Hey! Sorry for the short notice, but there is only ONE chapter left after this one. That being said, I'm debating writing two different endings to this story. Neither will be very pleasant. For that, I am sorry. But I hope this one is sweet, and intense, and a tear-jerker. Lemme know what you think! Thanks, all!

I'd been awake for some time, curled on my side, listening to Magnus's soft snoring. The early morning traffic was hushed, as if the public were taking extra care not to wake the man in my bed. Quietly I reached over and checked the time on my phone. Class would be starting in half an hour, but I had no desire to move. I wanted to stay in this bed for the rest of the week. If it meant my grades would start to slip and my family would resent me but I would still have Magnus, I would not have any regrets.

The mattress shifted behind me and I felt an arm curl around my waist. I smiled as two soft lips pressed against my shoulder blade. Magnus inched closer, spooning my body with his, and rested his chin on my shoulder.

"Good morning," he whispered.

"Hey." I turned my head so he could lean down and kiss me.

"What time does your class start today?"

I rolled over to face him. "I have not missed a single class since I've been enrolled. I think I can afford to skip out today."

Magnus propped himself up on one elbow and traced the length of my arm with his fingertips. "You're not cancelling your classes to spend time with me, are you?"

"Let's just say I'm clearing my schedule to make time for your appointment with me."

Magnus smiled, but there was something in the curve of his lips, in the crinkle of his eyes, that roused a spark of doubt. I brought myself up onto one elbow and studied him at eye-level. If there was one face I was all too familiar with, it was a masked happiness.

"What's wrong?"

"I've been thinking. . ."

I reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing his fingers. "Tell me," I prompted.

His eyes met mine. "This isn't a life I want for you, Alexander."

"What do you mean?"

"I know you said that I haven't changed you, that I've unleashed you. But you have changed. When I first met you, you were this quiet, shy guy who blushed whenever I so much as looked at you. This life that I've dragged you into, the fighting, the running, the never knowing what's lurking around the corner, it's fading away the best parts of you. I fell in love with your vulnerability. This life. . . my life has hardened your edges. I love the real you. I want the real you back."

"I'll always be me deep down, Magnus."

"I want the real you deep down and on the surface. I'm just afraid that one day I won't be looking at you anymore, and I'll never get you back."

Not so long ago I'd been terrified of the thought of falling in love with my brother's sworn enemy. I'd suspected Magnus only sought to wound me, be it physically or mentally. But here this "enemy" was, laying in front of me expressing his fear for my losing myself down the dark and dangerous path he was leading me. I never would have guessed that I would be the one trying to assuage his apprehension.

"How can I convince you that you'll never lose me?"

Magnus looked down at our clasped hands. "Move away with me."

I blanched. "Say what?"

He met my gaze again and offered a hopeful smile. "You once mentioned that you'd be willing to uproot your life here to start over somewhere else. With me. Would you still consider it, Alexander?"

Would I consider packing up and leaving everything behind? Would I consider uprooting my life and moving away, much to the aggravation of my family? Would I consider concocting one giant lie to feed Jace and the rest of my family in order to help Magnus?

There was only one answer.

"I don't need to consider it," I said. "My answer is yes."

My lack of hesitation seemed to surprise him. "Are you serious?" he asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"Are you?"

"Yes!"

I laughed and threw my arms around his neck, pulling him close to me in a tight embrace. His breath whispered against my ear as he chuckled and pressed his hand against the small of my back. He rolled, pinning me under him, and pushed his lips against mine. When he pulled back, he trailed his finger lightly over the scar framing my face.

"You want some breakfast?"

I smirked. "How about blueberry pancakes and mimosas?"

Magnus's responsive smile was almost apologetic. "Now might be a good time to mention I'm not so handy in the kitchen."

"You mean the man of my dreams can't even cook me breakfast?"

"I'm a chemist, not a chef."

"There's no difference."

Magnus captured my mouth with his, nipping at my bottom lip when he pulled away.

"How about frozen waffles and virgin mimosas?" I asked.

"The breakfast of champions."

Magnus climbed from the bed and searched for his clothes. I watched for a moment, enjoying the view of his naked backside before sliding off the bed myself. I slipped on an old shirt and a pair of jeans. As I trudged down the hall, Magnus snuck up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. We laughed as we awkwardly waddled down the hallway to the kitchen. He finally released me to search for some plates and glasses, but not before giving my middle a squeeze and my ass a light smack.

Breakfast was heavenly despite the fact that it consisted of toasted waffles and orange juice. Together we sat on the sofa and watched awful daytime television. During one of the commercial breaks, Magnus reached over and wiped a smudge of syrup from the corner of my mouth. He licked his finger clean, his eyes twinkling. I blushed, which only made his smile widen.

After generously cleaning up our dishes, Magnus plopped back down on the sofa beside me. He draped his arm across my shoulders and pulled me close to plant a kiss on my cheek. "Do you mind if I have a quick shower?"

I got up to go fetch my laptop. "Nope. You go right ahead."

"Where are you going?"

After retrieving it, I held the laptop up pointedly. "I'm going to do some online shopping. See what's on the market for rent. Any preferences in where you'd like to go?"

"As long as it's far away, I don't care." He began making his way to the bathroom and called over his shoulder, "You pick."

My searches brought up a wide variety of living quarters. All of my top picks were rentals close to universities. The majority of them were upscale and modern; though, since I did not know what appealed to Magnus, I kept a small selection average, traditional homes at the ready. I knew picking a second-rate rental would make my parents disgruntled and suspicious, but I still felt Magnus should have a choice in the matter. With any luck, my parents would trust the lies I was going to deliver without too many questions.

Loud knocks suddenly echoed from the door. Without much thought, I set the laptop down and went to answer it. My smile faded when I opened the door and found Jace staring at me. He shoved his way inside before I could utter a single word. I kept the door open, my heart racing in a panic. Jace halted in the living room and whirled around to face me. Magnus was still in the bathroom, and if he came out while Jace was still here. . .

"What's going on with you, Alec?" Jace demanded.

"What are you talking about?"

"Jesus." Jace moved forward and held my face between his hands, turning me this way and that. "Where did you get these?"

I shoved his hands away. "Get what?"

He pointed down at my faintly bruised knuckles and then at my face. "The bruises, the scars."

"I've had them for a while. You just haven't noticed until now."

"Bullshit! I noticed. I just thought. . .your girl liked being a little rough."

"Why are you here, Jace?" I questioned, determined to resolve this and get him out of the apartment as quickly as possible.

"I've been hearing some rumors about you, Alec."

My throat went dry but I retained my composure. "What kind of rumors?"

"Rumors that you've been associating yourself with the wrong crowd."

"That's blasphemous."

"Oh really? Why aren't you in class right now?" Jace countered.

"You know how hard I work. I think I've earned a day off."

"I know you, Alec. Just the thought of missing class without a viable excuse would register as absurd in your mind. You've never missed a class; yet, here you are. Home on a school day. Your lip is split and there's a nasty scar down the side of your entire fucking face, not to mention your knuckles are bruised to shit."

"What I do with my own time is none of your business, Jace."

"If it concerns your safety it's my business."

"My safety is not in jeopardy."

"Oh really? So one of my guys didn't see you engaging in a fight that involved a pack of violent thugs?"

Shit. The kid had recognized me after all. "Don't be ridiculous."

The apartment suddenly went eerily quiet. Jace, who'd opened his mouth to make a retort, whipped his head around in the direction of the bathroom. My heart froze in my chest. Magnus had nabbed Jace's attention by turning the shower off.

"Is there someone in the bathroom?" Jace asked.

"Yes."

"Who?"

"That's none of your business," I growled. "In fact, you really don't have any right to be here so get the hell out of my apartment."

Jace's gaze was hard, frigid. "You're keeping secrets from me."

"Seriously? You are going to lecture me on keeping secrets?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't think I haven't noticed how many times you've cancelled our plans, Jace. Or the strange guys always following you around. And another thing: how did you catch wind of the little rumor about me socializing with thugs? Which crowd have you been hanging out with?"

"We're not here to discuss me," Jace thwarted.

"Right. I forgot. It's forbidden to discuss your life. Let's just stash this with all your other little secrets."

Jace stared at me, baffled. "Who are you?"

I clenched my hands into fists. "Is that why you're upset, Jace? Does it scare you that I'm finally standing up for myself? Does it piss you off that you can't control me and manipulate me to get away with your shit anymore?"

Jace lunged at me, grabbing fistfuls of the front of my shirt. I raised my fist, ready to punch him and knock him away from me.

"Hey!"

Jace instantly released me and stepped back. The two of us turned to see Magnus striding over, his eyes dark, determined, and deadly. His clothes clung to his body, and his hair was damp and disheveled. He positioned himself between Jace and I, glaring down at my brother.

"Don't put your fucking hands on him."

Jace's golden eyes were wide, stunned. He backed away. "Alec, what is Magnus fucking Bane doing in your apartment?"

"That is no concern of yours, Jace fucking Lightwood," Magnus interjected.

As it had happened before, time seemed to slow down. With frightening clarity, I saw Jace reach for something behind him. I reacted automatically, pulling Magnus behind me and shielding him with my own body within seconds. Jace's hand froze behind him, and I imagined his fingertips resting on the butt of his gun.

"You can't hurt him, Jace," I said. "Not without hurting me."

"You—" Jace blinked. "You're protecting him?"

"I have to." I trembled as I took a deep breath. "I love him."

Jace's intake of breath was sharp. His eyes darted back and forth between Magnus and me. He shook his head, refusing to believe my confession. "You like girls."

"In your mind, yes. But in reality, my heart follows those of the masculine gender."

"Alec, you can't be—"

"I am," I insisted defiantly. "You can accept me or refute me as I am, but you will not harm the man I love. Magnus has never hurt me; he's protected me. He did not force me to participate in any gang affairs, which I know you are a part of. In fact, Magnus has tried to shield me from everything. Open your eyes, Jace. He hasn't touched you, hasn't even threatened you. Please, just walk away. We'll leave this behind us."

Jace tensed, torn between his options. I knew in his mind he believed leaving me with Magnus would endanger me. But if he tried to hurt Magnus, he'd hurt his own brother. It was a long while of unsettling silence before Jace finally lowered his hand and began slowly making his way to the door. He caught my eyes briefly before hastily averting his, but not before shooting a venomous glare at Magnus. We watched him wordlessly as he left the apartment, closing the door behind him.

I let out the breath I'd absently been holding and rushed to lock the door. I turned back to Magnus, but I was afraid to meet his gaze.

"I think," Magnus said quietly, "it would be wise if we carried out with our plans as soon as possible."

I nodded. The sooner we left this predicament behind, the better.

Magnus had been speaking in private with Raphael for over an hour. It felt odd to be back in the place where I'd nearly been beaten to death, where I'd first met Magnus. I'd been waiting awkwardly in the common room before one of the members had dragged me over to the pool table. He'd introduced himself as Nixy, whom I'd remembered Magnus clarifying as Aldous Nix not long ago. As it turned out, Nixy was a nice guy. Boisterous, sociable, and a kickass pool player. The other members seemed reluctant to accept me, but Nixy talked to me as thought he'd known me his entire life.

"You ever been to that new art centre they opened uptown?" Nixy asked as he racked the balls for another round.

"I haven't, actually. But I'd like to go."

"My girl keeps nagging me to take her. I figure it'll earn me some points to go, but art shit makes no sense to me. You and Magnus should tag along, keep me awake on the tour."

"Keep you from having an aneurism from all the abstract meanings and inner emotions?" I joked.

Nixy picked up his stick and pointed it at me. "Exactly."

I smiled, not bothering to mention that Magnus and I would not be hanging around for much longer. Magnus had made it clear that he wanted a minimal amount of people knowing about our relocating. And the bare minimum meant Raphael and my parents. Jace would eventually find out. That was unavoidable. But I hoped Magnus and I would be settled before Jace raised any objections. . . if he raised any at all.

A door opened and Magnus and Raphael slipped into the common room. I couldn't tell if Raphael was flustered or if he was in his usual pissed off, I-hate-everything mood. Magnus stuck out his hand to the brunette, which Raphael took and pulled him in for a one-armed hug. I watched as Magnus quickly made his way around the room, giving everyone a well-masked, everyday farewell. No one seemed to suspect that these were legitimate goodbyes, not even Nixy.

Magnus held his hand out to me. "Ready to go?"

I put my stick away and took Magnus's hand. With a polite nod to Nixy, I said, "We'll make plans to score you points, all right?"

Nixy winked. "Ring me up anytime, brother."

We turned to leave after Magnus gave a final wave to Raphael. We made it as far as the exit before Raphael caught up to us. There was something different in the way he carried himself, as if he held himself higher, taller. I supposed as the new leader he would be required to be well-grounded and self-assured.

Raphael held out a gun to Magnus. "I know you said you wanted to leave this life behind, but I don't want you walking around unprotected. We won't be there to protect you, so give me some peace of mind and carry this. Just for a little while."

Magnus took his weapon and slipped it into the back of his jeans. He wrapped his arms around his second in command, whispering a grateful thank you. Raphael hugged him back before stepping away. He turned his eyes on me and I felt myself fidgeting under his gaze.

"This guy is crazy about you," he said, flicking his head in Magnus's direction. "Looks like Nixy is, too. As far as I'm concerned, you're part of the family, Alexander."

"T-thank you," I stammered, caught off guard by his kindness.

Raphael nodded curtly before turning on his heel and leaving us behind. Magnus gave a small shrug and a smile before taking my hand and tugging me out the car waiting in the alley. We got inside and stared out the windows mutely as we drove back to my apartment. I checked the time on my phone. We'd purchased some last-minute plane tickets online. There were only a few hours left for us to pack a few belongings and make our way to the airport. Our plan was to rent a hotel room temporarily while looking for a new space to live. Our destination was nearly on the opposite side of the country. I hoped it was far enough away.

"Take as long as you need," Magnus said as we rode the elevator up to my floor.

I gave him a quick kiss before the elevator doors opened. We made our way to the apartment, hands intertwined. I let go to unlock the door. Magnus stepped inside and flicked on the lights. I followed him as he headed for the bedroom.

"Alec."

I stopped dead in my tracks. Magnus reached for my hand as I turned, squeezing my fingers tightly. I did not know if he was frightened or if he was trying to reassure me.

Jace stepped out from the kitchen. He'd been quiet enough that we'd walked right past him. My insides frosted over when I caught site of the gun in Jace's hand. Magnus and I stepped forward at the same time, each of us trying to shield the other with our body. Instead we remained side-by-side, one step closer to the threat in my living room.

I wondered if Jace was stupid enough to fire a gun inside an apartment building. I also wondered if Magnus would reach for his own gun.

"Alec," Jace said, too calmly, "I don't care if you prefer men over women. You can love any man you want, just not Magnus Bane."

"You can't dictate who I fall in love with, Jace," I said. "The same way I can't choose who I fall in love with. You just have to accept this."

"I can't accept this." Jace raised his gun.

"Don't!" I stepped forward again, still holding Magnus's hand. "I know you just want to protect me, Jace. But doing this will have the opposite effect. I need you to stop being my protector for a minute and just be my brother."

Jace slowly lowered the gun. His eyes glimmered as I stared at him, pleading silently. The pain I was putting him through was ripping me apart, but that agony would be multiplied tenfold if something happened to Magnus. For both of us.

Jace drew his shoulders back and declared, "This is not the life I want for you." He tore his eyes from mine, lifted the gun, and fired.

The shot rang out, clear and deafening. Magnus let out a grunt and his hand was ripped from mine as he collapsed backward. I whirled around, trembling from head to foot, my mouth agape. I watched, frozen, as Magnus's jacket began to darken in color and his face began to pale.

"Oh God," I whispered. "Oh God, oh God, oh God."

I dropped to my knees and fumbled with the zipper on Magnus's jacket. It finally slid down and I pushed the material aside to inspect Magnus's chest. His shirt was rapidly soaking with dark blood, and the source was a single bullet hole right over his heart.

My head swam and my stomach lurched. I wanted to faint and vomit and run away and scream and help Magnus all at the same time. I sat back on my heels, hyperventilating and shaking like I'd be electrocuted.

Magnus turned his head toward me. His beautiful yellow-green eyes were watery and terrified. He opened his mouth to speak but ended up coughing up globs of blood that ran from the corners of his mouth and down his cheeks. His body quaked as he choked on blood and groaned.

I snapped out of my shock and rose onto my knees. With both hands, I pushed down firmly on the bullet hole, willing the blood to stop. The dark liquid gushed between my fingers, warming and staining my skin.

I looked down at Magnus's face but he was staring up at the ceiling. "Magnus, look at me. Look at me, baby."

Tears leaked from his eyes as they met mine.

"You're going to be okay. I've got you. It's not that bad." My voice was calm, but I was speaking too fast.

Magnus tried to speak again but choked on more blood and only managed to whimper. Weakly, he raised his right hand from the floor. Fighting back my own tears, I took his hand in my right and squeezed. I used my body weight to push down with my left. Blood continued to leak around my hand.

I had not heard Jace approach behind me, but his voice did not startle me when he spoke: "There's nothing you can do, Alec. Let him go."

"Get out," I hissed malevolently.

"I did what's best—"

"GET OUT!"

Too focused on Magnus to look over my shoulder, I concentrated on the sound of Jace's retreating footsteps. The door opened and closed softly. I blinked back tears and held Magnus's hand tighter. His eyes were rimmed with red. He was crying as much as he was bleeding out. The fear I saw in his face was ripping my heart to shreds. He was dying and it was scaring the hell out of him. Worst of all, I couldn't ease his fear.

"Shh, it's okay, Mags. I'm right here. Just try to breathe, baby. Just try—"

Magnus's grip on my hand suddenly loosened and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. His body began seizing before lying completely still. . . too still. Amidst my shock and terror, it hadn't occurred to me to call for help. But the second the thought popped into my head, I reached into my pocket with my trembling right hand and withdrew my cell phone. The blood made my fingers slip against the keys, but I managed to call 911. I hastily gave the dispatcher my address and begged for help to hurry. Without hanging up, I set the phone on the floor and continued putting pressure on the wound.

Don't die, Magnus. Please don't die. I need you.

The images began replaying in my mind: Magnus hitting the floor, blood splattering against his face, Jace raising his gun. . .

Raising his gun?

My hand moved on its own accord, sliding under Magnus's body to the small of his back. My fingers touched the hardness of metal. I wrapped my fingers around the gun and pulled it out. The weapon felt strangely light in my hand. Not wanting to get Magnus in trouble, I slipped the gun into the back of my jeans and pulled my shirt and jacket down over it.

Paramedics arrived moments later. They pushed me aside and set to work on Magnus. I watched, huddled on the floor as tears streamed down my cheeks.

Only bits and pieces of their conversation registered in my head:

"Male, early twenties. . ."

". . .unconscious and not breathing. . ."

". . .gunshot wound. . ."

"Roll him over. . . No exit wound."

"Starting compressions."

They slid Magnus onto a backboard and lifted him to take him from the apartment. One of the paramedics, a female, called out to me. Her words sounded like she was yelling at me from far away. She asked me if I wanted to ride in the ambulance to the hospital, but I did not respond. I'd forgotten how to speak. My tongue was leaden in my mouth. She murmured something about shock and continued evacuating Magnus with her partner.

I sat there on the floor, staring at the puddle of Magnus's blood. It made sense to think that welcoming Magnus into my life knowing he was involved in a dangerous life of hate and brutality was the riskiest decision I would ever make. But I saw now that that was not the truth. The truth was the deadliest mistake that had been made was Magnus meeting me. In the end, I had been the greater threat, the greater gamble, and Magnus had been the fatality.