Chapter 59: It's been a few weeks. Jace is back to work, Clary is trying to get herself back, and Jonathan has a bit of an enlightening day.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Mention of drugs, abuse, non-con. Remember the rating is MA.
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: "Oh no you don't Clary…You don't get to dump me and go through this by yourself. This isn't too big for us… There is no "out" with us. What I deserve is you. It will always be you. Do you understand that? Whatever you decide, I'm with you. Together. You got that?"
Jace handed a fresh coffee to Alec and sat down at his desk. Alec gave him the guy nod and continued reading the file on his desk. Jace took a long drink of his coffee and looked around. He had missed his job and was glad to be back. He and Alec had already closed three cases in the two weeks since he'd returned. The Dream Team is back together. The office was bustling with energy, since the announcement that Robert Lightwood had officially accepted the Chief of Detectives position, no longer interim. Jace was pleased that it was finally official, as it had been a rough ride after they lost Chief Garroway. Starkweather had been a shitty, crooked replacement for such an honorable, decorated, brave man and leader. Luke. Jace looked over at the large memorial plaque of Chief Garroway, which hung on the wall beside his old office. He knew that Luke would approve of his and Clary's relationship, their engagement, and their decision regarding the baby. I'm sorry it took so long to get her home, Chief.
Luke had done the same thing when Jocelyn found herself pregnant with Clary, before she escaped Valentine. Jace and Clary met with Tessa Gray for a full debriefing of what had transpired in Idris, as well as her knowledge of Jocelyn's past. According to Tessa, the Fray-Garroways had never taken a paternity test. Luke just loved Clary on his own, regardless of whether or not she was biologically his or Valentine's. Of course, Valentine himself did a paternity test after stalking Clary in Amsterdam. The Garroways had died before knowing that Clary was absolutely Luke's daughter in every way. Jace smiled to himself. I can't wait to marry your daughter, Chief. I will love and protect her and your grandchild with my whole heart. I promise you.
Jace's thoughts were interrupted when Michael Wayland sat down next to his desk. This dick. Jace tilted his head at Wayland and pursed his lips. Wayland ran a rough hand through his hair and looked hard at Jace. "Herondale. I uh… just wanted to say that I was out of line, a few months back, with Clary. What she went through in Idris– I should have taken her case more seriously… uh and what came out about Starkweather. I regret that. So, sorry man and congratulations on the rescue and your engagement." He cleared his throat and held out his hand. What's his game? He always has one... Jace could see Alec watching from the corner of his eye. Jace hummed and nodded at Wayland, taking his hand and shaking it. Wayland cleared his throat and walked to the back of the room to his own desk. Alec leaned forward and arched an eyebrow at Jace, jerking his head towards Wayland. "You didn't buy that bullshit did you?" Jace smirked at his partner and scoffed. "Of course not, bro. That guy smells as rotten as Starkweather did… but, keep your enemies close and all that." Alec hummed in agreement and fist-bumped Jace.
Jace's phone buzzed and he looked down to see a text from his cousin Will Herondale. "Call me ASAP." Jace frowned. Will had promised to keep some men inside of Morgenstern's empire in Idris, to keep tabs on him for Jace. Jace picked up and started to call him back when Alec tapped his arm. Both detectives looked up when a booming voice called to them from across the office. "Herondale, Lightwood. Meeting now." Chief Robert Lightwood stood in the doorway of his office, with his arms crossed. Commissioner Trueblood, Maryse, stood next to him, holding a binder. She looked very pissed. Shit. What happened now? Jace and Alec exchanged curious looks, then got up and walked into the Chief's office, closing the door behind them.
Jonathan Morgenstern slipped on his sunglasses. What a gorgeous May day. He had arrived in New York City a few days ago. He moved into the penthouse at the top of Morgenstern Industries in Manhattan, where his father used to live. It was quite large and luxurious, as he remembered. But it needs a woman's touch. He squatted down and tightened the laces on his running shoes. He had truly missed jogging in Central Park. It was one of his favorite things about New York City. His absolute favorite, being of course, Clarissa. My wife. Jonathan took a deep breath and stretched out in the grass, preparing for his run. He had finally been cleared to run again by Pontmercy last week, after recovering from the gunshot wound that clipped the side of his head. It had rendered him unconscious and had bled a lot, but when all was said and done, it had been a heavy graze. Lucky for me, Herondale's a shit shot. Although if Clarissa hadn't struggled so hard, he may have killed me. Another reason to love her.
He had received the ridiculous finalized annulment papers from his team of attorneys. They informed him that due to the criminal nature of the accusations, he was unable to contest the process. From the perspective of the United States and New York judicial system, his marriage to Clarissa had been legally annulled. Of course, in Idris, that was a different story. In Idris she was still his. If I can get her back to Idris, everything will be good again. I miss her so much. His phone buzzed and he read the text. "CFM located with 1 guard. Purple NYU top, black shorts. Running the reservoir track ahead of your location. Follow? Engage? Eliminate guard? Pls advise." Jonathan rolled his eyes and frowned. His security team could be a bit overzealous. He texted them back. "Keep your distance from her. Observe only. I'll approach. Stick to the plan as discussed for the guard." Jonathan stepped out on the track to catch-up with Clarissa. It's time to say hello.
Clary slowed down and came to a stop, breathing hard. She lifted the front of her purple NYU t-shirt and wiped her face off. Her legs buzzed from her jog and she readjusted her yoga shorts that had ridden up. It felt great to run outside again, especially in Central Park. Home. She took a long drink from her water bottle and saw Aaron leaning casually on a tree about a hundred yards behind her. He was isolated and camouflaged by brush, ever the soldier. He was texting someone. Probably updating Jace. I hate being watched all the time… even if it's for the best. She insisted that Aaron give her space during her runs, as it was something she preferred to do alone. Clary nodded at him and smiled. How has he not even broken a sweat? What a badass.
She and Jace had argued about her continuing running. He felt it wasn't healthy for the baby and brought it up to Aline at her recent appointment. Clary had gone in for routine blood work and a quick checkup. Aline and Clary had looked at each other and laughed. Aline assured Jace that Clary was perfectly fine to continue her usual exercise activities, running included… especially in the bedroom. He had blushed and nodded. It was adorable. Aline had winked at Clary and reminded her to take breaks and hydrate, that she may find herself tiring more easily. She finished her water then realized she had to pee. Like now. She looked at Aaron and pointed to the restrooms. He nodded and smiled, sending her a polite salute. Clary jogged into the ladies room. Pregnant bladder sucks.
Jonathan's eyes followed Clarissa as she quickly went into the restrooms. He casually cut his eyes to her guard, poorly hidden by shrubbery and trees. The fool had just hung up from a call and looked anxiously towards the restrooms where he last saw Clary. Jonathan watched as Emil crept up behind him and disabled him, using a taser. Jonathan scoffed as he watched the fool crumple down into the bushes. He's lucky I'm not feeling murdery today. Emil nodded to him and disappeared into the trees. Herondale is not keeping you safe enough, Clarissa.
Jonathan chuckled and casually filled his water bottle at a drinking fountain. Ahead of him, he saw his favorite redhead exit the restroom. She looked around, obviously looking for her security guard. Tentatively, she started to jog. Jonathan hummed and followed her, keeping a safe distance between them. Running in pace with her, Jonathan watched the rhythmic swaying of her long crimson ponytail as it swung back and forth across her back. Her sweaty shirt clung to her back and her already short, tight black shorts rode up on her shapely legs. He could see her phone tucked into a side pocket against her right thigh. Oh god… her ass. Jonathan grinned as he saw her running towards a darkened tunnel under an ornate bridge. She slowed down as if she were winded and walked into the tunnel, drinking from her water bottle. Jonathan looked around, noting there were no other people to disturb them and followed her. His heart started racing in anticipation… Clarissa.
Clary pulled her soaking wet t-shirt off and draped it around her neck. She wore a tight cropped compression tank over a sports bra. Her breasts were still pretty sore and she liked to keep them contained as much as possible when running. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out. Izzy. She put it on speaker. "Hey Clare. How are you and my baby doing?" Clary smiled. "I'm taking a water break from my jog right now, trying to catch up to Aaron. He must run marathons. I can't believe I'm already twelve weeks along. Girl, my boobs are fucking killing me. I think I'll stick to walking for the rest of today." She looked down at her chest and frowned. "Iz, I swear they've grown a full cup size in a week. I'm going to be one of those round beach ball pregos, with basketball boobs, I just know it…" Clary rolled her eyes when she heard Izzy cackle through the phone. "Oh I hope so, Clary. You will be fucking adorable. Girl, you get your ass home so I can take you big mama bra shopping and get some lunch. We'll get you some maternity clothes and you can jealously watch me drink!" Clary took a drink of water and giggled. "Okay, asshole. I'll find Aaron and be home soon. Love you. Bye." She slid her phone back in her pocket and started walking to the other end of the tunnel, sipping her water.
Clary felt a presence behind her and sighed heavily, turning around. "Aaron where have you–" Clary's words died in her mouth and she gasped, as she looked up to see a very shocked looking Jonathan staring down at her. He's here. No, no, no. Clary dropped her water bottle and slowly backed away from him, her ears roaring and heart racing. She slid her hand over her phone, in her side pocket. Did he hear me and Izzy? Oh my god he did. He opened his mouth to say something, then he frowned, looking at her chest and then lower, at her tiny baby bump. He closed the distance between them. Oh no– "Jonathan– what do you… get the fuck away from me." Her back hit the brick wall of the tunnel, tears filling her eyes. She closed her eyes and turned her head to the side, taking deep breaths. Do not freak out. Where the fuck is Aaron?
Jonathan's ears were ringing. I can't believe it. He took a deep breath and pursed his lips, placing his hands against the wall on either side of Clary's head, caging her in. She's pregnant. Twelve weeks. She's pregnant with my child. It worked. He looked down again at her bare stomach, staring in wonder at the barely visible bump and swallowed. "You're with child, Clarissa. My child… I– you're even more beautiful, as if that were possible. I love you so much–" He reached a hand down and laid it on her stomach. Clary's head jerked back to him, her green eyes flashing furiously, as she slapped his hand away from her. Growling, she put her hands on his chest and pushed him away from her. Feisty as always. "Back the fuck off, Jonathan. I have a protection order from you, as you know. I'm leaving. Do not touch me, contact me, or speak to me." Clary whirled away from him and started running towards the end of the tunnel, putting her phone to her ear. He heard her crying into the phone to someone named Aaron. Who the fuck is Aaron… perhaps I am feeling murdery today. Jonathan clenched his jaw and ran after her, grabbing her arm, her phone clattering to the ground. He pulled Clary back into the tunnel. She screamed and turned to face him. "Now, now Clarissa, we're going to talk ab–" Jonathan saw stars and tasted blood as Clary's fist crashed into his mouth. She then grabbed both of his arms and kicked him hard between the legs. Jonathan grunted and collapsed onto the ground, cupping his crotch. Fuck. Clary Grabbed his arms and pinned them behind him, pushing her knee against his back and he let her. So sexy. "I told you not to touch me, you fucking psycho." She jerked his arms higher and he grunted in pain. Jonathan heard footsteps running up behind them in the tunnel. Someone's coming. Fuck, this was just getting exciting. I'm so turned on right now. "Oh Clarissa, I have missed you, my kitten. You are the perfect mother for my child. It's time to stop this foolishness and come home– ow!"
Clary pressed her leg harder into his back and gripped a handful of his hair. Jerking his head back, she murmured menacingly in his ear. Jonathan felt himself harden as he felt her breath tickle his skin. "Listen carefully, you fucking monster. This baby is not yours. This child is mine, you got that? You forfeited any right to this child when you fucking drugged and raped my body and mind… when you took my choice, you goddamn twisted pervert. I will never forgive you. Ever." Jonathan smirked back at her and chuckled darkly. "I don't require your forgiveness, Clarissa. We made a child… everything that happened between us was meant to be. We're a family now. You'll see that soon enough." Clary scoffed in disgust and released him, standing up. He felt strong hands twist his wrists and place handcuffs on him, jerking him to his feet. Jonathan licked blood from the corner of his mouth and looked back to see the security guard behind him. "You must be Aaron. You really suck at your job… she's safer with me, obviously." Aaron stared dangerously back at him and tilted his head. "Try me freak." The guard unzipped his black hoodie and took it off, revealing quite the warrior's muscled physique. Jonathan threw his head back and laughed. What a little bitch.
He heard Clary sniffle a few feet away from him and the smile faded from Jonathan's face. Don't cry, love. Trembling, she pulled her damp t-shirt over her head and Jonathan took the opportunity to run his eyes over her torso as she stretched and pulled it down to cover her. My child and my wife. She picked up her phone and walked out of the tunnel, without looking back at him. Look at me. Please. Aaron jogged after her and put his black hoodie around her shoulders as she called someone on her phone. Probably fucking Herondale. Jonathan pursed his lips as watched her walk away. So beautiful and still mine. Fate has seen to that by binding us with our child, Clarissa. Jonathan looked up impatiently, as he heard a police officer yammering nonsense at him about his rights and being under arrest… blah blah. That's what you think, peasants.