The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

As the night goes on and midnight hits, everyone gets suitably drunk. It gets colder and we go inside.

Invariably, we end up dancing, as is the consequence of most people when they drink heavily.

Finlay's living room has been transformed into a dance floor, complete with strobe lighting and music so loud I'm surprised the neighbors haven't called the police on us.

Even though she is wearing heels, Grace's forehead only comes to my mouth, which is the perfect height for me to kiss it. She's so small in my arms, but I love it.

The music is loud and thumping, it vibrates through my body and makes me feel drunker than I probably am.

My arms are around Grace's waist, moving her in time with me. Her arms are around my neck, and she looks up at me with a heady mixture of affection and desire.

I can feel her desire for me rolling off her in waves. I want more than anything to find a room with her upstairs, but I don't want to tempt myself. I might take things too far and I don't ever want to make her feel uncomfortable.

Plus, we've both been drinking. I want us both to be sober the first time we move past kissing.

Grace turns around in my arms, so that her back is to my front. She grinds on me, rubbing her perfectly—curved ass against my crotch.

My fingers dig into her sides in warning, but she doesn't stop. She's in full—on minx mode and seems determined to rile me up.

I lean down and press my mouth to her ear. I feel her heartbeat faster at our close proximity.

'You're playing a dangerous game, Strawberries,' I tell her, my voice husky with arousal.

She can no doubt feel how much I'm enjoying this; my dick is straining against the zipper on my jeans, and she just so happens to be making little circles with her hips on it.

She spins in her arms again to face me, smiling with coy seduction.

'I'm quite enjoying playing,' she practically purrs.

Where has my shy mate gone

She pulls my head down to meet hers and presses her lips to mine. I let her lead the kiss for once.

Her tongue nudges at my lips and I open up to her. Our tongues collide and rub against one another, doing nothing to calm me down.

She tastes like strawberries and alcohol. I can't get enough. I tilt my head and kiss her deeper. I can't stop myself from taking over, dominating her mouth with my tongue.

Grace moans into my mouth and rubs her body against mine. My hands drop daringly lower down her back and come to rest on her butt. Grace doesn't pull away or protest, instead, she writhes against me, rubbing herself against my erection.

A low, approving growl rumbles from my chest and Grace moans back, clearly loving this side of me. I squeeze her ass with my hands, and she gasps into the kiss.

I pull back, suddenly breaking our kiss. Her lips are swollen and parted as she pants. Her eyes, hooded with lust, blink up at me in surprise.

'Sorry, Strawberries,' I tell her quickly. 'I was enjoying that a bit too much.'

She blushes and breaks eye contact. 'Yeah, me too,' she admits quietly.

I pull her into my arms and try to dance with her in a less suggestive way.

After a few minutes, Rory comes up to us. She has Xaden's arm around her shoulders and is practically holding him up.

'He's fucked. Can you call your parents for a lift I think it's time to go home, if you're okay with it!' She says over the music.

I nod and pull my phone from my pocket. I grab Grace's hand and take her outside, to the front of the house. No one is out here, apart from a few smokers in the drive.

I pull her into my side and wrap my arm around her shoulders as I call my dad. I pin the phone between my cheek and shoulder and shrug out of my hoodie.

I hand it to Grace, who eagerly pulls it over her head. It falls down to the middle of her thighs, it's actually longer on her than her dress.

'Hey, Dad,' I greet him when he picks up. 'Can you come and pick us up please'

He's groggy with sleep but agrees to come get us. I check the time, it's almost 2 AM.

I sit on the waist—high brick wall and pull Grace between my legs. I wrap my arms around her and rest my chin on her shoulder.

'Want to go out for lunch tomorrow' I ask her.

She smiles. 'Yeah, I'd love that. I think Mum will want me home for dinner, but we could always do something Sunday as well'

'Sounds like a plan, Strawberries.'

Dad arrives fifteen minutes later. We collect Xaden and Rory from inside and get them into the car.

I let Grace go up front whilst Rory and I keep an eye on Xaden in the back.

'He's looking a bit worse for wear,' Dad comments, nodding his head at Xaden. 'I'll make sure to get him some water when we get in.'

'He's alright,' I reply with a shrug. 'He did well tonight, didn't get with anyone.'

Dad snorts. 'Makes a change.'

When we get home, Rory and Grace go upstairs whilst Dad and I get Xaden to the kitchen. Dad makes him some toast and water and I eat with him, suddenly starving.

Dad goes up to the bed and after Xaden has finished, I help him get to the guest room. He's already sobered up quite a lot, but I lie him on his side anyway. If he were human, I'd stay with him, but shifters metabolize alcohol much quicker. He'll be fine by morning.

I go back to my room and get ready for bed. I'm so relieved when I crash onto the mattress, tiredness consuming me.

My eyes are closed, but my ears prick as I hear my bedroom door opening.

'Strawberries' I ask with confusion as I see my mate enter my bedroom. 'Is everything okay'

She stands awkwardly at the door, tugging on her sleeve. She's wearing my hoodie still.

'Um, Rory has kind of starfished in the bed. I was wondering if I can sleep in your bed tonight'

Oh, fuck me.

'Of course,' I reply quickly.

I lift up the duvet for her and she hurriedly climbs in next to me. She snuggles up to my side and I put my arm around her.

Her sweet scent of honeysuckle and strawberries fills my nose, instantly calming me.

'Night Axe,' she mumbles.

'Night, Strawberries.'

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I wake at about eleven, feeling a bit tired, but not hangover. I stretch my arms over my head, feeling my shoulder pop.

A grin works its way onto my face as I realize that my mate is lying next to me.

I roll over to face her and the movement disturbs her. She blurrily opens her eyes and blinks up at me.

A blush covers her cheeks, and she pulls my hoodie up, over her mouth.

'Morning,' she mumbles shyly.

I realize she is trying to hide her morning breath from me. I pull my hoodie down, making her squeal with surprise, and press my lips to hers.

I give her a quick peck and pull back, her eyes wide with surprise.

'Morning,' I reply.

I take a shower whilst Grace stays in bed. I dry myself off and wrap a towel around my waist.

Grace blushes up to her hairline when I enter my bedroom half—naked. She stares openly, not bothering to hide the lust in her eyes.

'Stop eye—fucking me, Strawberries. The bathroom is free if you want it.'

She runs out of the room all embarrassed, making me laugh.

I get dressed and go downstairs. Mum and Dad are already up and start making breakfast for us.

The smell of bacon and eggs draws the other three downstairs.

'Did we have a good night' Mum asks when the four of us sit down at the table.

'Yeah, it was really good actually. Some of us drank a bit too much,' Rory replies, giving Xaden a pointed look.

'Hey! I drank so that I wouldn't pull. I was a bloody angel last night,' he grumbles, making Mum laugh.

'I'm proud of you, Xaden,' she says. 'I know how hard that must have been, but I bet your mate will appreciate it.'

'She better,' he mutters under his breath.

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