NUMB

12 - And the deadliest game begins

!W! Mention of child and animal abuse. Graphic depictions of violence, blood, gore, and rape.

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*Later that evening*

*Alec's apartment*

"Alec," A gentle voice caught Alec's attention and he looked up from the vegetables he had been chopping mindlessly, only to notice Elijah dragging two trolleys behind him. "Are you sure about this?"

"Do you have a problem!?" He said in a cold tone and the man in front exhaled a deep breath, clearly done with his attitude, or so he hoped.

"Of course not. I'm just wondering whether Mr. Herondale will be okay with it or not. By the way, how is he?"

"Sleeping in the guest room," Alec said in a soft tone, his incoherent words still running in his mind. What if his prediction was wrong? "Is that everything?"

"I've brought everything I could find. Our unit is sealing their house for further investigation. Alec, commissioner's death has caused a stir in our department, we need a replacement soon, otherwise, NYPD will fall apart."

"Don't I know that, Stalkweather!" He narrowed his eyes at his junior. "And don't you all dare suggest my name for the post, my life is already a mess. The last thing I want is..." He trailed off and gripped the edge of the counter. No matter how hard he tried to be rude and cold, everyone except some homophobes and assholes loved and respected him and he hated that. Why can't they just stay away from him?

"Mew! Mew!" A low voice caught his attention and he looked down at Oreo, who tumbled on his way to reach for him.

"And hello to you." A soft smile crept on his lips as he picked up the kitten and scratched over his head.

"Why is your love reserved just for animals? What have we humans done?" Elijah asked in a tired voice.

"Everything." He said flatly.

"She's cute," said a voice and they turned in its direction, only to notice Jace dragging his feet towards them, eyes bloodshot with a sad, forced smile and sagged posture.

"It's a he," Alec said, handing the kitten to Jace, whose smile grew but didn't reach his mismatched eyes.

"I know it's a stupid question but, are you okay, Mr. Herondale?" Elijah asked.

"What does okay mean officer? I lost my whole family! That attack was meant for me, not grandma." Jace's eyes filled with longing and a tear fell on his face. "I lost my family, again."

Alec's heart clenched at those words, if that man was really his brother Johnathan Lightwood, and those people were the ones to murder his family, then the Herondale family's death wasn't a coincidence, and Jace's life was still in danger. "Ja... Mr. Herondale, I'm sorry for bringing you here without your permission. But you needed rest and the hospital wasn't the safe option. Your life could still be at risk. If you want to leave though, we're no one to stop you."

"No, officer Lightwood, please don't say sorry. You saved my life and I appreciate your help. Plus, I don't have anywhere to go now. Every place reminds me of them. I don't know what I'll do anymore, but thank you for helping. And you can call me Jace."

"Alec, officer Lightwood is reserved for NYPD. Even these assholes call me by my name, even though I'm their senior." That earned a chuckle from Jace and relief flooded through his body. "Stalkweather brought your luggage, you can get fresh. I'm making tea and some snacks. Is it okay or-"

"No, please don't bother. I'll-"

"I insist, Mr, sorry Jace."

"Okay," he said in a low tone.