SHAPESHIFTED (✓)

24. The plan set in action.

Alec was in his messy room, setting up all the cat supplies Marius needed, while the said cat-fox was sprawled upon his bed leaving all his fur all around, his eyes were closed indicating that he was already asleep. He looked at him and couldn't help but smile at the sight of how cute and adorable he was looking. But he couldn't let himself distract like that, he had to set up everything in his room first.

He was arranging Marius' cat bed when Jace walked in holding things like grooming stuff, toys and a collar he selected and Izzy engraved his name on it. There was some cat food too.

"Here you go, remember I had Church so I can help you with this. A lot. And, keep the litter box near his bed."

Alec took the stuff from him and kept it beside other stuff. "Thanks, Jace. But don't get cocky just because I'm letting you help me with this."

"Ouch! That was hurtful, Alec." He said while keeping his palm above his chest dramatically.

Alec rolled his eyes and went back to arranging all the stuff. It had been almost two days since he sneaked him in and a few hours later after that, he announced to the whole Institute that there was going to be a new pet living with them. His mother protested for some time, but she eventually agreed when Marius looked at her, almost frightened by her shouting making her melt at the look in the poor creature's eyes. Then Alec had made everyone swear on Angel Raziel, including himself, that they wouldn't let the cat be a distraction from their work. By far, it was going great and Marius was loved by everyone.

Because he didn't have any cat supplies on the first day, Marius slept beside him on the pillow. The next day they faced a similar threat by Asmodeous yet again so they were all exhausted and couldn't get the supplies either. They were finally able to get all the stuff needed and because Alec needed to rearrange his room because of his new friend, he made Maryse the temporary Head of the Institute.

"You realize you're going to need to be more of a multitasker if you want to keep him?" Jace asked.

Alec sighed then rolled his eyes. "And what makes you think I'm not!?"

Jace cocked an eyebrow at him. "Really!?"

"What are you tryi-"

"Meow!" The soft sound stopped their bickering and they both looked at Alec's bed where Marius was pawing in the air, while looking at Alec.

Alec dropped whatever he was doing and walked towards his bed, sitting beside him. "Hey, buddy, you're awake?" He held his paw and Marius started licking his hand.

"Looks like he really likes you a lot. Going to be a big problem in the future, Parabatai." Jace said while handing him the collar.

"Shut up, Jace!" He accepted the collar, then looked at Marius and kissed his head. "Hey buddy, look I've got something." He held up the collar to his nose while he sniffed it and looked at it curiously.

'Oh, Alexander! You want to collar me up. Never thought you'd be into this.' Magnus thought with a sarcastic chuckle in his head.

"Do you like it, buddy?"

"Maaow!"

Alec smiled to himself and placed the collar around his neck. Then, he started stroking his back gently, running his fingers through the softest fur.

"You realize Izzy is gonna take all the credit for this collar," Jace stated while scratching between Marius' eyes, resulting in a sound from him which seemed like a happy whimper.

The boys exchanged a look, while Jace looked the creature curiously. "What was that!?"

"I guess that finally explains his fox side. You know foxes can bark right?"