I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 110

Markus knew there was no turning back now. He pulled away from Mitchell and slowly sat up, eyes glued to Mitchell.

"Markus, what did you do to me?"

"I should have done this at my birthday celebration. I'm helping you."

Mitchell let out a pained groan, fingers clutching the sheets. Markus brushed the hair from his forehead, feeling Mitchell's clammy skin.

"Mitchell, just trust me. It'll be over soon."

Markus counted the minutes in his head. When he reached one, Mitchell went still, his chest heaving.

The lights began to glow until they were beaming. 

Markus closed his eyes against the radiancy. There was a clicking sound as though the bulbs in his room was about to blow. He straddled Mitchell's legs and leaned forward to kiss him. The heat radiating from Mitchell's body burned his skin but Markus didn't move.

Mitchell took a deep breath and his eyes blinked open, revealing electric blue eyes. Mitchell eased up into a sitting position and stared at him.

"What's going on? What did you do to me?"

Markus watched Mitchell's expression. "Your powers were unstable."

Mitchell lifted both of his hands to stare at the them. "I feel different."

"Your powers are no longer unstable."

"What kind of powers?"

"I don't know. But you'll figure it out."

Mitchell glanced at the dresser across the room and held out his hand. Markus turned his head to look in the direction of the dresser.

It was a low tremor at first. Then the lights started flickering. The dresser shook for a few seconds then stopped. "I guess I have to work on that."

"We have time."

Mitchell turned to him, his eyes back to their normal color. He shoved him back on the bed playfully and smiled as he leaned over to kiss him.

"How are you feeling?"

"The heat is gone." Markus smiled up at him. "I thought you would be angry at me."

"Why?"

"Because of what I did to you."

"It wasn't malicious intent behind your actions. Besides, you're my mate and I trust you completely."

Markus pushed the hair from Mitchell's face. "I love you, Mitchell."

"I love you too."

Markus gathered him in a tight hug, gently caressing his back. They were silent for a few minutes before Mitchell got up and headed to the bathroom. Markus rolled on his stomach and grabbed his phone to call Kev.

"How's everything going? How are you feeling?"

"We need to talk."

"I'll see you in a few minutes."

Markus hung up the phone and headed to the closet and slipped on a shirt and pants. He walked over to the bathroom and knocked on the door.

"Mitchell, I'm going downstairs to talk to Kev."

The door opened and Mitchell stepped out the bathroom.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

To keep his eyes from roaming down Mitchell's towel-clad body Markus forced himself to keep his gaze on Mitchell's face.

"No, it's okay. It won't take long."

"Okay," Mitchell walked to the closet to get a change of clothes. He removed the towel and threw it in the basket. But instead of getting dress, Mitchell turned towards him.

Markus averted his gaze when he felt that familiar heat.

"Why aren't you looking at me?"

Markus heard the amusement in Mitchell's voice. "You're playing with fire."

"I love playing with fire."

Markus exhaled a breath. "Kev is waiting for me."

"Fine, I'll stop."

Markus left the bedroom and hurried down the stairs to meet Kev in the living-room.

"I need to tell you something."

Kev's eyes went to his hand. "Where did you get that ring?"

Markus held up his hand. "I bought it at Pandora's Crystal."

"Why?"

"I felt drawn to it."

"I've never seen a ring with that symbol. It looks like a rare antique."

"Charlie told me that I should never take it off."

"Why?"

Markus touched the ring on his finger. "I don't know. But it helps to keep me stable."

"What do you mean?"

"I can still feel this lingering darkness in me."

"Is it from the parasite?"

"No," Markus peeked up at the staircase. "I've felt it since I was fifteen. I can feel this darkness trying to take over."

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"I didn't want to worry anyone."

"That's why we're here. To protect you." Kev sat down on the sofa. "I think you should tell Mitchell."

"Do you remember what happened last time? I'll tell him when he manages to control his powers."

"I need to see what happens when you're not wearing the ring."

Aaron shook his head. "I'm not taking any chances."

"It's the only way to figure out what we're dealing with. If this darkness takes control of you, you would become too dangerous."

"Don't tell the others."

"Markus, as your guardian and friend I'm supposed to make sure you're protected. Your parents will skin me alive if they find out that I kept this a secret. Sarah will hurt me."

If the situation wasn't so serious, Markus would have laughed at the look on Kev's face.

"It won't be for long. And I'll take the blame."

"In order for me to deal with this, I can't have my parents breathing down my neck. I need to figure this out on my own. Then if things get out of hand, I'll tell them."

"First thing we need to do is take off that ring."

Markus's gaze went to the ring on his finger. He twisted the metal, watching the red Ruby glint in the light.

"Let's go outside. And if things go sideways, call the others. Don't try to do anything on your own."

"I won't."

As they stepped out into the backyard, Markus closed the sliding door.

"Stay back from me."

While Kev stayed by the door, he put distance between them. He turned toward Kev and gripped the ring.

"Ready?"

Kev gave him a slight nod. Markus slowly pulled the ring off his finger.

"Markus, don't take off the ring!"