Disclaimer: All characters belong to Cassandra Clare.
Warning: Implied sexual content.
A/N: Hope you all enjoy the story so far. In the coming next few weeks I am a bit busy (the end of semester... sigh...) so updates won't be so frequent. Apology in advanced!
Chapter 5: Pat, Doubts, Confrontation
For the next few days Alec had been drifting in and out from consciousness. Sebastian ordered someone to take care of him and then left him to do whatever evil things else. The guy had not say a word, or a sound. He simply stuck the needle inside his neck and paralyzed him while the effect of the previous one hadn't wore off yet.
After the injection Alec slumped like a broken bonded doll on the ground. He doubted he would be able to fight them without the doze anyway, he was too exhausted from the unbearable agony and inner panics. His muscle cramped and it hurt like he had run miles non-stop, days and nights.
He was cut loose and laid there distorted. The air moved when he struggled to get himself some oxygen, his breath hitched when a hand touched his bloody side and pain instantly travelled along his nerves; it felt like a finger dug inside the wound despite the guy only pressed lightly on the bare flesh.
It halted as Alec let out a nasal noise which cost him all his strength. His immobile tongue didn't stop him from emitting sounds and Alec triumphed when his voice was heard. Alec knew this guy meant him no harm, only wished to tend his wounds but the ache was too much. Seemed to read his mind the guy tossing something on the floor, metals hit the ground melodiously.
Alec was so sensitive that he could detect the movement of air, the guy moved nearer and flipped his right wrist up to the ceiling, rubbing it in the search of veins. Alec smelled the iodine tincture, a layer rolled out on his skin, algid and tickling. Without a warning, his walls of cells were invaded by a miniature needle. His body still out of his control, but he could whine weakly as the chemicals entered his blood.
They waited for the drug and Alec was in lethargy.
Alec had no idea he was stuporous until Sebastian shook him from his undisturbed sleep. He had not dreamt, nor had memories knocked on his door. Simply passed out and lost three days' worth of time.
Still recovering from his long sleep Sebastian gave him no time and grabbed his collar, shaking him as if he was an object. Clouded by dizziness Alec reached out wishing to block him away, and received a blow on his jaw. "Wake up bitch!"
He whimpered and his elbow propped, prevent him from collapsing completely on the mattress. One more punch struck on his stomach and Alec curled into a ball regardless of Sebastian bestrode on his hip.
"You've been sleeping for quite some time, yeah? Should I tell you some news?" Sebastian pinned his right wrist down and the other hand strangled his neck. His face zooming close, the dark eyes had this madness that petrified Alec; they were deep and endless as if staring too long his soul would be drawn inside and used as fuel. Tried his best Alec successfully turned his head away.
The calloused hand tightened and Sebastian leaned in, his lips brushed Alec's helix. "Until I am bored of you, Alec, you're not going home."
Horrified, Alec met the fierce eyes for confirmation. The man laughed when Alec asked, "What are you talking about?" Sebastian must have found something amusing because his laughter lingered. He watched him controlled himself barely and looked down at Alec, one corner of his mouth fled upward.
"I don't know if I will ever be bored to have you. You are… strikingly handsome and entertaining." Then he pressed down again to kiss on Alec's lips, but he dodged and it landed on the bruising cheek. Sebastian lifted an eyebrow, mocked a surprised expression. "Slut plays hard to get."
"I'm not your slut – I am not anyone's slut!" Alec exclaimed sorely with the grip around his neck. Unrestrained left hand pushed the shoulder in attempt to get away from this submissive position. However, Sebastian was too strong, not to mention Alec just woke from the slumber and he hadn't eaten since the whole kidnapping. His stomach was rumbling, fingertips numb for he didn't know what caused it. Maybe the hunger, or the drugs that kept him down.
"Luke, come here." It was until then Alec noticed the presence of a brown-haired man stood near the doorway. He was blocked by Sebastian on top of him, and he moved swiftly towards the bed and Alec finally had a good look on the man. He was broad, eyes blue like deep ocean and lips pressed into a hard line. His hands remained at his back, head lowered slightly like a mere servant. Alec didn't had knowledge over hierarchy of the Institute, judging from the gestures Sebastian seemed ranked higher than most of others.
Sebastian indicated Luke to get closer. He stood next to the bed and revealed what was in his hands: bundles of ropes and a collar.
Shot a quick glance to Sebastian instantly Alec knew what he was up to and he wasn't going to let him get it that easily. Waggling, he slapped Sebastian with his left hand, but it didn't make much difference. In fact it vexed him more and Luke acted as the clap reached everyone's ears. Luke jumped in and they worked together, bending Alec's hands over his head. "Get away from me!" Alec shouted, ropes knotted into one and Alec felt the muscles on his arms sketched when Luke secured the bundle around the bedpost.
Once his hands were tied Sebastian examined the collar which was slung on the edge of the bed. It was made of black leather and a silver ring attached in the middle. Alec eyed it in horror – it wasn't an ordinary collar. He had seen one when he was young. It was thick and when the slender fingers touched the edge of the leather, white sparkles fired along. It was a long-lost product used in taming wild animals, the collar could only be unlocked by the owner. In this case, Sebastian.
"Ooohhh don't be afraid. Your parents, oh right I haven't told you yet. They decide not to save you, darling. I don't really mind. You are a good compensation." He sang, and commanded Luke to wait outside, whom hesitated for a brief second but retreated and disappeared behind the door.
It wasn't true. It was a trick. It couldn't be true.
"You're lying." Alec contested, his fight die down.
The dark-haired man simply caressed his bruised neck, said. "You're right. Your parents do not care about you. I should have thought that. Anyways, I don't regret my choice; you look delicious." On cue he licked his lips and snapped the collar open, the prefect circle broke into a flexible leather strip. They both knew what kind of power it possessed.
Alec had admired inventors for their innovations, how their findings changed the world in the good way. He had numerous trips to the museums, a collar – like the one he was about to wear for probably the rest of his life – was in a display cabinet. Information listed, it was invented in the late 2000, but soon forgotten because of the decreasing demand.
He had asked Hodge, "Why Church doesn't have one like this? They sparkle!" 8 years away Alec remembered the answer and it didn't make him feel any better.
"It is proven that it traumatizes animals and causes unnecessary pains. It is unfair for them to suffer because of our needs." Hodge replied indifferently, holding the little hand of young Alec. That night when he returned to the Mansion, Alec wouldn't let go of Church for the whole week. He was glad Church was with them in this era, unaware of the fact that cats had been domesticated for many centuries.
Now he was Sebastian's critter. And he knew his parents. When they said went north others couldn't went south. They left you behind if you insisted. Maryse and Robert would not waste their valuable time on something, or someone useless.
Being pinned down, he gave up fighting. Alec was not worthy of their time. Or money.
Seeing his hope devastated, Sebastian smiled. Gripped Alec's hairs and pulled it up, he slipped the leather strip under and followed a snap, the collar returned to its original state. Sebastian adjusted it and hooked an index finger through the silver ring, tugging it to call Alec got closer.
In the distress of abandonment, Alec had not responded to the order. Sebastian mumbled and suddenly Alec convulsed like he was having a seizure. The electric shock paralyzed his heart for a moment and Alec yelled as muscles contracted on their own; his hands clenched into fists. Knuckles whitened, face twisted.
Sebastian was pleased by the view. "Do everything I want you to, slut." With each syllable he pointed and touched at those letters on his forehead, which were scarred and skins had grew back. But they looked brownish, obvious on Alec's paleness. Alec had never been this mortified before.
He squeezed his eyes closed and lifted his head up a bit, wishing for some compassion. It didn't work quite well, his actions in Sebastian's eyes were his job, which was following his orders in any situation. As his pet obedience was basic, Alec should not expect anything more than what he was worth. All he needed to do was obey. And nothing else.
Soon he exposed his neck Sebastian dove in and bit on it, as if he was a bloodthirsty vampire. Alec let out a weird cry when Sebastian tried to get under the collar, sucking on the skin surrounded by the leather. The smooth material brushed his neck and Alec already hated it; the cold contact made him want to tear the collar off.
During the time Alec suppressed his desire to get rid of it, the hands nimbly unbuttoned his jeans. Sebastian rolled to his side to pull the clothing all the way down and tossed, it landed on the floor. He wasn't wearing anything underneath, now partly naked except the shirt covering his upper body.
"Please – Sebastian!" Alec cried, when the air hugged the two leggy limps they quivered.
Tsking while moved his palms along the shaking inner thighs, Sebastian said. "I am your master now. Slip up means punishment. What should I do so that you will learn your lesson?"
He asked the question to himself and slid off the bed, rambled to the dresser near the door. His back turned to Alec, yanked one opened and eyed the content inside. Alec could feel something would happen, and surely it wouldn't be pleasant for him. So he wrenched vigorously, despaired to loosen the knots. Of course failed.
His loud movement didn't upset Sebastian, on the contrary he seemed to stick around the dresser as if he couldn't hear Alec's weak attempts and drowned in his own world. Suddenly he snapped and clapped his hands, "Yes! This one!"
He was cheering like a child got his Christmas presents, which Alec didn't find any joy in it. As Sebastian turned around and Alec saw what he was holding, buckets of cold water chilled him to his core.
When Jem received the call, he was in Will's house.
The blue-eyed man had applied for a week-long vacation (which hardly was because Will just busying himself with the Lightwood boy case) and stayed home ever since. Jem was worried, of course. He had never seen Will devoted so much time and energy to a case.
He didn't need Will to tell him what the case was. It was the kidnapping everyone was talking about.
At first he was shocked – at the Lightwoods' decision and how people put the focus wrong. Probably because of iron images of Maryse and Robert, it didn't surprise them when the official statement was out. And instead of concerning the welfare of the Lightwood child, people started to argue upon the matter of resources allocation. Jem just couldn't believe them.
And somehow, Jem felt it was his fault, too.
He was part of the Institute and Sebastian Verlac was a famous member of the organization. They had not meet before; Sebastian was a solider, meanwhile Jem fell to the operation line. He understood the action was not done by himself, yet they were correlated. Sebastian kidnapped and possibly hurt the boy, and Jem supplying medicine. He, undeniably was a part of this crime. And this thought had been troubling him for the past four days.
A pang of guilt crept his heart.
Jem settled down on the sofa, prepared to stay the night. Will was still working and he hadn't planned to disturb. There was no way anyone could talk the man out. Therefore he asked the butler to give him pillows and blankets, made the furniture his bed and rested for an hour or so. His phone vibrated on the coffee table and woke him.
He turned on the lamp. Once he saw the caller he shooed the butler away, certain that none was watching or eavesdropping, Jem answered. "Luke?"
"Yes, it's me." A deep voice said lowly.
"You need…?"
Jem asked carefully. It was very rare Luke would contact him. Was something wrong?
Luke always had this serious tone, "Double this round." Short, but clear. Yet at the same time it sent goosebumps to his whole body –
"May I ask what is it for?" For years the amount of medicine of each round remained steady, at least diseases spread outside the border or… they tortured someone for information. It was only his speculation, Jem had not been confirmed the rumors of the Institute beating up people. However, whenever gossips spread, the next round of drugs would be doubled, or even tripled.
So Jem was afraid. If next round he had to collect more there was only one conclusion and he wished he was wrong.
"Don't stick your nose around." Luke ended the call, leaving Jem on his cold home-made bed. Watching the unwavering yellow light from the slip of the study door, for the very first time he doubted if what he was doing was for the right cause.
Standing on the roof of an old building, Sebastian took everything under his eyes. Afra was an abandoned place, a shabby neighborhood on the outskirt near the border. One of the first bases built for the Aristo experiment but soon emptied after 50 years. Sebastian found this haunted place as a hideout and claim it to be his.
His goal was anything but noble. He simply wanted his kind outside the city lived a better life. When he was young, people would talk about the exiles like they were swines and ghosts. It was the same with mundanes and Aristos. They made fun of the sufferings. For his family, Sebastian would do anything. He didn't regret a bit, because his people needed him.
Everyone hunted him down, yet they had no idea he was right in front of them. He watched them laughed with their friends, shoulders brushed when he passed a group of young girls. One even winked at him.
That was right. No one ever seen his face. Name was heard and exchanged, but none had looked him in the eye and said, "You are Sebastian Verlac."
He wasn't him. He long forgot his real name, the one the Clave gave when he was born from the tube. Sebastian Verlac was an individual that never existed, no record attached. Not before he used it as his alias.
The spy had informed him while he was out in the border, saying that the Lightwoods had given up their child. Sebastian had thought they wouldn't want to lose another. But it seemed he was wrong in the end. He wasn't that worried though, he had the trophy.
He giggled when the boy came to his mind. They had a good time together.
His eyes narrowed when a vehicle entered the rotten gate of Afra. He wasn't expecting company. Vaguely he could make out the shape of the driver. A man.
Crouched down and hid, Sebastian observed the car stopped at the center of the neighborhood. A man, black hairs and tall got out from the car and shut the door swiftly, eyes darting around. Sebastian recognized him. Will Herondale, detective from homicide division. He wondered what his business was here, and out of the blue he remembered the deal he offered to the Lightwoods.
Originally he called off the operation and wandered here himself, enjoying the sunlight after breakfast. He hadn't realized it was noon already and had been a week after the trick they played at the train station. He thought no one would rescue the boy. Again he was wrong.
But this was a nice plot twist. So he jumped down the two-story building and landed gracefully on the dusty dirt ground, strode toward the straight figure. The sun was brutal in this area, heat blurred the vision lightly. The light was too bright for mundane. Theirs weren't affected at all.
Stares met and the sight became clearer. Sebastian stopped when he was ten feet away, shadows under their own fleshes. "Hello there." He whistled.
Will was a handsome man. He looked stern and determined, Sebastian pondered if he acted on his own will. The gorgeous simply walked to the passenger seat, opened the door and pulled out a suitcase.
"Where is he?" Said Will.
Sebastian crossed his arms, finger tapped his temple and faked a troubling eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" He threw his hand out in a questioning way. It didn't impress the detective.
Took a step closer, Will demanded again. "Where is he?"
From the tense muscle of the strong arms Sebastian knew the suitcase wasn't full of untraceable trading sticks, each carried half a million as he required. Laughing inside, he wrinkled his nose. "How am I supposed to know."
Will didn't take aback. Instead he stated cautiously. "You are Sebastian Verlac."
Guessed today was Boxing Day. Sebastian lifted a brow, chuckled when the sentence ended. Surprises just kept on coming.
"Nooooo." He slurred. Will didn't trust him, he was sure, but he had no way to verify his statement either.
"I wish to have a word with him."
"Why do you think I know him?" He picked his nails.
"Oh, you don't?" Will said sarcastically, "Stop playing tricks with me. I know exactly who you are."
He wasn't nervous, nor worried. Confident and cocky – he started to like this guy. "You want the boy, detective?" Sebastian walked to the nearest light pole that hadn't lightened up for the past decades, leaned against it and shifted his weight on his left foot. He looked at Will side-way and began to picture Alec would grow into someone like the man standing in front of him. However, whether he was free or not, he would never be. Too shy, too awkward.
"Obviously." Will threw the suitcase near the dark-eyed man's feet, dust bombed up and created a small circle dancing around his boots. His eyes never leave Sebastian's.
"He is in proper hand. And safe." Sebastian kicked the case like a ball and it bounced to the car, stopped by the tire. He then turned around and left.
He waved a hand, not looking back. "We will talk next time when you take this seriously."
Will wasn't a fool, he neither. Sebastian heard the door shut and engine ignited.
His mood was ruined. Thought of his pet waiting for him, Sebastian hummed a sweet lullaby and disappeared into a decaying hotel.