I didn't have a way of escape, and it became hopeless to believe that I would ever see my friends again. Lucy was probably already gone. It had been almost two weeks since the both of us were kidnapped, so I knew that her father had come by to get her by now.

Gajeel leaves me alone quite often, choosing to take multiple jobs at once to save his jewel up. He claims that he's saving up enough to buy me things to keep me happy, but it won't. He doesn't understand that part. I won't be happy until I'm reunited with my family again.

I already finished the collection series that he had bought for me, and so now I was reading another series that he had gotten me. If I am to spend the rest of my life stuck in this house, then I should make the best of my new, miserable life. Using him as a means to get new books for free was my only reason to even act remotely kind around him.

He left me food for the day, as his usual routine is to wake up earlier than needed in order to fix me my meals for the day. The only thing that I have to do is simply warm them up. It, unfortunately, flatters me that he does this sort of thing for me, but it also annoys me. Cooking could keep me busy, but I also don't want to waste his food.

Currently, I was curled in my chair, a chair that he bought for me a couple of days ago. It was soft, cozy, and--best of all--orange, my favorite color! The book in my lap was already half-way read, despite him only getting this for me last night. I had nothing else to do around here, other than listen to his small, worn radio. Luckily, it picked up stations that played my favorite music.

I even cleaned his house for him! Of course, it was not out of thanks or anything of positive value. It was simply out of boredom. I wouldn't do anything to make this..this demon happy. I hated him, forever and always.

My thoughts were erased when said demon walked into the house, holding a rolled-up document in his hand.

"Shrimp! I need yer help!" Gajeel called out as he shoved the document in my face.

I skimmed over the document, giving him a look. "And just -why- would I help you?" Rolling the paper back up, I shoved it in his pocket.

Suddenly, though it didn't surprise me, he pinned me against the wall, growling in my ear. "Because, if you don't...you'll regret it, little girl.."

My eyes widened at how low and raspy his voice was. My cheeks stained red as I felt a fluttering sensation in my stomach--embarrassing, really. Him forcing me to do things wasn't at all new.

"So...from what I read, you need me to translate a few things on an ancient tribal cave?" I hesitantly asked, afraid of his new..sensual tone.

He smirked. "Atta girl--Now we're talkin'!" He carried me by my neck and dropped me back in my chair. "Yep, all ya gotta do. Now, pack yer clothes and let's go! And if you even -think- about running from me, I'll catch ya and put ya on a leash, just try me."

Gulping, I nodded shakily before rushing off to my room, grabbing my clothes that, again, he bought me and shoving them in a bag that, once again, he bought me.

He buys me too many things...

Rushing out of my room, I swung my backpack over my shoulder and smiled slightly, trying my best to contain the excitement that was growing on me. Despite the fact that I'd be stuck with Gajeel Redfox, I was still going to be able to go outside and go on a job for the first time in weeks!

"Ready, Small Fry?" Gajeel asked me as he slung his own backpack over his shoulders.

I nodded, perhaps too excited. "Of course!"

He smiled, wrapping an arm around me, his hand resting a little too close towards my butt. "Then let's go, sweetheart." Opening the door, he led me outside and down the stone pathway.

I secretly hoped and prayed that a member of Fairy Tail was nearby, on a job of their own. Even if it was a member that was not strong enough to take on Gajeel, they could at least turn back and inform the guild of my location.

"Lookin' fer someone? Ya ain't gonna find any fairy trash around here. I made sure of that..."

Tears formed in my eyes at the sound of that. How was I even to know if everyone survived the battle? For all I know, the guild could be destroyed forever. "Why are you...why are you so cruel to me?"

He stopped suddenly, glancing down at me with an odd emotion. "I ain't tryin' ta be cruel, Shrimp. I love you."

My eyes widen, and I couldn't help the next words that formed out of my mouth. "That's the biggest load of bullcrap that I've EVER heard! I'd believe that dragons still roam this earth before I'd believe that -you- of all people love -me-!"

His arms wrapped around me even tighter, bringing me closer to him. "You're my mate, and I know that you aren't ever gonna love me. But I'll find a way to -make- you if I have to."

My heart dropped in fear out of that sentence. Who knew what he could possibly have in store for me.

"Now, let's catch that train, Shrimp. We have a long ride ahead of us..."