I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 121

"Are we absolutely certain this is necessary?" Elijah asked.

Micah met his cousin's gaze, eyes filled with determination.

"There's no other way. We can't let this evil take him."

"Fine, but this is going to cause major drama, especially with his family."

"Don't worry about his family. I'll talk it over with him and his family to ensure we're on the same page."

"What about his mate?"

"What about him?"

"I've seen how he acts when Markus is far from his sight. He is overly protective of him; if Markus gets hurt, he'd lose his mind."

A slow smirk spread across Micah's face. "Are you afraid of him?"

"I view him with great reverence."

"What about Markus?"

"He's an indomitable blend of two worlds. It's better to make him a friend than a foe."

Micah let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as he reached for his jacket.

"We should get going, we're running out of time."

They left the office and headed to his car, which was parked behind the club.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Uncle Thomas is waiting on the Red Moon to take over Markus's body."

After handing the book over to him, Malachi took a seat.

"Why the Red Moon?"

"The Red Moon acts as a supernatural catalyst that alters the laws of magic and strengthens supernatural beings."

Kev looked over at Malachi. "Can you explain that in plain English?"

"It basically signifies a period of immense, chaotic dangerous power."

"Markus fits the bill perfectly." Calia stated, her gaze on his face.

Markus gave her a reassuring smile, but he could feel the air in the room vibrating with tension. 

Mitchell's grip on his hand tightened, prompting Markus to squeeze back to ease his worry.

"We know what Uncle Thomas is aiming for; we need to stop it from happening."

"What's the plan?" Rayne asked.

Feeling a shift in the air, Markus's eyes locked onto the entrance, a heartbeat before the doorbell sounded.

Mitchell turned his head, "Were you expecting anyone?"

Markus shook his head. "Micah and Elijah are at the door."

"How do you know?"

"I can sense their aura."

Markus looked over at Kev and nodded toward the door. "Let them in for me."

Kev offered a brief nod in return before getting up disappearing down the hallway.

"Why do you think they showed up here today?" Mitchell's thumb brushed lightly against his skin, lingering on the back of his hand.

"I guess we'll find out."

Kev entered the room, Micah and Elijah trailing right behind him.

Micah's eyes swept the group before looking at him. "Sorry to just drop in like this, but we need to talk to you about something."

Markus fixed his eyes on the pair. "I take it you've already figured something out."

"I do have a plan, but..." Micah threw a quick, quiet glance at Mitchell.

Markus figured out pretty quick that the plan, whatever it was, was going to get shot down by the others.

"Don't hold back, just say it."

"It won't be easy, but I've got a way to permanently get rid of Thomas."

Mitchell held up a hand. "Before we go any further, how do you even know about Thomas? And what does this plan entail?"

A faint, electric sizzle danced in the air.

"I know a great deal of many things, but I am especially well-versed in the history and story of Malachi, Thomas and Elder Clarence."

"How do you know Elder Clarence?"

"We share some distant family ties."

"Alright, what exactly is the plan?"

Markus listened closely as Micah gave a rundown of his plan. Once Micah finished, the room sank into a tense agonizing quiet that lasted several minutes.

Mitchell bolted upright. "Markus isn't going to be a sacrifice. It's out of the question."

The others joined the protest, their voices merging. The voices swelled into a deafening chant, wrapping around Markus's mind like a cold, inescapable entity.

"Guys, quiet down for a second."

Markus caught the sound of Micah's voice over the thundering in his ears.

"What's going on?"

"Markus, are you okay?"

Markus squeezed his eyes shut, a familiar heat stinging behind his eyelids.

"Nothing is wrong. I just need everyone to be quiet." Markus said, but his voice a strange, deep resonance, as if two beings were speaking the exact same words at slightly different pitches.

He felt the gentle touch of Mitchell's hand, its coolness bringing immediate relief to his heated skin. Markus's eyelids fluttered as he fought to keep the spreading blackness of his pupils from taking over.

"Markus, remember remember what we talked about at the club."

Micah's words about embracing the darkness immediately echoed through his mind.

"I sure as hell hope you're right."

Inhaling deeply, Markus opened his eyes and locked his gaze forward. He hung in the balance, just an instant before the darkness fully revealed itself to him.

"It's only inevitable for our consciousness to merge."

"Why are you fighting for control?"

"I didn't want to be pushed aside again."

"I won't push you aside."

"Your mate can help balance your powers."

"What should I do?"

"Introduce me to everyone."

With a sharp blink, and the foggy world sharpened into focus for Markus. Every gaze was fixed upon him, but Mitchell kept caressing his skin as if they were entirely alone.

Mitchell leaned toward him, lowering his voice. "Something changed inside you. It's almost unnatural."

"Akri, what happened to you?" Calia asked.

"We've found common ground."