Alec understood pride. Lightwoods had it in abundance. That was the reason why his parents had pushed them so hard and Alec had almost ended up getting married. He also knew that pride and safety didn't always fit together neatly.

If it weren't for that, he would have accepted the no and let Adam continue studying. If he was working with Jace, he would have known what to say. Life was so much easier when it was just the three of them. He missed those days even if he'd been constantly living a lie.

"The Institute's paying expenses, remember. Room and board." Giving Adam a flat look, he considered if he should push. With Jace, he wouldn't. With Adam... why not. He was going to be angry at Alec no matter what he did. "And I don't want to worry about you collapsing because of hunger if we're ambushed."