Alpha’s gently for a moment before he pulled back, heart hammering hopefully. When nothing changed, he sighed brokenly. Even though he’d known it was a long shot, his heart still fell when it didn’t work.

               Now, all he could do was sit and wait. Either Jace would miraculously show up in time, or Alexander would…Well, Magnus didn’t want to think about the ‘or’ at this moment. He ignored his pounding headache, and he ignored the obnoxious cramping in his abdomen. Instead, he focused on every ragged breath Alexander took, hoping each one wouldn’t be the Alpha’s last.

               He jolted when he felt his wards warn him people were approaching. He looked up to see Isabelle and he gave the Alpha a quivering smile. He moved over a little so she could kneel next to him at her brother’s side. He ignored as his door slammed open again, but he recognized Clary’s scent. “He can’t last much longer,” he whispered, whining when Isabelle took in a broken breath.  He gasped and turned around when he smelled smoke. Jace.

               “Alec,” the blonde Alpha muttered breathlessly.

               Magnus stood and approached the blonde Alpha, handing him the adamas. Their eyes met and Magnus pled with his eyes for the blonde to save Alexander. Jace grabbed the stone, brushing his fingertips along Magnus’ wrist gently in understanding. The Omega turned to watch the blonde kneel at Alexander’s side. When the stone glowed but nothing happened, Magnus whined.

               “What’s happening,” Isabelle asked.

               “He’s slipping,” Magnus whispered brokenly.

               “No…” Clary muttered, scent souring.

               Magnus choked on a breath when Alexander’s breath stuttered out and Jace hugged him to his chest. He felt warmth drip from his nose again and cursed, turning away to deal with his nose bleed. He spun around with a towel to his nose when Clary gasped and grabbed his hand. He held back a whine when he saw Jace lowering a conscious Alexander back against the recliner.

               “Jace Wayland.” He spun around, letting go of Clary’s hand at the Alpha’s booming voice. “You are hereby sentenced to the City of Bones, to await trial for the charge of high treason and aiding Valentine in the war against the Clave,” Aldertree said as he, and other representatives from the Clave, stormed into Magnus’ lair.

               “Wait, what…what the hell is going on?” Alec muttered with a hoarse growl.

               “It’s alright, Alec,” Jace said with a small smile for his Parabatai. “All that matters is you’re back.”

               Magnus watched, impressed, as Jace went with the Clave representatives willingly. He could appreciate the man’s sacrifice for his brother. He had come here to save Alexander, despite knowing this would be the outcome. He saw the blonde in a new light now. He saw past the ego and to the loyal Alpha and brother.

               Magnus rushed to Alexander’s side when the Alpha panted, trying to push himself up on his own. His hands hovered over the Alpha’s body, waiting to catch him and help him if he needed it. Once the Alpha was sitting upright, Magnus snapped his fingers and began healing his aches from his ordeal.

               “Magnus,” Alexander whispered. Magnus dropped his hands and looked up to meet Alexander’s eyes. “I’m fine, okay?” Magnus nodded and stood, helping the Alpha stand as well.

               “Aldertree wants us all back at the Institute,” Isabelle said gravely.

               Magnus sighed. Of course he did. He snapped his fingers, opening a portal to the Institute, and helping Alexander through.

~*~*~*~*~

               “How’d it go with Aldertree,” Alexander asked as he and Magnus strode away from the Alpha’s office together.

               Magnus sighed and said, “Well, the man didn’t disappoint. In his own charming, inimitable way, he informed me that I will indeed be punished, but the form of punishment has yet to be decided.”

               “All for trying to save my life,” Alec muttered, grabbing Magnus’ wrist gently as they came to a stop. Magnus just smirked wryly at the Alpha. That’s how things worked, sadly. “Jace may have been the one who pulled me out, but I did feel you there. And…it did make a difference. So…thank you,” Alec whispered.

               Magnus’ heart skipped a beat at the Alpha’s intense gaze and overwhelming scent. “Thank you for not dying on me,” he said breathlessly. He swallowed heavily when the Alpha smiled crookedly. That smile always did something to him. The effect such a small gesture from the Alpha had on him, was not fair. “H…how is Jace,” he asked.

               “He won’t be gone long. Once his hand touches the Soul Sword, the truth will come out…and prove that he’s never been on Valentine’s side,” Alexander said. Magnus smiled. He could appreciate the Alpha’s conviction and his belief in his Parabatai. But Magnus knew the Clave. He wasn’t as convinced. “Look, um, I know that with everything that’s been going on, I…we…we haven’t had a chance to…”

               Magnus smirked playfully at the Alpha’s struggle to articulate his intentions. It was as adorable as it was endearing. “Go on that first date we never had,” he asked.

               Alec smiled and said, “Right, yes.”

               “I know a place in SoHo that has the best lamb kebabs this side of Marrakesh. Or! We can portal to Marrakesh. You hungry?” Magnus said excitedly, heart fluttering at Alec’s continued grin.

               “Starving,” the Alpha said.

               Magnus chuckled softly at the Alpha’s simple, but happy response. The man’s scent was caressing his senses and easing his headache and he was extremely grateful. It had gotten grating for his nerves. He growled when Raj interrupted them about a demon briefing. Damnit. It was always something. “My dear Raj…you look well,” he said with a smirk. He grinned when the Beta just glared before stalking away. “Rain check,” he asked Alexander when the Alpha turned to him with a guilty look on his face.

               “Yes…yeah. Is that okay?” he muttered with a grimace.

               “You go battle your demons,” he said with a small smile. He watched the Alpha rush away and muttered, “And I’ll go battle mine,” before spinning and stalking away.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Text

               The morning sunlight streamed in through the windows, only broken by Magnus’ frantic pacing back and forth in front of them. When he had portaled home the night before, he had gotten another nosebleed and broken down and messaged Catarina asking to meet. She had been on a nightshift and told him she’d come by once she got off in the morning. He had been unable to sleep all night, worrying about what could be causing his symptoms.

               Magnus spun around when he heard a portal open behind him. Cat stepped through, and his worry subsided slightly at just the sight of his dear friend. “Now, what was so urgent I had to come here right after a night shift, Magnus,” the Alpha asked. She frowned and took a subtle sniff of the air, eyes widening as they met Magnus’.

               “Cat…” Magnus muttered, standing ramrod straight and clenching his hands in fists at his sides.

               “Magnus…you’re…”

               “An Omega. Yes,” Magnus muttered, staring over Cat’s shoulder, avoiding meeting her eyes.

               “You idiot,” she whispered.

               Magnus clenched his eyes shut, biting his lip to hold back a whine. He startled when her arms wrapped around him and drew him into a hug. He let out a relieved sigh and buried his nose in her neck, taking in her calming scent of lilacs underneath the scent of antiseptics from the hospital. He purred contentedly for a few moments before drawing back from the hug to meet the Alpha’s eyes sheepishly.

               Catarina narrowed her eyes at him. “You’ve been suppressing your dynamic all this time…what are the side effects? Is that why you called me?” she said, growling lowly.

               Magnus frowned, turning away from the Alpha and biting his lip as he thought. “I don’t think so,” he whispered as he moved to sit heavily on the couch. He looked up at Catarina who was glaring at him, hands on her hips and eyebrows raised like she didn’t believe him. “Unless you think that could be what’s causing my abdominal cramps, migraines and nosebleeds.”

               Catarina’s eyes widened and her hands dropped from her hips. “Do you have any other symptoms?” she whispered.

               “Other than being exhausted? No,” he said with a frown. “The exhaustion is probably just from keeping Alexander from slipping away though,” he muttered to himself. His worry ratcheted back up at Catarina’s sudden seriousness.

               “Exhaustion, headaches, abdominal cramping, and nosebleeds? Magnus…have you…shared a heat with an Alpha?” Cat said softly as she sat on the couch across from Magnus.

               Magnus’ eyes widened, and despite his best efforts to stay unaffected by her questioning, he could feel his cheeks heating up. “I don’t see how that’s relevant,” he muttered, avoiding her eyes.

               “So, that’s a yes. Of course you did,” Catarina muttered, sighing exasperatedly.

               “What does that have to do with anything, Cat,” Magnus asked, scowling at his friend.

               “Magnus, how long did your heat last?” the Alpha said softly.

               “A day, why? Is that weird? It was my first heat…” Magnus muttered anxiously. He didn’t like this line of questioning.

               Catarina sighed and said, “Magnus, heats normally last at least three days, and a first heat should last at least five…unless…”

               “Unless?! Unless what, Cat? Am I dying? Do I have some kind of Omega disease?” Magnus said, jumping up from the couch to begin pacing again. He bit his lip, fighting against the sting he felt in his eyes. He would. Not. Cry! It would be just his luck to get some Omega disease as soon as he has his first heat.

               “Magnus, calm down,” Cat whispered, standing and approaching the Omega slowly. She wrapped her hand around his wrist gently and stopped him from pacing. “Heats are only shortened if you conceive early, Magnus,” she whispered, turning the Omega so she could meet his eyes.

               “Conceive early…” he asked, eyes narrowed questioningly.

               “Magnus…your symptoms…” she started, sighing tiredly and rubbing her temples. “I think you may be pregnant.”

               Magnus threw his head back and laughed heartily. Pregnant? Obviously his symptoms weren’t serious if Cat was able to joke with him. He opened his eyes to see Catarina scowling at him and he quirked a brow. “Good one, Cat. What’s really wrong?” he said.

               “Magnus, I’m serious,” Cat said, arms crossing over her chest as she glared at him.

               “Cat, we both know warlocks can’t get pregnant,” Magnus stated.

               “There’s also never been another Omega warlock that we know of, Magnus,” Cat said gravely.

               Magnus swallowed heavily as he realized she was being serious. “Cat, that’s crazy…” he whispered, hands shaking as he slumped down on the couch.

               Cat moved forward, kneeling in front of Magnus, and grabbing his hands and squeezing reassuringly. “Let’s do some tests and make sure, okay?” she said softly.

               Magnus looked up, meeting her gaze with watery eyes. “Okay,” he whispered.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus stared at the wall, not really seeing it. His mind was more focused on replaying the last few hours with Catarina. He had been dubious about Cat’s explanation for his symptoms but had done the tests she made him do anyway. Every single one had been positive. And every single time, Magnus had felt his doubts crumbling under the evidence. He was pregnant, and there was no way for him to deny it any longer.

               Catarina had left him with potions to start taking daily, and a long list of other things she wanted him to do or read. But all Magnus could think about was Alexander. How was he going to tell the young Shadowhunter Alpha that he was pregnant? They hadn’t even gone on their first date yet! Let alone started a proper courting.

               His doorbell rang, and he stood slowly. “Coming!” he said, making his way over to the door. On one hand, he hoped it was Alexander at the door because the Alpha always had a way of brightening his day, but on the other hand…Alexander was the last person he wanted to see when he had barely begun to process the news he was given today. News that completely destroyed everything he believed was possible for himself and his future.

               Magnus opened the door and gasped when he saw the state of the vampire at his door. “Oh, Raphael,” he muttered with a low whine.

               “I didn’t know where else to go,” the Beta muttered before collapsing into Magnus’ arms.

               Magnus gripped Raphael’s chin gently, looking at the wounds on his face more closely. “Oh, my poor boy,” he whispered, choking back a sob. “Everything is going to be alright. I’m going to take care of you. Come in.” He helped the Beta over to the recliner, lowering him gently to lay back on it.

               As soon as the Beta was laying down, Magnus began to heal his wounds. His blood was boiling as he realized this was his punishment for taking Alexander from the Institute. “Aldertree knows I took you in. How you’re like a son to me. That’s why he did this,” he whispered.

               “He was looking for Camille,” the Beta muttered.

               “And punishing me at the same time,” Magnus said with a growl.

               “So, can you help me deliver Camille to the Clave,” the Beta asked softly.

               “Raphael…” Magnus whispered, eyes clenching shut.

               “I know it’s a lot to ask…which is why I haven’t until now,” the Beta muttered as Magnus moved to kneel at his side. “Aldertree gave me twelve hours to deliver her, or he’ll burn me alive along with my entire clan.”

               Magnus swallowed heavily, heart skipping a beat at Aldertree’s threat. As devastating as it would be to help deliver Camille to what would be her inevitable demise, it would be infinitely more devastating to lose Raphael. A son in all but blood. His Omega instincts cried out at just the possibility of losing him. Especially right now.

               “Magnus, you there? It’s me.” Magnus turned towards the voice and the knocking on his door. What impeccable timing Clary’s friend seemed to have. He waved his hand, opening the door with his magic as he and Raphael both stood. “Okay, time to put your money where your mouth is about helping me find Camille, because Raph…” The Beta stopped speaking abruptly when he entered the living room and saw Raphael. “Man, you are everywhere!”

               “Aldertree did this to me because of you,” Raphael said, hissing and slowly approaching the younger vampire.

               “Yeah, well, you look like crap. Bring it on, Scarface!” Simon muttered as he shoved Raphael away from him.

               Magnus rushed forward, holding the two vampires back before they could lunge at each other. “Hey, hey, hey, boys! Relax. Let’s talk this out like civil Downworlders. Anyone for a martini? I’m having a double,” he said, sighing in relief when he effectively calmed them both down enough to leave them alone to talk for a few seconds.

               He left them to talk it out, summoning a non-alcoholic drink to sip at. That was going to be one thing he missed. Even though alcohol didn’t affect him like it did Mundanes, he did like to enjoy a good drink. He supposed he could make do with tamer drinks for the next several months though. He tuned back into the conversation the two vampires were having when Raphael said the box they had recovered in India contained Camille’s grave dirt. “Grave dirt? I thought maybe diamonds, or that gold ring she stole from Cleopatra’s tomb,” Magnus said as he rejoined the Vampires where they were standing with the box.

               “So, we’re excited about a box of dirt…Anyone want to clue me in?” Simon muttered.

               “If you have a vampire’s grave dirt, you can use it to summon them,” Raphael said like he was tired of lecturing the baby vampire.

               “Great. Except, not that it means anything, but that thing is harder to open than the Lost Ark,” the younger Beta said.

               Magnus watched with wide eyes as Raphael grabbed the olive skewer from his martini and used it to cut Simon’s hand. “Ouch! What the hell?”

               “To open the box, you need Camille’s blood. And since she’s your sire…” Raphael muttered, holding Simon’s hand over the box so the younger vampire’s blood could drip onto it. They all watched silently as the box opened slowly.

               “Okay…Now what?” Simon muttered, breaking the silence abruptly.

               Magnus’ heart was hammering away as his eyes focused on the box. It was real now. They had a way to bring Camille to them and therefore bring her in to the Clave. And it was so very easy and convenient. But it was also so very hard to even think about, let alone do. He and Camille had such a long history, and though much of it was bad, a lot of it was good too. Could he really look Camille in the eyes, deny their good history, and send her packing to the Clave? To whatever they considered justice for her crimes?

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus stepped out onto the balcony to think. He looked up at the stars as his thoughts swirled at the decision he knew he had to make but didn’t want to. To betray Camille, a woman he had so much history with, to save two young vampires’ lives…even if they were vampires he had taken under his wing…it was too big, and too heavy, to handle.

               He sighed as the door opened and Simon stepped out onto the balcony. “Cold feet?” the Beta said softly. Magnus looked up at the young man, opening his mouth to speak but shaking his head and turning away from the Beta. “Listen, I get this can’t be easy, considering you and Camille used to, you know…” Magnus sighed at the Beta’s crudeness and stood to lean against the railing of the balcony. “But…” the Beta said, rushing to stand beside Magnus. “…if you’re feeling guilty about handing Camille over to the Clave, I can show you photos of the den she created, because it’s messed up. Plus, she…she killed me, too. So, there is that.”

               Magnus clenched his eyes shut at the Beta’s words. He didn’t need reminders of all the mistakes Camille had made, especially lately. He knew them already. “I admit she has gotten more reckless over the last 200 years, and I can’t defend any of the things she’s done…but she isn’t pure evil,” he muttered softly. Magnus hoped the boy was still not in control of his vampire senses and couldn’t smell how Magnus’ scent was souring with his mood.

               “Not to doubt your word, but I need proof of concept on that one,” Simon muttered with a scoff.

               Magnus sighed, tapping his fingers anxiously on the railing. He was steeling himself for what he was about to reveal to the Beta his Omega instincts had already claimed as a son. “Not too many people know this, but…when I was living in London, in the early 1870s, I was in a bad place,” he began saying softly. His heart was fluttering nervously as he spoke. “No matter how hard I tried…I couldn’t see my way out.” He swallowed heavily as he felt the Beta’s eyes on him. “Then, on one particular stormy night…I got as far as the ledge of Black Briar’s Bridge. And if…if it wasn’t for Camille…I wouldn’t be here right now. She was the only one who cared enough to stop me. She saved me.”

               “Wow. I always thought you were like the Energizer Bunny of warlocks,” Simon whispered.

               Magnus smiled softly and nodded at the apt description. “Most of the time I am,” he whispered, inhaling sharply, and trying to fight away the old ache he was reawakening by talking about this particular memory. “But in my moments of weakness, I have my rock, just as you have yours,” he said, meeting the Beta’s eyes pointedly.

               “Clary,” the Beta whispered, understanding dawning on him.

               Magnus nodded and said, “So now you see why it’s not so simple.” They both turned to look out at the city, both understanding the gravity of the decision Magnus must make.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus moved around his apothecary, looking busier than he needed to be. Not only was he trying to delay the inevitable, but he was also setting the stage for an excuse to get the two Betas out of there so he could handle Camille alone. He owed her that much, at the very least.

               “Hey, no pressure, just I promised my mom I’d be home for dinner at eight o’clock, so if you could…” Simon said as he approached Magnus slowly. Magnus paused and gave the Beta a disbelieving look. Was the boy really trying to rush him? “I can wait. It’s…it’s fine,” Simon muttered, walking past Magnus with a pout.

               “So, ready to do this,” Raphael asked softly as he reentered the room.

               “Almost,” Magnus said as he turned to face the two Betas. He moved to grab a list and said, “I need you to go to this address. My friend Catarina has some ingredients I need for extra fortification.”

               “I thought the trap for Camille was finished,” Raphael said, brows furrowing skeptically.

               “Yeah, I figured you’d have something to hold Hannibal Lecter and a few of his friends,” Simon muttered.

               Magnus scoffed and said, “Don’t underestimate Camille.”

               “Off to Catarina’s,” Simon said after a short pause. Magnus was glad the boy’s fear of Camille was enough to have him ignoring Magnus’ poor attempts at a distraction.

               Magnus sighed as the door closed behind the two Betas. He was glad they were finally gone but knew that meant he couldn’t delay any longer. He had to summon Camille now. He walked over to the table the box was on and picked the box up gently, stroking it lovingly as he whispered, “My dearest Camille…” He grabbed a handful of the grave dirt and threw it in front of him.

               “What the hell?” Camille demanded as she appeared in his living room.

               “It’s only me,” he whispered, turning to drop the box on the table.

               “Magnus,” she said, purring as she took a few steps closer to him.

               “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, grabbing a handful of the mixture he had made and turning to toss it at her.

               “Magnus, let me out of here!” she hissed as a cage appeared around her. Magnus clenched his teeth as he paced in front of the cage. “Don’t tell me you’re doing the Clave’s bidding because of your silly infatuation with that boytoy Shadowhunter…or, is it because he’s an Alpha,” Camille said.

               Infatuation? And what was she insinuating by bringing up Alexander’s dynamic? Magnus growled lowly as he spun to look at her. “Leave Alexander out of this. This is between you, and me,” he whispered.

               “The same you and me who crashed Queen Victoria’s coronation glamoured as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge?” Camille said, turning as Magnus walked around the cage.

               He knew what she was doing. She was bringing up memories to try to manipulate him. To try to change his mind about delivering her into the hands of the Clave. “Believe me, this wasn’t an easy decision. But you crossed a line, Camille. I will not let Raphael suffer for your misdeeds,” he whispered.

               “So, this is about one little insubordinate vamp?” Camille demanded, scoffing in disbelief.

               Magnus drew in a shuddering breath, turning to meet her gaze, showing his own disbelief. “You’ve sired hundreds of vampires. Your children,” he whispered. He could see the moment she realized what this was really about. Warlocks were infertile, yet many wished they could have children. Magnus himself was an Omega, and although she hadn’t always known that, he had told her many times in their long history together, that he wished he could have children of his own. And she could create children. Sire children, and then throw them away like toys she had grown tired of. “But as a warlock, I can have none,” he muttered. She didn’t know that somehow, miraculously, he was indeed pregnant. Time would still tell if it would even mean anything. If the pregnancy would even come to term. “The Downworlders I take under my wing; they are my children. My family. I’m sorry, Camille. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him,” he whispered, turning away from her.

               “The fear of loneliness…has always been your Achilles’ heel,” she said softly, drawing his gaze back to her.

               “Don’t…” he said forcefully, growling lowly.

               “You don’t do so well, losing those you love…do you?” she said with a purr that made Magnus’ skin crawl. He swallowed heavily, looking away from her. She always knew exactly what to say to hurt him most. “I’m the only one you can count on to be here for you forever. You know that. That’s why you love me. And you always will,” she said.

               His heart skipped a beat as he turned his head to look at her. Is that what she really thought? That he loved her because she was easy? Convenient? Had she always thought so lowly of him? Thought he was so fickle with his love? She was a convenient being to love for a warlock since she is immortal as they are. But she was not an easy being to love. Never had been. If he had truly wanted someone easy to love, he would not have fallen for her. She was right about one thing though. He would always love her.

               “Choose…me,” she whispered.

               He slowly moved closer to the cage, meeting her eyes. “Enjoy your time in Idris. I hear the weather is delightful this time of year,” he said softly, turning and summoning a portal.

               “How could you? I thought you loved me,” Camille demanded.

               Magnus looked away from her as he pushed her through the portal. Her last demand for him not to do it, echoing in the loft around him. He drew in a ragged breath as the blood rushed in his ears. He winced, pinching the bridge of his nose as a headache made itself known sharply. The reality of what he’d just done hadn’t hit him yet, and likely wouldn’t for a while. He needed a distraction. He probably should call Raphael and Simon and explain what he had done. Though, he was pretty sure Raphael had suspected his true motives.

~*~*~*~*~

               “Absolutely not,” Magnus growled as Clary and Simon followed him into the living room. He had spent the day with his thoughts bouncing like a Ping-Pong ball between his decision with Camille, and how he was going to tell Alexander he was going to be a father after only sharing one heat together. Needless to say, he had a terrible migraine. Which was only threatening to get worse with Clary asking about Necromancy. He shuddered at the mere thought of the distasteful and perverse magic. The dead should stay dead, and that did not include vampires. They were altogether something else.

               “Is it possible?” Clary whispered, scent dull with her overwhelming grief. Was it possible? Anything and everything was possible, but that didn’t make it right. “Magnus, tell me, can it be done? Yes or no?” she demanded with a low growl, scent spiking up slightly with her determination.

               Magnus sighed, turning to meet her gaze. “Sure, there are warlocks who’ve done it, but what you’re talking about is dark, dark magic. It’s wildly unpredictable,” he said, turning way from her as his magic crackled restlessly beneath his skin.

               “Have you ever done it before,” Simon asked softly.

               “No,” he said, turning to look at the Beta, trying to get him to understand the gravity of his words with just his eyes. “And don’t encourage this.” He could see the surprise on Simon’s face, and Magnus hoped it meant the Beta understood how serious Magnus was about this topic. He turned to look at the Omega Shadowhunter and sighed. He let his scent reach out comfortingly to her as he strode towards her slowly. “Biscuit, I’m sorry. I know how important she was to you,” he whispered, whining softly as he grabbed her wrist gently.

               “She was my mom. If you were me, if we were talking about your mom…”

               “I wouldn’t bring her back,” he said with a low, sorrowful growl.

               Clary reared back slightly at the vehemence of his words. “I don’t understand,” she said softly, eyes wide with confusion.

               Magnus sighed. He resigned himself to digging up more painful memories, if it meant Clary would reconsider this crusade to bring her mother back. “I was nine years old when my mother realized what my cat eyes meant. She couldn’t live with the fact that she bore the son of a demon. So, she took her life,” he said, meeting Clary’s eyes with his own heavy gaze. He turned away when it became too hard to continue looking at her, and said, “With this very Keris,” pointing to the curved blade he now had on display.

               “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know,” Clary whispered, grabbing Magnus’ wrist gently.

               “It was a long time ago,” he said, turning to meet her eyes again. “And over time it…it gets easier. The pain of losing a parent, especially an Omega parent, will never go away, but…it will get easier. Never easy, but easier.” He raised his hand to cup her cheek gently and said, “Your mother was a special woman. She only wanted to protect you. No matter the costs. So much so, that she had me remove your memories.” As much as he hated most of Jocelyn’s tactics over the years, he could respect the fact that she had always done everything she possibly could to protect her daughter. It’s something he could see himself doing for his own child. “Since we can’t get your memories back…” he began, closing his eyes and thinking of the first time he met Clary. She had been so adorable and vibrantly full of life and laughter. He used his magic to conjure a picture of the mother and daughter from that day and handed it to Clary. “Take one of mine.”

               “Oh my God. When was this?” she whispered with a quivering smile.

               “The day I met you. The first thing I noticed is that you and your mother share a laugh,” he said softly, a small smile on his face.

               Clary chuckled sadly as their eyes met, and Magnus drew her in for a tight hug. Clary whined and nosed at Magnus’ neck, inhaling his comforting scent. He purred comfortingly before drawing her back to meet her eyes again. “Losing your mom…it’s not something you make better with magic. You just head straight into it and cry your eyes out,” he whispered. His eyes followed Clary sadly as she left his lair with her scent heavy, and her shoulders slumped.

               His arms were crossed over his chest, hugging himself tightly to try and keep the dark memories from overwhelming him. He sighed, dropping his arms and taking his phone out of his pocket. When he saw that he had no response to the message he sent Alexander earlier, he sighed and threw his phone on the couch, wishing he still had Ragnor to go to about his worries and fears. He scoffed, the man would probably just tell him to get over it and hunt down the Alpha himself. Which, if the events of the past week or so hadn’t been an obstacle, Magnus would have already tracked Alexander down to have the tough conversation. But he couldn’t do that now, with recent events weighing on all their shoulders.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus spent the rest of the day thinking and worrying. He thought about the future. A future with a faceless, nameless child running happily through his lair. A fantasized future he didn’t want to look too closely at because he imagined Alexander at his side, smiling at their child. He worried about if that future could ever come to pass. There were so many things that could prevent it from happening. Could he, as a warlock, even bring a baby to term? If he could, would the Shadowhunter Alpha even want to acknowledge a child with a warlock? Would any of that be moot because of Valentine’s machinations?

               He shook himself from his swirling thoughts. He wouldn’t let himself continue to dwell on things that were out of his control. He stood from the couch and decided to brew extras of the potions Catarina had ordered him to start taking. He went to pass the balcony, frowning when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He looked over and saw Alexander in the shadows, leaning back against the metal railing. He turned and slowly made his way over to the balcony, opening the door and stepping out cautiously. When the Alpha just looked up at him with defeat shining in his eyes, Magnus frowned and said, “You okay?”

               “I can’t be in that Institute,” the Alpha admitted softly.

               “Oh, Alexander…” Magnus said softly, letting his scent reach out to comfort the Alpha.

               The Alpha looked away slightly and said, “I heard you turned in Camille. How’d that go?”

               Magnus sighed, swallowing heavily. “Honestly? It was awful. We had a lot of history between us…I’m sorry if that’s weird,” he muttered.

               “It’s not weird,” the Alpha said, meeting Magnus’ gaze. “You say what you think. I like that about you.”

               Magnus nodded slightly, eyes falling to the Alpha’s injured hand. The injury could only be self-inflicted from training, and Magnus had to stop himself from whining. He understood the need to do what the Alpha had done. The need to distract yourself from the ache in your heart. “Too busy to use the healing rune,” he asked knowingly.

               “I’m fine,” the Alpha said simply.

               “No, you’re not,” Magnus said softly, sighing when the Alpha looked away from him, avoiding his eyes. “You’re hurting. Badly. You hope the pain here,” he said, moving his hand pointedly. “…will overpower the pain there,” he continued, pointing at the center of his chest with a grimace, swallowing heavily. “I wish it were that simple, Alexander.”

               “I let a demon in, Magnus,” the Alpha said, meeting Magnus’ gaze and growling lowly.

               “That wasn’t your fault,” Magnus said.

               “I don’t know what to say to Clary. I can’t face her,” the Alpha said heatedly, scent spiking sharply.

               “But you will,” Magnus said simply, moving forward slowly, until he stood a few inches from the Alpha. “Because that’s what you do, Alexander. It may take you a minute, but I’ve seen it up close. I went to your mating ceremony.” Magnus chuckled softly and raised his hand slowly, waiting to see if the Alpha would allow his comfort. When the Alpha made no move to reject his attempts, Magnus cupped the man’s cheek gently. “You’ll blow up the very ground you stand on to make something right,” Magnus stated, turning the Alpha’s head so he had no choice but to meet Magnus’ steady gaze. He smiled softly when the Shadowhunter nodded at him before grabbing Magnus’ hand from his cheek and squeezing it gently in thanks.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus flitted around in his apothecary, making sure he had enough stock of every ingredient, while he waited for Alexander to come running in response to his “emergency” fire message. He picked up a jar and shook it as he hummed. “Restock werewolf fangs,” he muttered as he made his way over to the list he was making. He stopped and turned when his door opened, and Alexander called his name.

               “I got your fire message. What’s the emergency?” the Alpha said as he approached Magnus. He stopped when his eyes fell on the jar in Magnus’ hand, and he frowned. “Are those…”

               “Fangs? Yes. Very potent. Good for digestion,” Magnus said whimsically as he offered some to the Alpha. He held back a chuckle when the Alpha just help up his hand and shook his head at the offer. Magnus dropped the jar by the list and turned to face the Alpha again, hands up in a placating gesture as he said, “Sorry about the emergency fire message, but it was the only way to get your attention.”

               The Alpha sighed and nodded slightly. “Well, since you’re okay…I should probably get back,” he muttered, turning to leave.

               “I’m not okay…” Magnus rushed to say before the Alpha could actually leave. “…because you’re not okay.” Magnus sighed when the Alpha paused but refused to turn back around. He moved around to stand in front of the Alpha, so he could meet the man’s eyes. “Alexander…you’ve been to hell and back. And you haven’t stopped for a second, or taken a moment for yourself,” he said imploringly.

               “Magnus, we’re in the middle of a war,” the Alpha said, growling lowly as his scent spiked in frustration.

               Magnus sighed exasperatedly. “There will always be a war,” he muttered. In all his centuries of life, that was the one constant. Wars always happened. People could always be counted on to hate other people enough to start a war. But you couldn’t just stop living because of that. “There will always be another mission. Another problem to solve. Look, I speak from experience. Believe me, Alexander, if you fail to grant time for the things you care about, you’ll forget why you’re even fighting at all,” he said softly, staring at the Alpha pleadingly until he met his eyes again.

               The Alpha nodded slowly before inhaling sharply. “What do you have in mind,” he asked softly.

               Magnus grinned and said, “How about a drink?”

~*~*~*~*~

               A bar was honestly the best choice of first date for Magnus and Alexander. They could drink and talk and get to know each other better. Well, Alexander could drink, and Magnus could order non-alcoholic drinks with the Alpha none-the-wiser. Magnus accepted their first round of drinks from the bartender and turned to the Alpha to give him his.

               “Thank you,” the Alpha said.

               “You’re very welcome,” Magnus said with a nervous chuckle. “I’m not much of a beer drinker, but my bartender friend swears by this IPA.”

               “Oh, well, I’m not much of a drinker period, but I’ll take your word for it,” the Alpha said, with a crooked grin before clinking their glasses together.

               “Cheers,” Magnus muttered, and they both took a sip of their drinks. He watched as the Alpha smacked his lips after his sip and cringed. “You hate it.”

               “No, it’s, um…it’s great,” the Alpha said, avoiding his gaze.

               Magnus chuckled and said, “How about a game of pool?”

               “Sure,” the Alpha said with a grin.

               They made their way over to the pool table, each grabbing a stick and Magnus leaned back as Alexander racked the balls and then took the first shot. When the cue ball hit the balls and broke them, sinking several solids on the first shot, Magnus raised a surprised brow. He hummed quietly and took on as uncomfortable a look as he could. Time to hustle a Shadowhunter.

               He watched as Alexander took another shot, sinking another solid. “You see that? It’s just like archery,” the Alpha said as he moved around the table, looking for another shot. Magnus hummed and looked away from the happy Alpha, trying to reign in his scent so it wouldn’t give away his amusement. “It’s all about the aim, Magnus.”

               “Who knew there were so many similarities,” he muttered, looking down with a dramatic sigh.

               “Can’t win them all,” the Alpha said with a sigh after purposely missing the next shot. When the Alpha turned his back to take a drink of his beer, Magnus made his move. “Wait, did you do your…thing?” Alexander said as he turned to watch a striped ball sink in a pocket.

               Magnus smiled coyly and said, “Haven’t you heard the saying? ‘If you can’t find the person being hustled in the pool hall’…then it’s probably you.” He leaned over the table, smirking up at the Alpha as he lined up the next shot. When he hit the cue ball and it bounced over the eight-ball to knock one of his stripes into a pocket, he smiled. “Okay,” he asked the Alpha.

               “Okay. Yeah. Let’s play,” the Alpha said with a crooked grin, scent curling towards Magnus excitedly. Magnus held back a happy purr as they both got serious about their game.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus’ magic was buzzing in his veins happily. He quickly chose a song on the Jukebox and turned to look at the Alpha. “I suppose we both have a healthy dose of the competitive spirit,” he said as he walked past the Alpha.

               “I grew up with Jace,” the Alpha said, standing to follow Magnus. “I didn’t have much choice.”

               “Some people can’t be around that energy, but I find it invigorating, as I’m sure your exes did as well,” Magnus said, as he sat down at the bar, the Alpha leaning against the bar beside him.

               “Lydia never complained,” the Alpha muttered.

               Magnus’ brow furrowed as he frowned. “I thought you knew her for a millisecond before your rushed courtship and arranged mating,” he said, side-eyeing the Alpha. When the Alpha avoided his gaze and just shook his head with a shrug, Magnus’ eyes widened. The Alpha’s excited scent had dulled instantly at Magnus’ question, only serving to confirm Magnus’ suspicion. “Wait...Lydia…is she your only ex?”

               “I just haven’t had, uh…you know, time for a real relationship. You know…your heat…was my first…” the Alpha muttered, clearing his throat before grabbing Magnus’ drink and taking a quick sip. Magnus widened his eyes when the Alpha scrunched up his nose in confusion. “This is…this is actually good. What is that?”

               “Alexander…” Magnus said, looking away from the Alpha nervously. He pushed forward with his questioning to distract the Alpha from Magnus’ drink. “…just to be clear…have you ever been in a relationship?” He looked back at the Alpha to gauge his reaction. The Alpha opened his mouth a few times as if to say something, before licking his lips and sighing as he slumped into the seat beside Magnus. Magnus’ eyes widened and he looked away from the embarrassed Alpha. Magnus had known it was likely the man’s first shared heat, so the confirmation of that wasn’t a shock, but he hadn’t expected at all for the Alpha to be so innocent. Magnus gulped down the rest of his drink. At this moment, he wished he was able to have alcohol. He could use a buzz to get him through this conversation.

               “You’re weirded out, aren’t you?” the Alpha muttered.

               Magnus swallowed his drink and chuckled awkwardly. “Who says I’m weirded out,” he asked, avoiding the Alpha’s gaze and reigning in his scent so it didn’t give away his emotions.

               “You want to know why I haven’t been in a relationship? Because of this,” the Alpha said, motioning between the two of them. Magnus clenched his eyes shut and sighed before turning to look at the embarrassed Alpha, grimacing at the scent of wilted roses that clogged his senses. “Because…I didn’t want to feel like there was something wrong with me, because I…I grew up in…in the Institute, because…I always knew I couldn’t have what I wanted…” Magnus swallowed heavily at the Alpha’s confession, and they both looked away from each other uncomfortably. “…until you came along,” the Alpha whispered, turning back to look at Magnus. Magnus’ eyes widened as he met the Alpha’s eyes, gaping unattractively at the whispered words.

               His heart beat erratically and he took in a calming breath before softly saying, “Nothing’s wrong with you. Far from it.” He grabbed the Alpha’s wrist gently and stroked his thumb over his pulse there. “You’re just so…innocent.”

               “In some ways, but…I don’t want you to treat me any different because of it,” the Alpha muttered.

               Magnus sighed softly and said, “But you are different, and it’s a good thing.”

               “What about you?” the Alpha muttered, still refusing to meet Magnus’ eyes. “I mean, you must have plenty of exes.”

               Magnus pursed his lips, dropping the Alpha’s wrist and looking away from him. “What do you mean?” he said cautiously.

               “You know what I mean, Magnus,” the Alpha said.

               Magnus could feel the man’s gaze burning into his skin and he sighed raggedly. It wasn’t exactly a fair question to ask, was it? He had far more time to live than the Shadowhunter had. “Alexander…look, I’ve lived for centuries…I’ve been with men, women, Omegas, Betas, seelies, warlocks, vampires…a djinn or two,” he said exasperatedly.

               “How many?” the Alpha said through clenched teeth.

               Magnus gulped, eyes widening in shock. “How many?” he said. Was the Alpha really asking that? Should Magnus answer honestly and risk scaring the innocent Alpha off? Or lie, and always hold the guilt of knowing he had started things off with the Alpha dishonestly? Magnus sighed. He would just be himself, unashamedly, and if the Alpha couldn’t handle it…well, he’d deal with the consequences of that later.

               “It’s not a trick question,” the Alpha muttered with a low growl. “You can round down if you want.”

               “Okay. If you really want to know…I’ll tell you. Seventeen,” he said, pausing when the Alpha looked at him with a shocked smile.

               “Seventeen,” the Alpha said, impressed. Magnus bit his lip and nodded slightly, avoiding the Alpha’s eyes. “That…that’s…” The Alpha paused when Magnus looked at him guiltily. Magnus coughed, uncomfortable with the discussion. “Seventeen…hundred?” Magnus sighed, clenching his eyes shut in shame. “Seventeen thousand?” the Alpha demanded.

               “It was all in the past,” Magnus said exasperatedly, avoiding the Alpha’s heated gaze.  He chuckled uncomfortably. “Ancient history,” he uttered. He inhaled sharply and looked at the Alpha whose shoulders were hunched in defeat. “But right now, I’m here. With you,” he said softly.

               The Alpha scoffed and said, “Yeah, me and…17,000 other memories.”

               Magnus swallowed heavily and looked away from the Alpha. “Look…I am who I am. And you are who you are. And all the magic in the world can’t change that, so…let’s just try to make the best of it, okay?” he muttered.

               The Alpha sighed heavily before turning to look at Magnus with a strained smile that made Magnus’ heart lurch. “Sure,” the Alpha muttered.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus knew from the silence on their walk back to his lair, that he wasn’t going to enjoy the conversation they would be having soon. As they entered his apartment and made their way to the living room, Magnus decided to bite the bullet and be the one to break the silent tension. “For a guy so used to portals, I have to admit, nothing beats a late-night stroll through the city,” he said softly.

               “Yeah. Gives you time to think,” the Alpha muttered.

               The man had kept amazing control of his scent the entire walk here, so Magnus had no idea what the Alpha was thinking. “You must have thought a lot,” he said, shrugging his jacket off as the Alpha sighed. “You barely said a word the whole way here.” He poured himself a drink, just to have something to do to distract him from what he knew was about to happen.

               The Alpha sighed and said, “Magnus…Do you think…maybe we’re too…”

               “Different,” he asked, heart dropping.

               The Alpha sighed again. “Yeah,” he muttered.

               Magnus swallowed heavily, holding back a despondent whine. He sighed and turned around to meet the Alpha’s eyes. “We’re from totally different worlds,” he said softly.

               “Different centuries,” the Alpha muttered, avoiding his gaze. Magnus bit his lip and looked away from the Alpha, waiting for the inevitable rejection. He should have known the Shadowhunter was too good for him. “Look, I…I should go,” the Alpha whispered, turning and walking away.

               Magnus opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it because he was sure he would just embarrass himself by begging the Alpha to stay. He dropped his head, clenching his teeth as he looked at his feet.

               “Look, I don’t care how many people you’ve been with,” the Alpha said as he came back to Magnus’ side.

               Magnus spun to look at him in shock. “I don’t care how many people you haven’t been with,” he whispered, meeting the Alpha’s eyes as his stomach flipped nervously. He watched as the Alpha hesitated for a moment before pulling Magnus close and moving to kiss him. As their lips met, Magnus’ heart leapt into his throat, and his magic crackled contentedly just beneath his skin. He purred softly as the Alpha drew back from the kiss and their eyes met.

               “I hear that relationships, they, um…take effort,” the Alpha said breathlessly.

               Magnus smiled softly and said, “I’m all for effort.”

               They smiled softly at each other for a moment, and probably would have kissed again if they weren’t interrupted. He growled softly as he turned away from Alexander to look at Jace.

               “Sorry for killing the mood. You got a spare room?” the blonde Alpha said.

               Magnus’ eyebrows flew up at the question. “You want to stay here?” he said incredulously.

               Jace sighed heavily and said, “Aldertree is hellbent on making my life miserable, so yes. I want to stay here. If you’ll have me.”

               Magnus met Alexander’s eyes and smiled when the Alpha just shrugged. “Fine. The spare room’s through there,” he said, motioning to the room on the left.

               “Thanks, Magnus,” the Alpha said simple, before quickly leaving Magnus and Alec to their privacy.

               Magnus turned back to look at the black-haired Alpha with a small smile. “So, relationships take effort, huh?” he said playfully.

               The Alpha grinned crookedly and said, “Yeah,” before dragging Magnus in for another slow, yet passionate kiss.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus was giddy as he and Alexander stepped through the portal from Tokyo. Their second date…well, second and third date, since they’d run around two cities in two different countries…had been a smashing success, and he was riding high on happiness.

               “I mean, how would they feel,” the Alpha said with a grin.

               Magnus chuckled, shaking his head at the ridiculous Alpha. “Well, I’m glad you didn’t ask in from of the sushi chef,” he said with a grin.

               “Well, seriously, why do they call it fatty tuna,” Alexander asked as they dropped their bags. “I mean that’s a little degrading.”

               Magnus hummed and said, “Well…I don’t think obese tuna sounds any better.”

               “You know, as much as I love Tokyo and Prague, a bacon burger from the East Village isn’t that bad,” the Alpha said.

               Magnus shrugged off his jacket and turned to face the Alpha. “The world is your oyster, Alexander,” he said softly. He dropped his jacket on the couch and frowned when the Alpha held a bag out to him.

               “I got you something,” the Alpha said like it was a simple, insignificant gesture.

               “Me,” Magnus asked softly, taking the bag from Alexander gently.

               “Yes, you,” the Alpha whispered, smiling softly. Magnus stared down at the little gift bag in his hand cautiously. “Open it,” Alexander said with a playful grin.

               Magnus opened the bag slowly and pulled out the beautiful charm, tossing the gift bag over his shoulder carelessly. His heart was hammering painfully in his chest as he turned the charm over in his hands reverently.

               “It’s supposed to bring you luck and protection,” the Alpha said softly.

               “Thank you, Alexander,” he whispered, smiling sincerely at the Alpha. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had given him a gift, let alone such a thoughtful one. “You continue to surprise me,” he whispered as he closed the distance between he and the grinning Alpha.

               “In good ways, I hope,” Alec said softly. They both leaned in for a kiss but were interrupted by Jace and a woman giggling from the guest room.

               They both sighed and Magnus stepped away from the Alpha. “I haven’t had a roommate this brazen since…Well, since Casanova and I spent the night in the Doge’s palace,” he muttered.

               “Casanova, really?” Alec said with a huff. Magnus spun to look at the Alpha with wide eyes, ready to apologize but the Alpha spoke first. “I’ll talk to Jace. He can’t stay here forever.”

               “No, no. Nothing a little magic can’t fix,” Magnus said with a playful grin, snapping his fingers and turning on some music. He hummed and looked back at the Alpha with an impish smile. “All good?”

               The Alpha grinned and they both chuckled. Magnus moved to put the rest of the things he bought away, steeling himself for the conversation he really wanted to have with the Alpha. He spun around when the Alpha placed a hand on his lower back. He met the Alpha’s curious gaze with a small smile he hoped would reassure him. “Balcony?” he said softly.

               The Alpha grinned and grabbed Magnus’ hand, dragging him towards the balcony. Magnus snapped his fingers, summoning a comfortable love seat and candles. They sat on the love seat, and Magnus turned to look at the Alpha. “Alexander…” he began breathlessly, but gasped when he was interrupted by the Alpha leaning in for a kiss. It was a slow kiss. Intimate. And it made Magnus’ stomach flutter with butterflies.

               Alexander’s phone chimed and the Alpha pulled away from the kiss, pulling his phone out of his pocket and looking at it with a low growl. “Damn it. I need to go,” he muttered, meeting Magnus’ eyes regretfully.

               “Go do your job, Shadowhunter. I’m not going anywhere,” Magnus said with an understanding smile.

               The Alpha smiled softly at him and sighed. “Alright,” he whispered, standing and leaving the balcony.

               Magnus watched the Alpha walk away and sighed softly. He supposed he would have to wait a little longer before he could tell the Alpha about his pregnancy.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus decided that, even though he couldn’t drink alcohol, he’d go to Hunter’s Moon just for the distraction. So, here he was, ordering a ridiculously sugary drink that wouldn’t even have the kick he wanted. “Thank you, my dear,” he said as he passed Maia the money for the drink she was making him.

               “On the house for my best tipper,” the Beta said with a grin.

               “Never trust a stingy warlock, Maia. Not when we have an eternity to accumulate wealth,” Magnus said with a playful wink.

               “I’ll remember that,” she said, cleaning up the bar as he played with the charm Alexander had given him. “What you got there?” she said softly.

               “A gift,” he whispered, looking down at the charm. “I can’t even remember the last time someone bought me one. Usually people make demands of me,” he said with a small sigh.

               “Is it from someone special,” she asked as she cleaned a glass.

               He looked up, meeting her eyes, and said, “I think so.” He hoped so.

               “An Alpha?” she said with a raised brow.

               Magnus’ eyes widened and he hummed as he felt his cheeks heat up. “Yes, an Alpha. If you must know.”

               She laughed softly and said, “Is he the reason you aren’t drinking your usual style of drink?”

               Magnus narrowed his eyes at her question. She was always too smart and observant for her own good. “And if he is,” he asked.

               She smiled softly, leaning forward over the bar to rest her hand on his. “Then I hope he treats you well,” she said, before winking and turning to go help another customer.

               Magnus huffed before frowning when he caught a familiar scent of cinnamon. He spun around to see Isabelle talking to Rufus. He growled lowly, putting the charm away safely, and standing to make his way over to the two. “Rufus, my man,” he said as he approached the two. He invaded the Beta’s personal space and growled lowly. “Wish I could say it was lovely to see you, but…”

               “Magnus, what are you doing here?” Isabelle asked, scent spiking sharply.

               “The question is, what is Rufus doing here? He knows he’s banned from North America…Indefinitely,” Magnus said, growling at the Beta. The Beta clenched his jaw with a huff before stalking out of the bar. Magnus turned to Isabelle, wanting to know what business the Shadowhunter Alpha had with a lowlife like Rufus.

               “I’m here on business,” she said with a strained smile, walking over to a table away from him.

               Magnus followed with a huff. “Drug dealer business,” he asked.

               “Exactly. Trying to crack down on the Downworlder drug trade,” she said.

               “Isabelle, I don’t need magic, or a sense of smell, to know when I’m being lied to,” Magnus said seriously.

               “There’s been a spike in the demand for Yin fen and I have orders to find the source. If you don’t believe me, call Aldertree,” the Alpha muttered, reigning in her scent.

               Magnus pursed his lips and huffed softly, looking down. “Apologies. I’ve seen the havoc Yin fen can wreak up close and personal. It nearly cost my friend Jem his life,” he whispered, meeting her eyes, regret shining in his.

               “Do you know where to look for the source,” she demanded.

               “Definitely not Rufus. But if you want to stop a Yin fen distribution ring, you’ll need to find the kingpin,” he said softly.

               “Any ideas on who that could be,” she asked.

               Magnus sighed and looked away from her. “Probably one of the Night Children,” he said, looking back at her seriously. When he saw her brows scrunch in confusion he said, “Yin fen is made from vampire venom. When people get desperate enough, they go straight to the vamps.”

               She nodded and smiled at him. “Good to know,” she said.

               “This is dangerous business, Isabelle. Be careful,” he said gravely.

               “I always am,” she said with a smirk.

               He nodded slightly before walking back to the bar. He was uncomfortable with the attitude she had towards the conversation, but it wasn’t his place to question her. For all he knew, she really did have orders to track down and stop the distribution of Yin fen since it was highly addictive. He sighed, dropping his glass on the bar and deciding that he would much rather be back home after that conversation. He stepped outside and summoned a portal home, stepping through quickly and sighing happily when his wards greeted him.

               He hummed as he puttered around his lair, finding random little things to do to distract him and pass the time until, hopefully, Alexander would come back to spend time together. He was so lost in what he was doing, he didn’t notice the wards letting someone close, until there was a knock on the door. He hummed in surprise, making his way over to see who it was. “Hey,” he said when he saw Alexander at the door.

               “Jace here,” the Alpha asked gruffly as he entered, and took off his jacket.

               “No. He left hours ago. Are you okay?” he said, closing the door. He hummed and chuckled at the Alpha’s enthusiasm when he lunged forward to kiss him demandingly. He pulled back from the kiss, resting his hands on the Alpha’s hips. “Hey, what’s this all about,” he asked breathlessly. “Not that I’m complaining, but…”

               “I…I just thought…you know…I thought we could…take the next step,” the Alpha said with a small smile.

               Magnus sighed and smiled, grabbing the Alpha’s shoulders to steady himself. “The sex step,” he said breathlessly.

               “Yeah,” Alexander said simply.

               Magnus sighed and patted the Alpha’s chest softly. “Alexander…I may be experienced, but…it’s rare that I’ve ever felt this way about someone, and never for an Alpha, and…I’m worried that once we…” Magnus muttered, turning away from the Alpha to compose himself. “…that if we rush into this…outside of my heat…that I may lose you,” he whispered, turning back around to meet the Alpha’s eyes.

               “What?” the Alpha said with a huff and a crooked grin, moving closer to Magnus. “Why would you think that?”

               Magnus sighed and said, “Look…You’re not the only one that feels vulnerable, Alexander.”

               “Magnus…You have nothing to worry about. I want this,” the Alpha said, smiling as he pushed Magnus backwards towards the bedroom. They kissed as Magnus stumbled through the doorway to his room, refusing to break apart from the kiss as they kicked off their shoes. He chuckled as they struggled, but he managed to help the Alpha pull his shirt off, and the Alpha helped him out of his jacket in turn.

               They panted as they pulled back from the kiss to tumble onto the bed together. Somehow, the Shadowhunter twisted them around so Magnus landed on top of the Alpha. “That was graceful,” he said with a grin.

               “Shadowhunter,” Alec said simply, quirking a brow. Magnus hummed before the Alpha grabbed his face gently and pulled him down into another heated kiss. The Alpha breathed heavily through his nose as their kiss deepened and he began to drag Magnus’ shirt up slowly to pull it off.

               Magnus inhaled sharply, clenching his eyes shut as he pulled away and sat up, looking away from the Alpha. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he panted and tried to get the glamour for his eyes under control.

               “What…Am I doing something wrong?” the Alpha said breathlessly.

               “No such thing,” Magnus muttered with a soft, broken chuckle.

               The sheets ruffled as the Alpha sat up behind him, scent of wilted roses showing his worry as he said, “What? Do you not want to?”

               “No…I mean yes, of course I do,” he said in a rush.

               Magnus inhaled sharply at the feel of a warm, comforting hand on his shoulder. “Magnus, what is it?” the Alpha said softly.

               Magnus swallowed heavily and said, “It’s just…sometimes…I lose control.” He took a shuddering breath before turning to look the Alpha in the eyes.

               The Alpha’s eyes widened, and the man let out a huff before grinning crookedly. “Magnus,” he whispered, cupping the Omega’s cheek gently. “They’re beautiful. You’re beautiful.” Magnus smiled and gripped the Alpha’s wrist gently. No one had ever reacted to his eyes in the way the Alpha just did. The awe was clear in not only his voice, but his scent as well and Magnus’ stomach fluttered nervously. “Alexander…” he said, pulling the Alpha’s hand down to grip in both of his. “I need to tell you something.” It was now or never. There would always be something else that came up to stop him from telling Alexander what he needed to tell him.

               “What is it, Magnus,” the Alpha asked, reaching up to stroke Magnus’ scent gland comfortingly.

               Magnus whined softly, clenching his eyes shut and leaning into the Alpha’s hand. He took a shuddering breath before opening his eyes and meeting the Alpha’s concerned gaze. He swallowed heavily before saying, “I’m pregnant.

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter Text

               Magnus hummed happily as he went about his day. Which included going over the paperwork for Pandemonium. As much as he usually loathed the tedium of reviewing invoices and other such paperwork, nothing could ruin his good mood today. Nothing, short of Valentine showing up at his door, could ruin his happiness.

               When he had spontaneously decided to tell Alexander about his pregnancy, after the man had reacted so well to his cat eyes, he hadn’t expected too much. But the Alpha…had blown him away with his reaction. Yes, the man had been shocked, but that had changed so quickly Magnus swore it gave him whiplash.

               “I’m pregnant.” Magnus cringed as he just blurted those two words out without preamble. He probably should have eased the Alpha into this a little better. He watched the Alpha’s eyes widened as he gaped, frozen in obvious shock. Alexander’s thumb had stilled, no longer stroking Magnus’ scent gland, and the Omega missed the comfort more than he would like to admit. He held back a whine and refrained from leaning further into the feel of the Alpha’s warm hand on his neck.

               Alexander seemed to shake himself out of his shock, and in the next moment, Magnus found himself in a strong embrace, as his head was led to the Alpha’s neck by a strong hand. Magnus sighed as he buried his nose in the Alpha’s neck, taking comfort in the scent of fresh bloomed roses. The Alpha drew him back after a few moments so he could meet Magnus’ eyes. “You’re pregnant,” the Alpha whispered.

               Magnus’ heart skipped a beat at the look of awe that was directed at him for the second time in only a few moments. He inhaled sharply when he realized that the Alpha was genuinely happy. “Yes,” he said breathlessly.

               His eyes widened when the Alpha drew him into a demanding kiss. He laughed when the man drew back to smile crookedly at him. He pushed the Alpha back down on the bed, moving to hover over him, before leaning down to give him a slower kiss. One he tried to pour everything he was feeling into, trying to convey to the other how happy he was.

               The rest of the night had been spectacular. It had been so long since Magnus had felt anything more than lust towards the person in his bed. Almost a century, in fact. The Alpha had been eager, but considerate and loving towards him, and it made Magnus purr to think of it now. He shook himself out of his daydreaming and got back to his work.

~*~*~*~*~

               “My mother’s back,” Alexander said as he entered the lair.

               Magnus’ eyes widened at the Alpha’s words. Maryse…Why could he never escape that woman? “Which means I’ll make myself scarce,” he said, turning and strutting away quickly.

               “I have something else in mind.”

               Magnus hummed noncommittally, rolling his eyes. He was sure whatever the Alpha had in mind would be horrific, and Magnus was sure to reject the idea wholeheartedly.

               “How would you feel about throwing a party,” Alexander asked.

               Magnus paused before turning to face the Alpha with a quirked brow. Was that really a question he had to ask? “Have you met me?” he said with a smirk.

               He narrowed his eyes when the Alpha tilted his head, smiling uncomfortably. “It is for Max’s Rune Ceremony,” he said.

               “I think I’ll pass,” Magnus said indignantly, turning away from the Alpha.

               “Magnus…” Alexander said.

               Magnus sighed and turned to look at the Alpha warily. He had a feeling the Alpha was somehow going to talk him into inviting who knows how many Shadowhunters into his lair. “I’m sure I’ll love Max. I love children. But Maryse? That woman hates me,” he said.

               “That’s sort of the point of the party,” the Alpha said softly, stepping closer to Magnus and grabbing his hands. “So that she can see that this, us, it’s not going away. Hopefully it’ll make it easier to tell her later that she’s going to have a grandchild soon.”

               Magnus swallowed heavily at the Alpha’s words. The Alpha’s conviction and loyalty towards their budding relationship, their budding family, was overwhelming for the Omega. He had never had anyone fight for him. Fight to be with him. “You sure about this,” he asked softly.

               “Why wouldn’t I be?” the Alpha said, without a waver to his voice at all.

               Magnus smiled softly, and said, “Then I better get to work.” He patted the Alpha on the chest before turning and making his way to start planning a party for Shadowhunters. Who would have thought? Magnus Bane willingly inviting a large group of Shadowhunters into his lair. He huffed softly at the thought. Only for Alexander would he consider such a thing.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus had made invitations and given them to Alexander to handle the same day the Alpha had asked him to plan the party. The last few days since then had been packed full of trying to make decisions that would be acceptable for such an important Shadowhunter affair, but still were very him. If Alexander wanted to see if his mother could accept Magnus, then he would have to be himself. He wouldn’t compromise that for anyone. Not even the father of his unborn child. Magnus hummed, hand moving to rest on his abdomen, pushing a bit of his magic inward to feel an answering pulse back, albeit much weaker than his own. But still there.

               He rolled his eyes when he heard Jace shout for him from the rooftop terrace. He climbed the stairs to see what was bothering his surly guest. He cooed when he opened the door and saw his babies meowing. His eyes landed on one he didn’t recognize, and he smiled softly. New strays were always wandering in, and all were welcome. “Salut mon petit chat,” he said brightly, clicking his tongue to get the ginger cat’s attention. “You’re new, aren’t you?” He summoned more milk into the bowls scattered across the terrace floor. “I spoil them. I can’t help it,” he said softly as he watched the cats run for the milk. “It’s the only way to win them over.”

               “Well, I guess when you put your mind to it, you can win over just about anyone, huh?” the blonde Alpha said.

               Magnus clenched his teeth and held back a growl. “You’re talking about Alexander,” he muttered, turning around and sitting in the chair across from Jace.

               “Look, I’ve been there. I know it’s a whirlwind fling that burns so hot all it can do is flame out,” the Alpha said, meeting Magnus’ eyes challengingly.

               “Is that what you think it is? A fling?” Magnus said, quirking a brow.

               The Alpha’s nostrils flared, and he growled. “I don’t know what it is, but I know my brother. He’s sensitive. And now that you guys have taken things to the next level outside your heat…” the blonde said, looking back down at his book.

               “He told you,” Magnus muttered, swallowing heavily.

               “No, he didn’t have to,” Jace said, meeting Magnus’ eyes and scoffing. “We’re Parabatai.” Magnus’ eyes widened at the implication. He opened his mouth to say something, but words escaped him. If Jace could…he didn’t want to think about that…it was making him nauseous. “No. No, no, no. No, it’s not like that,” the blonde Alpha said, smoke scent spiking. “It’s…I can, uh…I can just…sense that he’s happier.” Magnus nodded slowly, still not recovered from the thought of Jace being able to sense…he swallowed heavily, swearing he tasted bile. “Look, I’ll make this simple, okay? I’m never going to let anyone hurt him,” the blonde Alpha stated, dropping his book and meeting Magnus’ eyes with a penetrating gaze.

               “Then we have that in common,” Magnus said softly. He scoffed as the Alpha blinked at him in shock. “You think I’d invite Maryse Lightwood into my home for just anyone?” He felt the mood lighten as the two of them shared a smile.

               The Alpha exhaled heavily and said, “I hope this party has an open bar.”

               Magnus grinned and said, “This is me we’re talking about.”

~*~*~*~*~

               For the last week, Magnus had been busy putting the finishing touches on everything for the party. Now, the night was finally here, and he was running around anxiously, making sure everything was perfect. So many guests had already arrived and seemed to be enjoying themselves, but Maryse hadn’t arrived yet. The thought of her approval hinging on tonight’s success kept his anxiety high. He wanted this to be a success, for Alexander’s sake. “I’m worried the empan᷉adillas are soggy,” he muttered to Alexander as they stood observing the party, waiting for the Alpha’s mother to arrive. “I gave the chef specific directions…”

               “Magnus,” Alexander said softly, grabbing the Omega’s wrist gently. “Everything is perfect.”

               Magnus smiled softly, letting out a shaky breath. He really hoped Maryse agreed with her son. As much as Magnus hated the woman, he knew her approval was important to the Alpha. And he knew that the Alpha wanted his parents, especially his mother, to be a part of their child’s life.

               “Max!”

               Magnus spun around at the Alpha’s exclamation, heart leaping into his throat when he saw Maryse and Max entering the lair. He took a steadying breath, preparing himself for whatever Maryse Lightwood threw his way.

               “Mother,” Alexander said lightly.

               Maryse’s eyes focused on Magnus, and he gave her a tentative smile in greeting. “I heard you like to drink,” she said, holding out a large bottle of liquor to him.

               His mouth dropped open awkwardly, not knowing what to say in response. Yes, he did like to drink, but it wasn’t like he was an alcoholic like her scathing words made him think she felt he was. Also, considering he couldn’t even drink now, it made the situation quite a bit more awkward than it might have otherwise been. He chuckled uncomfortably, taking the bottle from her. “Welcome, Maryse,” he grit out. “Max, this is your night,” he said to the young Shadowhunter, showing him the party. He reveled in the look of awe in the young boy’s eyes.         

               “You do have exotic taste, don’t you?” Maryse said with a strained smile.

               “Oh, the Spanish theme is in honor of you and your husband actually,” he said with a strained smile of his own.

               “Really? How so?”

               “Well, Alexander told me that Robert proposed to you in Barcelona. I wanted to celebrate a joyous memory since he couldn’t be here tonight,” he said softly.

               “How sweet that Alec feels comfortable sharing our personal family stories with you,” Maryse said bitingly. Magnus raised his brow slightly, nostrils flaring when her scent of rosemary whipped angrily at his senses. “Especially considering your…disparate backgrounds.”

               Magnus clenched his eyes shut for a moment, steadying his himself, before opening them and smiling at Maryse. “How about a drink? Sangria for the lady, and a Roy Rogers for the guest of honor,” he said smiling down at Max and feeling accomplished when he got a grin in return. He turned and made a hasty retreat. Oh, he’d have to return shortly, but even a second away from the tension would help his nerves. And, possibly his nausea, too.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus was glad to have escaped Maryse’s company after giving her and Max their drinks, and he was now making his rounds as a proper host, making sure everyone was having an enjoyable time. He saw Clary storming towards the door with tears in her eyes and he grabbed her wrist gently to stop her. “Hey, what’s going on, Biscuit,” he asked softly, frowning at the distress he could smell in her scent.

               “It’s Simon. He poured his heart out about wanting to be with me, and then…he hooks up with Maia,” she muttered shakily.

               He frowned at her words. That definitely didn’t sound like something the Beta would do. Magnus knew all too well how much the Beta cared for Clary, and there was no way the vampire would do anything to mess up the chance he now had to be with Clary. “That doesn’t sound like Simon. Are you sure you haven’t had too much Sangria? Everyone keeps saying it’s really strong,” he said softly.

               “Please, I just need to leave,” Clary said breathlessly.

               “Hey, don’t” he said softly, grabbing her wrist again. “We’ll figure out what’s going on with Simon. But tonight’s about Max. And Alexander and Isabelle. You’ll never forgive yourself if you leave and aren’t here for your friends. Okay?” he said softly.

               He frowned as she made her way back into the party, wondering what was going on. There was certainly no way Simon had done what Clary claimed to have seen. But then what had she really seen? And why? Or should he say…how?

               Wandering through the party, Magnus’ eyes narrowed as he observed everyone. Everything seemed okay so far. He couldn’t see anything else out of the ordinary. Yet! He would be keeping a closer eye on everything else. Especially on Clary. Magnus spun around when he heard his name being called. He smiled when he saw Alexander grinning at him. He made his way over to the Alpha’s side and grinned when the man lifted a hand to cup his cheek gently for a moment.

               “My mother and Max stepped out on the balcony for a moment, if you want to give him your gift now,” he said softly.

               “That’s a great idea, Alexander,” Magnus said with a soft smile. He followed the Alpha out onto the balcony and smiled brightly at Max. “I have a gift for you, young Shadowhunter,” Magnus said faux seriously, kneeling down to Max’s eye level. He held his hands out to the boy who frowned.

               “I don’t see anything,” Max muttered.

               Magnus grinned and said, “That’s because you’re not looking hard enough.” He snapped his fingers and summoned Max’s present into his hands, handing it over to the stoic boy with a soft chuckle. “Congratulations, young Shadowhunter.”

               “What do you say, Max?” Alexander said, touching his brother’s shoulder encouragingly.

               “Thank you,” Max muttered. Magnus smiled, ruffling the boy’s hair as he stood. “Where’s your warlock mark,” the boy asked.

               Magnus swallowed heavily, keeping a tight leash on his scent. He knew the boy was simply curious, as all children are, but it was still an uncomfortable question. Especially coming from a Shadowhunter. A son of Maryse’s no less. As much as he loved Alexander, and Isabelle and even Jace, he didn’t trust Maryse not to have instilled bigotry into at least one of her children.

               “Max…” Alexander said, scent spiking in outrage.

               “You were just as curious at his age,” Maryse said softly.

               “It’s okay,” Magnus said softly, hoping to diffuse the situation by appearing unaffected by the question. “I only share it with my closest friends,” he whispered, meeting Max’s eyes with a small smile, leaning over and dropping his glamour on his eyes.

               “How much of you is a demon,” Max asked after jumping back when he saw Magnus’ cat eyes.

               “Max, enough,” Jace said as he joined them on the balcony. Magnus glamoured his eyes again as he stood straight. “That’s not how we treat our friends. Apologize to Magnus.”

               “You can’t tell me what to do,” Max muttered.

               Magnus’ eyes widened and he shot a subtle glance at Maryse who looked extremely uncomfortable, which was only confirmed by her scent.

               “Hey, just because you’re getting your first rune doesn’t mean you can talk to your brother like that,” Alexander said with a low growl.

               “Jace isn’t my brother,” Max muttered.

               “Max!” Alexander said sharply.

               “Mom says you’re not even part of our family,” Max said.

               Magnus’s eyes widened further, and he turned and made himself scarce. That was one conversation he did not need to be present for. He’d let them work their family drama out alone. And he’d get back to being a fantastic host.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus was eyeing the party, making sure all was well, when he saw a particular redhead angrily strutting her way towards Simon. He rushed forward to stop her, grabbing her wrist and saying, “Slow down, hotshot.”

               “Get out of my way, Magnus,” she said, scent spiking sharply.

               “Oh no. I’m not letting you make a scene. This is an elegant affair, not an episode of The Real Housewives of Idris,” he said, growling lowly.

               “Tell Simon that, because I can’t stand here while he hits on Maia right in front of me!”

               Magnus frowned, turning to see Simon in the corner talking to Raj. His eyebrows quirked up in concern. He turned back to look at Clary with narrowed eyes. “I think we have a very different idea of courtship,” he said softly. His brow furrowed, wondering what had gotten into her. Something untoward was obviously happening tonight. He saw Isabelle and Jace head into the guest room and his eyes widened when he saw Maryse lying on the floor. So, it wasn’t just Clary that was affected by whatever was happening.

               “Magnus, I can’t stay here, okay? Everyone is acting completely insane! I have to leave,” Clary said, turning to walk away.

               “Not while you’re hallucinating,” he said, lunging forward, grabbing her wrist gently to restrain her. He dragged her over to a corner and said, “Stay right here while I figure out what’s going on.” He made his way to the guest room, opening the door and closing it quickly behind him before anyone could see inside. “Okay, the Sangria may have been too strong.”

               “She just tried to kill me, Magnus,” Jace said.

               Magnus frowned, eyes narrowing at the harried looking Alpha. As much as he hated Maryse, he didn’t believe for a second she’d try to kill Jace. Especially not at Max’s party. He shared a confused look with Isabelle, who was on the floor checking on her mother. “This will help,” he muttered, kneeling beside Isabelle. He snapped his fingers and sent gentle waves of healing magic into Maryse.

               “She just threw an ax at my head. Okay? It’s stuck in the shelf. Right there. See for yourself,” Jace said breathlessly.

               “Jace, there’s nothing there,” Isabelle whispered.

               Magnus glanced up at the bookshelf, narrowing his eyes as he saw no weapon at all in, or near, the bookshelf.

               “It’s right there. Why can’t you see it?”

               Maryse gasped and Magnus’ magic dissipated as he moved back slightly. “Mom, are you okay?” Isabelle said. Magnus helped Maryse stand as she lurched upwards.

               “Hey! Don’t let her up. She’s out of her mind,” Jace demanded, growling lowly.

               Magnus steadied Maryse as she stood shakily. She turned abruptly, fixing her dress as she said, “Jace, I came here to apologize to you.”

               “Then why would you…” Isabelle whispered.

               “She just said she wants to kill me. Didn’t you hear her?” Jace said.

               Magnus tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing at the blonde Alpha. Maryse hadn’t said anything near violent, let alone admitting to wanting to kill the blonde. Something nefarious was happening, and he needed to figure out what before anyone else got hurt. “Listen to me. Nobody’s trying to kill you. You have to believe me. Someone’s playing with our minds. Feeding into our insecurities,” he said softly, trying to comfort the Alpha with his scent.

               “Alec. Alec, no!”

               Magnus’ eyes widened at Clary’s voice crying out for Alec. He turned and rushed out of the room and up the stairs to the rooftop terrace, where he could smell Clary and Alexander’s scents.

               “Alec!”

               Magnus stepped out onto the terrace to Clary’s cry and his heart skipped a beat, and he reacted on instinct, arm thrusting out with his magic to catch the Alpha, who he had just seen fall backwards off the ledge. He used his magic to bring the Alpha back over the ledge, and sat him gently against the parapet. He had sedated the Alpha too until he could stop whatever was affecting their minds. Once Alexander was safe, Magnus lunged to the nearest corner to vomit violently. He stood shakily, wiping his mouth and vanishing the mess he had made, before making his way to Alexander’s side.

               “What happened?” Isabelle demanded as she made it onto the terrace.

               “All of a sudden, he started talking about how I hated him for killing my mom,” Clary whispered.

               “Alec?” Maryse rushed over to them as Magnus checked Alexander’s pulse.

               Magnus sighed softly when the man’s heartbeat was steady. “It’s okay. I sedated him when I pulled him from the ledge,” Magnus said softly.

               “You know what, you stay away from him. You can’t be trusted,” Jace said with a growl.

               “I can’t be trusted? Now you see why I was wary of having a party at a warlock’s house,” Maryse said, growling as she glared at Magnus.

               Magnus swallowed heavily. That wasn’t fair. As if he wanted the man he loved to be manipulated into jumping off a building. The accusation made his magic crackle angrily beneath his skin, but he reigned it in. The nausea though…hadn’t subsided. Magnus rolled his eyes as Simon joined them on the balcony, only adding to the drama occurring. “You’re all going to be okay,” he said in answer to Simon asking about Alexander’s wellbeing. He stood, looking down at them briefly. “Everyone just stay here. I’ll be right back,” he whispered. He made his way back inside and pushed through the party towards his apothecary. He opened a cabinet and opened the safe there with his magic. He snatched his spell book out of there and rushed back up to the terrace.

               He ignored the fighting as he looked for the correct spell. Once he found it, he began chanting the French words strongly, waving his hand and catching the magic that had caused the hallucinations. He clenched his fist, destroying the magic with a grunt. He panted, watching as they all came to their senses and apologized to each other.

               “What happened here,” Simon demanded.

               “It seems a warlock has been having a little fun at our expense,” Magnus said with a growl.

               “Is he okay?” Maryse whispered, catching Magnus’ attention.

               He looked over to see Alexander waking slowly. He closed his spell book and inhaled sharply when it disappeared from his hands. “Someone has taken my spell book,” he said, growling and raising his wards.

               “You’re putting your wards up?” Clary whispered.

               “Nobody leaves until I get it back,” he said, growling and strutting back into the party.

~*~*~*~*~

               For the next hour or so, he scanned everyone in the party. They were down to just Raj who was complaining as per usual. Magnus sighed as Alexander pushed Raj away and towards the door.

               “Is he the last one?” Jace demanded.

               “It appears I’m the only warlock here,” Magnus said warily, bringing down the wards.

               “Magnus, what happens if we don’t find your spell book?” Clary whispered.

               “That’s not an option you want to explore,” he said, growling and nostrils flaring. He met Clary’s wide eyes with his own narrowed gaze. “That book can undo every spell I’ve ever cast. From the elementary to the complex. In new and old languages…” He inhaled sharply as his mind raced. “Champenois,” he whispered. He saw the confused glances the others shared, so he continued explaining. “It’s an old French dialect…Le chat roux…” he muttered as he realized who the warlock was. When the others looked at him blankly, he said, “The red-haired cat.” He raised his wards again with a low growl.

               He turned and stalked away to search for the new tabby cat that he had seen the other day with Jace. They entered the guest room, and silently gestured for them to fan out through the room. He eyed the bed and looked across to Jace who nodded in understanding. The blonde grabbed the covers and ripped them back. The ginger cat yowled at them before making a break for the bedroom door. Magnus shot a ball of magic at the cat, and it transformed into Iris.

               “Duratus!” she said, flinging her hands outward with the spell.

               Magnus shielded himself with his magic, growling when the others were all frozen in place. “I hate party crashers,” he muttered with a grunt, lowering his shield and thrusting his hand forward, sending a ball of magic at Iris. He panted, watching as it sent her crashing into a bookcase. He stalked out of the room towards her, growling lowly. He slammed the door closed with magic when she tried to make a run for it. Throwing concentrated ball of pure magic at her as she tried to find a way to escape, Magnus dodged her poor attempts to fight back. One of her attempts came straight at him but bounced off a shield of purple magic that wasn’t his own. His eyes widened, but he decided to ignore that for the moment. Catching Iris was more important.

               He stood from where he had fallen to his knees, inhaling sharply as he gathered magic to his hands and thrusted it towards Iris. His nostrils flared as he watched Iris gasp in the grasp of his magic. “You haven’t changed one bit since the last time I saw you, crawling from the ruins of La Bastille. Old French spells. Your favorite,” he whispered, twisting his hand to tighten his magic’s hold on her. She whimpered and looked away from him. “Where are my counter spells?”

               “Valentine!” she ground out with a wince. She looked up at him with a plea in her eyes that made him snarl. “He has Madzie, too! If I don’t go back, I don’t know what he’ll do to her.”

               “What does Valentine want with my counter spells?” he whispered, trying to ignore the fact that Valentine had a warlock child under his control.

               “I don’t know,” she said, shaking her head insistently. He twisted his hand again, and she yelled. “I don’t know! All he said was that I had to get them for him! And I wasn’t to harm Clary, or he’d make Madzie suffer. Magnus, please! I’m all Madzie has. Have mercy!”

               Magnus’ nostrils flared as he shook his head in disbelief. “After everything you’ve done?” he said, meeting her eyes as she panted. “Release them.” He watched as she struggled to thrust a hand out to do as he said.

               She panted, eyes widening manically as the others entered the room. “Clary Fairchild…you made a blood oath. Find Madzie,” she demanded.

               Magnus growled, summoning a portal and thrusting her through it roughly. “She’s the Clave’s problem now,” he muttered.

               “Okay, what is Valentine up to anyway,” Alexander asked.

               Magnus swallowed heavily, hand going up to touch his forehead as his head pounded and his vision narrowed slightly. He took subtle calming breaths, hoping the others wouldn’t notice his distress.

               “I don’t know,” Clary whispered, looking pointedly at Jace.

               “It’s too dangerous,” Jace said softly.

               “Jace, they’re our family. They need to know,” Clary said.

               Magnus swallowed heavily, fighting down his nausea as he turned to face them, wondering what the two knew that the rest of them didn’t.

               “Know what,” Isabelle asked.

               “The angel Ithuriel. Valentine was going to use him to activate the Soul Sword. He needs someone with pure angel blood to activate it,” Clary said.

               Magnus clenched his teeth painfully. Valentine had already come so close to activating the Soul Sword? Simon saying it didn’t sound good was an understatement of astronomical proportions. The entire Downworld was at stake if Valentine was allowed to continue with his plans. Which now included his and Alexander’s unborn child.

               “The angel showed us a vision of a demon who could destroy the Sword. If we could find the demon we could stop Valentine,” Jace said.

               “How did you two save the angel?” Magnus demanded. He watched as Jace and Clary exchanged cautious glances, eyes narrowing when Jace clearly didn’t want to tell them the truth.

               “With the runes the angel gave me,” Clary whispered.

               “New runes, Magnus. Ones no one’s ever seen before,” Jace said.

               Magnus swallowed heavily at the implications. An angel communicating directly with Nephilim…

               “Why did he choose you,” Isabelle asked softly.

               “I have no idea,” Clary said.

               Magnus sighed softly and said, “I might.” When they all looked at him with wide eyes, he continued. “Years ago, a Silent Brother told me about a special connection the original Shadowhunters had with the Angel Raziel. That they could communicate from afar through…visions. Because they were created from his blood.”

               “Are you saying that…” Alec muttered.

               “Clary may have a blood connection to that angel. And that must mean she has pure angel blood,” Magnus muttered, swallowing against the nausea that was threatening to overwhelm him at the realization.

               “That’s why Valentine wants Clary unharmed. Clary can activate the Soul Sword,” Jace muttered.

               Magnus grit his teeth at the realization. One of the people his Omega instincts had basically claimed as one of his to protect, could destroy him and the rest of the Downworld. A wave of dizziness crashed through him and he stumbled into Jace, who caught him with a concerned frown.

               “Magnus,” Alec said, lunging forward to take Magnus from Jace’s arms. He checked the Omega over, making sure he was unharmed.

               “I’m fine, Alexander,” Magnus muttered as he pinched the bridge of his nose against the continued dizziness and pounding pain in his skull.

               “Clearly not,” Alexander muttered, dragging Magnus to a random chair to sit. “Are you okay? Is the…” The Alpha looked up at the others warily, looking back down at Magnus with a soft growl. “Is the baby alright?” he whispered.

               Magnus heard someone gasp and then frantic whispering, but he ignored it all. He cupped the Alpha’s cheek gently, scent reaching out comfortingly. “We’re fine, Alexander,” he whispered. He met the Alpha’s gaze and smiled reassuringly.

               “Baby?” Isabelle demanded, stepping closer to them excitedly.

               Magnus chuckled, head falling to rest against Alexander’s stomach before he stood to meet the flood of questions at his Alpha’s side. There would be time to worry about Valentine and the Sword later. Now, was for telling Alexander’s family…their family…about their news. Since Alexander had revealed it prematurely. Maryse would kill them both when she finally found out and realized that she was the last to know about the potential grandchild.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus frowned at the mirror as he looked at the small bump on his abdomen. He was actually showing now, even if it was the tiniest bit. It was becoming so real, but Magnus didn’t want to hope too much. He was still only ten weeks along after all. Still in the first trimester. And as a warlock, it was a miracle he was even that far along.

               He sighed shakily, grabbing his shirt and putting it on. He finished dressing and snapped his fingers, doing his makeup and hair magically. He left the bedroom and hummed softly when he saw Alexander on the balcony. He made his way to the Alpha’s side, bumping shoulders with him softly.

               “How many Downworlders do you think live in New York,” the Alpha asked.

               “I don’t know, but they’re not all your responsibility,” Magnus said softly.

               Alexander turned to look at him and said, “But you are. Our baby is.”

               Magnus smiled softly. He could appreciate the sentiment, but he didn’t need anyone to protect them. “I can take care of us myself,” he said softly.

               “Maybe, but this is different. You may have lived through the fall of Rome, but even the Dark Ages couldn’t have been this dark,” the Alpha muttered.

               “Alexander…I know things seem bleak, but…nothing was as devastating as seeing you standing on that ledge,” Magnus whispered, resting his hand atop the Shadowhunter’s on the railing.

               “It was the magic. I would never, never…” the Shadowhunter said, turning to face Magnus.

               “I know, I know. But magic can’t create fears, only bring them out,” Magnus said, swallowing heavily as the Alpha looked away from him.

               “Magnus…”

               “Look, you don’t have to explain yourself. I’ve been through it myself. Just promise you’ll tell me if things ever get that bad,” Magnus whispered. He couldn’t even imagine being left alone to raise their child, constantly reminded of what he lost. Trying to keep the memory of the Alpha alive by telling their child stories of him. It would break him more than he had ever been broken by anything in his past.

               “Magnus, I could never leave you, or our child like that,” the Alpha whispered, cupping Magnus’ cheek. Magnus gave the Alpha a quivering smile, leaning forward slightly for a kiss. He growled when he heard the door open, and they pulled apart.

               He turned when he smelled smoke and cotton and saw Jace and Clary entering the lair. “Don’t you people have phones?” he demanded, making his way back inside.

               “We need your help,” Jace said as Clary heaved in panting breaths.

               Magnus’ eyes widened when he took in the other Omega’s charred fingers. He quickly directed her to sit and grabbed her wrist gently as he worked his magic around her hand. He gasped when he realized what this was. “La Chair Brûlée,” he said darkly.

               “I’m guessing that’s not a dessert,” Clary said.

               Magnus grimaced at her trying to joke to cover the fear he could smell in her scent. “It means ‘the burnt flesh’. It’s an old blood oath spell,” he said.

               “Then it must be Iris. She said you owed her a favor,” Alexander said.

               “At Max’s party she said I have to find Madzie,” Clary muttered.

               “Then we better start looking. I can get rid of the pain, but that’s about it. I’m afraid once the magic reaches your heart…” he muttered. He shook his head when Jace and Clary looked at him questioningly.

               “So, if I don’t find Madzie…” Clary whispered. Magnus swallowed heavily, turning away from the other Omega. “I’m dead,” she muttered, and Magnus had to hold back a whine.

               “No…no! Magnus, there has to be a cure,” Jace demanded, growling lowly as he stood. “There has to be something we can do to stop this.”

               “Can’t we force Iris to undo it,” Alexander asked as Magnus turned back around to look at them.

               “I wish it were that easy. But blood oath spells are completely binding. Even Iris herself can’t reverse it now,” he said softly, grimacing at the mix of scents that were coming from the Shadowhunters. His stomach churned, not only because of his pregnancy wreaking havoc on his body, but because of the thought of losing Clary and having no way to stop it.

               He watched as Jace and Clary left the lair solemnly. Magnus knew the blonde Alpha would do everything in his power to try and find Madzie, and he hoped he could. He turned to Alexander who just opened his arms invitingly. Magnus fell into the Alpha’s arms gratefully, burying his nose in the man’s neck. He breathed in the Alpha’s calming scent, and let himself forget about the threats, all of them, that they were all facing at the moment.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus had sadly had to relay to Jace that there were no clues to be found at Iris’ brownstone. He hoped Alexander was having better luck getting information from the Clave. He didn’t want to think of the consequence of them failing to find Madzie. It was unfathomable.

               He frowned when there was a knock on the door. He wasn’t expecting anyone, but his wards hadn’t put up any warnings, so whoever it was didn’t wish him any harm. He hummed and went to open the door, eyebrows raising when he saw Lucian. He held the door open further for the werewolf Alpha to enter. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Lucian,” Magnus asked.

               “Magnus…” the Alpha began, pausing with a frown. The werewolf took a tentative step closer to the Omega, taking a subtle sniff of his scent. His eyes widened and he said, “You’re pregnant.”

               Magnus gaped at the Alpha in shock. “H…how?”

               “Werewolf, Magnus,” Lucian stated with a quirked brow.

               “Right. Of course, your sense of smell would be that much better,” Magnus muttered, sighing softly. “Yes, you’re right. I’m pregnant.”

               “Does Alec know?” Lucian said.

               “Yes. He knows. And so do Jace, Isabelle, Clary and Simon, if you must know,” Magnus said, crossing his arms with a huff.

               “Okay, okay. I won’t question you further. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” Lucian said, hands up in a placating gesture.

               Magnus sighed softly, uncrossing his arms. “Thank you, Lucian. Now, why are you here?” he said.

               “Maia attacked Clary today,” Luke said.

               “She did what? That doesn’t sound like her,” Magnus said with a frown.

               “She found out Clary can activate the Soul Sword, Magnus,” Luke said.

               “Ah. I see,” Magnus muttered, moving over to the couch to sit heavily.

               “Who knows how many wolves she told. But, if she found out, any number of Downworlders could know and be out for Clary’s blood right now,” Luke said, sitting down next to Magnus.

               “What do you propose we do about that, Lucian?” Magnus muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose to ward off the inevitable headache that was sure to manifest.

               “A Downworld meeting,” Luke said.

               Magnus sighed, looking up at Lucian. As annoying as that was sure to be, it was probably the best solution. “Alright, set it up. I’ll be there,” he said.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus sat between Lucian and Raphael at the table in the back of the emptied-out Hunter’s Moon, waiting for the Seelie representative for the meeting. They all looked up when the door opened, to see Meliorn and two guards enter, clad in armor.

               “Meliorn. What happened to your face,” Luke asked when the Seelie stood in front of their table.

               “My punishment for helping Clary Fairchild into one of the Queen’s realms,” the Seelie said stoically.

               “Well, it’s good to see you,” Luke said.

               “I’d say the same, but, sadly, I’m incapable of lying,” Meliorn said. Magnus narrowed his eyes at the Seelie’s words. This certainly was not a good start. “Shall we get this over with?” the Seelie said as he sat down slowly.

               “Careful. Seelie armor,” Magnus whispered to Lucian.

               “Means war. I noticed,” Luke muttered. The three of them met eyes cautiously before Luke turned to address the whole table. “So, I assume you all know why I called you here.”

               “I’ve heard rumors,” Raphael muttered.

               “Well, unfortunately, the rumors are true,” Luke said gruffly. “Valentine wants to use the Soul Sword to decimate the entire Downworld, and he needs Clary to activate it.

               “And you have a plan,” Raphael asked.

               “Well, we can’t defeat Valentine on our own. But together…maybe we have a shot,” Luke said.

               “Whatever it is, we can’t have him get to Clary,” Magnus said, meeting Meliorn’s eyes when they settled on him.

               “I agree. But on behalf of the Seelie Queen, I’d like to propose an alternative. Execute Clary Fairchild on sight,” Meliorn said slowly, meeting each of their gazes as he spoke.

               Lucian started growling deeply, and Magnus rushed to jump in and, hopefully, diffuse the situation. “Care to rethink that?” Magnus said.

               “You’d be rotting in the City of Bones had she not insisted we save your life,” Lucian said heatedly.

               “Then consider this my way of returning the favor. By killing her, I’ll be saving you all from yourselves. This council is bias,” Meliorn said, meeting each of their gazes again. Magnus frowned as he looked at the Seelie. “You’ve all allowed yourselves to become too involved with the Shadowhunters.” The Seelie looked at Luke and said, “Jocelyn Fairchild.” Luke growled and glared at the Seelie, and Magnus coughed when the werewolf’s scent lashed out in anger.

               “Alec Lightwood…and the child you’re having with him…” Meliorn said with a pointed look at Magnus. Magnus inhaled sharply, heartbeat stuttering slightly at the Seelie’s words. He could feel Raphael’s eyes burning into him from beside him, too.

               “And you,” Meliorn said, looking at Raphael. Raphael inhaled sharply, avoiding everyone’s gaze. “You’ve been seeing Isabelle, haven’t you?” Magnus narrowed his eyes as he turned his gaze on Raphael. Raphael seeing Isabelle didn’t make any sense. Unless…Magnus clenched his jaw, nostrils flaring as he barely held back a growl.

               “What are you talking about?” Raphael muttered.

               “I’d recognize that perfume anywhere,” Meliorn said simply.

               “Then you’re no different from the rest of us,” Raphael said.

               Meliorn scoffed and said, “I’ll admit, I know her charms better than anyone. But unlike you, my feelings never affect my judgement.”

               “My judgement’s fine. If Clary has to die to protect our peoples…so be it,” Raphael said.

               Magnus gritted his teeth, hand darting up to keep Lucian from making a mistake and lunging across the table. He didn’t like the decision the two had made either, but they didn’t need a war amongst themselves when they still had Valentine to deal with. He watched Meliorn and Raphael leave with narrowed eyes. He’d deal with Raphael later. First, he had an Alpha to talk to about a sibling with a possible Yin fen addiction.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus paced on the balcony as he waited for Alexander to arrive. He had called the Alpha to tell him he had some information on where Isabelle might be. He wished he had questioned the female Alpha more at the bar when he saw her talking to Rufus about Yin fen. Maybe he could have learned the truth and not practically led her straight to Raphael’s doorstep, so to speak. He sighed when he heard the door to the lair open and smelled the Alpha’s rose scent.

               “You said you know where Izzy is?” the Alpha said as he approached.

               “Well, not exactly,” he muttered as he past the Alpha as he went to join him on the balcony.

               “You know, I expect this from Aldertree…but not from you,” Alexander said. Magnus sighed, stopping in the middle of the living room. He clenched his eyes shut for a moment and inhaled a steadying breath. “What’s going on? And why do I seem to be the last person to know about it?”

               Magnus sighed, turning to meet the Alpha’s questioning gaze. He swallowed heavily, looking down at his hands as he thought of how to explain the situation. “Recently, I saw Isabelle trying to buy Yin fen from a certain reprobate warlock at the Hunter’s Moon,” he said slowly.

               “You sure it was her?” the Alpha said.

               Magnus sighed and nodded slowly. “I asked her what she was doing, but she told me that she was undercover,” he said softly as he moved back towards the Alpha slowly.

               “Why didn’t you say anything?” Alexander said heatedly, growling lowly.

               Magnus’ eyes widened slightly. “She’s an excellent liar. And besides, who am I to question if she has orders to do something or not?” he said indignantly. He looked away from the Alpha when all he saw in his eyes was fury. “It wasn’t until this evening that I put it all together. Something Meliorn said at the Downworld meeting. I think she’s getting her fix straight from the source,” he muttered, looking back up at the Alpha who had apparently moved closer to him while he spoke.

               “Where is she?” the Alpha said, growling as he closed the distance between the two of them.

               Magnus sighed, meeting the Alpha’s furious gaze. “With Raphael,” he whispered.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus had portaled Alec and himself to the Hotel Dumort, and the Alpha had immediately taken off at a run, leaving Magnus to take care of the vampires to clear the path for the Alpha. He panted as he sprinted into Raphael’s suite to see Alexander pummeling the Beta despite Isabelle begging him to stop. Magnus came to a stop, thrusting his hand out to catch Alexander’s fist with his magic. “Alec, stop!” he said, thrusting his hand down, magic dragging the Alpha off Raphael.

               The Alpha pushed up from the floor and crowded into Magnus’ face. “This is my family! If you had told me about the Yin fen, none of this would have happened,” the Alpha roared.

               Magnus’ heart skipped a beat as the Alpha growled in his face. “I didn’t know,” he said, taking a subtle step back from the furious Alpha.

               “You knew enough. We’re leaving,” the Alpha said, turning away from Magnus to grab Isabelle and drag her out of there.

               Magnus turned to watch them leave, heart in his throat. He inhaled sharply turning back to look at the Beta who was picking himself off the floor.

               “I wasn’t lying about what I said. There’s something about her…I haven’t felt this way in a long time,” he said breathlessly.

               Magnus sighed, gripping the Beta’s chin softly to turn his head so he could get a good look at his bleeding cheek. “You’re so hooked on her blood, you can’t separate your feelings from your addiction,” he said softly.

               “Isabelle and I are no different from you and Alec. And I thought you of all people would understand,” the Beta said.

               “If you truly believe that…see if you still feel the same when you’re not getting high,” he said with a growl. He turned away from the Beta, summoning a portal home. He looked back at the Beta, shaking his head and sighing, before walking through the portal. Magnus whined softly as he stepped through the portal into his living room. He felt his eyes sting and cursed the pregnancy hormones. He rested his hand on the tiny bump that was visible proof of his child growing, taking a bit of comfort from its presence. In the process, he realized that he hadn’t even gotten around to pointing it out to Alexander, and the Alpha hadn’t mentioned it, so he had no way of knowing if Alexander was even aware he had begun to show. He pressed a pulse of magic inwards and sighed softly at the tiny echo he received back. That little echo of his child's magic, was quickly becoming a source of comfort for the Omega.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus groaned when his door opened, knowing it wouldn’t be who he really wanted to see. His eyes widened when he saw Luke, Jace and Clary enter, helping a weakened Dorothea. He rushed forward to help them bring her to a couch to lay down. He hurried to his apothecary, searching for a potion that could help her, before running back to the living room and kneeling beside the couch. He held the potion to Dorothea’s lips, helping her drink it. “There you go. You’ll start feeling better in no time,” he said softly.

               “Thank you,” Dorothea muttered, smiling up at him. He stood up slowly, dropping the potion vial on a table beside the couch.

               “Dot, tell us everything you know,” Clary said softly.

               “I heard Valentine briefing his men. If Jace touches the Sword, his grip will destroy it,” Dorothea said softly.

               “Me?” the blonde Alpha said with a brow quirked.

               “Why should we believe a word she says? It’s probably just another trap,” Lucian said with a low growl.

               “Luke, Clary, you know me,” Dorothea said.

               “You’ve lied to me before,” Clary said.

               “Because of the injections. But now that he has the warlock girl, he’s cast me aside. I’m myself again,” the Beta said pleadingly.

               Luke scoffed and said, “Good story, but I’ve heard better.”

               “Wait. In the vision from Ithuriel, the demon that destroyed the Sword had a clawed hand,” Jace said.

               “Exactly. It has nothing to do with Jace,” Clary said.

               Magnus narrowed his eyes and said, “Perhaps I can lend some insight. Show me this vision.” When Clary and Jace stood before him, he raised his hands to touch their foreheads. He sighed softly, closing his eyes as he chanted the spell that would allow him to see the vision that they had seen. He gasped, eyes shooting open as a jolt went through his body. He saw the Soul Sword, and the clawed hand that belonged to the dark figure beside it. As the figure grasped the Sword, it and the Sword disintegrated. He gasped again, dropping his hands. “The star in the sky,” he whispered.

               “Yeah, I remember,” Clary said softly.

               “Angels are higher beings. They communicate through metaphors. Morgenstern means ‘Morning Star’, as in ‘How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning’. The vision seems to be speaking of a demonic Morgenstern,” he said, meeting Jace’s gaze.

               “Me,” the blonde Alpha muttered, looking away for a moment. “That’s why Valentine wanted me under his control. I can derail his plan. I can destroy the Soul Sword.”

               Magnus swallowed heavily and said, “And destroy yourself in the process.”

               “No. That…that’s a suicide mission. No way,” Clary said.

               “Oh, says the girl who was willing to die for the Downworld, what, yesterday?” Jace said with a scoff.

               “She’s right Jace. It’s too dangerous,” Luke said softly.

               “Look, I’m not going to touch the Sword. I’ll just get to it before it’s activated, and bring the Mortal Instrument back to the Clave where it belongs,” Jace said like it was simple. Magnus huffed at the blonde’s bravado. “Trust me.”

               Magnus shook his head at the Alpha’s words. He may have been able to convince Clary of his sincerity, but Magnus knew the look in his eye. The look that said he would do whatever he thought was right in the moment, even if that meant he died in the process. It was a look he knew quite intimately. Whether it was a look he had seen in the mirror, or one he had seen on friends of his. Either way, it didn't bode well. He watched as Lucian and Jace left, leaving an anxious Clary behind for Magnus to protect. He sighed, grabbing Clary’s hand and wrapping it in both of his. She smiled tentatively at him, and they settled in to wait for any news.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus stood on the balcony, staring out at the city. His mind kept torturing him with vivid scenarios where Alexander was cut down by one of Valentine’s men. He inhaled sharply when Clary joined him against the railing and placed a comforting hand on his arm. “I’m not used to feeling so…powerless,” he whispered. He sighed, jolting at the sound of Clary’s phone ringing.

               “Oh my God! Simon, are you okay?”

               Magnus looked over at the phone at Clary’s exclamation and his eyes widened when he took in Simon with Valentine. He moved closer to Clary so he could get a better view of the screen.

               “Simon’s fine. We’ve just been having a nice talk. You know, he told me your greatest wish was to know your old man. Which is funny because it’s always been my wish to get to know my daughter. And so, I’m here and I’m waiting for you. And frankly, well…Clarissa, I’m losing my patience,” Valentine said.

               Magnus and Clary both gasped as Valentine cut Simon’s throat with the Soul Sword. Magnus’ hand grabbed Clary’s shoulder, pulling her back against his chest to keep her steady as she shook. Magnus looked away from the phone with a grimace, biting back a whine at the sight of the blood pouring down the Beta’s neck.

               “The vampire has a half-hour, maybe forty minutes, before he turns to dust. Come quick, Clarissa. He needs blood to survive,” Valentine said, before abruptly ending the call.

               “Portal me to the Institute,” Clary said with a small growl.

               “Clary, we can’t,” Magnus whispered.

               “Now!” she demanded, meeting his eyes heatedly, scent thick and cloying in the air between them.

               Magnus swallowed heavily. It wasn’t an easy decision. He could portal her there and she could save Simon, but she could also end up activating the Soul Sword, leading to the decimation of the Downworld. Or, he could refuse and Simon would die, and Clary would never forgive him. And, could he even forgive himself if he chose the option that led to the Beta’s death? He sighed softly. No. he would never be able to forgive himself. He had to take the risks.

~*~*~*~*~

               He and Clary stepped through the portal to the Institute. “Well, here we are,” he said, swallowing heavily and hoping that he made the right decision.

               “Magnus…” Clary said, moving to stand in front of him. “I want you to know I’m not going anywhere near that sword.”

               He sighed and said, “I don’t care what happens to me, Clary.” He moved to take a step forward, but she stopped him.

               “Alec’s going to be okay. Simon’s going to be okay. And I won’t go anywhere near that sword, so you, and your baby, are going to be okay. We can do this. You and me,” she whispered, meeting his eyes.

               He sighed and nodded, and they both moved to head towards the Institute, but Raphael showed up in front of them. Magnus moved to use his magic to defend Clary, but he was stopped by vampires grabbing his arms. “Let go of my hands!” he demanded, grunting as he struggled in the arms of the two vampires.

               “So you can use your magic against us? I’m sorry, Magnus. None of us wanted it to come to this,” Raphael said softly.

               Magnus grunted as he pulled against the hold on his arms. He growled lowly as he glared at Raphael.

               “No. I’m here to save Simon. I’m not going to touch the Sword,” Clary said.

               “No, you’re not,” Raphael said, moving closer to Clary.

               “Stop this. Stop it now!” Magnus demanded, growling lowly.

               “If I don’t do it, more Downworlders are on their way to do it for me. You’re too close to her, Magnus,” Raphael said.

               “Raphael, you don’t have to do this,” Clary whispered pleadingly.

               “It’ll be quick and painless,” the Beta muttered.

               Magnus snarled, pulling even harder against the vampires holding him. He would never forgive Raphael for this. He growled when Raphael hissed and lunged to bite Clary but was stopped by Jace.

               “This ends now,” the blonde Alpha said, snarling as he held the point of his Seraph blade against Raphael’s chest.

               “Listen up!” Luke demanded as he yanked the two vampires away from Magnus.

               “You’d better be right about this, Luke,” Maia muttered.

               “Clary may be able to activate the Sword, but I can destroy it. The angel Ithuriel confirmed it in a vision,” Jace said.

               “Angel? Impossible,” Raphael said with a hiss.

               “I saw it, too. He’s telling the truth,” Clary said.

               Magnus tuned out the rest of the argument, resting his hand on his stomach. He pushed a small pulse of magic inward, and almost sobbed at the answering echo. If his little struggle with the vampires had hurt his chances at a child of his own…Raphael would have been dead to him.

~*~*~*~*~

               Magnus and Clary slowly made their way through the halls of the Institute. “On the video call, Simon was in Aldertree’s office. This way,” Clary whispered.

               Magnus grabbed her arm gently as he said, “Careful, Clary. Circle members could be anywhere.”

               “It’s Madzie,” Clary whispered. Magnus turned to look in the direction Clary was looking and saw the young warlock standing at the end of the hall alone. “Go get her. I’ll find Simon,” she said softly, as Madzie ran off.

               “Are you sure,” he asked.

               “She’s being used, Magnus. None of this is her fault, but she needs to be stopped,” Clary whispered.

               Magnus sighed, but Clary was right. Madzie was too young to understand what she was doing was wrong and that Valentine was manipulating her. “I’ll meet you in Aldertree’s office,” he said softly.

               Magnus took a steadying breath before moving down the hallway Madzie had been in. He turned the corner and his eyes widened when he saw her standing next to a body. “Hello, sweet pea,” he said softly as he approached cautiously. Madzie turned to look at him and Magnus smiled at her. “I’m Magnus,” he whispered, taking another step forward.

               He watched as she removed her scarf and he saw her gills. He felt as the air left the room they were in, but it didn’t affect him. But now he knew how so many Shadowhunters had fallen. He swallowed heavily and said, “I know you’re scared, but you don’t have to be.” He knelt in front of her and let the glamour fall from his cat eyes. “See…I’m just like you, Madzie. I’m a warlock, too.” He looked to the body behind her and inhaled sharply. “These men are using you for your abilities.”

               “He said Nana was here,” Madzie said softly.

               Magnus swallowed heavily, knowing very well exactly where Iris was. “He lied,” he said softly. He smiled regretfully when she looked down at her feet sadly. “I want to help you, Madzie. For real,” he whispered. His smile softened when Madzie moved into his arms. He hugged her tightly, standing slowly with her in his arms. She clung to him as he summoned a portal, walking through it to Catarina's door. He sucked in a shuddering breath before knocking.              

               “Magnus?” Catarina said once she opened the door. She frowned as she took in the child in his arms, opening the door wider so he could enter her home. She closed the door behind them and followed him into the living room.

               Magnus stopped to let Madzie down. He looked Madzie in the eye and said, “This is my friend, Catarina. She’s also a warlock like us. She’s going to protect you while I go help my friends. Okay?” he said softly.

               “Okay,” she whispered, nodding her head slightly.

               Magnus smiled, squeezing her shoulder gently before standing. He turned to look at Catarina who was watching them with narrowed eyes. “Can you watch her for me, Cat?”

               “What is it exactly that you’re doing?” she asked with a raised brow.

               “Alexander’s still back at the Institute…Valentine and his men are there, and I…” he muttered.

               “Okay,” Cat said softly, grabbing Magnus’ hand and squeezing it gently. “I’ll take care of the kid.”

               “Thank you,” he said softly. She nodded, and Magnus ran out of her home. He opened a portal and stepped out as quickly as he could. The sun was already rising, and he hoped that Clary and Jace had been successful. He hoped that Simon was okay. And he hoped…he hoped Alexander was alive, and at least mostly unharmed. He would take what he could get and not be picky.

               He ran towards the Institute and almost cried when he saw Alexander. He slowed down and grabbed his arm. The Alpha spun around and gasped, wrapping his arms around Magnus. Magnus hugged the Alpha back just as tightly, burying his nose in the man’s neck with a whine. The Alpha inhaled sharply and pulled back from him with a growl. “Magnus, I thought…” he muttered breathlessly.

               “I found Madzie. I got her out just in time. I took her to Catarina’s. She’s safe,” Magnus whispered. He was rambling and he knew it, but he was just so happy to see Alexander that he couldn't think properly.

               “Look…Magnus, on every mission I’ve ever been on, I’ve never felt that type of fear, ever. Not knowing if you were alive or dead. I…I was terrified,” the Alpha said, panting as he spoke.

               Magnus inhaled sharply. “So was I,” he said softly, grabbing the Alpha’s arm gently.

               “Magnus I…I love you,” Alexander said softly, meeting Magnus’ gaze.

               Magnus’ heart skipped a beat and blood rushed in his ears as he swayed slightly. The fact that the Alpha said it first…when Magnus had been feeling the same for a while…Magnus sucked in a shuddering breath. “I love you, too,” he whispered.

               The Alpha pulled him in for a passionate kiss. Magnus’ hands wrapped around the Alpha’s arms as their lips moved together. He could feel the Alpha’s desperation in the way he kissed him, as well as his shaking grip on Magnus. They pulled back breathlessly, foreheads resting against each other as they gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment. The Alpha whined, pulling him back into his embrace, and Magnus purred comfortingly as he wrapped his arms around the Alpha. He nosed at the Alpha’s scent gland softly before sighing softly and squeezing the man tighter. He was grateful that at least this man had survived the night; this Alpha, who meant more to him than anyone else, besides the little miracle they had created together. He was grateful his little family survived to fight another day.

~*~*~*~*~