The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Callie's POV.

By some miracle, Nate and I manage to make it the whole night without pouncing on each other.

Nate gets up before me in the morning and showers. This time, he locks the door. I'm both irritated and grateful.

I know we have to complete this mating process soon, but I need to make sure I'm ready.

To be honest, I don't think I'll ever feel 100% ready. My fears and insecurities will always hold me back unless I face them head—on.

As I get dressed, I choose my sexier underwear set.

Tonight, I want us to try and take things further. I can stop if I need to, but I want to at least try. If there's anyone I trust my body with, it's Nate.

We've both waited so long for this, for each other, I don't want to wait anymore. I want us to be together fully.

Nate has to go back to work today. After Myra and Jayce moved in together, Alpha Damien offered him a job on the territory.

I am going with him to the territory today to complete my forms, so I will officially be classed as a pack member.

After ten years of being a rogue, this is a big deal to me.

Whilst I'm there, I'll see if Alpha Damien has any other jobs going. Being rogues, my family and I have bounced around a lot, never staying in any place for too long.

I usually get a temporary job wherever we are, but this time, I can find something permanent.

Nate and I drive to the territory together. Rixon and Lexi will pick me up afterward.

He goes off to his job, he's kind of like the pack handyman. He helps build the houses, lay roads, etc, he can do a bit of everything.

We kiss goodbye and he points me in the direction of the pack house. Alpha Damien greets me and escorts me into his office.

After signing the papers, he shakes my hand and welcomes me as an official member of the pack.

I'll admit, it's really exciting.

I ask my new Alpha about job opportunities, and he gives me directions to the kitchen as he believes that the catering staff might have an opening.

I meet with the housekeeper, who gives me a breakdown of the job. I'll assist the catering team with daily meals. I can choose my hours and which days I want to work.

I love the flexibility of the hours. I doubt it will be a long—term job, but it's something.

Rixon and Lexi pick me up. They're all excited because they put in an offer on the house we looked around.

They drop me home and I decide to put my culinary skills to use. I have six hours before Nate will come home.

I go shopping and buy all of the ingredients I need. When I get back, I unpack the final bits and bobs my old house. I clean the house to pass the time and then start working on dinner, an hour before he comes home.

I feel like a traditional housewife, but Nate better not get used to it.

When he steps through the door, there are only five minutes left before dinner is ready.

I have poured us both a glass of wine and set the table.

Nate comes in and his eyes widen as he sees the setup.

'What's all this for' He asks as he approaches me. He gives me a sweet kiss and wraps his arms around my waist.

I lean over to the counter and pick up our glasses. After handing him one of them, I clink my glass against it.

'Cheers. I thought I'd do something nice for you, seeing as you've had your first day back at work. Was it good to be back'

'Yeah, it was actually, it was nice seeing everyone again. Mm, what smells so good'

Five minutes later, I serve dinner. We chat some more about his day and about my new job. I discuss the hours with him, working out the days we can commute together.

We both clear our plates, it's safe to say the meal was a success. We watch a movie after eating and I start to feel a combination of nerves and excitement as the evening draws on.

When we go up to the bed, I use the en suite in the spare room, whilst Nate uses our bathroom.

I take off my make—up, brush my hair and strip out of my clothing. Once I'm only in my lacy underwear set, I creep back into the bedroom. I put away my clothes and then drape myself across the bed, trying to look seductive.

I feel incredibly conscious, and I end up giving up and just sitting on the bed. I'm not the kind of girl that can confidently drape herself across a bed.

Nate steps out and freezes when he sees me. His eyes heatedly roam up and down my body.

'You look…wow,' he comments, his eyes wide.