Ariel woke up in the morning and went down stairs. Brad had picked up donuts and many of the pack were eating. Max sat in the chair next to Dane. "These are really good," Max said taking another bite of his donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles.

"Slow down, kid. You'll give yourself a stomach ache," Dane smiled.

"How are you doing this morning?" Ariel asked ruffling Max's messy hair as she slid onto the bench in the corner.

When Max turned his head Ariel winced a little when she saw his eye was almost swollen shut and the area around his eye and cheek were black and blue. "I like it here. These guys are great."

"Does your eye hurt?" she asked reaching over to run her finger under his eye.

"Not really. Only when you touch it." A few of the guys snickered as Ariel withdrew her hand and glared in their direction.

"Come on, Ariel. It's a black eye not a fatal wound," Brad clucked, "By the time I was Max's age, I had already broken my leg and nose."

"The nose was from a girl hitting him," Matt chuckled as Brad gave him the stink eye.

Ignoring the guys tussling, Thad slid onto the bench next to Ariel, "So what is the plan?" He took a sip of his coffee and looked at Ariel.

Her eyes quickly darted away to look at something else, "I'm not sure yet."

"I'm playing video games with Dane and Caleb," Max piped up.

"That sounds like a plan, bud, but we really need to let your family know where you are."

"Why, they'll never miss me."

"I'm sure that's not true."

Max sighed, "I could be in the library all day and they would never even look for me." Thad kept quiet but shook his head.

Ariel was in the garage chatting while Thad worked on the fancy sports car. She nearly jumped when Thad's phone began to ring. He easily reached it on the workbench. "Hello," he muttered. "This is him." Ariel could hear a deep voice on the other end that she did not recognize. "Yeah, he's here. The guys brought him in last night." There was another pause. "He's fine. Just a black eye and maybe a few bruises."

When Thad hung up Ariel asked, "Who was that?"

"Luke, our pack leader. He's real close with Clary's mom."

"Was he asking about Max?"

Thad nodded, "They've been looking for him all morning. I guess Isabelle went to get him up and obviously he was no where to be found."

"So are they coming to get him?"

"Yes. Luke is giving Isabelle and Jace directions on how to get here." Ariel held his gaze and Thad could see a look of apprehension on her face. "You knew you would have to talk to them sooner or later."

"I know," she said quietly as she pulled her legs up to her chest.

An hour later there was a knock on the door. Thad answered it; Isabelle and Jace stood there. "Can we come in? Luke said Max was here."

Thad moved to open the door wider, "Come on in. Max is upstairs." Both of them stepped in glancing around. Thad closed the door then motioned for them to follow him. He led them into the living room. Ariel glanced up but didn't say anything. Matt poked his head in the living room, saw the shadowhunters, and quickly ducked back out.

All four sat silently for a while until Jace spoke up, "Can we see Max?"

"Sure." Thad gave Ariel a measured look before standing and leading Isabelle and Jace upstairs. They followed him down the hall.

From the closed door they could hear quite a commotion from inside. Jace's shadowhunter instincts got the better of him and he dashed past Thad and kicked the door open with such force that it slammed against the wall.

All three heads spun in his direction. "Hey, watch it. If you make a hole you have to fix it," said Brad turning back to the TV.

Max's eyes grew large at the sight of Jace standing in the doorway with Isabelle peering over his shoulder. "It's just a video game," came Thad's voice from the hall.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"We came to get you," Jace said raising an eyebrow as if the answer should be obvious.

"But I don't want to leave."

"Max, mom was scared to death," Isabelle inserted, though Thad was sure she had been too since she was the one to find him gone.

"But I told you I wanted to find Ariel," he insisted turning back around as if the continue the game.

"Come on, Max. It's time to go," Isabelle insisted.

"But I want to stay."

Isabelle put her hands on her hips, "We are going home."

"No, I'm not leaving without Ariel!" Max hunched his back and began punching the buttons on the controller with a bit too much force. Brad watched him from the corner of his eye, and looked back at the screen just in time to see his person get blown to smithereens.

"Max," Ariel said quietly stepping around Isabelle. Max released a sigh as his shoulders dropped and he turned to look at Ariel. She knelt down in front of the small boy, "You need to go with Isabelle and Jace."

"But I want you to come too." Ariel glanced up at Isabelle and Jace hoping they would affirm them wanting her to come too.

"You can come if you want," Jace said only half-heartedly.

"How about I'll come visit sometimes," she smiled weakly, "I promise."

"I can I finish the game first?" Max asked looking over to Isabelle.

She rolled her eyes, "I guess but make it quick. We'll be waiting downstairs."

All four turned and headed back down the hall and Thad closed the door behind him. Jace and Isabelle sat on the couch and Ariel sat on the loveseat leaving room for Thad. "I need to work on that car," he said leaning down so his eyes met Ariel's as he squeezed her hand encouragingly. Then he went into the kitchen and out the garage door.

There was an awkward silence as they all sat in the living room. Jace flipped through a car magazine while Isabelle pretended to be occupied with looking around the room. "So…how is everyone?" Ariel asked trying to make small talk.

Jace lifted his eyes and answered, "We're okay."

There was more silence until Isabelle blurted out, "Enough of this," she huffed, "Why did you leave? Why didn't you tell us you were going?" She stared at Ariel with piercing eyes.

Ariel kept her gaze but then suddenly looked down at her hands, "I thought you wouldn't want me around any more." Ariel lifted her head so she could see their reaction.

"Why would we want that?"

"Didn't your mom tell you I'm part werewolf?"

"So…what does that have to do with anything?"

"Well, most shadowhunters when they find out don't want to have anything to do with me."

"Well, we're not like that," Isabelle sounded insulted.

After a pause, Ariel almost whispered, "I'm sorry. Your mom sounded annoyed so I just assumed."

"Mom always sounds annoyed, besides she's not around much even if she supposedly runs the institute. We're what matters and you didn't even give us a chance."

Ariel nodded then asked, "So you guys want me to come back?"

"Yeah, you're the best girl shadowhunter I've ever seen." Jace grunted as Isabelle elbowed him in the gut. "Sorry, Isabelle, but she's tougher then you." Jace quickly shifted to the far end of the couch to avoid Isabelle's elbow from making contact again. Ariel laughed lightly which made Jace laugh also. Isabelle's frown slowly faded though she crossed her arms over her chest and continued to glare at Jace.

"So, are you going back to the institute?" Thad asked as he walked back into the room.

"How did you hear that?" Ariel said turning to look at him.

"I'm a werewolf," he answered pointing toward his ears, "Plus did you really think I would go too far, just in case you needed some support?" He smiled and sat next to Ariel. He put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed it lightly.

Ariel looked at Thad's encouraging smile then looked over at Jace and Isabelle as they both leaned forward in their seats as if anxious for her reply. Ariel leaned forward and put her head in her hands as her fingers gripped her cheeks, "I'm just afraid what Hodge and your mom thinks. When Hodge told your mom he sounded as if I deceived you guys."

"Hodge has an old mind set. He thinks like before the Accords were signed."

Ariel raised her head and looked across at Isabelle and Jace, "I really do want to come back, but I'm just not sure if I'm ready."

It was then that Max came bounding down the stairs, "I won!" he shouted.

Caleb followed behind and gave him a thumbs up, "You'll quite the little fighter."

Max ran over to give him a high five, "I am a shadowhunter after all."

"I'm sure that's what it was." He winked at Ariel as the two walked over.

"Are you coming home with us?" Max said stopping in front of Ariel. Ariel sighed as if trying to find the right words.

"She'll be coming back a little later, Max," Jace said for her.

"But why not now?" Max began to pout.

"She wants us to have more time with mom before she goes back to Idris," Isabelle tried to help out.

Max crossed his arms as if in thought, but after a bit his arms hung down and he shrugged his shoulders, "Okay, as long as you promise to come back soon."

His blue eyes seemed glued on Ariel until she smiled and nodded, "I promise."

"I guess if we have to go…" Max said looking at the other two shadowhunters. Jace and Isabelle both nodded and stood from their seats. Max turned and quickly ran over to Ariel to give her a hug.

Ariel laughed and ruffled his hair, "I'll see you soon."

All six walked out the door and Max waved good-bye to Thad and Caleb as they walked over to the black SUV parked by the curb. "Bye," the three called as Jace walked to the driver's side to open it.

Isabelle hurried to push the door closed, "No way are you driving us home. You totally got us lost on the way here."

"So, I'm still the better driver."

"You are not, and I am driving us home," Isabelle blocked the door as she stared him down with her hands on her hips. Thad and Ariel watched to two staring each other down before Jace finally gave in and stomped around to the passenger side. The SUV soon sped off down the street and through the yellow light as the other drivers honked angrily.

Two days later, Thad looked out the doorway of the garage that led to the tiny backyard. He smiled as he saw a line of six heads peering over the fence from the alley. He was wondering what the boys were watching when Ariel leapt past the doorway. He leaned out a little more so he could see her. He knew she was oblivious to him or the boys as she had her eyes closed and her earbuds in.

At the end of the dance he strode into the yard and tapped on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and smiled from the spot where she had knelt. Thad held out his hand and pulled her up. Ariel pulled her earbuds out, "Hi, are you done for lunch?"

"Yes," he answered tucking her hand in the crook of his arm. "Bye, boys. Shows over," he called waving to the boys behind him.

Ariel turned to look at the boys still watching them over the fence. "How long have they been watching me?"

"Don't know," Thad chuckled, "There aren't many girls for them to watch."

"Sam's a girl."

"Yeah, but she scares them." Both chuckles as they exited the side door and headed down the street. "How about tacos at the street truck?"

"Sound great. Dancing always works up my appetite."

After getting their tacos they found an empty table at the park by the lake. "So how are the shadowhunters doing?" Thad tried to ask nonchalantly.

Ariel glanced at him sideways; she knew what he was asking about. "Good except Alec."

"What's wrong with him?"

"I don't know and that's the problem. All the others are okay with me but…"

"But what?"

"He never returns my calls or answers my texts. I've tried several times." Ariel pushed her food away and placed her head on her arms. Both stared out at the people paddling on the lake. "It's harder with him more then the others."

"Why?"

"Well, with Max I could do no wrong. Jace and Isabelle are good friends, but Alec was different," Ariel sighed.

"What kind of different?"

Ariel looked up and could almost read Thad's thought. She sat up and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Don't worry," she smiled, "Not like boyfriend/girlfriend. Alec already has a boyfriend." Ariel thought she could feel Thad relax ever so slightly. "Jace was a perfect training partner and Isabelle was good for girl stuff like shopping or talking about boys. But Alec and I had a deeper connection. I really felt like I could share my fears and hurts with him." When she lifted her head, Thad turned to look at her. "Does that make sense?"

Thad nodded, "I think so." Thad thought for a while before adding, "If you felt that connection, maybe he did too and that's why he's not talking to you."

It was Ariel's turn to ask, "What do you mean?"

"Well, if he was used to you telling him 'deeper' stuff don't you think he might feel hurt if you left out a particularly 'deep' thing."

"Maybe…but I was afraid."

"But he may have taken it a different way."

"What do I do?"

Thad shrugged his shoulder, "The only thing you can do: apologize."

Ariel nodded, "You're right. How do you always know what to do?" she said as she slumped back down on his shoulder.

Thad brushed back her hair and leaned his head on hers, "Trust me, I've learned a lot of lessons the hard way. Telling friends I was a werewolf was not that easy of a thing."

That night the pack returned after catching the movie at the drive-in. As the guys jumped out of the back Caleb noticed the black car parked by the curb, "whose car is that?"

"I think that is one of the Lightwood's cars."

"Who's?" Samantha said in her usual gruff tone."

"The shadowhunters," Thad answered. "Why would they be here?" Ariel shrugged her shoulders and followed Thad into the house.

In the living room was Maryse talking very adamantly to Luke, who was listening with his arms crossed over his chest. Both looked toward the group coming in the house. "What's going on?" Matt asked.

"Maryse has come to take Ariel back to the institute."

"Why?" Thad questioned stepping slightly between Maryse and Ariel.

"The Clave commands she come, until they decide what to do with her," Maryse stated matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean decide what to do with me? I'm not a thing," Ariel spoke angrily though there was a pinch of fear too.

Maryse's blue eyes focused on Ariel. "Go get your things. It's getting late."

"No, I don't want to go…I won't." Ariel turned and ran through the kitchen and out the side door leading to the backyard. Thad glared at Maryse for a moment then turned to follow after Ariel.

Maryse put her hands on her hips and gave Luke a look. "Please, go to your rooms, everyone," Luke said to the rest of the pack that still stood in the entryway. They all slowly obeyed, hesitating to take one last look before closing their doors. "Luke, do something. This is your pack."

"But she is not part of the pack."

Maryse breathed in deeply trying to calm herself, "Then what do you suggest we do? The Clave will not like being disobeyed."

"I know," Luke said thinking a moment, "Why don't you let me talk to her. Thad and I will bring her to the institute." Maryse cocked her eyebrow and gave Luke a testing look. "Do you have a better idea? She's clearly not going to go with you."

"Fine, but I expect her to be in my charge within this night." With that said Maryse stalked to the door and let herself out. Luke sighed as he headed to the backyard.

When he opened the door he found Ariel curled up in Thad's lap. "I'm not going. I don't care what the Clave says," Ariel said lifting her head to look at Luke. "We heard what you said."

Thad looked up at Luke. "You're not going to force her to go, are you?" Thad asked as Luke sat next to them.

"No, but I think she should go. The Clave is not light on disobedience."

"But why do they even care about me? My mom and I never asked for any help from them."

"Because they fear the unknown. They know you are part hunter part werewolf."

"So…my parents can't be the only shadowhunter and downworlder to have a family."

"No, but most have children that are either shadowhunter or downworlder. Some even are mundane." Ariel still just looked at Luke. "You obviously have traits of both your parents. I have never heard of that happening."

"What will they do with me?" Ariel asked in a soft voice.

"I don't know," Luke answered truthfully. Ariel laid her head back on Thad's shoulder and closed her eyes listening to the steady beat of his heart. Thad gently rubbed his hand up and down her arm.

After a moment he wrapped her tight in his arms and kissed the top of her head, "Maybe it would be best to do what the Clave wants."

"Okay," she whispered.

"I think that is a wise decision," Luke said as he stood. "It's getting late so we should probably leave in twenty minutes."

When they arrived at the institute, most of the lights were off. Ariel knew the lights were from the library and some of the bedrooms. Luke led the way to the door and knocked. Maryse opened the door and held it for Ariel.

Before going inside Ariel turned back to Thad. She looked at him a moment before running to give him a hug. He smiled into her hair, "You'll be fine." When she pulled away he included, "You can call me anytime. I'll leave my phone on." She nodded but could not muster a smile.

Ariel slowly followed behind Maryse as they walked up the stairs. "Ariel," Max nearly hollered as he came rushing out of his room. Soon Jace and Isabelle had joined them in the hall. Ariel gave them each a hug while looking toward Alec's room. His door opened a few inched but he did not come out. Ariel listened to Max talk excitedly but she kept glancing up. She could feel eyes watching her and she could see a shadow in Alec's room, but soon the door clicked shut.

Ariel flicked the light on in her room. Her trunk still sat at the edge of the bed where she had left it. She kicked off her shoes and placed her sword by the nightstand.

When she went to the bathroom to brush her teeth she heard a door open. She looked in the mirror to see Alec watching her with his piercing blue eyes, but he didn't say a word and soon shut his door again.

Ariel sat in her window for a while wondering if she had made the right choice or not.