The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 2

Lexi's POV.

I cancel on the girls the next day, I can't face them and tell them I've met my mate and I'll probably have to reject him.

What will they think of me if I don't reject him

What will my parents think of me My father will kill him.

I spend the day in bed, moping and feeling sorry for myself. I try to work out what to do, my best option is to stay away from him, he doesn't know any of my details, and I gave him a fake name.

I imagine telling my friends, the girls would insist I reject him for my own safety, and I know one of their arguments would be that no one wants the father of their children to be a murderer. My parents would never accept him as my mate, they certainly wouldn't come to the wedding.

By Monday morning, I've cried all that I can and I'm even more upset when I realize I've left my crucifix necklace at his house.

Oh, well, I guess it's something for him to remember me by.

I return to work at the clinic, eager to have something to take my mind off Rixon. Despite living on my parent's territory, I have my own house and I'm grateful for my space.

I dream of him each night and he stays on my mind constantly throughout the day. By Friday, I look in the mirror and I can't believe how bad I look. Washed out face, bags under my eyes and messy hair.

'Seriously, what is up with you' Lucia asks as I awkwardly try and avoid eye contact.

'I've just been ill that's all, should get better soon though,' I lie, feeling guilty but knowing it's better than the truth.

Because if I tell her the truth, she will make me reject him, and from the way I am now, I'm not sure I'll survive it. I know as soon as I see his face, I won't be able to say the words.

'Well, you have to be feeling better tomorrow cause Myra is having that barbecue remember' She says chirpily and I wince inwardly, I forgot about that.

'Of course.' I force a smile; it seems to satisfy her because she leaves a few minutes later.

I forgot about the bloody barbecue.

I decide to go to sleep ridiculously early, to try and make up for the sleep I've lost the past week.

I dream of Rixon, our night together, his body on mine.

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When I wake, it's already 10. I have just over an hour to get ready. I jump in the shower and scrub my hair, when I step out and look in the mirror, I'm happier with what I see. My hair is no longer knotty and smells like jasmine, my bags have faded, and color has returned to my face.

I let my hair dry in long, wavy curls and take my time doing my makeup. I choose a blue dress to accentuate my tan, put on some sandals and then grab my keys to go to the store to buy the drinks I said I'd bring.

I park on the road by Jayce and Myra's house, seeing as there is no room on their drive. As I get closer, my hands full with bags of drinks, the sound of laughter and music echoes behind the house. The front door is open, and I find Jayce in the kitchen prepping the meat.

'Lexi! You made it.' He comes over and pulls me into a hug.

'Hey, Jayce. Is Myra around'

'Yeah, she's just out back with Naevia. You can leave those drinks here if you like, thanks for bringing them.'

I put the drinks on the side and slip my handbag into the cloakroom before stepping into the garden. Almost the whole pack is here, with kids running around in the sunshine. I spot Myra setting up the buffet by the grill, her daughter Naevia propped on her hip.

'I'm so glad you came, how are you feeling' She asks.

For a second, I panic, wondering how she knows, but then I remember that my friends think I'm ill and must have told her.

'Oh, much better thanks,' I reply, trying to distract her by turning my attention onto her beautiful daughter.

'Good! Would you mind helping me' She asks, and we set to work laying out the food for the buffet.

I hold Naevia as Jayce comes over and puts his arm around Myra, pulling her in for a loving kiss. I watch them with envy, I know they didn't exactly have it easy from what Aria has told me, but they've got it easier than me.

Naevia starts fussing so I hand her back to Myra as Jayce takes my arm and leads me over to the barbeque.

'There's someone I want you to meet, Rixon is an old friend of mine,' Jayce tells me.

If he says anything else, I don't hear it because my heart stops when I hear his name. My gaze follows to where he's pointing, and my breath catches as I see Rixon.

He's as attractive as last time, if not more. He's wearing pale blue jeans and a tight t—shirt that shows every single rivet of his muscular form and huge arms. I hurriedly let out the breath I didn't know I'd been holding as his dark eyes settle on me, narrowing in anger.

Shit.

He's pissed at me.