The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Callie's POV.

I organize for Nate and me to go rock—climbing the next day.

He thinks it's simply a fun date I planned for us; he doesn't know I wanted to treat him after feeling guilty for last night. I came on to him and kissed him and then pulled away the moment things got heated.

He blamed himself. He thought that he pushed me, he doesn't understand why I'm not ready.

But he will, because I'm telling him tonight.

I asked to stay over again, and this time, I'm really going to tell him.

We climb the walls together, strapped into harnesses and swinging above the ground.

I love that Nate is such an adventurous guy. He enjoys having active dates as well as your more traditional ones. I feel like our relationship will never be boring.

We try all of the different climbing walls, choosing to re—do the hardest ones on the second time round.

'Nate, I can feel you staring at my butt,' I comment dryly.

I'm almost at the top of the wall, whilst my mate is a few meters below, getting an eyeful.

Nate chuckles. 'What I'm supposed to not look at it It's right there!'

I laugh at his protests. 'Whatever, just get it all out of your system before you meet my brothers later.'

I can't believe he's not more nervous about meeting my brothers. He hasn't even mentioned seeing Myra and Jayce any time soon and I'm already nervous about it.

The fact he actually asked to meet my family is shocking.

I texted Rixon and Ben this morning, telling them to be at the house at 3 pm, when I bring Nate over. I may or may not have threatened their lives if they aren't nice to him.

I try to drag out the rock—climbing as long as possible, but all too soon, we're in the car.

We park outside my house and nerves build inside of me. Nate takes my hand and gives it a squeeze.

'Relax, it's going to be okay,' he reassures me.

'Isn't that supposed to be my line' I ask him. 'Seriously, why are you not more worried'

Nate smirks and gets out of the car. I follow him, filled with dread and anticipation.

'I've already told you; it's going to be okay because they're going to see how much I care about you.' He takes my face in his hands, cupping my cheeks gently. 'Your brothers want the best for you, they want you to be happy. I swear to spend every day of the rest of my life treating you like a queen.'

My eyes burn with unshed tears, and I quickly blink them back.

'Nate Archer, you might just be the most perfect man I have ever met,' I confess.

He grins at me and shrugs. 'Meh, I try.'

We hold hands and walk up the pathway. The door opens before either of us reaches it. Ben stands in the foyer, ushering us in with a stern face.

Here we go.

I grip Nate's hand tightly and lead him into the house. Ben follows us into the lounge, where Rixon is standing.

My brother has his hands stuffed in the front pockets of his jeans, and his eyebrows are already furrowed in a frown.

'Nate, these are my brothers, Rixon and Ben,' I introduce him. 'Guys, this is Nate.'

I give both of my brothers a pointed look, silently telling them to behave, or else.

Ben moves forwards first, offering out his hand to Nate.

'Nice to meet you, Nate,' he says, giving him a brief smile.

Nate shakes his hand.

'It's great to finally meet you, Ben,' Nate replies warmly.

He turns to Rixon and holds out his hand to him. Rixon eyes it warily, but shakes it, nonetheless.

'Nice to meet you,' Nate says with a nod.

Rixon gives him a stiff nod back. 'Likewise.'

Ugh, could this get any more uncomfortable

I grimace and we all take a seat. I shuffle close to Nate, trying to protect him from my brothers' stern looks.

'So, Nate,' Rixon begins. 'Twelve years is a long time to go without a mate, I bet you've dated a lot.'

My mouth drops open and I can't stop the sarcastic comment from coming out.

'Like that's any of your business!' I snap. 'What Are you wanting to date him'

Rixon narrows his eyes at him.

'No, it's okay,' Nate responds. 'I haven't dated a lot, actually. Nothing serious. I always knew I would find Callie; I just didn't know when.'

Rixon nods, seemingly satisfied with his answer.

'You were thirty when you met your mate, correct' Nate says and I hold back a smile as Rixon shifts in his chair.