Too all my dear readers, I am so sorry for my extended absence! I promise you all I have not forgotten you and am very motivated to finish this story. Although I have not published in awhile I do think about this almost everyday. I can be so indecisive at times over what to write and what to cut. I'm working on getting better at it! This one might have a few errors here and there, I was trying to get this one finished as soon as possible for you all. Thank you all so much for being so patient!


CPOV:

Drip. Drip. Drip.

It was raining again today. The smell of wet pavement had already leaked into my bedroom through the open window. It was clearly a farewell to the good weekend. Valentine had gotten back into town late last night. I had pretended to be asleep but that didn't keep his grubby hands out of my room.

"I'm hoOome sweet darling" he had bellowed into my ear at around 4:30 AM. Valentine wore a boyish grin on his face that wasn't quite right as he hovered over my head.

"Hello Valentine, welcome home" I replied in a monotonous voice.

"I brought you something" he chuckled darkly and my throat closed up at the thought of presents. He whipped a box around from behind his back and flipped the lid off with ease. A stunning diamond chain necklace with a single emerald gem sparkled from the inside of the box and I was momentarily caught off guard.

"It's..um. Wow" I murmured, in awe of the piece. "Where did you get it?"

He looked to the side, his face hardening. "It has always been mine. I only had to retrieve it."

"It's beautiful, thank you" I stuttered in an effort to avoid another argument with him.

His face softened once again, taking on a happier expression. "Well go on now" He prodded in a giddy tone. "Let's see how it looks on you." Valentine was never one to wait. He had the necklace out of the box and around my neck in a matter of seconds. "Oh just lovely. For once your pale skin doesn't look completely awful" he replied without giving me a chance to register what was happening. It was about as much of a compliment as I'd ever get from him.

I glanced down at the gem gleaming against my neck, it really was beautiful, I wasn't lying. Normally jewelry wasn't my style, but I could see myself with this. It was bold while still being simple; classy.

That night after he left I had tiptoed over to my closet and carefully opened my jewelry case, being mindful not to make too much noise. The necklace was just as magnificent as the first time I looked at it. The light from my cellphone flashlight reflected off the diamonds and splashed across the room into a thousand tiny stars. I was an artist and this, this was a masterpiece. After the initial shock wore off I began a closer inspection of the piece, flipping it over and looking for some sort of clue as to who may have made it. There was a small inscription on the back of the gem;

To the only one I've ever loved

Huh, I'd never known Valentine to love anyone. A flutter of emotion blossomed in my chest. This could have been my mother's. The thought comforted me in a way I never thought possible.

It was then that I noticed the drops of blood smeared across the clasp. My body went cold as all of the color drained from my face. Valentine hadn't just brought me a present from Russia.

He'd given me a trophy of his latest kill.

JPOV:

My fist slammed into the body bag repeatedly with skilled precision as I tried to work off the anger I felt boiling beneath the surface of my skin. Izzy hadn't been too forthcoming the previous night in regards to Clary. She herself only knew the sparknotes of Clary's life and it was killing me not knowing what a girl as precious and innocent as her could be living with such a monster. I wasn't blind, I noticed how sometimes she seemed to be in pain, or how on some days she would wear her makeup infinitely heavier than normal. But I had just marked it off as her being a girl. I could have never dreamed someone would be actively hurting her. And now that I knew, I was about ready to murder anyone who got in my face.

"Aye, Heronalde! Saw you with that tight little redhead last week at the fair. You banging that?" A teammate joked during lunch. News of the beating I'd given Bash and his thug friends for touching Clary had spread. Fast.

I growled at his vulgarity. Actually growled. And what's worse, a week ago I would have been the type to laugh and agree. Because that's who I was; Jace Heronalde. The guy who slept with a new girl every week and never kept them around long enough to learn their names. What the fuck was Clary doing to me.

"You'd learn to keep your fucking mouth shut if you know whats good for you, Leo." I spat, not even stopping to look at him as I passed through into the west hall.

"Hey heyy, big brother. What's gotten into you?" Izzy frowned as I turned the corner and nearly collided with her.

"You know exactly what's wrong with me"

Her face fell, "Jace..-" she started.

"I know! You already told me, I can't tell her, she needs to tell me." I waved my hands around violently as if to prove a point. "I'm not on board with this plan! I need to do something! I need to hit something!" My voice raised.

"Well you can't." she snapped. "You will not be scaring off my best friend by being Jace the badass warrior, do you hear me? Give her some time and we'll figure this out." she folded her skinny arms across one another. It should have looked childish, a girl as small as Izzy trying to look threatening, but she was anything but childish. She looked menacing, a mama bear prepared to take down anyone standing in the way of her and her cub.

"Fine" I ground out my teeth and turned, storming off down the hall. "Goddamn fucking lunatics in this hellhole." I grumbled to myself.

CPOV:

The prospect of school the next morning was a welcome relief to the latest developments in the Morgenstern household, if you could even call it that. I had dressed quickly, throwing on the first thing I saw in the closet and not even bothering with my hair. My shortened morning routine had gotten me nearly out the front door unnoticed before I heard my name.

"Clarissa?!" He didn't sound mad. More shocked, or flabbergasted. "Aren't you forgetting something?" he asked.

I turned halfway's, my hand toying with the handle of the door handle. "Pardon?" I asked confused. It was then I noticed a certain emerald necklace dangling from his fingertips.

"You almost forgot my gift, tsk tsk Clarissa. You must be more careful." he chastised me, coming closer to snap the piece around my neck.

"Right. My mistake sir..It won't happen again." I replied quickly, being sure to flash a, albeit fake, smile in his direction before disappearing out the door. The sooner I was away from him, the better.

After arriving on campus I had quite a time attempting to dodge all of my newfound 'friends'. A few girls I didn't know had tried to strike up a conversation, wanting the latest on Jace and I which, even if I had, I wouldn't have given to them.

After the eighth person asked about Jace I was thoroughly fed up and stuck my earbuds in. I'd flash a quick smile and excuse about being busy when anyone tried to speak to me. It worked for awhile. I had made it past lunch without having to speak to a single person aside from my teachers. I had just exited the ladies room when a force pulled me out of my own head a nearly knocked me to the ground.

JPOV

I'd been walking to class when I spotted her up ahead. She looked so adorable and innocent in a white sweater and black jeans. I had just finished analyzing how tight indeed said jeans were when I saw one of Bash's cronies making a move to knock her over. I was by her side in a flash, gather her bag and its spilled contents.

"Jesus, Clary. Are you okay?" I helped her up, inspecting her body for any injuries. My eyes made their way up her body and landed on her lips. They curved into a smirk.

"My eyes are up here Jace" she joked weakly and I chuckled. That comment could have been taken so many different ways but I was too relieved that she had made it through the weekend without any apparent injuries to torture her for it.

"Yes, I've noticed" I replied teasingly, darting my gaze deliberately back to her lips after a brief glance at her eyes.

"Men" she scoffed, pulling her bag over her shoulder. A piece of her crimson curls fell past her face and covered her eyes as she rummaged around in her bag.

"So I was thinking…" I trailed off, tucking the rebel hair behind her ear and leading her away from the now crowded hallway.

"Oh were you now?" she teased lightly, following me into the empty classroom.

"Yes, I tend to do that from time to time" I chuckled, leaning against the teachers desk and tugging her closer. She shook her head humorously, allowing my arms to sneak around her waist. Her own rested comfortably against the tips of my shoulders, drawing arbitrary circles with her fingertips. Having her so close was almost too distracting, I had nearly gotten what I'd planned to say.

"Uh, anyways," I shook myself from her hypnosis, "This Friday is the soccer game and I was hoping you'd come. With me. I promise it'll be fun" I grinned, flashing the most dazzling smile I could conjure up to convince her.

Her cheeks flushed a deep pink and instantly it became my favorite color on her. "I don't..I mean I'll have to ask my dad. But I'd really like to" She smiled shyly, glancing down to the floor.

"Hey" I lifted her chin up. "Don't worry about it if he says no, I understand" I finished.

Her vibrant emerald eyes stared at me for a few seconds too long, stunned. They narrowed minutely to study my face. "Yeah…I have to get to class" she murmured before brushing past me, disappearing into one of the classes.

My mood plummeted as I stalked over to Mr. Connor's class. Her reaction was definitely not the one I was expecting. Didn't girls like the nice sensitive crap? Apparently not! I kicked a locker, causing a serious dent before finally entering class.

CPOV:

"If he say's no, I understand"

My world came to a rushing halt as the words fell from his lips. He knew something. I hadn't been careful enough. My heart was crushed, we'd definitely be moving now. But Valentine didn't know.

Yet. The little voice in my head chanted.

I stared at him for a good bit longer than normal. Shaking myself out of the stupor I'd fallen into I muttered a quick excuse and fled to the comforts of my next class.

After that the day flew by me in warped speed. I had turned into a mechanical robot somewhere between lunch and art. Packing up the last of my supplies and books, I moved towards the door without so much as a goodbye to Ms. Fairchild or Izzy.

I could feel Jace's stare burning a hole into my skull but I didn't have the energy to

acknowledge it. I knew the second I turned around he'd strike up a conversation with me and I simply didn't have time for it.

I left the class and weaved through the nearly empty halls towards the back doors. Ms. Fairchild had let us out a few minutes early so I figured I had about 10 minutes or so before Landon showed up to carry me away.

It was raining outside again. Of course. I hid beneath the school awning to wait for Landon while the rain pelted everywhere around me.

"You're going to get sick just sitting out here" his smooth voice reached my ears before I saw him.

"You should go inside then" I replied indifferently. I wasn't turning to face him. I'd be putty in his hands before he even got another sentence out if I did that. I stared straight out into the parking lot, looking for the familiar SUV.

"I didn't mean to upset you" his voice lowered and I could feel his breath tickle the back of my neck. A familiar shiver rolled through my body, He was right behind me now. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing, picking at the loose thread of my shirt. I looked up, hearing the squeal of tires as they peeled through the parking lot. Landon must have let Kato, the new kid, drive.

"I'm fine" my grip tightened on my bag as I made for the approaching car.

"Wait" he touched the tip of my elbow and I nearly turned around "Look" his chest was pressed nearly completely against my back now and I was just barely holding on to my resolve not to look at him. "I know you're in some sort of trouble and I can help you. Don't hesitate to use this" he whispered, shoving a thin piece of metal into my palm before leaving.

I was so shocked by his sudden bluntness that I barely had time to conceal what he'd given into my school bag before the shiny black SUV came to a screeching halt at my feet. I scowled at the tinted windows, hoping Kato saw me.

"You could have killed me" I grumbled while shuffling into the car and letting Landon shut my door.

"Sorry" he grimaced before slamming on the gas pedal. "We're on a tight schedule today."

Confused I glanced between Kato and Landon. Usually it was Markus who accompanied Landon to pick me up. Something was up. "Where's Markus?' I asked as we left school grounds and headed down the main road.

"Busy with other things" is the only answer I got. Folding my arms across my chest I ignored them both until we reached the house. I hated being on the outside of whatever plan Valentine had going on.

When we pulled into the garage I bolted from the car and made it to my room without anyone spotting me. My father must really be busy if he couldn't be bothered to yell at me for running up the stairs.

My room was the same as I left it that morning; neat and clean. Stomping over to the window I threw open the curtains, letting the light flood my room. From my side I felt a subtle vibration coming from my bag, causing me to jump out of my skin. Luckily I kept my self from yelping. Digging in the bag I found the object Jace had given me: a brand new shiny iPhone.

It showed I had one new message. I quickly swipe the interface to unlock the phone and opened the text. It was from Jace.

Jace: Figured your dad had your own phone tapped. Hope you don't mind.

I most certainly did mind! I scowled at the text before replying.

Clary: I don' t know what you're talking about.

He didn't respond for a while.

Jace: Don't play dumb, Angel. I know.

His last words had my mouth hanging open. It had to be Izzy there was no way he knew anything more.

Clary: If you know so much then you'll know to back off and leave it alone.

The phone rang immediately and I dropped it, not expecting the sudden response. It had about two rings left and I knew I would miss the call. At the last second I swiped the green answer button.

"Didn't think you were going to take my call there for a moment" his deep voice filtered over the line.

"I almost didn't" I replied, my fiery attitude coming out.

"Don't shut me out" he pleaded. Don't shut him out? Who the hell did he think he was!

"I barely know you…why in the hell should I trust you?" My voice waivered and I cursed silently under my breath.

"Because deep down, you know I can help." Now I was really confused. Jace was just a boy from my school. A soccer player no less, did he actually think he can take on Valentine and his army?

"Jace…" my voice was strained, annoyed by the hope he had tried giving me. "This isn't just some domestic abuse case here. I'm not some regular girl with daddy issues. You don't know who or what you're dealing with."

"So it's true then, he's hurting you." he quipped and I smacked my palm against my forehead. Of course that would be the only thing he heard.

"No, I mean yes. Its not important! Okay?" I was tired of arguing. For so long I had quailed my dream of escaping this life and had finally come to some sort of acceptance that this is who I am and the life I'd be forced to live.

Now he was annoyed, I could hear his breathing become heavier. "It is important and you know it! How long until youre out on another "sick" day because he's knocked you around just a little too much." he emphasized sick day. So he had noticed.

"If you keep meddling in my life like you are right now I'm going to be taking more than a sick day and you'll find yourself finishing the year without a lab partner. " my voice shook with emotion and I quickly hung up the phone. Tears pricked the sides of my eyes as I dropped the phone on my bed and went to take a shower and relieve the tension coiling up in my body.

I dreaded getting ready for school the next day. After our heated conversation I had switched the phone off to ignore the steady stream of texts and unanswered calls coming through the thing from Jace. Today I'd have to see him and there would be no ignoring him in Bio.

But when I got to class he wasn't there. Not in homeroom, or bio, or even lunch. By the time I got to art I started getting worried. If Valentine knew that a school boy had known anything about us he'd be quickly done away with.

"Hey Iz" I caught up with her after class.

"Clary" she beamed, pulling me into one of her bone crushing hugs. I still couldn't figure out how such a skinny girl managed that. "You've been so quiet lately I didn't know how to approach you" she confessed.

I waived her worry off, squeezing her hand as we walked to our lockers. "Just stressed with some of my classes" I promised, grabbing a few books out of my locker and shoving them into my bag. She didn't look like she believed it but my answer seemed to appease her enough once she realized that was all she was going to get and she soon after launched into another conversation about her latest conquest of the day.

"So, Jace wasn't in class today. He alright?" I asked, trying to be nonchalant about it. Her eyes narrowed and I knew immediately I had been caught.

"I dunno, she finally said. "In fact, I don't remember seeing him at all this morning." she looked up in thought. "To be honest I think something went down between him and my parents last night." she whispered.

My eyes widened in shock, thrown by this new revelation "Why do you say that?"

"Well.." she leaned in closer. "He was on the phone with someone for awhile but I couldn't figure out who" she rolled her eyes annoyed at her own lack in spy skills. "He sounded upset though. Whatever it was, I think he told my parents because they were huddled around the kitchen table all night and wouldn't let me in." she finished, slamming her locker shut.

"Do you think he's okay?" I said finally, trying to keep my voice even.

"He's Jace" she shrugged, laughing a bit. "He's fine.

I nodded, shutting my own locker before taking off down towards where Landon was waiting for me. "I hope everything works out, see you tomorrow!" I waived and she said something similar before I jumped into the car and took off home.

That night as I huddled beneath my covers I powered the phone on for the first time that day. As expected, I had at least a dozen messages from Jace from the previous night. They all ranged from "please call me" to "answer the fucking phone" and then finally back to "I'm sorry, please just talk to me."

They all stopped around midnight of the previous night.

"I know you're up to something. Please call me" I replied to the last one.

The next day when I showed up for school Jace still didn't show up.

And the next day, another no show. For a week straight he was absent. He never replied to any my texts. By then I had completely passed the worried stage and moved straight on to full out pissed off. Izzy didn't have any answers for me either. Only that he hadn't been home in a few days but that her parents had assured everyone that he was fine.

That night as I huddled beneath my covers I pulled out the iPhone again and shot him another text for the 5th time that week.

"Don't do anything stupid, Jace" I wrote angrily and again received no response. "This isn't a game, you're messing with my life."

I went to bed that night angry and upset, feeling another emotion that I couldn't quite identify. It struck me around four in the morning that what I had been feeling was longing. I was pissed off and angry at him, but more importantly I missed him. As twisted as it was I missed that jackass.

The heavy stomp of Valentine's feet gave me more than enough warning that tonight was going to be another rough one. Snatching the phone out from underneath my pillow I sent a final text before shutting it off and throwing it under my bed, letting the tears spill over my cheeks at what was to come.

-How could you do this to me -


Chapter 9 is already underway and nearly finished! I'll be planning to post it before the end of the week! I do hope this has satiated you for now will hold you over until the next installment. I have quiet a lot planned for chapter 9, please let me know what you thought of this one in the comments!

XX - Gwen