The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Xaden's POV.

She looks up and meets my eyes. I feel like my heart is on my sleeve right now, I'm giving her everything.

Noelle considers my plea and I wait impatiently for her reply. Finally, she opens her mouth to respond.

The fucking bell rings.

She quickly shuts it and shakes her head. She takes a step back.

'I need to get to form,' she mumbles and rushes out of the room.

'Noelle! Wait!' I shout after her, but she disappears into the crowd, leaving me bereft and alone.

What the fuck do I do

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At break time, I find Rory before we go outside and meet everyone.

'Look, I really need you to talk to her,' I beg her urgently. 'She won't listen to me, and I don't think she believes a word I say.'

Rory gives me a sympathetic look and pats my shoulder. 'Fine, I'll have a word.'

'You're the best, thank you.'

Everyone is already sitting on the benches when we go over. My mate is sat talking with Grace, who is on Axel's lap.

She looks up as we approach, and Rory quickly takes a seat next to her. It kills me to stay away from her, but I know she needs some space right now. I sit down with the boys on the grass, trying to reassure myself that at least she is near me.

We hang out for the next twenty minutes, until the bell goes. When the rest of us go inside, Rory hangs back with Noelle.

Hopefully, even if she won't listen to me, she'll listen to Rory.

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Noelle's POV.

'What did you want to talk about' I ask Rory as we walk to our art class.

'I know that you and Xaden are mates,' she says, and I grimace. 'He told us because he was so excited. There's a lot you need to know about Xaden.'

I scrunch up my nose at her statement. 'I already know all that I need to, he's an asshole who sleeps with women for sport.'

Rory grabs my hand and pulls me down an empty corridor.

'What about class' I protest and she shrugs.

'This is more important. Anyway, listen to me. There's no denying that Xaden has seriously fucked up in his past. He's made mistakes. But what you need to know, is that he's changed.'

I snort in disbelief and Rory narrows her eyes at me. I wait for her to continue.

'A few months ago, Axel and I spoke to him. He never believed that he had a mate. He didn't think that the Moon Goddess deemed him worthy of one.'

That's so sad.

'Why did he think that'

'Because he'd made so many mistakes. He thought he didn't deserve you, still thinks that, probably. Anyway, we managed to convince him that you were out there, and that he could make up for his past by being better in the future. He hasn't slept with anyone since that day.'

I raise one eyebrow dubiously. 'Really'

'Why don't you ask him He can't lie to you. He's been good for the last few weeks; he wants to prove himself to you.'

'And what about his past Am I just supposed to magically forget about that' I demand.

Rory looks sympathetic. 'No, you're not. You need to talk to him about it, see his side and understand why he did it, but also let him know how upset you are that he did.'

I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and chew on it as I think it over.

'Okay, I'll talk to him.'

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At lunchtime, I eat my food and then lean over to Xaden.

'Can we go outside and talk' I ask him nervously.

His eyes light up with excitement and I'll confess, it is quite cute.

'Of course,' he replies with a grin.

We leave everyone in the cafeteria, but I can feel their eyes on us as we walk away.

It's cold outside, but not freezing.

'How about over there' Xaden suggests, pointing at an empty bench in the corner near the wall.

I nod and follow him. We take a seat on the bench and face each other. I twist my fingers nervously, trying to find the right words.