The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

Xaden leaves an hour before my date. After giving his approval of my shirt choice, he leaves me to it.

I come downstairs with five minutes to spare. Mum joins me just as I'm checking my reflection in the mirror.

There are tears in her eyes.

'Don't start, Mum, please,' I beg her.

She laughs and wipes her eyes. 'Don't mind me, I'm just being silly,' she says quickly.

She comes over and straightens my shirt.

'You look so handsome, darling.' She hands me my jacket. 'She is one lucky girl.'

I smirk as I shrug on my jacket. 'I'm the lucky one, Mum.'

Dad steps out of the living room and wraps his arm around Mum's shoulders.

'Have a great time and behave yourself. Remember to be careful with her, she won't feel the bond as strongly as you,' he warns.

I nod and grab my car keys.

'I know, don't worry. See you later.'

I follow my phone's directions to Grace's street, humming along to the radio.

Even though I arrive ten minutes early, my girl is already waiting for me on the pavement.

She looks stunning.

Her red curls are pinned up in a bun, a few strands are loose around her face. She's wearing heavier make—up than she usually wears at school, but it's not too much.

Her short red dress actually works with her red curls, rather than clashing. She pulls on the hem nervously as I step out of the car.

'Grace…wow,' I greet her. 'You look stunning.'

I'm sure she's blushing, but it's barely noticeable under the foundation she's wearing. I decide that I don't like her wearing this much make—up, I can't see my favorite blush.

The freckles on her nose are still visible though, which makes me happy.

'Thank you,' she replies shyly. 'You look very dashing, Axel.'

I laugh at her choice of words. 'Why, thank you.'

I offer out my arm to her and she slips her hand into the crook of it. I lead her around to the passenger seat and get the door for her.

Once I'm back in the car, I drive us to the town center. We find a parking spot and walk hand—in—hand to Olivier's.

The server shows us to our table at the back, near one of the windows. As soon as the menus are placed in our hands, my stomach starts rumbling with anticipation.

'Wow, everything looks so good,' Grace comments. 'Can you recommend anything'

I shuffle my chair closer to her and lean over her menu, pointing out the ones I've tried and loved.

Eventually, we make a decision and place our order. I don't move back to my side of the table, wanting to stay near my mate.

Our drinks come and Grace sends a text to her mum.

'She worries,' she explains with an eye roll.

'So.' She leans forward, resting her elbows on the edge of the table. 'Axel Archer, tell me about you. On our first date we covered hobbies, likes, food, etc. I want to know about your love life, if you're okay with sharing.'

I swallow hard.

Shit.

This can never go well.

Remember you can flip the question back on her.

'Am I allowed to plead the fifth' I ask and she chuckles.

'That bad, huh'

I quickly shake my head. 'No, not bad, per se. But perhaps you should go first.'

Grace's lips quirk up in a smile and she takes a sip of her drink.

'Okay,' she replies. 'I've been on a few dates, nothing serious, never had a boyfriend.'

Shit.