The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Callie's POV.

I organize for Nate and me to go rock—climbing the next day.

He thinks it's simply a fun date I planned for us; he doesn't know I wanted to treat him after feeling guilty for last night. I came on to him and kissed him and then pulled away the moment things got heated.

He blamed himself. He thought that he pushed me, he doesn't understand why I'm not ready.

But he will, because I'm telling him tonight.

I asked to stay over again, and this time, I'm really going to tell him.

We climb the walls together, strapped into harnesses and swinging above the ground.

I love that Nate is such an adventurous guy. He enjoys having active dates as well as your more traditional ones. I feel like our relationship will never be boring.

We try all of the different climbing walls, choosing to re—do the hardest ones on the second time round.

'Nate, I can feel you staring at my butt,' I comment dryly.

I'm almost at the top of the wall, whilst my mate is a few meters below, getting an eyeful.

Nate chuckles. 'What I'm supposed to not look at it It's right there!'

I laugh at his protests. 'Whatever, just get it all out of your system before you meet my brothers later.'

I can't believe he's not more nervous about meeting my brothers. He hasn't even mentioned seeing Myra and Jayce any time soon and I'm already nervous about it.

The fact he actually asked to meet my family is shocking.

I texted Rixon and Ben this morning, telling them to be at the house at 3 pm, when I bring Nate over. I may or may not have threatened their lives if they aren't nice to him.

I try to drag out the rock—climbing as long as possible, but all too soon, we're in the car.

We park outside my house and nerves build inside of me. Nate takes my hand and gives it a squeeze.

'Relax, it's going to be okay,' he reassures me.

'Isn't that supposed to be my line' I ask him. 'Seriously, why are you not more worried'

Nate smirks and gets out of the car. I follow him, filled with dread and anticipation.

'I've already told you; it's going to be okay because they're going to see how much I care about you.' He takes my face in his hands, cupping my cheeks gently. 'Your brothers want the best for you, they want you to be happy. I swear to spend every day of the rest of my life treating you like a queen.'

My eyes burn with unshed tears, and I quickly blink them back.

'Nate Archer, you might just be the most perfect man I have ever met,' I confess.

He grins at me and shrugs. 'Meh, I try.'

We hold hands and walk up the pathway. The door opens before either of us reaches it. Ben stands in the foyer, ushering us in with a stern face.

Here we go.

I grip Nate's hand tightly and lead him into the house. Ben follows us into the lounge, where Rixon is standing.

My brother has his hands stuffed in the front pockets of his jeans, and his eyebrows are already furrowed in a frown.

'Nate, these are my brothers, Rixon and Ben,' I introduce him. 'Guys, this is Nate.'

I give both of my brothers a pointed look, silently telling them to behave, or else.

Ben moves forwards first, offering out his hand to Nate.

'Nice to meet you, Nate,' he says, giving him a brief smile.

Nate shakes his hand.

'It's great to finally meet you, Ben,' Nate replies warmly.

He turns to Rixon and holds out his hand to him. Rixon eyes it warily, but shakes it, nonetheless.

'Nice to meet you,' Nate says with a nod.

Rixon gives him a stiff nod back. 'Likewise.'

Ugh, could this get any more uncomfortable

I grimace and we all take a seat. I shuffle close to Nate, trying to protect him from my brothers' stern looks.

'So, Nate,' Rixon begins. 'Twelve years is a long time to go without a mate, I bet you've dated a lot.'

My mouth drops open and I can't stop the sarcastic comment from coming out.

'Like that's any of your business!' I snap. 'What Are you wanting to date him'

Rixon narrows his eyes at him.

'No, it's okay,' Nate responds. 'I haven't dated a lot, actually. Nothing serious. I always knew I would find Callie; I just didn't know when.'

Rixon nods, seemingly satisfied with his answer.

'You were thirty when you met your mate, correct' Nate says and I hold back a smile as Rixon shifts in his chair.

'Yes, I was.'

'So, you know what it is like, waiting so long for something so amazing,' Nate comments. He turns to me and smiles. 'And how they make the wait worth it.'

I smile widely at him.

Man, my mate has a way with words.

Rixon clears his throat, obviously caught out by the statement.

'Yes,' he replies gruffly. 'I do.'

'I know you two have your reservations about me,' Nate starts. 'You are obviously very protective of your sister, and I respect that. But please, I want you to know how much I care about Callie. She is my world. I would never let any harm come to her and I will do everything I can to make her happy.'

My heart flutters and a reflexive 'aw' leaves my lips. Nate shoots a wink at me. He takes my hand and holds it on his lap.

'She is everything to me,' he finishes.

Silence descends on the room.

I look at my mate lovingly and my brothers remain stunned into silence. My heart has never felt so full. I want nothing more than to kiss him at this moment, but that certainly won't help my brothers like him.

'Well.' Rixon coughs. 'That's what we wanted to hear, right, Ben'

Ben nods. 'Yes, it is.'

Rixon stands up and we follow suit. He sighs and holds his hand out to Nate.

'You seem like a decent guy, take care of my sister,' Rixon states.

Nate shakes his hand. 'Of course.'

Ben remains relatively quiet but gives Nate the nod of approval.

My brothers remain downstairs whilst I take Nate up to my room. I don't want to leave him alone with the two brutes.

'This is your room' Nate asks as we enter.

I look around sheepishly, wishing I'd tidied a bit more before he came over.

'Um, yes.'

Nate grins. 'It's adorable.'

His eyes land on the pile of soft toys on the chair in the corner and I feel myself blushing.

Nate walks over and picks the largest one up, a huge cow.

'Tell me, will this delightful creature be moving into my house with you' He asks teasingly, holding up the stuffed animal.

I pout at him. 'That's Master Moo, and yes, he will be joining us.'

Nate chuckles. 'That's fine by me, but he's not sharing our bed.'

I turn away in an attempt to hide my blush. I hear Nate move and he wraps his arms around me from behind. He nuzzles his face into my neck and goose—bumps break out on my arms.

'I like the sound of that,' he murmurs against my skin. 'Our bed.'

'I haven't given you my answer yet,' I tell him coyly.

I feel him smile against my neck. He kisses the sensitive skin and then grazes his teeth over it.

'No….but you will,' he whispers confidently. 'I'll just have to show you how enjoyable living with me can be.'

The combination of the gentle nipping of my neck, his strong arms around my waist and his husky voice, filled with double meanings, makes my knees weak.

I lean into his touch and close my eyes. Nate continues torturing my neck, kissing and nibbling until I'm shuddering against him.

'Okay…' I acquiesce quietly. 'Maybe you have a point about that whole living together thing…'

Nate chuckles and pulls away, leaving me bereft without his touch.

'I told you I'd convince you, Miss Moretti.'

I spin around to face him, a smile on my lips.

'I'm not convinced yet, Mr. Archer,' I tease. 'I was merely pointing out that it should be considered.'

He groans and I laugh at him. I pack my things for staying at his house and we say goodbye to my brothers.

I wait till we have reached Nate's car to give a cheer and grin at him.

'We made it!' I tell him excitedly. 'We survived!'

He laughs and shakes his head. 'I told you!'

We get a takeaway pizza and watch Friends re—runs. It's the perfect evening.

It's only when we climb into bed and cuddle, that my stomach twists into knots.

I look into my mate's eyes and take a deep breath.

'Nate, I need to tell you something.'

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