-------

Chapter 13

When Magnus arrived at the Institute, Alec was already waiting for him near the entrance. He hadn't even noticed Magnus' arrival as he stood by a cluster of trees, staring off into nothing.

Magnus took a moment to study him, taking in his tense shoulders and his slightly bowed head, raven hair falling forward into his eyes. Despite it having only been a few hours since they were together, he already missed gazing into those blue eyes, eyes that never seized to take his breath away.

"Alexander," he called, placing a hand on the shadowhunter's shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Startled, Alec jolted slightly, letting out a relieved breath at the sight of the warlock. "You startled me."

"Sorry about that. Is everything alright?" Magnus asked again, gently rubbing his hand up and down Alec's arm in a comforting gesture, the concern clear in his voice. "You seemed lost in thought."

Alec nodded. "I'm fine. Can we just get out of here?" He wanted to be anywhere but the Institute at that moment.

"Sure." Magnus didn't bother asking where he wanted to go. It was obvious that something was troubling his mate, so he simply took hold of Alec's hand, squeezing gently as he quickly used his free hand to open up a portal back to his apartment.

-------

"Would you like something to drink?" Magnus offered as soon as he and Alec stepped out of the portal and into his living room, their hands still tucked comfortably in the other's.

"Some tea would be fine," Alec shrugged. Honestly, he could've done with a strong drink, but thought better of it. It still being morning and all.

Magnus raised a brow. "Any flavor in particular?"

With a forced a smile, "Peppermint," came Alec's reply.

The two made themselves comfortable on Magnus' couch, removing their jackets before the warlock conjured a cup of tea for Alec, and a cappuccino for himself.

They sat in silence for a while, Magnus watching Alec, waiting for him to say something, anything, but his mate once again seemed lost in his thoughts. Alec's posture was rigid as he sat near the edge of the couch, arms resting on his parted knees with both hands hugging the warm mug protectively as he sipped his thee, almost robotically.

Something was seriously wrong.

Not able to withstand the tense silence anymore, "Darling, please, tell me what's gotten you so upset?" Magnus' eyes were pleading. Placing his cup on the glass coffee table in front of them, he angled his body so that he was now facing Alec directly.

Alec's head snapped towards Magnus. He looked as though he'd just remembered where he was and that he wasn't alone. Sighing, he placed his mug next to Magnus' on the coffee table before combing a hand through his hair, pushing the soft raven tresses away from his face as he leaned back against the couch.

"Where do I start?" He muttered to himself, suddenly unsure if he should tell Magnus about Jonathan. It was something he had promised to keep to himself, and not just for Jonathan's sake, but for his own as well. "Are you sure I'm not interrupting any plans?" He asked, eyes moving away from the intricate designs etched into the ceiling to glance over at Magnus.

Magnus scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous..." he started.

"I just don't want to bother you, and it's not that big of a thing...Really." Alec tried to sound unbothered but he wasn't fooling anyone, definitely not Magnus. All Alec could think about was how weak he had been, and how if Clary had not shown up when she did, the worse could have happened. Everyone already treated him as though he were fine china; fragile and brittle, forever to be handled with delicate fingers. The last thing he wanted was for Magnus to treat him that way as well. "I shouldn't have..."

"Alexander." It was Magnus' turn to interrupt, placing a hand on Alec's thigh as he made to stand up. He took hold of Alec's hand, hugging it in between his own, his thumb gently massaging the smooth skin between his knuckles and his wrist. He could see the war going on behind the shadowhunter's eyes. "I want you to know right here and now..." Magnus stressed, holding Alec's gaze, a determined look painting his face, "...you are the most important thing in the world to me." He hoped that Alec could see the sincerity in his eyes.

"I don't care what time it is or whatever it is that I might be doing," he continued, "I'll always be here for you whenever you need me." Alec nodded, smiling faintly, his eyes swirling with emotions. "I won't push you, Alexander, but know that you can trust me..." Magnus paused. "...with anything."

And he did. Alec did trust Magnus. It was just really hard to open up to people when you were so used to - and sometimes felt more comfortable - keeping things bottled up. Even Izzy and Jace have had to push him to let them behind his walls. And even though so far he'd been nothing but free and open with Magnus, this one was just a bit harder for him. He didn't want Magnus to see him differently. He just...Alec shook his head. He was thinking too much.

"Now..." Magnus clapped Alec's hand, giving him an encouraging smile, "...please tell me who it is that's gotten you upset, so I can send them to the dungeons of Edom."

Alec chuckled. "That won't be neccessary," he assured, atleast he didn't think so, but still...he pondered for a moment. Would Magnus really do such a thing? As much as he hated Jonathan for what he did, he didn't think he wanted to see the blonde haired boy hurt. Atleast not in any grave way.

Sighing in defeat at Magnus' expectant look, Alec nodded and began telling the warlock everything. He told Magnus of his long time friendship with Jonathan, and how Jonathan had mistaken that friendship to mean more than it had, and had attacked him in what he claimed to have been a moment of weakness.

With every word Alec spoke, he could feel himself becoming lighter, as if a weight was being lifted off his shoulders. He hadn't realised just how much of a burden the whole thing had been. Or maybe it was just opening up to Magnus that was making him feel better.

Magnus didn't interrupt like most people would normally do, asking uncomfortable questions. He simply sat, listening attentively as Alec bared his soul. However, as Alec went on, a deepening crease began forming between Magnus' brows as they furrowed, his eyes narrowing and his jaw tightening. You could almost hear the clicking of his jaw muscles flexing.

"You're not going back there," Magnus growled, rising to his feet at the shadowhunter's final word. His voice was firm, leaving no room argument.

"Magnus, I can't just..." Alec started, standing up as well, but Magnus quickly cut him off.

"You cannot expect me to allow you live under the same roof as someone who tried to...who tried to..." Magnus' nostrils flared. He couldn't say the words. The thought of someone touching Alexander, his Alexander, even with his consent much less trying to do what Jonathan had tried to...made his blood boil.

Alec watched as Magnus' body shook with anger, his fist clenching and unclenching at his sides, red sparks of magic crackling at his finger tips. "I'm going to kill him," Magnus growled, glamour falling away, his cat eyes now on full display. They burned with a rage that Alec wished never to be on the receiving end of. Magnus looked every bit the dangerous warlock that he was rumored to be. A true prince of hell.

"Please, don't," Alec begged, quickly grabbing hold of Magnus' hand, stopping the warlock before he had the chance to create a portal.

It was rather embarrassing to admit, but seeing Magnus like this, blazing with anger and power, the scent of it making him dizzy...as opposed to sweet and caring like he usually was, were doing things to Alec. Not that Magnus' softer side didn't turn him on, because it did; greatly. But seeing the warlock's protective alpha side, how possessive he was of him, was causing the omega in him to whimper with desire.

Taking several calming breaths, "Alexander." Magnus turned to face the shadowhunter. He didn't want Alec to see him loose control, see his more demonic side. His voice was low. It still clearly held anger, but was some how calmer...husky. It made Alec feel tingly all over.

"As your mate, your alpha..." he brought his hands up, cupping Alec's cheeks as he closed the space between them, Alec's alluring scent engulfing his entire being, "...it is my job to protect you, to keep you safe."

"I know," Alec whispered, as if speaking too loudly would break the moment. Bowing his head slightly, Magnus pressed his forehead against his, the warlock's warm breath fanning his face, sending shivers racing up and down his spine. Alec wanted to say that he didn't need protecting, that he could take care of himself; words that he'd recited over and over again in the past. But now, somehow the words just didn't seem to want to come out. His body tingled with desire and his skin burned where Magnus held him.

"I need to protect what is mine," said Magnus, his cat eyes softening.

The mood in the room had quickly shifted, the air musky and heady with the scent of arousal. Magnus allowed his eyes and thumb to slowly trace the lines and contours of Alec's plump pink lips. They were so soft, he thought, warm and inviting, just begging for him to claim them.

And so he did...

"Mine," he breathed before his lips seized Alec's in a searing kiss. Alexander was his, and everyone needed to know it.

Alec gasped at the force of the kiss, a throaty moan escaping him as Magnus' tongue immediately broke it's way into his mouth, gliding over and wrapping it's self around his. He tried desperately to keep up, his hands gripping Magnus' shirt as Magnus' hands went to his hair, roughly tugging on the silky strands, tilting his head to deepen the kiss.

Alec didn't mind the roughness though. If anything, he found that he rather loved it. He was adrift in a sea of sensations. It felt like Magnus was everywhere, his words echoing through his mind, 'mine', playing over and over again. He didn't even noticed that they'd moved untill he felt his back hitting the wall...whimpering shamelessly as Magnus' lips continued their assault.

The kiss was ardent, needy and explosive, nothing like the kisses they've shared before. They only paused to quickly come up for air. And even then, their lips were still connected as they breathed each other in, only for the kiss to once again deepen, growing even more ravenous.

"I need you safe, my love," Magnus husked as he pulled away from Alec's lips, trailing bruising kisses along his slick jawline. Neither of them noticed the new term of endearment as it fell so naturally from Magnus' lips.

Alec simply moaned in reply, tilting his head to give the warlock further access, which Magnus took full advantage of. He trailed open mouthed kisses down Alec's neck, nipping and sucking, then soothing the sensitive skin with his hot tongue, drawing even more gasp and moans from the shadowhunter. Alec could feel Magnus' hardness between them. It was bold and prominent, pressing firmly against his lower abdomen. He was sure that Magnus could feel his equally hardened member pressing against him as well.

Bringing their lips back together, Magnus once again ravished Alec's mouth, the shadowhunter's neck deftly covered in marks of ownership. His tongue explored and map every crevice of Alec's mouth, coaxing him whilst his hands trailed heatedly down Alec's sides, painfully gripping his hips, bringing their bodies even closer together...if that was even possible.

Alec's body arched into Magnus', his hands latching on to whatever they could; the nape of Magnus' neck, his shirt, his hair. He jolted when he felt Magnus' hands on his ass, the warlock grabbing handfulls, squeezing, and kneading the soft yet firm cheeks roughly. Alec's senses were reeling as desire surged through him.

Magnus felt himself loosing control, yet he couldn't stop...didn't want to stop. They couldn't get enough of each other. When Magnus moved his thigh in between Alec's, massaging it against his arousal, creating the perfect friction, the shadowhunter threw his head back almost painfully against the wall. His eyes rolled back in his head and his mouth fell open in a silent screem, as his body jerked at the sensations rushing through him.

"Magnus..." he gasped, unconsciously grinding himself against Magnus' thigh. The friction was simply exquisite. "Please..." he begged, not sure what he was even begging for. There was a heat slowly building within him, it felt like his entire body was ready to go up in flames. He needed more. His mind felt muddled, lost in a haze of lust and desire. He wanted to forget about everything that had happened back at the Institute, everything that happened with Jonathan. He wanted to loose himself in Magnus; in his heat, his scent, the safety and pleasure he felt in those strong and loving arms.

He needed Magnus.

Magnus couldn't get enough of his beautiful omega's moans. They were like music to his ears, spurring him on. When Alec threw his head back, baring his neck, he couldn't help but to nuzzle his face against the warm curve, letting Alec's delicious scent wash over him...a growl emanating from deep in his throat as it overpowered his senses. Nothing had ever smelled or tasted as good as his Alexander...and nothing ever would.

Magnus licked a red hot stripe up Alec's neck, circling the shell of his ear before sucking the the soft lobe into his mouth. Nimble fingers found their way to Alec's shirt, brushing over heated skin with each button released from it's confines. However, Magnus had never been one for patience despite his efforts, so in one swift movement, he simply ripped Alec's shirt opened.

"By the Angel, Magnus..." Alec gasped as buttons went flying everywhere. But before he could say anything else, Magnus' mouth was back on his and the warlock's hands were roaming his naked torso. Magnus' hands were eager as they traced Alec's runed flesh, his fingers making memory of every dip and every curve.

Magnus' touch was electrifying, sending shockwaves through Alec as his hands made their way north, fingers teasingly brushing over taut nipples. Not once did the warlock let up on his assualt. From his thigh in between Alec's, giving him just enough friction to keep him from falling over the edge...to his lips on Alec's, kissing him senseless, and his roaming hands and teasing fingers...Alec was having sensory overload. The shadowhunter was trying really hard not embarrass himself before anything serious had truly started.

Magnus loved the feel of Alec's beautifully runed scarred skin against his palms and fingers. As his hands made their way to Alec's waist, fingers sliding below the waist band of his pants and dipping into his underwear...

A shrill sound pierced through the room. The noise drowning out that of their moans and heavy breathing, jolting Magnus back to his senses. Shit. What was he doing? Magnus thought as he practically ripped himself away from the shadowhunter. Now was not the time. Alexander was obviously going through something and he was letting his possessiveness get the better of him.

He wanted Alec, yes, more than anything, but not like this. Not when they were both not in the right frame of mind. When he takes Alec, it will be when they're both ready. Not because he's trying to stake some kind of claim or because he feels some how threatened. And definitely not because Alec was upset and looking for some kind d of distraction.

"Wha- why did you stop," Alec asked, confused, lips kiss swollen, pupils blown wide, practically shirtless, and his breathe coming out in pants. He was still leaning against the wall, afraid his knees wouldn't hold him.

He looked absolutely gorgeous, Magnus thought, shaking his head in an attempt at reeling in his lust hazed mind. "Alexander, please, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have attacked you like that." Magnus' eyes were filled with regret, his heart pounding against his chest. He couldn't believe he'd almost completely lost control like that.

"Magnus, why are you apologising...?" Alec's brows furrowed in confusion as they gazed at each other. He really wasn't liking the sudden space between them.

The shrill sounds once again pierced through the room, refusing to be ignored.

"It's yours," said Magnus, taking a deep breath and running a hand through his hair. He watched as Alec took a deep breath as well and shakily moved to the couch, grabbing his black distressed looking leather jacket, retrieving his phone from an inside chest pocket.

"It's my mother," said Alec, frowning at the screen. It felt like someone had just dosed him with a bucket ice water. He was definitely in no mood to speak with her. He held the phone in his hand staring at the screen untill the ringing stopped then started back up again.

"It might be important," said Magnus, when he saw Alec made to put the phone back in his jacket.

"I doubt it. She probably just found out that I left," said Alec.

"Still..." Magnus encouraged. As much as he didn't particularly liked Alec's mother, at the moment he was a bit grateful for her interruption. The last thing he wanted was for Alec and himself to rush into something that they might regret later on. Not that he would ever regret being with Alec, but Alec was so new to all of this and he'd promised himself to take things slow...or at least at Alec's pace...whatever that pace might be.

Sighing, Alec swiped his thumb across the appropriate icon on the screen and brought the phone to his ears. Just as he had expected, his mother was asking him to return home...that they needed to talk.

Magnus snapped himself a drink to calm himself down as he watched Alec. The shadowhunter's posture was once again tense as it had been earlier, only now, his shoulders weren't slumped but squared and his expression not one lost in thought, but resolute. Despite having the ability to listen in on the other end of the call, Magnus choose not to, wanting to give Alec some kind of privacy.

"Well," said Alec. "This important talk of your's will have to wait untill later." His voice was a bit snappy. "Magnus and I have plans."

Magnus raised his brows at that, but Alec simply continued on. He was obviously annoyed with whatever his mother was saying.

After about another minute, Alec abruptly ended the call. "Alright mom. Yes, I love you too."

Magnus watched as Alec wordlessly grabbed his jacket, stuffing his phone back into the inside breast pocket before grabbing Magnus' jacket as well. "Are we going somewhere?"

"Yes," Alec smiled faintly, handing Magnus his jacket. "You're taking me around the city remember. Can I borrow a shirt by the way?" He made gesture to his torn one.

Magnus frowned, throwing his jacket back on the couch. And with a wave of his hand, already missing the view, Alec shirt was good as new. "Alexander, we need to talk about what just happened...about Jonathan. I still don't want you anywhere near that Institute with him there." They also needed to talk about what his father told him lastnight, Magnus thought in the back of his mind, but that would have to wait. He wanted to focus on dealing with Jonathan first. He'd gotten the impression that his solution of burning the bastard alive wouldn't sit too well with Alec.