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 zukie, Delia, Goddessnyte, and Roxhall for your reviews! I hope that everyone enjoys the next few chapters as we continue to explore with Bella, and the rest of the others. Things will start to heat up soon, and maybe we'll see the physical appearance of a certain angel. Stay tuned! As always, I appreciate all the support! Don't forget to follow, favorite, and review! See you at the next chapter!

[3 weeks later]

The mass attack at the harbor in West district was the last they saw of demons for what seemed like a while. Bella was okay, she hadn't had any more memory flashes, so she was starting to think that all her memories had come back now. She continued her training, get better at the hand to hand. Her and Rosalie went at it a few times, and Rosalie didn't pull her hits.

Rosalie and Bella swung at each other, sweat breaking out over their bodies. Rose had her hair French braided back, and her wrists were taped like Bella's and Bella had her hair back in a braid as well. Bella was really proud of her own progress, and Alice had been showing her some techniques with kicks, that Rosalie hadn't realized.

Bella twisted, her leg lifting with good speed, and she spun into a round house kick catching Rosalie off guard, causing her stumbled backwards, but she steadied herself, and went back at Bella, and Bella blocked the flurry of blows. Rosalie could strike fast, and that made her fierce.

You could hear their 'has' and hus' as they sparred. Rosalie threw a kick and Bella caught it against her side, wrapping her arm around her leg, and then twisted slightly, bringing her own leg up and hooked it around Rosalie's shoulder and then lifted, bringing Rosalie to the ground at the same time as she did, but Bella recovered faster, straddling Rosalie, which turned into a wrestle match, and they slipped out of each other's holds until Bella rolled, taking Rose's arm into an armbar, using her legs locking her ankles, and leaning back, and Rose tapped.

Bella got to her feet, and then helped Rosalie up.

Alec watched from the doorway. He smiled. Watching Bella was always so fascinating because she was good at adapting and overcoming an obstacle. Clary was not as physical as Bella, which was one of the things that they were working on Clary with.

"Bella you are ferocious." Rosalie said with a smirk, and took her stance after shaking her wrists a little.

"Thank you." Bella smiled back, and then they went at each other again. Clary joined the audience and watched her sister fight Rosalie with incredible speed, and focus. She had Rosalie tapping again a short while later. She was impressed. Bella had come a long way it seemed, but then again Luke was secretly training her, despite their mother's wishes. It was just hard because each time the blocks were placed, Luke had to start over again.

Bella grabbed her water and drank it down fast. She blew out a breath. "That was great Rose, thank you."

"Anytime." She grinned. "I'm hitting the shower before patrol." Rosalie said and then she disappeared.

Alec walked over to Bella, leaning in and kissing her softly. "You did great."

"Hmm, thank you." She kissed him again. "So, what's the patrol rotation like tonight?"

"Ah, you're on A team with Jace and Iz. Clary, you're with Jasper and Jake. Em is headed to Idris for some diplomatic work for me." He explained.

Bella nodded. "How's Simon coming along with the new program he's working on for the Clave?"

"Good. I'm surprised they're allowing a Mundane to do work for them, but they have a reason. Bella, they're going to want to make Simon a Shadowhunter." Alec said.

Clary smiled. "That would be awesome. You know that's all he talks about, right?"

Alec nodded. "I know, he never stops talking. How do you put up with it?"

Bella shrugged. "He's Simon. Gotta love him." She smiled. "I'm going to take a shower, and eat, before patrol creeps up on me." She kissed Alec again. "I'll be back." She said and disappeared from the training room.

Alec looked over at Clary, who was staring at him smiling. "What?"

"Oh nothing, you two are cute together." Clary said with a smile. "But I'll let you go join her for the shower. That was an invitation by the way." She said with a wink, and walked off.

Alec shook his head, grinning a little. He looked at his watch, and decided that he would join Bella.

Clary was right, it was an invitation. He walked into the bathroom, and Bella looked over her bare shoulder at him. "Took you long enough."

Alec pulled his shirt off, her eyes raking over his body and dilating at the sight of him. He stepped out of his pants and got into the shower behind her, his body brushing hers from behind. His mouth kissed her neck, then her shoulder, while his hands moved down the slickness of her body to between her thighs. His touch was slow, sensual, and she moaned, shivering under his touch. He turned her taking her wrists and pinning them above her head with one hand, his other hand going to her sweet folds, circling over her clit, her mouth parting in a pleasured gasp. His mouth captured hers, and then he dropped her hands, hoisting her up against the wall, pinning her there as his hips drove into hers. She exploded around him, clenching him as she dripped out around him. He always felt so powerful to her, and over the last three weeks, sex had only gotten better, as his confidence grew in his ability to pleasure her. He was becoming more assertive with her, and that excited her even more.

He moaned against her lips as he felt himself grow so close, this throbbing cock already dripping with her essence, he exploded in her, thrusted up into her hard, deep. His mouth devoured hers as he slid out of her, letting her down to her feet slowly. He framed her face with his hands, kissing her, the kiss a long, sweet one. "I love you," he murmured. "So, fucking much."

"I love you too." Bella smiled, her dark eyes looking up into his dark blue ones. She kissed him softly. "I've never been so happy in my life." She murmured, the water around them cascading around them like rain.

"Me neither." He kissed her a few times, before turning the water off. He grabbed towels for them, and they playfully dried each other off. Alec tickled her a little, and she squeaked with laughter. It was like music to his ears.

They got dressed, and then left and went to command, their fingers laced together. They walked into the command center, and he kissed her hand before dropping it to stand up on the platform. "Hey Simon, how's it going?" Alec was much more relaxed now, and he smiled more, which made relationships with the others better and easier for him. Even Simon was seen as a friend now to Alec, which was a big deal.

"Going great actually. I actually just talked to Victor. So, the designed tech on these are still beta stages. I have Jazzy working one now." He said and pulled up a different tab up on the screen. "Right now, you guys use a tracking rune to track your locations. The tech designed is going to measure vitals as well. If you're hurt, it's instant on this end." Simon held up a bracelet. "It's also got tracking in it, that will send out exact GPS coordinates. It's basically a fancy bracelet."

Alec nodded. "And the program?"

"Yes, so the bracelet has a small chipset in it. Basically, like a mini computer. It reads all that data and is sent here. The program I have written," Simon pointed to the screen. "is a fancy database that holds all Shadowhunter information. Those bracelets are specifically connected to this program to keep track of all the data. It helps with training situations too. What are the weaknesses when out in the field, and how that can translate to training here at the Institute. There are other factors that go into it, but that's the gist of it."

"That's amazing." Alec said, impressed.

Simon shrugged. "They're glorified fitbits, I just wrote the program, and tweaked the tech a little more. They're hard to destroy, and they are completely waterproof, also fireproof."

Bella smiled. "That's pretty huge though Simon. You are a genius. You realize this right?"

"I keep hearing that lately. Sounds good. Simon Lewis, genius." Simon said with a wide grin.

Alec smirked and looked at the screen. "Jasper looking good?"

"So far. See, these are his vitals, and then his location. Oh, how long he's been on patrol." Simon showed Alec. "I'm still working on all the coding, but I'll have it completed probably in the next two weeks. Victor wants to expand it to all the Institutes, so I'm working through the kinks and whatnot before he takes it live."

"Good." Alec said with a nod.

Bella smiled, and then she faded out again, the first time in a few weeks.

"Bella." A man was standing before her, and he looked so beautiful.

"What is this?" Bella looked around, there was nothing but white around her.

The man looked at her. "You are here with the rest of the angels." He spoke. "I am Adriel."

"This isn't a flashback?"

"It is not."

Bella shook her head. "Why am I here?"

"You are an angel. I thought it was appropriate to bring you here now."

"I don't understand?"

Adriel nodded, smiling a bit. He was handsome, his chiseled features and strong jaw made him look masculine. His dark hair was like pitch ringlets that curled over his ears, and his olive-colored eyes were unique, and so was his olive skin. "Why now?"

"Because it is important that you hear what we have to say."

"Okay, what's going on that warrants a visit like this?"

"Valentine."

"What about him?"

Adriel blinked at her. "He's been experimenting with angel blood and demon blood for a long time. That is how you came to be an angel. He injected your mother while she was pregnant with you, with blood from the Archangel Raziel. Even as you were a little girl, he continued to do so. He tried the same with Clary. Except he mixed angel and demon blood and injected your mother."

"No one interfered with this?"

"We do not possess the abilities like our Archangel counterparts. Raziel has forsaken your world. No one is worthy to gain his attentions. Until now." Adriel explained. "The child you carry must be protected Bella."

Bella shook her head. "I'm not pregnant."

"You are."

"That's impossible."

"It is possible. Just know, that the child you carry is of purer angel blood than you."

Bella wasn't understanding. "Adriel, I don't understand. What is going to happen? Do you know where Valentine is? Where my mother is? Is she okay?"

Adriel's eyes looked sad. "Your mother…is alive, but she is not living."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means she is in an induced sleep state. She is protected, Valentine cannot harm her while she is in that state."

Bella shook her head. "I need more than that. Where is he keeping her?"

"We do not know for certain. Bella, it is too dangerous for you."

"I don't care! She's, my mother!"

"You are with child."

"Stop saying that! I'm not. I would know if I were pregnant, and again it's impossible! Regardless, there would be no way for the child to be of pure angel blood."

Adriel was silent a moment. "Each day that passes, the angel blood strengthens it's hold inside you. Your child has purer angel blood because of who it's father is."

"Alec is just a Shadowhunter."

"He is more than that. Valentine experimented on Maryse Lightwood." Adriel relayed.

Bella closed her eyes. "That's not possible. I don't remember Alec when I was younger."

"That's because Jonathan and Alec were experimented on at the same time. He injected Jocelyn with pure demon blood and Maryse with angel blood to see the effects."

Bella shook her head. "Why would he do that?"

"Because Robert allowed it. He was on Valentine's side. Still is." Adriel and then looked to the side. "My time is up. Take care Bella Morgenstern." He said and then faded away.

"Wait!" She called out, and then sucked in a breath and looked around.

Alec framed her face with his hands. "Bella?"

"W-what?" She blinked.

"Your eyes." Alec murmured.

Bella frowned. "What?"

"They…were shining…. like a swirl of gold." Alec said. "You zoned out."

"I…" she looked around. Simon and Clary were watching worried. "I guess I did."

"What happened? Another memory?"

Bella shook her head. "No. Not exactly." Her phone dinged, and she pulled it from her pocket. It was from an unknown number.

[Unknown:] If you do not believe me. Take a test.

Bella frowned, and then swiped the message away, and looked at Alec. "I'm okay. It wasn't anything important. Patrol is in a little bit."

"Bella, are you sure you're, okay?" Clary asked. "You zoned out for longer this time."

Bella nodded. "I'm going to go get ready." She said and walked out of command and went to the training room to grab her gear.

Alec came into the training room. "That wasn't nothing."

Bella didn't turn to look at him. "It's nothing that I want to talk about right now."

"Babe." Alec said, and walked over to her. "You can tell me whatever it is."

Bella turned and looked at him. "Your father is helping Valentine. I don't know what to do with that information."

Alec frowned. "He was part of the circle, but he jumped sides before the war. He's in Idris with mother, doing diplomatic work."

"Alec. He's not." Bella said.

"How do you know?"

"Because an angel told me." Bella said, sighing. "I can't explain it all right now. I have to get out on patrol. I can't stand here and talk about all of this right now."

Alec shook his head. "You're not going anywhere until you tell me about this angel. What do you mean an angel told you?"

Bella sighed. "Adriel, and angel, spoke to me while I was zoned out. He told me that I was an angel. Which we knew that Valentine injected me with angel blood when I was a little girl. Makes me different, why I can make runes. Why Clary can make runes. But he said that…" she paused. "Okay, don't freak out."

"I'm going to freak out if you don't tell me, Bella just tell me." Alec said, studying her face.

Bella looked up at him. He needed to know. "He said that Robert allowed Valentine to inject Maryse with angel blood…when she was pregnant. With you."

Alec frowned. "I can't make runes."

"I don't know Alec. I don't know how it works. He never said that you were an angel. He just said that Robert let Valentine experiment on Maryse. That and Clary isn't really an angel either, because Valentine mixed angel and demon blood and injected mom when she was pregnant with her." Bella said, and then paused briefly. "And that I'm carrying a child that is purer in angel blood."

Alec furrowed his brows. "With child? Baby…are you…"

"No. I don't know why he thinks that. It's impossible for me to be pregnant Alec. I know that for a fact." Bella said. "I have issues, and I have a birth control rod in my arm that sort of prevents these things."

"But Adriel is an angel, wouldn't he know?"

"He's not God, Alec." She pointed out. "And he said that my mother is in a sleep state, protected. I don't know exactly how, but Valentine can't hurt her right now, so that makes it easier to focus, knowing that somehow, she's still okay. But I really have to go. I don't like being late to patrols. I don't want people to think that I get special treatment because you and I are together."

Alec shook his head. "Bella, you need to really think about what the angel said. Why would you believe everything but one thing?"

"Because that part is impossible. I would know." Bella was positive it was impossible. She didn't even know if she could even have kids.

"You should be sure. I can't let you just leave and put yourself in danger if you are."

"Alec. I would know." Bella insisted.

Alec sighed. "Will you just at least humor me. Humor the angel. Take a test."

"Will you drop it if I do?" Bella asked, raising a brow.

"Yes." Alec said. Out of everything she just told him, her being pregnant, was the one that stood out the most. He couldn't focus on his father, or his mother right now. He could only focus on her, and her safety.

Bella studied him, narrowing her eyes. "Okay. Well, I'll go on patrol, stop and grab a test and come back and take it."

"But-"

"I'm with Jace and Izabell. I can handle myself. I just went through an entire rough training with Rosalie. I don't think that I am Alec, I really don't think I am. I think the angel is just prophesizing or something. Maybe it is in our future, but I don't think that it is right this moment." She reasoned.

Alec sighed, and then reached for her. "Baby…" he murmured. "I love you."

"I love you too. If it makes you feel better, I will go easy until I take the test. We're patrolling around Pandemonium. Magnus will be there too." Bella pointed out.

"Okay." He said, kissing her softly. "Be careful."

"I will." She said and kissed him back before slipping out of his arms and meeting with Jace and Izabell in the foyer.

[Two Hours Later]

Patrol was peaceful. Bella knew that it would be. All the patrols the past few weeks had been like this. She stopped in at the pharmacy on the way home, making an excuse for some migraine medicine, and she bought a few things to disguise the pregnancy test in the bag. They went back to the Institute.

Bella walked into command and Alec looked up at her. "I'm going to put my gear away and go change." She announced, and Alec nodded, and turned back to the screen and said something to Simon as she walked away. She headed to Alec's room, where she was now permanently staying, and she put the bag on the bed, and started changing.

Alec joined her, closing the door behind him. "Did you get a test?"

"I did." She motioned to the bed. "Want me to take it now?"

"That would be the idea." He said with a chuckle.

Bella sighed, going and retrieving the bag and pulling the test out of the bag. She flipped he box over and read the instructions. "Seems simple." She murmured. "It's digital, so it's easy." She said and disappeared into the bathroom.

Alec paced a little, waiting felt like an eternity.

Bella opened the door. "Takes three minutes, so we have to wait." She said and moved inside the room, and pulled her shirt off, tossing it in the hamper.

"Are you nervous?"

"No. I told you it's impossible." She said, and moved to the dresser, pulling a clean shirt out and pulled it on after taking her bra off.

Alec looked at his watch. There was two minutes left. "But what if it is possible?"

Bella hadn't thought about what would happen if it was. She was so certain that it wasn't that she hadn't really given it thought for much else. She finished changing, and then walked back into the bathroom. She picked up the test and looked at it.

Pregnant

That wasn't possible. There was absolutely no way that this was true. How could this happen? Her mind was reeling. She had been training so hard, lately, and she didn't feel any different. Wouldn't she feel pregnant?

"Babe?" Alec asked, coming to the doorway, looking at her. She was staring at the stick, a look of shock on her face. "What does it say?" When she didn't say anything, he walked into the bathroom, and took the stick from her hands. Pregnant. His heart fluttered, but he looked back up at her. "Are you okay?"

Bella looked at the mirror, and then lifted her shirt, inspecting her belly. It was still flat. She didn't know how this was possible. How could Adriel be right?

"Bella…" Alec murmured. "Talk to me."

"How…" She looked at him. "I don't feel…different. What if something is wrong?"

Alec reached for her, pulling her to him. "The angel didn't say anything?"

"He just said that the child I'm carrying is important, that needs to be protected. It has more angel blood than me or you." She was so confused. "I don't understand how this is possible. Alec, I swear to you that I have the rod in my arm. I would have told you instant-"

"Shh." Alec said, calming her. He kissed her softly. "I'm not worried about all of that. I'm worried about you. You need to see the doctor. I can have him be here tomorrow."

"I've been training. How far a lot could I possible be?"

Alec kissed her again. "We'll find out. Bella…how are you feeling?"

"I'm scared. Alec, a baby…in this world." She sighed, closing her eyes.

Alec swallowed, and stroked her arm with his hand. "Shadowhunters have been having children for years and…managed."

Bella nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry?"

"Because…you have more things to worry about than me and now a baby."

"Bella, I'm never not going to worry about you, regardless. I love you. I knew the moment I took you to be mine, that you would be it for me. I knew that I would love you for the rest of my life. There's a reason why this happened so soon, and if the angel says that you need to be protected, that our child needs to be protected, then that's what I'll do. We can be terrified together, because I'm certain that our parents thought or felt the same way. "Alec leaned in and kissed her again.

Bella nodded, and relaxed against him. "This is really happening."

"It is." He murmured, kissing the top of her head.

[The next day]

Carlisle Cullen was a youthful man. He was also the father of Emmett and Alice Cullen. He was a tad shorter than Alec, and had bright blonde hair, and beautiful blue eyes. He came from Idris at Alec's request.

Alec was in command, talking to Simon and Jace when Carlisle made his appearance. "Ah, Dr. Cullen, you got here faster than anticipated."

"Well, you told me that it was time sensitive." Carlisle said with an easy smile.

Jace was confused why they would need a doctor when there was nothing going on, but he was quiet.

Alec nodded. "Yes."

Bella walked into command. It was nearly eight now. Alec had let her sleep in, and she hated when he did that. "Morning."

Carlisle turned and looked at Bella. "Ah. Isabella Fairchild."

Bella smiled. "Just Bella."

He nodded. "Bella. It's so uncanny, how much you favor your father…" he murmured.

Bella frowned. "I do?"

Alec cleared his throat. "Dr. Cullen, let's talk in my office." He said, leaving the platform, he gently took Bella's arm, and guided her towards his office, and Carlisle followed. He closed the door behind him.

"I brought the equipment you told me." Carlisle said and looked at Bella. "When did you take a test?"

"Last night." Bella said.

Carlisle nodded. "Alec said you have an implant in your arm?"

"Yes." Bella said simply.

"We'll have to take a look at that. But for now, I'm going to take some blood, and I brought a portable ultrasound machine. Carlisle explained, and then shrugged off his jacket, and rolled up his sleeves. The black of the runes were bold against his pale skin.

Bella nodded, and then sat down on the couch that was in Alec's office.

Carlisle took some blood to test, and he inspected her arm, where the implant was. He felt around, not finding the rod. "Interesting." He murmured.

"What?"

"How long ago?"

"Almost a year I believe." She said, thinking back.

Carlisle nodded. "Any issues after getting the rod?"

"Well, nothing really changed. Everything was still so sporadic." She felt embarrassed talking about this.

"Okay, sometimes, the gun they use to insert these misfires. It's rare, but it does happen." Carlisle said and then moved to grab a briefcase and opened it. "Go ahead and lay back on the couch." He instructed.

Bella nodded, swallowing, looking over at Alec. He walked over and sat on the couch with her, and she lay her head in his lap. He stroked her hair gently. She blew out a breath waiting for Carlisle to start the ultrasound.

"Go ahead and lift your shirt up." Carlisle instructed gently, pulled one of the chairs over so he could sit. "It's going to be cold." He warned, and put the gel on her stomach. He looked at the screen on the portable ultrasound, and then rolled the wand over her belly. Bella and Alec watched the screen carefully. Alec grabbed Bella's hand and gave it a light squeeze, trying to get her to relax.

"Right here." Carlisle said, zooming the screen in. "One….and two." He motioned to the screen.

"Wait what?" Bella asked, frowning.

Carlisle nodded. "Twins." He said. "6-8 weeks or right around there."

"So far?" Bella asked. "I've done so much since then. Are they okay?"

"Everything looks really healthy. Placement is really good. Each twin has its own placenta, so fraternal twins." Carlisle explained.

Bella stared at the screen the two little blips showing up on the screen, the hearts beating away. Adriel had said child, so maybe he didn't know everything. Just sensed it in her. How could she not sense it herself? She felt normal, or fine. A little tired lately, but that was about it. "Can you print…a picture." She asked, looking at Carlisle now.

He nodded, hitting a few keys, and then printed the black and white picture of the sonogram. He handed it to Bella. "Vitamins are important, checkups are important. Increase your fluid intake, and don't do any sparing. Exercise is fine, even light jogs. That means no field work."

Bella nodded, staring at the picture. "This is so surreal…" She murmured.

Alec kissed the top of her head. "Thank you, Dr. Cullen. If you would, please don't let my parents know for the time being. I need to talk to Victor first."

"Of course, Doctor patient confidentiality. I'll be back in four weeks to do another checkup. I'm going to run some labs on the blood. I should have those results within the week. Congrats you two." Carlisle said and packed up the ultrasound machine. "I'll be on my way to Idris now."

Bella sat up after cleaning her belly off. Alec took the picture and looked at it. "Thank you, Dr. Cullen." Bella thanked him again, and watched him leave. She looked at Alec. "Are you okay?"

"I'm perfect." He murmured, staring at the picture. He teared up.

"You're upset…"Bella said, reaching for him.

He shook his head. "No, I'm just happy." He said and then he pulled her into his arms, hugging her close, kissing her softly.

Jace knocked on the open door, watching Alec hold her carefully, so loving. "Hey, everything okay?"

Alec kissed the top of Bella's head and she nodded to him. "Yeah, Dr. Cullen was just checking Bella out." He said and walked over to his friend and handed him the picture of the sonogram.

Jace looked at the picture. "Oh wow. Bella, you're pregnant?" He looked up at her.

Bella nodded. "Yeah. Twins."

"Oh." Jace said, studying the picture. "How far along?"

"Six to eight weeks." Alec said. "Carlisle is going to run some blood tests but everything looks healthy so far. She's on light duty, no sparing, no field work."

Jace handed back the picture. "Well congrats. I know that's going to be hard for you Bella."

"Yeah, I just have to count on you guys to find my mom."

"Of course." Jace said with a nod.

Alec's phone dinged. "Hmm. I've got to make a few calls." He said, looking at his phone. He looked at Bella. "Make sure you eat something." He kissed her. "Love you."

"Love you too." She said and left the office, Jace following her out.

"Twins huh." Jace commented.

"I'm in a lot of shock. When Adriel said that the child I was carrying…"she drifted off.

"Adriel?"

Bella looked at Jace. "Yesterday, it wasn't a memory flashback. Adriel is an angel. He brought me to a place, and told me about my mom being safe for now. She's in a sleep state that prevents Valentine from getting to her. Finding out where the cup is. He also told me that I am an angel."

"What about Clary?"

"Valentine mixed angel and demon blood and injected my mother while she was pregnant. She doesn't have the same make up as I do. And there's more." Bella said and sighed. "He told me that the child I carry has more angel blood than me or it's father."

"I don't understand." Jace asked.

"Robert let Valentine do experiments on Maryse when she was pregnant with Alec. He was injecting her with angel blood." Bella explained.

Jace seemed to be in thought. "There's no possibility that…uh…"

"No, Jace. I'm too far along for that to be possible." Bella said softly.

Jace nodded. "Okay. I just didn't want…Alec to be hurt if…if it was."

"Trust me, I thought about that, but Carlisle said 6-8 weeks. There's not possibility of it being you." Bella said, and then ran her hand through her hair. "I thought I would feel something, or sense something, but I haven't. I don't know how I could miss any signs. I thought this wasn't even possible in the first place." She sighed.

"Because you were taking birth control?"

"Last year I got an implant in my arm, but apparently, it misfired, and it's not really there. So, yeah, this is a big shock." Bella blew out a breath. "Alec is going to talk to Victor first before his parents find out. I imagine they won't be too happy. They despise me."

Jace sighed. "Maryse Lightwood is not a witch. She's more understanding than you think. Robert is the one that I would worry about. But if it is true that he helped Valentine with his experiments…"

"Adriel also said that Robert was still helping Valentine, which is why Alec has to talk to Victor first. If Robert really is helping Valentine, then he has to be stopped."

Jace nodded in agreement. "Yes, and it makes sense why Victor doesn't want you to retrieve the cup just yet. He must have had his suspicions."

"Maybe." Bella said and they started back into command. Simon was standing looking at the screen. "What's going on?"

Simon glanced over at Bella. "Just a minor demon scuffle it looks like. Jazzy and Jake have it handled." He explained.

"So, demons are coming out again." Jace said.

"Seems like it." Simon said. "Bella you're up next on patrol."

Jace frowned. "I'll take Bella's patrol."

Bella looked at Jace. "They need to know."

Alec walked into command. "Okay, Victor is coming to the Institute. He wants to see the program in action." He said and looked at the screen. "Demon activity?"

"Yeah, Jazzy and Jake are on it. Not too many." Simon said. "What do we need to know Bells?"

Alec looked at Bella. "Bella can't take anymore patrols for a while."

"What?" Clary asked. "Why?"

"Because I'm pregnant." Bella said, her heart skipping a few beats. "I can't be in the field for the time being."

Clary stared at her sister. "Really?"

"Really." Bella looked to Alec, who smiled a little. "That's what Dr. Cullen was here for."

Alec took the picture from his back pocket and handed it to Clary. She looked it over. "Twins?" Clary asked, looking up.

"Yes." Bella said simply.

Simon was a bit shocked, but he recovered. "Well, congrats you two. That's a big step."

"It is, but it'll be okay." Alec said, smiling at Bella. "But for now, we're still focused on Jocelyn, and Victor will be arriving tomorrow. He wants to see your program Simon, and wants to see Clary and Bella."

[The Next Day]

Victor Aldertree wasn't a large man, but he carried himself like he was one. And he was powerful. His ebony skin and dark hazel eyes were exotic looking, and he dressed in dark clothing, dark slacks, dark button shirt, and a dark suit jacket. He left the top two buttons undone, and you could see the dark rune peaking out on his chest. He stood in command with Alec, Jace, and Simon. Bella was sitting at Alec's request, since she got dizzy earlier that morning, and he just wanted her to take it easy.

"This is amazing Mr. Lewis." Victor complimented Simon. "The Clave is grateful for your contribution."

Simon shrugged. "No biggy. It's just some coding, and the tech isn't hard." He looked at Victor. "But thank you Victor."

Victor smiled slightly. "You'll make an excellent addition to this world. A Shadowhunter. We are settling some things right now in Idris, but soon, we'll extend an official offer for you to become a Shadowhunter, if you are interested."

Simon didn't want to seem overly excited, but that was just the person he was. "That would be a dream come true. I look forward to it." He tamed down his excitement, and Alec smirked at him.

Victor turned and looked at Bella. "Now. Isabella Morgenstern. Or do you prefer Fairchild?"

"Fairchild." Bella said with a nod.

"I knew your father. He wasn't always mad." Victor said. "Your mother came to me and Michael Wayland. We agreed that Valentine had become unruly and was threatening everything that we established. The war on downworlders was not something we wished to partake in, and we do not see ourselves as being superior to any one person." He explained. "So, with the help of Magnus Bane, and Lucian Graymark, we managed to hide your mother and you. The fire was not foreseen. I wish we had, or we could have got Jonathan out of there in time."

Bella swallowed. "Valentine didn't start the fire. Jonathan did. He did it to kill our father, and…only Jonathan suffered while Valentine is out there alive."

Victor seemed to be thinking about this now. "Interesting. From my understanding, you have been having flashes of memories. Magnus Bane placed a block in your mind."

"Yes."

"And Adriel. He's certain that Robert is helping Valentine?"

"Yes."

Victor nodded. "How far along are you?"

"6-8 weeks." Bella responded and looked over at Alec. She didn't know Victor like Alec did. She didn't know how much he knew.

"For right now, I think it's safer that your parents don't know." Victor told Alec. "Until we figure out Robert, I think that the announcement should stay here in the Institute."

"Okay." Alec said with a slight nod. "What are you going to do to my father?"

Victor sighed. "He'll be seeing the Silent Brothers. From there, it'll determine whether or not he'll be trusted." He looked at Bella. "It is a good idea that a marriage be in the works.

Bella frowned and looked at Alec. "Why?"

"Some of the clave, they're more old fashioned than I am." Victor said. "Keep her safe, and the twins. They're sent to us by the angels." He looked at Simon. "Test this program Institute wide. I want some more numbers, and reports on it. Keep doing what you're doing." He said and then he looked at Clary. "You look like your mother."

"Thank you." Clary said, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear.

Victor nodded. "Alec, you're doing a great job here. Keep doing it." He said and then he looked at his watch. "I must take my leave, but I will keep you informed Alec."

Alec nodded. "Thank you Victor."

Once Victor was gone, Bella spoke again. "What's the plan now?"

Simon cleared his throat. "Well, part of Jazzy's test on the new program and equipment, has to map more of the area. We have a demon spawning point in three areas. Forms a triangle. We're narrowing down the possibilities on where your mother is being held." He said, pulling up the map on the screen.

Alec looked at it. "That's genius Simon." He murmured.

Clary grinned. "Yeah, who would have thunk it." She winked at Simon.

Bella felt a little dizzy, and she blinked a few times, everything coming to a fog.

"Bella." Adriel's voice sounded.

Bella turned, looking around her. She was in the same place as before. "Adriel."

"You took a test."

"I did. I'm pregnant. With twins." Bella said.

Adriel nodded. "Yes."

"Why am I here Adriel?"

"I came as a warning. Valentine is getting closer to the cup. Robert has already revealed the location of it. You have to get the cup and rehide it. Keep it safe. Keep yourself safe." Adriel explained.

"Okay, but what about my mother? We need her back. I have to get her back."

Adriel nodded. "Don't worry about your mother. I will ensure her safety. I have already set plans in motion."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am sure." Adriel said and then looked around. "Remember the cup Bella. Save it. Valentine cannot get his hands on it again."

Bella nodded. "Okay. I'll get it. I'll keep it safe. Keep my mother safe."

Adriel nodded and then he was gone.

Bella blinked a few times and looked at Alec, who was staring at her, a worried expression. "Robert already told Valentine where the cup is. I need to rehide the cup. Adriel said that it has to be safe. That I have to be safe. He said he's already put a plan in motion to save my mother. That he will keep her safe."

Alec nodded. "We already have the painting here in the Institute."

Bella stood. "I have to change it's location. It can't stay in the painting." She said.

"Okay," Alec said and looked to Jace. "Stay in command. I'm going with Bella."

Jace nodded. "Got it."

Alec and Bella left command and they went to the library. There was a safe that they kept rarer artifacts, and the painting was there. Bella studied the painting, looking at the cup in her brother's hand in the painting. She left out a breath, focusing on the painting, and then she reached into the painting like she saw her mother do several years ago, and pulled out the cup.

"Okay. I need something else. Something that I can hide it in." She murmured, looking around. She saw a book on the shelf, the binding was old, and the letters on it were in Latin. She pulled it off the shelf, and flipped through some pages, getting to a blank page in the back. The pages were old, which showed the age of the book. She blew out another breath, and then focused, setting the cup inside the page.

Alec ran a hand over the page. It was smooth. "That's incredible."

"Put the book back on the shelf." Bella said, and Alec put it back.

Bella looked around the library. In one of the cases, a replica of the mortal cup sat. She took it carefully, and then looked at the painting, placing the replica in Jonathan's hand, and then nodding. "That should do it. If Valentine somehow manages it, he won't know. He'll see the painting and assume."

"You are brilliant." Alec said and then put the painting back. He closed the safe, and then he turned to Bella and kissed her, his hands winding around her, and pulling her to him. "Victor isn't wrong." He murmured, setting his forehead against hers. "We should get married."

"Marriage is a big step."

"So is having a baby, and we're having two. "Alec said with a small smile. "I love you."

Bella nodded. "I love you too."

"Marry me." Alec whispered the words.

Bella didn't know how to respond. Almost three months ago, she was just an art student in University. She never imagined that she would be here now. She loved Alec; she knew that much. But what would marriage mean? What would that change other than appeasing the Clave. "I don't need a marriage to know that I love you, Alec. But…" she paused. "If it'll make you happy, I'll do it."

"I want you to be happy too. That's not how this works Bella."

"I'm happy if I'm with you." Bella said, looking up into his blue eyes. "If I'm with you, I'm happy, so yes, I will marry you Alec Lightwood."

Alec smiled and then kissed her again, feeling the happiness well up inside him. He felt like he was floating through the clouds. He never planned on any of this, but he was happy for it. He doesn't know why he fought these feelings before. But now, he was right where he wanted to be.