CHAPTER 1: New Girl

Story.

Standing in my new bedroom, I sighed heavily staring at the huge mirror. My blonde locks hit my shoulder blades; my grey eyes dull like a stormy day. This room was huge, almost the size of Mom's and my old apartment.

My mom was a model, and she used to say I got my good looks from her. I loved her even though she’d turned to drink and drugs. But she’d been an amazing model. Someone who deserved to be paid better, though.

Not at all. She wasn't here for me to meet Daddy number three, but that didn't surprise me. She wasn't around.

"Hey Story, everything okay for you?" asked stepdaddy number three. A small smile sat on his lips. He had some air of confidence that sucked up the room. It made me somewhat uncomfortable. He had green eyes that swam with an air of mystery. I liked him.

"Yes, Mr. Melvore, thank you", I simpered, staring out at the acres of land ahead. The green beauty of it all was stunning.

"Call me Jack or Dad, please, Story", he laughed loudly. I had to look up at him as his seven-foot height loomed over me making me feel small but not in an intimidating way. I smiled at him. He was so lovely. I can see why Mom had been drawn to him.

"Haze should be back soon. He's out with some friends after a crazy summer", he stated thoughtfully.

"I look forward to meeting him", I sighed. Mr Melvore nodded and wandered out. I sat on the bed, releasing a breath I didn't know I was holding.

I glanced around at the white pristine room, it was almost like a hospital.

Walking downstairs, I wandered around aimlessly, trying to figure out where to go as the house was huge, and I couldn't really work out where I was.

I felt as though I was in a museum, statues and paintings hung all around me.

Opening a random door, I stood stunned. A brown-haired boy sat topless, passing around a cigarette to two other boys.

The boy had these beautiful amber eyes fiery as he smirked at me. His brown, wavy hair fell in his eyes a little making him look very cute. He adjusted his nose ring, and I zoomed in on the tattoo on his neck. He was beautiful, his body was sculpted in a way which pronounced his abs and all I could do was stare. I wondered what his tattoo meant.

One word. Freedom.

The other boy was just as beautiful and had an American boy written all over him. He was tall and tanned, blonde hair hitting his shoulders as his big blue eyes assessed me. He was raking his blue globes over me whilst flicking his hair back with strikingly big arms. He was built for American football I’d be surprised if he wasn’t captain.

The third was sitting in a black and white suit. He stared into my eyes, grasping at my soul, searching for all my secrets. Black frames sat on his nose. Tattoos ran all up his neck, but I knew they ran further. But the craziest thing about him was his eyes.

They were grey and stormy and stared at me like they could break me apart.

Tyler raked his fingers absently over his black hair not saying a word.

He like the others was built like he was ready to fight and just being in a room with these three beautiful men intimidation swirled in my stomach.

"Going to stand there gaping, princess, or actually start talking?" said green eyes with a charming smile.

“Umm, I'm sorry", I mumbled under my breath, feeling myself flush profusely. Green eyes mocked it.

"Cute accent you got there", drawled blue eyes.

"Thank you, I'm Story. I'm from London", I managed, looking at all these boys from LA.

"Shit, Melvore didn't mention your new stepsister was fucking fit", whistled blue eyes. Eyeing up my curves he whistled, and I glanced down at what I considered an ‘alright figure’.

"Izack, please manners", stated stormy eyes seriously monotone.

"As my friend just said, I am Izack, but please, baby, call me Zack," smirked blue eyes.

"I'm Haze, and that stoic bastard over there is Tyler", smiled Haze, puffing smoke out.

"Don't get too attached, Zack. As soon as Gage lays eyes on this one, we are fucked. Forest, too," smiled Haze.

"Look, I'm sorry I interrupted", I whispered worriedly.

"Hey, princess, don't be sorry, it's nice to meet you. I'll see you around, okay?" smiled Haze, reassuring me with a smile. I nodded weakly, rushing out.

I breathed out, releasing everything.

***

That evening, we sat at the dining table. Just me, Jack, and Haze.

"So, I just wanted to say that tomorrow you start back at school, Haze, and I don't need a repeat of last term", stated Jack.

Haze rolled their green forest eyes and then quickly winked in my direction. I blushed. Again.

"And, Story, you'll be starting there. I've fixed you up in the same dorms as Haze. They are almost apartments. An onsite gym and pool as well as restaurants all downstairs," smiled Jack sweetly.

"Thank you, Jack," I smiled weakly. He smiled back at me. Haze smiled, too, and we continued to eat.

After food, I wandered up the stairs, and Haze called after me. "There're rules at Melvore High Princess ones that must be followed", he stated, seriousness seeping into his tone. You could tell he struggled with it with rules.

"What are they?" I asked nervously.

"Never disrespect anyone of the fight club guys you saw today and the two others we mentioned. You always listen to us. Be careful tomorrow. Story, it's dangerous at high school. For social reasons, I'd appreciate it if no one knew our connection," he whispered.

Guilt etched his features as panic gripped me. "I expected this. Don't worry, Haze", I managed, wandering up the long staircase.

His pupils dilated suddenly as he grabbed my arm. "Say that again. Say my name", he walked quietly.

"Haze", I managed, watching him confused. He looked at me like he wanted to say more but stopped suddenly.

"Night, princess", he whispered, staring at me.

***

The following day, I sat in the limo on my way to my new school.

Haze wasn't with me.

It was because he didn't want to be seen with me. Which I got and understood. But I couldn’t get him or his friends out of my head.

The power.

The tattoos.

The intimidation.

I pinched myself and snapped back to reality.

My luggage was taken to my room as we arrived, and I stood in awe as I wandered aimlessly around my new campus.

Suddenly, someone bumped into me. She seemed in a rush. "I'm so sorry", said the girl, placing her hand tiredly on her face. Her blue eyes shone with worry as she gnawed at her lip. Her brown ruler hair hit her waist.

"It's fine, don't worry", I managed, rubbing my shoulder.

"Wow, you're nice. Let that be a secret here, though", she smiled meekly. I laughed.

"I'm Brooklyn, but my friends call me Brook," she stated, smiling at me.

"Story," I said, watching her cautiously for any mockery of my bizarre name. She just smiled.

"I'm looking for Valley Rose House. Could you direct me"?" I quizzed when suddenly a boy barged into her.

People began sniggering, and anger shot through my body. I'd been bullied back at school in London so I knew how it felt to be tossed around as if you meant nothing. The boy was beautiful though nothing like the bullies I used to endure. He had these sharp, ice-blue eyes that were as cold as him, black hair that was pushed back, and he tilted his head to look at me. He had tattoos raking up his huge arms, he was the definition of hot.

He was the sort you’d read about.

But he was wrong.

"Apologize," I said, staring into those ice-cold eyes.

In other circumstances, I’d be running a mile now, but his six-foot-seven frame towered over my five foot-five inches.

I wouldn't go down without a fight.

Brook cast her blue globes to the floor.

I fucking hated bullies.

His eyes shimmered with what looked like humor. "Now, princess, that's no way to talk to the leader of the fight club", he managed darkly.

Oh, why did he have to be so damn gorgeous?

His voice was deep and seared right through me.

Panic flicked through me as I realized what he just said.

Fight club.

Oh fuck.