Chapter 11

JACE'S POV

I couldn't stop my feet was rushing up the steps and through the door of the Fairchild home. Immediately, I was met with the same trashed home Faith and I had come across before when we came here.

Only that didn't matter to me.

Hearing movement, I followed the sound into Clary's room, finding Alec standing in the middle of it. The room was mostly burnt, barley anything salvageable unlike Faith's room which was just trashed.

Turning, Alec caught sight of me in the doorway with Izzy right behind me. I stormed up to Alec, anger in my voice. "Where is she? Where's Faith?" I asked, my worry on her.

"She's gone," Alec said, looking almost nervous to tell me. He should be. I told, made him promise me, that he'd keep her safe. And here she was, taken by an unknown sorce with Clary.

"What do you mean, gone?" I asked, my arms exstending from my side. How could they just dissaper from Alec? He was a great fighter, great soldier. He'd follow every mission to a T. Why was this one so difficult?

Sighing, Alec exsplained, "She, Clary, and Simon got arrested when I was securing the fire escape. I got distracted."

"The mundane was here?" I asked, my eyes going wide. This guy just doesn't give up. I'm fine with him sticking around for Clary's sake, but eventually he just gets in the way. He becomes a distraction for Clary which becomes a distraction for Faith which distracts me. It's a rolling snowball that won't stop.

Izzy spoke up, worry in her voice for the mundane, "Simon? He's gone, too?"

Shrugging in doubt, Alec said, "It was an unmarked car. I don't know where they took her."

"What did you do, Alec?" I asked. Before I could get an excuse or answer from him, I turned and pushed past Izzy. Immediately I headed into Faith's room, looking around the trashed room for something. Anything.

One of her many journals sat on her desk, the pages filled with words that made no sense to my knowledge. But to Faith, it was an opening to her mind, to her memories.

I swiped up the journal, racing out the back door of the home. Once the air hit my face, I had hoped it would calm me, relax my nerves. But it only seemed to raise them, worrying me even more.

Taking a few steps away from the back door, I wrapped my hands around her journal, closing my eyes as I tried to locate her.

I pictured her in my head, her brown hair that usually laid on her shoulders with a few curls at the bottom. Her piercing green eyes that made me think I was lost in a beautiful forest. Her full red lips that never seemed to grow chap. I had her imagine secured in my mind for all eternity, but even then her location grew unknown, bouncing all over the place.

Cursing, I lowered the journal, "Damn it. She's not showing up." I turned, looking at Izzy and Alec who stood in front of the back door. Izzy held Clary's bag in her hand while Alec stood, watching.

Nodding at Alec, I said, "I'm going to need your help." Alec hesitated for a minute before walking over. He looked at me blankly, causing my hands to roughly grab his and force them on Faith's journal. I watched until Alec's eyes closed before doing the same.

Nothing. I could feel Alec's mind somewhere off, pushing my mouth to speak. "Alec, concentrate." A few seconds passed again, Alec's mind never focusing on Faith.

My eyes flew open, looking at Alec desperately almost, "Alec!"

"I'm doing it. She's not showing up," Alec exclaimed, dropping his hands from the journal.

Whether that was true or not was unknown fully to me. Either way, this wasn't going to work.

It seemed like with every passing moment I grew more and more worried. My worry changed to panic and confusion. The emotions feeling as if they were strapped to a string that was a part of me. Not in me, just a part of me.

Izzy, unknown to us, got off her phone, taking a few steps towards us as she speaks up. "Just like I thought. They weren't arrested."

Maybe Izzy had hoped this would help, not letting us waste time going on a wild goose chase. But, instead, it only sent me more into a panic. My mind tossed the emotion around, seeming to change it to anger with every passing word.

"It was your job to look after her," I said, pointing my finger at Alec.

"I did my best, Jace. But in case you're forgetting, they is two of them and one of me," Alec said, pointing off somewhere before pointing to himself. He was feeling my anger, seeming to reflect it too.

My voice rose, "Then maybe your mother was right, and your best is just isn't good enough."

Izzy's voice spoke up, yelling out my name but I barley paid regard to it.

Alec shook his head, giving me a fake smile. "Are you so blinded by your feelings for Faith, you've lost sight of us? Faith snuck out with Clary, because Clary thought she might find something here to help us with Valentine. I went after her to protect her. Both of them. I did nothing you haven't done a thousand times before."

I took another step towards Alec, getting right up to his face, "Yes, you did. You lost her. You lost them both."

"Enough, both of you!" Izzy yelled, causing both of us just to stand inches from each other in silence. After a couple of seconds, I took a step back, my body going over to Clary's bag and laying Faith's journal on it as I spoke.

"Whoever took Faith, Clary, and Simon must be holding them over a body of water. That's why our Tracking ruin won't work."

Suddenly, a phone rang near me. I looked up at Izzy who looked confused, realizing that it wasn't hers. Then my ears picked up on it's location, coming from the bag right next to me.

"Clary left her phone in her backpack," Izzy said as I raced to get it out. Once out, I answered it, putting it on speaker.

"Hello?"

"Oh, I thought I'd never utter these words, but thank God it's you. It's me, Simon," Simo's voice came through in relief. My heart skipped a beat while my breath seemed to hitch for a second.

"Where are you? Where's Faith and Clary?" I raced with questions.

Simon sounded nervous, confused. "I don't know. Some Chinese restaurant, I think? This cop Alaric arrested us, but it was a total fake-out. Him and his buddy, they took us to their hangout and then they told Clary that they'll kill Faith and I if they don't find the Cup."

I swear, my grip on the phone tightened at his words. Any stronger of a grip and I'd break the phone, ending this call. So I tried to calm myself down, trying to do the same for Simon.

"Just calm down, all right? Tell us what you see."

"Okay. Uh, we're definitely on a pier. There's a ton of water," Simon said. My eyes looked up to Alec who was already looking at me. Maybe he was concentrating and the water was why we couldn't locate them. At least, that's how I'd like to think.

"I see lockers and, uh, I'm in some sort of torture chamber. There's claw marks all over the wall," Simon said, sounding more nervous.

The three of us looked at each other, Izzy being the one to say it, "Werewolves."

Alec nodded, "That's possible."

I could feel my blood pressure begin to rise as I tried to get the exact location. No way was I wasting time on looking all over the place. "Okay, Simon, you need to get more specific. Tell us what you see. Help us find you guys."

"There's nothing else that can help! Wait, hold on! I'm at the Jade Wolf Chinese Restaurant on the pier at Greene St. And they have really inexpensive cocktails. Just hurry."

My body filled with relief, relief that we had located them. "You need to create a diversion. Stall them," I said, hoping that it'll buy some time before they touch Faith. Or any of them.

Simon's voice came out in confusion, "How? All I have are clothes and a lighter."

"Start a fire, Simon."

"That never works! Have you ever seen an action movie?"

A sigh left my lips, my voice rising slightly, "Just do it!" I paused, calming it for a second before adding, "We're on our way." With that, I hung up the phone.

The three of us headed off on our journey, using Simon's van to get to the Jade Wolf Chinese faster. But even then the sun has set and the moon has risen. Alec drives while I sit in the passenger side, my leg bouncing nervously as I look out the window.

Izzy must have noticed my nerves on edge because she spoke up from the backseat. "Jace, she'll be okay," Izzy tried to reassure me.

In that moment, I wanted to argue with Alec, blame him for all of this. But that was letting my emotions take the best of me.

Is this how it'll be from now on? Being on edge and nervous every time I leave Faith's side? Even from the second Maryse assigned me to the Seelies, I felt this new need to argue that assignment, something I had never done before.

Leaving Faith, made me off guard. But I did so because that was asked of me. Now, I'm starting to think getting a few disciplined days for denying an assignment would be better than the hell I feel like I'm going through without her.

The Chines place came into view, the smell of smoke filling the air.

"Izzy, go get Simon. Alec, let's go find Faith and Clary. They're probable in the back with the Cargo Containers."

I don't know why I knew that, but something was pulling me back there.

Quickly, Jace and I head behind the Chines building, keeping quiet as we move past containers. It wasn't until we got to the third row did our ears pick up on Clary's voice, yelling out to let her go.

Sure enough, a tall, black, bald headed man held a struggling Clary in his arms. As the man turns to leave the container he was just standing in front of, he's met with a hard kick by me. The action caused the man to release Clary as he doubles over in pain.

Alec quickly catches her, moving to the side with her in his arms.

I move in again, throwing a hard punch, just like the one I did with the vampire. My punch, thanks to the ruins, throws him backwards and knocks him out. I watch the unconscious man for a second, making sure that he is indeed out. When I'm relieved to find him not stirring, I quickly turn to Clary.

"You okay?"

"I will be. But Faith is in one of these still, and they have Simon," Clary said, worry dripped in her voice.

My ears rang with what Simon said. About how they'd kill Faith if they didn't find the Cup. If they were quick in their actions, then she might be fighting for her life right now in one of these things.

"You two, go find Izzy, she was looking for Simon. I'll find Faith," I said, pointing off towards the restaurant behind them.

Alec looked at me unsure. "Are you sure you should be going alone?"

"I'll be quick. I'll meet you guys at the restaurant," I reassured Alec. Before another objection could fall from his mouth, I turned and jogged off, my head turning from side to side as I tried to grasp any sign of Faith.

Eventually, I started calling out her name, hoping she's hear me. "Faith! Faith! Faith!"

Nothing, no good. I stop, my fear starting to show on my face as I looked around at the rows and rows of Cargo Containers. An action happens, one that feels so simple, so easy, like I've done it a hundred times.

My eyes close, my mind and heart focused on Faith. They move around each container like a spirt, until stopping at an old red one. The sound of banging is heard in my ears as her voice yells out, "Help! Someone, help! I'm in here!"

Quickly, I sprint into action, racing down three more rows of containers before making a sharp turn and running past four more.

Faith's voice is clear as day in front of me, causing my hands to quickly unlock the large door. I swing it open, causing Faith, who was banging on the door, to fall forward. My one arm quickly catches her, my other wrapping around her back to help stand her up straight.

My eyes look down at her while my breathing returns to normal. When her eyes look up at me, my name comes off her lips in a whisper of relief.

"Jace?" In seconds, her arms are wrapped around me in a hug. One that I quickly return as I let out a sigh of relief. She was okay, she was safe.

Before Faith, I was never a hugger. But since her, it's come so easy, so natural.

"Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" I asked, pulling away as my hand moves a piece of hair out of her face before cupping it worriedly. My fear that they did and it just wasn't visible to my eyes.

Faith's hands go to my wrists, giving them soft squeezes to reassure me with her voice, "I'm fine." Her head turns, looking off which causing my hands to fall and her's to release me. "Clary-"

"Is with Alec. They're heading back to find Izzy and Simon," I said, reassuring her that her sister was safe.

She nodded, looking like she was in a rush as she says, "Then that's where we're going too." I nod, knowing how badly she just wanted to get out of here.

We both run back in the direction of the restaurant, my hand lightly on her back as I direct her along the way. The small, simple action or my hand on her skin shoots fireworks through my body.

This morning, when her hands were grazing over my bare skin, I swear I was lost in space. All my focus, all my attention was set on her. If it wasn't for Clary, I would have kissed her. Hell, if it wasn't for Clary I would have kissed her a hundred times by now.

My attention was pulled back to reality when we reached the Chines restaurant. Izzy and Alec were standing outside while Simon and Clary were wrapping themselves in a similar hug that Faith and I shared before.

I spoke up, causing Clary and Simon to pull apart. "I hate to break up this little reunion, but we got a bunch of werewolves trying to kill us so maybe we should get going."

"Wait, wait, the box. My backpack. I think I left it at the loft," Clary stopped us before we could take a step away.

Alec spoke up, "No, we've got it," his next words were more of a mumble to himself but still loud enough for everyone to hear us. "I didn't screw up everything."

"Let's get out of here, then," Simon said, taking a step back as he looked worriedly.

Izzy froze in her spot, causing me to look around, "Wait, Simon! Whatever you do, do not make any fast moves."

My eyes looked around the area around us, watching as wolves crept closer and closer to us. Growls released through their lips, causing me to pull out my blade while Alec pulled out his bow and arrow, and Izzy her whip.

One of my hands outstretched, pushing Faith safely behind me.

"We're surrounded," Alec said, causing my head to turn slightly. Sure enough, wolves were creeping from behind us as well, surrounding us. "Everyone, stay together," Alec ordered, causing us to close in Clary and Faith since they didn't have weapons. Simon, seemed to stand in front of Clary, protecting her like he was one of us.

Suddenly, the back door to the Chines restaurant opened, revealing a giant, black wolf.

I move more in front of everyone, holding my blade at the ready in front. "Everyone, get back, that's the alpha leader." We all stood on guard, my back feeling Faith's nerves and fear rise as we were clearly outnumbered.

Suddenly, Faith's voice behind me causes me to turn, "Jace, behind!" I turn, catching sight of another wolf running towards us. He clear jumps over us, landing on the alpha and attacking him. They roll around, breaking boxes and such as they fight.

"He's challenging the alpha," Alec said, all of us amazed and surprised.

"He's helping us!" Clary said with a hopeful voice.

Simon shrugged, "Or cutting in line to kill us."

We all watched as the alpha collided into a box, his wolf form changing into a man. By Alec's description, he was the one that took Faith, Clary, and Simon.

"The alpha's dead," Izzy said in shock.

We all staid close together, still slightly on guard as we watch the wolf that challenged the alpha. He turned into a tall, black man, clearly injured.

"Luke?" Faith asked, her voice filled with shock as she looked at the grown man before her. The sudden howl of wolves made us all turn towards the wolves surrounding us. One by one, they changed back into their human forms, kneeling on one knee before Luke. "What is it? What's happening?" Faith asked, slightly worried.

"When a werewolf kills the alpha leader, he becomes the new alpha. Your friend Luke's the leader of the pack now," I explained. I turned back to Luke, Faith's eyes seeming to follow.

Stumbling slightly, Luke spoke up, "Clary, Faith."

Faith, suddenly, takes a couple of steps forward, passing me slightly. My hand reaches out, catching her arm and stopping her, "Faith, wait."

Turning, Faith looks at me reassuringly, "It's okay." She turns back towards the Luke guy, Clary seeming to follow as they approached Luke cautiously, both still a little shocked.

"I promised your mother I'd always protect you both," Luke said, his voice going weaker with every word. He suddenly falls to his knees, groaning in pain.

"Luke! Oh, my God!" Clary yelled. Her, Simon, and Faith rush to Like's side.

My feet take a step out to help only for Alec to stop me. "Hey, we need to get Clary and Faith back to the Institute and stay out of Downworlder business."

"Why don't you stay out of it? I'm going to help Faith," I said, slightly angry. I still hadn't forgiven him for putting Faith in trouble. And he could tell that.

"We have to report back to our mother," Alec said, trying to talk me into going back with him.

I nodded towards Izzy, "You and Isabelle can do that. I'll be fine on my own." My body turns, ending the conversation right there with Alec. I head over to the small group, my hand lightly taking Faith's arm. She turns, standing and joining me in taking a couple of steps away.

"His wounds are deep. Only a warlock's magic can cure an alpha's bite."

"We have to get him to Magnus," Faith says, her fear in her voice as she looks over at Luke worriedly.

I can feel her fear, her worry. She's afraid she's just lost the last person in her life that was like family.

My hand, hoping to comfort her, goes to her cheek, the other still holding onto the blade. "Hey, that's exactly what we're gonna do," I reassure her. She nods, seeming to listen to my words.

Putting my blade away, I look towards Faith's sister, "Clary, we gotta go. We have to get him to his car."

Simon helps Luke up with Faith to rush on the other side of him. Clary digs into Luke's pockets, pulling out the keys before handing them to Simon. Clary takes his spot as Simon releases.

"I'll drive. Besides Faith, I'm the only one with a mundane license. Come on," Simon said. He rushes ahead, going over to the black car that is parked near-by. I climb into the passenger seat while Clary opens the backseat door.

Between the two, their able to get Luke in the back, both girls on either side of him.

"We're getting you help, okay?" Faith reassured Luke.

"Just, please, don't leave us again. I can't have anyone else die because of us," Clary said, tears threatening her eyes.

My eyes looked into the back through the rearview mirror as Simon drove. I caught sight of Luke taking Faith's hand as he closes his eyes in pain. In that moment, I realize the truth, making me wonder how long it'll be before Faith realizes it too.

I hope you enjoyed being in Jace's POV for this chapter. Not sure yet if he'll get his own chapter again or not. We'll just have to wait and see. What do you think Jace realized in the back of the car?

Next chapter will be more of a informational one, revealing who Faith's dad is too! There won't be that many Faith and Jace scenes again but hopefully that'll return soon!