I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 91

  Markus crossed to the window and pushed aside the curtain to look outside. The day had flew by very quickly, with the preparations and decorating. By the time everything was checked, it was after five.

"How are you feeling?"

  He glanced over his shoulder and saw his mom walking towards him, holding a small box in her hand.

"I'm good." He looked down at the box then up at her. "Isn't it too early to be giving me your gift?"

"Nonsense. This is only one of your surprises." She held out the box to him. "Don't open it just as yet."

"Okay." He took the box, turning it over in his hand. It was a small plain black box with no markings.

"Mitchell is a very powerful Caster. I didn't expect to see him lose control like that. Does this happen every time you're in danger?"

"I was told it started when I got kidnapped. That's what triggered it."

"You being hurt or in danger makes him aggressive. He has to learn to control his emotions. Especially when it comes to you." Melina gripped his hand with her smaller ones.

"I know, mom. That's why I'm going to teach him later."

  His mom looked up at him with worried eyes. "Are you sure there isn't another way to do this out?"

"There's no other way."

"You have to be careful."

"Don't worry. I will." He knew that he needed to be extra careful for what he had planned for when the party ended. It could be a good outcome or a bad one.

  She took a deep breath and stepped back. "I'm going upstairs to get ready."

"I'll see you in a few minutes." He took the stairs two at a time, reaching his door just as it opened.

  Mitchell stopped with his hand on the door handle. "I was just about to come down to get you. It's time to get ready."

  Markus entered the bedroom and kissed Mitchell on his mouth. "I'm going to take a shower."

"Okay."

  Ten minutes later, Markus was showered and dressed, staring in the mirror.

"How do I look?"

  Mitchell walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around his  body. Mitchell smiled at him, fingers tracing the skin of Markus's arm.

"Will I have to kill anyone for staring at you too long?" Mitchell's intense gaze fixed on him, eyes roving over his face.

  Markus pulled away enough to turn in Mitchell's arms. He leaned forward and gave Mitchell a kiss then paused, staring down at him. "You don't need to worry about anyone at this party."

   A slow smile worked it's way across Mitchell's face and into his eyes. "We should go downstairs."

  They stepped out the bedroom and started down the stairs to the main floor.

"Wait here a moment."

  Markus strode to the front window and peeked outside. Several vehicles were already parked in the driveway, though the party didn't officially start until seven-thirty. He spotted Cassie and Lucas walking up to the front door but didn't stay to welcome them.

"Let's go find the others."

  Markus clasped their hands together and they stepped outside and closed the door. He spotted his group at the end, standing next to the tree his mom had planted for him years ago.

  Dan whistled when the group spotted them walking down the path.

"Akri, you look really handsome."

  Markus smiled at her. "Thanks Calia."

"Happy Birthday, Markus."

  Markus heard Lucas's voice coming from behind him. Mitchell's grip tightened around his hand but there was no other outward reaction to Cassie and Lucas. The group moved forward in unison flanking each side as though they were expecting a fight.

  He turned to face Cassie and Lucas with a smile on his face. "Thank you both for coming."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world."

  Markus eyes flitted up just as Dean and Tim walked through the door. He thought they wouldn't show up to his party. He had known both brothers for years, but it had been unclear if they would be attending his party.

"I'm going to talk to them." He told Mitchell.

"Go ahead. I'll stay here with the others."

  Markus stared down at Mitchell for a few minutes before walking away. He strode towards Dean and Tim. "I thought you guys would try to avoid me."

  Dean shook his head. "We would never hurt you like that."

  Markus could tell it was a struggle for them to be in close proximity with him.

"We're really happy for you, Markus."

  He looked at Tim. "I'm really happy you came."

"It might take some time but I think it would become bearable being around you."

  Dean looked over his shoulder. "Did they bother you?"

"Not as yet."

"Don't worry we'll be here to protect you." Dean reassured him.

"You guys do know that I can protect myself, right?"

"It never hurts to have extra protection." Tim said shrugging his shoulders.

"I have a few people I want you to meet." Markus led them over to the group, who were staring at them.

  He pointed to the triplets. "This is Rayne, Gwyneira and Calia." He refrained from mentioning their origin. "Raven and Mavka. You already know the others."

"Are they your friends, Akri?" Calia asked curiously.

"Yes, they are. This is Dean and his younger brother Tim."

  Rayne looked at Cassie and Lucas with an intense gaze. "What about them? Are they your friends?"

"Everyone is here for Markus." Kev said to break the sudden silence. He glanced at Rayne with a shake of his head.

  Mitchell had been quiet until now but he suddenly grabbed Markus's hand. "Markus, my mom is here. We should go inside and meet her."

  Markus glanced at the door and saw Sarah talking to his parents. He turned to Cassie and Lucas. "Don't cause a scene. I don't want any trouble here tonight."