**************** Chapter 20 *******************

Valentine stood at the head of the large circle. Clary, Jace, and Jonathan sat beside their mother letting the heat from the fire radiate into their bones. It was cold out tonight and Clary could barely feel her toes. She jumped when she felt someone's arm reach around her. It was Jace drawing her near him to keep her warm. He and Jonathan didn't seemed bothered by the cold like she was.

"My brothers and sisters I present to you my children Clarissa, Jonathan and Jace. After a great act of heroism I am pleased to welcome them to join our ranks." Valentine announced with a wide grin.

Everyone clapped and cheered. Clary pasted a fake smile onto her face. She was trying her best to look happy but couldn't do it as well as her brothers. Maybe it was because she was kept away from her father for the first five years of her life that she found it hard to be disingenuous.

"And what great deed did your children accomplish?" A blonde tight faced women asked excitedly.

"I am pleased that you ask that Clarice. My children in their cleverness took it upon themselves to seek out the Mortal Cup. Naturally I was surprised but they are talented." He responded grinning like a proud father.

"So they were able to narrow down the cups location?" An older man asked.

Valentine laughed.

"Oh they did more than that." Valentine said revealing a golden chalice in his hand.

The crowd gasped in unison before growing silent. Clary could feel the crowd's eyes on her and her brothers. She raised her head to meet their eyes head on. She wanted to tell them to close their mouths. That of course they brought him the cup. However, the words died in her throat as she meet the crowds stare. The older members eyed her approvingly while the younger members especially the boys were having trouble keeping their eyes in appropriate places. Clary felt Jace's arm tighten around her possessively. Valentine was going to wait to make the announcement of their betrothal at Jace's birthday tomorrow. Now that they were members they were no longer going to be kept hidden.

"Needless to say my children have proven their worth tenfold. Now it is time to use our strength and unite for the final act against the Clave!" Valentine cheered.

They listened to their father's speech for at least an hour. Clary was trying to stay awake. Last night's activates had left her drained. Valentine had rushed them out of the house after dinner. Clary still hadn't had a chance to talk to Alec and ask about Simon. She hoped he didn't die.

Their father talked about the inferior Downworlders and how he planned on using demons and the Mortal cup to create an army to bring down the Clave. Clary listened with bated breath and was surprised to see Maryse do the same. Many of the circle's followers were only too eager to go along with anything their leader wished. Even if it meant working with demons.

"Soon all that we have set out to accomplish shall come to reality my friends. The next few weeks will see the completion of my plans. The hour grows late." He spoke stealing a quick glance at his daughter. "I will elaborate our plan during our next meeting until then my friends."

"Until then." The crowd replied in unison.

Clary got up with Jace and turned to leave when they were surrounded by people.

"You three really found the cup? How did you do it?" A young man asked.

"You are very brave to attempt such a task Clarissa Morgenstern. We should train together sometime."

Clary nodded and delegated to Jace.

"Yes it was a difficult task one that has left my brother and sister quite exhausted. Forgive us but it is time we got home and rested. We need to be at full energy in case our father needs us tomorrow. Goodnight." He smiled his charismatic smile.

The crowd parted and Jace led Clary out of there. They reached the hill away from the mob to wait for their parents.

"Where is Jonathan?" Clary asked.

"Father pulled him away quickly after the meeting." Jace replied.

They waited for a few minutes scanning the crowd before Clary saw her mother and father approach.

"Where is Jonathan?" Jace asked.

"I sent him on a mission son. He should be back soon. Clarissa I have spoken with the Lightwoods and we have come to the conclusion that that Jace will be joining you in New York for the last two weeks that remain of this school."

"Really, I thought there were four weeks left?" Clary replied. Not that she was complaining.

"We have decided to cut it short. Your mother and I think it is best that you have a little extra protection now that the plans completion is near. Once these two weeks are up you, Jace, and the others will return to Alicante to prepare for war."

Clary gasped before covering her mouth.

"So soon father?" Jace replied.

"Yes my son. Jonathan should met us at the house in a few hours. It is time we went home and got some sleep. It is almost midnight."

With that they departed. Clary couldn't help but wonder if this was a trap. Did her father really intend to attack the Clave so soon? How would he get past the demon towers? What else was he planning and why wasn't he giving anyone the details?

********************************** Line Break ******************************************************

Jonathan took a deep breath in as he scaled the demon tower. It was pitch black outside and cold. Though he never had trouble seeing in the dark the darkness still troubled him. What if someone saw him? He wasn't sure what to do. He knew if he didn't do this his father would hate him. Though he was pretty sure his father already hated him but Clary didn't. No Clary and Jace were his family. Maybe doing this would help alert the Clave that something bad was going to happen. Either way he still didn't have much of a choice.

He slowly reached the top and took out his dagger. He lightly poked his finger and let the drop of blood fall onto one of the towers many spikes. He heard his blood sizzle upon impact with the metal. The tower's light blinked a different color before returning to normal.

Damn

It seemed like his father's idea would work. His demon blood was enough to disable the demon towers. Of course it would require more than a drop but it seemed doable. Jonathan quickly lowered himself down from the tower. It took about five minutes until he was back at a safe distance from the ground. He jumped and began running as soon as his feet hit the grass. He had to get out of Idris as soon as possible before he was discovered. It was almost Jace's birthday and he wasn't going to miss it. It would probably be the last happy family memory he would ever have.

He knew that they needed to act quickly to stop their father. They couldn't trust the Clave to handle Valentine they would have to do it themselves and by 'they' he meant himself. He wouldn't let the death of their father fall on Clary's or Jace's conscious. No he would have to be the one to kill his father. It had to be done; Valentine was a monster.

Jonathan snuck through the opening at the entrance and dashed through the forest. It wasn't until he was completely covered by the trees that he stopped to catch his breath. He was about to begin running again when he heard a twig snap from behind him. He quickly grabbed out his blade and braced himself for attack. He stood silent in that stance listening intently for any noise.

"Put down your blade child, I have not come to fight." A voice hissed.

Jonathan recognized it as the same demon language that the demon in New York had spoken to him.

"Sure let me just put down all of my weapons so I can be an easier target for you. Sorry not going to fly filth." Jonathan spat sarcastically.

"I swear upon the great mother Lilith who sends me that I will not harm you." The creature replied back revealing its self at last.

Jonathan lowered his weapon but didn't discard it. He knew that Valentine had gotten demon blood from Lilith to poison his mother with while she was carrying him but he had never met her. She had only made contact with him once his entire life and Jocelyn absolutely forbid him to go near her. He had never seen his mother go off on their father before and a part of him was pleased that it was in defense of him.

"What do you want? I haven't got all night." Jonathan spoke.

"Lilith, the great mother, wishes to meet her son. She has sent me to make collect you and bring you to her."

"I have no desire to meet Lilith."

"That is such a shame Halfling. Why do you denounce your demon side? Her blood has made you strong and powerful. Why do you fight it?" the creature hissed lowly.

"Because I am not a demon. I am a Nephilim first and foremost."

"You may have been born to a human but demon blood runs through your veins. Lilith has watched you grow and seen it. Your temper, your thrust for blood and the lust you have for your sister."

Jonathan shivered at the last reason. He did desire his sister more than anything. No girl had ever compared to the warm loving touch of Clary. He wanted her but he loved her more than he desired her. For that reason he kept himself in check. Her happiness was his first priority. Jace made her happy and if that is what made her happy than that is what she would get. Sure he slipped a few times but nothing Clary hadn't forgiven him for.

"There is a way to stop feeling that way about her Jonathan. We can help you. We can help you stop desiring her."

"What do I have to do?" he asked curiously.

"Follow me and meet Lilith. She will tell you how."

Jonathan looked down for a moment deep in thought. After a minuet of deliberating he finally nodded his head.

"Wonderful!" the creature smiled. "This way please."

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Clary was sleeping soundlessly in her room. It had gotten hot and she had shoved the covers off of her bed. She had gone to sleep in nothing but one of Jonathan's old oversized shirts, a bra and underwear. She decided to skip the boy shorts given how hot it had become in the house.

She heard her door open and opened her eyes to see Jonathan standing in her doorway.

"Jonathan! Did you just get home?" she asked.

Jonathan walked slowly toward the bed eyeing her inappropriately. Clary looked down at her body and pulled her shirt down blushing. Jonathan chuckled.

"Yes. I just got home." He replied jumping onto the bed on top of her.

Clary didn't have time to react before he grabbed her arms and pinned her to the bed. It was a very possessive and dominating pose. Very unlike Jonathan. Clary looked up at the stark black of her brother's eyes.

"I've been to see my mother." He grinned looking down at her.

"Your mother? Don't you mean our mother and what does she have to do with this?" Clary asked.

Jonathan smiled a wicked smile flashing his perfect white teeth. Her brother's smile had always given her joy but this smile was different. It was mean, unnatural and sent shivers down her spine. Clarissa could feel fear creep into her body and she struggled under Jonathan's weight.

"Not our mundane mother Clarissa. My demon mother Lilith." He whispered.

"She is not your mother Jonathan. You're not a demon remember! Why would you go see her? Why would you-"

His lips on hers stopped her mid-sentence. Jonathan's lips felt hot as her body pressed more deeply into the bed as he pushed her down roughly. His lips caught her by surprise as he slid his tongue into her mouth.

When Clary was 10 her brother had kissed her on the lips in his bedroom. It was the first time he was told that he had demon blood and he didn't take it well. Clary had gone to his room to comfort him. To let him know that no matter what blood he had he would always be her brother. She told him that she loved him. Imagine her surprise when Jonathan pulled her down and kissed her. He had stolen her first kiss and she was so upset that she started crying. Jonatan felt so bad that he never did it again. That didn't stop her from not talking for a week. During that time she did research and found out that demons were attracted to their siblings. The thought repulsed her but she loved her brother too much to stay mad at him. That was a long time ago but Clary still remembered the way her brother's lips felt on hers. She would be lying if she said that Jonathan never slipped but it was rare. However this kiss was different. Jonathan's lips were hot, lustful and lacking his usual self-control.

Clary tried to push him away but it was no use. Jonathan was just too strong. His body pinned her to the bed as his mouth traveled down to her neck.

"Jonathan…please stop. I don't want this." Clary gasped trying to catch her breath.

"Did it ever occur to you what I want Clarissa?" he replied lightly sucking on the pulse of her neck. "I've wanted you for a very long time and I am done waiting."

"No Jonathan, you are stronger than this. Resist your demon side."

At this her brother smiled and took Clarissa's wrists in one hand locking them above her head. He looked down at her with that familiar wicked grin. Clary looked up into his eyes. His usual silver irises were gone, all she saw was cold dark black. Clary braced herself to scream for help when her brother opened his mouth.

"Don't even think about it Clarissa. We are the only ones here for the next few hours and I rather not ruin your beautiful face." He said caressing her face with his free hand. "Now where were we, oh yes!"

In a flash Jonathan caught her shirt and ripped it discarding it on the floor. Clary couldn't help but let out a surprised gasp. She collected herself and struggled to get out of her brothers grip. It was no use. His grip on her arms was too tight and he held her legs from moving with his body weight.

In another second he removed her strapless bra and tossed that as well onto the floor. She was practically naked wearing only underwear. She shivered as her brother grazed her exposed body hungrily up and down.

"You are even more beautiful than I had imagined." He whispered leaning down to take her lips again.

This time Clary kissed him back. Maybe if she distracted him he would stop doing the other stuff and just settle for making out. It was worth a shot and if it didn't work maybe he would release his grip on her a bit. That might be enough to escape and run.

Clary jumped as she felt his fingers enter her underwear. Her body reeled at his foreign touch. She panicked and bit down on his lip.

"Ow! That wasn't a very nice thing to do to your brother, little sister." He hissed tightening his grip on her arms till it hurt.

"Please stop Jonathan! I will never forgive you if you go through with this!"

"You belong to me Clarissa. You have been mine since the day I laid eyes on you when you opened that door. I am only claiming what is mine." He countered moving his lips down to her breasts.

"I don't belong with you; you are my brother. I love Jace this way not you." She squirmed.

"But you will love me so much more when you see what I can do to your body. How I can make you squirm and cry out with delicious passion. I am so much better at this than him."

"Love isn't just about sex Jonathan!" she grunted turning her head in attempt to shake off her body's reaction to what he was doing.

"Are you still a virgin little sister?" he asked moving his lips to her other breast.

Clary didn't know what to say. If she lied and said yes that might turn him on more. He seemed to like stealing her innocence. Well she would just have to disappoint him.

"No." she spat.

Jonathan looked annoyed but returned to marking her body with his lips.

"Aren't you disappointed that you aren't my first. Doesn't that make you want to make you stop this fiasco?"

Jonathan chuckled at that.

"Not really. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed to not be your first but then again that means I don't have to go gentle either." He said as his fingers increased their speed against her womanhood.

Clary felt a familiar tightness rush through her body as his fingers continued to press against her in a fluid motion. She bit her lip trying to hold back the moan in her throat. Her body unconsciously pushed up to better meet his touch.

"Just stop resisting and enjoy it." Jonathan whispered against her ear.

Clary's body begged her to give in but her mind resisted. She didn't want this. The only one that should be touching her this way was Jace. Tears finally released themselves from her closed eyes and fell down her face.

"I hate you." She whispered.

Jonathan stopped and pulled his hand out of her underwear. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. His eyes were no longer cold and full of lust. His silver irises had returned as his eyes filled with pain. Clary looked at him in silence as he looked down at her tear drenched face. They stayed that way for a few minutes before she saw tears final fall down his checks. She had only seen Jonathan cry two times in her entire life.

"I really am a monster aren't I?"

Clary pulled her arms out of his now light grip and brought them down to shield her body.

"No, Jonathan. You are my brother but …."

"But nothing Clary!" he yelled. "I am your brother and brothers don't want to do or do what I just did to you. I thought I could control this…this other side of me but obviously I can't."

Clary looked up at him once more before tearing her eyes away. Jonathan sighed painfully and got up from the bed.

"I'm going to go Clary. I'm going to go somewhere so far away that I will never be able to hurt you again. I know that apologies are meaningless at this point but for what it's worth I'm sorry."

"No Jonathan." She said pulling him back to the bed.

"Clary, stop I don't think I can control myself much longer."

Clary looked up at him and gave him a saddened smile.

"Then don't." she whispered.

"What?" he asked.

"Make love to me Jonathan."

"What!" he asked.

"You heard me. I want you to make love to me. Let it go and give into your demon side. Maybe if we give it what it wants it won't control you anymore." She said pressing her bare breasts against his chest.

"Clarissa, I don't think that's such a great ide-"

She cut him off with her lips and she pulled him down on top of her. He kissed her back gently as her tongue pushed its way into his mouth.

"You said that he were more experienced than Jace. Show me big brother." She said against his lips.

"But Jace?" he asked.

"Jace never has to know now does he?" she smiled.

Jonathan's heart raced but his stomach turned. This wasn't right. Clarissa would never betray Jace willingly. This can't be real…

And that is when it clicked in his mind. This wasn't real. As if on cue the room and Clarissa suddenly finished. Jonathan felt like he was swimming in and through darkness. He finally opened his eyes and was greeted with a bright light from a burning fire. He blinked a few times feeling disoriented till his memory returned to him. He was in the demon cave where the creature took him to meet Lilith.

"Aw what a shame. Why would you go and destroy the pleasant dream my guard created for you my son." Lilith asked sadly looking up at the shackled Jonathan laying on the ground.

"Defiling my sister is not my idea of a good dream you bitch!" Jonathan countered getting up and grabbing his small sword from his belt.

**************************************** Authors Note ********************************************

I am sorry for the long wait. I have been trying to find my muse lately but it seems to be playing hide and seek with me. Either way it came back the other night and I was able to pull out this long chapter. I hope this holds you over till the next one. Let me know what you thought of this chapter. :P

Reviews do inspire me to write faster.