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 WiredDreams and TheFlamingo29 for such amazing reviews! I will continue to write and update as often as I can. If you haven't followed my other stories, I work full time, I'm a graduate student, I have 3 kiddos and own a small farm that I upkeep and manage. So, I'm very busy and don't sleep. Writing is a big passion of mine, and I have fell in love with doing fanfictions this year because most of my writing is original work. I look forward to writing this story for everyone and hope that everyone enjoys it just as much as I do. Thank you for all the support and as always, please follow, favorite, and review! :)

[October 13th, 2021, The Institute] [2am]

Bella tossed and turned in her sleep, her dreams bleeding into a nightmare.

"You can run Bella, but you can't hide." The terror ripped through her as she ran through the burning streets of New York. The maniacal laughter struck her hard to her core. The voice belonged to her true father, Valentine Morgenstern. She looked around her as corpses littered the streets and demons feasted on them. She couldn't stop the demon apocalypse that was controlled by Valentine. She ducked into a building, seeing Clary laying pale on the ground, blood pooled around her. Then she saw Alec and Iz laying there bleeding, dead. Jasper was lifeless, and so were Charlie and Renee. Everyone that she loved was dead, and it was because of her.

"Join me Bella," The voice of Valentine called to her again.

"Never! I'm not like you."

"You are of my own blood! You are like me Bella; you belong by my side."

"No!"

Her eyes shot open as she was being shook awake. Simon was shaking her, calling her name. "Bella! Wake up."

"What?" She looked at Simon, confused.

Simon relaxed. He didn't have his glasses on and he was wearing just a plain white t-shirt, and some sleep pants. "You were screaming. I couldn't get you to wake up."

Bella blinked a few times before sitting up better. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize that my nightmares came back." She looked at the clock. She sighed and rubbed her hands over her face.

"You have nightmares?"

"Sometimes. I haven't had any since being in New York."

"You're really pale. It must have been bad."

She nodded. "Yeah." She shivered a little.

Simon started to get up, but she caught his hand. "I'll let you get back to sleep. I was worried something had happened."

"Can you…stay. I…" she drifted off. "My dad would just stay until I went back to sleep. It helps."

Simon nodded and Bella shifted over in the bed so he could lay beside her. His arm went around her, and he pulled her into his side.

They were quiet for some time before Simon broke the silence. "Are you and Jace…a thing?"

Bella didn't answer at first. "I don't know. He's…" paused. "just so intense. I'm not sure about anything anymore."

"Oh."

"I really like you Bella," Simon finally said. "I've liked you since I first saw you. It's been a month now, and I've just had so much fun being by your side. It's been a long time since I've…opened up about my feelings to someone."

"Simon…"

"Wait. Just hear me out," he pressed on. "I don't want you to feel like you have to return the same feelings, because Bella, you're going through so much right now and the last thing I want to do is pressure you in any way. I just…with everything going on in the world, I wanted to make sure you knew how I felt…so I wouldn't have any regrets."

Bella was quiet again. "Simon, I'm a bit broken inside. I…" she leaned up and looked at him. "I dated a guy…he was so sincere, so…nice and unusual. He was a vampire, and then he became controlling of me. Quick to anger, jealous, and didn't want me talking with my best friend, and…it became too much. It consumed me. I was totally and irrevocably in love with him. He broke my heart, stranded me in the woods. I went into shock and became nearly hypothermic. The leader of the wolf pack found me in a catatonic state and for months, I was this way. I know that the relationship wasn't healthy, and that I had been broken down so bad. I don't know how to be normal with men." She sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I slept with Jace…" She looked away. "I know that's not something you want to hear and trust me…it's not something I wanted to share, but I want you to know that I am broken. I don't make great choices and I don't want you to get hurt."

"Bella," Simon said, interrupting her. "I figured that maybe you had slept with Jace…yesterday morning I came by to check on you, and Jace answered the door, half naked. I'm not stupid or naïve. But Bella, that doesn't matter to me. I don't own you, nor do I have any say in how you live your life. I don't want you to disappear from in front of me because I really truly care about you." He reached a hand up and caressed her face. "I'm not going to get hurt. Just…give this a chance? Kiss me. Then you'll know…if something more can be there."

Bella looked down at Simon's dark brown eyes. He had such a kind face, one that showed emotion so well. Clary told her that Simon loved her, and she wasn't sure she could do that to him. A kiss wasn't just a kiss to Simon, but here he was, telling her that it could be just that. She didn't want to lead him on. "Simon, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not? There's no strings." He insisted.

"I don't want to lead you on or give you the wrong impression."

"I know that. I'll be fine."

She stared at him a moment, and gave in. She leaned down and her lips met his. His lips were warm against hers, and so soft. It started slow, hesitant. He reached a hand up, grasping the back of her head gently, and he deepened the kiss, his mouth parting against hers and his tongue probing hers. He moved, shifting her back against the mattress, his hand at her hip now, while hers entwined him, their mouths not leaving each other. She could tell that he was eager, hungry for her as his mouth drank her in.

His hands gripped her hip, then her thighs, rubbing back up to her sides. That's when his mouth left hers and went to her throat, as he kissed her there, sucking lightly before traveling to her shoulder. She closed her eyes and sighed pleasantly, as enjoyed his touch, but his mouth missing from hers made her brain work again, and then she was stopping him.

"Wait."

He stopped, looking down at her. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Um. It's not that. It feels nice, but Simon…I can't do this."

Simon leaned back, letting her sit up. "I'm sorry."

"No no…it's not you."

"We…" he paused. "I'll just lay here with you until you go to sleep then. Make sure the nightmare doesn't come back."

Bella looked at him. She could see the shift on his face, the small disappointment. She could see his erection straining against the inside of his pants, and she felt…sorry. "You don't have to do that. I think I'll be fine."

"I'm okay Bella. Don't worry about me…please. I don't…want you to pity me."

"I don't pity you Simon. I just can't be with you the way you want to. I can't just lead you on. If we have sex right now, you can't tell me that you'll be okay if I just move on and want to stay your friend."

"I'm telling you that is exactly what can happen. Look. Maybe Clary told you something, or talked with you about Maia, but I'm not that same person from high school anymore. I'm twenty years old, I have a rock band, and I go to one of the best universities in the state. I'm living freer. Taking risks, and I think that you're a risk I'd take. If it doesn't work out, then oh well, we had some fun, and we can be good friends and I'm cool with that."

Bella looked at him. What if she wasn't cool with that? She had sex for the first time just yesterday with Jace, and what would she be if she just gave in and had sex with Simon too? She didn't want to be that girl. "I'm not the type of person to just have one night stands." She admitted.

"No one has to know, but if you don't want to Bella, I'm okay with that too. I can lay right here," he patted the bed. "And wait until you fall asleep, and I can go back to my room, or, we can have a little fun, no questions or strings, and go back to normal in the morning."

Bella bit her bottom lip, thinking about it. "No strings?"

"No strings."

"You're not going to get hurt?"

"I will be perfectly fine."

Bella nodded then and leaned forward and kissed him again. Her hands pulled his shirt up, over his head, and then she kissed him again, as he did the same with her.

Soon they were naked together on the bed, his mouth ravaging her body. She moaned lightly and then he was hovering over her, sliding into her with ease. They clung together as he thrust against her hips with his. His mouth connected with hers again, drinking in her quiet moan as they rode each other towards their own, private, finish line. She clenched around him tight as she came, and pushed him over the edge, he swelled and thrust a bit harder and faster, pushing himself. He moaned in her ear as he shuddered, meeting his final release. Bella felt the first hot spurt of semen hit her across her folds as he pulled out barely in time. The second spurt hitting her clit.

He leaned down, kissing her hard, his hot, sticky cock pressed between them now. When the kiss broke, he leaned away and found a towel in her personal bathroom and helped clean up.

"Are you okay?" Simon asked her once she was snuggled against him, the blankets pulled up around them.

"Mhm, I'm fine." She murmured. She was just thinking about everything. She couldn't help feeling the way she did. Simon wasn't bad, he was actually quite good, but Jace was…. amazing, but she would never let Simon know that. She remembered Alec's words. Jace tended to be a playboy, and that made her heart sink. Simon was a much safer choice. But that was the thing. It shouldn't be a choice. She should just want to be with Simon regardless of Jace, but she was laying there thinking about Jace.

Simon kissed the top of her head and sighed. "I'm sorry if…"

"It was great Simon. Really." Bella said with a small smile. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just worried about you. It's been a long time for me…"

Bella leaned up, smiling at him. "It was perfect. Thank you," She said and leaned down and kissed him lightly. "I promise."

Simon nodded, kissing her back. "Now get some rest." He said and she smiled and lay back beside him. She closed her eyes, and surprisingly she went to sleep pretty quick.

[October 13th, 2021 6am]

Clary knocked on Bella's door and then walked in. "Oh," she said with a small gasp.

Bella was laying with Simon, and they both appeared to be completely naked. They were facing each other, Bella's head against Simon's chest. Simon opened his eyes, hearing something and looked up at Clary, albeit a bit blurry because he didn't have his glasses on.

"Clary?"

"Simon?" Clary said, her eyebrow raised.

He pulled the blanket up over him and Bella more. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not even going to say it. But there's a meeting that Bella must get to. Wake her up and tell her to meet in the library." Clary said and turned and walked out, closing the door behind her.

Simon sighed, and then gently woke Bella. Bella stirred and stretched. She looked at Simon. "Hey, you have to get up. Meeting with Clary in the library."

Bella groaned. "Why is it so early," She sighed, and then sat up, the blanket dropping and exposing her breast.

Simon reached over and hooked an arm around her and pulled her towards him, his mouth kissing her lightly.

"Mmm. I've got to get ready," She smiled against his lips.

His hands moved down, caressing her breast in a hand, and then traveled down to her hip under the cover. "Five minutes." He said, kissing her again.

Bella smiled. "Tempting, but…" Simon nodded, understanding, his hand dropping away. "Five minutes," she caved, and then he smiled, rolling with her, his mouth going to hers again. His hands went to her clit, rubbing small circles, getting a rise out of her, and she instantly grew wet. He slipped between her legs like earlier this morning and was inside her hot cavern. He was quick, thrusting fast, and a little hard, but she didn't mind it. He was driving them quickly, getting them to their climax faster because of time.

As they hit that climax, Simon pulled away again, emptying himself on the outside. He groaned as he came, his mouth going to hers again.

After a short pause, they got up, and Bella cleaned up, using the bathroom, and brushing her teeth. She threw some clothes on. Simon got his clothes on and waited for her to leave the bathroom. He grabbed her and kissed her quickly which made her giggle a little. "Simon. I got to go."

"I know I know. Have fun."

She smiled and then it faltered. "Simon…this…this was it okay. I don't want you getting hurt."

"Got it Bella, I'm fine. We had fun. Moment over. Now go have your top secret shadowhunter meeting. I'll just be around…as a friend." Simon said, still smiling.

Bella studied him a moment and then nodded. She grabbed her phone from the nightstand and left her room. After a few moments Simon left and went back to his room to change.

In the library, Clary was waiting for her, along with Jace, Alec, and Iz. Maryse and Hodge weren't present.

"Where's Maryse? Hodge?" Bella asked as she joined them.

"Mother took Hodge to Idris. He's being questioned." Alec responded.

"Questioned for what?" Bella frowned.

Jace sighed. "Demons made it into the institute early this morning, around 4 am while most everyone was sleeping. Alec and I handled it, but they got in somehow. Hodge was acting suspicious."

"Valentine is most definitely alive, and the demon attacks coincide with his return. Jocelyn hasn't been recovered yet, and so we're having Magnus come to do some…magic and see if he can't locate her. For now, we're going to patrol different areas of Brooklyn and the Bronx to see if we can't find out any information on Jocelyn's whereabouts if Magnus fails." Alec announced.

"Clary, you will go with Iz and Simon," Jace said and looked around. "Where is Simon?"

"I'll go get him," Bella said with a sigh, and left the library, and found Simon in the control room sitting in a rolling chair, playing on his phone. "You're needed in the library. You've been added to the top secret shadowhunter meeting."

Simon grinned. "Really? That's awesome." He said and got to his feet. He followed Bella to the library. "I was summoned?"

Jace raised a brow at Simon. "Yes. Clary and you will go with Iz here in Brooklyn to take a look around. Simon, you're familiar with Jocelyn, and the only non-shadowhunter. You can't see the demons, but you can do some interference with the public view."

Simon gave a thumbs up. "Sounds awesome. Do I get to have one of those fancy swords?"

"No," Alec and Jace said at the same time.

"Bella, you will come with Alec and I to the Bronx, and we'll look around the club, and head back to Clary's house and look around."

"Wouldn't it make more sense for Clary to go with you and Alec to the apartment?"

Alec shook his head. "We need to investigate it from an outside perspective. I don't want to put Clary in an uncomfortable position and I need her to be thinking clear."

Clary nodded. "I understand. It makes sense."

Magnus appeared then, Luke Galloway with him. "Ah, you started the party without me."

Clary looked at Luke and then ran to him, throwing her arms around him. "Luke!"

"Clary." Luke sighed, hugging her tight. She was like a daughter to him, and he was so glad that she was safe and unharmed. "I'm so sorry. Jocelyn was supposed to meet me back at the precinct to head here, and when she didn't show up, I left to find her, but was stopped by Magnus, who told me that she had been taken."

"Magnus, can you do a location spell?" Alec asked.

"Afraid not. I've tried all night looking for her, but it's like my magic is being blocked." Magnus said, regret in his voice.

Alec sighed. "Okay. Luke you go with Simon, Clary and Iz, and Magnus will come with us back to the Bronx then." He said and then walked out.

Simon looked at Bella, reaching out for her and grabbing her hand. He looked at her, a serious look on his face. "You be careful. I know you're this badass shadowhunter and all and I'm just Simon, but you need to be careful."

Bella nodded and then she hugged Simon, sighing. She did feel scared. Jocelyn was still out there, missing, probably in the hands of Valentine right now, and she had never had to deal with demons in person. "You be careful too. Don't do anything stupid."

"Who me?" Simon said with a laugh. "I'll see you later."

Bella nodded and then hugged Clary. "Be careful."

"You too sis." Clary said softly. "I also saw you…this morning."

"Oh," Bella said and sighed. "Talk about it later okay?"

Clary nodded and left with Simon, Luke, and Iz.

Magnus came up beside Bella and slung his arm around her shoulders. "You…are you okay biscuit?"

Bella managed a smile. "This is all just…so surreal. I can't believe any of this is even happening."

Jace walked over. "Everything is going to be fine. Alec and I won't let you get hurt Bella."

Bella nodded. "I know, but I'm not completely helpless. I can defend myself. Simon can't," she frowned and sighed. "Okay. Let's get Alec and get moving. The longer we wait, it's that much longer that Jocelyn is trapped, victim to Valentine."

With that, they grabbed Alec, their weapons and Magnus portaled them to the club.

[Clary's House: The Bronx October 13th, 2021 8am]

Alec, Jace, Bella, and Magnus looked around Clary's house. Things were still trashed from before, and so that made it easier to look at it from a crime scene perspective.

Magnus picked up books and looked at the shelves and thumbed over a few things. He found a box that have the initials J.C. carved in it. It was locked, but he opened it anyways, and looked inside. There were some clippings of blonde baby hair, a couple of little baby items. Bella walked over to take a look. "This must stand for Jonathan Christopher," she murmured, looking at the box.

Jace frowned and walked over. "That's weird."

"Why?" Bella asked, looking up at Jace.

"Because my name is Jonathan Christopher, but I've been called Jace my whole life." He explained.

Magnus raised a brow. "Jonathan Christopher was Clary's older brother. Valentine's oldest child. He was killed in a fire, supposedly, but we learned recently that Jonathan Christopher is still alive."

Bella paled. "Jace couldn't be…" She looked at Jace.

Jace shook his head. "No, my father was Michael Wayland. I wasn't adopted."

Magnus nodded. "Jace is right. I knew Michael Wayland, and Valentine and Michael are two different people. The quickest way is to just test this hair against Jace. It'll tell you immediately." He said and took the hair from the box and reached over and pulled a hair off Jace's head.

"Thanks for the warning." Jace muttered.

Magnus smirked and held the hairs up together and did something with his free hand. Alec had wandered over and was watching silently, while Bella and Jace were leaning in watching closely. Jace's hair disintegrated. "Mhm. Not the same person. Jace isn't Clary or Bella's brother."

Jace exchanged a look with Bella. "Good, because that would have been terrifying."

Bella nodded her agreement. "Yeah…" She looked to Alec, who was just looking at Magnus with such awe and smiled a little.

"Mmm. I imagine it would be quite devastating for you and Bella to be related considering you both-"

"Yeah, we're great friends, and it would be weird." Bella interrupted and looked around the room, away from the others. "So, is there a way to figure out if this blood is Jocelyn's?"

Magnus smiled. "Well, I would imagine Luke could help with that. I'll send him a text and see if he can't send someone, he trusts over to collect some samples and test it."

Alec nodded, breaking out of his spell that was Magnus. "Okay. So now we just take to the streets now and look around. Find demons, and hopefully find out some details about Jocelyn's disappearance. I'll go with Magnus, cover east from this location. Bella, Jace, you two cover west."

They separated and went their separate ways. Bella was quiet as they walked the alleyways and streets. It was Jace that finally spoke.

"Bella, will you talk to me?"

"We have to find Jocelyn and bring her back." She said simply. She was feeling this…guilt. Like sleeping with Simon last night made her some filthy whore for some reason. Simon was a great guy. He was simple. Jace was so complicated. He could have been her brother and she would have never known. Luckily, he wasn't, but still, it gave her a sick feeling in her stomach. She had an older brother out there that was alive, and she wasn't even sure what he looked like, and where he was and what he was doing with his life. If he was in danger or if he was trying to live an ordinary life. She was not eager to find Valentine because that meant a confrontation, she wasn't ready for. Maryse was already too much for her to handle. She just wanted to slink back to Forks and just forget about New York.

"I'm not your brother. That's good, Bella…" he reached out and grabbed her arm, stopping her and forcing her to turn towards him. "You've been acting strange all morning."

Bella looked at the ground. "I know you're not my brother, and that's good. I have a brother out there I know nothing about other than you and he share the same name. It's confusing, and I just want…I just want to go back home."

Jace studied her face a moment and then he drew her close, resting her head against his shoulder. "I know you were thrown into this impossible world. It's confusing. You're hurting and frustrated, and I understand the want to run. This is a lot to take in, and you've done well so far. Hang in there. I promise you Bella, I won't ever let anything happen to you. I care too much about you for any of this to bring you down." He murmured and kissed the top of her head, breathing in the faint scent of strawberries.

Tears formed in her eyes. "Jace…you can't care for me. It's not right." She said as she drew away. "I'm not the girl you want. Just…let's find Jocelyn and get back to Brooklyn." She said and turned her back on him. She reached up and swiped a tear from her eye. Her phone rang and she answered it quickly, so Jace didn't have a chance to interrupt. "Hello."

"Bells? You okay? You sound a little tired." The voice of her best friend echoed into her ear. Jacob.

"Yeah Jake. I'm fine. Just school stuff." She faked a smile.

"You need to sleep when you can. Listen, I'm in New York."

"You're what? Jake why?"

"To visit you of course. You're not at your apartment I'm assuming because I just knocked on your door a dozen times."

"I'm not at home. Jake you shouldn't be here. It's too dangerous."

"I don't understand. Bells, I'm a wolf. Nothing can hurt me easy. Are you in some kind of trouble?"

"Yes…no…just…stay at my apartment, I'm coming to get you." She said and hung up. She turned to look at Jace. "We need to get to my apartment." She said and rushed back the opposite direction they were walking.

When they got to her apartment, Jake was standing outside her door. He got to her in three big strides and had her in a bone crushing hug. "I missed you so much Bells."

"Jake. I need air." She said as he put her down. "I missed you too, but you should have stayed in La Push. It's too dangerous for you here right now."

Jake frowned and then he looked up at Jace, who was frowning at him. He studied him. Shaggy blonde hair, golden eyes, buff, tattoos all over, dressed all in black. "Who's your friend?"

"Jace Wayland. The boyfriend. You're the best friend." Jace answered, becoming a bit defensive.

"Boyfriend?" Jake scoffed. He took note of his accent, British maybe.

Bella sighed. "Not my boyfriend." She glared at Jace. "Really good friend. Jake we can't stand outside like this." She said and opened her apartment door. Everything was still trashed.

"What the hell happened?" Jake asked as they walked in.

"Long story," Bella said as she closed the door. "I need you to get back to La Push, stay there and protect Charlie. I don't want you here in the way."

"I'm not leaving Bells if you're in trouble."

Jace rolled his eyes, and Bella elbowed him in his ribs. "I can't explain to you-" Bella started.

"We're a secret society. You're not part of the society. You can't come." Jace retorted.

"Secret society?" Jake raised a brow and then crossed his arms across his chest. "Bells. He's not a blood sucker from the looks of him. Is this some sort of New York gang you're in now?"

Bella closed her eyes. "Jace, just tell him. He's a wolf anyways."

Jake's mouth dropped, his arms dropping too. "Bells…"

Jace sighed. "I'm a shadowhunter, so is Bella, and we hunt demons. There are several things I can't explain to you really because you're not going to understand-"

A knock sounded at the door. Bella moved to open it, Jace going into a defensive stance. Bella opened the door barely and then sighed a sigh of relief and opened the door, hugging Jasper to her. "I thought you were in South America."

Jake snarled up his nose. "Ugh. Blood suckers."

Jasper looked over at Jake. "Good. He is here. Carlisle was talking with Billy."

"Your dad talked to my dad?" Jake scoffed again.

Jasper didn't spare another look. "Edward is in South America with some friends of ours, Emmett and Rose stayed behind. I came back because Carlisle said that it would be smart to stay close. Alice is coming from Forks to assist." He said and looked to Jace. "Alice had a vision of Jocelyn. She's missing. Valentine has her."

Jace frowned. "But…"

"So, we have to find Valentine, to get her back. What does he want with her?" Bella asked.

"Not sure. Alice said she didn't get too much. She drew a picture out of Valentine and wasn't sure who he was until I sent it to Magnus, and Magnus was able to confirm. I've already been by the institute. Maryse Lightwood wasn't too pleased for a vampire to show up, but she's set up some allegiance rules and guidelines, and the Clave has the full support of our coven, as well as a few sister covens in the area."

Jace nodded and then he clasped Jasper's hand and they shook hands. "Sounds great mate, thank you for the assistance. Alec and Magnus are covering the East side, are they headed back to the institute? When did Maryse get back? She was in Idris with Hodge."

"Yeah, after they got word that Valentine has Jocelyn, they booked it back to the institute to get in touch with Clary, Simon, and Luke. I followed Bella's scent back to her apartment since you two weren't answering your phones. Maryse was there when I arrived. " Jasper explained.

Bella frowned and looked at her phone. "I didn't get a call, just Jake's."

Jake was seriously confused at this point. "I'm not sure I understand what's happening. Who's Valentine?"

"My biological father," Bella said with a sigh. "There's too much to explain right now. We're too exposed. We need to get back to the institute."

Jace nodded. "We do. Jake will come back with us, Bella…" he said as he noticed her pale and get weak. He grabbed on to her. "Hey, Bella…" He murmured as she passed out.

When Bella woke up, she was in her bed at the institute. Her head was pounding as she got to her feet. She left her room and found everyone in the command center. Maryse looked up at her as she entered. "Ah, you're awake. Good," she said. "Meet me in the library Bella, Jace." She said and left the command center towards the library.

Everyone was looking at her. Jake was standing off to the side in a back corner, Alice was there, and Jasper. Jace went to her, his hands lacing with hers. "Hey. Come on." He murmured softly, and he led her away to the library.

Maryse shut the library door. "Bella, you fainted. We had a doctor look you over. You haven't been eating well I assume, and you're dehydrated. It is important you keep your strength."

Bella nodded. "My apologies Mrs. Lightwood."

Maryse nodded. "Jace filled me in on everything with Valentine and his relation to you and Clary. I have already spoke with Clary. We will get your mother back. Valentine will not harm her."

Bella was a bit confused. "I'm sorry. Jocelyn isn't my mother."

"Oh yes, Renee Dwyer. She's been your mother for years, but it's my understanding that you and Clary are sisters. Alec tells me that Jocelyn had you in secret and had you sent away to protect you." Maryse explained, seeing the confused look on Bella's face.

"Oh. Right. It's just my head hurts. I'm sorry again."

"No need for apologies. Take care of yourself. Jace, I'm headed back to Idris to be part of the judgement against Hodge. Alec is left in charge, as normal. Can you watch over things and help him since Isabelle isn't going to do it?"

Jace nodded his head. "Of course, Maryse. I'll make sure nothing burns down." He said with a quick grin.

Maryse actually smiled. "Good. Bella, I mean it. Take care of yourself," she said as she left.

Bella started to follow her out but Jace stopped her. He looked at her, his eyes full of concern. "Bella, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For earlier. With Jake."

"Oh." She said. "He's my best friend Jace. Like my kid brother, and he worries about me. I didn't know he was just going to show up. I hadn't thought about him doing something like this."

Jace nodded. "I know." He said and pulled her close. "Bella, I would really like…for you-"

"Jace, I can't."

"Why can't we? I can commit to only you. Bella, I haven't even thought about a woman in this way. I'm not the settling down type of person, but I met you Bella…and I really really-"

"Can we just talk about this later? I…just want to get back to everyone, and let them know I'm okay."

Jace studied her a moment, and then let her go. He sighed as she left the library. He closed his eyes as he just reeled in his own emotions before leaving the library and heading back to command.

He stopped before he rounded the corner. He heard Simon's voice, talking to Bella. He peeked around the corner, careful not to be spotted. He felt wrong standing here like this.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Simon asked softly.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just not eating or drinking enough. Nothing serious." Bella responded.

Simon nodded, grabbing her hands in his. "I was worried about you."

"I know, I'm sorry."

Simon reached up and brushed her hair out of her face. He sighed. "Bella, you have to take care of yourself." He leaned in, his lips connecting with hers.

It startled Bella, and she took a step back, placing a hand on Simon's chest. "Simon. Last night…it was a one-time thing. I can't…I can't be with you."

Simon nodded. "I understand. I know. You have feelings for Jace."

"I…" Bella stopped, looking down. "I don't know how I feel. Jace is…" she sighed and then looked back up at Simon. "It's complicated for me. I'm not this girl. I'm nothing. I'm not worth all of this. I don't want anyone to hurt because of me, and already you-"

Simon leaned in and kissed her again, shutting her up. When the kiss broke. "You're worth everything Bella. More than you know. I think you already know how you feel, you're just scared." He took a step back. "Jace makes you happy?"

"I mean…yes. He's…" She sighed. "I don't think I should talk about him with you."

"I'm fine Bella. I'm a big boy. I can handle it."

"He makes me feel…alive inside. It's been a long time since I felt that way, and I just…I fear it. The last man broke me inside and I'm not one hundred percent. I don't want to drag anyone down, especially Jace. I know there are stories about him being this awful playboy, and I just don't really care, because he is gentle with me. He's…he cares about me, and that's all that really matters. I care about Jace a great deal, and I don't want him to hurt."

Jace leaned away from the corner and rested his back against the wall. Bella and Simon had slept together last night. It made him feel angry inside, but the words she was saying. She was letting Simon down. She didn't want to be with Simon. She cared about him, Jace Wayland, the man that was the playboy. That much was true. But why did he still feel so angry about her being with Simon? It's not like he owned her.

Simon had been silent. "Then be with Jace. Forget about everything else right now. Bella, you're going through a lot right now, and if Jace makes you feel…better, then don't hide from that. I made the mistake of hiding from my feelings with Maia. It cost me in the end, and you know what, I learned from that. I care about you Bella. I'm happy that I got to meet you, and I'm the better for it. Even if I care about you in a different way that you care about me, I'm okay because I know that I'm strong enough to just be your friend. Even a best friend."

Bella smiled at Simon. "Thank you."

Simon shrugged. "Yeah. Well, you don't have to thank me. You do, however, have to keep eating pretzels with me, and having our weekly coffee chats, and not to mention coming to all my shows." He grinned wide.

Bella nodded. "Of course." She said and then they walked away from the hall and towards the command center.

Jace sighed as he peered around the corner and saw that they had left. He waited a few moments and then he went to command as well, trying to tame his own thoughts for now.