Hey! I hope everyone had a great week! :) Mine was certainly decent, but long. Had a midterm, had college, had work. But overall not too bad. My boyfriend gets home this upcoming Friday for spring break and it'll be a much needed break for 9 days. But hey! He gets the FF thing and will totally let me write, so don't worry. :)

Well, it's about that time that I respond to reviews, so here it goes! :)

Blahblahbooks: I'm glad you like where this is going! There's definitely a lot more in store planned for this story. Also, yeah, the kidnapping thing was a little weird, but I think in the end it'll be worth it. :)

Pizzanna: I'm glad! Stay posted to find out what happens next. :-)

Debra Williams: OMG THANKS! :D

Caitlin smith (Guest): I'm hoping to have it start picking up after this chapter. Some sparks fly between them next chapter, so let the chemistry begin (after this chapter)! I certainly do hope to keep it interesting, so any suggestions and thoughts on how to do so are fine by me! Clary does open up to Jace-but not for some time. But yes, Jace and Clary do end up together... on her 21st birthday. :* Thank you for the support!

Islandgirl4evR: I thought about making her go absolutely crazy about it but thought that everyone would think she was crazy and I don't want her portrayed as too messed up. :) Their trust builds surprisingly quickly considering they have to spend all day every day together... guess where that leads. ;) (Hint: Clace 4evR)

bubbles3 (Guest): I know, blonde is kind of strange. But the original story I wrote the character (Madelyn) is blonde. Plus I figured lightening her hair was more drastic than darkening it. And I think you'll like where this is headed. :)

insolitasum: I hope you slept well! Regardless, thanks for the review. That's really what matters. :) I hope you enjoy the update as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Okay! Off you guys go to reading the chapter! I hope you guys enjoy it a lot. :) See you at the end, lovelies!

Chapter 3: First Day

"Miss Fairchild, it's time to wake up," a voice urged, hands shaking my shoulders.

I groaned, turning my face into my pillow. I was on my stomach, and wasn't in any mood to wake up at the moment.

"Miss Fairchild—,"

"It's Clary," I snapped at the voice when they continued to shake my shoulders. And finally, my mind was awake enough to process what was going on. Someone was in my apartment. I turned my head to the voice and groggily opened my eyes.

Jace was grinning, and I almost slapped him. "Rise and shine, sleeping beauty. I told you I'd be here at eight. It's now eight fifteen."

I very slowly sat up, wrapping my warm blankets around me. "I didn't set an alarm. In case you don't remember, I was hit in the head last night and was very tired."

He shrugged. "Get used to it." He flashed his dimples at me. "Now, get up. We have somewhere to go."

I rolled my eyes and sighed. I tasted the rancidness of my breath, and blushed at it. I needed to clean myself up. "I can drive myself, thank you very much."

He was texting on his phone and looked up at this. "One, you don't know where you're going. Two, if you have your car, it gives you an opportunity to run away. Which we figured out last night you like to do just that."

"Fine," I said, crawling out of bed, realizing I had kicked off my pants in the middle of the night and now stood in just my tank top and underwear. I flushed at his searing gaze. "Can you, um, turn around, please?" I asked, flustered.

He chuckled. "Wow, blushing and manners? To what do I owe the honor?"

I narrowed my eyes at him until he smiled and turned away. I ran to the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind me. How much time did I have? He told me to dress in gym clothes last night, so should I bother showering? One glance in the mirror told me yes. My hair was matted on all sides from tossing and turning, my makeup smudged from not removing it last night.

I pushed my hair out of my face as I turned on the shower. As I waited for the water to warm up, I peered closer at my reflection. Upon closer inspection, I found a faint bruise on my temple, receding into my hairline. I grimaced, and shot the door a deadly glare, wishing Jace could see it. I quickly brushed my teeth.

I stripped off my clothes and jumped in the shower, washing myself, my hair, and shaving in record time. I stepped out, wrapping a towel around myself, only to hear Jace call through the door. "You almost done, blondie? The clock is ticking."

I rubbed lotion into my skin, all over, and rolled my green eyes. Still wrapped in a towel, I threw the door open and brushed past him to go to my room. "I may have a temper, but you have impatience. We'll have to work on controlling that," I said, shooting his words back at him.

He frowned and opened his mouth to say something when I shut the bedroom door in his face. I was feeling highly uncomfortable and vulnerable being seen in such little clothing so early in the morning. No one except the women in the locker room saw me like that and that wasn't often.

I pulled on some underwear, a black no-show thong, and a black sports bra. I pulled on dark grey and black mesh workout capris, and a fitted black workout tank. After pulling on socks and tennis shoes, I opened the door again to see an annoyed Jace, and went back into the bathroom.

"How long does this take?" he demanded, leaning against the door frame.

I briefly met his eyes in the mirror as I pulled a brush through my wet hair. "Have you never seen a woman get ready in the morning? This isn't even half of it. This is the lazy part." I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, then reached for my eyeliner and mascara, doing it quickly. Once I finished, I turned toward him. "Now we can go."

I grabbed my purse, phone, and jacket, and followed him outside into the bright morning.

Will you please tell me what the job entails?" I demanded, stressing my manners.

Jace smiled, finally at ease now that we were out of my apartment. "You know those shows like Criminal Minds?" I nodded. "That's basically what you'll be doing."

I bit my lip. "But in that show they go through police academy. I don't have any experience with a gun. All I know is contact fighting."

"Don't worry about all that. You will be professionally trained. You're a natural at fighting, so you'll pick up on that part right away. But you do have quite a bit to learn, and you have some catching up to do."

I nibbled on my lip again. "What do you mean?"

"Well, since it took a few weeks to get through to you, the other recruits are farther ahead on their training than you. I really pushed for you to be on our team, so don't let me down." His voice, I could tell, meant it.

My heart sank, so I turned to look out the window. I was really, really good at letting people down. I guess I did it to push people away, but I couldn't do that now. "Okay. I'll do my best to make you proud," I said.

I half-ran to keep up with Jace's long-legged pace. He was strolling with a purpose toward the building we were in last night. I had never been so annoyed with my lack of height.

"Wait, so if you're with the FBI, then what division are you in?" I demanded, fighting my urge to pant. We had to park at the back of the parking lot, and it was a long walk. "And where are your credentials? Aren't you required to show them?"

Jace glanced sideways at me, mirth glittering in his grey eyes. "You're full of questions, aren't you?"

I smirked. "Answering a question with a question, I see. That's a sign that your position may not be as valid as you say it is." We finally reached the building. We stood in front of two large doors, tinted glass with gold handles. With manners I was beginning to think he was raised with, he reached out and opened the door, stepping aside to let me in first.

"Your reasoning is exactly why you're here. Other than your physical health, that is," he responded, giving me a wink as I passed by him.

Once inside, I stopped and turned to face him. "So your position is in question. What happened?"

"I'm currently suspended from the division. I'm halfway through my suspension, but have to show model behavior in order to get my credentials back. That means I can't assist with any cases."

"What did you do?" I wondered as he began to ascend a flight of stairs.

"We'll save that for another time," he snapped, clearly getting annoyed as we started on the next flight.

I whistled through my teeth. "Sorr-y. But one more question. What kind of training will I have to pass in order to receive credentials to be a qualified agent? Who will be assessing this?"

He stopped at the top of the second flight, pausing by the door he was about to open. "First, that was two questions. Second, jeez, do you watch TV or something? You seem curious about all the right stuff." He scrutinized me upon asking.

I bit my lip and, catching his gaze darkening like it had in the gym, lowered my eyes. "You brought up Criminal Minds in the car. I may have religiously watched Criminal Minds since I was in high school. Oh, and I may have read up on it on our way over here. Thank you, smart phones."

He rolled his eyes. "Let's just say you and the two other recruits are doing crash course training. If, at the end of it, you pass the FBI requirements, you get your credentials and can work alongside us. If not," he paused, opening the door and following me through it, "you return to your boring life, forget it ever happened, and we're forced to recruit cadets from the academy."

I froze, swallowing thickly. That was a lot of pressure to put on someone. In the few seconds I had stopped, Jace had gotten several steps ahead of me, which I had to race to catch up.

"Before you ask, we're going to meet my supervisor, but we're doing it quickly. The other recruits should already be here, so they're probably already waiting."

I decided to keep my mouth shut at that and followed Jace through the office. He bounded up a short flight of stairs and came to a halt in front of a closed door, knocking on it before opening the door. This time, he didn't let me pass first.

"Hey, Robert, I have the last recruit," he said, standing just enough in the doorway that I couldn't see into the office around him.

"You're four days late with her. That won't settle well with the Bureau," a man, presumably "Robert," responded.

He called it the Bureau… so it must be legitimate.

I gazed around me in awe. There were cubicles on the floor just below me, and there was a good view of the few that were there. I counted nine desks, and only four were occupied. The people sitting at the desks exchanged looks with each other and then glanced at me.

"I know, I know. She was stubborn. But I really think she'll be worth it. Give her a chance."

I heard a sigh. "Fine. Bring her in, and then get started on her training immediately. If she can't keep up—,"

"I know. I explained it to her as well."

At that Jace turned to me, giving me a blazing look, and stepped further into the office so I could enter. I briefly took in my surroundings before acknowledging the serious looking man before me. There were windows overlooking the floor I had been previously looking at, but the blinds were closed. There were also windows on the opposite side of the room, letting in a copious amount of daylight. A couple of large plants occupied the corners, and on the back side of the room was a large oak desk where the man stood behind.

I stepped forward, smiled, and extended my hand. "Hello, sir, my name is Clarissa Fairchild. I go by Clary," I introduced.

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Fairchild. I'm Robert Lightwood. I see you've met Jace. He's gone over everything with you, I'm sure," Mr. Lightwood said, raising his eyebrows as if questioning me.

Before I could respond, Jace spoke. "I've gone over the basics with her. The rest I'll have to explain as we go. We need to get started."

Mr. Lightwood nodded. "Of course. Miss Fairchild, good luck, and I'll hopefully see you soon." He sat back down at his desk.

I smiled at him. "I hope so too, Mr. Lightwood."

"Please, call me Robert."

"I will." I turned and left with Jace. "What else is there to explain?" I asked him as he shut the door.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, and a few of his waves came loose from the hair he had pushed back earlier. "There is so much to explain. You'll have to do long days because of it."

We had taken an elevator down to the lower levels of the building, which turned out to be underground, and where they would be training us. It was space that they reserved as a gym for the members, and included obstacles included in the FBI test runs to keep you in shape.

"Clary, this is Magnus Bane and Simon Lewis. These are the other two recruits. They're already four days into the training," Drew said.

I shook their hands. They were both tall. One was kind of nerdy looking, and the other one was of Asian heritage, with slightly bronzed skin. The nerdy one was leaner and cut, but the shorter one was more lanky. Both handsome, and not much older than me.

"Clary… as in Clary Fairchild?" The taller one, Simon, asked, brown eyes narrowing at me.

"Does my name ring a bell?" I said, a snarky undertone lacing the words.

"You go to that underground gym, Pandemonium, right?"

A small burst of panic lanced through me. Oh no. How does he know who I am? "Yes, why?" I questioned skeptically.

"I've heard a lot about you. I went there briefly right around the time you started going there, what, four years ago?" I nodded, and he continued. "Yeah, you were quite the little fury. How many fights did you almost start?"

I started to relax and chuckled at the memory. "Oh, I don't know. Probably close to a dozen in my first few months."

He laughed too. "Well you seem to have mellowed out a bit. Still got the same fight in you?"

I smiled. "Of course I do!" I was honestly instantly warmed up to him, something that I don't think ever happened in my life. And, even more surprisingly, I was flattered that he remembered me. But now that I thought about it, he was ringing a bell… but from where? Not the gym…

Jace had watched this whole exchange with confusion on his face. "Mellowed out? Are you kidding me? She almost took me out at the gym when I got in her way."

Simon whistled. "Big mistake, bro."

Jace smirked. "Clearly. Anyway, let's get started. I'll need your guys' help getting her caught up on the training. Think you're up to the task?"

Magnus smiled. "Absolutely. I'm ready to kick her ass."

Magnus wasn't kidding. He did kick my ass. As well as Simon. And Jace. I was doing my best to be a good sport about it, but the truth is, I never lost fights, so the fact that I had lost to Jace in a public setting, and then to two other men was a blow to my ego.

Now, I shouldn't have been so hard on myself, given the fact that they were men. But this was kind of the whole point in me training the way I did. I did it to protect myself if I was ever put in a position with a man that I didn't want to be in… or if I ever saw him again.

We spent six hours going over different fighting techniques. They told me it would take some time, and Magnus and Simon were still perfecting it. At the end of the day, I was almost embarrassed at how physically exhausted I was. Apparently being able to run several miles or workout for an extended period of time didn't compare too much to this.

"It's good practice for you to do this with other people," Jace told me as we wrapped up the physical aspect of my training for the day.

I glared at him as I put my hands on my knees to catch my breath. "Whatever," I panted.

He raised his eyebrows. "Do you know how physically exhausting it is to actually fight with someone? Or fight against someone?"

Wrong choice of words, I thought. Fuck, here it comes.

I knew as soon as those words left his mouth that unpleasant thoughts would come unwantedly. This time, it was a flashback of the first time he took advantage of me. I squeezed my eyes shut and held tight for the ride and prayed it would be over quickly.

It was near the end of summer time, so the air was thick and stiflingly hot in Tucson, Arizona. All our windows were open because the air conditioning wasn't to be fixed for the next few days. A light and welcome breeze blew through the windows, pushing my sweaty curls off my forehead.

I ran out into the living room, holding one of my few Barbie dolls up in the air. "Mommy!" I cried, pausing on the line that separated the linoleum of the kitchen and the carpet of the living room. I had wanted to show her Barbie's hair, but she was nowhere to be seen. "Mommy?"

"She went to get a fan for you," he said from his spot in his reclining chair. "She didn't want you overheating."

I jutted out my lower lip in a fake pout. "Oh. Well, this can wait. Do you want to see Barbie's hair? I did it myself!" I exclaimed proudly.

He smiled at me and put out his cigarette. "Sure, sweetie, why don't you bring her over here?"

I giggled and galloped over to him, handing him my doll. "Do you like it?"

He grinned. "Of course I do! She's beautiful. Just like you."

I beamed and reached for Barbie, but instead he scooped me up and carried me to my room. "Time for bed, little one. Your mother won't be back for a while."

"Whyyyy? I don't want to go to bed!" I whined as he laid me down on my bed.

He pulled back and grinned, a sick, sadistic look on his face. "I'm going to teach you to listen to me, even though you don't like to. You'll learn to. I'm not a temporary fixture in this house."

What happened next was the night my whole life changed.

"Clary? Hey, Clary, everything okay?" Jace asked, reaching out to touch my shoulder.

My flashback dissipated and I straightened before his fingertips could reach me. "I'm fine. Onto the next thing?" I snapped, trying to contain myself. I felt so… manhandled, like I was that night and the many that followed.

The three men standing before me all exchanged skeptical glances, to which I responded by narrowing my eyes.

"O-kay," Jace said slowly. "Onto firearms."

I cursed under my breath. "You trust me with a firearm?"

"No, but it's protocol," he responded as we exited the workout area. "We have to drive to get to the shooting range."

Simon fell back to talk to me, and I felt oddly comfortable with him doing so. "You're doing well, you know," he said quietly. "I can see that you're feeling discouraged."

I shrugged. "I've always fought people my size, and it was never this physical I guess. It's a different kind of training than I'm accustomed to, but I'll learn."

"I was surprised at it, too. But it only takes a few days to catch on to it, so don't get too discouraged."

I smiled halfheartedly as we all exited the building. "I'll try not to. I think I'm just disappointed in myself because I trained for stuff like this for years," I admitted.

"Stuff like what?" he wondered.

Shit. Lie.

"Fighting. You know, self-defense."

Simon chortled and ran a hand through his dark curls. "I think it's different when the fight is real. You'll have adrenaline. And you're already in great shape, so I wouldn't worry if I were you." We reached the car at the back of the parking lot, and I pondered what Simon was saying as I climbed into the back with him. He had a point, and a good one, and I immediately felt better.

Hey everyone! I hope the chapter wasn't too bad haha. Look, I know it was kind of slow moving but some sparks will fly between Clary and Jace next chapter, which will hopefully be up by tomorrow night! :) So definitely stay posted if you're interested in more.

Please let me know what your thoughts are! I can't improve if no one gives me feedback, so all that I've received has been much appreciated! :) Please review (anything-thoughts, comments, questions, suggestions), and I'll see you next chapter! :)

-Caitlyn