The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Callie's POV.

I wake up the next morning with a smile on my face.

I slept through the whole night without a nightmare, again. I can't remember the last time I felt this well—rested.

I roll over and my eyes land on the reason. Nate Archer, my wonderful mate. The curer of my demons.

I've conquered the demons myself too, I know, and I have to take credit for that. I'm a survivor and it's not liking meeting Nate has just automatically fixed my problems.

I'm still going to be hesitant when things start heating up between us. It's been so many years since I trusted a man with my body. But if there's anyone I trust, it's him.

Nate hasn't magically cured my fears, but his presence makes me feel safe enough to sleep without fear, and that's a big deal. I suffered from nightmares because I was alone in bed and that meant I was 'vulnerable' when I was asleep.

Having Nate lying next to me, takes away that vulnerability. It makes me feel protected and it makes my subconscious relax.

My mate is still sleeping deeply next to me. I watch his chest rise and fall with every breath. His lips are slightly parted, and his arms are resting on the pillow above his head.

He looks adorable and sexy at the same time.

I want to move in with him. I want to wake up to this every day, I want to cuddle him at night, I want to spend all of my time with him. Not having nightmares is an added bonus.

I silently decide to give him my answer. Today, I will let him know that I will move in with him, if he still wants me to.

I don't know how my brothers are going to take it, but it has to happen eventually, right

Rolling onto my back, I stare at the ceiling, guilt filling me.

Rixon is going to move into a house with Lexi soon, in preparation for their baby arrives.

If I move out with Nate, Ben will be alone. He's my baby brother, I don't want him by himself.

Maybe Nate will let Ben move in with us

I push the thought out of my mind the second after it enters. There's no way that Ben would want to live with his sister and her mate.

'What are you thinking so hard about' Nate's groggy voice sounds from next to me.

I roll back to face and smile as he blurrily opens his eyes. His sleepy look is adorable.

'I have an answer for you,' I tell him.

It takes a moment for his brain to catch up and work out the context behind what I'm saying.

His face lights up as the imaginary lightbulb goes off above his head.

'You'll move in with me'

The excited look on his face only solidifies my answer.

'Yes,' I confirm. 'I will move in with you.'

Nate wraps his arms around me and rolls us. I squeak with surprise and suddenly, I'm on top of him as he lays on his back.

He starts peppering kisses along my neck, up my jaw, towards my lips. I quickly clamp my hands over my mouth.

'No! Morning breath!' I protest and he scoffs at me.

'I don't care, baby,' he says and then firmly places his lips over mine.

My reluctance vanishes quickly, and I kiss him back, unable to resist.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

At some point, Nate and I manage to take our hands off each other and leave the bed.

We get ready for the day and Nate suggests we go kayaking. I text my brothers to check up on them and let them know what I'm doing.

Rixon reply makes me smile. I knew it. He and Lexi are looking at houses today.

I hope they get somewhere nearby.

The weather is crisp and dry. We wrap up warm and rent two kayaks from the local center.

Nate and I kayak down the river, enjoying the fresh air and each other's company.

Nate, overly excited about me moving in, eagerly offers suggestions and recommendations of where my things can go, or what changes we can make to the house.

He begs, and I fold, agreeing to move in later this week.

After a few hours on the river, Nate drives me back to my house.

'Do you want to meet my sister tomorrow Properly, I mean. I know you've already met her.'

His question catches me off—guard.

'Really'

Nate laughs at my response.

'Yes, really. You can meet Jayce and Naevia, too.'

I don't know why, but the thought makes me really nervous. In a good way, though. It's because I want them to like me, I want them to think I'm good for Nate.

'Um, okay then, sure!' I reply and Nate shakes his head.