The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

Fuck sake.

He's my childhood bear. I was joking, he's not in my bed. He's at the back of my wardrobe.

My cheeks are burning as I send the reply.

Fuck, I'm blushing just like Grace.

I'm so glad no one is here to witness this; I'm not acting like the strong shifter I am right now.

Aww! That's so cute I wanna meet him! Although, I'm glad he's not in your bed or I'd be fighting him. That's my spot.

My heart beats faster at her reply.

She wants to stay in my bed

Fuck yeah!

I'm grinning my head off as I come downstairs. My girlfriend is staying over tonight and she's going to be in my bed.

Shit, I'm already hard thinking about it.

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Grace comes round just after lunch. After saying hi to my parents, we decide to go for a walk.

The weather is nice, and Grace doesn't want to watch movies just yet. I'll do whatever my mate wants. As long as she's happy, I don't care what we do.

Grace swings our joined hands back and forth between us as we walk. She chatters away, telling me funny stories about her siblings.

'I know they were pretty shy on Wednesday, but once they've met you a few times, they'll warm up to you.'

I shrug. I don't want to tell her that I'm not too bothered, kids aren't my thing.

Sure, I want my own with Grace someday, but they're my own, it's different.

'How many kids do you want' I ask her.

The question seems to surprise her, and she splutters for a moment.

'Uh, two or three, I guess Why How many do you want'

I shrug again. 'I don't mind, as many as you'd like.'

Grace's face goes tomato red and I realize what I've said before it's too late. I try to play it cool, like I'm not currently panicking my head off inside.

Grace stops walking and looks at me.

'You think we're going to have kids together'

Shit.

How do I play this one

'We're in a relationship, Grace,' I respond calmly. 'I'd be worried if you didn't see a future between us.'

Her eyes widen and she looks slightly embarrassed. I feel guilty for turning this around on her, but she doesn't realize we're going to be together forever.

'I guess…but we're only seventeen, Axel, I wouldn't expect you to think you are going to be with me for the rest of your life.'

I don't like the little furrow in her brows. She's frowning.

'I told you about my family, we believe in soulmates. To me, you're my future. Does that scare you' I ask the question hesitantly, anxious for her answer.

Grace thinks about it for a moment, rubbing her lips together.

'No, it doesn't scare me,' she replies finally, and I breathe a sigh of relief. 'Honestly It's really reassuring. Not many teenage guys are so calm about commitment.'

I grin and throw my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into me.

'Yeah, but they're not me, are they, Strawberries'

She giggles and squeals, trying to get out of my hold. Her face is squashed against my chest as I wrap my arms around her.

I let her wriggle a little more and then release her. She laughs and pats down her hair, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

She beams up at me. 'No, Axe. They're not you.'

Phew, crisis averted.

'So, if I wanted seven kids, you'd be okay with that' Grace asks casually, smirking with amusement.

'If that's what would make you happy, then yeah.'

Grace blushes. 'I don't, by the way. Three is enough for me.'

'Three it is, then,' I reply with a shrug.

We talk some more and swing around, retracing our steps to return home. When we get to my house, my parents have gone out. We curl up on the sofa together and find some films to watch.

The afternoon passes quickly with our chosen movies. When dinner time comes, we eat with my parents in the kitchen.

Mum chats away with Grace whilst I catch up with Dad. I love seeing Grace smiling and laughing with my parents. She's relaxed with them and it's obvious how much they like her.

After dinner, Grace and I go upstairs to my room.

Her overnight bag is sat on the chair in the corner, and it makes me excited just seeing it. She's not leaving, she's staying over!

We lay on my bed watching a movie on my TV. Grace's head is rested on my chest whilst I run my fingers through her hair.

She loves it when I do this, as she's told me many times, and I love touching her.

It gets to ten and my girl starts yawning.

'Want to go to sleep soon' I ask her.

'Yeah, sorry,' she responds. 'Used to going to sleep early cause of my siblings.'

'It's okay. You can use the bathroom first.'

Grace takes her bag and goes into my adjoining bathroom. I turn off the TV and flick on my lamp. I turn off the ceiling light and strip out of my jeans.

I usually sleep in only my boxers, but I don't want Grace to feel uncomfortable. I put on some old pajama bottoms and leave my t—shirt on for now.

She comes out a few minutes later. My gorgeous mate is bare—faced, having taken her make—up off. She's tied her hair up in a messy bun and she's wearing an over—sized jumper and some gingham pajama shorts.

Her long legs are exposed to me, and she looks damn cute.

I kiss her forehead and move past her, into the bathroom. After getting ready for bed, I come out and slide off my t—shirt.

I throw it in the laundry basket and look over at Grace. She has already gotten into bed and is on her phone.

'Do you want me to put a top on' I ask, getting her attention.

Grace glances up from her phone and her eyes widen at my exposed chest.

'P—pardon' She stutters, making me smile.

'Do you want me to put a top on I don't want you to feel uncomfortable.'

Even in the low lighting, I can see her blush.

'Um, no. It's okay,' she mumbles and quickly looks back at her phone.

I smirk and come over to the bed. Grace puts her phone down as I pull back the covers and get in next to her.

I don't make any moves to touch her. I lay next to her, keeping my hands to myself. I want her to make the first move, to let me know if she is willing or not.

It doesn't take long.

First, Grace's cold foot brushes against mine. My lips twitch with a smile but other than that, I hide my reaction.

Next, the smooth skin of her calf presses against my leg.

Finally, she shuffles closer and places her small hand on my bare chest.

Goosebumps form under her touch, not because her hand is cold, no, my body is reacting to her touch for a completely different reason.

Grace moves impossibly closer to me, and I put my arm around her shoulders. She presses her body to mine, and I feel myself getting warmer from her body heat.

She looks up at me, prompting me to look down at her. Her gaze drops to my lips and then she leans up on an elbow. She presses her lips to mine, and I kiss her back.

Our eyes fall closed as we kiss. She opens her mouth to me, her tongue eagerly caressing mine.

My little mate practically climbs on top of me. I lean back against the pillow, loving her taking control for once.

She straddles my lap, and I can feel the heat from her crotch against my growing erection. My hands slide down her body, feeling her curves beneath her jumper.

I place a hand on each butt—cheek and squeeze, making her moan into the kiss. She rocks against me, teasing us both with the delicious friction it produces.

At the back of my mind, I'm wary that this is asking for trouble. I'm getting excited and fast.

Grace angles her head to deepen the kiss, her hands pawing at my chest. She runs her little fingers over my muscles, stroking every dip and groove.

Her hands creep lower and I grab her wrists just as she reaches my waistband.

She breaks the kiss to pout at me.

'I want to touch you,' she whispers.

Fuck.

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