City Of Bones

Chapter 12

Clary stood frozen with shock at the sight of a furious Alec. He had rounded the corner, probably attracted by the sound of the elevator, and stared at them in astonishment. Soon that astonishment quickly transformed into anger.

Clary was surprised because not only had they been caught but Alec's anger seemed like it was only for her. While Clary was frozen, Jace on the other hand decided to play it cool.

"Hey Alec, what's up?" Jace asked casually as if Clary and him hadn't just returned from a big battle between werewolves and vampires. As if they weren't torn and battered from the beating they had received less then an hour ago. Alec looked momentarily caught off guard but he quickly recovered as if he expected this from Jace.

"What's. Up?" Alec hissed, his hands clenching into fists. "You left in the middle of the night and come back bloody and torn and the only thing you can say is what's up? An explanation would be better!" Alec exclaimed and Jace put his hands up in a calming gesture.

"Chill Alec. Before you do anything drastic just hear-."

"Oh and by drastic I suppose you mean telling Hodge about this?" He waved at Clary and Jace. Every minute he shot daggers at Clary as if he had a schedule to make her feel hated. Message heard loud and clear , Clary thought bitterly but her mind was still reeling with worry. She knew he planned to tell Hodge unless Jace did something, anything, to stop him from dishing out Clary.

"Pretty much, yeah." Jace replied with a shrug and Alec gritted his teeth.

"What the hell were you doing out at this time of night- or day- with her and why the fuck do you look like you've been chewed up by vampires?" He demanded, trying to keep his cool but Clary could see it was slipping from his grasp. Either he had found out about the vampires or he was a really good guesser. Clary studied Alec because suddenly she was sure something was up. Jace opened his mouth but Alec stopped him.

"You know what, I don't want to know right now. I'd like to hear it with Hodge." Alec turned and started to walk off. Clary shot a worried look at Jace and he caught up to Alec, placing a hand on his shoulder. Clary followed them but kept her distance.

"C'mon Alec. We'll tell you why we left just don't tell Hodge." Jace bargained and Clary stared at him in shock but he couldn't see her expression. Alec didn't look at Jace.

"I don't have a choice Jace. I've kept too many things away from Hodge for her. It's about time he found out and did something before you killed yourself."

"What do you mean you don't have a choice? Of course you have a choice! I suggest the choice of not ratting us out." This time Alec turned to face Jace.

"Don't act like I'm a tattle tale. Hodge needs to know about this Jace! She's turning you against your own kind." He exclaimed angrily while he pointed at Clary. "What happened to the Jace that always did the right thing. Who told Hodge everything, making sure the Clave knew?" Suddenly a jolt of anger raised within Jace. He hated being talked to like that especially from someone who was supposed to be his brother.

"He grew up Alec! I know what to keep from the Clave and what to tell. I'm not dumb and if you had any trust in me we wouldn't be having this argument right now." Jace hissed in a deathly low tone. Alec looked hurt.

"I do trust you Jace." He said quietly and then said louder, "but what you're doing for her isn't right!" Jace let out a deep breath , attempting to let out his anger and Clary grew irritated at the fact that Alec was speaking like she wasn't standing right beside them.

"I have a name, you know!" Clary suddenly burst out without really meaning to. Alec's glare snapped towards her as if he was just noticing her for the first time,.