Magnus was an anomaly to Alec. Alec always knew, in hindsight, he couldn't find himself as attracted to girls as he was to boys. It was always something he tried to keep secret from his overbearing father and everyone else in the Shadowhunter world who looked down on that sort of behavior. But it wasn't a choice, it was just who he was.

He felt more than lucky to have found someone like Magnus. Magnus was his whole world, and with the coming months of their growing relationship, Alec felt it more than ever. Just now, as they lay together, Alec couldn't help but study the face of his lover as he slept. His eyes swept over Magnus' smooth jaw and lovely caramel skin. He wanted to plant a dozen little kisses on his face, but Magnus wasn't one who liked his beauty sleep to be messed with.

Alec slowly rolled from the bed, walking naked to the shower. He rubbed the soreness from his muscles of last nights activities. He felt his cheeks warm up; just the thought of being with Magnus that way made him shiver all over. He ruffled his raven hair dry, walking out into the room without any clothes to surprise his lover, but felt his heart squeeze at the sight of the empty bed.

Not again, Alec thought to himself.

For the past month or so, Magnus had been unexpectedly leaving without so much as a warning to Alec. He would return late at night, often too tired to explain, or so he claimed. Alec never wanted to poke and prod at Magnus' affairs, but it was growing on him. He worried sometimes for Magnus, even though he knew well Magnus could typically take care of himself. It just wasn't like him.

Many nights of waiting caused Alec to think about following him one of these days. But he knew this could make things worse, Magnus hated when Alec overstepped "boundaries".

Sluggishly, Alec got himself dressed and stepped out into the crisp New York air. With his hands in his pockets, he made he way down to the cafe and got his usual chai latte. While he was scrolling through the social media feeds of his phone, he felt his skin prickle with a familiar urgency. He raised his eyes to look around the cafe, surprised to count at least five demons. Had it not been for the overwhelming amount of mundanes in the cafe this particular morning, he wouldn't have a problem taking them all out.

Alec had begun to notice the recent rise of demons in the area, his area, and just this week alone killed over four dozen. They just kept coming back.

Something must have them drawn to this area like flies to shit, Alec thought snidely to himself. His phone began to buzz frantically and he sighed.

"Yes, Izzy?"

Isabel, for the most part, was infatuated with Simon. Often times she called her brother was to vent when she and Simon had some sort of argument, and Alec would do his best to give his sister love advice, which sometimes felt strange.

"Is it me, or are there demons setting up camp around here?" she huffed. Alec couldn't help but smile a little. "Meet me at the Institute."

Jace's wild blonde hair caught Alec's eye. He down played his little crush on Jace many times, it was silly. Alec liked the thought of Alec just as another brother, his Parabatai.

"I've killed at least twenty in the last two days," Jace said, rather proudly of himself. Clary was lounging on the couch, her fire red hair flowing down her shoulders. She smiled lovingly at her fiance.

"What could be bringing them here?" Alec spoke up. "They must be hunting something."

Isabel nodded in agreement. "They don't seem so interested in Shadowhunters either. It seems more...deep rooted."

Alec scratched over an iratz on the inside of his arm thoughtfully. He debated on telling them of Magnus' increasing absence, but instead said something else.

"Should we follow them?"

Jace shook his head. "No, I was thinking more of taking one captive."

Isabel scoffed. "And what? I doubt they'll tell us anything, Jace."

He smiled, cocky. "I have plenty of methods."

"Don't go alone," Alec blurted, instantly feeling his neck turn hot. "It's dangerous."

"I'll go with him," Clary stood, nodding once. "It could work."

Alec spent a little more time at the Institute, he missed the home feeling it had over him. He checked the time, around seven or so, and said goodbye to his sister before returning home. When he flicked on the lights, he was shocked to see Magnus's cat eyes there, on him.

"There you are!" Magnus walked over, gracefully, Alec smiled faintly.

"You're home," Alec breathed, grabbing his face and kissing him once. Magnus looked at Alec with a sort of surprise, leaning back down and kissing Alec again. Alec loved the feeling of his lips, soft and gentle on his. Alec's hand fumbled at the buttons on Magnus's shirt, but his hands gently held Alec's.

"Wait," Magnus whispered, a little breathless. Alec looked down, pulling his hands away. Magnus ran his hand through his hair.

"Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on? Why are you leaving me all the time? I worry about you, Magnus, all the time."

Magnus's eyes softened, he reached to grab Alec's hands and kissed them softly. "I'm sorry. I know you've been worried and I owe you an explanation but...I guess for starters, I can tell you why I've left all day."

Alec scoffed in agreement, waiting. Magnus sat Alec down on the couch, still holding one of Alec's hands.

"I've been taking care of someone," he began slowly. Right away, Alec had lots of questions running through his mind. Magnus must have read this in his lovers eyes, so he held up a finger to pause him.

"A certain someone who is very important. Demons have been trying to get their hands on this someone, as well. Her name is Hanna, and she's an Angel."

Alec stared at Magnus, not sure whether to laugh or scream. Magnus waited patiently as Alec let the information sink in, finally Alec came back to his senses.

"How in the hell did you find yourself an Angel?!"