Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Shadowhunters/Mortal Instruments. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer and Cassandra Claire. I do own the original characters made up for this storyline. Thank you.
Writer's Notes: Thank you Pozemom and KiaxCullen for your amazing reviews! Thank you, Kia, for reading my other stories. I love Klaus and Bella together as well. I have another idea in mind for a fic for the two of them, but I have a draft put together for a Vampire Diaries / Twilight fic. I've also got an idea for a Vampire Diaries / True Blood crossover as well. Let me know what you think! I can't wait for Jace to return from the Seelie court. As always, I appreciate all the feedback, and support. Please follow, favorite, and review!
[5 weeks later]
The search for Valentine and Jocelyn was hitting several dead ends. Clary was really worried about her mom, and the past few days she locked herself away. The demon population started dwindling, or the demons were starting to be more elusive. Simon and Jake spent a lot of time outside the institute with Luke. Maryse didn't like for them to be there all the time because they weren't shadowhunters, but they were welcome at certain times. They basically only slept there. Jake had volunteered to stay and help with Luke and his pack for the time being, which hadn't blown over well with Sam Uley, the pack master back in La Push. Simon was still trying to continue his normal concert work at Pandemonium to keep up appearances for his mom and sister, and the other band members, but his heart wasn't really in it at the moment since Jocelyn was still missing, and Clary was his best friend.
Jasper and Alice came and went from the institute freely, as well as Carlisle. Maryse was thankful for their tracking abilities, and Carlisle's medical help, but they didn't spend the nights there in the Institute.
Iz went to Idris with Maryse frequently, which left Alec and Jace behind to supervise the other shadowhunters, and continue search and rescue for Jocelyn.
"I think she's still alive," Alec said, his arms crossed as he stared at the screens in front of him.
Jace sighed. "It's been over a month since she disappeared Alec. We're searching for her everywhere. It's like we're chasing a ghost. Alice's visions aren't leading us anywhere, and the closest we got, was that pier were we were ambushed by two dozen men of Valentine. We need to at least visit the fact that Jocelyn may be dead."
Alec shook his head. "It wouldn't make sense. Valentine loves Jocelyn, and he wouldn't jeopardize her life like that. I have to believe-"
"Believe what? That Valentine is a saint? That he isn't a murderous bastard who faked his death, manipulated several clave members including your parents, and Clary's?"
"No. He's not a saint. I believe he wouldn't kill Jocelyn, but that's it."
"Why?" Jace shook his head. "We have to be realistic at this point. This shouldn't be treated as a rescue mission, but as a recovery. We need to let our comrade's rest. They're burning out quick, and more and more are coming back injured. We have to prioritize."
Bella walked in just then. She just got done helping Clary into a bath. Clary was distraught feeling. She felt powerless against this force that was Valentine. "Prioritize what?"
Jace and Alec looked over at her and Alec sighed. "Jace thinks that we need to treat Jocelyn like a recovery mission…not a rescue."
Bella frowned, and looked at Jace. "What do you mean? Do you think that Valentine has killed her?"
Jace sighed. "I'm not sure what to think. It's been over a month Bella. We need to be worried at how much more we can sustain these brutal missions. If she is alive, then wearing ourselves out and the others, is not going to be good in we do finally find her and Valentine. You're looking at a full out battle with Valentine himself, and I don't know what all he has on his side. If he has a warlock, or other supernatural beings that I'm not thinking of right now. We're all too broken, to keep running at this headfirst."
Bella was quiet a moment and then nodded. "Jace is right."
Alec shook his head. "You can't be serious."
"I am serious. We are wearing ourselves too thin. We have 17 wounded right now. It's true that the demon activity has slowed, but that just means they're getting smarter about how they show themselves. We have to be prepared for when we do come up against Valentine."
Alec just stared at her, appalled that she would agree with Jace and walked off. Bella went after him and caught him by the arm and spun him to face her. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tight. His arms automatically came around her, and he buried his face in her hair and took a breath.
"Alec, I know that you care so much…and I know that this is starting to get to you because you haven't been sleeping with all the responsibility on you right now with the Institute," Bella began. "But you have to keep your head. Jace is making solid points. It makes sense, and no matter what, we need to stick together."
Alec just hugged her tight, not willing to let go just yet. Jace stood in the entrance way to the weapons room where Bella and Alec stood, tangled together. It confused him to see Alec and Bella this way. Alec was not this emotional of a person, and he did not show affection at all, but here he was with Bella. Many thoughts ran through his head. Alec loved Bella?
"You're right," Alec said as he leaned back from her. "I'm sorry…" he said and sighed. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead and then ruffled her hair and smiled. "What would I do without you?"
"I don't know, probably lose your shit, and pout for days." Bella said with a smirk. "I love you, you know."
Alec sighed. "I love you too," He said with an easy grin.
Jace shook his head and backed out, anger filling him.
Bella punched Alec's arm and smiled. "Come on "bro", let's go back to command. Tell Jace you agree with him, and set some plans into motion."
Alec nodded and walked back out with Bella into the command center. Jace was standing, staring at the screens, a pissed off look on his face. "So, you're right. I wasn't thinking logically. We need to change our plans, and treat this as a recovery mission."
Jace nodded, not looking at him or Bella. "Cool." He said and turned and walked out.
Bella frowned. "I thought he would be happy you agree."
"Yeah, something is up with him," he muttered and then walked out, following Jace. "Wait up man, what's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong Alec. Go back there with Bella." Jace said, his voice holding a certain temper.
"Something is wrong with you. You're pissed. What is wrong with you?"
Jace shook his head. "You know I was finally happy. Something that is hard for me to achieve, but I knew that it was too good to be true."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Bella." Jace turned, his golden eyes staring into Alec's blue ones.
"What do you mean Bella? She took your side and not mine. She convinced me that you were right. I'm sorry I-"
"Is that why you told her you love her? Kissed her?" Jace retorted angrily.
Alec was taken back. "What are you talking about? I never kissed her."
"But you love her?"
"Well I-"
Bella sighed, appearing now. She put a hand on Alec's arm. "It's okay. We should tell him."
Alec looked at Bella and shook his head. "No. We're not."
Jace put his hands up. "Well, if you two love each other, I'm not going to-"
"Don't be an idiot," Alec scoffed.
"I am an idiot, to think that I could be happy."
"Jace, I'm gay." Alec said, sighing exasperatedly. "I'm…."
Jace looked stunned. "What?"
Bella closed her eyes. She had talked with Alec about this. Of course, Iz had joked about it, but Jace hadn't really taken any of it seriously. He was taking a bullet to protect the fact that she and Alec were sister and brother. He was protecting his mother, and the Lightwood name.
"I'm gay. I'm not attracted to women. Of course, I care about Bella, we've become really great friends. I depend on her sometimes, when I should depend on you as my parabatai, but lately she's been helping me with these feelings I've been having for Magnus, and I….I didn't want to make you uncomfortable."
Jace looked at Bella and then at Alec. "I….I'm sorry I assumed." He reached out and pulled Alec into a hug. "I'm sorry mate, I really had no clue." He said and Alec smiled a bit.
"I didn't want anyone to know, least of all my family, and I don't want this getting out. It would not be received well, and I have a job to do. So if we could…not speak of this again. I just thought that you should stop thinking that Bella is running around having an affair with me, because we're not okay?" Alec said.
Jace nodded and looked at Bella. "Oh baby, I'm so sorry."
Bella waved a hand. "No big deal. When you witness someone telling someone else "I love you", and you didn't know the context behind it, makes sense you would freak a bit. Just shows that you care." She tried a smile.
Jace then stepped to her and pulled her into a hug. He kissed her softly. Alec stepped out, leaving the two alone. When the kiss broke he smiled down at her. "I'm glad that you're not having a secret affair with my best friend."
Bella smiled. "Well, I'm glad that I'm not either, that would be weird because Alec is practically like family now."
Jace smiled, and then they went up to Bella's room, and starting declothing each other. Jace was gentle at first, and then it was urgent, like she was going to disappear right then and there. His hands explored her naked body as they collapsed on the bed, his mouth sucking at her neck and then her collarbone, then he had her nipple sucked into his mouth, toying with it with his teeth and tongue, getting gasps of pleasure from her. She was soaking wet, ready for him. She arched against him, and when she did, he entered her hard, moving his hips fast against hers, driving each other towards their pinnacle of pleasure. Her hands raked down his back as she started clenching around him tight. Her floodgates opened and washed over him. When she did, he started swelling harder, ready to bust, he groaned as he neared his end, and finally he thrust his hips forward, and rope after rope of hot seed spilled out inside her, coating her insides. His mouth came to hers, kissing her heavily, his hips moving slowly before coming to a complete stop.
"Shit," he muttered after a few silent moments, and his heart rate went back to normal. "I forgot about Maryse coming back in today. She's bringing some other members of the clave, and I forgot to tell Alec."
Bella sat up. "Uh oh, that is bad." She said.
He leaned over and kissed her quickly, pulling on his clothes quickly. "I'll see you later." He said as he dashed out.
Bella sighed and got out of bed and went to the bathroom. She turned on the shower and got in. She let the hot water rush over her. She felt sick suddenly, and she closed her eyes. Her nerves were getting the best of her lately. Everytime she thought about Maryse and having to be around her, she felt anxious. She knew that eventually everything would come out and the truth would be known, but she dreaded that day. When the water started getting cold she got out, dried off and put some clothes on. She made it downstairs when Jake and Simon got off the elevator. Jake went to her in a few strides and hugged her. She patted him and smiled.
"So, learn anything today?" Bella asked with a smile on her face as they walked together to the command center.
Jake made a hmm sound. "Not in particular. The wolves here in this pack are much different from the ones back home."
"You mean they don't transform into giant size dire wolves?" Bella asked with a grin.
"Exactly," Jake said and then stopped when his phone rang. "Go ahead, I'll be right back." He stepped away to answer his phone.
Bella smiled and then looked at Simon. "So, how's the band?"
Simon shrugged. "You know. Same old thing, different songs."
They stood next to each other while Alec and Jace looked at the light up map. Bella felt a wave of dizziness overcome her and she swayed a little, her shoulder bumping Simon's. "Oh, sorry." She murmured.
Simon looked over at her and smiled a bit. "No worries," he frowned then when Bella slumped harder against him. His arms unfolded and he caught her around the waist. She was passed out now. "Alec, Jace," Simon said, taking Bella fully into his arms now.
Jace and Alec rushed over, and Simon transferred Bella into Jace's arms. "What happened?"
"We were just talking and then we were watching you two and suddenly she just…I don't know, got weak? She passed out." Simon explained.
Bella started coming to in Jace's arms. "What?"
Jace relaxed a little, seeing her awake. "Are you okay?"
"I…did I pass out?"
"You did," Jace murmured and kissed her forehead.
Bella sighed. "I'm sorry. Set me down now. I think I'm fine."
Jace hesitated, but set her down on her two feet. "I think you should just lay down. You don't have to be here when Maryse gets here and everything."
A wave of nausea hit her, and she turned quickly and darted away, finding the bathroom and hugging the toilet as she threw up. Jace ran after her, seeing her leaned over in the toilet. "You really should rest if you're getting sick babe." He went over to her and helped pull her hair back, and then rubbed her back gently.
Bella leaned back, as the sickness subsided. She wiped her mouth and Jace helped her stand and get to the sink where she splashed the cool water on her face and rinsed out her mouth. He handed her the hand towel, and she dried her face. "Thank you. I think I'm okay. Just my nerves."
Jace frowned. "You got sick Bella, that can't be nerves. Maybe you ate something bad? Or you're getting the flu?"
Bella shook her head. "I don't get sick really. I can't think of a time that I've really ever been sick."
Jace nodded. "Well, call Carlisle and see if there's something he can do for you then."
Bella waved a hand. "No. I don't want to bother him with something stupid. I'll be okay. Promise."
Jace studied her a moment and then gave in. "Okay, but if you start passing out again, I'm carrying you back to bed."
She nodded and followed Jace back to the command center. Alec looked up at her and she smiled. "I'm good. Sorry about that."
Alec studied her a moment and then proceeded with the arrangements for his mother coming in later in the evening.
When Maryse arrived, she arrived with some other members of the clave including her husband, Robert, and Victor Aldertree. She brought the youngest Lightwood, Max, along as well, and Iz returned to the institute as well.
"Given the circumstances, I agree with the motion to treat Jocelyn's retrieval as a recovery and not a rescue. Victor is here to help with a meeting we have been invited to by the Faerie queen. Victor will be escorted by Izabelle and Jace. Alec, I want you to continue running things here at this Institute while your father and I travel to the London institute to another council meeting that is being held." Maryse relayed and then turned to Bella. "You will continue your weapon training here at the institute with Alec's guidance, and Clary will continue her own training as well. Luke Garroway will be granted access to the Institute on a more regular basis to assist with Shadowhunter training given his history as a Shadowhunter, and an alliance member to the Clave."
Alec nodded his understanding. "Yes ma'am."
Jace didn't protect having to leave Bella behind at all, which Alec was grateful for. When Maryse left with Robert, they brought Max with them.
Victor looked at Jace and Iz. "Okay you two. Let's get moving. I want to be back in Idris by the beginning of next week." He said, his voice deep, and commanding. Jace and Iz geared up and followed him out.
Bella sighed. "Well, that was semi-painless."
Simon and Jake were in the common room, where most of the shadowhunters hung out during down time while Maryse was there. So now Alec and Bella were alone.
"Bella, you look paler than normal. Are you sure you're okay?" Alec asked finally.
"Yes. I get really nervous when Maryse comes to the Institute. They got the better of me is all."
"Are you sure? You just don't look well Bella."
Bella sighed. "I promise if I am sick, I'll take it easy and rest."
Alec nodded and looked up at Jake and Simon when they entered. "Ah, you two. Magnus will need you down at the club Simon at some point before 8 tonight for the band thing or whatever it is you do there. Jake-"
Jake frowned and looked at Bella. "Bella…are you sick?" He asked, cutting Alec off.
Bella sighed. "I'm fine. It was just my nerves."
Jake shook his head. "Your scent has changed."
Alec looked concerned now and looked back at Bella. "Okay. I'm going to call Carlisle and he's going to check you out. Something is wrong."
"I'm fine. I don't understand-"
"Please just let Carlisle look you over," Simon said, his voice strained. "You can't keep fighting the people that care about you."
Jake nodded. "Your scent has changed, so something is definitely wrong. I noticed it earlier, but I got pulled away and Maryse arrived. It wasn't as distinctive as it is now, but it's definitely different."
Bella sighed. "Fine. To get you three to stop pestering me, I'll allow Carlisle to take my temperature." She muttered.
After about twenty minutes, Carlisle arrived and brought Bella to a private room, and inspected her. "Have you eaten anything abnormal?"
"Not that I know of."
Carlisle could tell her scent had changed too, and he knew what would be causing it, but he wanted to get information from her first. "Blood pressure is fine, temperature is fine. I'll run these blood samples." He said, writing a few things down. "When was your last menstrual cycle?"
Bella frowned. "Well, I don't know. I haven't paid that much attention to it. There has just been so much going on."
Carlisle nodded. "Any weird symptoms?"
"I've gotten dizzy a couple times, but that's about it." Bella commented, thinking about it. "I've been really anxious as of late, but that's partial due to the fact that my entire life has just changed."
"Well, I know this is a bit personal for you, but I need to know these things. Have you had unprotected sex lately?"
"I-" Bella cut herself off and her eyes went wide. "I…have."
Carlisle nodded. "Okay. I brought a test with me, just to be sure. When you said Jake mentioned your scent had changed, I figured this might be a reason why. Go ahead and take this test," he said, handing her the pink and white box." She took it in her hands shakily and then opened it, taking the test out and going to the bathroom. She followed the directions and waited with Carlisle. After three minutes, he picked up the test with a gloved hand. "Well, you're pregnant Bella." He said and handed her the test to see.
She took it in her hands. "I…" her head was going to explode. She didn't think about it at all. She was taking birth control pills. "I take birth control pills Carlisle. How could this be?"
"Go get them and bring them to me. I'll have a look." He said and she left and came back a few moments later.
"I took the wrong week last month and skipped the placebo pills," She groaned. "I've been taking them, will it hurt the baby?"
Carlisle shook his head. "It shouldn't have any large affects. I want to get you down to my new office and have you do a full work up. How are you feeling about all of this?" He was more worried about her at this point. She had endured so much already.
"I…" she wasn't sure what she was feeling. There was so much crazy in the world. How could she bring a child into this world right now, but she didn't have a choice, at least to her own beliefs. "I…I'll be okay," she let out a breath, and tears came to her eyes. She wiped them away. "I um…I never thought that I would be a mom. I gave up on children because of who I fell in love with, and after, I never… I never gave them another thought, but now. I just…" she was teary eyed still.
Carlisle got up and pulled her into his arms. "Listen, I know you'll be great. I know there is so much to worry about at the moment, but right now I'm worried about you. Whatever you need, I'll be here for you. You're like my daughter Bella, and I don't ever want to see you hurting."
Bella leaned her head on his shoulder, her arms circling him. "Thank you," she said her voice a little tight. She leaned back and looked up at Carlisle. "Can we go now, to make sure it's okay? I'm worried."
Carlisle nodded, and he walked with her to the elevator. Alec stopped them. "Hey, is she okay?"
Bella turned and looked at Alec. "I'm just going in to have some more tests done that he can't do here. I'll be okay." She said with a smile.
Alec nodded. "Okay. Be careful. Want me to send a detail with you two?"
Bella shook her head. "I can take care of myself, and Carlisle is with me."
"Okay. See you when you get back." Alec murmured and watched Bella leave with Carlisle.
Simon and Jake joined him. "Wait, did Bella leave?" Jake asked.
"Yeah, Carlisle wants to run some more tests…" Alec said, confused a little. What sort of tests did she need?
Jake sighed. "It's probably just the doc being extra careful. He loves Bella like his own daughter, so it makes sense he would go all out."
Alec nodded. "I'm sure you're right. But for right now, we got work to do."
Jake and Simon nodded. They headed towards the elevator; they were heading to Pandemonium to help Magnus. Simon had a show, and Jake agreed to be a bouncer for the night.
Down at Carlisle's office, Bella got on the table and Carlisle turned on the sonogram machine and looked around for the tiny little baby. "Hmm. I'm going to have to go-"
"I know," Bella said with a sigh. She let out a breath, and Carlisle started again.
He looked around and then found the little sack that was the baby. "Looks around five weeks, six weeks maybe. Does that sound about right?"
Bella thought about it. "Yeah, that's how long ago that I had written the new rune."
Carlisle nodded, and printed a picture. "It's still really early, but here it is. I'll do another scan in a few weeks, and you'll get a better picture. I want to monitor you closer because of your Shadowhunter blood. I want to make sure everything is normal throughout. That is if-"
"I'm keeping the baby. I just…need to figure out things." She murmured, looking at the tiny little blip on the sonogram picture. "Thank you." She said and smiled.
"Of course. I'll let you get dressed and I'll bring you back to the Institute." He said and left the room. Bella sat there a few more moments, staring at the picture before she got dressed, and left with Carlisle, heading back to the Institute.