Chapter 45: Okay. I went a little nuts with this chapter. Clary gets Jonathan to come clean with her… playing her mind games, but who's playing who? Next chapter is the gala. FINALLY!
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.
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Previously: ""Val– drugged me– can't breathe… help." Amatis appeared beside Jonathan and took Clary's face in her hands. "Get her to the medical clinic, Jonathan. I think she's overdosing. She's been drugged." Jonathan began to run through the door and down a stairwell as Clary began gasping for air then everything went dark."
Beep beep beep… Clary frowned and groaned. What is that sound? "I think she's waking up…" Who? Me? She opened her eyes and saw she was in her bed, in her room. She looked to her right and saw a hospital monitor and I.V. pole with fluids and gasped. She looked down to see she was in a hospital gown. She slowly ran her hands across her chest and felt stickers and wires. There was an I.V. in her hand, receiving the fluids. A familiar voice startled her and she looked to her left and gasped. "Welcome back, Clarissa." Valentine. He had on a black velvet robe over silk pajamas and held his obsidian walking stick… and bruises on his neck. Did someone choke him? He smiled enigmatically at her. "Don't worry, dear. We will find out who did this to us and make them pay." Did what? Us? What happened? She flashed back to Valentine pressing her against a wall, groping her… Oh my god. He tried to—
She sat up suddenly and screamed, as she pulled the stickers from her chest and yanked the I.V. from her hand. Throwing off her covers, she leaped from the bed and ran towards the door. Amatis stepped through the doorway and caught Clary in her arms. "Whoa, whoa, Clary. It's okay, honey. I've got you." She quickly put her hands around Clary's face, her eyes wide, subtly shaking her head in silent warning. Amatis flicked her eyes to Valentine and back to Clary. Be cool. Calm down… he's watching. "Clary. You and Valentine were drugged last night. It hit you much harder because of your size and the champagne. You overdosed, honey. The medical team was able to treat you… it was Ketamine toxicity. Someone dosed you and Valentine." He is a fucking liar. He did it. I remember. Clary, wide-eyed, nodded and let Amatis lead her to the bed and tuck her back in. Valentine watched her carefully and sat next to the bed, as Amatis put a bandage on the seeping wound on her hand from the I.V. Clary looked over at Valentine and smiled, pretending to be embarrassed. "I'm sorry about that Valentine. We were drugged? Are– are you okay? Who did it? Where's Jonathan?" Clary just realized he was not in the room.
Valentine smiled warmly at her and pulled his chair closer to her bed, taking her hand. Clary fought the urge to jerk it away. Filthy pig. "I'm fine, no worries. We don't know who did it, dear, but we will find out. As for Jonathan… he got a little reactive and attacked me and a few of my men. He can get paranoid and suspicious sometimes… when he found us, he thought I was attacking you, when I was merely trying to get you to safety… he's been detained temporarily. I admit to being quite inebriated, due to the drug, but had no ill-intentions, Clarissa. You are like a daughter to me, after all." Clary swallowed and nodded. He is such a sicko. I need Jonathan to protect me from him. Lesser of two evils.
Clary dug deep and forced herself to start crying, squeezing an amazing amount of fake tears out. I cannot be alone with this psycho. "I want Jonathan. Is he okay? Was he hurt? I want my husband, please!" Clary brokedown and started sobbing, pretending to hyperventilate, as Valentine's eyes widened. "Shh, there there, Clarissa. Okay… okay…" Amatis came to the bedside and rubbed Clary's back, giving her a glass of water. Clary sniffled, hiccupped, and drank the water, leaning against her aunt. Valentine quickly picked up the house phone. "Yes. Release Jonathan. Tell him his… wife is awake and asking for him."
Jonathan paced the cell, like a restless panther. His tuxedo jacket was on the cot in the corner. His black dress shirt was crumpled and ripped, from when Valentine's bodyguards restrained him and tasered him… after he tried to strangle his father to death. "Val– drugged me– can't breathe…help" Clary's words haunted him. She had been so frightened, so light in his arms. Jonathan had rushed her to the medical wing, where the team waited for him and immediately got to work on his wife. My wife. She had nearly died. They had quickly administered reversal agents, activated charcoal and I.V. fluids. A drunken Valentine had followed him into the room, watching nervously. Jonathan had grabbed him by the throat and dragged him out of the examination room. Then all hell had broken loose. Jonathan was tackled by several bodyguards before he could break his father's neck, and tasered. He had seen the way his father's eyes had followed her at the reception. The lust. Jonathan had no doubt at all that Valentine had drugged and tried to take his Clarissa. Ketamine was Valentine's drug of choice for his precious Jocelyn, back in the day. He would pay, with his life. First, I have to get out of here and see her. Is she safe, is she awake? I have to hold her… I need her.
He cut his eyes to Emil Pangborn, who stood nervously on the other side of the tempered glass wall. You should be nervous, you little bitch. He had awakened this morning in one of his father's detention cells in the lower basement. Valentine had visited him early, telling him some bullshit story about him and Clarissa both getting drugged from the same champagne tray. That he had hallucinated and thought Clarissa was Jocelyn and lost control. He hadn't apologized for terrifying her… or touching her. My wife. He told Jonathan he would keep him detained until Clarissa woke up, to give him time to cool off and think about how actions have consequences. If he thinks to whip me, he should think again… not gonna happen.
Jonathan had pretended to believe his lies and apologized for choking him and leaving such profound bruises. He knew his father's ego was too big to not believe Jonathan. He always underestimated Jonathan, assuming that he would always submit to his Father's dominance. He would have to play this smart. He didn't want Valentine to see him coming. Your days are numbered, Father. Jonathan's ears perked up when he heard the house phone ring on the wall next to his cell. He crossed his arms across his chest as he listened to the conversation. Emil hung up the phone and left for a few minutes. When he returned, he sighed, walking to the cell. "Mr. Morgenstern says, your wife is awake and is asking for you. He's releasing you." Jonathan patiently watched as Emil unlocked the cell and opened the door, standing back warily. Jonathan walked out of the cell, pausing by Emil, turning to look at him. "Thank you, Pangborn. I shall remember this…" Emil grunted as Jonathan quickly grabbed him by the back of his neck and smashed his face against the wall, breaking his nose and other facial bones. The man moaned and rolled on the floor, as Jonathan stepped over him and exited the detention area.
Clary climbed out of bed to take a shower. She felt tired and had a headache, but was okay. Valentine had quickly left after calling to release Jonathan. Thank god. Amatis had urged her to clean up, that it would help her feel better. She removed the hospital gown and pulled on a large fluffy white robe. The gala is tomorrow. I have to pretend to be perfectly fine, so they don't keep me here. I need to escape. She walked into her wardrobe all the way to the back and reached into her rain boots to check the phone and gun. The phone was there, but she couldn't find the gun. Oh shit. Who could have taken it… housekeeping?... one of The Team that helped get her ready for the wedding? Jonathan? Valentine? Oh my god. Fuck. She quickly read the text instructions, promised from Will and dropped the phone back into the boot. Clary jumped when she heard the wall slide open at her bedroom door. They locked me in? She quickly grabbed a soft cream sweater, pair of leggings, bra and underwear. Opening her wardrobe she slowly walked out to see who had come in.
Standing next to her bed, looking exhausted and anxious was Jonathan. He raced to her, gathering her in his arms and running his eyes over her face. "Why are you out of bed, Clarissa? Shouldn't you be resting, love?" He picked her up and gently laid her on the bed, her clothes falling out of her hands onto the floor. Oh boy. He laid down next to her, caressing her face. "Are you in any pain? Hungry? Thirsty? Can I get you–" Clary sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed. She cupped his face in her hands with her eyebrows raised. "Jon. I was going to take a shower. I'm okay. I'm fine. Just tired and I have a bad headache. Amatis told me they treated me for Ketamine toxicity. She gave me a few ibuprofen for my head. I just feel hungover, I–"
Clary squealed as Jonathan's lips crashed against hers, and he pushed her back down on the bed. He tore her robe open and pulled his shirt over his head, running his eyes over her naked body. He is seriously wanting to fuck me after I almost died? Clary tried to sit up. "Jon– I don't think–" Growling, he quickly shoved down his pants and boxers and climbed over her, nuzzling his face against her breasts and neck, running his hands up and down her thighs, spreading them. Clary felt her abdomen clench in desire. I hate that he can do this to me. Jonathan climbed her body and pressed his erection against her heated core, dipping the tip into her, and covering her mouth with his. "Clarissa, you're already wet for me. Please– I was so worried last night… he tried to take you from me. I need you now, my love." Clary knew in Jonathan's warped mind, he needed to reassert his dominance to regain control. He needed her to submit to him. She thought of Jace. "You do what you have to do to survive, baby" If I say no, he'll force me and it will hurt… One more day and I never have to do this again.
Clary sighed into his mouth and wrapped her legs around him. "Okay, Jon. Just please be gentle…" He hummed and closed his eyes as he slid into her until their pelvises rested against each other. He slowly pumped in and out of her and Clary moaned, arching her back. Oh fuck…he's so big. Jonathan cupped her ass and kissed her deeply, groaning into her mouth as he increased his speed. He kept up the pace for quite a while, bringing her close, then slowing so her climb would diminish, rinse and repeat. He's too good at this. It's like I'm his puppet and he's pulling my strings. I hate myself. Suddenly he changed his angle, his strokes bumping a sacred spot inside of her.
She reached her arms over her head and gripped the iron spindles of her headboard, crying out in short high pitched gasps. Her abdomen coiled deliciously as she soared towards her peak. "Oh god, Jon…I'm so close…" He released her ass and stretched his arms up, placing his hands over hers, gripping the iron bars as he pounded inside of her. He looked down at her with a feral look in his eyes and Clary felt herself clench around his impossibly harder cock. He owned her at that moment, body and soul. "Cum for me, Clarissa. Now…" Clary screamed his name as Jonathan covered her mouth with his, devouring her cries as she came hard around him.
His strokes became choppy and rough and Clary knew he was close. Please hurry. She continued to ride out her orgasm, quivering around him when he cried out and slowly stroked in and out of her wet heat, until he was spent. Panting and groaning, Jonathan rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him, pushing inside of her once again. Clary looked down at him and softly kissed his lips, as expected of her. I will be so glad when I never have to see you again. So you can't possess me… own me. Jonathan looked up at her, licking his lips, biting her neck, running his hands up and down her bare back, squeezing her ass. Clary submissively laid her head down on his chest, letting him do what he wanted. And he did…over and over.
After pulling one final orgasm from Clary, spilling into her again, he collapsed on top of her. Taking a deep breath he murmured into her ear. "I know what Valentine did to you last night, Clarissa. I don't believe his lies, don't worry, love. He will pay. Soon. I promise you. No one touches my wife. You are mine, love. Forever." He gently pulled out of her and fell on the bed beside her. Clary swallowed the lump forming in her throat. Forever? Never. You don't fucking own me. Snaking his arms around her, he spooned his nakedness against her backside. Kissing her neck slowly and methodically, he whispered to her. "For now… let him think he got away with it. He will get what's coming to him" Clary's eyes filled with tears, thinking of Valentine's crimes against her mother, so many years ago… she sniffled and turned back to look into his black eyes. "I will… Thank you, Jonathan." Why did that make her feel better? Focus on escaping, not accepting his warped sense of chivalry. Stockholm, Fray. Be careful.
Clary turned off the hairdryer and brushed her hair back over her shoulders. Just as he likes it. Her shower had indeed helped… although it was hard to feel clean after the desecration Jonathan had inflicted upon her. She dressed in her sweater and leggings, as she had planned before Jonathan decided to fuck her brains out for two hours. What a sweet guy, letting me recover from almost dying and shit. She swiped mascara on her lashes and applied some clear lip gloss. She opened the bathroom door to find a freshly showered and changed Jonathan lounging on her bed, reading her mother's journal. Shit.
The trunk she had stashed it in sat open, next to her easel. He closed the book and looked at her, expressionless, across the room. "I was going to stow your art supplies and easel in that trunk and have the servants move it to our new room when I found this– Where did you get this, Clarissa?" She began to tremble and walked over, sitting on the bed beside him. I guess it's time to do this. "Tessa gave it to me. She thought I had a right to know what Valentine did to my mother… my brother. I know he lied to me about nearly everything… the rest he twisted. All to convince me to come here… for you. I'm not stupid, Jonathan. I've put it all together. I know you were complicit. I just wonder how much?" He hummed, closed his eyes, then looked at her. His smile was tight.
He slid his hands over her knees and squeezed them. It was gentle, but intended to hold her in place. She put her hands over his and looked into his eyes. "Jon. I need to ask you two questions and I need you to be honest with me." He stayed silent and nodded for her to continue. Be careful what you say. Breathe. Get in his head.
"First, did you know about what is written in that journal… about what he did to my mother? The abuse, her imprisonment, drugging, rapes…the car accident… circumstances of your birth… about the first Jonathan Christopher? Did you know?" Jonathan looked her dead in the eye and shook his head. "No, Clarissa. I did not know. How could he do that to the woman he claimed to love? I know he has always been selfish and cruel… It must have broken her to lose her baby like that, then have a stranger's thrust upon her… I understand why she didn't want me now– why she had to leave me." Clary's chest tightened when she thought of poor Jonathan, being left behind with the monster Valentine to raise him. How cruel Valentine must have been. She had a difficult time reconciling why her mother did it. She understood her fear of Valentine and need to leave him, of course… but to leave an innocent child. I couldn't do it. Do I believe him? Maybe.
Clary smiled at Jonathan and nodded. He leaned forward and kissed her lips. "What is your other question, love?" He furrowed his brows in concern and squeezed her knees a bit tighter. Clary took another deep breath. Careful. "My second question is… did you burn my mother to death? Did you kill my father?" Jonathan's eyes widened and his mouth fell open. "What? Clary, no… I couldn't do that to her. To Father… to you. We've never discussed that voicemail that you sent to Herond–" Clary put her hand up. "Yes… I know you were at the house the day of the fire because of what I found in the box under your bed. There were things in there that you could only have if you had been in my living room… the cheerleader picture. Plus, my mother said your name… she screamed. We're married now… forever, right? Tell me, if you love me… What did you do to her?" He took a deep breath and pursed his lips.
Jonathan pulled back from her, but left his hands on her knees, holding her there. "Clarissa, I swear, she was alive when I left. Father wanted me to take her, bring her to Idris… along with you. I tried to talk to her, calm her down, and convince her to come. She flat-out refused, so I left when she threatened to call the police. After I called Father and reported, he decided to send a team to take her, if I couldn't convince her. I don't know who or how it happened. I'm not proud of what transpired between Jocelyn and I, but please believe me when I tell you I did not set that fire. I wish I could have prevented it… I've seen how you have suffered. It pains me so much. I love you." He grabbed her thighs and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around her, holding her against him. He buried his face in her neck, kissing her.
She struggled to pull back a little, wanting space, but he wouldn't allow it. Clary didn't know what to believe, but she had to make sure he thought she trusted him. Or I will not ever get out of this fucking house. "I don't blame you for your father's transgressions, Jonathan. I believe you… I know you love me and want to protect me. I need you to do something…" Jonathan pressed his lips to her temple, running his hands through her hair. "Anything, Clarissa." She turned her face to him and rubbed her lips across his, clenching her thighs around his waist. "...protect me from Valentine. Can you do that? I can't be near him anymore. I just can't after reading what he did to her. He's twisted and evil. I'm so afraid of him… what he wants to do to me. He almost– Please…" Jonathan fell back on the bed, pulling her with him, she straddled him and ran her hands into his silky white hair, pressing herself on top of him. He gripped her face in his hands and kissed her hard. "I will kill him for touching you Clary… and for what he did to Jocelyn. I promise. I love you so much." Good. They won't be working together any longer. Clary opened her mouth and let him push his tongue into her mouth. They kissed passionately for a few minutes, their hands wandering over each other's bodies. She pulled her face back, her eyes tearing up. "I love you too, Jonathan." Jonathan stilled beneath her and stared deeply into her eyes, smiling. He then moaned and flipped her beneath him, lifting her sweater over her head, and ravaging her neck and breasts. Clary gasped and moaned beneath him, letting him have his way. Again. Operation mind fuck, divide and conquer is a success. But why do I feel so guilty about Jon? Stop it. He raped and beat you… as Sebastian… I hope Jace can forgive me for everything I had to do to get back to him. I hope I can forgive myself.