The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

Grace's POV.

That night, Rory and Lydia serve us a delicious meal of flatbreads, minted lamb and a side of roasted vegetables.

We eat on the balcony because the sunset is beautiful, and the air is still warm.

Instead of playing drinking games, because the two of us can't drink, we play eating games. For dessert, we are each given a big bowl of sweets.

We play Never Have I Ever, a game that holds a special place in my heart because Axel asked me out when we played it at a house party five years ago.

We adapt other drinking games into eating games, too. There's one where you have to vote for a person after someone reads a statement like 'who is most likely to…'. Whoever was voted for by the most people, couldn't eat any of their sweets for that round.

Games are played until we all feel sick and can't eat anymore. Just before midnight, we head up to bed.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

On Sunday, we go for a hike in the woods. The weather is warm and there's a gentle breeze. It's the perfect temperature.

'What do you think it will be' I ask Axel as we walk together at the back of the group.

I gesture down at my stomach, and he grins.

'I don't know. Most parents usually have a slight preference, but I'm really not bothered either way. I just want it healthy.'

I nod in agreement.

'I'd like one of each, maybe,' I reply. 'I don't mind which comes first. But then, you don't know if maybe the sex they're given at birth is who they will stay as.'

Axe nods. 'Very true. We'll support them no matter what.'

Axel and I start discussing baby names. I know it's far too early, but it's a long hike and I'm just too excited.

The gang overhears and starts chipping in their ideas. Xaden and Noelle share their favorites. They have two to pick…I don't know if that makes it harder or easier

When we get hungry, we stop for a break in a pretty clearing. I take some pictures to post on my social media and get ripped for it by Axel and Xaden.

'Hashtag at one with nature,' Xaden mocks me.

I shoot him a glare and throw a cocktail sausage at him. He catches it in his mouth, chews and grins, his mouth full of sausage.

Him and his damn quick reflexes.

'Hashtag so peaceful,' Axel pipes up and I scowl.

'Hashtag weekend away,' Xaden adds.

'Hashtag tree hugger.' I glare at my mate.

'Hashtag wish this was a girls—only trip,' I retort, and the girls laugh.

'Amen,' Noelle mutters and Xaden gasps in fake horror.

'I am the father of our unborn children! Don't pretend you don't love me being here,' he pouts.

Noelle snorts. 'Sorry baby, I love you being here.'

Xaden nods, satisfied that she was joking. Noelle looks at me and sends me an 'I'm not joking' look, making me laugh. I force myself to keep a straight face when Xaden looks up.

We eat the picnic that we brought with us in the backpacks and they're a lot lighter when we pack the rubbish back up in them.

We hike back to the house, singing old camp songs on the way. We're all tired by the time the lake house comes into view.

'I say we do pizzas tonight,' Xaden says, gesturing at the brick pizza oven around the back.

'Definitely,' Lydia agrees and we all nod.

'I'm so down for a pizza,' I reply.

Noelle unlocks the house, and we traipse inside. I drop my backpack on the floor with a sigh and kick off my hiking boots.

I reluctantly climb the stairs and go to our bedroom. Once I'm within reach, I collapse onto the bed.

'That was so long,' I grumble when Axel comes up.

'It was good, though.'

'Yeah, but I'm exhausted. I think I need to sleep for about 36 hours.'

He laughs and lies down next to me. He wraps his arm around my shoulders and brings me into his chest.

'My little dramatic Strawberry,' he says affectionately and kisses my forehead.

Axel and I nap on top of the covers, we don't even bother getting under them.

I wake up first and check my phone. We've only been asleep about fifty minutes, that's not too bad.

I sit up and stretch my arms over my head. My movement rouses Axel and he pulls me back down next to him.

'Feel better' He asks, his eyes still closed.

'Much,' I reply.

My eyelids don't feel heavy, and I've lost the urge to yawn every two minutes. Oddly enough, my tiredness has been replaced with horniness.

I roll onto my side to face Axel and run my hand up and down his arm. He opens his eyes and looks at me. One look and he knows exactly what I want. Sometimes, he knows my body better than I do.

He leans over me, making me roll onto my back. He drops his head and captures my lips, kissing me until I'm breathless.

His hands grab the bottom of my t—shirt. I break the kiss and lift my arms above my head to help him get it off. He reaches underneath me and unsnaps my bra. I throw that to one side and start working on my shorts.

Axel sits back on his heels and takes off his t—shirt. As I'm shimmying out of my underwear, I admire his muscular chest.

He gets off the bed and takes his shorts and boxers off, leaving him naked before me. He takes his cock in his hand and fists it. I watch him heatedly as he strokes himself, putting on a little show for me.

I spread my legs for him and slide my hand down my body. Axel's eyes lock onto my core as I start running my fingers up and down my lower lips.

When we first met, I would have rather died before doing this in front of him. But after years of loving one another, I know that I have nothing to be embarrassed about around him. From the heated way he is watching me, I can see how much he's enjoying this.

'Fuck,' he curses under his breath and climbs onto the bed. 'You're irresistible, Strawberries.'

He crawls over me, and I lay back, bringing my legs up and around his waist. I press my heels into his backside, drawing him closer to me. Axel chuckles and reaches down to line his cock up with my entrance.

He rubs the blunt tip up and down my folds, getting it slick with my juices. Then, he moves lower and slowly pushes inside me. I moan as he thrusts forwards and fills me completely.

The perfect fit.

'Axel,' I moan his name as my mate starts to steadily and firmly pound into me.

He uses his hips to slide his cock in and out of my sensitized channel. I hold on tightly to him, gripping at his arms and digging my heels into his ass to spur him on.

'Touch yourself,' he orders huskily.

He looks down at me with lust and affection in his eyes. Following his command, I place my hand between my legs and rub my clit.

It takes only moments for an orgasm to build, he feels so good inside me. I cry out his name as I reach my climax. Axel moves faster, fucking me through it and increasing my pleasure.

My body is still trembling from aftershocks when I finally finish coming. Axel drops his head and kisses me, pushing his tongue into my mouth. My tongue nudges his at the same time I clench my pussy. He grunts and moves even faster.

I know he is chasing his own climax, so I keep clenching and hold him tightly. He breaks the kiss. His breathing comes in shallow pants as he races to completion.

I get to watch his beautiful face as he comes. His lips part and his eyes squeeze closed, it's the hottest sight.

'I love you,' he murmurs in my ear as his dick pulses inside me.

'I love you, too.'

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆