The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

Friday comes around quickly.

On Wednesday, Grace and I went out for ice cream after school as our unofficial third date.

It bugs me that she lied to her mum and said she went with Rory, but I don't want to pressure her into telling her mum about me before she's ready.

We spend every moment we can together. She has easily become part of our group, and she isn't shy when she joins us for the break and lunch anymore.

She's comfortable around Rory and Xaden, which makes me happy. My mate fits perfectly into my life, it's like she was meant to be in it, which she is.

Rory goes round to Grace's house to get ready. I'll be honest, I'm jealous that Rory gets to meet my mate's family before I do. I'll grill her later for all the details.

I know she has three younger half—siblings, and as much as I don't really like kids, I want to meet them. They're important to Grace, which makes them important to me.

I think Grace wanted Rory to come round to hers so that her mum could meet her. She lies to her mum and says she's meeting Rory when she's meeting me, so it makes the lie more believable if her mum sees that Rory is a real person and a real friend of Grace's.

Xaden arrives half an hour before we're due to leave. Dressed in a black t—shirt and black jeans, he's almost identical to me. My t—shirt is white, that's the only difference.

We chill out in my room, waiting for the right time to pick up the girls. Dad is driving us to the party because I didn't want to drive and leave my car there, and no way was I going to let Mum drive. She would have been all over Grace the second she met her.

'If I'm not allowed to get with anyone all night, you better get me wasted, otherwise this party is going to be boring as fuck,' Xaden complains.

I roll my eyes at him. 'Don't be dramatic, you can have fun and not have sex, you know'

'My definition of fun is sex, Axe. You know that.'

'Then maybe you need to redefine the word. Focus on hanging out with friends for once instead of trying to pull.'

He gives me a doubtful look but doesn't complain further. Just after seven, we go downstairs and say goodbye to my mum. She's so excited, you'd think she is going to the party with us.

Dad drives us over to Grace's street and he pulls over near where I picked her up from on our date.

I text Grace to let her know that we're here and, a few minutes later, she and Rory come down the street.

Rory is wearing her typical outfit, a black dress and hot pink Doc Marten's. Grace…holy shit, Grace.

Her red waves are tied up in a high ponytail, which sways side to side as she walks. Her blue eyes pop with some black winged stuff she's put on her eyes.

Her lips are bright red, drawing my attention to them straight away. God, I want to kiss her and smudge that lipstick.

My eyes eventually drop to her outfit and my mouth suddenly goes dry.

Holy shit. I'm never going to survive the night.

Her dress is navy blue, a stark contrast against her pale skin and red hair. It's so tight, it's like a second skin. And short.

It shows off all of her legs, which are only made longer by the high heels she is wearing.

Basically, she looks like an angel, and I'm screwed.

Xaden snorts next to me. 'Fuck, good luck tonight,' he mutters.

I scowl at him, which quickly turns into a smile when the girls get to the car.

I get out and open the door for Grace. She blushes and tugs self—consciously on her dress. I pull her close before she can get in the car.

'You look incredible,' I whisper in her ear.

'Thank you,' she replies quietly.

She slides into the car, and I get in next to her. Rory is in the front with Dad, and Xaden is on the other side of Grace.

On instinct, I place my hand on her thigh possessively. She's going to get a lot of looks tonight and I'm already mentally preparing myself for it.

Everyone talks excitedly on the way to the party. I can't take my eyes off Grace. She looks stunning with no make—up and casual clothes, but dressed up tonight, she's like a whole different person.

She looks older, mature in a sexy way. She looks less like she's seventeen and more like she's nineteen.

When Dad pulls up on the street, we all thank him and climb out of the car. I help Grace out in her heels and then I go around to the boot. I throw my hoodie over my shoulder and grab two crates of beer. Xaden takes one and I have the other.

Rory pulls out a bottle of vodka from her bag and Grace eyes it warily.

I slip her hand into mine and pull her close as we walk up the drive. It's half seven, the sun is starting to set, and the music can be heard from outside the house.

Laughter and chatter come from the back, no doubt the party has spilled out into the garden.

The front door bursts open as we come up to it and Finlay steps out, holding a beer and grinning like the Cheshire cat.

'Guys! You made it!' He shouts. 'Come on in!'

He ushers us inside. I've been to Finlay's house before, but he hasn't had a party in a year or two.

People are everywhere, filling every room and hallway. I think he invited the whole of the sixth form.

We follow him through to the kitchen. I wrap my arm around Grace's waist protectively and keep her close.

Xaden cracks open a beer for each of us and stores the crates away in one of the cupboards. Rory makes a vodka mixer for her and Grace, before tucking the bottle back in her bag.

Grace sniffs the drink and takes a hesitant sip. Her face scrunches up as she tastes the alcohol.

'Fuck!' She curses, making me chuckle. It's funny to hear my adorable angel swear. 'Rory! You're meant to add more lemonade than that!'

Rory shrugs and winks at me. I roll my eyes and take the cup from Grace. I pour some down the sink and top it up with lemonade for her. She thanks me and takes another sip, without grimacing this time.

We go outside and find some available chairs. The four of us sit down and I keep my arm rested on the back of Grace's chair, a silent indicator that we're together.

I have never been to a party with a girlfriend (because, technically, that's what Grace is, even if she doesn't realize it) and it feels weird. Don't get me wrong, I love her being here, but when I came to them singly, I was totally relaxed.

It's not that I'm uncomfortable, but I'm not 100% relaxed either. My wolf is on edge, conscious that I have someone very precious sat next to me, who is both human and incredibly attractive. She draws male eyes and a few female ones, and I'm conscious of protecting her.

'Relax,' Grace murmurs in my ear, surprising me.

Even my mate has noticed the tension in my shoulders. I move my head quickly and catch her off—guard, kissing her cheek.

'Sorry, Strawberries, but it's kind of hard to when so many guys keep eyeing you up.'

She blushes at that and looks around self—consciously.

'No, they don't. You're imagining things.'

I shake my head and laugh humorlessly. 'No, Strawberries, I'm not. You look fucking hot tonight, and everyone can see that.'

Grace's blush deepens and she shuffles her chair close to me.

'Best make it clear I'm not interested then,' she says smoothly.

I grin at her. 'Damn right. How about a kiss to really seal the deal'

She rolls her eyes but leans in and gives me a soft peck. I pout when she pulls away, making her chuckle.

'I don't want to get lipstick all over you,' she protests, rubbing at my bottom lip with her thumb.

'Oh, fuck that,' I reply and grab the back of her neck. 'I don't care.'

I press my lips against hers, uncaring of getting red lipstick on my mouth. I just want her.

Grace is startled for a moment but recovers quickly and kisses me back. I kiss her harder, pressing my lips more insistently against hers.

Grace kisses me back with equal enthusiasm, gripping my shirt in her hand.

For a moment, I forget we're not alone. It's ruined by Xaden wolf—whistled loudly and Rory laughing.

We pull away and I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand, revealing a red smudge. Grace giggles and wipes the rest of the lipstick off for me.

She pulls the tube from her clutch and touches it up on her lips, pouting prettily at her reflection.

'I don't like that stuff,' I grumble. 'But it's not going to stop me from kissing you.'

She grins. 'I should hope not, Axel.'

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