Chapter 9- Prejudice

Two days had passed since their fight and Jace had yet to make an appearance. Clary knew better than to go looking for him so she stayed in the clearing. Doe had been by her side all day yesterday as she bathed and began to explore the area keeping to the center. The guardian didn't make another appearance and Clary didn't have any more nightmares. Not that she felt comfortable telling the wolf if she had, still she could use it as an excuse to see Jace. It would give her something to break the ice.

The blonde was all that she could think about in the hours that filled the long days. His words replayed in her head, the hurt look in his golden eyes, and the tone of his voice. He reminded her of the noblemen who would visit with the court when the King was in a town nearby. Most came to see Isabelle and her friend had warned her about the men of the court. They were handsome and paraded themselves around like giant peacocks, hoping to lure women out of their virtue. While Jace didn't strike her as a peacock his cocky attitude and frequent flirting made her feel uneasy. Not just because he obviously seemed to like her but because she liked him and even two days time did nothing to ease that burden.

Sweeping up her long auburn hair into a ponytail she descended the rope ladder and made her way down. Today, she wanted to explore more of the lake. So, with Doe in tow they began to make their way to the waterfall. Clary could see the top of the lake from the cave but she wanted to explore it herself, figuring there might be new berries or flower bushes to make food. Since the bread Jace had brought her a few days ago was now gone and the man in question was as well, she needed to take finding food more seriously.

Looking up at the waterfall she was at a loss how to get to the top basin. Clary had considered climbing the rocks but didn't feel comfortable going on without Doe. Giving up, she turned back and vowed to put it on her growing list of things to ask Jace. If she ever saw him again. Sitting down in the shade of the tree she decided that she owed him an apology. Just because he was from the capital didn't mean that he wished her harm. As a matter of fact, Jace had gone out of his way to help and protect her. She owed him a chance.

Taking out one of Jace's books she opened the cover and began to read as Doe made herself comfortable by laying her head on Clary's leg. The day went by in a boring blur and she found herself dozing off in the afternoon heat. It was peaceful here and she was happy to have the chance to relax even though the guilt of not being able to let her loved ones know that she was alive was still nagging at the back of her mind. Doe woke her by licking her hand just as the sun was setting in the sky.

Clary was really trying to be on her best behavior. Fearing that she would be in trouble for being outside after sunset Clary rushed towards the tree and began climbing the ladder. Half way up she heard a noise, the sound of bushes moving. Looking in the direction she spotted a flash of gold. Smiling, she continued to climb the rope, content in knowing that Jace had been keeping an eye on her after all. Perhaps his anger would calm and she would get the chance to make things right afterall.

While the day was peaceful, the night was not. Clary was woken up from her sleep not by a nightmare but by a hissing sound coming from the sky. Rushing towards the window opening she spotted blue flames engulf another set of demons. These ones, larger. Why was the king sending them? Surely, he knew that it was pointless by now. Why continue sending them when they were just being destroyed? Clary wasn't a war strategist, but she knew that the King and his son were. There had to be something she wasn't understanding.

With the threat of demons and her guilty conscience weighing on her, Clary never managed to really fall back to sleep. When the sun rose she lay still in the covers staring up at the ceiling. She was so lost in her train of thought that she almost didn't hear Jace come in and drop a loaf of bread on the table before he turned ready to leave. The redhead knew this was her chance.

"Jace, wait!" Clary called out. The man froze, his back still to her.

"I really need to speak with you." Clary spoke, hurrying off of the bed. She was still in her nightgown but she didn't care. One could only hold up propriety in a forest to a certain extent.

"I'm really busy right now, Clary. I don't have time for chit-chat." he replied coldly.

Clary bit her lip. She had hoped that his anger would have cooled off with time but apparently now.

"I understand but please. At the very least, I need to apologize to you for the other day." Clary defended making her way across the cave to him.

"You have nothing to apologize for." Jace replied, turning around to face her. The redhead wasn't convinced.

"Yes, I do! You were right! I was being a hypocrite." she contested. "Just because you are from the capital doesn't make it right that I assumed you were a womanizing… well…jerk." she explained.

"But you were right." Jace replied matter of factly, catching her off guard.

"P..pardon?" she asked, tilting her head to the side in confusion.

"About doting on women. You were right. I am a ladies' man and I did want to seduce you." he admitted, freely.

Clary stood looking at him in disbelief. She had played out this conversation in her head many times throughout the last few days and she most certainly didn't expect this response.

"You said I was a small girl and that you don't think I am pretty?" she deflected as Jace chuckled.

"I don't think you are pretty," he began. "I think you are beautiful and when Magnus sent you to me all dolled up I have no problem admitting that I had one thing in mind."

"But, you didn't try anything that night when…" she hesitated trailing off.

"I wasn't going to take advantage of you…certainly not like that" Jace defended. "I could never do that to a woman and I would never force myself on one." Jace's golden eyes bore down seriously into hers.

She didn't doubt that what he spoke was the truth, yet she could sense there were walls and walls to what he was saying.

"I'm not going to lie though and say that I don't find you attractive. I was upset because you hit the nail on the head about my behavior. It is similar to the men in the capital. I wanted to think that I had changed since being here but I suppose old habits die hard." he shrugged.

"So... you don't want to be my friend?" Clary asked cautiously. Jace shook his head and chuckled.

"I actually do." he smiled. "That is why I was annoyed. I was trying to be your friend and not just because I wanted to seduce you…" he paused, giving Clary a panty dropping smile, "but because I actually like you. You were brave standing up to the guardian and selfless to be prepared to give up your own life for people you don't even really know." Jace continued.

Clary could feel her cheeks growing warm with a light blush. No one had ever called her brave. Most of the time she got yelled at by Isabelle and Imogene for being "reckless" not brave.

"Don't get me wrong, Red. I am used to having lots of ladies flocking around me. Given how handsome I am," he explained, gesturing to himself, "it's not difficult to find company for the night if I wanted to...but you're different and it is…refreshing."

Clary's stomach dropped. She didn't doubt that he was right. She had caught herself fantasizing over him. At the same time she couldn't help but feel stupid. Jace saw her face and took a step forward.

"I would never do anything to intentionally hurt someone I actually CARED about," he continued, raising his hand to caress her cheek.

"I understand that Jace but forgive me for not wanting to be another woman that keeps your bed warm at night."

"A little late for that, Red. Though, I believe I was the one keeping you warm, that first night." he teased.

Clary's blush deepened and went to turn away but the blonde stopped her.

"I fancy you, and I know that you fancy me." Clary was about to argue with him but Jace quickly placed one finger to her lips.

"Don't bother denying it. Now, the question is what are we going to do about this mutual attraction that we have…for each other." Jace whispered, moving his face closer.

Clary knew where this was going and she had a choice. Accept it and kiss him, who knows where that would lead to, or she could escape. In the end she didn't know if it was her nerves or her brain that forced her legs to move but before she was aware, she had taken a step back.

"Nothing!" she insisted. "Although I appreciate everything you have done, I am never going to sleep with you, Jace." The redhead started a bit frantically and out of breath. Jace smiled, clearly amused by her troubled state.

"I wouldn't say never. Remember what I told you about how lonely this forest can be? Not to mention the "mutual attraction" we share. I think I can convince you to see things my way."

"Keep dreaming."

"I have been dreaming of you, my beautiful lady. Dreaming of all the ways I can make you squirm. These last two days, you are all I have thought about." Jace replied.

Clary ideally wondered if the rest of the men were this bold. Taking a breath she decided to calm her racing heart.

"Jace.." she whispered. "I'm… I'm a virgin...and I'm not interested in a one night stand."

"Who said anything about one night?" the blonde retorted, giving her a devilish stunning smile.

"M…multiple nights, whatever. I only want to do THAT with someone I love." she explained with utmost seriousness.

"Hmmmm…so I have to get you to fall in love with me. I always enjoyed a challenge." He mocked playfully.

"You really are a jerk sometimes…" Clary scolded playfully.

"I can be your jerk though…" Jace whispered, in earnest.

Clary's chest tightened. Damn him. Was she really going to crumble under his charms…her mind said no but the frantic beating of her heart against her chest told her it had other ideas.

"You asked the god if he brought you here for me…" Jace spoke.

"I didn't mean it offensively-"

"But it is a fair question, all the same." the blonde admitted.

"Do you know the answer?" Clary probed, unsure if she wanted to know or not.

"I honestly don't know…but," he hesitated.

Clary looked up, wishing to read his face but became locked in his heated gaze instead. Hunger filled his eyes, raw hunger. More than just simple lust. The eyes from her dream, she was certain. Jace's fingers cupped her face, leaving a trail of fire as he touched her skin. His other hand fell to her wait, his nails lightly nipping her skin through her thin nightgown.

"I want to find out." Jace whispered, closing the last bit of distance and touching his lips to her.

A small gasp left her breathless at the contact. It was more heavenly than anything she had ever felt. She softly moved her lips against his, meeting him as best she could. Clary was a novice and if it showed, Jace didn't mind. No, the man was practically purring. His arm wrapped itself around her waist, pulling her closer as the hand which had cupped her face moved to run his fingers through her hair. Her dream failed to compare to this, this man here before her, in real life. Yet, another vision entered her mind suddenly. One of Jace's face cold and pale, hair crimson with blood.

Clary gasped and suddenly pushed him away. Jace was startled to say the least and stepped back, surprise meriting his features. Surprise and hurt.

"I…" she huffed, struggling to catch her breath. Both from the shock of the dream and his kiss.

"Did I do something wrong?" Jace asked, clearly confused.

"No, not at all." she huffed, looking up from the floor to meet his gaze.

"I just…it is going to sound crazy but…" Clary, closed her eyes taking in a calming breath. "I had a vision, a… a dream… something… of you."

Clary couldn't help the feeling of dread that filled her chest. The feeling of overwhelming grief entrapped her just as strongly as it had that night in the camp.

"Tell me, Clary." Jace spoke quickly, bringing his hand back out to cup her cheek.

Clary opened her eyes to meet his gaze which now held only a look of concern. Gone was the anger, hurt, and even lust from moments ago.

"You were hurt badly, Jace. There was water and blood… then you went under. I think you were dying."