The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 2

Lexi's POV.

Two days pass without a word from Rixon, I pretend it doesn't bother me, but it does. No way in hell am I gonna text him first though.

I take off my make—up and slide into bed, sinking down under the comfy duvet. I've barely closed my eyes before there's a creaking sound coming from my window. At first I lay completely still, listening intently to try and deduce what is going on. There's more scratching and my heart hammers wildly, I sit up and nervously slide off the bed. I hesitantly tiptoe over to my window and reach out for the curtains. A loud thud echoes out, followed by a curse and I squeal. I take a few deep breaths and pull back the curtain, my hand over my mouth to stop myself from screaming.

'What the hell are you doing' I yell, opening the window so Rixon can climb in.

'Trying to get inside, thought the doorbell was too conspicuous,' he lands gracefully on the floor and straightens up to his full height, so I have to lean back to maintain eye contact.

'So the window was the better option You're crazy! If my dad finds out you're here he'll—' I'm cut off as he presses his lips to mine, effectively silencing me.

'He'll what' He asks when he pulls away, 'What's your Dad going to do He can't take you away from me, your heart is mine baby and there's nothing you can do about it,' he says smugly, kissing me again before I can reprimand him for being such an arrogant ass.

'What are you wearing' I ask when he pulls back, taking in his all—black attire and large motorcycle boots.

'My uniform,' he says solemnly, and I shift uneasily, his soldier uniform.

'Please explain to me why you joined them, why would you become a soldier like that Hired to kill people,' I question him, and he sighs heavily, running a hand through his dark hair. After a moment he gestures towards the bed, I get back in as he takes off his boots and joins me under the covers. He takes me into his arms, and I lean my head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

'My parents died when I was sixteen, it was just me, my brother and my sister. Our pack really looked after us, and we managed fine. But when my sister turned eighteen, the Alpha's son took an interest in her,' he began, and I felt his body tense up, obviously this is not an easy subject for him, 'She wasn't interested, I was twenty at the time and didn't notice how obsessed he was with her because I was busy training the guards, I should've been more attentive,' he condemns himself and I wrap my arms around his chest, trying to offer some comfort.

'I came home late one night, Ben was out with some friends, and I found him on top of her, he'd ripped her clothes and was forcing himself on her,' he growls, and I wince at the thought, 'I pulled him off of her and beat the shit out of him but left him alive. I took him to his father, the Alpha, and demanded he be kicked out of the pack, but his dad refused, instead he exiled me and my siblings.'

'That's awful,' I whispered, knowing I could never understand what his sister has been through.

'We packed our stuff the next day and I took it all to our new house off territory, my sister had stayed behind to clear up her things, and when I came back, there he was forcing himself on her again, so I killed him,' he says gruffly, his voice thick with emotion, 'I didn't mean to, I was punching him so hard I didn't realize until it was too late, that night the Alpha branded me so I'd never be accepted anywhere else, I thought he was going to kill me, but he knew he'd lose the trust of his pack, he'd be as bad as me,' he admits and I hold him tighter, pressing a kiss to his neck.

'I knew if he got the opportunity to get revenge, he would take it, so I joined the Shadow soldiers for protection, they keep my brother and sister safe as long as I work for them, it wasn't a choice, I have no other option to keep my family safe,' he finishes and I kiss him softly, rolling on top of him.

'Thank you for telling me, I'm sorry I didn't understand at first,' I tell him, kissing his face, his nose, his closed eyes.

'It's okay,' he flips us over so that he's on top.

'Look, you can tell your parents about me in your own time, I understand it's not an easy thing to accept, but for now, can you just admit that you want to be with me and don't want to reject me' He asks, leaning over me so that a couple of strands of hair fall over his forehead, making him look cute and sexy at the same time. I reach up and run my fingers through his hair, he closes his eyes briefly, looking more relaxed than I've ever seen him.

'I admit it, I'm yours,' I confess, and he grins at me, 'But you're also mine,' I say firmly, and he nods.

'I was always yours,' he mutters quietly, so quiet I almost don't hear it. He lies down and pulls me close; I fall asleep moments later.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

When I wake in the morning, I'm alone in bed. I stretch my arm over the empty space and frown. But when I check my phone, I see a text from Rixon apologizing for leaving because he's been called on assignment. I ignore the sick feeling in my stomach at the thought of what his 'assignment' could be.

'Have you picked out your dress yet' My mum's voice breaks through my thoughts of Rixon as I stare out the window.

'My dress' I ask and Mum frowns, shaking her head with exasperation.

'For the ball, it's in two weeks!' She cries, bordering on hysterical.

'Oh god, I'd forgotten about that, I'll go shopping today,' I acquiesce, irritated that I'd forgotten about the annual ball my parents hold. Nearby packs are invited, it's an event that they take a lot of pride in, and usually I sing.

'Have you even got a song ready at least' Mum asks and I force a smile.

'Of course, it's a surprise though,' I lie, and she seems to accept it.

'You haven't got a date either have you Your father and I have been picking out some suitable candidates,' she continues, and I gawp at her.

'You're joking,' I deadpan but she smiles at me.

'No, I'm not! You still haven't found your mate, so in the meantime you can meet some nice boys we pick out, you never know, one of them might be him!' She calls out happily, leaving the room before I can argue.