The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 4

'Your sister is here,' Lance calls from the hallway.

I finish putting in my earrings and check my reflection. It's going to be a hot day today; I think we're lucky enough to maybe hit thirty degrees (C). I smooth down my dress and nod in satisfaction.

After grabbing my handbag, I meet my mate in the hallway. I lock up my flat and we walk downstairs and out of the building.

Orelia and Xavier are in their car, waiting for us. Lance and I get in the back, and we drive off.

It doesn't take too long for us to arrive at Xaden and Noelle's house. I've been coming here since I was a child. The driveway is already filled with cars, so Orelia has to park on the road.

We grab the cakes that our mum, Rory, baked, from the boot and carry them into the house.

Auntie Noelle answers the door. She looks incredible with yellow, and orange braided into her hair.

'You made it!' She cries with a grin. 'Come in, guys. Goddess, it's so good to see you again. It's been too long.'

We do all of the introductions in the hallway. We drop the cakes in the kitchen and carry on through to the garden, where everyone else is.

Our parents, Rory and Lydia, are already in the garden. They're talking with Axel and Grace, my other auntie and uncle, and Uncle Xaden, Auntie Noelle's mate.

The twins, Phoebe and Paige are already here with their mates. They are Noelle and Xaden's daughters. We still laugh about how they both met their mates. They were both locked up in prison cells when they first met them.

Phoebe had been locked up in the cells for trespassing on Oberon's territory because she got too drunk. Paige was in heat and accidentally trespassed on an Alpha's territory. She was locked up in a cell with her mate, Logan, whilst being in heat. I've heard it was quite the experience. Porn companies would have paid millions for the footage, I imagine.

Needless to say, they're both heavily pregnant now. They will be having the first babies of our generation, I can't wait. I'm sure children are on the cards for Lance and me in the future, but I think we both want to be selfish and have some time alone together before we think about starting a family.

Axel and Grace's daughter, India, arrives with her mate, Sebastian and his son from his previous relationship, Jake. I know that India had a bit of a tough time with Jake at the beginning, but from the way they're all smiling now, I think things have improved drastically.

India's brother, Rian arrives next. He is with his mate, Adriana. Lance and I speak to them for a bit. I never heard the full story of how they met.

The two lovebirds share an amused look.

'It's a funny story, really,' Adriana says. 'We crashed into each other at an intersection.'

'No one was hurt,' Rian adds quickly. 'But we had to wait a while for the breakdown company to come and check the vehicles.'

'One thing led to another…and yeah,' Adriana says with a grin and a blush. 'Let's just say that car sex is a lot of fun.'

Now it's Lance and I's turn to share a knowing look.

'Something tells me we're talking to people who already know that,' Rian comments, laughing loudly. 'Aren't you a police officer'

Lance smiles. 'Yes, I am.'

'Oh, my Goddess!' Adriana squeals. 'Have you two done it in the police car'

Our silence is an admission of guilt. Rian and Adriana burst out laughing.

'That's amazing!' She cries.

Suddenly, my mum, Lydia, appears next to us. 'What's amazing'

Adriana recovers quickly. 'Ines was just telling us about how Lance and she met.'

Lydia's eyebrows draw together. 'I thought your mother already told you the story'

'She did,' Adriana responds quickly. 'But, you know, you get more details when it comes straight from the horse's mouth.'

I give her a deadpan look. 'Thanks, Adriana.'

She grins at me. 'No offense.'

We stay all afternoon in the garden, long after the sun has started to set. It's still light out and we sit out on the garden furniture, talking endlessly and catching up.

Eventually, it gets late, and people start to leave. Lance and I help to clear up a bit and then take our leave with my sister and her mate. At Lance's request, Orelia drops us off at his house instead of my flat.

I'm confused when he asks me to get into his car with him instead of going inside.