The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Xaden's POV.

'Have you seen the new girl She's fucking hot.'

I grit my teeth as one of the idiot humans talks about that new girl in the locker room. I pull my clean clothes on, trying to block out their conversation.

Yeah, they're right. She is fucking hot. But I don't like them talking about her like that.

I'm trying to be the new Xaden, the Xaden that doesn't talk about girls as if they're pieces of meat. It's not respectful, Rory tells me.

And now, hearing it for myself, I can understand why it wouldn't be considered respectful. I'd be pissed off if I was a girl and heard guys talking about me like that.

I don't see the new girl again until the break. I go over to everyone, they're in our usual spot, behind the building.

My heart starts beating faster as the new girl looks up and locks eyes with me. She's stunning.

Her braids reach her waist, her dark chocolate skin practically glows in the sunlight and her hazel eyes are huge and round.

My eyes drop to her lips, and it feels like my heart stops beating for a moment. They're so fucking plump and full, they're the stuff of dreams.

Holy fucking shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

She's my mate!

Nerves fill me as I approach the group.

Fuck, what do I say to her

Maybe I should start by asking her name I don't even know it yet.

Yeah, that's what I do. I'll walk up and introduce myself.

I take a deep breath and direct myself towards the bench with Rory and my mate on it.

'I'll uh, catch up with you later, Rory,' my mate says quickly.

She doesn't meet my eyes as she hurries off, leaving me filled with disappointment.

'Why did she leave' I ask Rory, staring despondently after my mate's retreating figure.

'I don't know, that was weird. It must have been your personality, repelling women everywhere,' she teases.

I don't say anything, I just watch her go.

Rory tugs on my wrist. 'Hey, Xaden, I was just joking. I'm sorry—'

'She's my mate,' I tell her, and her mouth drops open.

'Shut. Up.' She gasps. 'Are you serious'

I nod and sit down on the bench next to her, where my mate was sitting.

'Oh my Goddess! This is incredible!' Rory squeals. 'Guys, Noelle is Xaden's mate!'

Noelle.

That's her name.

I love it.

I repeat it over and over in my head as everyone slaps me on the back and congratulates me.

'I can't believe that we've been telling you that this day would come, and now, it's actually here,' Axel says, shaking his head with disbelief.

'What am I going to do' I ask them all.

They stare back at me like I've just asked the most stupid question in the world.

'Uh, I don't know, Xaden, get to know her maybe' Rory replies sarcastically. 'Ask her out Compliment her'

'Yes, I know that,' I snap. 'I mean, what am I going to do when she finds out about my less—than—perfect past'

Rory looks contemplative for a moment and then realization dawns on her face. 'What if she's already found out Might explain her speedy exit when you arrived.'

Dread settles in my stomach and I lean forwards. I rest my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands.

Fuck.

I really hope she doesn't know.

How could she know

'How would she know, though She doesn't know anyone here, does she'

I look up and Rory shrugs. 'Not sure.'

The bell rings, signifying the end of break and the countdown before I see my mate again.

She's having lunch with us, Rory tells me. I only have one hour to go and then I can see her.

I'll be charming, complimentary, smooth…anything to win her over. I don't know how she would have heard anything about me, but I'm not risking it.

The next hour drags, all I can think about is my mate. I'm not even sure I'll be able to eat lunch, I feel sick to my stomach.

I've never felt nervous around a girl before, ever. It's not something I struggle with, speaking to girls. Everyone has their strengths, mine is women. I know what they want and what they like, but my mate Whole different story.

I have this horrible feeling that my usual moves won't work on her. The way she ran away earlier and wouldn't even look at me…it doesn't exactly make me feel good about this.

She must have sensed that we're mates. She's a shifter, she would have known the moment we made eye contact, like I did.

Axel and I get our lunch and sit down at our table. My mate isn't here yet. I bounce my leg nervously under the table and drum my fingers on the surface.

'Will you relax She'll be with Rory,' Axel says.

Grace comes in and joins us. Luke, Finlay and Nick come, too. I get them to leave the chair next to me and the one next to that, empty for Rory and my mate.

Noelle.

I love saying her name. I mouth it with my lips, just as she and Rory walk into the canteen.

I watch them as they get their lunches. My heart starts beating faster when they walk over to us. My mate hurries forwards and takes the chair next to Luke, furthest away from me.

'Are you sure you wouldn't rather sit here' Rory asks her, gesturing to the seat next to me.

My mate shakes her head and keeps her eyes on her food. Rory reluctantly sits down next to me, sending me an apologetic smile.

I start picking at my food, not hungry, but not knowing what else to do. My mate doesn't want to be near me, and I don't know if it's because she's shy or what.

I don't even know if she knows we're mates or not. I know nothing about her.

'So, Noelle, do you have a car, or do you walk to school' Rory asks, making conversation.

I subtly listen in.

'Um, I can drive but I don't have a car.'

Her voice is so perfect. I feel happier just hearing it. I could listen to her all day.

'Mum insisted on dropping me off this morning cause it was my first day, but I'll walk from now on. I think it's only like fifteen minutes.'

'Oh, that's alright,' Rory replies. 'Is it just you and your mum'

'No, my dad, too and my annoying little brother.'

Rory snorts. 'I feel you; I could kill mine sometimes. How old is he'

'Sixteen. He's at this school actually, um…that's him over there,' she says, pointing him out.

I look where she's pointing and spot a boy who looks similar to her, they have the same facial structure and identical chocolate skin.

I realize that he's sat at the same table as my sister, Tahlia and her mate.

My sister is sat on her mate's lap. Gross.

They met just over two months ago, and I haven't heard the end of it. He comes round all of the time, and they stay up in her room. I don't know why my parents allow it, but I guess being mates is like a free pass on rules.

My sister and her mate start making out in some kind of frenzy.

Do they not realize they're in the middle of the fucking cafeteria

I stand up and Rory quickly grabs my wrist and pulls me back down.

'Leave her be,' she says. 'Don't make a scene in front of everyone, talk to her about it later.'

I grit my teeth and look over at the table, where her mate has his hands all over my little sister. He's stroking her back and whispering shit in her ear.

I don't like it.

'Look at Noelle,' Rory whispers in my ear. 'Calm down.'

I do as she suggests and look over at my mate, who is currently talking to Luke. She eats her carrot sticks, crunching adorably.

She giggles at something he says, and jealousy fills me. Her whole face lights up and her smile reveals her perfect white teeth.

Everything about her is perfect, but I want to be the one to make her laugh.

I try to join the conversation, but it's difficult with Rory between us. Eventually, I give up and fall back in my chair with a sigh. Axel pats my shoulder sympathetically.

She obviously doesn't want to be around me, so I'm going to have to do something to change that.

When she starts to walk home today, I'll offer her a lift. That will give us a chance to talk.

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