Magnus visited the Lightwood shop often, mostly to shamelessly flirt with Alec. Alec didn't seem to mind the flirting. They learned quite a bit about each other, without revealing their connection to magic. To Magnus' delight, the pretty boy asked him out for coffee.

It was at the coffee shop, that Magnus made his move or at least what his intentions would be for his cat shifter, and he was his, the warlock felt it in his soul. Magnus knew this about Alexander because his magic informed him, there was no mistaking the connection. Warlocks and Witches always were better off with a familiar. Shifters magic usually added to and mixed well with beings that cast spells, and brewed potions. Magnus wanted to protect him with his magic as well. Shifters benefited from being with a magical being as well, whether that was strength or agility, the combination of magic was good for both.

Alec was mesmerized by Magnus, he had not encountered anyone like him. His entire being was comfortable and wanted more, his magic was telling him that this was the male for him. He trusted his instincts and magic. His inner cat purred every time Magnus was near him and it was all he could do to not purr when they were together. He had to keep his desire under control, he didn't want to expose his shifter family. There was something about Magnus, he knew in his soul he would be able to trust him. His senses told him, that Magnus was a warlock but they had not had a conversation about it and since he wasn't ready to talk about what he was, he wouldn't draw attention to what he knew about Magnus.

"Alexander?" Magnus wanted his pretty boy's attention. He played with his coffee cup and watched his darling feline. Alec would insist on using 'Alec' but gave up when Magnus refused and told him, that his full name was more majestic. Alec blushed and let it go, he admitted to himself at least that he liked the way Magnus said his name.

Alec looked up from his coffee that had cream in it, they had learned a lot about each other over the last couple of weeks but were still in the beginning phase of a relationship, "hmm?"

"I'd like to date you." Magnus was being blunt while pursuing this pretty creature was entertaining, and he enjoyed a good chase, it was getting old and the warlock wanted him, he wanted to start a relationship. Certainly get further than their shops and coffee outings.

Alec blushed, "I'd like that too." Alec was more than smitten with the warlock but was nervous, his father and brother were killed for what they were. He wasn't sure if this was a good idea but his shifter magic gravitated to Magnus.

"You want to date you?" Magnus smirked, he couldn't help but tease Alec.

Alec rolled his hazel eyes and smiled back."You knew what I meant."

Magnus laughed, he did know what he meant but teasing Alec was too much fun to pass up. "Let's go out on Friday night, I know of a great place for dinner."

The rest of the coffee outing which was now deemed a date was spent on the plans for the evening out. They held hands while working out the details, and both males couldn't stop the big grins on their faces.

** a few weeks go by**

College was going great for Izzy. She was now in a relationship with Simon, and her friendship with Clary was that of best friends. Isabelle's senses were not so blinded in the friendship with her to think there was not something off about Clary's dad. She knew better than to ask, it was one of those things to observe and then if you felt the threat then ask. Simon was the same way as Clary, oblivious to what Izzy deemed as a threat. She thought maybe her magic was off and that the latent witch and warlock couldn't tell or that maybe their magic was dormant.

Isabelle thought maybe Simon would be open about Valentine but he seemed to be as oblivious as Clary. She would have to keep and eye out and protect them if needed be, despite what her Mother wanted. Maryse wanted them to not get involved, the supernatural is what took Robert and Max from them. At least Jace acted as suspicious as she did, it was one of the things they bonded over but kept it to themselves. Izzy was happy that Clary had Jace. Unfortunately, Izzy thought Jace's skepticism was from the fact he was dating Clary and not that there was anything else going on.

She would tell Alec all of her conspiracy theories, while he rolled eyes and gave her a look that meant she was making things up; he told her repeatedly, he would back her no matter what. He didn't spend as much time at the college as she did. One thing he did know, their magic sometimes told them things and you shouldn't ignore it.

Alec's main priorities were his studies and working at the shop to help their mother. Then Izzy would remind him that wasn't the only things he did, there was Magnus, she meant all of her innuendos. He would then ignore her the rest of the day. He didn't totally dismiss her suspicions but he didn't follow up, wanting to keep themselves safe. He did indulge her with her theories, and if she pushed, he would help her.

Raj was Valentine's assistant and believed the same things that his professor believed. There was another assistant helping with their private project, Victor Aldertree. Victor and Raj had been working together for sometime. Raj was a lab tech and studied magic which was beneficial for Valentine's plans to work.

Victor's wife died after being attacked by a shifter, Unknown to him, his wife was a shifter but didn't acknowledge that part of her life, she ignored her magic and lost her life by not defending herself. Victor had been bitter over the loss and was convinced that if there were no shifters, and no magic that he'd have Ava in his arms. He had convinced himself that he could have cured Ava from her genetic abnormalities, if he had only known earlier. Victor's expertise was in research and development, it also helped he knew genetics and DNA.

Victor had discovered markers, some traits that indicated a shifter and was excited to share his findings with Valentine. The one thing they had in common was losing their wives to shifters, while the circumstances were different for each man, both had a shared hatred of shifters and magic.

Victor was close to finding a way to locate magical auras, trusting Raj with his background knowledge of magic gave him samples with instructions to run tests and report to him with the results. Victor went to Valentine's office to update him on their progress.

Simon and Clary were making their way toward the library, they had planned to meet up with Izzy and Jace, while the goal was to study but flirting was definitely on the table when they got there with the respective other.

"Hey!" Simon was excited to see Izzy and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Izzy smiled and patted the seat next to her for him to sit down.

Clary moved a chair closer to Jace and the four of them opened their books to study. She leaned forward to whisper "The lab TA was really weird today."

This piqued Izzy's curiosity, " what do you mean?"

"Oh, it seemed like he wasn't paying attention to our work, he sort went through the experiment lesson quickly, and then worked on something else." Clary normally doesn't pay attention to the TA, but Raj was acting weird. "I asked him for help and he gave me the answers instead of showing me what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm certain he's not suppose to do that." She paused, "I mean I don't mind that he gave me the answers but I'm guessing he's suppose to be teaching."

"TA's are students too maybe he's got a big exam or something." Jace squeezed her hand.

"True but he was acting strange toward some of the students in the lab too." Clary was taking a science class because she had to for her degree. It was part of the reason she was paying extra attention because she didn't want to repeat the class. The group moved on to different topics before settling in on their studies.

Isabelle's instincts kicked in, she would have to check out the lab. Her magic was never wrong and something odd was going on. She relied on her cat senses to help her as well. There was something fishy and it wasn't the stuff she liked to eat.

"Are you taking any class with Mr. Morgenstern this semester?" Izzy knew her brother was smart and she wanted to know if he would sense something was off or not.

"No, I'm taking Math and English this semester." Alec was making dinner for the Lightwood family. Maryse counted on him for more than the store, Luke helped out in the kitchen as well but it was Alec's turn. The ladies appreciated their cooking skills.

"Why?" Alec looked at his sister and could tell from her face, that something was bothering her.

Izzy debated on whether to tell him what she thought. "No reason."

"No reason?" Alec raised a brow, "c'mon Izzy, we've talked about this, we're here for each other no matter what. What's going on? What has you worried." Alec finished with the lasagne and placed it in the oven. He went about making salad. "Set the table." He knew she needed a minute or two before telling him what she wanted to say and making her busy would help.

"I was at the library with Jace, Simon and Clary, she said that the TA Raj was acting differently in the lab," She was done with the plates and began placing the silverware.

Alec sighed, "you complain about him all the time, you don't like the guy, it doesn't mean he's up to something."

Izzy ignored his comment, yes, she knew she didn't like Raj and something was off about him but she couldn't quite figure out exactly what the problem was with him. "Trust me on this big brother, there is something not right."

"Alright, say there is something wrong. What do you want to do about it?" Alec finished the salad prep and filled the salad bowls on the table.

"I don't know. Maybe go to Mom and Luke and see what our options are?" She shrugged, "or you can go into the lab with me and sniff around, let your magic roam and tell me what you sense." Isabelle was certain he would feel the same things she did, something wasn't normal.

"Okay, I'll go to the lab with you and look around," Alec was done with the early dinner prep. He went to the wine cabinet, he had picked out their best red and white. Unknown to the family, he wanted to introduce Magnus to them.

Izzy finally really looked at the table, "wait, why is there an extra place setting?"

Alec smiled sheepishly, "I invited my boyfriend to dinner."

"What? You have a boyfriend." She punched him in the shoulder, how could he keep important details like this from her. Izzy suspected he was in a relationship but her brother tended to keep things to himself.

He rolled his eyes and smiled, "Yes, I have a boyfriend. I want everyone to meet him."

"I'm proud of you." She had known her brother preferred men but didn't know when he would actually accept that part of himself and try to be happy. She was thrilled he was trying. She could tell he was happier and considering the stuff they've gone through, it was about time they both found some joy in life.

"Do you think Mom and Luke will be okay with it?" Alec was slightly concerned, he seldom talked about this part of his life.

"I think Mom and Luke will be happy for you. All they've ever wanted was the best for us, to be safe and to follow our hearts." Isabelle knew this deeply in her soul.

Alec let out a sigh of relief, he was ready for this change in his life. Isabelle was his rock in times when he was questioning himself. She was always there for him and if she knew it was going to be okay, then it would be okay.

Maryse and Luke entered the home and began their routine of settling in for the evening. The aroma of dinner was wafting through the home. Not too much later after their arrival, Magnus knocked on the door. Alec was happy to see him and showed him into the home. He introduced him to his family and made a point to state that he was indeed his boyfriend. Maryse and Luke hugged them both and offered cocktails while they waited for dinner, dessert and champagne.

Alec's relief was noticeable and Maryse told him, all she ever wanted for him was for him to find love and be happy. Alec reminded her, she needs to be happy too and then did a slight nod toward Luke. She smiled and told him that it was a work in progress and that they were going to try a relationship. They hugged each other tightly. The group celebrated all the changes in their lives during dinner.

Magnus couldn't remember having so much fun with a family dinner. Alec's family was charming. The cat shifter family was adorable, he told himself he'd make something imbued with magic to protect them all. He planned on necklaces for Izzy and Maryse and something for the wrist for Luke while he planned on a ring for Alec. He knew he was moving fast with Alec but he wanted his cat shifter, more than anything ever in his life. He would tell Alec that its a promise ring, he was certain that would work and he wouldn't scare him away. It would lead to another ring he was certain of it. Magnus trusted his magic and this was the one. He had lived too long and waited for what seemed to be forever for his partner, now that he had him he wasn't letting go.

Magnus was home and lounging in a chair with a martini, waiting for Ragnor and Cat to come home. He had work to do and wanted their help. If his protection spells were to be done quickly, all three would need to work together for efficiency reasons. He reminisced about dinner with the Lightwoods, they were pure of heart and were close and he liked that about them the most. It warmed his heart because it was the same feeling as being with his Ragnor and Cat. It had been so long since he allowed himself to be happy.

Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss were late coming home. Last minute customers did that to a shop occasionally and they never turned people away. Ragnor had taken on the added roll of working the shop so that Magnus could chase his shifter. If he was working late for Magnus, he told himself he would stay long enough for Cat to finish her shift and walk her home.

They entered the house and were pleased that Magnus magic-ed dinner for them. They knew based on their favorite foods on the table that Magnus was ready to tell them of his latest adventure with his feline. They worried for him, he fell in love easily and that meant when he needed healing, they could do nothing but help him through whatever drama. Their only hope was that this one wouldn't hurt him.

"Okay, whats going on?" Cat looked at the food and cocktails on the dinner table. "Spill it Magnus." She magic-ed her belongings to her room and made herself comfortable. Ragnor wasn't even going to bother with questioning Magnus, the warlock would tell him eventually.

"I've met the most amazing man, he's gorgeous, smart and he's a cat shifter. He doesn't know I know, but I can't resist him." Magnus lit up with excitement. "Our magic mixes so well." He went on about Alec for a good half hour before Ragnor had enough.

"Stop, just stop." Ragnor rolled his eyes, "Okay, its clear you are already falling for this being." He was worried about his friend, his romantic nature sometimes caused him heartbreak, and while he and Catarina would help him heal from those instances. He was hoping that this time it was different. Ragnor and Cat 'grilled' their friend until he got defensive. That was when they knew he was serious about this cat shifter.

They were wrapping up dinner with another round of drinks before Catarina made it clear, it was time to meet Alec Lightwood. If this was the one for Magnus, they wanted to met him and give their blessing.

TBC-