Hey guys!

First of all I need to say a massive apology! I haven't updated any of my stories in months and I feel terrible about it. I have a reason for it though. I've just started university (a few months ago) and I guess I got lost in my studies and couldn't find time to write. I knew university had heaps of work, but I didn't realise I'd be consumed in it! But I'm finding time to write, and well I promise to try upload a lot faster!

To help me out, does anyone want to edit my chapters for me (be my beta?)? I can do it myself, but if I did I probably would do it late at night like I did with this chapter (2am :o); and that might cause errors to be missed out (hopefully not!). So PM me or review whether you're keen to help me :)

Anyway, thank you for all your amazing reviews! All your reviews always encourages me to carry on with my writing, so thank you :)

(I forgot if I replied to the reviews so I'll do it again :P)

greygirl2358: I'm glad you liked crazy Raphael! I promise there's a lot more of him to come ;). Well you've guessed right, I'm from New Zealand. Hope you like this chapter!

nicoleherondale: Thank you :) I love sweet Jace too! Hope you enjoy this chapter :)

11 LandOfOooFairyTailMage Guest Jling Ilovefanction shannie83 Katwood5 Hyoyeon Soaking In The Reign.: You guys are amazing! Thak you all for your reviews!

So as a apology, I wrote a extra long chapter (maybe too long?). This chapter is 7,000 words long...I was only planning on writing 6,000, but I couldn't bring myself to stop! And well splitting the chapter into two wouldn't work so long chapter it is!

Enjoy :)

Clary's pov

Two long days later

The police station has become more like an annoyance than anything else. This back and forth occurrence on a day to day basis is frustrating and nauseating. I step into that building and immediately get thrown with more questions about all my encounters with Raphael. Detective Starkweather has even come over countable of times to search for ways he could have come in, and to see if he had left anything behind that could lead to his full identity- he had left nothing. He seemed to have had everything planned out precisely so that he was untraceable. It leads to think how one person could be capable of being untraceable all on his own; did he have a high intelligence? If so, why waste it on a life so monstrous and wicked like this?

What's made this all worse is that I haven't seen Jace in the past two days. I've been too busy and he seems to have a lot on his plate too. I guess we can't be together all the time even though that'd be great…but I guess if we want our relationship to stay on the down low, we have to do this…

"It seems like this guy was careful not to leave any tracks, but we'll catch him Clary; I can guarantee you that," Detective Starkweather promised as he pulled a seat out from under the dinner table and placed it in front of me before sitting himself down after he had finished with his investigating around the house for the day.

I bit the inside of my cheek lightly while staring down at the angry lines that I had scratched into my sketchpad moments ago as I listened to Detective Starkweather search the house like he had done all the other times. "How can you guarantee something like that when you haven't found any clues?" I asked plainly, looking up from my image.

Detective Starkweather blew out a puff of air in what seemed like frustration. "You know I'm starting to think you and your family have little faith in the police department," he frowned, shaking his head. "You do realise these clues we need don't always stick out in clear sight, right?"

I thought about it for a moment, but shook my head in disbelieve. "But you are policemen. You are trained to look in-between the lines to see the clues that aren't always out in the open, isn't that right?"

A flicker of something entered his eyes as we stared directly back at me, the corner of his mouth slightly turning up. "Look who finally got her confidence back," he commented. Even though his comment may have seemed like a compliment, the tone in his voice showed something else, like he was mocking me or something. I frowned. "Anyway, I have a question for you…but you need to promise not to mention this to your parents and not even Mr Lightwood."

My eyebrows drew together in confusion. "Why can't I mention it to my parents or Jace?"

He leant in close, too close for my comfort to handle so I edged slightly back. "Because they won't let you go through with it if they knew what I was about to ask," he said in a quiet voice.

"Then if that's the case why would you think I would agree to it in the first place?" I fired back, lifting an eyebrow.

He paused for a moment before speaking. "Because I know you would if you knew it'd help with catching this guy."

My heart stopped for a moment before starting up like a race car. "What? How?" I asked urgently.

Detective Starkweathers mouth curled up in a smile. "We'll need to work as a team though, me and you, Clary. Are you okay with that?"

"What do you need me to do?" I asked suddenly, eager to help as much as I could so Raphael could be locked away for the rest of his life.

"I need you to get in contact with him…"

"What?" I screeched quietly. "You want me to talk to that monster?"

"Clary," Detective Starkweather insisted. "If you call him, all you need to do is make him believe you have something to tell him, then make it seem like your phone cuts out so he calls you back. Make him stay on the line for ninety seconds and then we've got him, Clary. I'd be able to track where he's calling from."

I thought about it for a moment. This could actually work, I could help the police catch him and all I needed to do is talk to him… Even though it was only talking to him over the phone, the thought of having to hear his voice made me shiver. This was going to be hard, really hard; but I had to do it right? Once Raphael is locked away then all this will stop. I could start living again. There was just one thing that I wasn't too sure about. "It sounds like a good plan, it really does but I just don't understand why I can't tell my parents or Jace. They wouldn't disagree with it."

He shook his head in disagreement. "Let's just say I haven't had the 'go ahead' to do this from my boss, and we really can't wait much longer so the less people that knows the better. After it's done though, you can mention it," he said.

"I'd feel better if someone else was there when we did it," I admitted, looking down at my hands and back up to him.

He let out a sigh before nodding. "Is your mom free now then? Because I have the equipment here and I'd really like to do this now if you don't mind," he asked plainly.

I nodded quickly; glad he agreed I could have someone with me. "I'll go get her," I said, standing up and rushing to get her from upstairs where she was painting.

Once I got her, we both walked downstairs into the dining room to find detective Starkweather and equipment spread out on the table.

I sat down opposite him with mom placing herself next to me. "I have a question before we start," I mentioned quickly but confidently.

"What is it?" he asked as he turned some buttons on the machine.

"How can we call Raphael without a number?" I asked.

He looked up for the first time since I had come back with mom. "I have it," he said simply.

"How?" mom asked beside me.

He looked at mom. "I'm a detective, my detective skills aren't as bad as you all think," he said, straight to his point.

"Okay…" mom said slowly. "Then you must have some clues to where he is."

"Ma'am, there's no traces of him. I received his number because that night he entered your house he left a note on Clary's night stand with his number on it," he admitted.

"What?!" mom basically yelled. I didn't blame her though, because I sat shocked at the news of the unknown note as well. "He left a note and you forgot to mention this to us? Isn't that illegal hiding something like that from the victims?"

"Please calm down. I took it away for finger prints, which it didn't have. I failed to mention it to you because I didn't want you all to get more frighten than you already were," he admitted in a strong, calming voice.

"What else are you hiding?" mom asked forcefully, folding her arms over her chest.

"Nothing, I have told you the absolute truth. I swear on my children," he said sincerely, placing his hand on his chest.

Mom ran her hands through her hair in frustration. "If I hear you've done this again, hiding information that was in my home, I'll be taking this to someone higher," she threatened.

"I understand," he nodded, before glancing at me. "Should we start?"

I shrugged. "I guess so," I said. My hands seemed to become wet as they clung onto the edge of the seat I was sitting on.

He placed our home phone in front of me that he had attached extra wires to. "Alright, the extra wire here connects up to my machine which will display his location if he calls back," he remarked as he slid a piece of paper across the table to me. "Here's his number."

I looked carefully at the piece of paper, before picking it up and looking mindlessly at it. "You don't have to do this sweetie," mom reminded me in a softened voice.

I turned my head to look at her in the eyes, baring my bravest smile. "I have to," I responded softly before turning back to detective Starkweather.

Grinning at me, he gave a nod as he placed a headset over his head and indicated for me to go ahead. Taking a deep breath in, I picked up the phone and the paper with Raphael's number on it. Closing my eyes, I tightened my grip on the phone thinking about what I would say when Raphael answers the phone. I think it's quite understandable that I won't be the most cheery person, and there's a strong possibility that when, I mean if he answers, that I'd be speechless. Opening my tired eyes, I looked at detective Starkweather once again. "How do we know he'll ring back?" I asked unevenly.

"We don't. We just hope that he does so we can catch him once and for all," he replied.

Closing my eyes once again, I nodded before reopening them and dialling the number. My heart seemed to crash against my chest in unhealthy beats as I waited for Raphael to answer.

'This seriously better be good. I have a girl and a very nice drag waiting for me…" My heart stopped. He answered. I froze, unable to speak even as detective Starkweather silently urged me to. "Is this some sort of practical joke because if it-"

"I-I need to talk to you," I said unclearly, my voice broken and weak.

"And who do I have the pleasure of talking to?" His voice was rough and husky on the other end causing an uneasy shiver to travel down my spine.

"It's…" I swallowed hard, my throat seemingly dry. "It's me…red."

"Red…My cherry Red. I've been expecting you to call," he hummed into the phone.

I paused to take a deep breath in. "I need to talk…I have something to ask you," I lied.

"Whatever it is, I'll be happy to answer my feisty red head…but only if you can be so kindly and return the favour," he purred.

Detective Starkweather waved silently at me to catch my attention. 'Pretend to get cut off,' he mouthed. Nodding, I responded to Raphael, trying to make the fake phone cut sound as real as possible. "Okay…anything….Hello, are you still there?"

"Yes…"

I cut him off urgently. "I can't hear you…"

"Red?"

"I think I'm cutting-"and I rung up. Dropping the phone onto the table, I clutched my stomach and took several deep breaths in. "How did I do?" I breathed.

Detective Starkweather nodded while taking his headset off. "It might have been enough to be believable, but I guess we'll have to wait and find out if he calls back," he said formally.

I nodded, unable to speak. "You did great, sweetie," mom said encouragingly next to me.

I smiled at her softly, and opened my mouth to thank her but before I could the phone rang causing both of us to jump. I looked down at the phone on the table as if touching it would cause me some sort of deadly sickness. "You need to answer it, Clary. It's him," detective Starkweather said calmly.

Nodding, I slowly picked up the phone and answered it. "Hello…?" I said slowly.

"I think you need to get your phone connection checked out, Red. We can't have our conversations disrupted, especially when they are sweet like this one," Raphael hummed.

I tried to ignore the urge I had to cringe at his statement. "You had a question for me?" I asked.

"Oh yes, but I do recall you had one for me which is quite delightful so go on…ask away," he cheered.

I frowned. I had nothing to ask him, well I did like why he was doing all this but if I asked him that I'd probably give some sickening statement back which I really don't think I could handle at this moment, if ever. "How did you get into my house? Every window and door is always locked," I asked, my voice becoming more uneven as the conversation carried on.

"So curious, Red, I knew I liked you. To answer your question I'll give you this quote I'm sure you've heard before: 'when there's a will, there's a way,'" he remarked, the tone in his voice steady and nauseating. "Now, my turn: How is Blondie?"

My body suddenly went stiff but my heart seemed to race, worried and frightened. "What about him?"

"He's a very interesting character, quite a charmer. I'm rather excited for our next encounter, I have much planned for it," Raphael purred.

Anger flooded into my veins causing me to stand from my seat. "You won't go anywhere near him. Isn't interrogating me enough for your sick minded game?" I screamed into the phone.

On the other end of the phone, I could hear his vile laugh. "You are for my pleasure darl, he's for my fun," he laughed. "See you real soon Red, oh and say hi to Blondie for me." And then he hung up.

I dropped the phone just before I let my legs give out and cause my limp body to fall to the ground. Falling onto my knees, I buried my face into my hands. "What did he say?" mom asked worriedly as she kneeled down beside me, silently arguing with herself whether or not she should give me comfort with a touch or not.

Shaking my head, I took my face out of my hands and looked up at detective Starkweather. "Did you get his location?"

Detective Starkweathers face hardened as he looked up from his machine, sweeping his hand through his hair in frustration. "I'm sorry, Clary…it wasn't long enough. The machine didn't pick up his location," he said, slowly packing up his equipment. "But this isn't the end, we will get him."

I placed my hands back in my hands, shaking my head continuously. "I thought it was enough," I whispered.

Silence passed through us before a chair squeaked and detective Starkweather stood up. "Well I have to get back to the office I have some things to do. You have my card if you need anything," he said formally, walking over to the door. "I'll let myself out."

I lifted my hands from my hands, letting my gaze follow him until the door was closed firmly behind him. "Clary-" mom began.

I turned to her and bared my best smile. "Its fine," I braved, but carried on talking after seeing the look on her face of disbelieve. "Really mom, I'm fine."

She gave me a soft smile. "I can see your old self reappearing…which is good but it also means you're going to hide how you're truly feeling to stop me from worrying. I know you Clary…I just want you to know that I don't want you to hide," she said softly.

I looked down at my hands for a brief second before looking back at her. "I know…but I'm fine," I said, trying to sound as reassuring as I could.

She opened her mouth to respond, but before any words could follow the sound of the phone disrupted her. The sound of the phone caused me to jump- what if it was him again? Groaning, she picked up the phone. "I'll be right back," she promised as she answered the phone. "Hello, Jocelyn speaking."

A pause. "Oh Amatis, how are you?" mom said into the phone as she walked off into the other room. My heart began again: it wasn't him.

Taking a deep breath, I reached over and grabbed my sketchpad off of the table. I flipped it open to my previous drawing. I glanced down and looked carefully at the dark image that my elegant hands had drawn onto the sketchpad. Mom was right about my normal-self coming out of its shell, because I have in fact started drawing again. Heavy, dark lines dint the sketch pad causing the image that was set in my mind vividly, to come alive on this once blank piece of paper. I traced my fingertips over it feeling each strong, ragged line as I did. The hand I had drawn in the middle stood scarred and monstrous as it reaches out to its object, me.

My mind seemed so locked into the image which provided me a disadvantage so when a hand was placed on my shoulder my heart froze for a moment. The sketchpad dropped flimsily to the ground as I shot my head around to look at who belonged to the hand. I let out a long breath.

A crease found its way onto moms face as she stared worriedly down at me. "Are you sure you're alright sweetie?"

I sunk back into my chair. "I'm fine, just exhausted. It's been a long couple of days," I breathed out.

A remorseful smile crossed her worried face. "I understand, and I know a break is needed from the investigation especially after what happened just before with the phone call…" she paused for a moment, bringing her hands tenderly to her chest as a warm smile grows effortless onto her face. "Which is why this sudden good news has occurred just at the right time," she said, her voice becoming high with excitement.

I shifted sharply around in my chair. "Mom…what haven't you told me?"

Her smile started to glow. "Well Amatis was just on the phone… She's getting married next month and we're invited!" she gleamed.

I frowned. "I didn't know she was seeing someone," I said, as I bent over to retrieve my fallen sketchpad.

"Well that's because you never took any notice in her love life," mom smiled, placing herself next to me. "I know we've hardly keep in contact with her, but she invited us and it'll be nice for Luke to be at his sister's wedding."

"I know," I replied giving her a small smile back. "It's not like I'm saying we shouldn't go or anything."

"So you think we should go?"

I glanced down at the drawing that lay unfinished on my lap. "But what about Jace?" I asked. I couldn't leave him, not when all this stuff has been happening. I have to stay where he is, I need to. I just have this feeling, a feeling that makes me question what was around the corner. Sometimes I wished that I had a superpower that lets me see into the future…even if it was a week into the future that'd be fine, because at least I'd know if Jace was going to be safe or not.

"Oh honey, Jace can look after himself," mom reassured me, giving me a sweet smile.

I knew he could, I believed in him, but it doesn't stop me worrying that Raphael wasn't up to something that could harm Jace…I just have this feeling, especially after the phone call, that this thing with Raphael isn't about me…it was about Jace and Raphael wanting to play his 'sick, twisted game' with him. "Yeah, I know," I whispered.

Just then, the front door opened revealing Luke. Stepping inside, he shut the door firmly behind him and peeled off his coat. "Boy is it chilly out there," he commented as he walked into the room and spotted us. "What's with the frowns?"

Mom placed a hand on Luke's shoulder lovingly. "Let's talk about it later, huh? Now it's getting late. What do you all feel like for dinner?"

"What about we order pizza and watch a movie? I've had a stressful day at work," Luke commented, smiling softly at me and mom.

"Haven't we all," I mumbled as I stared back at my sketchpad.

Luke pulled out a chair from the table and placed it beside mine. "Now now, I hate seeing one of my best girls upset. Tell me what happened?" he said softly.

I shook my head, giving him a soft smile. He didn't need this drama. "No, it's fine. Tell me why your day was stressful," I answered.

A smile shadowed his worried gaze. "Alright then," he said, rubbing his eyes softly as he started to explain about his day. I just sat there nodding and smiling trying to ignore my growing need to see Jace and to see that he is okay.

Later that night I sat in my room, letting the warm lamp light wash over me. I sat cross legged on my bed looking over my childhood photo album-how easy those days were. I was so happy, so carefree when I was little. I had no recognition back then of the evil that was slowly leaking into this world and was drowning it with its darkness. Sure there are some people that live most of their days without that darkness reaching them, but eventually in does in the form of a robbery, car accident or worse. I just wish I knew how to stop it, stop it from hurting the ones I love…maybe use myself as a body shield? I shook my head, a small smile appearing on my face- What a stupid thought, how could I protect anyone when I can't protect myself?

Knock, knock; knock… I looked up from my album to the door. "Come in," I called.

The door opened to reveal mom standing with two cups of steaming liquid. "Hot chocolate?" she smiled.

"Please," I responded, closing the album and putting it next to my bed.

Mom crossed the room and gave me my drink. "May I?" she asked, indicating if I minded if she sat next to me on my bed. I shook my head, I didn't mind…not anymore. Smiling softly, she sat down beside me and took a sip of her drink. "Can I ask you something?"

Taking a sip of my drink, I swallowed and nodded quickly.

"Why did you agree to do the phone call today? Why would you agree to talk to him?" she asked, cupping her drink in her artistic hands.

I shrugged. "I want this over…I want my old life of not being afraid back," I replied, tracing my finger around the rim of the cup.

"Everyone is afraid of something, even if it's not out in the open like your fear is," mom said softly, taking a sip of her drink before placing in on my bedside cabinet. "I'm even afraid of something."

I looked up at her. "What are you afraid of?"

"Losing myself…Losing you and Luke," she said softly, a gentle smile against her lips. "I've always been afraid that I'd lose you…it's a mothers nightmare to lose their child."

"It's a good thing I'm still here then isn't it?" I smiled.

She slowly reached up and tucked my hair behind my ear, never losing eye contact as she did. "That night I found out you were hurt I felt frozen. I couldn't think or move, all I knew was I needed to get to you. I needed to be with my baby girl," she whispered, carefully touching my cheek before lowering her hand.

For a moment I just stared, silently smiling at her words. "That's a fear of mine too, to lose you and Luke," I said finally.

Her head turned to the side. "You're afraid to lose Jace too. You think he's in trouble," she observed.

I bit my lip. "Is it that obvious?"

She shook her head, slightly laughing as she did. "I'm your mother, I can tell," she teased.

I shrugged. "I'm just scared something will happen to him," I whispered.

"Sweetie, that boy has been around here most days so I've observed him and let me tell you something. He is strong-minded and smart, he won't do anything stupid, and if trouble found him I'm sure he'll deal with it in the right way," she said, as she stood up and grabbed her cup. "Listen, talk to him tomorrow about this. It'll make you feel better. Now get some sleep."

Cupping my drink in my hands, I let the warmth of it leak through my fingers. "Okay," I said softly. "Night mom."

Opening the door, she smiled back at me. "Night sweetie."

Jace's Pov

I shut the curtains tightly, as I switched on the desk lamp and placed myself at the desk. I had a plan, and I was sure it wasn't faulty; but there was just one thing that I had to confirm. Ever since the day I met detective Starkweather, I had a feeling he wasn't the person he claimed to be and I was ready to prove that.

I typed furiously away on the laptop, putting Hodge Starkweather into the search bar along with his department of work. Pushing search, the first link that came up was of the New York police department, the second was an article about him with solving a crime-It was a start so I clicked on it.

The article didn't tell me much but if I kept reading them, surely something will come up…

"Tell me you're not doing what I think you're doing?"

I closed my eyes slowly before reopening them and turning swiftly in my seat. "This is none of your business, Alec. Just stay out of it," I warned, as I turned harshly back around to the laptop, feeling the muscles in my back strain.

"I still don't believe that Detective Starkweather is guilty of what you're accusing him of," Alec accused as he placed himself beside of me.

"Maybe you should have some hope in me, I have a feeling Alec and it's not a good one," I mumbled, as I looked swiftly over the screen that displayed the investigation of the bus incident.

"Alright, knowing you there is a point to all this reading," he said slowly as he leant over and read the screen over my shoulder.

Silence swept through us as we looked over the article. I had no problem with Alec being here and looking over the articles with me because to be honest an extra eye was always helpful; saying that though, letting Alec get too close could be dangerous for him. "So what are we looking for?" Alec asked, as he placed himself on the seat again.

I looked up from the screen, and frowned. "You know you shouldn't be helping me right?"

Alec looked up at me. "Oh and why is that?" he questioned back, his eyebrow lifting up with suspicion.

I reached over and shut the laptop. "Because this is my business and no one else's; no one needs get messed up in this," I said firmly, rubbing my eyes. It was getting late. "Don't you have to get back to Magnus anyway? Aren't you two still in that honey moon stage where you can't be apart from each other because it's so painful?"

Alec rolled his eyes before leaning over close to me. "What are you planning, Jace? And please don't tell me nothing because we both know that's not true," he whispered at me, his voice firm and sure. "Are you doing this because of Clary? Gosh, Jace you don't always have to be the hero."

I placed my hands on the laptop firmly. "Okay, I'll say this once more. It's none of your god damn business," I warned. Standing up, I picked up the laptop and looked down at Alec, noting him following my action.

"Jace please just tell me you won't go after this guy," he begged.

I closed my eyes and shook my head slightly. "I'll be fine," I promised, opening my eyes once again to stare him confidently in his deep blue eyes. I stepped back from him and moved towards the door.

As I reached for the door, he spoke up. "Just please…stay safe," he whispered.

My body stayed still, but my head turned slightly and my lips widened giving him a soft smile. "I will."

Stepping into the hallway, I padded down it towards the room with blazing music. Knocking once, I let myself into the room. Izzy sat in the centre of her room; legs folded reading over her many cosmic magazines. "What do you want?" she asked without looking up.

"How did you know it was me?" I smirked as I placed myself down on her desk chair.

"Because I know you're the only rude one around this place that doesn't knock," she commented plainly as she flicked through the pages of the magazine.

"Hey, I knocked," I argued, snickering slightly.

"But you didn't wait for me to say if you could come in or not, did you?" she tested, sounding bored.

I bit back a laugh. "Right," I smirked. "Anyway, I came for a favour."

"That's always why you come and see me," she yawned, before closing the magazine and turning to me. "What do you want?"

"So you know how you've been hanging with Clary's friend, Simon, a lot recently?" I started.

"Yes…" she said slowly. "What about him?"

"I've heard he's quite a wiz on the computer, and when I say wiz, I mean he can even do illegal things," I said surely.

"He does seemed really keyed up on it all, but illegal Jace? What do you need him to do?" she asked, a crease appearing between her eyebrows.

I shook my head. "I can't tell you, but it's nothing that will cause harm. I just need you to get him to help me. Can you do that?"

"Tell me what you're up to Jace?" she argued.

"Izzy, I need you to trust me that I'll be fine. I just really need his help," I promised, leaning close to her. "I need to do this, it's important."

She ran her hands over her face and groaned. "Fine, but one sign of trouble and I'm going straight to mom and dad," she said firmly holding out a hand of agreement.

"Deal," I smiled accepting her hand.

Once I got back to my room, I collapsed onto my bed. I was physically exhausted, but my mind kept going over the package I received from Raphael. I needed to get him, or else he'll keep targeting Clary to get at me which I couldn't handle. I can't bear knowing that she's in danger. So I have a plan…, I was going to capture Raphael, but the first part of my plan was to discover whether detective Starkweather is who everyone thinks he is. To be honest, I don't trust the guy. I have this weird feeling about him that makes him feel off to me. He was hiding something and I plan to find out what.

Just then, my phone started vibrating on the pillow next to me from an incoming call. Picking my phone up, I smiled at the caller ID: Clary.

"Hey baby," I answered, a smile starting to form. "How are you?"

A pause sounded on the other side of the line causing my smile to fade. "I need you," her voice sounded broken and vulnerable.

"What happened? Did something happen?" I asked urgently, sitting up fast on my bed.

"No, no…I just need you beside me. I can't sleep," she whispered.

A smile formed and my body relaxed. "I'll be right over," I responded.

"Thank you," her soft voice replied.

Clary's pov

I sat on the edge of my bed and clutched hold of the blanket on either side of me. Today with the phone call with Raphael freaked me out on a whole new level. It's given me cold chills and a spinning head as I contemplated whether Jace was going to be okay, that we'll both get out of this unscarred. I was terrified, and that's why I called Jace here…I just needed him here with me.

Beep. My hand reached over to my phone and checked the received message. It wasn't from Jace, but from Isabelle. Be safe ;) ~I

Oh ha ha ~C I responded, a smile grin appearing. Even though Izzy says the craziest, out there things, she always seemed to be able to put a smile on my face.

Beep. I know… I'm incredibly funny . Do you mind texting me when Jace gets to yours? I just get worried about him sometimes. I saw him sneaking out about 15mins ago and I'm guessing it's to see you, so he should nearly be at yours. ~I

I know I worry about him too. I'll text you when he gets here…oh and Izzy? ~ C I typed back, my question hovering on the top of my mind.

A moment passed before my phone indicated another new message. Yeah? ~ I

He will be okay right? I'm just worried he might get hurt…~C I typed away and as I sent it, a soft tap sounded on my bedroom window. Jumping slightly, I walked slowly over to it to be faced with Jace on the other side of the glass. Quietly smiling, I unlocked my window and pushed it up before moving out of the way so Jace could have space to get in.

Quick, silent movements was all it took for Jace to easily move through the window and place himself inside my room without making a sound. "I forgot how easy you make that look," I commented, rolling my eyes, but my smile never left my face.

Snickering silently, Jace shook his head before encircling his arms around my tiny waist and pulling me closer to him. "What climbing through a window?" he teased.

I shook my head slightly. "No, climbing through a window that's on the second floor," I said, as I stared directly up in his memorizing, gold eyes. "It's so far off the ground, and there's no ladder to use..."

He bent down so his nose nearly touched mine. "It's called skill," he smirked.

"Corky much," I teased, pushing away from him gently. "I should have expected a comment like that."

I turned around and made for the bed, but before I could he wrapped his arms once again around my waist and pulled me back to him so my back was pressed flat against his warm chest. Snickering softly, he bent down and placed a tender kiss on my cheek. "Did you really think you could get away from me that easily?" he whispered.

I turned my head slightly so I could look up at him. "Well I hope not," I whispered back with a smile growing.

A warm smile spread against his lips as he turned me delicately around so I was now facing him. Placing a hand on my cheek, his thumb caressed it as he searched my eyes. "I've missed you," he whispered.

I tilted my head to the side. "It's only been a couple of days that we've been apart, you must have it bad," I teased, laughing softly.

Shaking his head, he chuckled. "Yes, I have it real bad," he whispered, rolling his eyes playfully.

"Good," I giggled slightly as I reached up on my toes and kissed him lightly on his cheek. "Because I missed you a lot too."

Tilting his head in the same manner I just had mine in just a moment ago, he raised an eyebrow. "A lot? You must have it bad then," he said sarcastically.

A laughed softly. "You're an ass," I remarked.

Pulling me tighter against him, he bent down closer. "Your ass," he grinned.

"Unfortunately," I joked.

Pulling back, he acted offended by placing a hand over his heart. Letting go of me, he pretended to get ready to climb back out of the window. "Then if you're not happy with me I'm sure there's a lot of other girls that would be," he teased.

"No," I groaned as I reached out and wrapped my arms around his waist and bringing my head to rest on his solid chest. "You're mine, no one else's."

Stroking my hair gently, he kissed the top of my head. "I know baby," he whispered.

Smiling I looked up at him and bought my arms up so I could link them around his neck. "Do you want to stay over tonight?" I asked, softly. "I don't want you to leave."

Leaning down, he placed his forehead against mine. "I don't want to leave either," he whispered.

Smiling, I searched his eyes before leaning up and capturing his lips in a soft, tender kiss. He responded almost immediately as he held me gently against him. It was only a simple kiss, but a kiss as small as that can still be as magical. Smiling against his lips, I pulled back and tugged on his shirt. "Take it off," I said.

"Why?" he asked slowly.

Stepping back, I started lifting it myself which revealed his nicely toned stomach. As my fingers skimmed across the skin there, I started feeling tingles shoot through my small body. "Because I want to sleep in it," I said with a smile.

"Say 'please' then," he teased, placing his hands over mine to stop me moving his shirt up any further.

I rolled my eyes. "Pleease," I said sarcastically.

"Well, since you asked so nicely," he teased before pulling his shirt completely off and revealing his very muscular torso. My eyes wondered carelessly over his torso. Starting at his faint v-line, they moved over his nicely firmed wash board stomach and finally to his strong shoulders. "Having a nice look are we now?"

I narrowed my eyes slightly at him teasing me. He knew his looks had an effect and well it was just unfair, he needed to be taught his own lesson…It was then that I came up with a plan of my own. I felt completely free and comfortable around him; I didn't need to hide from him which is why my next move was made easy for me. Reaching the hem of my shirt, I pulled it over my head which only left me in my plain black bra and my pyjama pants. I looked up at Jace to see him looking directly at me, frozen on the spot. "Shirt please," I smirked as I held my hand out.

Swallowing hard, he placed his shirt in my opened hand. "Now look whose looking," I teased as I took his shirt and pulled it over my head and covering myself up again.

"That was just mean," he said still shocked which resulted in my giggling. Shaking his head, he kicked off his shoes and moved towards my bed. As he climbed into my bed, I stood watching how the muscles in his back flexed together, and how his tanned skin shone in the night light that came through the window. Smiling, I moved to the bed and picked up my phone realizing that I was texting Izzy earlier. Opening my phone I saw one message from her- Jace is strong. He'll be fine, I promise ~I

I started to frown because the reason why I needed Jace rushed back to me. Thanks Izzy. Oh and he's here. ~C

Trying to shake back the thought, I placed my phone onto my bedside cabinet and crawled into the bed next to Jace. Once I was in, I curled up next to him feeling at ease being next to him. Wrapping his arms securely around my waist, he pulled me closer before pushing my hair delicately off my face. "Will you tell me what's bothering you now?" he asked softly.

I looked up at his angelic face that was so caring and loving. "It's stupid," I confessed.

"You know you can tell me anything," he reminded me as he placed his hand back under the blankets and started rubbing my back gently.

I bit my lip before answering. "I'm worried about you. I'm worried something will happen to you," I said rumbling on. "Raphael won't give up. He has this sick game that he wants you involved in, and I hate it. I hate that it has to be you because I can't stand knowing you could get hurt, like really hurt. I can't lose you...I can't. I won't lose you Jace."

"Wow there baby, calm down," Jace said softly, raising himself onto his elbow so he can look down at me. "Nothing will happen to me, I won't leave you ever; you're stuck with me now."

A silent tear slowly leaked down the side of my face. "Good, because you're stuck with me," I smiled weakly.

Bending down, he kissed away my tear. "I don't want you to worry anymore, I just want you to concentrate on keeping that sweet smile of yours on your beautiful face," he whispered sweetly.

Smiling, I reached up and pulled him gently down to me so our lips could meet, not wanting distance between us anymore. Closing my eyes, I tightened my hold on him, not wanting to let him go. Responding to my kiss, he placed a hand on my waist and the other on my cheek as he lips carefully moved across mine. Letting one of my hands unwrap from around his neck, I let my hand skim over his warm, muscular torso, feeling his muscles move as he hovered above of me. Grabbing onto my waist lightly, his fist bunched up his shirt that I was wearing as our kiss become more urgent and not so much careful. Asking permission to enter, I felt his tongue slide across my bottom lip. Opening up, I let my body relax and enjoy this new sensation, this new feeling that Jace bought against me. My top must have started to rise because I received this soft sensation when my bare skin was touched with his.

I felt him groan against my lips, before he placed one last kiss on my lips and lifted himself off of me. "I really hate myself right now for doing this, but we need to stop," he confessed, with a frown shadowing his face.

"Why?" I frowned. "I was enjoying it."

"And I was enjoying it too, a little too much as a matter of fact, that's why it needed to stop. We don't need to rush these sorts of things," he whispered, cupping my cheek in his hand.

I bit my lip as I looked up at him- he was right. "You're right. Slow is good," I said, giving him a smile.

Smiling down at me, he moved to the side of me and lied down, bringing me to him. Snuggling into his chest, I breathed in his scent feeling safe and content. "It is, now sleep baby; you look exhausted," he whispered, kissing the top of my head.

"Alright," I yawned. "Thank you for being here with me."

"There's no other place I'd rather be."

So how was it? Too long?

What do you all think about Detective Starkweather?

Review and tell me what you think please :)

Ex oh ex