The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Callie's POV.

Nate stands behind me and rubs my swollen stomach.

'How is our little miracle doing in there' He asks and then pecks my cheek.

'They are kicking like mad; I don't know what's gotten into them today.'

'Maybe they're excited about the scan'

Today, Nate and I are at the clinic. We're going to find out the gender of the baby.

I'm thinking a boy and Nate is thinking a girl.

In all honesty, like most parents, we just want healthy.

The nurse comes in and I lie back on the lovely bed, exposing my stomach in anticipation of the cold gel.

The nurse moves the ultrasound wand around a little, until he finds the best position. The fluttering heartbeat fills our ears, making Nate and I grin like idiots.

'Okay, there they are. Good, strong heartbeat. Now, do we want to know the sex today'

Nate and I eagerly nod our heads.

'Yes!'

'Well, I'm pleased to tell you that you are having a boy.'

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'So, that's it We've actually managed to agree on a name' I talk to Nate on the phone.

I leave the shop and cross the road.

In the last seven months, Lexi has gotten so big that she's almost bursting and I'm mid—way through my pregnancy.

Rixon is now much more accepting of Nate, he's bordering on being nice to him. I think it's the happy hormones from being a father soon. Plus, he hasn't really got a choice, what with us being full mated and expecting.

Ben has moved out of the big house that he was living in by himself. He's got an apartment in the center of town and is loving all of the 'talent' he's finding at the local bars. I'm told that 'talent' is another word for attractive women.

Honestly, I am praying for the day that boy meets his mate.

I'm working part—time in a bakery. Nate keeps trying to make me take maternity leave, but I enjoy being on my feet.

Today has been particularly stressful though, and I've been feeling light—headed all afternoon. I called Nate to ask him to come and pick me up, I don't feel safe driving.

With the phone wedged between my ear and my shoulder, I unlock my car and reach for my handbag.

'Yes, we actually agree on a name for once. We're calling him Axel.'

I'm unable to stop myself from smiling.

Axel Archer.

I can't wait to meet you.

I straighten up and grip the car as I experience another head—rush. I really need to eat some sugar.

'Hang up the phone.' A cold voice sounds behind me.

I freeze as I feel the hard barrel of a gun pressed against my lower back.

'Callie Who was that' Nate's worried voice comes down the phone.

'I said, hang up the fucking phone.'

The voice is harsher this time.

'Nate…' I say his name, my voice panicked. I quickly hang up the phone and the man behind me snatches it from my hand.

'Walk towards the trees, appear calm and you won't get hurt. Do not scream for help, I will shoot.'

I swallow hard and shakily take a couple of steps. The man stays right behind me, his gun wedged under the back of my ribs.

I look around but the street is empty. There is no one here to help me.

I pray that Nate gets here quickly. He's only a ten—minute drive away. I just have to distract the man for ten minutes.

Stumbling a little, I step into the forest. He pushes me a couple of meters in, so that no one can see us from the road.

He shoves me forwards and I catch myself before I fall. I turn around to face him, finally seeing his appearance.