I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 114

"How did you know about the ring?"

Mitchell glanced around the room at all the faces. Everyone was there, but Markus's parents weren't among them.

After Charlie had shown up at the door, Markus had sent a message to Tia, then she had notified the others.

Charlie bent forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I knew about the ring because my parents gave me it. They told me that the ring belonged to a powerful Hybrid."

"So, you knew about Markus?"

Charlie shook his head. "No, I didn't know about Markus. Not until he came into the store that day. When he entered the store, the ring reacted to his presence. I knew right away he was the one my parents were talking about. As long as the ring stays on his finger, he won't succumb to this darkness."

"What happens if this darkness takes over me?"

"We all saw what happened the other night. But that was just a small taste of what could actually happen."

Charlie reached in the bag and pulled out a leather bound book.

Mitchell looked at the book in his hand and a frown settled between on his face. It looked familiar to the book he had at home.

"This book has been in my family for generations." Charlie skimmed through a couple of pages before placing the book down in the table.

Mitchell leaned forward to look at the page. There was a drawing of a male with red eyes engulfed in darkness.

His eyes zeroed in on the words.

"Hybrids with demonic or dark origin often have a connection to the forces of darkness."

"But Markus doesn't have any demonic origin."

"His mother is half succubus. It's in her blood. He has demonic origin."

"But what does that have to with the shadow?"

"That's what we have to figure out."

"How do you plan on doing that?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"A few weeks ago I was kidnapped and held in an unknown place. Do you know anything about that?"

"No, I don't know who kidnapped you." Charlie's head tilted to one side, his gaze on Markus's. "You can read my thoughts if it makes you feel better."

"How do you know?"

"I wasn't sure until I read the book."

"Do you really want me to see inside your mind."

"I think this is the best way to gain your trust."

Markus stared at Charlie for a moment, as if considering the outcome of his invasion.

After glancing at Mitchell to make sure it was alright, he gave Charlie a slight nod.

"Okay, let's do it."

Mitchell knew in order for Markus to see someone's thoughts he had to touch them. But it didn't mean he had to like it.

Markus got to his feet, facing Charlie.

The instant Markus touched Charlie's face, his whole body went lax, and a blank expression formed on his face.

Markus leaned in, eyes locked on Charlie's face. He stayed motionless for a few minutes before he dropped his hands to his sides.

"He's telling the truth."

"How do feel?"

Charlie took a deep breath. "It felt like I just swallowed an aphrodisiac pill."

"I didn't mean to do that."

"It's fine. Now I understand why everyone goes crazy around you."

Mitchell's patience snapped at the way Charlie was staring at Markus.

He jumped to his feet to pull Markus away from Charlie, shooting him a dirty look.

"That's enough. You don't have to keep looking at him. And you don't need to be so close to him either."

Charlie looked ready to laugh, but he gave a wide amused smile instead.

"It's always fun teasing you."

Mitchell's hand fisted at his side as he struggled to regain calm himself down. He wanted to wipe that stupid grin right off his face.

Markus turned Mitchell's face to his own and kissed him. "Babe, he's teasing you."

Feeling the kiss was too short, Mitchell grabbed the back of Markus's neck and sealed their mouths in a deep kiss.

Markus's kiss had a tranquilizing effect on him. He released a soft breath before resting his forehead on Markus's chest.

"I know."

"Okay, now that Mitchell isn't trying to skin Charlie alive. We should try to find out who gave Markus the parasite." Kev interposed.

"We can talk to the bartender at the club." Tia suggested.

"Kev and I will talk to the bartender and the owner."

Mitchell's head swung up to stare at Markus, a frown pinched between his brows. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"The owner knows me. He won't be forthcoming with information if any of the others try to ask him any questions."

"I think I should be there with you."

"Mitchell, I know you want to there but you just got your powers. If they say anything you don't like, will you be able to keep your temper under control?"

"I can try. I don't want you going there without me."

"Okay, you can come with us. But I'll talk to him alone."

Before Mitchell could open his mouth to object, Markus was quick to reassure him. "It has to be done this way. But I know you'll be there to protect me."