A Life for a Life
Chapter 8
A/N: Hello everyone! There has been a big boom in story followers and that makes me jump up and down with joy. When I started this fanfic I never thought it would get the reaction it did. Millions of thanks! Hope you enjoy the chapter!
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Tessa felt the hope rising up inside of her. Could this be it? Could this be Jem's chance to live a normal live? Jem was a little bit shocked to know that Magnus was here for Tessa and a little bit hurt to know that his wife did not tell him about this. "Tessa, what is going on?"
Magnus took the liberty of answering. "She has asked me to look into the possibility of finding a cure for you. That is why I am here. I am reporting my findings."
"And?" Tessa asked in a vulnerable voice while praying silently for good news.
"I have found a new resource which I will look into. I know it is not the news you wanted, but it is something."
Tessa felt a little sting of disappointment, but not enough to crush her hope. There was still a chance. "Thank you." Tessa said with a half smile. She turned towards Jem to see his reaction, but it was not what she had expected. He was angry. His hands were clutched into fists at his sides and his glaring eyes were turned towards her.
"What were you thinking Tessa?"
Tessa fumbled with her fingers. She didn't expect Jem to be mad at her, after all she was doing this for both of them. "I don't understand why you are angry."
Jem raked his hand through his hair roughly. "My illness is my own burden to bare, not yours. You know there is no cure for me."
"But Magnus just said..." Jem's voice rose and overpowered Tessa's words. "I don't care what he says! It all leads to dead ends! I just want to live my last moments in peace!"
Tessa tried to calm herself down, but the anger rose inside of her like an overflowing river. Before she could stop herself the words came tumbling out. "Don't you want to live long enough to see your child grow up?!"
Jem's entire body froze instantly. He closed his eyes for a few minutes and when he opened them they were filled with sadness. "Of course I do." Jem said in a voice so soft they had to strain to hear him.
Tessa instantly regretted her words. She really did not want to hurt him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. "I am sorry. I did not mean that. I am just so scared." Tessa said with a cracked voice.
Jem pulled her even closer as if he could protect her from her fears. He could already feel hot tears staining the shoulder of his shirt. "I don't want to raise this baby alone Jem, I don't want to be a widow." For a moment Jem thought his heart had stopped. His veins felt like pieces of ice. He did not want a life like that for Tessa or his child. He wanted them to be happy and safe.
He lifted Tessa's chin so that they were face to face. "You will never be alone Tessa. That I promise you." Tessa gave him a half smile before realising that Will, Sophie and Magnus were still there watching them. They both turned bright red before giving nervous laughs. "Sorry about that everyone." Tessa said nervously.
Luckily she did not have to apologize any further when Charlotte walked in carrying little Henry Jnr on her hip. "What on earth is going on here?" she said then stopped. She surveyed the room in front of her.
Tessa had to admit that it probably looked awful. Gabriel was still passed out on the floor. Magnus, Will and Sophie were all white in the face while Jem and Tessa were probably red with embarrassment. Charlotte slapped her hand over her face while turning around to walk away. "I do not want to know." was all she said.
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Will laid motionless on his bed with his arm draped over his eyes. The day had taken its toll and he was beyond tired. After locking up Gabriel in one of the nearby rooms he had come straight back to bed. Just as he was about to drift off into sleep a soft knock sounded at his door. Will groaned "Come in."
When he lifted his arm he immediately recognised Jem's silvery streaked hair. Surprised by the visit Will instantly sat upright on the bed and was soon joined by Jem. "Tired?" Jem noted.
Will nodded with a half smile. "How about you?"
Jem's eyes were distant as he shook his head. "I can barley sleep. Gabriel's words keep echoing in my mind."
Will grunted. "You cannot possibly take anything he says seriously. Besides do you really think your child will be a monster?"
"Absolutely not." Jem said without a moment's hesitation. "I do not fear my child. I fear for my child."
Will studied Jem's face. Already he could see the features of a fiercely protective father who would do anything to protect his family. A father who any child would be lucky to have.
"I am going to go to the council tomorrow." Jem said after a while. "I am going to tell them about Tessa's pregnancy."
Will could already sense Jem's intentions. "You think that informing the council will prevent shadowhunters from coming after the baby."
Jem nodded. "If the council sees that we are willing to cooperate then maybe they can convince others that the baby is harmless."
Will mulled the information around in his head for a while before answering. "What if the council agrees with Gabriel?"
Jem sighed. "That is why I am here. I need to ask a favour of you my brother."
"Anything." Will said without hesitation. Jem was his parabotai after all.
"If things do not go as planned, will you help me find a safe place for Tessa? A safe place where she can have the baby?" Will swallowed a lump in his throat. Never in a million years would he have thought to have this conversation with Jem. "Of course."
Jem gave a thankful smile. "Thank you." he said before getting up to leave. As he put his hand on the door, he turned around to face Will once more. "Before I go I need to ask you one more favour. I know I already asked a lot."
Before Jem could finish Will answered. "Name it."
Jem took a deep breath before continuing. "When I die, would you look after Tessa for me? I do not want her and the baby to be alone."
Will was startled by this. "Jem you are not-" Jem held up his hand to stop him. "Please?" Will stared at Jem for a while before answering. "I promise. I will always look after Tessa. Even if you did not ask me I still would have."
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I really hope that everyone enjoyed this chapter. A lot of interesting things are happening. Can't wait to read the reviews!
