The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

Friday, the day of the Halloween dance.

Grace signed us all up as volunteers for decorating the Blackwood estate and getting it ready for the dance. Xaden isn't happy about it, but I know Grace has grown on him and he struggles to say no to her, too.

We spend the morning on the estate, helping everyone set up decorations. We hang streamers, cobwebs, lights, everything. Outside, I help them build the maze with giant bales of hay.

It takes a long time and our breaths form clouds in the air as we pant and shift the heavy bales. Luckily, someone has mapped out the pattern on the ground, so we only have to put the bales in place, not work out a design for the maze.

It looks truly Halloween—y when we're done. There are pumpkins, skeletons and various ghouls everywhere.

In the afternoon, we finish up and go over to Xaden's house to get ready. Grace gets to meet my auntie and uncle and my three other cousins. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride, introducing my mate to my family.

With the girls' instructions, we are given our Riverdale outfits and ordered to put them on.

I have to wear the Southside Serpents leather jacket and Jug head's trademark beanie. Xaden sprays his hair red with a can of temporary hair paint. He dons the varsity jacket and looks alarmingly like KJ Apa.

Tears roll down my face when Luke and Finlay come out of the guest room. Luke is wearing a blonde wig with a ponytail, a pale pink top and a short skirt. The thigh—high socks are covering most of his hairy legs and he's chosen to stick with flat shoes. Probably a good idea, we don't want him breaking an ankle.

Finlay is wearing a brown wig with pink strips of hair clipped in. He's wearing a similar leather jacket to me, but he's got on a skirt and fish—net tights. His leg hair pokes through the holes.

They look both horrendous and amazing at the same time.

Rory comes out looking just like Veronica Lodge. She's wearing a typical Veronica outfit, preppy and attractive. She's done her make—up just like the character and put on a pearl necklace.

My heart stops when my mate nervously comes out. Her red hair is left down in waves that fall to her waist. Her lips are bright red, just like Cheryl's. She's wearing tiny black hot pants, a red leather jacket and thigh—high red heeled boots.

Holy shit.

She's a knockout.

'Holy shit, you look so hot.' The words fall from my lips before I can stop them.

Grace's cheeks turn the color of her lips, and she smiles nervously. 'You think so'

I nod, my eyes wide with appreciation. 'Hell yes, Strawberries.'

With all of us ready, we split into two cars and my parents drive us to the estate.

Earlier today, my dad helped me inject the sedative into my arm. Fingers crossed this works. If it doesn't I have no idea what will happen.

The smart thing would have been to bow out of the dance. I should have come up with some excuse as to why I couldn't go. I could have faked an illness or had some emergency family commitment. But I didn't want to disappoint Grace.

I look over and see her grinning and laughing with Rory. They're both so excited for tonight. I know I might not have made the smart choice, but I've made the right one. My mate is happy.

When we arrive, most of our classmates are already there. The sun has started to set, and the music can be heard even outside of the house.

There is an enormous, painted sign over the front door, reading 'If you've got it, haunt it.'

Our principal is stood by the entrance, greeting everyone as they arrive. She introduces herself as the 'ghostess with the mostest' and compliments our outfits as we present our tickets for entry.

Inside, all of the main lights are turned off. Black and orange lights flicker and flash, adding to the haunted house vibe. Background sounds of creaking floorboards, wailing ghosts and footsteps echo down the corridor from the hidden speakers.

Most people are in the ballroom, talking in groups. Some are dancing already to the terrible DJ hired by the school. It's awful, but in that cliché way that makes you sentimental about high school dances.

We get our drinks straight away. Xaden reveals a hipflask from the inside pocket of his varsity jacket and pimps up our punch.

We do the rounds, talking to everyone and being sociable. I keep my arm around Grace's waist the whole time. Screw it not looking right. I don't care that Jug head, and Cheryl aren't a couple, Grace and Axel are. And my girl is looking far too sexy in those tiny shorts and thigh—high boots.

There are plenty of roving eyes on her. They can look all they want, as long as they stay away and respect my arm around her waist.

The night goes on and the food is served as a giant buffet. There is an array of snacks and bites. Most of them are Halloween—themed, the school really went all out for this one.