My Mate, Not Yours
Chapter 3
Levy hummed to herself as she walked alongside Gajeel back to their home. After about five hours of being gushed over because of the news that she had given everyone, she had decided it was time to go home and get some rest. Looking up, she bit her bottom lip as she saw that Gajeel looked deep in though as he walked, and easily slid her smaller hand into his larger one, pulling him out of his daze and causing him to look down at her with a raised eyebrow.
"You're not mad at me, are you?" She asked, watching as his eyes widened and stopped them from walking.
"What brought that question on, Shrimp?" He asked, and she looked down as she traced the rough callouses on his hands.
"Well...I figured that you might be upset that I didn't tell you right away." She stated, peeking up at him through her lashes to see that he was staring down at her. Relaxing when she saw a smile spread across his lips and met his gaze as he leaned down.
"I'm not upset about anything, Shrimp. I'm only about possible names for our child. But, it seems that I'm not so good because every name that comes to mind makes me cringe slightly." He stated, causing her to blink up at him before giving a giggle and going on tip toe to press a kiss to his lips.
"We still have time, Gajeel." She stated, causing another smile to appear on his lips. He gave his usual laugh, pulled her close, and then quickly picked her up bridal style. She giggled, having gotten used to this action, and nuzzled into his neck as her arms wrapped around him. Sighing in happiness as he started forward, giving little growls as she ran her hand through his thick mane of hair.
"I should warn you Levy. I will become more protective, more so than I already am. Your are not only my mate now, but the mother of my child, it's a combination that can cause a Dragon Slayer forget who is friend or foe." He stated, causing her to look up at him for a moment before giving a smile.
"I kinda figured since it looked like you were going to rip Master's head off just for touching my stomach." She giggled, causing him to look down at her with a smile. She blinked when he gave a large sigh, and leaned against him.
"I should be able to control myself around the people of Fairy Tail. The women wont be a problem, but some of the males I'm gonna be keeping closer tabs on. Especially Salamander and Laxus." He stated, causing her to hum in confusion.
"They're Dragon Slayers as well, it's a but complicated, but they are the biggest threat to a mated male. Especially a mated male that is expecting offspring. They so much as looking at you in the wrong way could set off my anger." He mumbled, a troubling look crossing his face and she frowned slightly. Her hand going to her stomach and giving it a small rub.
"I can stay away from the guild if it will help." She whispered, blinking as a swaying motion indicated that they had stopped in the streets again. Looking up she saw him looking down at her in shock before watching as he shook his head.
"I'm not telling you to give up your friends, or the guild. I'm just asking you to help me whenever it looks like I'm going to push my luck like with the Master." He stated, causing her to smile and lean up slightly to press a kiss to his cheek.
"No worries. I'll be able to keep you in check, after a while my hormones will be getting the better of me. Then everyone will be giving me plenty of space, even you." She laughed, causing him to laugh as well and tighten his hold on her ever so slightly.
"You could be shouting at me all you want Shrimp. I'm not leaving your side." He stated, and she smiled and swung her feet ever so slightly as she gave him an innocent grin.
"Even if I bring out one of my purses?" She asked, watching as he tensed and gave her a shocked look. Only to blush a moment later as he realized that she had been kidding.
"Woman. I swear." He growled, lifting her higher to press a kiss to her lips before walking again. She laughed silently and snuggled into his chest, falling into a light sleep even before they reached his apartment.
Gajeel stared down at his mate, a small smile on his lips as he watched her sleep peacefully. He had been in shock at first when she had placed his hand on her stomach. Then, after focusing his senses on her for a moment, and detected the life within her, he had forgotten how to think. How to breath even. In all of his life, he had never thought that he would have a mate. Nor had he ever thought that he would be a father. Yet, there he was, standing in the doorway to his bedroom, his mate laying in the middle of the bed, and his unborn child resting inside of her.
Now that he was aware of the child, he could sense it within her, although he still wouldn't know the gender until it was born, but that really didn't matter to him. It was because it was his and Levy's child he would love it regardless of gender. Even though he saw all of this before him, he was having a little trouble accepting it. He was happy, but he didn't see how he deserved all of this. He, who had once attacked this woman, attacked her guild, fought with her friends, and done so many bad deeds in his life, could say that he was happy and deeply in love.
A shift of skin on satin sheets caused him to look up and see that Levy had shifted on the bed. So her peaceful face was facing the wall instead of the door, and he smiled. He knew that she was thrilled about having a child, he had picked up on it ever since she had stated the news, but he did know that no child birth was easy. Still, so long as she was prepared to face whatever may lay ahead, so was he. Although, he was going to be more fiercer and protective than she would be.
"Are you just going to stand there all day?" A familiar voice stated, causing him to look down to see the little Exceed that was his partner.
"Oh shut it Lily. I can't help it. How can such a man as me, have this much good in his life?" He asked, his eyes turning back to his mate.
"I'm not all aware of everything in your past, Gajeel. But, the man you are today is something to be proud and respectful of. Grasp what is in front of you, and leave the past behind. You have a beautiful wife, and about to have a beautiful family. Don't let your past doubts hinder that." Lily stated, causing Gajeel to smile and look down at the little black cat.
"Thanks for that." He stated, finally pushing away from the door frame and eased onto the bed. Wrapping his arms around Levy and pulling her toward him, watching as Lily crawled onto the other side. Smiling as Levy automatically took hold of the Exceed and pulled him into her chest.
"Honestly. Why does she do this?" Lily muttered, and Gajeel laughed softly, knowing damn well that Lily didn't mind it one bit. Giving a sigh, he nuzzled his own head into her blue hair and inhaled her soothing scent. Lily was right, he shouldn't worry about the things he had done in the past. What mattered now was his future with Levy and their growing family. He was truly a lucky man.
