The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

'Dude, stop panicking. My eyes are closed, and I can still feel myself getting anxious because stress is rolling off you in waves,' Xaden's voice breaks through my thoughts.

'I'm sorry, alright I can't help it. I'm meeting Grace's family tonight and I need them to like me,' I snap.

I lean forwards and put my head in my hands. 'This isn't like normal shifter relationships. Shifter parents would be so happy that their child had met their mate. Grace's mum has no idea that I'm destined to be the best man for Grace.'

Xaden sighs and abruptly sits up, obviously ditching the idea of taking a nap in the common room.

'Look, it'll be fine. Just be polite and show her mum that you care about Grace and you're not only after one thing. She'll like you, I'm sure of it.'

I nod and give Xaden a strained smile. 'Thanks.'

'Anytime, now shut up and let me sleep cause I got none last night.'

I look at him suspiciously. 'That wouldn't happen to be because you weren't alone in bed, right'

Xaden scowls and lies back down on the chairs.

'No. I was alone. Just couldn't sleep, that's all,' he complains.

'Why do you think that is'

He shrugs, closing his eyes. 'Stressing about this whole mate thing.'

Poor Xaden. Hasn't even met his mate and he's already stressing about her.

'Well, stop. You've been doing well, you've been loyal.'

He scoffs. 'For over two weeks.'

'That's still two weeks longer than it would have been. Honestly, you have done good, bro.'

Xaden huffs but remains silent. I know he's definitely feeling better in himself for abstaining the last two weeks.

Each day lessens the amount that his mate might be mad by a tiny bit.

I'm no less nervous when I walk Grace to the gates at the end of school.

'Come round at half five, don't forget the flowers and you'll be okay,' she says gently. She takes my face in her hands. 'I've already told her how wonderful you are, you just got to prove it to her.'

I exhale shakily. 'Yeah, okay.'

I drive home and somehow manage to pass the time till 5 PM. My mum picked out a nice bunch of flowers for me and she gave the approval on my outfit.

Her advice was a shirt instead of a tight t—shirt and no rips in my jeans.

I feel more nervous than I did on my first date with Grace!

I drive around and park outside their house. I grab the flowers and nervously walk up the path.

The door opens before I reach it. A woman in her mid—thirties, with the same bright red hair as Grace's, answers the door.

Her blue eyes narrow and look me up and down. She is about a foot smaller than me, but still terrifying.

'Axel, I presume' She says calmly.

I smile and hold out my hand. 'It's lovely to meet you Ms Barlow,' I reply, my voice sounding a bit higher than usual.

She regards my hand carefully before shaking it.

'How tall are you' She asks, taking me by surprise.

I blink a couple of times. 'Um, 63, I think. Why'

She gives me a tight smile. 'Sorry, I'm being rude, come on in.'

I cautiously enter the house, keeping my eyes peeled for any waist—high children running at me.

Grace suddenly comes down the stairs, wearing her dungarees again. Her hair is in two pigtails. She looks so damn cute and pretty.

'Hey, Axe,' she chirps and jumps down from the bottom step.

'Dinner will be ready in half an hour, why don't you introduce Axel to your siblings' Grace's mum suggests.

'Let me know if you need any help in the kitchen, Ms. Barlow,' I say quickly.

She gives me a curious look, nods and disappears down the corridor.

I blow out the air in my lungs and my shoulders sag.

'I don't think she likes me,' I comment to Grace as I put my arms around her waist. 'She asked how tall I am.'

Grace scrunches her nose up in confusion. 'How weird, I'm sorry about her. Don't worry, you'll grow on her, she just needs some time. You ready to meet the terrible trio'

I grimace and nod reluctantly. Grace takes my hand and pulls me into their playroom.

Her three half—siblings are sat on the floor, playing with their toys. The TV is on quietly in the background. Their hair is wet and they're in their pajamas.

All three of them instantly look up as we enter. They stare at me in that unashamed way that kids do.

'This Axel, my boyfriend,' Grace introduces me. 'Axe, this is Hannah, the oldest, Mickey, and George.'

The three of them look up at me silently.

'Hi, guys,' I say awkwardly.

Hannah steps forward, twisting her hands nervously.