I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 106

  At the bottom of the stairs was another plain iron door that had no markings.

  Markus stared at the door for a second before putting one of his hands on the door. It pulsed warmly at his touch.

"I think this will be our way out."

"What makes you so sure?"

"I don't know." Markus responded honestly.

"Then, I will take that chance with you. We can't stay here any longer."

  Markus glanced at Dresden then back at the door. With a quiet resolve, he placed his hands on the handle and twisted it.

  The minute the door opened a white light swept over them.

"Ready?" Markus asked.

"Ready when you are."

"You go first. I'll be right behind you."

  Dresden gave him a single nod before walking through the door.

  Markus looked at his hand, holding one of the demon's claw. He took it and a small cut across his palm.

  Using an index finger, he trailed a line of his blood from one end of the door to the other. He stashed the claw in his pocket then stepped through the door. The light completely engulfed him until he had to close his eyes at the blinding pain.

  There was a swift whoosh then silence.

  When he opened his eyes, he saw Mitchell kneeling over him. He blinked his eyes to bring him clearly into focus.

"Mitchell..." Markus grimaced when his voice croaked as though he hadn't used it for months. He cleared his throat and called out Mitchell's name again.

  Mitchell glanced at him and his eyes widened in surprise then a smile appeared on his face.

"Guys, he's awake."

"Markus, baby. How are you feeling?"

"Son, how are you doing?"

  His parents face came into view, followed by Sarah, then the others.

"Akri, are you okay?" Calia's watery gaze met his eyes.

"I'm good. Don't cry."

"What happened to you?" Mitchell asked, clasping their hands firmly together.

  Markus turned to look at the triplets with a smile. "I found your brother."

  This revelation had the triplets staring in shock at him. Then the questions flew at him.

"How did you find him?"

"How do you know it's our brother?"

"Where is he?"

"Girls, don't talk at once." Markus slowly swung his legs over the side of the couch, then sat up.

"Markus, you need to be careful."

  Mitchell helped him adjust but still held on to his hand. Markus smiled at the triplets.

"Don't you trust me?"

"Of course we do." Rayne answered, while her sisters nodded their heads.

"Then look behind you."

  Everyone in the room turned their heads in unison. Dresden was standing there with a wide smile on his face.

"Oh my God. It's Dresden!" Calia shouted excitedly.

The triplets screams echoed throughout the house.

"I can't believe you're here."

"What happened to you?"

"Where have you been?"

Markus smiled at the siblings display of affection.

"How many more creatures are you going to save?" Kev asked with a smile. "I guess that's your true calling."

"I don't think..." Markus's words trailed off as he doubled over in pain.

"Shit, we need to get rid of that parasite."

Markus opened his mouth but no words emerged. His body jerked backwards and a inhuman growl escaped his mouth.

"What's happening to him?"

"He's losing control." Dresden revealed. "The parasite is clashing with his powers. I need to remove the parasite before he loses control entirely."

"Our brother can help him."

Gwyneira gave Mitchell a pleading look. "Trust him."

Markus squeezed his hand. "Let him do it. No matter what he needs to do."

"Okay, I will."

"What does he need to do?" Melina's eyes glowed red for a second in warning.

"Markus, I need you to lie down and closed your eyes."

Markus followed Dresden's instructions. He laid on the couch and his eyes drifting closed. He took a deep calming breath, feeling himself relax. At first, he could only hear the sounds of hearts beating, then a high-pitched whirring noise.

  He jerked off the couch with a groan as pain racked his body. An intense heat raced across his flesh, leaving him gasping for air.

"I'm almost done. Bare with the pain for a little bit longer."

  Markus could feel his fingers digging into the cushions, almost tearing through the fabric.

  Unable to tolerate the pain, a loud growl emanated deep from his throat. Markus sprang up and leaned over the side of the couch as he vomited blood. His eyes snapped open and he looked down at the black parasite on the floor. It was wiggling around, as though trying to find back its host.

  Markus picked it up and stared at it for a second before it engulfed into flames. Its screeching dissipated leaving the room quiet.

"That was disgusting." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and let out a tired sigh. He turned on his back, eyes staring up at the ceiling.

"Markus, are you feeling better?"

  Markus looked over at his mother and gave her a smile. "I'm good mom. But I'm thirsty."

"Would you like some water?"

  Markus shook his head. He wasn't thirsty for water.

"Mom, I'm a Hybrid."

  Melina caressed his face with shaking hands. "I know, baby."

"Half the population of Pine Crest knows I'm a Hybrid."

"Kev told us what happened at the club." Antonio walked over to sit next to him. "We should have told you long time ago about your true heritage."

"I'm not angry that you kept it a secret. You wanted to keep me safe."

  Melina smiled at him. "You're our son. We will always want to keep you protected."

  Markus kissed her on the cheek before looking up at Mitchell. His mouth suddenly went dry as he gazed at him. The more he stared at Mitchell, the color of his eyes would flash from gold to red.