Chapter 1

Looking around the crowded school halls, I was rubbing a right hand over the odd birthmark on my left forearm. At least that is what my parents told me what the gnarly looking thing was before they died when I was seven.

My name was Levy McGarden. Short for Leviana. I took up my mother's last name since my father had decided to kill them both. Now, eleven years later, I carried her name with flying colors to a potential Ivy League college along with a track record for scholarships.

The top straight A student, bookworm, and shortest genius to ever walk the Earth. That was me. I was blessed to have my high school pay for housing in basic needs while also giving me a job. It was my grades and tragic backstory that soaped them into helping me succeed. I wasn't even bullied since the school kept my information from ever getting to students, even some teachers.

I was more on the quiet side, given my background story of coming up in a foster home. I had the credits to graduate Junior year, but I decided to continue on dual credit to get ahead in college, and graduate with my handful of friends. They were the only other people to know about my backstory.

"Hey, L. Have you seen Lucy?" I heard my boyfriend of four months come to wrap an arm around my shoulders. I smiled as he ducked his head to press a kiss to my cheek.

"Good morning, Jet." Jet's real name was Jarret, but he preferred Jet. He moved in down the street from my house freshman year of high school before we started hanging out. After two and a half years of being together, he asked me out. I said yes. It was after my old boyfriend broke up with me when he moved across the country for military school. It wasn't uncommon to get a few texts from him now and then. It was more like a long distance friendship and he said still respected me.

His normally long gelled hair was cut up in a trending do and his face stayed cleanly shaven. His father was a military man, so he named him Jarret after his late best friend. Jet carried the name well. Jet's shiny earrings brought out his beaming smile. His pale skin was manually tanned since Jet actually didn't like to look so much like his dad, who currently worked security in a government owned facility not to far from the school. His thick hair came from his ill mother, who was very recently hospitalized with cancer. My fading smile made him sigh.

"Love, she is okay. Don't fret over it."

"Are you okay?" I asked him. He shrugged before he grabbed my hand.

"I am."

"Okay, and no I haven't seen Lucy. You know she is gonna be here only two seconds before the bell." I joked. Jet laughed.

"True. I just wanted to talk to Natsu. He stays at Lucy' side, that's all. Would you be able to read to my mother later? She said she misses your voice."

"Absolutely. I think I should be able to go by sometime this week. I have work today."

It wasn't really work. I worked at the school's library until six sometimes after school. It was easy money, since the Library was only used for exam studying and detentions. I stretched slightly and listened to Jet talk about his position on the high school football team. He slid in as a quarterback, which made his father proud. I was shocked, but wasn't surprised.

Jet was a strong guy. Also very attractive. He had been saying for two years he would make the team. He worked out almost everyday he could, which resulted in a thinner, more muscled frame.

"When do you have practice?"

"Until 5:30. I can hang out in the library with you for a little while." He whispered the last part into my ear, kissed my shoulder. I blushed and went to reply, but an indescribably hard body knocked me down. Dazed, I looked up to see the culprit was stiffly walking with his face in a paper and two cops at his side. From what I could see, he had long black hair.

"Hey, watch where ya walking, asshole!" Jet yelled after the guy. I saw the student tense before he kept walking. Jet helped me stand and finished walking me to class. I pecked his cheek and went to my seat in the back.

Being a genius, I was able to do anything really in all of my classes. I wasn't a teacher's pet, but all of my teachers had taken a liking to me. I pulled out my laptop and began working on late admissions work. Some scholarship program sprung from the blue and it offered full ride to most of the colleges I applied for. I wanted to have my app in by the end of next week.

"Levy?"

"Yes." I looked up while grabbing a book and my glasses.

"Would you be able to pick up papers and our new student from the administration office?" My fist period teacher Mr. Fuller asked. I stood up and began walking, taking the note pass with me. Many students, including myself, questioned why any one would transfer so late in the year. Spring break was soon.

The walk to Admin's was silent and calm. Almost peaceful outside was beautiful, so I walked along the trees to stay shaded from the sun.

"You bestest behave, boy." I heard a stern voice demand upon walking into the facility. My eyes shifted the the two cops standing above the boy who had ran into me earlier. I didn't glance at him again as I walked to the secretary, giving her my note. She nodded and smiled before turning the the grunting boy.

"Gajeel, your escort is here. Here ya go, sweetheart." The secretary handed me a stack of papers. I turned around and almost dropped what was in my arms.

This boy was no boy… This man stood over six feet easily and had a long, black mane resting against his back. I could see scars on his forearms and they were many. I could also see piercing covering every limb visible. His face was covered with metal and he wore an unimpressed scowl on his face. His sharp, red eyes met mine before his scowl lessened slightly. He wore black jeans tucked into black steel toed boots, a plain red shirt, and a black jacket. His wild black mane was unruly. He looked like he came from prison with his lumberjack frame and muscular build. He looked more like a grown man than a high school student.

"Hey, I'm Levy." I smiled kindly and reached a hand to him. He glanced at my hand before sighed.

"Gajeel Redfox." He shook my hand. His large palm was too big for my much smaller hand. I pulled away quickly at the shock set through my hand and up my arm. Gajeel glanced at his own hand.

"Well, you two get to class. Levy, Gajeel has a similar schedule to yours. Please show him the ropes of things for the next few days. And good luck on your application!" The secretary waved as we left. The cops glared at Gajeel out of the door before I started walking to class.

"What with the blue hair, shorty?" He asked with no remorse. I frowned.

"What's with the piercings, metal face?" I retaliated. Gajeel looked down at me before bellowing with laughter. My frown got deeper.

"Oh, don't be so pissy. That was actually a good one." He mumbled near my ear. I was caught off guard as he grabbed the papers from my hand and pulled me aside.

"Hey, what—" I started. He placed his hands on either side of my head.

"Don't talk. Are you okay from earlier? I didn't mean to knock into you. I didn't see ya."

"I am fine." I whispered. I cowered as he tilted his head curiously and leaned his closer.

"You should stop. If my boyfriend—"

"Not necessary, Shrimp. I was just observing the scar on your cheek." He reached a hand up to stroke my cheek. I hated that scar.

"Can you back away?" I asked. My cheek buzzed under his rough hands.

"Do you want me to?" He stepped closer to my body before I panicked. I raised my hands to his chest and instantly regretted it. Nothing, not even Jet's body, competed with the rock solid muscles of this man's chest. I stammered, trying to push him off only to end up trailing my hands over his upper body. I was mesmerized.

"Hey, now. Watch those hands." Gajeel grabbed my hands. I looked into his blood red eyes.

"I-I'm sorry."

"Don't sweat it. It can be our little secret." He winked before he turned away. I adjusted myself and walked ahead of him. Every few seconds his hands would push his hair back, so I giggled.

"What's so funny?" He mumbled. I went into my locker and pulled out a spare black headband. He raised an eyebrow at it and slid it on. He didn't look as imposing as before, but he still looked dangerous.

"Keep it." I smiled as he seemed to mildly appreciate my little gift.

He didn't speak again as I showed him to his locker, which was across from mine, then we waltzed into our classes. Mr. Fuller kept on teaching as we walked to the back. I was relieved to see Lucy sitting in the seat next to mine. Gajeel took the seat on my other side.

"Hey, girl. What's up with ya?" Lucy nudged me. I could feel my cheeks were still burning.

"Nothing. I just got a little hot outside." I heard a chuckle from my other side. Gajeel pulled out his phone and hid it in his notebook.

"Hey, new guy. Where ya from?" Lucy asked shamelessly. Mr. Fuller had given us the rest of the period to study for a test this Friday. Today was Wednesday.

"I'm not from Fiore or anywhere near Magnolia. I'm an islander." He grunted while twirling a metal pen.

"What island?"

"You wouldn't know, Bunny Girl." He teased as he settled into his seat. I chuckled slightly at Lucy's smirk.

"I'll find it out soon enough. I am very persistent when it comes to finding out stuff."

"You sound like my cousin. He goes here."

"Oooh, who is he?" Lucy said excitedly. I was surprised Gajeel bothered to entertain my nosy friend.

"Natsu Dragneel." Oh boy.

"You're his cousin. He is, like, the star Wide Receiver for the football team. He is also the boyfriend of yours truly." Lucy gestured to herself. I rolled my eyes.

"Uh huh. So you're the blonde he wouldn't shut up about."

"Natsu has never mentioned you."

"And I don't mention him. We tend to argue and fight a lot. He is actually helping me slide onto the football team. My probation officers thought it would be good to blow off steam." Gajeel bit into his metal pen, and I noticed how many bit marks decorated the poor thing. His teeth were unnaturally sharp, much like Natsu's. Interesting.

"Only for the last two games? And you're on Probation?"

"Not for what you think. There was a little miscommunication during my arrival. I won't be seeing them again after today."

"How old are you?" I blurted out. Lucy smacked my arm as Gajeel slid his red eyes onto mine. He grinned mischievously.

"How old do I look?"

"110, at least." I joked. His face blanched as Lucy laughed with me.

"Funny thing for you to say, Shrimp." He grunted out. I frowned at his words as Lucy laughed harder.

"You know, I thought there was a limit to how many times you can repeat high school, old man." I bit back. Lucy's chuckles died down as I glared at Gajeel. He raised an eyebrow.

"You know something else? We got all day to argue back and forth." He snapped. I crossed my arms. Lucy glanced between us before touching my arm. I looked at her.

"Are you busy after school or work today with Jet?" Lucy asked quietly. I leaned close to her.

"Nope. I think Jet might come up to greet me after work though." I explained. Lucy nodded and slid her desk over so it touched mine. We used the last twenty of class time to work on essays and apps. She texted Natsu and I messaged Jet.

After class, I walked Gajeel to our next class. Turns out the only class we had different was my study hall, which was his gym. He was behind on those credits, so he had to take gym twice. I shrugged.

Through second and third period, Lucy and I sat near Gajeel and answered any questions he had. I was surprised to see that he was very quiet, and loved to grunt. His eyes darted to the windows every few minutes before settling on the paper in front of him. Besides small clarifications, Gajeel didn't speak again. After fourth period, when Gajeel didn't have a class with me, I texted Jet about stopping by my house later tonight for homework help. When lunch rolled around, I offered Gajeel a seat at my table. He nodded stiffly. After we took a seat, I felt my chair tilt back as Jet ducked his head to kiss my forehead.

"Hey guys. Who's this?"

"Jet, this is Gajeel. He is new."

"Redfox? Natsu was bragging to the team about how good of a linebacker you were. Ya look strong enough." Jet studied him. Gajeel glanced up from his phone before grunting. This threw Jet off.

"Hey, buddy. I'm talking to you." Jet took a seat at my side, which was directly across from Gajeel.

"I heard you." The scary man growled. I glanced to see Lucy coming with a small pizza, and her ecstatic boyfriend. I was enveloped in a hug by the charismatic pink haired boy. Natsu took a seat next to Gajeel side before smacking him hard on the back.

"Yo, iron face." I choked on my water.

"Fuck off Flame Brain." Lucy choked on her own as well.

"Oh, good one. You been practicing?" Natsu teased as Jet laughed. A frown formed on Natsu's face. I almost tensed when he pulled my chair close to his so he could cuddle my neck. We gave each other small smiles before Jet settled with an arm around my waist to keep me pulled to him.

"So, I hear there is a party at the end of the month. Supposed to be at Cana's drunk ass house, so something is bound to happen."

"I heard about it. Ice princess is going with Juvia and—"

"Juvia Lockser?" Gajeel asked abruptly. Natsu shrugged. He pecked Lucy's hair before leaving without a word, but he threw a glare at Jet. Oh boy.

"I know her. I have met rain woman before. She always fucking cries." Gajeel complained without questioning his cousin's departure.

"You don't know anything about her." Jet defended formerly and excessively. I placed a palm to his chest. Gajeel scowled at him.

"Oh chill out. I have known Juvia longer than anyone else. Aside from him and stripper." Gajeel waved a scarred and burly hand to the departing Natsu.

"Stripper?" I asked.

"Gray, sweetheart." Jet filled in. I chuckled before laughing. Calling Gray a stripper was pretty accurate and funny. Gajeel snorted at Jet's words.

"You got something you wanna say?" Jet bit back as I controlled my laughter. Gajeel seemed amused as he stood up.

"What time does practice end? I got shit to do later." Jet cringed at his foul language.

"Damn, man. You swear a lot. And practice is from after school to 5:30."

"Get used to the swearing. Come on, Shrimp." Gajeel looked to me. I stood up, confusing Jet.

"Hey, where are you two going?"

"He has midday check in so I am showing him the fastest way to the Admin office. Then I am gonna show him to his next class." I explained. Jet gave Gajeel a look before he pulled me to his chest to kiss me hard. I was shell shocked when I pulled away to see his grin.

"I will see you later, love. I'll text after lunch." He pecked my lips again before releasing. I nodded numbly before Gajeel's grunt grabbed my attention. I quickly walked ahead of him as Lucy whistled.

Walking into the hallway, I took a deep breath to slow my blood flow. Gajeel glared at the floor slightly.

"Hey, are you okay? You don't look well." I placed a hand on his shoulder. He was burning up.

"I need to go." He growled. I froze as he told me to leave him at the Admin's office. I listened and wished him well as I left.

The rest of the day went well as I finished most of my apps and today's homework. My work was cancelled so I sat in the bleachers during the practice with Lucy. We sat in a comfortable peace as our boyfriends practiced for a game next Friday. I frowned when I saw Gajeel wasn't here. I hope he wasn't sick.

"I was thinking, maybe going to that party might be fun." Lucy nudged me.

"I don't party." I rolled my eyes. Lucy whined.

"Girl, it's for the game. If they win, both of our boyfriends might be interested in going. You never go out." Lucy argued.

"Whatever. I will think on it."

Lucy hugged me. "Oh thank you honey!"

"Anything for you, Lulu." I shook my head and hugged her back. I began packing up my stuff as the coaches blew their whistles, ending practice. Lucy promised to call me later or see me tomorrow morning before she disappeared. I met up with a freshly dressed Jet near the gates. He grasped my hand and walked with me. There was a tension that confused me.

"Is everything alright?" I asked as we crossed the street towards my home. It was only a block from school, so I didn't bother driving my car unless there was rain. Also, though I could have a car didn't mean I always had enough for gas. Jet lived across the street from me and two houses down.

"We will talk inside." He grunted out. I merely nodded. I lived in a modest one story house. Every few weeks the principal and some people from the Board would stop by and check on me whenever they had the chance. I kept everything clean. I let Jet pull me to my room before I pulled free of his grip.

"Okay, what is going on?" I ask after tossing my jacket and bag to the computer chair.

"I want you to stay away from Gajeel. I don't like him." Jet crossed his arms and I raised an eyebrow.

"Wow, I thought my dad wasn't here." I snapped back.

"Levy, he seems dangerous." He began to argue.

"And who are you to judge him, then have the audacity to try and decide who I can or cannot see?"

"Your boyfriend. I don't like him around you." I rolled my eyes and sat down. Jet ran a hand through his hair.

"That isn't how relationships work. I have almost every class with him. And you are gonna end up playing with him anyways. He is new here, and I would like for him to at least have a few friends."

"No way. Not you."

I was taken aback. "I am going to act like I didn't hear anything you said. Bye, Jet."

"Hey we aren't done here."

"I say we are. You have absolutely no right to talk down on me like that. I don't want to be near you right now." I turned away from him. Jet sighed and wrapped an arm around my waist.

"I… I guess I jumped the gun a little bit."

"You think?" I scoffed, already feeling my sensitive side forgiving him.

"I'm sorry, baby. You are right. I just sounded like a big asshole." He chuckled. I closed my eyes when he kissed my cheek.

"I love you." He whispered in my ear. I tensed up. He knew I couldn't say that yet.

"I know." I turned around in his arms and kissed him back. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I let him guide me to my bed. Laying on my back, Jet kissed down to my neck. I ran a hand through his frisky and long hair. I looked to the closed window and jerked as a pair of bright red glowing eyes stared into mine. I pushed Jet, scared as the haunting gaze disappeared.

"Hey, what is it?" Jet leaned back. He looked into my worries hazel eyes with his crystal blue gaze.

"The window. I saw eyes." Jet stood up and went to the window. He looked around before closing the curtains and returning to the bed. He sat next to me.

"There was nothing outside. Not even a car driving on the street." He brushed my hair from my face. I just noticed how dark it got outside.

"You should go. It is dark out there." I suggested. Jet kissed me once more before he grabbed his belongings and left with a promise of a phone call later tonight.