Hiding

Chapter two

Magnus Bane is here. In his town. At his work. With his father...

"Why...?" is all Alec is able to say.

"Mom did the hiring of a new assistant after... the incident. And I'm guessing she is using him to kind of punish Robert for what he did."

Magnus Bane... Working for his father.

"We," Jace gestures to Izzy and himself "wanted to prepare you for it, before going to work and running in to him. Making sure you have some time to set up the right way for you to act around him."

"And I want you to stop pretending to be someone you are not and experience what love feels like..." Clary interrupts.

"Shut up!" Alec snaps. "You don't get it Clary. I CAN'T!" Alec takes a deep breath to calm down when he sees the hurt expression on her surprised face. It is clear she thinks that she did the right thing and that his sibling were the ones out of line with their agenda. "I'm not that guy anymore, Clary. That part of me is gone... Jace and Izzy are right. And I'm grateful that you warned me." He says as he looks at his siblings. "Had I seen him without warning, I might have gotten flustered and anxious. And I can't afford to be like that. I'm in charge. Soon to be the CEO. People look up to me."

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The elevator has never moved this slow in Alec's life! Typical, the only time ever that he is late, everything moves in fucking slow motion. Alec rubs his temples as another floor lights up and the elevator slows down to a stop. For Christ sake... Two people step in, chatting carefree and taking forever to push the buttons. No regards for the people being late. A sigh that might have been a bit too loud escapes Alec and the two newcomers turn around and notice him.

"Mr. Lightwood." One of them says. Clearly surprised to see him there. Discreetly the guy checks his watch.

Jesus Christ, even some random employe knows I'm fucking late, Alec thinks.

Alec nods in greeting with a clenched jaw. The two people doesn't pick up their conversation from before and the rest of the ride is in complete silence. Once they've reached the top floor, they step aside to let Alec out. He rushes towards his father's office without actually running. He still has to keep up appearances. Otherwise, his father would eat his guts for lunch. Lightwoods always have to look and act professional. Always.

As he approaches the office, he notices the door is closed. Damn... the meeting has already begun. He quickly reaches for the doorhandle when he gets interrupted by a familiar voice.

"You aren't allowed inside." Magnus says from behind his desk right next to the door. Alec glares at him, but Magnus doesn't even look up from his computer.

"Of course, I am. I'm supposed to be a part of this meeting.

"Not anymore." Magnus points towards the watch behind him. "You are late."

"By 30 seconds!" Alec growls.

"Doesn't matter if it's 30 seconds or 30 minutes. You are late. The meeting has begun." Magnus finally looks up and his eyes lock onto Alecs. "You are not allowed inside."

"But..." Alec tries once more.

"No."

"I'm..."

"no."

"Just..."

"NO." Magnus rises from his chair with his hand firmly placed on the desk. "Now leave, or I will remove you myself."

"You wouldn't." Alec folds his arms across his chest.

"Are you sure about that?" Magnus steps out from behind his desk, and unable to stop himself, Alec's eyes wander over Magnus' body. His very fit body. Definitely not the same guy as he once knew.