Born Without A Heart

Chapter 13

            Levy took Gajeel's arm as he led her towards their target. She had expected to be nervous, but she wasn't. There was a warm sense of calm that filled her as she held Gajeel's arm.

Levy had never met Minerva before, even though she had worked there for six months. Levy had spent that time pouring herself into her work, building the infrastructure of Saber Tooth's in-house security and developing their protocols for their client's systems. And yet she had never been deemed worthy enough to meet the woman in charge.

Minerva was tall, very tall. Half her hair was swept up in two knots on either side of her head, the rest fell loosely down past her shoulders. A long violet dress with straight lines and sharp edges made her look as formidable as she was beautiful.

"Gajeel," Minerva greeted them as they approached. "I'm glad you're here. I wanted to introduce you to someone-"

"Mard Geer," Gajeel said without waiting. His red eyes looked coolly disinterested.

The man to Levy's right gave a subtle, calculated smile. Jet black hair framed his face and fell into his eyes while the rest was pulled tight at the crown of his head.

"Gajeel Redfox," Gajeel stated, introducing himself and holding out his hand. Mard Geer took it firmly, looking intently into Gajeel's eyes.

"You remember me?" Mard Geer gave a small chuckle. "I have to admit I am surprised. You always seemed so tucked away in the shadows at Ivan's, so disinterested in the goings on of Ivan's business."

"I wasn't being paid to be interested in Ivan's business," Gajeel replied. "But that doesn't mean I didn't pay attention."

"Hmm," Mard Geer hummed in acknowledgment. "And who do we have here?" His gaze fell on Levy. Something about the way he looked at her made her skin crawl. Instinctually she held Gajeel's arm just a little bit tighter.

"This is Levy, my girlfriend," Gajeel said pointedly. "I actually came over to introduce her to Minerva."

"Levy McGarden," Minerva sang, "there is no introduction needed for such a legendary former member of our team."

Levy felt herself turn red at the compliment. She had no idea Minerva would even know who she was. In fact, it would be better if she didn't. The more she was recognized the more difficult it would become to keep a low profile.

"It's an honor to meet you, m'lady," Levy greeted using the woman's preferred title.

"Gajeel I'm glad you're here," Minerva's eyes turned back to the tall man. "I was just talking about you."

"Nothing too bad, I hope?" Gajeel cackled.

Minerva gave a cold laugh. "No, just the right amount I'd say." Then she glanced at Levy with a blank stare, waiting to say more.

Gajeel turned to Levy and squeezed her hand slightly, "Why don't you go get me a drink," he said lowly.

Levy knew when to take a hint.

She turned on her heel and moved towards the bar. Moving her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear she turned on her earpiece so she could hear Gajeel's conversation.

"Mard Geer has been working with me on that project I mentioned before."

"Yes," the other man added, "Minerva thinks you'll fit the position quite well, and I'd have to agree. I've heard a lot about you."