The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

India's POV.

Jake is my motivation.

I groan and I force myself to roll over. I gingerly lift myself up off of the bed, hissing as my ribs complain against the movement.

I hobble over to the window and look down. My vision blurs and I feel lightheaded, but I force myself to focus.

My eyes land on the Alpha, I recognize him instantly from the awkward shower voyeurism experience. I smile with relief as I see Jake tucked under his arm.

He's safe, he's with his dad.

Knowing he's okay, I slide down the wall to sit on the floor. I can barely hold myself up, let alone get down those stairs.

I lean my head back and close my eyes, holding onto my throbbing ribs on my right side. I know that I'll fall if I try and walk by myself.

I don't know how long, maybe a few minutes later, the door opens. My eyes flash straight to the doorway, terrified that it is the leader, back for more.

My eyes widen as I take in the beautiful sight of Alpha Lockwood, who stood in the doorway, staring at me.

'Hi,' I croak.

I reach for the windowsill above me, to help pull myself up. Instantly, he is in front of me and swoops me up into his arms, bridal style.

'My son told me that you saved his life,' he says, and I scoff.

'Not really, is he okay' I ask, trying not to focus on how close our faces are.

'He's fine, thanks to you,' he replies and carries me out of the room.

He takes me downstairs and outside.

'He's in the car, let's get you both home.'

We fall silent as he carries me towards the waiting SUVs. I keep my eyes on his face, taking in his bright green eyes, his chiseled jaw, full lips and tousled hair. I don't want to see the carnage surrounding us, and his face is definitely nice to look at.

He places me inside the SUV, Jake is in the front seat. Alpha Lockwood gets into the back, next to me, and the driver pulls off.

I doze in the back of the car, falling in and out of consciousness as we drive back to the pack house. I'm in pain and I'm emotionally exhausted.

Despite my objections, Alpha Lockwood carries me into the house and down to the medical unit in the basement.

I sit on the hospital bed in a white, clinical room.

'Jake's getting checked out next door, he's just fine,' Alpha Lockwood explains and I feel so relieved that he's alright.

The nurse comes in and checks me over. He tells me that I've bruised my ribs and he wants me to stay overnight. Fortunately, there's no sign of a concussion.

Alpha Lockwood remains by my bed the whole time I'm being examined. I wonder silently why he is still here.

The nurse eyes my ripped shirt and his expression softens.

'Do I need to get the sexual assault kit, miss' He asks gently and I jump when a loud, angry growl comes from the Alpha.

'No, he uh, he didn't get to touch me,' I reply nervously and out of the corner of my eye, I see the Alpha's shoulders relax.

Why does he care so much

'I'll get you some clean clothes,' the Alpha says before leaving the room.

The nurse shows me the bathroom and I begin running the hot water. I peel off my clothes and slip into the water when it's ready.

It feels so good to be out of those clothes, I can't wait to bin that blouse. I soak in the hot water, letting it soothe my body and my nerves.

I emerge almost half an hour later, feeling relaxed and refreshed. Wrapped in a towel, I peek my head around the door and spot some clothes on the bed.

I pull on the fresh underwear, they still have tags on.

Did Alpha Lockwood really go and get me brand new clothes

I take the label off a pair of leggings and pull them on. I freeze as I pull the jumper over my head.

It smells like the Alpha.

And there are no tags on it.

It smells delicious.

Too delicious.

I finish putting it on and then lift it to my nose and breathe in. His scent is addictive, so masculine and mouth—watering.

Feeling confused, I lower the jumper and pause for a moment.

Why does he smell so good