quick as lightning

45. Secrets and lies

After being drug, kicking and scratching by Izzy and shoved beside Jace at the front of the institute Piper stood with a little ring of gold around her head. Jace has been acting weird for the past two days, yet she had the decency to stay from his mind.

"And that's why I will be appointing Jace herondale and Diana Michaelson the heads of this institute upon my departure." Inquisitor herondale nodded for dismissal and Izzy high fives her.

"Look at my wife." Jace flinched at the word that Izzy spoke to Piper. "All grown up."

"She's right, that's no small feat." The group walked towards the familiar table each standing around it. Piper between the lightwoods and across from the blondes.

"So what, are the herondales like the Kennedy's and the michealsons like the-"

"Let's just stop right there." Alec put a hand up. "There's the royal family, then there's the lightwoods, herondales, blackwells, Fairchild, and so on." Alec answered.

"But let's get down to business." Jace said abruptly ending the conversation. Piper frowned at him, yet listened. "The Inquisitor thinks that all downworlders are suspects."

"Woah, isn't that a bit broad?" Clary argues as I leaned my hands on the table.

"She can't possibly think that." Alec shook his head and we all looked the the gold haired boy for answers.

"Since Luke's dna didn't match, I think we should get samples from all of our friends, to clear them. I'll make a institute wide announcement." Jace decided.

"Okay, Clary Obviously for Simon." I nodded and she flicked me a smile before turning and going off. "I'll go for Magnus." I shrugged.

"I'll go talk to Raphael." Izzy suggested and I closed my eyes as alec disagreed instantly.

"Look, Alec I'll go with her." I suggested and he looked hesitant.

"Am I missing something here?" Jace asked looking at us and I sighed walking to his side of the table.

"Piper if we're going to collaborate we're going to need honesty between us." His eyes flicked away from mine and onto Izzy's.

"I'm a recovering yen fin addict." She admitted and I smiled rubbing her shoulder.

"Excuse me?" Jace raised his brows.

"After the demon attack I needed something to help with the pain, but I'm better now." Izzy looked at him and he nodded.

"Okay." He nodded as Alec went to Magnus for me and Izzy went to grab our jackets.

"Wait Jace." I grabbed his wrist as he walked away. "What's going on?" I asked him and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know what you mean." He answered and I was tempted to look into his mind.

"Look if I said something, let me know." I responded, putting my arms around him in a hug and he hesitantly hugged me back. Usually it would be instantaneous. "And there it is again, the hesitate." I pulled away grabbing my cup of juice from the table and taking a long sip from it.

"Piper, look I wish I could tell you." He said but I crossed my arms. "Later."I rolled my eyes and took my jacket from Izzy as we walked out the door.

"Men, am I right?" She asked and I nodded.

"So absolutely right." I shook my head with a grin.

I didn't actually go with Izzy to talk with Raphael, she knew I would feel it if his fangs touched her skin. Instead I headed to the hunters moon, Maia had texted me a 911. I wore a grey knit tank top with black fishnets under ripped washed jeans. My black heeled ankle boots boosted me to 5'9.