When Ariel woke the next morning it was to her phone vibrating next to her sword, which made a very strange clinking. She stretched then climbed out of bed reaching for her phone. "Call me!" was all the text from Thad said. She quickly pressed the button to dial his number. It rang for a while. Ariel was just about to hang up because she hated leaving messages when she heard an out of breath "Hello". "Hi. Did I interrupt something?"

"Just working with the saw and couldn't hear my phone. When I did hear it, I couldn't find it cause it was in the grass. Matt really needs to mow."

Ariel giggled and Thad stopped talking. "Sorry…I just didn't think of you as the talkative type this early in the morning."

"Oh… it's 9:00. I've been up since 7:30. What time do you usually get up?"

"It depends on when I go to bed. I was up for a while after you brought me home."

"How's your ankle?"

"Good as new."

"Wow, I wish I could use a healing rune."

"Yeah, it's pretty nice. So what have you been up to this morning?"

"I'm fixing the fence around the auto shop."

"You live near an auto shop?"

"Actually, I live above the auto shop. The pack owns it. Some us work there. Werewolves don't get paid to be werewolves like shadowhunters do."

"I guess I never thought about it."

"Anyway, I have a break from noon to 2:00. Would you like to catch some lunch?"

"Sure. Where should we meet?"

"We could meet at Big Nick's. There are plenty of other places to eat around there. Then we could go to the park and look for your stele."

"Sound like a plan. Can you get there by 12:30?"

"Yup, see you then. I gotta go, I have a customer."

"Bye." Ariel hung up and quickly dressed. Jace was downstairs pouring a glass of juice. Isabelle was eating a bowl of cereal.

"So, how was your date?" Isabelle asked between bites.

"It was fun until the demon clobbered me." Ariel told them about the demon stealing the warlock's amulet.

"Did he kiss you when he brought you home?"

"No." Ariel nearly choked on the juice she had just poured.

"That's no fun. I bet he won't be calling you back," Isabelle made a face.

Ariel rolled her eyes. "I'm meeting him for lunch."

"A second date is always a good thing…unless the guy is a looser," Isabelle seemed to be thinking of a specific instance as she spoke and looked across the room.

Hodge came down to inform them class was canceled for the day as he has things to do but he expects them to practice some of their fighting skills. Ariel spent the rest of the morning in the training room with the others.

At 11:30 Ariel set off for Big Nick's. Once she got there, she stood outside to wait for Thad, until Nick knocked on the window and motioned her inside. "What are you doing? Come on in and have a seat."

"I was waiting for Thad. We were just meeting here."

"Well, have a drink on the house. Thad's girlfriend is always welcome."

Ariel smiled and could feel her face warming, "Thanks, but we're not really…" Nick disappeared into the kitchen before she could finish her sentence. Ariel shrugged and headed over to the pop machine. She got some diet cola and sat at one of the booths.

Thad came in soon after that. He glanced at his watch as he approached, "Sorry, I'm a little late. I got busy changing the tires on a car and didn't want to quit until I finished."

"No problem. I made myself at home." Ariel held up her glass. "So where are we going to lunch?"

"You aren't eating here?" Big Nick said as he ambled to the table.

"No. Not everyone wants pizza all the time."

Big Nick frowned a bit then turned to head back to the kitchen, "Oh well, your loss."

Thad shook his head then stood and held out his hand to Ariel, "You ready?"

"Sure," she answered taking his hand, "Where are we going?"

Thad pushed open the door, "Your choice. We'll walk until you see what you want."

They walked hand in hand down the block until they came to a hotdog stand. "That sounds good. Then we could eat in the park?" she looked up to see Thad's reaction.

"Whatever you want. I'll eat about anything."

They ate on a bench near the lake. The concert had been on the other side. "Can we look for my stele when we finish?" Thad nodded as he chewed.

The area had already been cleared of the stage and a few guys walked around with black trash bags collecting the litter that scattered the ground. Ariel began searching the area. "What exactly are we looking for? I know you called it a stele, but I don't know what they look like."

"It looks kind of like you would think a wizard's wand would be like, but mine in light blue and has a bronze dragon wrapped around it."

"Hmm, that helps some." Thad wandered off toward the area where the stage had been; trying to remember the spot they would have stood. They looked for a while before Thad spoke again, "So, what happens if we can't find it?"

"I don't know. I've never lost it before."

Just as Ariel was about to give up Thad called from over near the lake. Sure enough when Ariel got over there he was her stele. "You found it. Thank you," she smiled up at him and she stuck her stele in her back pocket.

"You're welcome. Now you can buy me some ice cream for my reward."

"Okay," she said looking up and spotting the ice cream cart parked near the curb. She quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him toward it. "What do you want?" she asked as they came to a stop at the back of the short line.

"I was only kidding. You don't have to buy me anything."

"I'm not. Now what do you want?"

Soon they sat near the lake each eating a bomb pop. Ariel looked out over the lake watching the ducks swim around. She looked over at Thad went she felt his eyes on her. He smiled back, "You have beautiful brown eyes." He reached up and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Thanks," Ariel blushed as she looked back out at the lake. She could feel Thad still watching her.

"Can I ask you a question?" he sounded a little hesitant.

She turned back toward him and nodded. His hazel eyes were fixed on her. "Sure."

"How does you stele work?"

"I just press it to my skin and draw the rune I want."

"So what are the different runes?" he asked glancing down her arm."

She smiled. "This one is for healing," she pressed her finger to it, "It's probably the most used." She pointed to other iratze on her body. "This one gives stamina during battle..." she continued showing him different runes.

"Why are some black and others are gray like they're faded?" Thad asked reaching up a finger to trace one of the faded iratze.

"Some of them are permanent and others you have to draw every time you need it."

"How many different ones are there?" he asked looking at the ones on her leg that she had pulled up on the bench.

"There are lots of runes, hundreds probably. Not all of them are used on us; some are used on objects."

Thad drew his brows together in contemplation, "Why put them on objects?"

Ariel thought for a moment then picked up a stick on the ground and began to draw a rune. "This is an open rune, so it's used to open locked doors. This one is for protection. If you draw it on an item it protects whoever owns the item."

"So…how do you know all these symbols?"

Ariel shrugged, "We learn them from a book. Kind of like learning to read."

"Hmm," Thad thought, "Does it hurt?"

"Some but you kind of get used to it. It also depends on how hard you press down."

"Like a tattoo?"

"Yeah," she smiled.

Both gazed out at the lake before Ariel broke the silence with a question, "Would you go with me to a Broadway play? I already have tickets." When Thad met her eyes she looked hopeful.

"When is it?"

"Friday."

"Sorry," he slowly shook his head, "I can't go out then."

"Why?" This time Ariel was the one with a confused look in her eyes.

"It's full moon. I'm still not strong enough to resist changing."

Ariel nodded in understanding. "How long will it before you can resist?"

"Luke, our pack leader, says it can take five to ten years, but some never over come it…if I could I'd go with you." Thad reached over a squeezed Ariel's hand.

She smiled back at him, "It's okay. We'll go some other time." There was another short silence before Ariel asked, "By the way, how long have you been a werewolf?"

"Two years." Thad turned to meet her gaze.

"Do your parents know?"

"My mom's cool with it. It took a little time for her to get used to it, but we've always been close."

"What about your dad?"

Thad took a deep breath and looked out at the lake, "My dad died the night I was changed."

"I'm sorry," Ariel barely whispered and reached over to squeeze his hand as she leaned her head on his shoulder, "What happened?"

"My dad and I were on the way home from a Yankee's game. When we got off the subway at our stop there were two gangs fighting. We didn't know but they were vampires and werewolves. My dad tried to break them up but they just both turned on him. I tried to stop one of the guys, a werewolf. He attacked and bit me. I passed out after that, and when I came to they were all gone. I guess they thought I was dead."

Thad clutched his fist. "I looked around for my dad and found his body. It was cold and white as a sheet. They sucked him dry." Thad glared at the ground and breathed deep breaths.

Ariel rubbed his arm, "I'm sorry." He reached up, took hold of her hand, and just held onto it.

After a long silence, Ariel spoke softly, "When did you become part of the pack?"

"Not for several weeks. I blamed them for my dad's death. I changed every night, but I would go to this abandoned warehouse a few blocks from my house." Thad drew designs with his finger in the dirt. "But on the first full moon, it was like I want crazy. I prowled the streets looking for meat. Lucky for me, Luke had been keeping an eye on me. He pounced on me before I could kill this homeless guy. That's when I realized I needed help."

Ariel lifted her head and looked into Thad's eyes. They were sad although he smiled. "Luke's been like a father to me. I can't always control when I change, but he's taught me how to control the urges that come with it."

Late that afternoon Alex came home from running errands for Hodge. As he carried the bag of groceries up the porch he noticed Ariel leaning against a tree in the yard. She was looking down at something in her lap and wiping at her eyes. Alec took the groceries inside and quickly put away the items that needed to be refrigerated then walked back outside.

Ariel was still sitting in the same spot. He walked quietly over and sat down next to her. She quickly wiped her hand across her cheeks and looked in the other direction. "Is that a birthday card?" he asked glancing down at the card sitting in her lap.

"Yes," she answered quietly.

"Who gave it to you?"

"No one."

"Are you sending it to someone?"

"No."

Alec was quiet for a moment and stared off into the street trying to determine what his next question should be. He gazed at a flock of birds flying by then he looked back at Ariel who was once again looking at the card. "Who's the card for?"

"My mom," she whispered as she looked over at him as another tear found it's way down her cheek. "I was going to give it to her…but I never had the chance." Ariel traced her finger over the flower on the front before continuing, "We were supposed to come here and go to a musical. I bought the tickets and everything." She slowly opened the card to reveal two tickets inside, "Now they'll just be wasted. I don't want to go alone."

"Maybe you could go with Thad?"

Ariel shook her head, "I already asked. He can't go because it's the full moon and he can't control his changing."

Alec thought for a moment before speaking, "I'll go with you." When Ariel looked at him with questioning eyes he smiled weakly, "Unless you would rather go with Jace."

Ariel smiled at the thought and shook her head, "I don't think Jace is the Broadway type."

"No, he'd probably fall asleep." Both chuckled lightly then looked out into the yard.

Alec looked at Ariel when he felt her looking at him. "Would you really go with me?"

"Sure. Magnus made me sit through the ballet once." Alec rubbed his chin thinking, "I have to admit it wasn't all that awful, but don't tell Jace I said that."

Ariel giggled a little, "Your secret is safe with me."

Alec chuckled, "Thanks."

Ariel opened the card again, "It's Friday evening. Are you sure you aren't busy?"

"Magnus is still gone till next week so I have no plans." Ariel breathed in as if she were going to say something then quickly closed her mouth. "What?" Alec inquired.

She sighed before answering him, "We were supposed to go to dinner before the musical. I already made the reservations."

He shrugged, "We could still go."

"It's at a black-tie only restaurant."

"So?"

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't really seem like the black-tie type."

"No, I suppose not," Alec looked down at his jeans with the holes in the knees, "but I guess I could make an exception for one night."

"Really?"

Alec looked over to see Ariel smiling at him. He smiled back, "Sure."

"Thanks," she said leaning her head on his shoulder and rubbing her finger on the edge of the card.

"No problem," Alec said as he looked back toward the street and watched a woman unknowingly pushing her stroller by the institute.

Friday evening Alec walked down the stairs into the living room. Jace looked up suddenly when he heard Isabelle gasp. "What's up with the monkey suit?" Jace inquired as he stared at Alec in his black suit, white shirt, and black tie. He had never seen his brother dress up like that.

"I'm going with Ariel to a musical. And we're going to some fancy place for dinner."

Jace just stared for a moment before pulling out his cell phone, "I got to get a picture of this."

"Don't you dare send it to Magnus."

"He doesn't have to cause I already did," Isabelle laughed from her spot on the couch.

"Really, Isabelle," Alec rolled his eyes.

"Magnus says you look hot. Where did you get that suit anyways?"

"Magnus bought it for me. I wore it when we went to that wedding in Colorado."

"Colorado? Who do we know in Colorado?"

"We don't, but Magnus does. He was some warlock friend."

All of a sudden Alec felt a puff of air and his chest felt oddly cold. When Jace and Isabelle started guffawing he looked down to find his shirt gone with only his abs showing. His pants hung loosely on his hips. He quickly pulled his jacket closed as they kept laughing.

Soon Isabelle's phone sang as she had a new text. She looked at it and covered her mouth in a fit of giggles. "What does it say?" Jace asked as Alec glared at her.

"It's from Magnus. He says, 'now that's my little chip n' dale.'"

"Not funny, Magnus," Alec called into the air, "Put…my…shirt…back…on!" Alec stood with his hands on his hips.

Isabelle's phone sang again. "He says only if you promise to wear that when he comes home on Tuesday."

Alec rolled his eyes, "Whatever, just do it." Alec felt another puff and looked down with relief to find his shirt back.

"What's all the laughing about? Did something funny happen?"

"No," Alec muttered under his breath while Jace and Isabelle each stifled a snicker as all three turned to see Ariel standing at the top of the stairs.

She was wearing a long elegant dark purple dress. It was strapless and fit to her body. She wore a diamond necklace and matching bracelet. "You look nice," Alec said as she came down the stairs.

"So do you," she smiled.

"Where did you get that dress? It's very cute," Isabelle inquired from her seat on the couch.

"At a thrift store near Central Park," Ariel shrugged, "It was only $20."

"Wow, I should go shopping with you. I could buy a lot more clothes with my budget."

"Like you need more clothes," Alec interjected while rolling his eyes.

"A girl can never have too much clothes," Isabelle insisted as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Neither can Magnus," laughed Jace. "I think he has more clothes then you."

"As fun as this is to talk about clothes, we better get going," Ariel spoke up still standing at the foot of the stairs with Alec who was turning red with frustration.

"I agree." Alec muttered as they Ariel headed out the door.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Jace hollered after them.

When they arrived home that night, Alec opened the door for Ariel. They walked up the stairs to their bedrooms. "Thanks for going with me."

"No biggie."

"It meant a lot to me. I haven't had very many friends that really cared that much for me."

Alec smiled a little, "Well, now you do."

"Good night," Ariel spoke quietly.

Alec waved as he walked into his room. As he shed his jacket off and tossed it haphazardly on the floor, he secretly hoped that Magnus would forget all about the suit by Tuesday. He shook his head and laughed. What was he thinking? Magnus had a memory like a steal trap when it came to things like that.

I am enjoying writing this story, but would really like to know what others think. Please review and let me know what you think even if it's constructive critisism.