“When was the last time we were up here?” Magnus asked, mostly to himself, as his eyes swept across the empty rooftop.
“Max’s birthday, I think,” Alec replied easily. “He wanted to watch the stars.”
Magnus leaned against the railing, gaze fond as it settled on Alec. He never forgets a thing. “You should come up here more often, Alexander.”
“For what exactly?” Alec raised an eyebrow.
Magnus shrugged. “To watch the stars. Look up at the sky. Appreciate life and all that.”
Alec snorted. “Baby, I’m married to you. I don’t need to look up at the sky to appreciate life.”
“Smooth talker,” Magnus shot back with a scoff.
“Just telling it like it is.” Alec’s grin was boyish and bright. “Any particular reason you brought me up here? Or are we just appreciating life tonight?”
“Oh, I brought you up here for a reason,” Magnus said, straightening. “I wanted a private and spacious area for the two of us.”
Alec arched a brow, amused. “Oh?”
Magnus rolled his eyes and slapped Alec’s arm lightly. “Put that face away, Alec Lightwood. It’s not that kind of private.”
Alec smirked. “Then what?”
“I think you should train,” Magnus said, his voice softer now.
“Train?” Alec frowned. “For what?”
“To fight me.”
Alec blinked. “Baby.”
“He’s going to come after you too,” Magnus said, trying to keep his voice steady. “And when he does, I need to know you can defend yourself.”
Alec shook his head. “Is this really necessary?”
“You think he won’t come after you?” Magnus pressed. “Alec, he’s trying to kill children. I don’t think true love means a damn thing to him.”
If Alec was hurt by that, he didn’t show it. “Even if he comes after me, I can handle it.”
Magnus rolled his eyes—and in a blink, vanished. He reappeared behind Alec and smacked him between the shoulder blades.
“Ow—what the fuck?” Alec groaned, flinching.
“Was that you handling it?” Magnus asked flatly.
“You blindsided me,” Alec grumbled, rubbing his back.
“Oh, and you expect him to send you an invitation before stabbing you in the back?” Magnus countered.
“Magnus,” Alec sighed.
“Please,” Magnus said more gently now, stepping close and rubbing the same spot with soft fingers. “You have to learn. For me.”
Alec looked at him for a long moment, then exhaled. “Fine. But don’t get mad when I kick your ass.”
Magnus grinned and bopped him on the nose. “You’re adorable. Now—shall we begin with the basics?”
I missed them. They are my favorites 😔
