The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

Fuck sake.

He's my childhood bear. I was joking, he's not in my bed. He's at the back of my wardrobe.

My cheeks are burning as I send the reply.

Fuck, I'm blushing just like Grace.

I'm so glad no one is here to witness this; I'm not acting like the strong shifter I am right now.

Aww! That's so cute I wanna meet him! Although, I'm glad he's not in your bed or I'd be fighting him. That's my spot.

My heart beats faster at her reply.

She wants to stay in my bed

Fuck yeah!

I'm grinning my head off as I come downstairs. My girlfriend is staying over tonight and she's going to be in my bed.

Shit, I'm already hard thinking about it.

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Grace comes round just after lunch. After saying hi to my parents, we decide to go for a walk.

The weather is nice, and Grace doesn't want to watch movies just yet. I'll do whatever my mate wants. As long as she's happy, I don't care what we do.

Grace swings our joined hands back and forth between us as we walk. She chatters away, telling me funny stories about her siblings.

'I know they were pretty shy on Wednesday, but once they've met you a few times, they'll warm up to you.'

I shrug. I don't want to tell her that I'm not too bothered, kids aren't my thing.

Sure, I want my own with Grace someday, but they're my own, it's different.

'How many kids do you want' I ask her.

The question seems to surprise her, and she splutters for a moment.

'Uh, two or three, I guess Why How many do you want'

I shrug again. 'I don't mind, as many as you'd like.'

Grace's face goes tomato red and I realize what I've said before it's too late. I try to play it cool, like I'm not currently panicking my head off inside.

Grace stops walking and looks at me.

'You think we're going to have kids together'

Shit.

How do I play this one

'We're in a relationship, Grace,' I respond calmly. 'I'd be worried if you didn't see a future between us.'

Her eyes widen and she looks slightly embarrassed. I feel guilty for turning this around on her, but she doesn't realize we're going to be together forever.

'I guess…but we're only seventeen, Axel, I wouldn't expect you to think you are going to be with me for the rest of your life.'

I don't like the little furrow in her brows. She's frowning.

'I told you about my family, we believe in soulmates. To me, you're my future. Does that scare you' I ask the question hesitantly, anxious for her answer.

Grace thinks about it for a moment, rubbing her lips together.

'No, it doesn't scare me,' she replies finally, and I breathe a sigh of relief. 'Honestly It's really reassuring. Not many teenage guys are so calm about commitment.'

I grin and throw my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into me.

'Yeah, but they're not me, are they, Strawberries'

She giggles and squeals, trying to get out of my hold. Her face is squashed against my chest as I wrap my arms around her.

I let her wriggle a little more and then release her. She laughs and pats down her hair, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

She beams up at me. 'No, Axe. They're not you.'

Phew, crisis averted.

'So, if I wanted seven kids, you'd be okay with that' Grace asks casually, smirking with amusement.

'If that's what would make you happy, then yeah.'

Grace blushes. 'I don't, by the way. Three is enough for me.'