The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Xaden's POV.

'Have you seen the new girl She's fucking hot.'

I grit my teeth as one of the idiot humans talks about that new girl in the locker room. I pull my clean clothes on, trying to block out their conversation.

Yeah, they're right. She is fucking hot. But I don't like them talking about her like that.

I'm trying to be the new Xaden, the Xaden that doesn't talk about girls as if they're pieces of meat. It's not respectful, Rory tells me.

And now, hearing it for myself, I can understand why it wouldn't be considered respectful. I'd be pissed off if I was a girl and heard guys talking about me like that.

I don't see the new girl again until the break. I go over to everyone, they're in our usual spot, behind the building.

My heart starts beating faster as the new girl looks up and locks eyes with me. She's stunning.

Her braids reach her waist, her dark chocolate skin practically glows in the sunlight and her hazel eyes are huge and round.

My eyes drop to her lips, and it feels like my heart stops beating for a moment. They're so fucking plump and full, they're the stuff of dreams.

Holy fucking shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

She's my mate!

Nerves fill me as I approach the group.

Fuck, what do I say to her

Maybe I should start by asking her name I don't even know it yet.

Yeah, that's what I do. I'll walk up and introduce myself.

I take a deep breath and direct myself towards the bench with Rory and my mate on it.

'I'll uh, catch up with you later, Rory,' my mate says quickly.

She doesn't meet my eyes as she hurries off, leaving me filled with disappointment.

'Why did she leave' I ask Rory, staring despondently after my mate's retreating figure.

'I don't know, that was weird. It must have been your personality, repelling women everywhere,' she teases.

I don't say anything, I just watch her go.

Rory tugs on my wrist. 'Hey, Xaden, I was just joking. I'm sorry—'

'She's my mate,' I tell her, and her mouth drops open.

'Shut. Up.' She gasps. 'Are you serious'

I nod and sit down on the bench next to her, where my mate was sitting.

'Oh my Goddess! This is incredible!' Rory squeals. 'Guys, Noelle is Xaden's mate!'

Noelle.

That's her name.

I love it.

I repeat it over and over in my head as everyone slaps me on the back and congratulates me.

'I can't believe that we've been telling you that this day would come, and now, it's actually here,' Axel says, shaking his head with disbelief.

'What am I going to do' I ask them all.

They stare back at me like I've just asked the most stupid question in the world.

'Uh, I don't know, Xaden, get to know her maybe' Rory replies sarcastically. 'Ask her out Compliment her'

'Yes, I know that,' I snap. 'I mean, what am I going to do when she finds out about my less—than—perfect past'

Rory looks contemplative for a moment and then realization dawns on her face. 'What if she's already found out Might explain her speedy exit when you arrived.'

Dread settles in my stomach and I lean forwards. I rest my elbows on my knees and put my head in my hands.

Fuck.

I really hope she doesn't know.

How could she know

'How would she know, though She doesn't know anyone here, does she'

I look up and Rory shrugs. 'Not sure.'