So now I am up to Chapter 17. At this point I'm trying to be really vague. I want to put hints of what's to come in these slow chapters. And I'm sure people are wondering why I put the name Derek instead of Jace in the last chapter. Simple. It was a mistake because I am currently starting a new fanfic on the Darkest Powers series. So... yeah... Please enjoy and review!

Clary is having nightmares after her encounter with the Greater Demon. Who is there to comfort her, but the always dependable Jace. Clary's dreams have become sour and they're starting to feel more and more realistic. What will Clary do when things get to close for comfort? How will Jace manage to make his girl feel safe again? Read on to find out...

Chapter 17

Just like Jace promised he's there waiting for me of the next floor. Alec seems to have regained consciousness after the brutal encounter with the Greater Demon. He looks a little bruised and beat up, but it's nothing one of those rune things can't heal.

Jace stands and runs over to me when he sees me. I close my eyes and let the weapons fall from my hands. Jace catches me before I collapse. "I'm here. I'm here for you, Clary."

I squeeze my eyes shut to clear the haze. "Jace…"

My voice can't get any higher than a whisper, but it will have to do. Jace pulls back to look into my eyes. "What is it? Is something wrong? Are you hurt anywhere?"

I shake my head then swallow hard. "I know what happened to your mother."

Jace stares at me for a second not knowing what to say. Then I see him swallow. "You do?"

I frown deeply and lean my head against Jace's strong chest. "I'm sorry."

Jace wraps his arms tightly around me. I feel like he's trying to comfort himself more than me. That's fine. I want to be here for him. I wrap my arms around Jace's waist and squeeze. "Do you want me to tell you now or do you want to wait?"

Jace kisses my forehead. "How about we wait to talk about this until we get back to the institute?"

I nod and just hold him. Finally I hear Alec clear his throat. "Sorry to interrupt, but I really think we should be getting back. I don't want to leave Magnus outside for much longer. Also, with Izzy and Simon alone together they're bound to do something stupid."

Jace smirks at Alec. "They've been doing something stupid for two months now. Get with the times, Alec."

Jace is trying to joke to lighten the mood, but I can tell his heart isn't into it. I reach up to stroke Jace's cheek. "Let's go back home."

Before leaving I reach down for my dropped weapons. I wipe the blood from the blades. Jace quickly grabs my hand and looks to see the deep gash. Jace looks up at me with a stern expression. "Did it do this to you?"

"No," I look away.

Jace's grip on my hand tightens. "You did this to yourself? Do you know how incredibly stupid and irresponsible that is? You could have passed out from the blood loss."

I'm about to snap back at Jace when I see the worry in his eyes. I just told him that his mother is dead and now knowing that I could have just as easily been taken away from him he's really freaking out.

Jace quickly pulls out his stele and draws a rune on my wrist. I grab Jace's hand before he pulls away from him. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. It was just the most efficient thing to do."

For a second Jace looks furious, but he lets it go. I move in front of him so he has to look at me. Jace slowly wraps his arms around me. "I don't want to lose someone else."

I take Jace's hand and lead him to the stairs. Alec is just in front of us. I can feel Jace's hand flexing against mine. I look back to see a bit of sadness in Jace's eyes for the loss of the mother he never got to know… and never will.

When we leave the apartment building we find Magnus looking in a mirror checking his hair. Magnus looks up and smiles. "How'd it go?"

Jace pulls me close and keeps on walking. Alec stays behind to explain things to Magnus. I can feel how tense Jace is by the way he's holding me. I know I really scared him up there. I put my arms around Jace and let him lead me home. I'm really tired and the blood loss really isn't helping.

Once we're back at the institute Jace takes me straight to my room. I take off my coat and all my weapons. Then I lie down in bed. Jace turns to leave, but I grab his hand. "Please, don't leave."

Jace nods then takes off his weapons and armor. That leaves him in a t-shirt and his boxers. I turn to him as he lies down next to me. I place my head on Jace's chest. I feel his arm wrap around my waist. "Clary… are you okay?"

I squeeze my eyes shut and clench my fists. "Did you see what I saw? Jace?"

Jace nods. "Yeah…"

I open my eyes and look up to see Jace's golden eyes looking down at me. "That thing is what's behind everything. It has planned everything. It's the reason why shadow hunters and Downworlders are going missing. Whatever it is, it's pure evil."

Jace leans down to kiss me lightly on the lips. "We will stop it. I promise."

After Jace speaks he leans down to kiss me again. We break apart after about a minute. I place my hand lightly on Jace's cheek. "Jace… I love you."

For a second Jace is completely silent, but then he lets out a relieved sigh. Jace leans his head against mine. "I love you too, Clary."

I move against Jace's body just so I know he's there. My eyes start to slowly drift closed. I let out a content sigh as Jace pulls me in even closer. I drift off into sleep next to the man I love.

That night I dream. Actually, it feels nothing like a dream. More like a nightmare. My nightmares used to be really bad because of the things I used to see and do. Still, it's nothing compared to the nightmares I've had in the past. I can feel pure terror running through my body.

There's nothing, but darkness. No matter where I look there's no sign of light. I'm walking, but I don't know where to. I can feel something in my hand. A weapon?

Suddenly, a dull, red, light illuminates the sky. I look up to see a blood red moon. It's happening again. I stop myself. What's happening again? I have no idea what's going on. I'm scared, but I don't know why. Not knowing and being afraid are the worst two feelings to have put together.

When I look around I get the feeling that I'm being watched. I don't stop to ponder. My feet move on their own. It's like I'm not controlling my own body. I'm a spectator in my own body. I run toward a charred building. I go inside and shut a door behind me just as something rushes by. I stay absolutely still.

Then I start to move again. I enter another room of the building that looks like it was completely destroyed by a fire. I keep on moving. There's no time to waste on this.

I move onto the next room. I go to the lower levels without knowing it. I end up in some strange room where the floor is covered with shattered glass. I don't go in. I crouch down and pick up a piece of glass with a hand that's way too thick to be my own. The hand turns to glass shard so I can see my reflection. This isn't me. It's a man with a gruff beard and a worn out look on his face.

The man hears something outside and drops the mirror fragment. He quickly stands and moves out of the room to find a place to hide. He moves into another room where the walls seem to be oozing some red stuff. The man moves over and takes a closer look. When the smell hits him he wheels backward. I know this smell too. It's the smell of blood. The walls are leaking blood.

Bile threatens to come up. I feel sick myself and I know this isn't real. Or… maybe… there's no way this can be real… right? I can't tell at this point anymore.

The man tries to move to another room, but something with a lot of evil power is moving toward the room. The man turns back into the room and hides behind some charred boxes and a desk. He sits while clutching something in his hands tightly. It's only now that I realize that it's a seraph blade.

Suddenly the door to the room flies open and off its hinges. The door hits the wall in front of the man and lands on one of his feet. The man bites his hand to keep from crying out in pain.

I feel an increasing feeling of dread and hopelessness fill me. I try not to let it distract me, but I've felt this before. Where have I felt this before? Who is this man who I'm looking at this dark world through?

When I think nothing could get worse I feel a chilling breeze spread over his body. He goes completely still. Even though I'm not the one in danger I can't help, but feel like this is where it's going to end. No matter what happens it's going to end with me dead.

All of a sudden the man runs out from his hiding space and attacks thing he was running from in fright. I can see nothing, but darkness. I try to shut my eyes, but I know it won't make a difference. It will be nothing, but darkness too.

The nightmare begins to fade away. I'm no longer looking through the man's eyes. I'm seeing this from my own point of view. I can see the man fighting a dark shadow. I can't quite make out what it is, but whatever it is the man has no chance against it.

Suddenly I'm thrust back into the man's body. It happens in time for me to experience a sharp pain in my shoulder. There's a lot of blood. Then I look up and see those eyes again. My body freezes in terror. I see something sharp aimed for my chest. It hits me square and-

I sit up straight gasping for air. I look around wide eyed. Then I feel warm arms around me. "Clary!"

The sound of my name snaps me out of my panic. I look up at two golden eyes staring down at me with concern in them. I swallow hard and open my mouth to say something, but all that comes out is a strangled cry. Jace brushes my hair back and pulls me in even closer. "Shhh… god, Clary. Don't do that again. I thought something had happened to you."

I shakily grab onto Jace. "It was horrible. It was so dark and the blood and the shadows. I-I-"

Jace cuts me off. "Please stop, Clary. I don't like seeing you so upset. Is there anything I can do for you to help you feel better?"

I look up with a slight blush. "Kiss me?"

It takes a second for the smile to spread across Jace's face. He leans down and presses his lips against mine. It's the best feeling in the world. Knowing Jace is here for me and I'm there for him is amazing. It makes me want to melt into him.

The kiss is light and sweet at first, but then it becomes urgent. I wrap my arms around Jace's neck and play with his curls. Jace grabs my waist and pulls me onto his lap. I'm aware at how we're dressed. Or, the lack of clothes we're wearing. I vaguely remember waking up at some point last night before my nightmare to take off my pants. Wearing leather to sleep is not comfortable at all. Jace had no problem with it.

Jace took off his armor last night and that left him with just a single layer of clothing. If anyone were to walk in on us at this point it would not be a pleasant discussion afterward.

When we pull away from each other we're breathing hard. I lean my forehead against his. Jace closes his eyes and breathes in deeply. "I love you, Clary."

A smile tugs at my lips. "I love you too, Jace."

Jace's smile widens and he opens his eyes. "Clary, I don't know what we're going to face in the future, but I know I want to be there with you. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I've never been so stupidly in love."

I lightly caress Jace's face with just the tips of my fingers. "Jace, there is nothing wrong with being in love. It scares me a little, but I know you're the one I want to be with. I know we say we love each other now, but we need to get to know each other better before we take it to the next level. Okay?"

Jace sighs, but I know he's just being a drama queen. "Fine. How long do I have to wait before we know each other well enough to move on to the next level? If you know what I mean."

A blush crawls up my neck. "I'm trying to make this into a nice moment for us, Jace. Please stop trying to ruin it."

"You're the one who insists on blushing all the time," Jace grins.

I make a face. "You're the one who is always making innuendos."

Jace lightly rubs my back. "I thought you said you're used to being in these sorts of situations. I'm sure there were a lot of perverted ass guys out there who talked to you like this. Why is it effecting you more now?"

I look away feeling awkward. "Because none of them ever mattered to me. You matter to me."

"You really know how to sweet talk me," Jace lightly kisses me over and over again.

I wrap my arms around Jace's neck to get even closer. "Jace, I really don't know how to explain my feelings. I never did. When I was little I never got along with others my own age. I always felt like I didn't belong so I'm still trying to adjust to having these sort of feelings. I don't want to come off in a bad way to you."

Jace rubs my back lightly. "You're not the only one. Growing up, my dad always taught me to never show any kind of affection for anyone. Not even for him. I guess, looking back now, it was really wrong."

"Why would your dad teach you that?" I pull back to show him my frown.

Jace shakes his head. "I had a really messed up childhood."

I sigh. "You and I both."

For a moment we stay silent until Jace seems to remember something. "Why were you freaking out before? Was it a nightmare?"

I swallow hard then nod. I bury my face in the crook of his neck. "It was the worst one I've ever had. I used to get nightmares because I used to do a lot of bad things and I would repress the emotions of guilt and disgust in myself that it would cause them. This was worse than all of them."

Jace kisses my forehead lightly. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

I nod slowly then close my eyes. "I don't know where I was. When I first entered the nightmare there was nothing, but darkness. Then the light turned blood red. I was in a place that looked dead and lifeless. It looked like nothing had lived there in a while. Then I got a feeling of dread and terror so I started running. I found a building that looked like it had caught on fire at some point. I went in to try to find a place to hide as something had passed by outside. I found a room that had smashed mirrors in it. I picked up a piece and I saw my reflection, but it wasn't me… it was like I was looking through the eyes of someone else. Then I left that room to go hide in another room. I didn't notice it when I first entered the room, but the walls were oozing blood. I felt sick to my stomach, but I couldn't leave that room. I tried to hide, but whatever was after me found me and it stabbed my through the chest and-"

"You woke up?" Jace finishes for me when I choke.

I nod silently. Jace sighs and pulls me against him again. We stay silent for a while. It's a comforting kind of silence. Somehow I find myself straddling Jace. I feel so shaken up right now. I'm not used to this feeling. I don't like feeling so defenseless. I do like being so close to Jace though.

We start kissing. I tighten my arms around Jace's neck and play with the soft curls at his neck. I moan and Jace tightens his arms around my waist. It's getting really heated when the door flies open and Isabelle steps through.

Jace and I break away. Isabelle realizes what she just walked into and grins. "Well it's about damn time. I was starting to think that Simon and I were the only couple here to go all the way. I'm just glad you beat Alec and Magnus to it. They would have rubbed it in your face, Jace."

Instead of being embarrassed, Jace is more annoyed at the fact that we were interrupted in the middle of our make-out session. "Go away, Izzy. Can't you see that we're busy?"

Isabelle crosses her arms. "I came up here to tell you that breakfast is ready."

"Did you cook it?" Jace arches an eyebrow.

"Who else could have?" Isabelle huffs.

Jace kisses my neck as I bury my face in his neck. "Clary could. She's the best cook I've ever met."

I move to get off of Jace's lap, but he tightens his grip. I blush harder than ever. Isabelle snorts as if she's trying to hold in a laughter. "Alright, then. I'll leave you two kids alone."

Once Isabelle is gone I smack Jace on the back of the head. "Let go of me, asshole."

Jace throws his head back and laughs. "You should have seen the look on your face. It was the cutest thing ever. Not only that, but I think you were blushing the hardest I've ever seen anyone blush."

"That wouldn't have happened if you would have just let me go and let me go get dressed," I scowl.

Jace leans in and kisses my lightly on the lips. "I would have rather you didn't. I like seeing you like this. Have you ever gotten this far with one of your targets?"

I shake my head shyly. "No."

My squeak of an answer seems to amuse Jace. I want to hit him again, but he grabs my hand to stop me. "That's good. I was really hoping that you didn't have experience in much more than flirting. Clary, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah," I feel nervous about his question.

Jace tilts his head. "Who was your first kiss?"

My eyebrows go up at his question. I frown slightly as I think back. "My first kiss was my first target. He was this big shot in Italy. He was a crime boss and I was supposed to get close enough to him so I could kill not only him, but also his father and brother."

"Did you?" Jace arches an eyebrow.

I nod slowly. "Yeah. I did. I don't think they expected me to actually complete my mission."

"They were a bunch of idiots then," Jace murmurs.

I smile at the protective look in Jace's eyes. I run my fingers through his hand and sigh. "You're really sweet even if you are the most sarcastic, conceited, condescending, asshole I've ever met."

Jace rolls his eyes, but grins. "And you're very good at being a complete contradiction to how to look."

"You're one to talk," I lean forward. "You look angelic and yet you're a total jerk."

"You're supposed to be my girlfriend," Jace slides his hands down my back.

When Jace's hands get a little too low I grabs his hands and give him a look. "I don't think so, Jace. I think you're getting a little too comfortable with me."

"Can you blame me?" Jace grins suggestively.

Afterwards I get off of Jace's lap and grab my pants from the floor. I pull them on them grab some other clothes so I can go take a shower. I pull out some underwear and Jace hums. "You know, I didn't take you for the kind of person who wore lace. I liked the ones you're wearing now too. Red is definitely your color."

"Shut up!" I snap.

I start the shower as I try to suppress my blush. Jace is such an idiot. I do love him, but I feel like punching him in the face right now. I wasn't paying attention to the fact that I was just in my panties sitting on Jace's lap while he was only in his boxer. It should have been the only thing on my mind, but I'm just like that.

When I step into the shower I can't help, but remember the nightmare I had last night. I rub my hands over my face. Lately, I've been having nothing, but nightmares lately. If Jace wasn't here for me I don't know how I would have gotten through them.

Back when I used to be an assassin I remember always keeping them to myself. My nightmares just built up this emotional wall between me and the rest of the world. I wouldn't let anyone in. Not even Luke.

Somewhere along the lines I started to let Luke in. I told Luke about my nightmares and he would comfort me after one of my nightmares. Now it's Jace who's comforting me and in a way Luke never could have. I know it's a relationship different than anything else I've ever experienced.

I sigh and turn off the water. I quickly get dressed then grab a towel to dry off my hair. When I walk into my room Jace is still lying on my bed, but now he's wearing clothes and his hair is dark from a recent shower.

"When did you take a shower?" I ask.

"Girls tend to take longer in showers," Jace turns to me and grins.

When I look into Jace's loving, golden, eyes, I sigh and sit next to him. Jace sits up and wraps an arm around my waist. "Well, it looks like we have another long day ahead of us. I don't know how we're going to deal with everything."

I look up into Jace's eyes, hating that I'm going to ruin our moment. "Jace, I need to talk to you about what happened last night. I know this is really soon, but I really need you to know what I learned. I-"

Jace interrupts me with his lips. He pulls back after a second. "Clary, it's okay. I just want this moment to be me and you. We can talk about that stuff later when we're with the others. I don't know when we'll be able to have private moments like this again."

I sigh and lean my head against his chest. "Okay."

After another minute we stand. We move to leave the room. Jace pulls me in for one more, lingering, kiss. I moan and Jace pulls me even closer. I pull away for air then moan again when Jace starts kissing me slowly down my neck. Jace rubs his hands down my thighs. "God, Clary. Those sounds are so sexy."

I run my hands down the length of Jace's arms then manage to put together a sentence. "We really need to get going. I don't want to be late for breakfast."

Jace moves back up to my lips then begins speaking between kisses. "Only… if… you make… breakfast… for me."

I smile and grab Jace's hands. "Okay."

We leave the room after kissing a few more times. We go downstairs and we're hit hard by the scent of something being burnt. Jace pushes open the door to the kitchen and a cloud of smoke exits. I cough a couple of times before walking in.

Alec is in the kitchen with a grimace on his face. He turns to look at us. "Izzy burnt the pancakes she was trying to make. Then she had the audacity to try to make some more. It just built on and now it's just a terrible mess."

I walk over to a fuming Isabelle and grab the spatula from her hand. "Maybe we should establish the fact that maybe cooking just isn't for you, Izzy."

Isabelle crosses her arms and looks at me definitely. "I'm not going to stop, if that's what you mean. I'm going to make you all eat my food without complaining if it's the last thing I do."

Jace groans. "Great. We just might have to eat her crap for the rest of our lives. Clary, promise you'll be here to make me my meals for when Izzy decides to make something inedible."

I wave the spatula at Jace. "Stop being so mean to your sister. Besides, I think it's just a matter of being patient and the right kin of attention. Now, Izzy, sit down while I make us some breakfast because we really don't have the time to be waiting for you to try to make your breakfast perfect."

Before Isabelle has a chance to complain I push her over to the table to have her sit down. I go back to the stove to throw away the burnt mess that Isabelle made to start on something new. I think omelets will satisfy the others. It's better than burnt pancakes anyway.

When I finish the food I place a plate in front of the others. Jace looks up at me appreciatively. "I'm glad we no longer have to suffer through Izzy's horrible cooking anymore."

Isabelle glares at Jace. "Shut up!"

I light slap Jace's arm then lean down to kiss him. "Just each your food, angel. It's going to get cold."

Jace smirks then turns to his food. Magnus chooses then to enter the room and sits next to Alec while giving him a kiss. Jace scowls. "Save that for somewhere else."

Magnus arches his eyebrow. "And you're allowed to make out with Clary in front of all of us? I don't think so."

Alec and I both blush. We look at each other then smile. We both know what it's like to be in a relationship with guys who have pretty messed up minds and like making us blush.

Instead of sitting next to our boyfriends, Alec and I decide to just lean against the counter and whisper between each other. I break off a piece of omelet before speaking. "So, how are things with Magnus going?"

"Pretty good," Alec mutters as he puts a piece of omelet in his mouth. "What about you and Jace? It looks like the two of you are really starting to get close."

I smile and look over at my naughty angel. "Yeah. He may be a pain sometimes, and perverted, but I can't help but love him. Jace is probably one of the only people who's ever made me feel safe. The only other people were my parents and now they're gone."

"So Jace is like your security blanket," Alec smiles slightly.

I sigh. "I guess you can put it that way."

Alec puts his fork down on his plate. "I really don't know what Magnus is to me yet. I know I really care for him, but I don't want to end up getting hurt."

"Me neither, but I know Jace would never hurt me," I keep watching as Jace laughs at Isabelle over her cooking.

Alec clears his throat. "I know you two are really good for each other. You keep Jace in check while any other girl would have done anything he asked of them. You're tough enough for him. Someone who doesn't take the crap he gives everyone else."

I look up at Alec a little surprised. I know Alec had problems with me in the beginning, but I think I'm starting to grow on him. Maybe I can look up to Alec as a sort of friend and older brother. Since I'm an only child I don't know what it's like to look up to a sibling.

Once again I smile up at Alec. "You'll figure out your relationship with Magnus soon. I know you will. Just give it some time."

Alec just smiles before returning to his breakfast.