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Cracking my eyes open, the sun peaking in through the half-parted curtains blinds me for a moment. Suppressing the groan that wants to slip past my mouth, I attempt to roll over. Keyword attempt.

A strong arm wrapped around my middle prevents me from moving anywhere. My honey eyes drift up toward my sleeping mate, a lazy smile adorning his face.

His eyes are closed as his long eyelashes cause shadows along his cheekbones. My cheeks heat up as last night's event plays through my mind. 

I remember everything we did. The way his eyes devoured my body, his handing leaving a trail of fire in their wake. The way his finger's stretched me, filling me. 

I can't ignore the way my body reacts to the images. Heat engulfs my skin as my cheeks burn, my core pulsing for something.

"Good morning, love." A deep voice resonates beside me, breaking me from my thoughts. My honey eyes quickly snap toward his and I gulp the lump in my throat as his eyes visibly darken. 

He's quick to flip me on my back, his half-naked body hovering over mine. He steals a kiss, cupping my face in his hand, slightly tilting my head to the side to get better access.

Just as his tongue sweeps across my bottom lip, his bedroom door flies open. A small shriek escapes my mouth as Alec pulls away.

"Izzy, ever heard of knocking?" Alec grumbles, getting up off of me. He sits beside me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and bringing me closer to his body.

Izzy smirks, her eyes glinting like she knows what happened yesterday. Hell, she probably does.

"Why do you think I waited until this morning to come into your room? The walls are incredibly thin," she states, sending a smirk my way when I feel my cheeks burn hotter.

Yep, she most definitely knows. 

Alec simply rolls his eyes, kissing the top of my head. "What do you want?"

"Mom's in a rare form today," Izzy states, settling in a chair by the window. Crossing her long legs, she stares at her perfectly manicured nails. 

"She's been different since she got back from Idris," Alec states. Izzy rolls her eyes. Flicking her gaze up, she locks eyes with her older brother.

"If you say so. Same old judgemental mom with me," she shrugs. "Have you spoken with Jace yet?"

Alec shakes his head. "Not yet."

"Well, you need to call Jace."

My older mate narrows his eyes slightly and I grab his clenched hand in hopes of calming him down. Intertwining our fingers, I offer him a soft smile. He returns one before regarding his sister again.

"As you can see, I've been busy. I'll call him later."

Isabelle gets ready to speak when an older man steps through the doorway. A younger boy clenches his arm as he jumps up and down in his spot.

"No "welcome home" for the old man?" 

Alec beams and Izzy jumps from her chair, her brunette flying over her shoulder as she barrels into the man. "Daddy!"

The older man laughs, quickly wrapping his arms around his daughter. I smile at the pair.

"Max!" Alec shouts, getting out of bed and hugging the little guy. I bunch the sheets to my chest, slightly embarrassed that Alec's father will see me in nothing but a shirt and some boxers.

"What are you doing back so soon?" Max looks away, guilt etching his face. "Got in trouble in Mumbai."

"Oh," Alec raises a brow at his younger brother, "What'd you do?"

Max is quick to shake his head. "Nothing."

My older mate gives him a look that causes the younger Lightwood to shrink in his spot. My heart warms at the interaction between the two. I can tell that the two brothers have a great relationship. 

My lips twitch down in a slight frown as my mind drifts to Clary. Even though I hate her with every fiber of my being, I still wish we were sisters. I wish she didn't treat me like she did. I wish we had a relationship like Alec and Max do.

"He started a fire with his stele during rune studies," the older Lightwood explains, pulling me from my thoughts. Alec puts Max down, ruffling his hair.

"I told you, I was hungry. I was trying to draw the Nourishment rune." I smile lightly at his declaration. I can tell by the way his eyes flick back and forth throughout the room that he's lying.

"Those two runes look nothing alike, Max." The younger Lightwood scrunches his eyebrows. "Well, they do to me."

His eyes suddenly flick to me, like he's now regarding there is another person in the room. "Who's that?"

Suddenly, all eyes are turned to me and I flush under the attention. I try hard not to look the oldest Lightwood in the eye, slightly intimidated by his presence. 

Alec walks over toward me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as the other one clasps my right wrist, showing everyone my bow and arrow mark.

"This is Valerie. She's my soulmate." Alec explains and I risk a look at his father. He's beaming from ear to ear before he walks over to us.

"It's nice to meet you, Valerie." He says, sticking his hand out for me to shake. I can already tell that he's way more approachable than his wife.

I grab his hand in mine firmly, giving him a soft shake. "It's nice to meet you too, Sir."

His eyebrows scrunch as he pulls me from Alec's grasp, wrapping me in a hug. "No Sir, business. Makes me feel old. Call me Robert."

He pulls away from me, his eyes doing a quick sweep of my attire before arching his brow at Alec. My older mate rubs the back of his neck, a sheepish smile pulling at the corner of his lips.

"Why is she wearing your shirt?" Max innocently asks. "We just got up, kiddo," Alex explains.

"Max, go up to your room, open the Gray Book, and look up the Extinguish rune," Robert states knowing his son was going to keep questioning my attire. Max groans but complies.

"Where is Clary Fairchild? Your mother said she's missing." Robert explains and I can already feel my mood drop at the mention of her name. A sour taste accumulates in my mouth and based on the reaction Robert sends my way, he knows of my sudden mood change.

"She's not missing. She's with Jace." Alec wraps his arm around me as he answers his father. 

"We can't have that girl out of Institute control. The entire Shadow World is looking for her. And your mate for that matter. It's a security risk. Get them back here now."

My heart skips a beat at his words. I know Clary is important, and she might be able to pinpoint where this cup is, but why would I be important? The only thing I have going for me is that I have two soulmates and have warlock blood running through my veins.

Apparently, warlocks have the ability to locate the mortal cup. But if that's the case then I won't be of use until my eighteenth birthday, when I manifest.

Alec walks away, grabbing his phone out of his pocket to make a quick call, leaving Robert, Izzy, and me alone in the room.

I smile nervously at Robert, my hands clenching the helm of the shirt I'm wearing in embarrassment. 

"I should probably check on Max. I'll see you ladies later," Robert, says, noticing the tension in the room.

Isabelle smiles at her father before taking a seat on the bed, patting the spot next to her. I smile at her, taking a seat.

She grasps my hands, her brown eyes raking over my face. "How are you doing?"

I shrug my shoulder, my eyes glazing over as I remember the words Clary said to me. Her words still sting and I know whatever we had before is gone now. All I care about is finding my mother and saving her from Valentine.

"I'll live," I reply after a minute. "Clary didn't have the right to say that to you."

"What's done is done. I can't change the past." I explain. Izzy squeezes my hands and my eyes snap to hers. She wears a big smile on her face.

"No, but you can make the future." I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that lights up my face at her words. 

Suddenly, a thought pops into my head. "I've been meaning to ask. Do you have a soulmark?" 

Isabelle nods her head. Letting go of my hands, she pulls out her stele and waves in over a rune on her forearm. Suddenly a black mark of an open book with a gavel floating above it appears on her skin.

I smile at her, my eyes locked on her mark. "It's beautiful."

"Thank you. I have no idea who it could be. My leading theory is someone from the Clave, but I'm praying that I'm wrong." She waves her stele over the rune again and the mark disappears. 

"What rune is that?" I ask, pointing to the rune she went over with her stele a few seconds again. 

She looks at it for a moment, biting her lip. "I don't really know what it's called. Its only job is hiding soulmark though."

"Why would anyone want to hide their mark?" She looks back up at me, her lips twitching downwards as her eyes fill with sorrow. "People do crazy things when they realize you have a soulmark. Most of the time, if you don't find your mate random people will try to force their bond on you."

My breath hitches as my mind races back to the guy in the alleyway. "What happened to me."

Isabelle softly nods before wrapping her arms around my shoulders bringing me into a hug. "I'm so sorry Valerie. Whenever someone who isn't your soulmate touches your mark, all you'll feel is excruciating pain."

"Why do people force their bond on you if all you feel is pain?" I ask once Isabelle releases me. The younger Lightwood shrugs her shoulders. "No one knows why. People just do it. Most like seeing you hurt, as sick as it is."

"It's just easier to hide your soulmark, that way you don't have to worry about people hurting you," Isabelle explains. I nod my head in agreement.

Alec walks into the room a second later, his lips pursed in a thin line. "What is it?" I ask.

"Magnus needs me."

↬•↫

Izzy and I walk through the hallways of the Institute. After our talk and after I got done getting changed, Alec went to his office to get some materials together before we head to Magnus's apartment later this evening.

Walking up to a big, wooden door with intricate designs, hushed voices can be heard from the other side. Isabelle holds her finger to her lips, silently telling me to be quiet. I quickly nod my head and we both slink to the door. Pressing our ears to the slightly open door, we listen in.

"It's not like Isabelle can do it," the unmistakable voice of Marsye fills my ears and I share a look with Izzy.

"Isabelle is the only one who can do it. Alec is already bonded," Robert replies. 

"He hasn't bonded with that girl yet." 

"You can't ask him to break his bond with Valerie. Soulmates are sacred. It could kill him," Robert explains. 

My heart beats faster at her words. Does she really not want me to be mates with Alec? Does all she care about is her family's reputation?

"Well, what else can we do?"

Isabelle suddenly opens the door, walking into the room. I'm frozen in my spot, Marsye's words ringing in my head.

"You can't make him do that," Isabelle replies, stubbornly putting her hands on her hips. Maryse narrows her eyes at her daughter. "It's not your concern."

"Marsye, this is a family decision."

"We are running out of options, Robert!" With one final look at her husband, Marsye flies out of the room, not even sparing me a second glance. Either she didn't see me or she didn't care I was still standing in the hallway shell-shocked by what she said.

Walking into the room, I spot Robert and Izzy deep in conversation. I awkwardly stand by the door when Robert makes eye contact with me. "I can come back later."

He shakes his head, calling me to come closer. "No, this involves you too."

I make my way over to the pair, taking a seat beside Izzy who stares at the cookbook in her lap. "You trying to tell me something?"

Robert laughs slightly. "No, not at all. You're perfect."

"I love it. But I'm still gonna ask what that was about," Izzy asks, stealing a glance at me. I'm also curious about what they were talking about, however, I have a feeling I already know what it is. And if I'm right, then Marsye got a few notches to her name on my hate list.

"If the Seelies change sides, we have no hope of defeating Valentine," Robert explains.

"There has to be something we can do?"

Robert nods. "You know the Seelies better than anyone." At Izzy's frown, Robert quickly adds, "I'm not judging you. It's a fact... It's an asset. You and I need to convince the Clave of what's coming. But... after all the unsanctioned missions that your brother authorized while we were away..."

Izzy winces slightly under her breath. Robert nods. "You went rogue. And now the Clave thinks our family honor is beyond repair. The Lightwood name only has meaning because of all the people who have fought for our cause, we were among the bravest. The best of the Shadowhunters."

His eyes lock with mine. "One of the best, I should say. Dawnheart was right up there with us." I smile lightly at him.

"And now they think we're not anymore. We'll do better. Jace, Alec, and I, we'll restore the family name and our honor," Isabelle confirms. Robert nods.

"Then you need to understand the honor comes from the deed. It's not a simple proposition to restore it. It's gonna require a tremendous sacrifice."

"Tell us what you need us to do," Isabelle asks. Robert sighs, looking between the two of us. I want to help too. Anything I can do to help, I'm on board.

"You're mother wanted Alec to marry. However, he's found his soulmate and I won't ask him to break his bond with you," Robert assures me, despite what his wife said before.

"That leaves you, angel. If you don't find your soulmate here soon, you'll have to marry someone to help restore our family name."

Isabelle's whole face drops at that proposal. "But..." She starts but she falls short. Taking a deep breath she nods her head, however, I can even see the tears in her eyes.

↬•↫

After the talk with Robert, Izzy and I walk through the Institute, heading in the direction of the training room, where Alec is currently. 

"You don't need to go through with it. Your parents are putting a lot of pressure on you," I explain.

Izzy sighs, before shaking her head. "No. It's time I stop playing around. Besides, finding your mate is very rare. I doubt I will find mine."

I rest my hand on her shoulder, stopping her movements. "Don't say that. You'll find them and they will make you the happiest you'll ever be." 

She smiles at me before nodding her head. I know she said she will do anything to help restore her family name, and I'm not agreeing with what her parents want her to do. She deserves to find her soulmate. It's not all about reputation.

Walking into the training room, my eyes land on my mate. He's shirtless and I watch with hungry eyes as his muscle flexes with every stroke of the stick. His moves are graceful and even if I didn't know him as I do, I could tell he's an excellent fighter.

He's quick to spot us. Smiling slightly, he comes toward us. Wiping himself off, he's quick to wrap his arms around my shoulders bringing me into his body. "Ew, you're hot and sweaty."

He just laughs before letting me go. Looking over at his sister, he frowns. "What's wrong?"

"They are having me marry, Alec," Izzy responds. "Why?"

"They need a political alliance quickly to restore our family name and our influence at the Clave. And since you met your soulmate already, I'm the only option."

"But that's not fair," Alec explains. All Izzy can do is shrug. "I don't have a choice."

My older mate narrows his eyes before placing the stick down. "That's bullshit and you know it, Izzy." 

With that, he grabs my hand and walks out of the room. My captured hand wraps around his as I take large steps to keep in line with his big ones. "Where are we going?" I ask.

"To Magnus's apartment. Jace said he needed help." Is his curt reply before he drags me out of the institute and to a vehicle.

The ride to Magnus's apartment is filled with silence. Neither of us trying to talk to the other. My mind is constantly racing with worry for Luke. I really hope Magnus can save him.

Finally arriving, Alec is quick to run in, me following two steps behind him. I see a bush of fiery red hair disappear around the corner as Alec speed walks into the room Clary just disappeared from. Walking in, my eyes land on Magnus who almost faints on the ground. He looks deathly pale as his hand hovers over Luke's body.

Alec is quick to catch Magnus before he crumbles. "Help me. I need your strength." His purple eyes drift to me. "You too. Soulmate energy is the strongest and purest of them all."

I'm quick to nod my head, offering Magnus my hand and Alec my other hand. Magnus is careful not to touch my mark as he wraps his fingers around my hand. 

"Take what you need," I whisper. Alec nods in agreement. Magnus closes his eyes as he began to lightly chant an incantation. Simon and Jace run back into the building, each holding a different bag of ingredients. 

"Clary!" Simons says.

"Do you have it?" The redhead responds, reappearing from the other room. Simon nods and Jace makes his way over toward me. My eyes start to feel slightly heavy as Magnus drains the energy from my body.

Clary appears beside me, holding a bright blue potion that she forces down Luke's throat. Seconds later, he wakes up gasping for breath. 

Magnus quickly lets go of my hand, slouching slightly forward on the couch. I fall back again Jace, my body sluggish as I slowly regain my energy back. "You okay?" I nod at Jace.

"Hey... Clary," Luke mumbles. 

Jace helps me stand as he follows Alec who exits the room. I watch them go before I turn back to Luke. "I'm glad you're okay, Luke."

He smiles up at me. "I can see it in your eyes you want to be with your mates. Go be with them." I smile lightly at him before getting up and following them, not even sparing Clary a glance.

I find them talking outside. Lagging back a few steps when I see them hug, I give them some privacy. Whatever they were talking about I didn't want to intrude. My hands pat my pockets while I wait and I feel something underneath my fingertips in my right pocket.

Digging through, I pull out the silver bracelet from the wooden box underneath the floor in our old house. Glancing it over, I notice a small pendant emitting a soft red glow. Quickly clasping it around my wrist, I admire the beautiful jewel.

 Once my eyes pull away from the bracket, I notice my mates have stepped back. "Hello gorgeous," Jace says, walking up to me and kissing me gently on the lips. I smile up at him, glancing between him and Alec.

"Everything okay?" I ask. They both nod.

"I'm heading back to the institute. You coming?" Alec asks, his gaze locked with mine. I glance over at Jace to see him also looking at me.

"Are you staying Jace?" I ask. I really want him to come back with us. "Just for a few hours. I want to make sure Luke is alright, then I'll be back at the Institute." He says, pulling me into his body.

"Plus, I've missed you like crazy," he breathes in my ears, squeezing my hips slightly. I giggle slightly as he releases me. He smiles as he kisses my forehead before walking back inside.

"Let's go. It's freezing out here," I say. Grabbing a hold of Alec's hand, I pull him to the vehicle we took over here, wanting desperately to get warm again.