I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 115

The smoke from the lit candles swirled and spiraled upwards, filling the air with a dark scent of sulfur.

Footsteps echoed on the cold damp ground as a figure walked towards the altar.

After stopping at the foot of the altar, a vial filled with red liquid was held up for his master to see.

"I just completed a new batch."

"Will this be effective?"

"Certainly."

A hand appeared from beneath the long sleeves of a bkack robe.

The hand was unnaturally pale, with long jagged-edge nails. Dark veins decorated the skin, giving the flesh a sickly, throbbing appearance.

The figure placed the vial in the outstretched palm, then took a step back.

"This is my last chance. Failure isn't an option."

"It won't fail."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It looks quiet tonight." Kev commented, looking out the car window.

"Are you sure he's here?" Mitchell asked.

Markus's eyes were fixed on the building from the vehicle. "The club opens in three hours."

Kev glanced at him. "How long will we have to wait for him?"

He caught sight of the upstairs light flashing on. A figure crossed to the window for a few seconds then disappeared. "He's here now; let's go inside."

They emerged from the vehicle and made their way towards the club.

Before Kev could open the door, Markus sensed someone waiting and held up his hand to block him.

"Hold on, there's someone at the door."

Kev met his gaze with a brief nod. He raised a hand and gave three swift taps to the door. If they know the signal, the door would open.

The door gradually opened, revealing an unfamiliar guy standing there.

"How can I help you?"

He looked to be of the same age as them. When his gaze landed on him, Markus abruptly became wary.

"I don't recognize you." Markus spoke in a direct tone.

"I just arrived here." His voice had an unusual cadence. "I'm Elijah."

Markus lightly sniffed the air and a strange scent wafted into his senses, emanating from the person standing in their way.

"You're related to Micah?"

"I'm his cousin."

"I didn't know he had a cousin."

A wide grin spread across Elijah's face.

"Can you pick up on my scent?" He seemed thrilled by the idea.

"I'm here to see Micah."

"He's upstairs sorting through some things."

"It won't take long."

He moved out of the way so they could enter. "Give me a minute to call him."

Even as he stepped away to speak in his phone Markus kept his eyes on him.

He spoke for a minute before walking back towards them. It was miniscule, but Markus noticed his expression had changed.

His eyes went to Markus. "He'd like to speak with you privately."

Mitchell grabbed his hand and a wave of emotion washed over him.

"He's not going anywhere alone."

Markus turned to Mitchell with a soft smile. "It's going to be okay."

"Markus, I don't want you..."

Markus leaned forward and put his mouth against Mitchell's ear. "You'll know if I'm in any danger."

"If anyone hurts you, I won't show them any mercy."

Markus's lips covered his in a light kiss. "Stay with Kev." He gave Mitchell's hand a squeeze, then turned to follow Elijah upstairs.

He had been Micah's office more than a few times.

"Is there any truth to it?"

Markus stopped in his tracks to look up at Elijah. He could feel the darkness edging beneath his skin.

"Any truth to what?"

Elijah's eyes grew wide as he stared down at him. "Never mind." He gave a nervous cough before resuming his walk up the stairs.

He knocked on the door, and a voice from within called out for him to enter. Elijah twisted the door handle, pushed the door open, then stepped aside to let Markus enter the office.

Markus walked into the room and saw Micah sitting behind his desk.

"Are we strangers, now?" Markus asked.

Micah was a few years older than him, but they had become friends after Markus had saved his life.

Micah looked up and a genuine smile lit up his face. "I'm sorry for the strange reception. Something came up that I had to deal with."

"How are things going? Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"It's nothing you need to worry about." Micah glanced at his cousin and waved a hand to the door. "You can leave us."

After Elijah left, Micah turned his attention to him. "You're too young to understand my dealings. I can't drag into my mess."

"My age is not an indication of my intelligence. Don't pull that crap with me."

Micah opened the drawer, reached inside and pulled out a square wooden box. He put the box on the table, then slid it towards Markus.

"After seeing everything unfold at the club that night. I decided to look into it."

"Ah, now I understand why he's here."

"I asked him to come here."

"What species is he?"

"Elijah is a werecoyote."

Markus sat down and looked intently at the wooden box. "What's inside the box?"

Rather than replying, Micah's eyes were on his hand. "I guess it's true."

Markus followed his gaze to the ring on his finger. The ring radiated a crimson light, washing Markus's face in red, painting a violent gleam within his eyes.

"Do you know anything about this ring?"

"I know where it came from." Micah tapped on the surface of the wooden box. "The ring chose you as it's owner."

"Micah, what's in the box?"

"Open it."

Markus observed his face for a moment, before he grasped the box and slowly lifted the lid.

"What is this?"

"Your mate is a light caster."

Markus looked at him. "How did you know?"

"I know a lot of things."

Markus ran his hand over the carving on the cover.

"A hybrid and a light caster as mates is a rare thing. The key to your darkness isn't to destroy it. The only way to prevent it from controlling you is to bring it to the light. That light is your mate."