Magnus's POV

I paced back and forth, constantly glancing out the window. Will had said he would return with the news of the Clave's decision regarding Jem and Tessa's engagement. I had heard that they had come to a decision, but I was not informed as to what that decision was. I admit, I was more eager to see Will, but the news concerning the engagement did intrigue me. I had become quite fond of the boy, and was worried about his current mental state of mind. One could only take so much in at once- and Will had come to know more than his mental capacity was able to handle. And he suffered because of it.

"Would you stop worrying," Woolsey Scott said, standing from where he was lounging while smoking a cigar. "The boy told you he'd come by. Give him time."

"Whether the Clave has accepted the engagement or not, Will will be distressed and needs to discuss how he is feeling."

"I hadn't realized you were his therapist, Magnus," Woolsey said with a grin. "Then again, you were never really good at discussing your own feelings, were you?"

"My feelings do not concern me," I snapped, then said softly, "At least not now. I have only concern for the boy."

Woolsey set down his cigar in a tray and walked over to me. "Your feelings always matter, Magnus. Don't let concern for others tell you otherwise."

I turned away from him. "Damn you and your bloody effective advice." Woolsey began to massage my shoulders, and I relaxed.

"My hands are effective, too," the werewolf muttered. "If you can recall."

Ah, he was referring to France, where we had shared a loft and spent some true quality time together. Indeed his hands were very effective.

"Mmm…Paris," I mumbled, remembering those few secret months together.

Woolsey leaned forward and whispered into my ear. "If you'd like, we can visit the past."

I turned around and was about to say, "Best not to dwell on the past" when Woolsey caught me in an embrace and kissed me softly.

It had been a long time since someone had kissed me so sweetly. When I was with Camille, her kisses had been all passion and brutality. But Woolsey was always gentle and sweet, kind and loving. Everyone needed that sometimes…even me.

I let my lips part and returned Woolsey's caress, sliding my hands up the werewolf's muscular arms. Woolsey gripped my waist and pulled him closer. He was still so gentle. But I didn't want gentle. I slid my hand into his hair, pressing my lips harder against his. Woolsey let his gentle side go and returned the force.

He pushed me up against the nearest wall, tugging off his jacket while I did the same. Woolsey cupped my chin, my jaw, my neck, and I slid my hand down his side, then to his waist. Oh what it would be like right there, in that candle lite room full of color-

There was a harsh knock at the door.

Woolsey pulled away with great and obvious reluctance. "Go," he said. "Attend to the boy." He backed away towards the hall. "I'll be in my room- if you'd like to join me after." He left me with a devilish grin.

I sighed and opened the door, where a clearly distraught Will charged inside and collapsed on the loveseat Woolsey had previously occupied. His blue eyes were flaming, and his hair looked as if he had run his hands through it a thousand times.

"Won't you please come in," I muttered before shutting and locking the door. I sat across from him, leaning back with my hands clasped. "I suppose you're here to inform me of the engagement's fate."

"The final decision is postponed," Will said. "They are having Tessa searched again for a warlock's mark."

"What? They've already done so-"

"The Clave has done nothing. Tessa was searched by Charlotte and Sophie, two female companions Tessa feels comfortable with. The Clave is requesting a more… thorough investigation."

I raised my eyebrows. "How so?" Will simply stared at me in return. "I see. And who would they like to do it?"

"They were hoping," the Shadowhunter said gruffly. "That you would."

I was surprised by this. I had no romantic feelings for Tessa; indeed, she was beautiful, but I viewed her more like a sister than anything. We did have a mutual liking of each other, but the fact that this was true still did not assure me that Tessa would be comfortable with me searching her. "And how do you feel about this?"

"I'm opposed to any man touching her," he answered. "But I'd rather it be someone I trust."

"What about James?" I inquired.

"James…he has love in his eyes when he looks at her. I trust him, but…you have no attraction to her. And you're a warlock. You know what you're looking for. Jem might get…distracted."

"Are you sure this isn't simply you're jealousy talking?"

"No! Wouldn't you get distracted if you were looking at the naked body of the woman you loved?"

Sometimes I had and sometimes I hadn't. There were times when Camille paraded around the apartment naked, and I didn't so much as spare a glance. I didn't answer his question. "So I am to run my hands and eyes over every inch of her body to find a warlock's mark. Suppose I find one?"

"Then the engagement is off or James is disowned from the Shadowhunter race."

"And if I don't?"

"Then the case is taken into further consideration."

I looked at him for a moment, trying to keep pity out of my eyes. "You can't win, can you Will. If a mark is found, you either watch your best friend lose what he loves the most, or you lose him forever. If no mark is found… then you lose what you love the most."

"By the Angel, Magnus, are those the possibilities? Thanks so much for spelling them out for me."

A bit of anger flared up inside of me. "I pity you, Will Herondale."

"I don't want your pity," he snarled. "Do you have any idea what it's like-"

"I do not have the same life as you, Will," I interrupted him quietly. "I was not cursed as you thought you were. But sometimes having to push you loved ones away is better than having them betray you. I know what love is. I know what it's like to lose it and try to forget about it. Do not think that you know my life, Shadowhunter."

Will raised his eyebrows. "I had not noticed that my short statement implied that I did. But I apologize, none the less. I'm just…not myself lately."

I sighed. "I accept your apology. And I also accept the terms for the searching of the mark."

"You'll do it?"

"Why not? It's not like I have anything better to do," I lied, thinking of Woolsey.

"I suppose I should say thank you," Will said. "But it's not like my opinion had any influence in the situation anyway.

I smiled. "I'll try to keep the touching to a minimum." This earned me a glare. "I'm simply teasing you, Will. Now shoo, I have my own life to live." Will stood without another word and left the apartment with a slam of the front door. I stood and tried to decide what room to enter.