The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Callie's POV.

I wake up the next morning with a smile on my face.

I slept through the whole night without a nightmare, again. I can't remember the last time I felt this well—rested.

I roll over and my eyes land on the reason. Nate Archer, my wonderful mate. The curer of my demons.

I've conquered the demons myself too, I know, and I have to take credit for that. I'm a survivor and it's not liking meeting Nate has just automatically fixed my problems.

I'm still going to be hesitant when things start heating up between us. It's been so many years since I trusted a man with my body. But if there's anyone I trust, it's him.

Nate hasn't magically cured my fears, but his presence makes me feel safe enough to sleep without fear, and that's a big deal. I suffered from nightmares because I was alone in bed and that meant I was 'vulnerable' when I was asleep.

Having Nate lying next to me, takes away that vulnerability. It makes me feel protected and it makes my subconscious relax.

My mate is still sleeping deeply next to me. I watch his chest rise and fall with every breath. His lips are slightly parted, and his arms are resting on the pillow above his head.

He looks adorable and sexy at the same time.

I want to move in with him. I want to wake up to this every day, I want to cuddle him at night, I want to spend all of my time with him. Not having nightmares is an added bonus.

I silently decide to give him my answer. Today, I will let him know that I will move in with him, if he still wants me to.

I don't know how my brothers are going to take it, but it has to happen eventually, right

Rolling onto my back, I stare at the ceiling, guilt filling me.

Rixon is going to move into a house with Lexi soon, in preparation for their baby arrives.

If I move out with Nate, Ben will be alone. He's my baby brother, I don't want him by himself.

Maybe Nate will let Ben move in with us

I push the thought out of my mind the second after it enters. There's no way that Ben would want to live with his sister and her mate.

'What are you thinking so hard about' Nate's groggy voice sounds from next to me.

I roll back to face and smile as he blurrily opens his eyes. His sleepy look is adorable.

'I have an answer for you,' I tell him.

It takes a moment for his brain to catch up and work out the context behind what I'm saying.

His face lights up as the imaginary lightbulb goes off above his head.

'You'll move in with me'

The excited look on his face only solidifies my answer.

'Yes,' I confirm. 'I will move in with you.'

Nate wraps his arms around me and rolls us. I squeak with surprise and suddenly, I'm on top of him as he lays on his back.

He starts peppering kisses along my neck, up my jaw, towards my lips. I quickly clamp my hands over my mouth.

'No! Morning breath!' I protest and he scoffs at me.

'I don't care, baby,' he says and then firmly places his lips over mine.

My reluctance vanishes quickly, and I kiss him back, unable to resist.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

At some point, Nate and I manage to take our hands off each other and leave the bed.

We get ready for the day and Nate suggests we go kayaking. I text my brothers to check up on them and let them know what I'm doing.

Rixon reply makes me smile. I knew it. He and Lexi are looking at houses today.

I hope they get somewhere nearby.

The weather is crisp and dry. We wrap up warm and rent two kayaks from the local center.

Nate and I kayak down the river, enjoying the fresh air and each other's company.

Nate, overly excited about me moving in, eagerly offers suggestions and recommendations of where my things can go, or what changes we can make to the house.

He begs, and I fold, agreeing to move in later this week.

After a few hours on the river, Nate drives me back to my house.

'Do you want to meet my sister tomorrow Properly, I mean. I know you've already met her.'

His question catches me off—guard.

'Really'

Nate laughs at my response.

'Yes, really. You can meet Jayce and Naevia, too.'

I don't know why, but the thought makes me really nervous. In a good way, though. It's because I want them to like me, I want them to think I'm good for Nate.

'Um, okay then, sure!' I reply and Nate shakes his head.

'Don't sound too eager,' he teases, and I nudge him playfully.

'This is scary, alright! I want your family to like me.'

'They will, don't worry. Mum will love you,' he reassures me.

It's sweet that he's trying to soothe my worries, but I know I'm going to be nervous right up to the moment we go round to their house.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

I was right.

My stomach is still in knots when Nate knocks on the door. He doesn't wait for an answer, he lets himself inside and pulls me in with him.

I look around, admiring the beautiful house that belongs to Jayce.

'Uncle Nate!' A child's voice sounds down the hallway.

My head snaps towards the sound and I spot a young girl running towards us.

She launches herself at Nate, who catches her easily and swings her around.

'Well don't you look messy, what have you been doing' Nate comments, holding onto one of Naevia's hands.

It's covered in different colors of pen ink.

'We're doing Art!' She replies proudly.

Her eyes suddenly fall on me, as if just noticing that I am here. She tucks herself behind Nate's legs.

'Who's that, Uncle Nate' She asks quietly.

'This is my soulmate, Callie,' Nate replies gently. He crouches down to her height, and I do the same.

'She's your mate' Naevia says, her face filled with awe.

Four years old and she knows what mates are.

'Yes,' Nate responds proudly. 'Isn't she beautiful'

Naevia's cheeks turn pink. 'Yes,' she mumbles shyly.

'Not as beautiful as you,' I tell her and offer out my hand. 'It's lovely to meet you, Naevia. I'm Callie.'

She looks at my hand for a moment and I wonder if she knows what to do. Gradually, she moves her hand from behind her back and places it in mine. She squeezes my hand and moves it up and down to shake it.

'Hi, Callie,' she says cutely.

Damn, she's adorable.

'Do you want to come and play art' Naevia asks us, making me smile.

'In a few minutes, we will. We just need to say hello to Mummy and Daddy first,' Nate tells her.

As if on cue, Jayce comes down the stairs.

'I thought I heard the door go,' he greets us warmly. 'Good to see you, Nate.'

His eyes land on me and nerves blossom in my stomach again. He holds out a huge, tattooed hand for me to shake.

'I'm Jayce, it's lovely to meet you, Callie. The first time I met you, it was a very brief encounter,' he says with a laugh.

I shake his hand politely and feel slightly less nervous.

'Nice to meet you. Yes, these are much better circumstances to meet in.'

He nods in agreement. 'Definitely. I think my mate is out back, shall we'

Jayce leads us through the house and out into the garden. Set up on the grass, is a children's table, covered in paper and felt—tip pens.

Naevia is sat on the grass, coloring animatedly at the table. Myra is sat with her.

She glances up as we come out. She grins and jumps to her feet.

'Nate! You brought Callie,' she exclaims happily.

Myra rushes over and hugs her brother. She pulls me into a hug after and just like that, all of my nerves disappear.

She links her arm with mine. 'Come on, let's go get a drink and we can talk about the boys in peace.'

Jayce scoffs at her suggestion and Nate frowns.

'Hey, remember to be nothing but complimentary of your older brother!' He calls as Myra leads me back inside.

'When I am not' Myra retorts.

The moment we step into the kitchen, she turns to me.

'So, tell me everything! How has my brother been treating you Are you happy'

The excited, quickfire questions and the grin on her face instantly make me feel at ease. I take a seat and happily get comfortable for a couple of hours of girl—chat.

I don't know why I was nervous, Nate's family is wonderful, just like him.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆