The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

Ines' POV.

Meeting my sister's mate is a double—edged sword. I'm so happy for her, truly. It's amazing to see her smiling and laughing and just…blissfully happy.

But it also sucks to be single and mateless. I want what she has. Seeing it up close and personal is simply a reminder of what I haven't got. I really hope that I meet my mate soon.

I meet Ellie at our favorite bar in town. The cocktails are 2—4—1 before 6 PM and you are served quickly.

It's a busy night in town. People are out and enjoying themselves. There's a mixture of human and supernatural in the bars, which is perfect for a good time.

Ellie is hitting the alcohol hard tonight and I'm all for it. I'm single as fuck and alone whilst everyone around me is finding their mates and happiness. Excuse me for wanting to drink my problems away for one night.

Ellie knows about shifters since a member of her family was turned by one. We've been friends for a while now and she's great, but she can't handle her liquor.

'Don't you think we should slow down' I suggest when she finishes her third mojito.

She rolls her eyes at me and grabs the drinks menu.

'Um, no Let your hair down and pick another cocktail, girl.'

After a moment's hesitation, I do as she suggests and order another cocktail.

The night continues like this, me suggesting that we slow down and Ellie refusing to.

We move from bar to bar and eventually, to the clubs. We dance until we're sweating and have to stand outside and cool off.

At 3AM, the clubs shut, and we're kicked out onto the street. Police are patrolling the area, keeping an eye out for predators and fights.

Ellie and I burst out into the street. We walk down the road, heading for the taxi rank. After seeing how many people are in the queue for the taxis, I pull out my phone and start ordering us a cab from a different company.

I look up just as Ellie loses her footing. She flies forwards and into the road. My heart stops as I lurch forwards on instinct, trying to reach her.

I'm not fast enough and I'm too far away. She goes headfirst into the road and bounces off the hood of a slow—moving car.

The driver slams the brakes on and Ellie slides from the bonnet to the ground.

'Eleanor!' I shout and run over to her. 'Are you okay'

She's lying on her back on the tarmac. The car is inches from her body. The door opens and the driver steps out.

'I'm so sorry! She came out of nowhere! She fell into my car, is she okay'

I get down on my knees to look at her. Ellie blinks blearily up at me and then gives me a lop—sided smile.

'I feel weird,' she mumbles. 'And my arm hurts.'

There's the crackling of radio interference and then I hear an officer calmly call for an ambulance. I look up and spot the officer approaching us.

'Ma'am Can you tell me where and what is hurting, please' He asks Ellie and crouches by her.

I step back and let him take over. I back up without looking, though. I trip on the curb behind and fall backward. I land hard on my butt on the pavement, groaning in pain.

'Ma'am'

I look up at the police officer from the pavement. He's frowning at me.

'I'm going to take you to the station. Stand up and put your hands behind your back.'

Confused, I struggle to get to my feet. 'Pardon'

The officer sighs and approaches me. We've gathered quite a crowd, now. He grabs my upper arm and hauls me to my feet. I protest, but he's gripping me tightly. He spins me around and, a second later, the cold bite of metal is on my wrists and clicking noises reach my ears.

I'm in cuffs!

'I'm going to take you to the police station. I'm taking you in for being drunk and disorderly.'

He tells me my rights and advises this will probably end in an overnight stay at the police station and a small fine in the morning.

I ask to wait until my friend is taking away in an ambulance, I want her to be okay.