The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Noelle's POV.

I grip the shoulder strap of my handbag tightly as I stand at the school gates.

Mum has driven off and I'm on my own. I'm surprised she even managed to have to drop me off at school. Both of my parents have full—time jobs and I only see them early in the morning and late at night.

There's a mixture of shifters and humans walking into the buildings. We got permission from the Alpha for us to move to their pack, but my parents asked him to hold off on introducing us to the other members until I've settled in a bit.

I'm grateful for it. As confident as I normally am, I've been taken out of my comfort zone and it's going to take me a while to get comfortable again.

I straighten my spine and steel myself.

I can do this.

I rap some Cardi B in my head and march into school with the rest of the students. I find the reception using the signs and collect my timetable.

It looks bearable. Thank Goddess I've got photography every day, it's my lifeline.

I go up to the sixth form common room and my stomach twists the second I enter. Everyone's eyes are on me, they don't even try and be subtle about it.

They all stare, and I feel like running out of the room and hiding. But I refuse to. I meet their stares with a hard look of my own.

Fuck them, I don't care what they think.

The bell rings, saving me. I let out a sigh of relief and try to find my way to my form room.

In registration, I'm forced to stand up and introduce myself. It's horrible, but if I can get through that, then I can get through the rest of the day.

I have a free period first thing and I've been assigned some human to show me around. She doesn't seem pleased that she's been given the task, but she isn't rude.

I forget her name as soon as she tells me it and I nod absentmindedly as she shows me around the buildings.

All I care about is where the art department is. I'm taking photography, art and graphics.

We get outside and she points out the different areas. It's November now and it's getting colder. I pull my scarf up to my chin.

My eyes are drawn to the school field, where some students are playing rugby. They're definitely sixth formers and I recognize some from my form room, so they're my year.

The girl and I stop for a few minutes and watch them. She doesn't complain, no doubt wanting to ogle guys in shorts tackling each other. It's sexy and muddy and I like it.

One of the players in particular catches my eye.

His powerful thighs are on display in the shorts he's wearing, despite the fact it's November and flipping cold. His biceps are impressive, shown off by his tight P.E t—shirt.

He's strong but fast, he dodges tackles easily and barges other players out of the way. He's impressive to say the least.

It's just a shame I can't see his face properly. He's wearing one of those rugby caps that protect your ears. Not sexy in the slightest, but somehow, he's making it work.

'Who's that' I ask her, pointing to the guy.

The human girl looks in the direction I'm pointing and grimaces.

'Ugh, that is Xaden Moretti,' she says with disdain.

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise at her reaction.

Perhaps he's an ex

'I'm guessing you don't like him much,' I comment dryly.

She scowls and crosses her arms over her chest defensively.

'He's the school's player, which, I know, sounds totally cliché, but he actually is. Think of every stereotype of a man—whore and he will tick every fucking box,' she snaps bitterly. 'Pro athlete Check. Seen with a different girl every week Check. Gets with multiple girls at a party Check. Flirts with the teachers to get out of detentions'

She mimes ticking a box with her finger, making me snort with laughter.

'Wow, you really don't like him,' I reply. 'I take it you've been one of the girls'

The human girl groans and waves me off.

'Don't remind me. Huge mistake two years ago at a party.' She sighs heavily. 'He only sleeps with each girl once, hence why he's had to move on to girls at other schools, he's fucked his way through our one.'

'Charming,' I respond sarcastically. 'I'll be sure to keep my distance.'

'Unless you want to be treated like a sexual object and get an STI for Christmas, yeah, you should stay away.'

Lovely.

We decide to move on. I look over at the player one last time, surprised to find his eyes on me.

He's probably looking at me as fresh meat. Not a chance in hell, sweet—cheeks.

The human girl finishes her tour and takes me back to the common room in time for the second period.

I'm happy now, I've got photography.