The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

India's POV.

Jake is my motivation.

I groan and I force myself to roll over. I gingerly lift myself up off of the bed, hissing as my ribs complain against the movement.

I hobble over to the window and look down. My vision blurs and I feel lightheaded, but I force myself to focus.

My eyes land on the Alpha, I recognize him instantly from the awkward shower voyeurism experience. I smile with relief as I see Jake tucked under his arm.

He's safe, he's with his dad.

Knowing he's okay, I slide down the wall to sit on the floor. I can barely hold myself up, let alone get down those stairs.

I lean my head back and close my eyes, holding onto my throbbing ribs on my right side. I know that I'll fall if I try and walk by myself.

I don't know how long, maybe a few minutes later, the door opens. My eyes flash straight to the doorway, terrified that it is the leader, back for more.

My eyes widen as I take in the beautiful sight of Alpha Lockwood, who stood in the doorway, staring at me.

'Hi,' I croak.

I reach for the windowsill above me, to help pull myself up. Instantly, he is in front of me and swoops me up into his arms, bridal style.

'My son told me that you saved his life,' he says, and I scoff.

'Not really, is he okay' I ask, trying not to focus on how close our faces are.

'He's fine, thanks to you,' he replies and carries me out of the room.

He takes me downstairs and outside.

'He's in the car, let's get you both home.'

We fall silent as he carries me towards the waiting SUVs. I keep my eyes on his face, taking in his bright green eyes, his chiseled jaw, full lips and tousled hair. I don't want to see the carnage surrounding us, and his face is definitely nice to look at.

He places me inside the SUV, Jake is in the front seat. Alpha Lockwood gets into the back, next to me, and the driver pulls off.

I doze in the back of the car, falling in and out of consciousness as we drive back to the pack house. I'm in pain and I'm emotionally exhausted.

Despite my objections, Alpha Lockwood carries me into the house and down to the medical unit in the basement.

I sit on the hospital bed in a white, clinical room.

'Jake's getting checked out next door, he's just fine,' Alpha Lockwood explains and I feel so relieved that he's alright.

The nurse comes in and checks me over. He tells me that I've bruised my ribs and he wants me to stay overnight. Fortunately, there's no sign of a concussion.

Alpha Lockwood remains by my bed the whole time I'm being examined. I wonder silently why he is still here.

The nurse eyes my ripped shirt and his expression softens.

'Do I need to get the sexual assault kit, miss' He asks gently and I jump when a loud, angry growl comes from the Alpha.

'No, he uh, he didn't get to touch me,' I reply nervously and out of the corner of my eye, I see the Alpha's shoulders relax.

Why does he care so much

'I'll get you some clean clothes,' the Alpha says before leaving the room.

The nurse shows me the bathroom and I begin running the hot water. I peel off my clothes and slip into the water when it's ready.

It feels so good to be out of those clothes, I can't wait to bin that blouse. I soak in the hot water, letting it soothe my body and my nerves.

I emerge almost half an hour later, feeling relaxed and refreshed. Wrapped in a towel, I peek my head around the door and spot some clothes on the bed.

I pull on the fresh underwear, they still have tags on.

Did Alpha Lockwood really go and get me brand new clothes

I take the label off a pair of leggings and pull them on. I freeze as I pull the jumper over my head.

It smells like the Alpha.

And there are no tags on it.

It smells delicious.

Too delicious.

I finish putting it on and then lift it to my nose and breathe in. His scent is addictive, so masculine and mouth—watering.

Feeling confused, I lower the jumper and pause for a moment.

Why does he smell so good

And how have I only just noticed this

To be fair, I guess I've had other things on my mind, like being kidnapped and assaulted.

Think of the devil.

The door opens, and Alpha Lockwood comes in.

He almost fills the doorway with his huge, muscular form. Despite him being fully clothed, all I can focus on is the memory of his wet, naked body in that shower.

Totally inappropriate, India.

He looks at me and for a strange moment, we just stare at each other. This is the third time we've had locked eye contact.

My breath catches in my throat when he strides across the room to me. He reaches out with his large hand and brushes the back of his knuckles over my cheeks.

My stomach lurches and my heart quickens as I feel the pull.

Mate.

A low rumble comes from his chest, and he gently pulls me into his arms. My head rests on his shoulder as I once again inhale his intoxicating smell.

'You smell incredible, mate,' he growls, and I feel the vibration of his chest rumbling against me.

'Mate' I ask quietly.

I'm not sure why, because I felt the sparks, I know he's my mate. But sometimes, you just want confirmation of things.

He gently holds my face and makes me look up into his jade eyes.

'You're my mate, India,' he says softly and presses his lips to my forehead.

The simple gesture sends chills down my arms.

'What about Jake' I ask, wondering if there is a significant other in his life.

I didn't see any mention of a mother on his school record.

The Alpha's face hardens.

'She's gone. She was a rogue who agreed to provide me with an heir as long as I didn't mark her,' he explains, and my eyes widen. 'She left shortly after Jake turned one and I was informed of her death a few years later.'

That's a weird situation, I've never heard of something like that before.

'So...you're single' I press and he chuckles.

'Yes, mate, and I'm all yours,' he hums happily.

I can't help but smile at that.

'Does Jake know' I blurt out.

Jake was never my biggest fan anyway; I can't imagine this will help things.

The Alpha nods. 'Yes, I told him when you were in the shower. He took it surprisingly well. Apparently, you have worked your way into his good books.'

I let out a sigh of relief.

'Oh, thank Goddess,' I breathe. 'Can I see him'

My question brings a smile to the Alpha's face. 'Of course.'

'Oh, by the way.' I catch his wrist as we go to leave the room. 'What's your name'

He chuckles and I blush, realizing I still don't know it. 'My name is Sebastian.'

I nod and follow him across the corridor to Jake's room. He's on the bed, but he leaps up when we enter.

'Miss! Are you alright' He asks quickly and I feel touched by his concern.

'Yes, Jake, I'm fine. Are you okay'

'Yeah, I'm alright.'

It goes silent for a moment and Jake awkwardly looks between us.

'This is weird, but you're alright, Miss. You did save me after all.'

I laugh quietly.

'Thank you, Jake, it means a lot that we have your blessing.'

He scrunches up his nose and asks, 'Do I still have detention on Monday'

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