Chapter 1:

The water was cold as it splashed down my back.

"THERESA!" I yelled. She had used up the hot water, again. I quickly went through my shower routine, and reached for one of the towels. I slammed my fist into my sister's door.

"THERESA !" I screamed into the door. I heard a tongue cluck behind me.

"Really Clary? Do you think Mom would appreciate you banging down Tessa's door?" My older, adopted brother, Nate, asked.

"Mom would thank me if she knew that Tessa took all the hot water this morning. I thought you'd at least be on my side."

"Clary I am neutral. I don't understand girl problems." He sighed, sauntering down the hall.

"But you're gay. Don't you empathize with girls better than straight guys?" I sniped.

"Okay that is a stereotype. Anyways, I'm not gay, and I should tell you that Tessa already left. She had cheer tryouts, or something like that. We are leaving soon, so you may want to get dressed." I growled and threw myself back into my room. We had moved to Los Angeles, California for Luke's job. I honestly think we only did it to get away from Valentine in New York. And what's better than moving your children to the other side of the country? But here we are and it's the first day of school at Idris High School. The joy. I pulled on an old Def Leppard t-shirt, skinny jeans, and my red vans. I pulled a brush through my fiery hair. My aunt, Elizabeth, and uncle, Richard, had died in a car accident when Nate and Tessa were very young. They have been living with me, my mom, and Luke ever since.

Nate knocked on the door, pulling me out of my brain and back to reality. I grabbed my bag and cell and ran out the door after Nate. I sat in the passenger seat as we drove through the winding streets straight to the pits of hell. I twisted my hair up on my head. I hadn't had time to blow dry it so it was still damp.

"So are you going for the quiet artistic vibe?" Nate smirked.

"Are you going for the gay prep boy type?" His cheeks flushed and I smiled in triumph. I patted his arm. "Nate I am just messing with you. Don't be so cynical." I turned back and stared at the lurking castle-like structure that loomed ahead. I gulped. I hate school. Some asshole on a motorcycle cut us off as we pulled in.

"Take that spot." I pointed to the spot next to the bike. I have very bad road rage. The guy sat there, unstrapping his helmet as I slammed the door. I almost gasped when I saw what lay underneath. Gold. Golden eyes, golden skin, and golden hair.

"Hey, jackass, are you trying to kill somebody or is this your first time riding that." I pointed at the glossy black bike. I don't care if he had just about killed me and Nate, motorcycles are sexy.

"Oh I was trying to kill you Red." He winked and swung a leg over.

"Well isn't that heart-warming. That's a way to win a girl over, throw her through a windshield." I seethed and he smirked at me. He had the decency to find hilarity in my near-death experience.

"What's got your panties in a twist Little Red?" His smile widened and it looked almost innocent.

"Don't think for one minute, that you had any effect whatsoever on my panties." I smiled.

"Then what did I have an effect on?" He raised an eyebrow. Damn him for doing that.

"Other than my upchuck reflex, nothing." I grinned, wiggled my fingers and walked away. I tore through the hallways looking for the office. I bumped into another body and we both fell to the floor.

"I'm sorry, are you okay?" I picked up a few papers she dropped. I looked at her in all her shimmering glory. Her black hair was falling around her shoulders, her brown eyes looked curious and she frowned down on me as she helped me to my feet.

"I've never seen you before. Are you new?" She stood over me and I almost had to rock my head back to look at her teetering on the 7 inch heels.

"Yeah, I'm Clary Fray." I gave her a small smile.

"I'm Isabelle Lightwood. Lucky for you I'm part of the Welcoming Committee, I can help you find your way around, if you'd like."

"Sure. I have Biology first period with Mr. Starkweather." I handed her my schedule. She seemed nice enough. She snatched my arm and pulled me to the side. I tried to yank away but she had a very strong grip.

"Careful. Those are the Sluts. Do NOT get in their way. They'll crush you with those 'last season' Jessica Simpson heels. The one the right, that's Kaelie Woodley." I stared at the blonde, her blue eyes shining and her little dress riding up her thighs. "The one on the left is Aline Penhallow. She's co-captain of the cheerleading squad." I moved to Aline and her foreign looking face. Her black glossy hair was pulled into a high ponytail and her blouse was unbuttoned just enough to see a little too much cleavage. "And that is Jessamine Lovelace. She's head cheerleader and has slept with most of the football team. I wouldn't be surprised if every Monday she goes to the local clinic to get an abortion." Isabelle scoffs. Jessamine is gorgeous. Her blonde hair was twisted into little ringlets that fell over her shoulder. Her brown eyes pierced the on looking students and she acted like a princess. What a bitch.

"I don't know who that is though. She must be a new disciple." Isabelle shrugged and I followed her gaze to the tall girl, with the long brown hair and big grey eyes. Tessa.

"That's my sister." I whispered.

"What? No she isn't. You two look noting alike!"

"Well 'adopted' sister. Her parents were my aunt and uncle. Technically, she's my cousin, but she's more like a sister to me."

"She doesn't have very good taste in friends." Isabelle sighed. She led me up to the biology room and sat next to me at one of the tables. The golden douche walked in right as the bell rang. Could my life get any better? Turns out it could.

"Ugh. Who's that asshole?" I jerked my chin at the boy.

"Oh that's my brother Jace." I let all the air out in a sharp whoosh.

"What?" I choked out. I had just insulted the only person who had noticed me here.

"Don't worry, he's an asshole. What did he do? Or are you just really good at spotting jerks?" I watched him sit down next to Kaelie and slip his hand along her leg. Gag me with a spoon.

"He tried to kill me this morning." I sent him a glare, but he was too preoccupied. "Is she his girlfriend?"

"Just his thing this week. He'll probably move on by next week." He turned his head and looked at his sister and then saw me next to her. He winked. Who would condescend to like that guy?

I glanced over the syllabus. Just a repeat of the last school.

Show up on time.

Come prepared.

No food in class

Blah, blah, blah. Someone scooted closer to me. I turned to look at the glorious guy who was definitely a senior. He had intense blue grey eyes. His blonde hair was perfectly styled, he had a dazzling white smile, smelled like Ralph Lauren Polo, and was looking at me. I swallowed.

"Hey cutie." He winked and I blushed. I made the cheerleading team this morning and I already caught the gaze of a senior, and he's the quarterback. Way to go Tessa! I patted myself on the back.

"Hi." I smiled.

"So what's your name?"

"Tessa Grey."

"I'm Axel Mortmain." He grinned.

"Wait, are you related to the guy who owns Mortmain Shipping?" Oh my gosh, please be loaded.

"Yeah, that's my dad." He looked a bit surprised. "Most pretty girls don't know that. I take it your smart." He smiled.

"I suppose."

"I like you."

"I like you too."

"Would you let me take you out on a date tomorrow night?" Oh pinch me!

"Yeah, I'd love that." I smiled.

"Great!" He pushed back and went to his table. I felt like someone was watching me. I could feel eyes boring into my head. I turned and my eyes met dark blue ones. A very attractive boy was staring at me. His black hair framed his face and his lips quirked in the corner. I turned quickly away. What the hell was that? I felt a jolt of electricity pulse through me.

Her huge grey eyes met mine. By the Angel she's pretty. But why was she talking to Mortmain. He was a grade A prick. If he wasn't the quarterback and didn't have a bunch of pet apes to follow him around, I'd gladly punch his nose in. I don't think he'd take to kindly to the boys track team's captain bust his ass. He acted so cool even though the football team hasn't had a win since 1999. But now I hated him because he was talking to her. I saw her walking with the sluts this morning, but she didn't look like a slut. She looked smart and sweet. Not cold and heartless like Jessamine. So, why was she with them? Why was she talking to Mortmain? I don't know, but I do know that I'll know by the end of the day. The lunch bell rang and I stood. She, however, had already fled the room. I walked next to Gideon as we went to the lunch room, Jem, Jordan, Gabriel and Simon were already seated at our table. I didn't see my cousin Jace but no doubt he was fondling at his new love, sorry, lust interest. I saw Isabelle at the table next to ours along with Kirby, Sophie, Cecily, and Maia. Some other girl with fiery red hair and bright green eyes was squeezed in between my sister and Isabelle. I sat next to Simon.

"Who's the red head?" I pointed at the little thing.

"Clary Fray. Her and Izzy are new besties. She has a brother and sister who are also new here. Well, according to Izzy, they're actually cousins, but Clary's mom adopted them when their parents died."

"Who are they?"

"Theresa and Nathaniel Grey." He bit into his sandwich. I stood. I just spotted my new best friend.

"Clary right?" I reached over and shook her hand.

"Yeah, how did you know?" She looked confused.

"Word travels fast. I'm Will Herondale, it's very nice to meet you." I smiled and then looked up and my face fell. My dear cousin, Jace, walked in. Kaelie draped around his shoulders. Clary followed my gaze and she turned back and glared down at her lunch tray.

"I'm guessing you don't like my cousin."

"God, is everyone related to the guy?" She threw her hands up.

"He seems like a prick, I know, but he's not. However, the guy who is attempting to wine and dine your sister is."

"Wait who is wining and dining Tessa?" Kirby looked up. She was very good friends with the girls. She's a little thing with pixie-cut brown hair. She has hazel eyes and extremely long lashes. She was sweet and very good with movie trivia.

"Axel Mortmain." I grumbled and the girls groaned.

"Wait, what's wrong with him?" Clary looked worried.

"He's very…touchy-feely." Maia piped in.

"He plans on taking her out tomorrow night."

"What's tomorrow night?" Clary's eyes widened.

"Alec's 18th birthday party." Isabelle groaned and rubbed her temples.

"And Mortmain was invited?" Clary's eyes somehow grew larger.

"No, but he'll be gate crashing." I growled at the thought.

"Well, what do we do?" Clary sighed.

"Kill Mortmain?" I offered.

"Or just kill his reputation." Kirby smiled mischievously.