I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 56

"Kev, meet us at the diner." Markus said, taking a bottled water from the refrigerator. 

"Sure, we'll meet you there." There was a short pause. "Is Mitchell well enough to be on his feet?"

"He's fine. Just meet us at the diner." Markus said, hanging up his phone.

  They left the house and walked down the driveway to his vehicle.

"Is Susan going to be there?"

"She's never far from his side." Markus told him as they got into his car. 

"How long have they been mated?"

"Two years."

"I thought it was longer."

"They've known each other for years before they found out they were mates."

"Kev seems completely devoted to her."

"He is." Markus fingers danced across his hand, tracing the veins. "Once we find our soulmate, that's it. We are completely, irrevocably devoted."

  Mitchell's pulse fluttered at thought of having someone faithful to him. What would his life had been like if he hadn't moved to Pine Crest? Probably dull and boring with no one by his side.

"What are you thinking about?"

"You." Mitchell flipped his hand upward so their palms would touch. "I'm thinking about how my life would have been different if I hadn't moved to Pine Crest."

"I'm really grateful that you finally came to me."

"Me too."

  Markus saw Kev's vehicle already in the parking lot. So he just parked his car, the engine still idling. He glanced at Mitchell then at the diner.

  It was inevitable.

  They would know he was mated.

"Since we're mated, will the others know?"

"Yes. They wouldn't try to take me away from you."

  Mitchell  wasn't sure how he felt about that. It wasn't something he wanted to think about.

  He had a feeling that even though Markus mated with him, others would still try to take him.

  His scent was still intoxicating. He still had that allure that enticed people around him.

"There he is."

  Mitchell saw Kev walking towards the car with long strides, his face had a somber expression. 

  Markus's face crinkled in amusement. 

"Why is he walking like the hounds of hell is on his heels?"

"That's just Kev. He doesn't like when I'm not in his sight for too long."

  Markus switched off the engine, and they exit the vehicle just as Kev reached the door.

"We've been outside long enough. We can talk after we eat."

  Kev's way of greeting was amusing to Mitchell. The diner wasn't crowded, which was a nice pace for Mitchell. At first he was unaware of the stares because he was too focused on the menu.

  But he felt eyes on him.

"Just ignore them."

  Susan gave him a reassuring smile, pointing at the menu. She didn't even bother to look around.

"Now, we need to discuss your birthday celebration."

  Kev pulled a notebook from his pocket,  placing it on the table in front of him.

"Is that really necessary, right now?" Markus asked.

"I know it's not important to you but it has to be done."

"Everyone knows or will know that you mated with Mitchell." Susan stated. "This is a list of names of the people attending your birthday."

  Markus took the list from her hand, scanning it quickly then gave it back to her.

"Did my mother gave you that list?"

  Susan shrugged her shoulders sympathetically. "I hope it's not going to cause a problem."

"Of course it's going to cause a problem."

  Mitchell heard the anger in Markus's voice and laid a hand on his arm to calm him down. He didn't want him to be upset.

"What are the names on the list?"

  Susan handed him the paper. He read it slowly so he wouldn't missed any of the names. He could only identify a few of the names.

  Cassie and Lucas were right at the top.

"We'll deal with them, if they try to sabotage his celebration."

  Susan smiled, nodding her head in agreement.

  They spent an hour on decorations, food, drinks and music.

"Time to eat."

  Mitchell realized that Karen had been missing. Maybe she was avoiding them or was she really busy.

"Markus, have you seen Karen lately?" Mitchell asked in a whisper.

  Markus seemed surprised that he would ask about someone who had a crush on him but he just nodded.

"She keeps in touch with me." Markus looked up as Karen walked over to their table.

  He knew Karen still had feelings for him. But human or Supernatural, he couldn't return her feelings.

"Are you ready to order?"

"Yes." They said in unison, giving her the menus.

  Karen wrote down their orders and left.

"You're going to have to talk to her." 

  Markus draped an arm over the back of the seat, his fingers playing with Mitchell's hair. His fingers began to massage his neck, as though he needed the skin contact. 

"What else do you want me to do, Kev? I've already talked to her."

"That's not going to work with her."

  Markus's arm tensed around Mitchell's shoulder but his fingers never paused in massaging his neck. His touch remained smooth and gentle. It was a heavy contrast.

"It has to be done, Markus." Susan stated.

  Mitchell took a sip of his drink, he knew whatever it was that they were asking Markus to do, he disliked it. He watched him, brows creased as he debated.

"Fine, I'll do it."

"Great. We can go to her place later." Kev, although he sounded relieved, he looked worried. 

  Again a heavy contrast.

  Markus gave his neck a small squeeze, a half smile on his mouth.

"I'll tell you about it later."

"Is it going to hurt her?"

"No. It doesn't hurt."

"Then do it. Just make sure she doesn't touch you. Any part of your body."

  Markus chuckled, "Don't worry. Not much touching will be involved."

"Good."

  Conversation ceased when a different waitress brought their order instead of Karen.

  Mitchell observed the other waitress, watching Markus quietly. He knew she was being affected by him. 

"Enjoy your lunch." She said but her eyes kept glancing at Markus, burning holes into his face. 

  Mitchell leaned back against the seat, tapping his fingers on the table. She jerked her head towards him, eyes widening when she saw him watching her.

  He grinned at her with wry amusement.