The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

I'm whistling, with my hands in my pockets, as I walk into school. Xaden rolls his eyes and pushes off the wall he was leaning on.

'Let me guess, you're happy because you're going on a date with your mate tonight' He asks sardonically.

I smirk at him. 'Yep. I have a date with the most perfect girl in school.'

Xaden snorts but doesn't try and kill my mood. He walks in with me, and we find Rory and Grace in the common room.

I love that Rory is making an effort with Grace, the two of them really seem to be getting along well.

I sit down next to Grace and put my arm around the back of her chair. She smiles shyly and her cheeks turn a very light shade of pink.

I wonder if she'll ever stop blushing around me.

I hope not.

'You ready for our date tonight' I ask teasingly.

She nods and bites on her bottom lip.

'I'm looking forward to it,' she confesses quietly. 'Where should I meet you'

'How about at the town square You know where that is, right'

Grace nods, causing a few strands to escape from her messy bun. Instinctively, I reach out and tuck them behind her ear. Her blush deepens as my touch lingers, causing tingles to run up my arm.

'Why does that happen' She whispers. 'When you touch me…it feels strange, like little sparks…'

I smirk at her and lean in close. Her breathing hitches.

'It means your body is attracted to mine,' I reply lowly, so only she can hear. 'It means our attraction to each other is tangible.'

She swallows hard and looks up at me with her big blue eyes. She only has a bit of makeup on, but her eyelashes are so fucking long.

'Really' She says awe in her tone.

I don't think she can quite believe it. I get it, this is an unnatural phenomenon for a human.

'Yes. It happens sometimes, when two people are perfect for each other.'

My response makes her smile. She raises a perfectly plucked eyebrow at me.

'Perfect for each other'

I grin charmingly. 'Yes, Strawberries. You and me, we're meant to be.'

She giggles and rolls her eyes. 'If you say so.'

I nudge her gently and she nudges me back with her shoulder.

'You'll see tonight, Strawberries, on our date.'

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Grace has physics first period, whilst I have a free. I sit with Xaden, and our friend Finlay and we get caught up on some sports theory we've been assigned.

My mate has a free period for her second lesson, whilst I have P.E, meaning we aren't together, again.

I'm grateful when the break bell goes, and it means I get to see her again.

The weather is sunny today, which is good for our date later. We decide to sit outside, in our spot behind the school. There are two benches opposite each other, and it overlooks the fields around the school.

I shrug out of my hoodie and shove it in my backpack. I don't miss the way Grace tries to subtly check me out in my t—shirt. Her eyes linger on my biceps, and I resist the urge to flex them for her.

Rory sits down at the end of one of the benches and Xaden lies down along it, resting his head on her lap. She scoffs but makes no move to get him off.

Finlay sits down and slides on his sun—glasses. I take a seat next to him and Grace hesitates, unsure whether to squeeze on next to me.

I reach out and grab her wrist. With a sharp tug, I pull her onto my lap. She squeals and grabs my arms to steady herself.

I slide her backpack off her shoulder and put it on the ground. She blushes bright red and shifts on my lap, getting comfortable.

'Axel, I could just sit next to you,' she says quietly, looking around at the others self—consciously.

Luckily, none of them are looking at us.

I wrap my arm around her waist. 'Nope. Not enough room. You're gonna have to sit here, Strawberries.'

She blushes some more but doesn't protest. I sit back against the bench, taking my mate with me. She bites her bottom lip nervously, but gradually relaxes and rests against my chest.

She's wearing a dress today and her legs are bare. That makes me very fucking happy.