Chapter 13: SO much happening! Jonathan, Jace, Clary, Amatis, and 'frikkin Pangborn! There will be a lot more about "The meeting" in the next chapter, via flashback. Enjoy!
I do not own any of the characters, only the illustrious Cassandra Clare owns them. I do, however, own this particular story, so please don't be lame and copy/paste it elsewhere.
Previously: " If Jonathan and Clarissa were married, the superior Morgenstern family line would be fortified with their purer blood. Whatever it takes, Clarissa Fairchild will become a Morgenstern."
Jonathan leaned down close to her. What perfume is she wearing? He whispered secretively in her ear, finishing his story, "...it took hours for security to finally override the elevator code, but by that time, I had finished the entire Taj Mahal. It was the best birthday. I had privacy, cupcakes and Legos, what more could an eight year old boy want? Father was not impressed…" She had grabbed his left arm, leaned against him, and laid her other hand across her chest. His eyes followed that hand. Her breasts shook lightly as she laughed at his completely false tale. Her gentle laugh was melodic and soothing, like windchimes in the summertime. He wanted to hear it again. He wanted her. Patience.
Jonathan wanted to be the only one to make her laugh like that. Clarissa was warming up to him, especially after he pivoted and changed tactics. He needed to take it slower and cultivate their relationship. Play the long game. Make her want to be with me, like Father said. I hate it when he's right. He had tried to move on her too fast and she had clearly not liked it and friend-zoned him. Ouch. The way she had pushed him away from her in the elevator and snapped at him had been arousing. She was feisty, strong, and not easy. Perfect. He couldn't wait to dominate her and force her into submission. I just need to get rid of the boyfriend. Father said not to kill him, though.
His father's voice broke him from his thoughts. "Clarissa, I'm so glad you've come today." Valentine reached out a hand in greeting and Clarissa released Jonathan's arm to take it. Here comes the eye contact and hand kiss, Jonathan thought to himself. Valentine gently grasped her hand, lifted and laid a soft kiss on its back, his eyes locked with hers, then traveled down, lingering on Clarissa's chest. What the actual fuck, Father… Jonathan shifted and stifled the urge to bitchslap Valentine. Mine.
Clary smiled politely and pulled her hand away, reaching for her pendant she rolled it in her fingers. "Thank you for having me, Mr. Morgenstern. Jon has been a wonderful host and escort so far." She already has a nickname for me. Jon. Closer. She looked up at Jonathan, by her side and smiled. "I'm also glad I am able to thank you in person for the generous donation you made, in my mother's memory, to The New York Institute's youth art program. It was a program she started when I was a child to educate underprivileged children about the arts. We both volunteer– rather I volunteer there now and teach drawing. Your generosity will help many children discover that they may very well be the next Frida Kahlo or Degas." She leaned forward and kissed Valentine Morgenstern on the cheek. Jonathan and Valentine both stared down at her in surprise.
Valentine cleared his throat and smiled. "It was an honor, my dear Clarissa. Your mother was an incredible woman– a great loss to us all. Erm, we have a lot to discuss. I've looked forward to this meeting for quite a while. I was disappointed when you had to cancel last month. I hope it wasn't anything serious. Were you ill?" He stared at her with false concern then leveled a fierce look at Jonathan, silently reminding him that it was his– Sebastian's fault that Clarissa had canceled. Dick.
Clary took a deep breath as if she was remembering something unpleasant. She then sighed. "It was nothing I couldn't handle, thank you. I'm fine. I've been looking forward to our meeting today as well. You've mentioned a few times that we had much to discuss. You've been rather vague about the subject matter, other than your collection of my mother's art. And to be honest, I'd really like to know what you really want with me." Jonathan smiled to himself at her directness. She was not intimidated by Valentine Morgenstern. He liked that. He had to fight the urge to rake his eyes up and down her body. Her cashmere dress was so soft…her curves. I want to tear it off of her and leave her naked in nothing but those fucking boots. Stop it.
Jonathan jumped when his father laughed heartily. "Oh Clarissa, I love how you come back at me. You remind me of– Please, again, call me Valentine. I understand your impatience with my not being as…forthcoming as I should. You shall get answers to many questions today. I promise you that. I'm sorry for staring before. I seem to do it often with you. I was admiring your necklace, my dear. Where did you get such a beautiful "Morning Star" pendant?" He held his arm out to Clarissa.
She looked at him, sighed in resignation and took his arm. "Okay... About my pendant, I discovered it amongst some of my mother's belongings, from her estate. She and my father, of course, left everything to me. I've never seen it before and thought it was lovely. I wonder why she never wore it." She smiled sadly, held the pendant again, and looked down as they began to walk. Valentine hummed sympathetically, put his hand over hers and patted it, then steered her into the living room, their backs to Jonathan. He rolled his eyes, angry that Valentine had been the one to soothe Clarissa. He stalked after them. Tread lightly, Father. You seem to be trying to get too close to what is mine.
Clary looked back at Jonathan briefly as Valentine led her into the sprawling living area, where a woman, about her parent's age stood and smiled warmly at her. Does Valentine have a special lady friend? Clary almost giggled. She was pretty, with strong bone structure, quite tall, with short, stylish light brown hair. She wore an elegant cobalt blue pantsuit, with simple silver jewelry. Clary's heart began to beat faster as she took in the woman before her.
Her eyes…she'd seen them before. She had met this woman before, when she was a child. I think I was ten. She and her parents had taken a trip to England…there they met with this woman at a restaurant. She had hugged Clary's parents, and her as well. During their meal, the adults had cried and argued and Clary had been confused. Clary stared hard at the woman's face. The woman's eyes were the same icy blue as her Dad's..she looked like him. Clary took a step back, her ears began to ring. What the fuck is going on?
"Hello, Clary. It's wonderful to see you again, after all of these years. "The woman's eyes misted with tears and she walked to Clary with her arms outstretched. She wrapped her long arms around Clary and squeezed her tightly. Clary's arms hung limply at her sides, her shoulders tightened and her breath quickened. Who is she? The woman pulled back, sliding her hands down Clary's arms, holding her hands. She took a deep breath and looked into Clary's eyes. "My god, you have grown to look almost exactly like her. Clary, my love. You may not remember because you were so little, but we met only once, in London. I'm your Aunt, Amatis Graymark. I'm Lucian– Luke's sister. His twin." Clary swallowed. Her Aunt? Lucian. He had preferred Luke. Why didn't Dad ever tell me about her? Clary looked back at her blinking and pulled her hands out of her Aunt's grasp, she stepped back again. Amatas flicked her eyes to Valentine, in silent communication, then back to Clary. She smiled and sighed. "Let's have some food, shall we? I'll tell you everything. Okay, Clary? Come, Thai's my favorite…" This woman is my Aunt. Keep it together, Fray.
Clary nodded quickly and whispered. "Okay…". She felt warm hands rest on her shoulders and jumped. She looked up to see Jonathan standing behind her, smiling apologetically at startling her again. His thumbs rubbed back and forth on her shoulder blades, trying to comfort her. It worked. She took a deep breath and smiled in thanks. "Thai's my favorite too, Amat– Aunt Amatis." I have family. I'm not alone.
Jonathan slid a hand down to her lower back, nudging her gently. "The dining room is this way, love. I'll sit next to you, in case you need a buffer. I'm afraid you have a few things on your plate today." Clary laughed humorlessly, "That is quite the understatement, Jon. Yes, please. I'm starving." Time for answers. Finally.
Jace Herondale was leaning against the brick wall of the alley behind Pandemonium. Kaelie was late for their weekly meeting. Irritating. He felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Pulling it out he saw a text from "Red" and smiled. Clary texted him during her meeting, after all. Thank god. Maybe she wants me to come rescue her from Daddy Warbucks and the little prince. He had been thinking about her riding away in the douche's super spy sports car all day. Maybe her meeting's over. Good. The sooner the better. He had immediately disliked Jonathan Morgenstern. No. I'm not fucking jealous. The guy just seemed off and he did not want him hanging out with his girl. That dick has a major boner for her.
He opened her text. "Lunch meeting is becoming a dinner meeting. Jon will drop me at your place around 9pm, if that's ok. It's near his place. A lot to discuss. Sorry to cancel Taki's tonight, Babe" Jace groaned. "What the fuck takes a full day and evening to discuss?" Jon? Fucking Morgenstern. Chill. She hates it when I act jealous.
Jace quickly typed a response, "Wow. There must be a lot to discuss. Intrigued. I'm disappointed, but understand. OK with me. How about if I wait naked in my bed for you?"
Her text came back very quickly, "YES PLEASE… Just leave on your holster, baby. Bye." Jace raised his eyebrows and hummed approvingly. Naughty girl.
The large backdoor to Pandemonium creaked open and out stepped Kaelie. She wore a tight white cropped tee, painted on pink latex leggings and white platform heels. She ran her hand through her long bleached blonde hair. She really was a pretty girl, she just tried way too hard. I hate too much makeup. Clary never wears too much. He loved her natural beauty.
Jace put his phone back in his pocket. "Hi Kaelie, how's it going? Alec's out of town so it's just me this week. So, let's get this over with."
Kaelie tilted her head and lowered her eyelashes, licking her lips. "Hey there, Sexprotz. Yes, Magnus took his love away for skiing in Aspen. So romantic. You aren't going to come in for a drink first… or perhaps a little bit of this?" She walked up to Jace, put her hands on his chest and began to run her hands down his abdomen. "I know you want me…everyone does." Kaelie then threw her hands into his hair and crashed her lips to his. "I'm so horny, Jace…and you're so hot." She moaned into his mouth and grabbed his dick through his pants. Jace jumped. What the fuck is wrong with her?
Jace grunted in anger and quickly grabbed her around the tops of her arms and pushed her away from him, holding her at arm's length. "Jesus! Knock it off, Kaelie. You know this–" he waved his hand between them. "...is never going to happen. God. You know what I'm here for. Sebastian, Seelie…any news?" He wiped her bright pink lipstick off of his mouth with his hand. Gross.
Kaelie sighed and pulled out a tissue. "Fine. Here, you missed a spot. She grabbed Jace's chin and wiped the corner of his mouth of her remaining lipstick. She pressed her large chest against his and arched her back. Jace jerked his face out of her hand and swiped the napkin from her hand and shoved it in his pocket. "Stop it, Kaelie. Right now."
She rolled her eyes and stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest. "Okay, okay…geez. I ran into Seelie at a party over the weekend…said they couldn't get into Pandemonium to sell anymore because Magnus really cracked down with security and bag checks. They're mostly selling at private parties and strip clubs. Nothing big on Sebastian. She did say that he was pretty pissed about something that happened at the Halloween party and that they had the most amazing rage-sex, with tons of roleplaying. He had Seelie pretend to be her while he fucked her violently all over his room. He was breaking shit and yelling, 'Mine. Soon. Mine'. I mean, I'm not one to kink shame anyone, but this guy is a little out there…you know with his fake redheads, the rough stuff, and naked artist thing. Seelie's into it, so whatever."
Kaelie, pulled her hair up into a ponytail and secured it with a hair tie. "Seelie even told me her boss' bodyguard has a thing for this Clarissa girl. I guess Sebastian told her to keep an eye on the bodyguard guy and let him know if he mentions anything about his girl. Oh yeah. Seelie said he was going to be out of the country for a while and that she was going to 'miss him so much'. Personally, I think she needs a break from his shit. She fucks the bodyguard sometimes, too...there's that redhead kink thing again. Weirdos. Uh. That's it for now." She blinked at him, put her hands on her hips, and smirked.
Jace took a deep breath and ran his hand through his blonde waves, then over his face. He swallowed his rage. He had to protect Clary. He assumed "the bodyguard" Kaelie referred to was the same guy that hit him with a stool on Halloween night. So he was after Clary too. Freaks. "Okay. Thanks Kaelie. Um…be careful around Seelie and her people. If you run into her at a party or club, that's okay. Just don't go anywhere private with any of her people. You don't want to get hurt. I appreciate your information, but don't want you getting mixed up with that crew. Got it?"
She tightly smiled and shrugged at him. "Sure, Jace. I'll be careful. You said this is all between us, not on record…anonymous. I'm good. You sure you don't want a drink?" He smiled and laughed, shaking his head. She shrugged and turned to go back into Pandemonium. Her foot caught on something and her platform heel twisted underneath her. Kaelie yelped and started to fall sideways. Jace reached out and caught her before she hit the ground. "Fuck! My ankle hurts bad." She cried out and grimaced.
Jace pulled her arm over his shoulder and put his own around her waist. Holding her up as she stood on one leg. "Damn. Can you walk?" He asked. Kaelie shook her head and looked up at him pouting. "Shit. Okay, I'll carry you inside." He scooped her up in his arms and she wrapped hers around his neck, nuzzling his neck. "Kaelie, knock that shit off or you can limp your ass back in there by yourself. Let's go get you some ice." She is really over the top with her antics today, Jace thought to himself, rolling his eyes. Is she high? He pulled the door open with his foot and walked inside, carrying Kaelie. She lifted her head and peered out into the corner of the alley by the garbage dumpster and winked.
Emil Pangborn threw off the tarp he had been hiding under behind the dumpster and started walking out of the alley, where Jace and Kaelie had just met. He smirked and narrowed his dark blue eyes at Pandemonium's backdoor. He tucked a camera away in his bag. He had taken plenty of shots of Kaelie all over the detective and his hands on her too. She made that pretty easy...said she was hot for him anyway. Fucking boyscout cops always fall for the dumb damsel in distress shit. Mr. Morgenstern would be pleased.
Valentine refused to have the detective killed because he was too close to the Garroway fire case. It would be too messy Valentine had said. Too much for Starkweather to bury. He just wanted Clarissa Fairchild to dump Herondale. Pangborn sneered. After the shit I planted around the detective's apartment, there is no way Miss Fairchild will want to stay with him. Herondale has quite the reputation with the ladies, according to Starkweather. She'd have to be a complete doormat to believe him after she sees the pics and finds all of my presents. He pulled out his phone and called Valentine, "It's done, sir… I'm bringing the shots in now for your review and editing…Yes, sir." After ending the call, Pangborn smiled and walked to the sidewalk, hailing a taxi.
Jonathan pulled his "Iridescent Emerald" sports car up to the curb in front of Jace's apartment building, got out and walked around to open her door. Clary remembered how Jonathan had looked into her eyes that morning, hinting that the color of his car matched her green eyes. '...my new favorite color…' Clary smiled to herself. The boy does have some game, I'll give him that. Too bad I'm crazy about my sexy, probably waiting for me naked in his bed, boyfriend. Clary's door opened and she took Jonathan's offered hand to get out. He stood close to her, just as he did that morning, and closed the door. Clary ignored his proximity, anxious to see Jace.
He smiled down at her and put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm so glad we got to spend today together, Clarissa." She'd asked him multiple times to call her Clary, but he seemed to prefer Clarissa. She had decided to let it go. He's harmless.
He squeezed her shoulders gently and she looked into his dark, concerned eyes. "Your mind must be reeling with all that you have learned today, Clarissa." Yep.
Jonathan continued, speaking softly. "I know it would mean months away from New York, but Idris is the home of our ancestors, Clarissa. My father's collection is vast and he would love for you, Jocelyn's daughter, to be able to be the one to curate her works for public display…an homage, if you will. A memorial. There are even pieces painted by your Grandmother, Adele, for whom you're named. Your talents run deep, love. I think this is Father's way of begging Jocelyn's forgiveness…even though he never can in person." Because she died. Regret is a powerful feeling, Clary thought. I feel it too.
He sighed heavily, "As you heard from father, he was an awful bastard for a very long time. He lost everything because of his addiction. Jocelyn, Luke. Even I hated him for years. I believe he truly changed, though after his recovery and years of therapy. Alcohol is a demon that can possess the strongest man…make him someone else entirely. Someone bad." He hesitated and took a shaky breath. He looked so fragile, Clary thought. It must have been so hard to grow up with an embittered alcoholic for a father. Clary thought to herself. Clary reached her hand up and cupped his cheek. How could mom have left Jonathan behind, even if he wasn't hers…
Jonathan closed his eyes and leaned his face into her hand. Opening his eyes he smiled sadly and sighed. "Finally, Friend. I have an offer of my own. I would be honored to be able to show you where your mother grew up. The Fairchild land isn't too far from Morgenstern Manor. It's all yours, you know. Your legacy. We can explore its acres. Together." He turned his head to the side, deep in thought. Clary looked at his profile. My legacy. Aunt Amatis…Fairchild Manor. Curate and create a display of her work. My mother's work. How can I say no? The curiosity was damned near torturous.
Clary stepped up on the curb so she was a little taller and got up on her toes and pecked Jonathan's cheek, in a friendly goodbye kiss. He blushed like a little boy and put his hands in his coat pockets. "Thank you for driving me today, Jon. It was nice getting to know you and I would love to see the– my Fairchild lands…where my mom grew up. I'll think about everything and let you know soon. It's just a lot to digest, you know? I have your number. Let's get coffee soon, okay? We can talk more about it." She turned and walked into the lobby of Jace's apartment building and pressed his buzzer. The door unlocked and she entered the long hall to the elevator. Before the door closed behind her she looked back and saw Jonathan talking to someone on his phone, smiling, before slipping into his car. "Nice. Maybe Jon's going to get some tonight too." Clary laughed to herself. Today was intense. So much to think about. I wonder what Jace will think? I need some perspective.
Clary opened Jace's apartment door and walked in, hanging her coat in the closet. She saw his black leather jacket hanging and smiled. She had missed him today. It was a tumultuous, emotional day and she wished he had been there. "Jace?" She called. His voice floated in from his bedroom, down the hall. "In here. Come on, babe…I'm waiting." She would tell him everything about today, but first, she wanted to spend time rolling around in bed with her guy. Finally.