4

Lightwoods

"Sorry it took so long." Jace and Leigh-Ann looked up as the door opened. Isabelle came through the door, a young man behind her and an older looking woman, sort of cold looking, coming in after him. "Mom and Alec were in the middle of a meeting."

"Leigh-Ann Grace Taylor; such a lovely young lady," the older woman said. Leigh-Ann looked to her right again before looking back up at her. "I'm Maryse Lightwood."

"I'm Alexander Lightwood," the younger man, who looked about Isabelle and Jace's age, maybe a little older, said. "But call me Alec; that's my preference."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." She looked right again. Only Jace seemed to be the one who noticed her actions.

"How are you feeling, Leigh-Ann?" Maryse asked her.

"I'm alright, I suppose," she replied. "I'm just a little boggled."

Maryse nodded. "I would be surprised if you weren't, dear. Because of recent events, I must ask if you would consider staying here, so you'll have somewhere to stay. We can all help take care of you-"

"I'm grateful," Leigh-Ann started, cutting her off. "And I'll be glad to stay here just as long as I'm allowed to take care of myself."

Maryse nodded in reply. "Well, of course. You're only one of the strongest young shadowhunters known to our kind. That's expected."

Her actions of something bothering her reoccurred again.

"Does the Clave know where I am?" she asked.

"They have been informed of your predicament and are aware of your whereabouts. However, you need not worry, dear. The Clave has not asked for your presence and I assume that they won't."

"We do need to know why Jonathan Morgenstern was after you, though," Alec said.

"I…" she looked away. "I don't even know that myself." Her fingernails dug into the back of her hand. Lying isn't the right thing to do, she thought.

"Well, if you ever find out, inform us, okay?"

She nodded.

"Well, it looks as though Leigh-Ann needs her rest, so Alec, Isabelle, Jace, come along."

"Could I stay with her?" Jace asked.

"Oh, Jace, the poor girl doesn't want to be hit on by you," Isabelle said.

"Actually, could he stay with me?" Leigh-Ann cut in, her face blazing. "I like the company."

All of them looked at her in surprise; even Jace. "Well, I suppose. Come along, Alec and Isabelle." Maryse gestured them out the door and it shut loudly behind them.

"Those were not the words I was expecting," Jace said.

"Don't get cocky," she snapped. "I'll have Sadie rip your limbs off if you do anything stupid."

He put his hands up in surrender. "I wasn't going to. So," he started. "You tend to look at the right when something is bothering you." She tensed and did it again. "Yeah; just like that."

"You're extremely observant," she mumbled.
"That's observant of you," he replied, tone sarcastic and mocking. "I assume you don't want to tell them of your Angel and Demon predicament."

She shook her head. "Maryse seems as though she'd turn me in."
"She'd have to or she'd get in trouble."

"So will you."

"Yes, but I'm always in trouble." His hand went upon Sadie's ears, rubbing them. Sadie whined in affection, pleased by this and licked his hands.

"She likes you," Leigh-Ann muttered.

"Well, I like her, too. Are you hungry?"
"I am; a bit, actually. Why?" she looked up at him.

"Well, I know this place called Taki's and I was curious as to if you and Sadie would come to dinner with me."

She looked up at him. "Is it good?"

"It's splendid. Here," he began, reaching for something behind his chair. He pulled out a red strapped dress and a pair of flats. "These are Isabelle's. She's about your size and this is the only pair of flats she has."

"What do you think, Sadie?" she asked, looking down at the dog.

Sadie let out an encouraging bark, her tail wagging at ninety miles an hour, and she jumped off the of the bed, running to the door in indication that she wanted to go.

"You got my best friend's attention, so you've got mine." She took the dress from him and went to the bathroom, prepping herself up.

When she came out, Jace looked up. She noticed his face flush a bit and his jaw dropped but he composed himself as quickly as possible trying to put back on his cool act. Leigh-Ann couldn't help but blush; it was impossible.

"You look great," he complimented, though he kept his tone even. "Shall we go then?"

She nodded and then whistled. "Come on, Sadie," she beckoned at the door. Jace followed behind them and then came to her side, leading her to an elevator.