Chapter Twenty One
In spite of what was coming Liz felt a bubble of happiness and security as she dragged a very reluctant Max from Michael’s room. She had a couple of details that she had to attend to before she could leave and she didn’t think Max should be there for what she was going to do. Walking into the living room she met Michael’s dark glare with a huge smile and blew him a kiss.
“Maxwell can you please let go of her so we can get down to business?” Michael asked shortly his eyes never leaving Liz. He so didn’t need another one. Maria was more then enough as it was. Liz was the quiet one for shit’s sake.
“Actually Max, I need to get a drink and then I have to go,” Liz said smiling at Michael unrepentant. Let him suffer.
“Okay. I’ll be over as soon as I can get away,” Max said and kissed her hair.
“Kay. See you then,” Liz said and sent Michael a saucy wink grinning when his jaw bunched as he clenched his teeth. She turned and brushed a kiss over Max’s mouth and made her way to the kitchen.
“Are you shitting me? You’re staying over there tonight?” Michael asked Max. God this just never let up. Fucking A.
“I’m totally serious. I can’t take the chance that Nesado will try anything,” Max pointed out.
“Riiiight,” Tess drawled from her place next to Zan. “I’m sure. That little whore seems to be an alien carnival ride.”
“Like you aren’t,” Maria said truly wishing for a flame-thrower. Where was one when you needed it? “You’re the whore who flashes it all over town. Too bad no one seems to want a ride. Right Tess?”
Tess just sniffed and turned her head. Fucking humans weren’t worth talking to.
Ava slipped into the kitchen and froze at the sight of Liz wielding a butcher’s knife. “What the hell ya doing?”
Liz spun around and sighed when she saw Ava. “Can you help me out here? I poked my side a few times but I think it would go one further if I had a mark on my neck. Can you hold this to my throat from behind?”
“You crazy or what? Max’ll freak. I ain’t ready to be dust ya know?” Ava said eyeing the other girl with caution.
“He won’t hurt you. He’s not really violent I swear. Look if this story even has a hope of being believed I have to have some evidence. I just need a slight mark….like a red line where the guy held a knife to my throat. I can try to do it myself but I might not get the angle right. If you don’t want to can you get Alex or Kyle?” Liz asked holding her side where the blood was staining her shirt.
Ava sighed and moved forward taking the knife. These people were fucking nuts. “Don’t move,” Ava said softly as she moved behind Liz. “I’s too short…kneel down a little.”
Liz complied bending her knees and holding her hair out of the way. She really hoped Max didn’t walk in. She felt the blade press against her skin then a small sting.
“Kay. Now how you gonna get outta here without the Man seeing this?” Ava asked moving away and setting the knife down. “You’s bleeding. I don’t think he’s gonna like this idea of yours.”
Liz smiled and slipped on the red jacket Isabel had brought and flipped up the collar buttoning it all the way up. “He won’t notice. He’ll be too busy arguing with everyone else just watch. Hey…thanks.”
“Sure. Not my blood,” Ava said shrugging casually.
“Okay. Well I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” Liz said giving her a warm smile and making for the door.
Ava moved to the doorway and watched Liz peck Max on the cheek whisper something in his ear then head for the door. Max was indeed knee deep in keeping the peace. Liz gave her a wink and a small wave before disappearing out the door.
Liz exited the Sheriff’s SUV and before she was even inside her mother was pulling her into a hug.
“Liz! Oh honey are you okay?” Nancy asked breaking her breath-stealing hug only long enough to hold Liz at arms length looking for any injury.
“I’m fine Mom,” Liz said watching her father walk over to the Sheriff. They were talking so softly that Liz couldn’t hear them. “A little dirty and a lot cold but otherwise okay.”
“Let’s get you inside. I’ll make you some hot chocolate,” Nancy said fussing slightly. She herded her daughter inside and up to the apartment not waiting for Jeff to follow. They had talked about it and decided how to go about finding out what had happened.
Nancy watched Liz as she moved around the kitchen looking for what she didn’t know…..some sign…something to tell her what her daughter had been through but she saw nothing. Placing the hot mug down and sitting beside Liz she prepared to hear whatever Liz had to say. “Can you tell me what happened?”
Liz sighed and prepared to lie her ass off. “Umm well Mrs. Hernandez, my fifth hour teacher, told me Dad was there to get me. I couldn’t see the guy cause he was standing in the hall sort of turned away from me you know?” Liz asked pausing for her Mom to nod. Working up the right show of emotion she wondered if next semester she shouldn’t take Drama. She started unbuttoning her coat. “So I got my stuff and went out into the hallway and I saw right away that it wasn’t Dad. I mean he looked sort of like him from behind but….when he turned around…nothing like him. I think I might have seen him in the café….I’m thought he looked familiar but anyway he grabbed my arm and…..he poked me in the side with a knife. I couldn’t see it but it broke the skin a little see?” Liz said and pulled up her shirt to show her Mom a small cuts she had put there herself before leaving Michael’s.
Nancy felt her heart stutter as when she saw the marks. She brushed her hand over Liz’s hair softly to reassure herself that her daughter was really okay. “Oh honey! You must have been so afraid!”
“Yeah, I was,” Liz agreed a tremble in her voice. Nesado scared the shit out of her. “I was about to scream but he said that he would start cutting people….kids in the hall I guess so I didn’t say anything. I probably should have but…”
“Honey. You’re here. That’s what matters,” Nancy assured Liz patting her hand.
Liz chewed on the inside of her cheek hating putting her parents through this but there wasn’t really an option. So far so good. “When we got to the parking lot…..Tess saw him shove me. My books and all my stuff…my phone and everything flew out of my hands when he shoved me toward his car so she came over to see what was wrong,” Liz stopped and took a deep breath. “He ummm he grabbed her and he hit her and put her in the car. I don’t know what he….what he was going to….do but…he umm just drove around like ranting. Talking like he was crazy. He umm held the knife to my throat once but then he just started driving again. I was so scared and Tess was just….crying. He drove out of town…I don’t think he had really any plan he just seemed to turn when he felt like it but ummm when I saw the signs for the reservation I waited till he slowed down to make a turn and I jumped out and ran. Tess saw me and followed. We just ran hoping he wouldn’t turn around. It was raining so hard maybe he couldn’t see us I don’t know but he didn’t come back,” Liz said watching her mom’s face trying to judge whether she was buying it.
“That was very quick thinking,” Nancy said softly. She wasn’t sure what to think. She was worried Liz was lying to cover up sexual abuse or out of fear. She believed the story as far as it went she was just worried that Liz was leaving things out. “So how did you get to a phone?”
“We walked to the reservation. It took forever and we got a little turned around but eventually we made it. I called Max first but he told me to call the Sheriff,” Liz answered having worked that part out with the Sheriff.
“Max Evans?” Nancy asked surprised.
“Yeah. We’re ummm sort of….back together. He drove out and waited with us for the Sheriff to get there,” Liz said not meeting her mother’s eyes. “He was really great.”
“Did you already give the Sheriff a statement?” Nancy asked feeling better for some reason that Liz had called her boyfriend.
“I told him the story and gave him descriptions of the guy, the car, and a partial plate number but he said I could come by the station tomorrow and make a formal statement. He said you were worried about me and it could wait till morning,” Liz said softly.
Nancy leaned forward and hugged Liz tight kissing her forehead as she pulled back. “He was right. We were so scared for you. Your father was having fits.”
Liz nodded slowly and sent her mom a wavering smile. “I’m okay. Really I am. Max said that he would pick me up tomorrow and take me to the station when I was ready. I’m sure he’ll be sitting in the café everyday he doesn’t work after this,” Liz said in a joking tone but setting up things for later in her statements.
Nancy smiled and nodded hearing the seriousness buried in her daughter’s tone. She wondered if it was time to give her the gift her mother in law had asked her to hold. She would wait and see. “Max seems like a nice boy. He cares about you a lot. He was in here all summer asking about you.”
“Yeah, he’s the best. Terrible singing voice though,” Liz said smiling her face lighting up.
Nancy laughed softly then took a sip of her tea. “Honey….don’t get upset but maybe we should take you to the doctor. I don’t know if your tetanus shot is up to date and…” Nancy trailed off uncertainly.
“If you want me to go I don’t have a problem with it,” Liz said and shrugged sending her mom a straightforward smile. One that said..I have nothing to hide.
Nancy almost melted with relief. She paused as a thought occurred to her. “How did he get so focused on you? I mean to drag you out of a school….He had to have followed you or something.”
“I don’t know. I’m not really sure I ever saw him. I thought I might have seen him here at the café but….I’m not sure. He had to have known my name and maybe Dad’s. I don’t know what he told the teacher to get her to believe him. I don’t know,” Liz said her eyes wide and innocent as she looked her mother straight in the face. She had taken the Sheriff’s advice and not filled in all the blanks. When her mom just nodded Liz slowly let out her breath.
Liz was exhausted by the time she made it into the safety of her room. Her father had indeed insisted that she go the Emergency Room for the shot, which Liz had submitted to without protest. After grilling the Sheriff, hearing her side of things, and the unnecessary visit to the hospital they seemed to believe the story. At least they hadn’t called her a liar.
Liz stripped off her filthy clothes and dropped them without thought as to where they would land. All through her shower she wondered how Max was faring with the rest of the group. She didn’t envy him at all for having to wrangle some sort of order out the chaos.
Too tired to dry her hair she slipped into her pajamas and yawned as she slipped into bed. What felt like a few minutes later she was startled awake by the sound of her window opening. She blinked and smiled as Max climbed in and shut the window after him. “Stop right there,” Liz ordered smiling when Max froze in place. “Lift the shirt.”
Max relaxed and smiled lifting his shirt enough for her to see his stomach.
“Okay. Turn off the light and come to bed,” Liz said sliding back down under the covers.
Max tossed his coat over her desk chair thinking he had waited a lifetime to hear her say that one sentence…among others. He made his way over to the bed and kicked off his shoes. To prevent any problems he slid under the covers fully clothed and used his powers to turn out the lights.
“That’s cheating,” Liz whispered smiling as Max cuddled up to her back.
Max squirmed closer and kissed her ear softly. “How did it go?”
“I think it’s okay. I had to get a shot though,” Liz pouted.
“A shot? What for?” Max asked frowning not remembering anything in her story that would require a shot.
“Tetanus shot. It wasn’t that bad. My dad insisted just to be on the safe side. I told them it’s not like I got caught in barbed wire or anything but it made them feel better so…” Liz trailed off her eyes drifting closed. “It was just a scratch anyways.”
“What was?” Max asked becoming alarmed that there was more to her story then he knew about.
“The cuts. I made a small tiny knife poke. Just to be believable. It’s nothing,” Liz said then yawed. “Can we focus on the shot? THAT hurt.”
“WHAT? What did you do?” Max asked sitting up and pushing back the covers despite Liz’s disgusted noise at having the blankets pried out of her hands.
“Max, calm down,” Liz said softly and lifted her pajama top just enough to show her side. “See? It’s nothing now go to sleep.”
Max frowned and traced the small wounds with his finger healing them absently. “You didn’t say anything about cutting yourself,” Max pointed out still a little upset.
“It’s not a big deal. It’s not even a cut….it’s more like a tiny poke….like a needle. The shot hurt more then the pokes,” Liz said smoothing her finger over his wrinkled brow. “Now come here and lay down with me.”
“It wasn’t like a needle,” Max grumbled settling back down and pulling her closer.
Liz smiled and wiggled closer. “So kiss me and make it better.”
Max rolled her onto her back and leaned over her. “You think you’re funny don’t you?”
Liz nodded seriously. “I really do. I also think you worry way too much. I’m fine as you can see….safe and warm right here in my bed. There’s nothing to worry about that can’t be worried about tomorrow. So kiss me goodnight and curl up with me until we fall asleep….Okay?”
Max looked at her in the dim light and seeing the tired look in her eyes he nodded and leaned down to kiss her. He smiled against her mouth at her hum of enjoyment. When he settled back down beside her Liz turned over and curled into him. Max closed his eyes feeling a sense of peace steal over him as his fingers rubbed Liz’s back slowly relaxing her into sleep.
Leftovers (CC, ML / Adult) (Complete)
Moderators: Itzstacie, Forum Moderators
Chapter Twenty Two
It was late but Zan couldn’t sleep. The way Ava had looked at him was still floating around behind his eyes and whenever he closed them to try and sleep she was there. He turned over on Michael’s couch frowning as he thought about it. She had never looked at him like that before. Like he was something to be scraped off the bottom of her boot…no..maybe that wasn’t quite right. It was like he was on the outside….a stranger and one she didn’t really like.
It had seemed simple when he started out here. Ava had saved his ass and he owed her. Out of all his peeps she had stood up and really come through for him when he needed her. If Lonnie had caught on she would have killed Ava without a second thought. She was lucky Lonnie hadn’t noticed Ava’s headaches. She always got them after overusing her powers.
He had dreams about that truck. He had looked up and froze with the headlights burning into his eyes….too slow to react. He had felt Ava’s energy push him hard and he had hit his head on the curb. When he finally made it back to their place she was gone. He had checked their cubbyhole…the place they had always left each other private notes. When he had read the note she left him he had started after her as soon as he could. She was his to protect….his responsibility and the only one he could trust. She always understood him so he couldn’t ditch her to handle the other two and besides he owed them in spades.
Now….Now it was complicated somehow. She was looking at him like he was dirt and living with some guy. What was with that? Living with a human. Zan frowned as he thought about how happy she looked goofing around with that…..KYLE as they were leaving. What the fuck? Didn’t he travel across the country to get her? He held up his end of the deal. Now she was tossing him over for what?
Zan threw his legs over the side of the couch and stood. Making his way down the hall he smirked at the closed bathroom door as he passed by. He hope that bitch enjoyed her night locked in there. Knocking on Michael’s door he stuck his head in. “You up?”
“I am now,” Michael grumbled turning over to see the door.
Zan pushed the door open and walked in. “Hey…where’s this Kyle guy live?”
Michael felt a twinge of amusement. Most of the time he could almost forget that Zan and Max were made from the same stuff but right now Zan had the same tone Max used to when talking about Kyle. “Why?”
“I’s need ta talk ta Ava real quick. She’s living there right?” Zan asked his tone aggressive.
“Yeah, she is. Kyle’s a great guy. Why don’t you wait till tomorrow?” Michael asked.
“Just tell me. I’ll find her on my own if I’s have to,” Zan said belligerently.
Michael sat up and yawned scratching his chest. “Let’s just get something straight here. Kyle and his dad are important to us so don’t mess with them understand? Things are different here. We have humans in our lives and we don’t take kindly to people fucking with them. That’s mostly why Tess is in the spot she is. Max will tolerate a lot but he doesn’t go for anyone messing with Liz or the rest of them.”
“Yeah….I got that,” Zan said dryly.
Michael smirked and nodded. “Yeah.”
“You didn’t seem ta like it either,” Zan pointed out his own smirk in place. He didn’t hold that pop against Michael. He got Michael.
“No. I didn’t,” Michael agreed evenly. After a pause he sighed and gave in telling Zan where to find Ava.
Hearing the window slide open Ava rolled over prepared to blast who ever was trying to crawl in. She lowered her hand seeing Zan climbing over the windowsill. “What’re you doing here?” Ava asked her tone less then friendly.
“I’s needed ta talk ta you,” Zan said softly looking around. “What are ya doing here? With these people?”
“Look. I’s…I’m making new choices,” Ava said struggling to rid herself of her accent. “I don’t want to go back to how it was soooo”
Zan’s brow furrowed picking up on her change in speech patterns. She was even talking like Liz. “So what? You just ditching me? Is that what’s happening here? If this is about Liz…”
“It’s not. Not really. Look….we had an agreement…a certain way we lived and I went along with that. I don’t care what you were thinking or what you did. I’m telling you that I’m not going along any more. The deal or life…whateva it was is over now. I want more. I’m staying here so you can do whatever is right for you. I made my choice,” Ava said firmly.
Zan sank down onto the window ledge shocked. This was something he had never expected. “You’s throwing away a whole life wit me for these people?”
“You..are missing the point. We didn’t have a life. We didn’t have anything special at all so I’m not really throwing much away. I’m doing this for me. I want a life Zan. I want people that value me and think that I’m worth something. You just….you always had me around and I just let you do whatever you wanted. It was easy and you didn’t have to think about it or invest much. That’s not what I want anymore. I don’t want my man running around with any whore that'll have him. These are nice people. They stand up for each other. You just don’t seem to get it. Why can’t you see? You have eyes like I do. You’ve been around these people like I have…more really and you still can’t see it. They have real bonds Zan. Not because they have to or it’s a horrible burden. They really care about each other…it may be…freakish sometimes but they care. Max loves Liz. It’s like…so obvious and you just…try to fuck with it. I don’t see why. You wouldn’t stay with her anymore then you have with any of the others…..or anymore then you have with me. So I’m releasing you from any responsibility for me. I can take of myself okay? So you can do whateva…whatever you want and not have me holding you back,” Ava said looking at her newly polished toes. Maria had lent her the polish and they had chatted while watching TV. It was just so….normal.
“You ain’t a burden. You’s family,” Zan said surprised. She was saying stuff he had never knew she felt. He felt off balance.
“And we both know how you feel about family don’t we?” Ava asked softly looking up.
Zan opened his mouth then closed it caught completely off guard.
“Right. So…look I ain’t saying that we can’t stay in touch. I….care about you and…,” Ava stopped and uncurled her legs. “I need this. I need to try to be more. I know you don’t understand but I want more then living in the sewer and stealing. We have more to offer then that. We were given a chance and I want to use mine. No hard feelings.”
“Right. No hard feelings,” Zan said feeling off kilter and upset.
Something was tickling her nose. Squirming in her sleep Liz bumped into a solid presence. Sighing she reluctantly opened her eyes…she hated getting up. She blinked as her eyes landed on Max sleeping peacefully like two inches away. Suddenly being awake wasn’t so bad after all.
She lay quietly and watched him sleep smiling at the fleeting expressions crossing his face. They had a little time before her alarm went off so she let him sleep content to just absorb his presence and all the changes in her life. The one thing she was absolutely certain of was Max. She smoothed a fingertip over the mark she had left on Max’s neck it was already fading a little.
Max woke up to Liz sneezing rolling over he smiled at the sight of Liz in her flannel pajamas. “Got a cold?”
Liz turned her head and smiled. “No. One sneeze doesn’t make a cold.”
“Hmmm,” Max replied and urged her over him.
Liz straddled him sitting on his thighs her fingers playing with the bottom edge of his shirt.
Running his hands up and down her flannel covered legs he tried to remember where they were. “What’s on your plate for today?”
“Umm my dad won’t let me go to school. He’s going down there today to talk to the principle. I’m supposed to give my formal statement to Valenti and I have to work tonight,” Liz replied her eyes on his abdomen. She pushed his shirt up farther careful not to touch his bare skin.
Max watched her hair come untucked and fall forward in a silken wave. He smiled when Liz absently tucked it back into place. “What do you think your dad’s going to say?”
Liz nibbled her bottom lip nervously. “I don’t really know. Max….he’s really upset. Like pissed. He was talking about how the school is behind the times and they clearly didn’t have a system in place to prevent things like this. That kind of thing….and he said he would get my books or new books if they didn’t find the ones that I lost. I feel bad about this. What if Mrs. Hernandez gets in trouble?” Liz asked her eyes rising to meet his.
“Liz….she wasn’t supposed to allow you to leave like she did. Nesado didn’t give her a pass and you know parents don’t come to the classrooms,” Max pointed out then sighed. “I don’t think she’ll get in trouble. Maybe this will actually help. They need to start thinking of safety and updating the schools policy anyway. We’ll make sure she doesn’t get fired or anything. I’m sure the Sheriff is already working on that.”
Liz nodded slowly. “Okay. I just don’t want this to cause problems for something that really no one could have prevented. Nesado would have done whatever he had to,” Liz said and reached up to gather her hair in her hand to pull it out of the way.
Max’s brow furrowed as he saw her neck. “Liz! What did you do to your neck?”
“Umm nothing. It’s nothing,” Liz said dropping her hair. When Max reached up to touch it she leaned back. “Don’t heal it. Everyone’s already seen it. It doesn’t hurt.”
Max grasp her arms to keep her in place. “You didn’t say anything about doing this stuff to yourself. Why did you do this?”
“I did it to make the story more probable. My parents aren’t stupid. They would have doubted things a whole lot more if I didn’t have something to back up what I was saying. If I was totally unharmed they would have wondered and asked a ton of questions. This was what I had to do that’s all and I didn’t tell you because you freak out about stuff like this. I’m not maimed or in pain. It’s really not a big deal. This is really my problem….this Nesado thing so I’m just doing my part to help with what’s really my problem in the first place,” Liz explained shifting to sit further up so she didn’t put his legs to sleep.
“It’s not just your problem. It’s OUR problem,” Max said softly his hands coming to rest on her thighs. “Liz, this thing isn’t anymore your fault then not being completely human is mine. We’re together in this thing so we share our problems too. I don’t like you hurting yourself not even if you think it’s not a big deal. It’s a big deal to me. You’ve been through enough and there’s no reason good enough to cause yourself more pain on top of everything else.”
Liz sighed in frustration. Max tended to not be very reasonable when it came to her. “Then I think we’re going to have a problem. When we….decide to take the next step in our relationship and have sex…it’s going to hurt. So what are you going to do then?”
Max frowned his thumbs rubbing small circles on her thighs. “You’re shifting the conversation here. One thing doesn’t have anything to do with the other.”
“The point I’m making is that sometimes you can’t avoid pain. Sometimes it’s necessary or unavoidable,” Liz said softly her fingers tracing patterns on his stomach. “I’m not a wimp and I don’t want to be wrapped up in cotton and put on a shelf. I won’t break.”
“I never said you were a wimp and this WAS avoidable,” Max said not budging from his position. “When we do decide to move forward I’m going to make that pain avoidable too. It’s not a matter of you being a wimp it’s a matter of me not wanting you to hurt when I can fix it. What good is having powers if I don’t use them to make things better? You would do the same for me if that were your gift. So stop arguing with me because you’re not going to change my mind,” Max said a stubborn set to his jaw.
Liz rolled her eyes smiling slightly at his refusal to be persuaded. “I’m not arguing. I’m stating my reasons behind what I did that’s all. Now….are you going to school? Oh and what happened last night?”
“No, I’m not going to school. We decided last night to sort some things out today. The Sheriff agreed. We’re meeting at Michael’s instead. We didn’t really get a lot done last night. Everyone was arguing and not focused on solving our problems,” Max said sighing as he remembered last night.
Liz squirmed slightly shifting her position and leaning down to brush a kiss over his forehead in sympathy. “You didn’t leave Zan in handcuffs did you?”
“No, I took them off right after you left,” Max said loosing interest in the conversation. He didn’t want to ruin this time with rehashing the petty arguments of the night before. He ran his hands under her pajama top rubbing her back and urging her down onto his chest.
Liz allowed him to guide her down sliding her legs down along his. She smiled into his eyes as his hands pushed up her top. “Tired of talking?” Liz asked quietly rubbing the side of her face against the stubble on his cheek.
“Maybe a little,” Max answered smiling as his fingers traced her spine marveling at her delicate structure.
“Hmm,” Liz hummed her response. She nuzzled her way to his neck lips grazing her previous mark.
Max groaned softly wanting her to settle there. His hands moved to grip her hips pulling her closer.
“You must heal fast,” Liz observed in a whisper. “It’s so light now.”
Max didn’t have to guess what she was talking about. He could feel her finger tracing her mark. “You didn’t do it hard enough maybe,” Max said his tone hopeful.
Liz smiled and moved to look at him. “You like that?”
“Yeah, I do,” Max admitted softly. His eyes sparkled as he went a step further. “I like doing it to you too.”
Liz bit her lip to quell her smile. “Yeah, I knew that,” Liz replied her smile in her voice. “I guess I can understand that. I sort of….like seeing this on you. I never minded yours either,” Liz admitted then her lip slipped out from between her teeth as her smile broke free. “I had fun getting them.”
Max’s eyes darkened as he watched her. He felt suddenly short of breath and he forgot the reasons why this wasn’t the best idea. “Well let’s have a little bit of fun.”
“Hmm okay but….one of these times Max…it’s going to be more then that,” Liz said warning him of the possibility of getting carried away. His control would only stretch so far and she had already stated her choice.
“I know,” Max agreed rolling her under him.
“Kay,” Liz said and pulled him closer wrapping her legs around him to hold him to her.
Max desperately wanted her top gone. He had never actually seen her and he wanted to. More then anything. He fingered the pearl looking buttons his fingers itching to undo them. He raised uncertain eyes to hers trying to see her reaction.
Liz just watched him playing with the silky hair brushing his neck. She wasn’t going to make his choices for him. Everything he did was going to be because he wanted to.
Seeing nothing in her eyes to stop him he undid the first button. Then the next one his eyes dropping to her parting top. As more and more of her skin came into view he was utterly absorbed. Finally he pushed the sides away from her and caught his breath. He leaned forward and kissed her right between her breasts. “Liz….you never told me.”
“Told you what?” Liz asked softly.
“That you were so pretty,” Max breathed not able to think of a better word. She was perfect and he was a bumbling idiot.
Liz smiled amused. “Well I don’t really….think like a guy so….I doubt I would see things like you do.”
Max trailed his fingers over her skin fascinated by how soft and warm she was. She was everything feminine everything he could never have imagined.
“Max please,” Liz whispered tightening her legs around him.
Max bent his head and nuzzled her softly afraid to hurt her. She was so delicate and soft. He took a deep breath pulling in her scent. He would know her anywhere even if he were blind. No one else felt like she did. No one else could affect him so much just by being there. Her scent alone pulled a very physical reaction from him.
Liz squirmed frustrated with his barely there brushes. She slithered down under him her hair trailing up the bed. Pulling him down she brushed his skin with her mouth teasing him with her tongue offering but not following up the caress.
“Liz. Please Liz just…,” Max asked.
“I’m just doing what you do,” Liz said against his skin. She licked his fading mark tempting him.
Max put his hand to the back of her head pressing her lips firmly against his neck. “First you,” Max bargained.
Liz smiled against his throat then settled her mouth firmly against his skin.
Max groaned deep in his chest at the pull of her mouth. He pushed his hips down hard into hers holding her there. Stars burst behind his closed eyes.
Liz gasp and pulled back resting her head on the bed panting lightly. When Max’s eyes met hers the possessive heat she saw in his was startling. She felt an immediate increase in the heat inside her.
He moved down the bed coming to rest in almost the same position he was in before.
At the first touch of his mouth on her breast Liz gasp and drew her legs up to grip his sides. His mouth was so hot it stole her breath.
When her fingers wove into his hair Max sucked harder his tongue circling her nipple slowly. He groaned when her back arched and her fingers tightened.
“Liz? Honey, you better get up,” Nancy called down the hall. “Your father’s chomping at the bit. He wants to have breakfast with you.”
Liz’s eyes popped open and she wiggled around to check her door. Had she locked it? Oh shit. “I’m up! I’ll be out in a few minutes,” Liz called to prevent her mother from checking on her.
Max took several deep breaths not moving for fear of maiming himself.
“Max, you have to let me up. I didn’t lock the door,” Liz said pushing on his shoulders.
Max rolled so he was on his back and watched Liz scrambled off of him. He smiled as she raced to her door the sides of her top flapping behind her. The click of the lock was loud in the stillness of the morning. He watched her lean back against the door unmindful of her state of undress. She was beautiful. “You okay?”
Liz looked up and smiled. “Yeah. I’m good. I just want you uninjured.”
Max smiled in reaction to her saucy smile. “Yeah. That would be a plus.”
Liz watched Max get up and walk over to her thinking he was the sexiest thing she had ever seen. Even with his hair sticking straight up.
Max pulled her into a hug resting his head against hers. “I never said good morning.”
“Yes, you did. I heard you,” Liz said smiling and slipping her arms around his waist. “It was a little muffled but..”
Max smiled and gave her a squeeze. “Meet you in about an hour?”
“Make it two,” Liz said then stopped. “Wait. How are you getting out of school?”
“Oh umm the Sheriff called my parents and explained about what happened. He said he hoped it was okay if I missed school to bring you to the station. You’re calmer with me there and maybe I could add things that you hadn’t noticed,” Max explained with a smile.
“Good thinking,” Liz agreed.
“Yeah, so I’ll see you in about two hours,” Max said and paused hating to let go of her so he brushed a kiss over her forehead to stall. Finally he released her and went to get his shoes and coat.
Liz watched him soaking in his little rituals. The way he checked and rechecked the knots on his shoes. The absentminded way he ran his hand through his hair while he looked around for anything he had forgotten.
Max looked up and saw the small curve to her lips. “What?”
Liz shook her head. “Nothing. You’re cute in the morning.”
Max felt his ears heat embarrassed for some unknown reason. “Not as cute as you are. Especially right this second.”
Liz looked down at her still open top then quirked her eyebrow at him. “Like flannel do ya?”
“Definitely,” Max said and with a grin plastered across his face he slipped out the window.
It was late but Zan couldn’t sleep. The way Ava had looked at him was still floating around behind his eyes and whenever he closed them to try and sleep she was there. He turned over on Michael’s couch frowning as he thought about it. She had never looked at him like that before. Like he was something to be scraped off the bottom of her boot…no..maybe that wasn’t quite right. It was like he was on the outside….a stranger and one she didn’t really like.
It had seemed simple when he started out here. Ava had saved his ass and he owed her. Out of all his peeps she had stood up and really come through for him when he needed her. If Lonnie had caught on she would have killed Ava without a second thought. She was lucky Lonnie hadn’t noticed Ava’s headaches. She always got them after overusing her powers.
He had dreams about that truck. He had looked up and froze with the headlights burning into his eyes….too slow to react. He had felt Ava’s energy push him hard and he had hit his head on the curb. When he finally made it back to their place she was gone. He had checked their cubbyhole…the place they had always left each other private notes. When he had read the note she left him he had started after her as soon as he could. She was his to protect….his responsibility and the only one he could trust. She always understood him so he couldn’t ditch her to handle the other two and besides he owed them in spades.
Now….Now it was complicated somehow. She was looking at him like he was dirt and living with some guy. What was with that? Living with a human. Zan frowned as he thought about how happy she looked goofing around with that…..KYLE as they were leaving. What the fuck? Didn’t he travel across the country to get her? He held up his end of the deal. Now she was tossing him over for what?
Zan threw his legs over the side of the couch and stood. Making his way down the hall he smirked at the closed bathroom door as he passed by. He hope that bitch enjoyed her night locked in there. Knocking on Michael’s door he stuck his head in. “You up?”
“I am now,” Michael grumbled turning over to see the door.
Zan pushed the door open and walked in. “Hey…where’s this Kyle guy live?”
Michael felt a twinge of amusement. Most of the time he could almost forget that Zan and Max were made from the same stuff but right now Zan had the same tone Max used to when talking about Kyle. “Why?”
“I’s need ta talk ta Ava real quick. She’s living there right?” Zan asked his tone aggressive.
“Yeah, she is. Kyle’s a great guy. Why don’t you wait till tomorrow?” Michael asked.
“Just tell me. I’ll find her on my own if I’s have to,” Zan said belligerently.
Michael sat up and yawned scratching his chest. “Let’s just get something straight here. Kyle and his dad are important to us so don’t mess with them understand? Things are different here. We have humans in our lives and we don’t take kindly to people fucking with them. That’s mostly why Tess is in the spot she is. Max will tolerate a lot but he doesn’t go for anyone messing with Liz or the rest of them.”
“Yeah….I got that,” Zan said dryly.
Michael smirked and nodded. “Yeah.”
“You didn’t seem ta like it either,” Zan pointed out his own smirk in place. He didn’t hold that pop against Michael. He got Michael.
“No. I didn’t,” Michael agreed evenly. After a pause he sighed and gave in telling Zan where to find Ava.
Hearing the window slide open Ava rolled over prepared to blast who ever was trying to crawl in. She lowered her hand seeing Zan climbing over the windowsill. “What’re you doing here?” Ava asked her tone less then friendly.
“I’s needed ta talk ta you,” Zan said softly looking around. “What are ya doing here? With these people?”
“Look. I’s…I’m making new choices,” Ava said struggling to rid herself of her accent. “I don’t want to go back to how it was soooo”
Zan’s brow furrowed picking up on her change in speech patterns. She was even talking like Liz. “So what? You just ditching me? Is that what’s happening here? If this is about Liz…”
“It’s not. Not really. Look….we had an agreement…a certain way we lived and I went along with that. I don’t care what you were thinking or what you did. I’m telling you that I’m not going along any more. The deal or life…whateva it was is over now. I want more. I’m staying here so you can do whatever is right for you. I made my choice,” Ava said firmly.
Zan sank down onto the window ledge shocked. This was something he had never expected. “You’s throwing away a whole life wit me for these people?”
“You..are missing the point. We didn’t have a life. We didn’t have anything special at all so I’m not really throwing much away. I’m doing this for me. I want a life Zan. I want people that value me and think that I’m worth something. You just….you always had me around and I just let you do whatever you wanted. It was easy and you didn’t have to think about it or invest much. That’s not what I want anymore. I don’t want my man running around with any whore that'll have him. These are nice people. They stand up for each other. You just don’t seem to get it. Why can’t you see? You have eyes like I do. You’ve been around these people like I have…more really and you still can’t see it. They have real bonds Zan. Not because they have to or it’s a horrible burden. They really care about each other…it may be…freakish sometimes but they care. Max loves Liz. It’s like…so obvious and you just…try to fuck with it. I don’t see why. You wouldn’t stay with her anymore then you have with any of the others…..or anymore then you have with me. So I’m releasing you from any responsibility for me. I can take of myself okay? So you can do whateva…whatever you want and not have me holding you back,” Ava said looking at her newly polished toes. Maria had lent her the polish and they had chatted while watching TV. It was just so….normal.
“You ain’t a burden. You’s family,” Zan said surprised. She was saying stuff he had never knew she felt. He felt off balance.
“And we both know how you feel about family don’t we?” Ava asked softly looking up.
Zan opened his mouth then closed it caught completely off guard.
“Right. So…look I ain’t saying that we can’t stay in touch. I….care about you and…,” Ava stopped and uncurled her legs. “I need this. I need to try to be more. I know you don’t understand but I want more then living in the sewer and stealing. We have more to offer then that. We were given a chance and I want to use mine. No hard feelings.”
“Right. No hard feelings,” Zan said feeling off kilter and upset.
Something was tickling her nose. Squirming in her sleep Liz bumped into a solid presence. Sighing she reluctantly opened her eyes…she hated getting up. She blinked as her eyes landed on Max sleeping peacefully like two inches away. Suddenly being awake wasn’t so bad after all.
She lay quietly and watched him sleep smiling at the fleeting expressions crossing his face. They had a little time before her alarm went off so she let him sleep content to just absorb his presence and all the changes in her life. The one thing she was absolutely certain of was Max. She smoothed a fingertip over the mark she had left on Max’s neck it was already fading a little.
Max woke up to Liz sneezing rolling over he smiled at the sight of Liz in her flannel pajamas. “Got a cold?”
Liz turned her head and smiled. “No. One sneeze doesn’t make a cold.”
“Hmmm,” Max replied and urged her over him.
Liz straddled him sitting on his thighs her fingers playing with the bottom edge of his shirt.
Running his hands up and down her flannel covered legs he tried to remember where they were. “What’s on your plate for today?”
“Umm my dad won’t let me go to school. He’s going down there today to talk to the principle. I’m supposed to give my formal statement to Valenti and I have to work tonight,” Liz replied her eyes on his abdomen. She pushed his shirt up farther careful not to touch his bare skin.
Max watched her hair come untucked and fall forward in a silken wave. He smiled when Liz absently tucked it back into place. “What do you think your dad’s going to say?”
Liz nibbled her bottom lip nervously. “I don’t really know. Max….he’s really upset. Like pissed. He was talking about how the school is behind the times and they clearly didn’t have a system in place to prevent things like this. That kind of thing….and he said he would get my books or new books if they didn’t find the ones that I lost. I feel bad about this. What if Mrs. Hernandez gets in trouble?” Liz asked her eyes rising to meet his.
“Liz….she wasn’t supposed to allow you to leave like she did. Nesado didn’t give her a pass and you know parents don’t come to the classrooms,” Max pointed out then sighed. “I don’t think she’ll get in trouble. Maybe this will actually help. They need to start thinking of safety and updating the schools policy anyway. We’ll make sure she doesn’t get fired or anything. I’m sure the Sheriff is already working on that.”
Liz nodded slowly. “Okay. I just don’t want this to cause problems for something that really no one could have prevented. Nesado would have done whatever he had to,” Liz said and reached up to gather her hair in her hand to pull it out of the way.
Max’s brow furrowed as he saw her neck. “Liz! What did you do to your neck?”
“Umm nothing. It’s nothing,” Liz said dropping her hair. When Max reached up to touch it she leaned back. “Don’t heal it. Everyone’s already seen it. It doesn’t hurt.”
Max grasp her arms to keep her in place. “You didn’t say anything about doing this stuff to yourself. Why did you do this?”
“I did it to make the story more probable. My parents aren’t stupid. They would have doubted things a whole lot more if I didn’t have something to back up what I was saying. If I was totally unharmed they would have wondered and asked a ton of questions. This was what I had to do that’s all and I didn’t tell you because you freak out about stuff like this. I’m not maimed or in pain. It’s really not a big deal. This is really my problem….this Nesado thing so I’m just doing my part to help with what’s really my problem in the first place,” Liz explained shifting to sit further up so she didn’t put his legs to sleep.
“It’s not just your problem. It’s OUR problem,” Max said softly his hands coming to rest on her thighs. “Liz, this thing isn’t anymore your fault then not being completely human is mine. We’re together in this thing so we share our problems too. I don’t like you hurting yourself not even if you think it’s not a big deal. It’s a big deal to me. You’ve been through enough and there’s no reason good enough to cause yourself more pain on top of everything else.”
Liz sighed in frustration. Max tended to not be very reasonable when it came to her. “Then I think we’re going to have a problem. When we….decide to take the next step in our relationship and have sex…it’s going to hurt. So what are you going to do then?”
Max frowned his thumbs rubbing small circles on her thighs. “You’re shifting the conversation here. One thing doesn’t have anything to do with the other.”
“The point I’m making is that sometimes you can’t avoid pain. Sometimes it’s necessary or unavoidable,” Liz said softly her fingers tracing patterns on his stomach. “I’m not a wimp and I don’t want to be wrapped up in cotton and put on a shelf. I won’t break.”
“I never said you were a wimp and this WAS avoidable,” Max said not budging from his position. “When we do decide to move forward I’m going to make that pain avoidable too. It’s not a matter of you being a wimp it’s a matter of me not wanting you to hurt when I can fix it. What good is having powers if I don’t use them to make things better? You would do the same for me if that were your gift. So stop arguing with me because you’re not going to change my mind,” Max said a stubborn set to his jaw.
Liz rolled her eyes smiling slightly at his refusal to be persuaded. “I’m not arguing. I’m stating my reasons behind what I did that’s all. Now….are you going to school? Oh and what happened last night?”
“No, I’m not going to school. We decided last night to sort some things out today. The Sheriff agreed. We’re meeting at Michael’s instead. We didn’t really get a lot done last night. Everyone was arguing and not focused on solving our problems,” Max said sighing as he remembered last night.
Liz squirmed slightly shifting her position and leaning down to brush a kiss over his forehead in sympathy. “You didn’t leave Zan in handcuffs did you?”
“No, I took them off right after you left,” Max said loosing interest in the conversation. He didn’t want to ruin this time with rehashing the petty arguments of the night before. He ran his hands under her pajama top rubbing her back and urging her down onto his chest.
Liz allowed him to guide her down sliding her legs down along his. She smiled into his eyes as his hands pushed up her top. “Tired of talking?” Liz asked quietly rubbing the side of her face against the stubble on his cheek.
“Maybe a little,” Max answered smiling as his fingers traced her spine marveling at her delicate structure.
“Hmm,” Liz hummed her response. She nuzzled her way to his neck lips grazing her previous mark.
Max groaned softly wanting her to settle there. His hands moved to grip her hips pulling her closer.
“You must heal fast,” Liz observed in a whisper. “It’s so light now.”
Max didn’t have to guess what she was talking about. He could feel her finger tracing her mark. “You didn’t do it hard enough maybe,” Max said his tone hopeful.
Liz smiled and moved to look at him. “You like that?”
“Yeah, I do,” Max admitted softly. His eyes sparkled as he went a step further. “I like doing it to you too.”
Liz bit her lip to quell her smile. “Yeah, I knew that,” Liz replied her smile in her voice. “I guess I can understand that. I sort of….like seeing this on you. I never minded yours either,” Liz admitted then her lip slipped out from between her teeth as her smile broke free. “I had fun getting them.”
Max’s eyes darkened as he watched her. He felt suddenly short of breath and he forgot the reasons why this wasn’t the best idea. “Well let’s have a little bit of fun.”
“Hmm okay but….one of these times Max…it’s going to be more then that,” Liz said warning him of the possibility of getting carried away. His control would only stretch so far and she had already stated her choice.
“I know,” Max agreed rolling her under him.
“Kay,” Liz said and pulled him closer wrapping her legs around him to hold him to her.
Max desperately wanted her top gone. He had never actually seen her and he wanted to. More then anything. He fingered the pearl looking buttons his fingers itching to undo them. He raised uncertain eyes to hers trying to see her reaction.
Liz just watched him playing with the silky hair brushing his neck. She wasn’t going to make his choices for him. Everything he did was going to be because he wanted to.
Seeing nothing in her eyes to stop him he undid the first button. Then the next one his eyes dropping to her parting top. As more and more of her skin came into view he was utterly absorbed. Finally he pushed the sides away from her and caught his breath. He leaned forward and kissed her right between her breasts. “Liz….you never told me.”
“Told you what?” Liz asked softly.
“That you were so pretty,” Max breathed not able to think of a better word. She was perfect and he was a bumbling idiot.
Liz smiled amused. “Well I don’t really….think like a guy so….I doubt I would see things like you do.”
Max trailed his fingers over her skin fascinated by how soft and warm she was. She was everything feminine everything he could never have imagined.
“Max please,” Liz whispered tightening her legs around him.
Max bent his head and nuzzled her softly afraid to hurt her. She was so delicate and soft. He took a deep breath pulling in her scent. He would know her anywhere even if he were blind. No one else felt like she did. No one else could affect him so much just by being there. Her scent alone pulled a very physical reaction from him.
Liz squirmed frustrated with his barely there brushes. She slithered down under him her hair trailing up the bed. Pulling him down she brushed his skin with her mouth teasing him with her tongue offering but not following up the caress.
“Liz. Please Liz just…,” Max asked.
“I’m just doing what you do,” Liz said against his skin. She licked his fading mark tempting him.
Max put his hand to the back of her head pressing her lips firmly against his neck. “First you,” Max bargained.
Liz smiled against his throat then settled her mouth firmly against his skin.
Max groaned deep in his chest at the pull of her mouth. He pushed his hips down hard into hers holding her there. Stars burst behind his closed eyes.
Liz gasp and pulled back resting her head on the bed panting lightly. When Max’s eyes met hers the possessive heat she saw in his was startling. She felt an immediate increase in the heat inside her.
He moved down the bed coming to rest in almost the same position he was in before.
At the first touch of his mouth on her breast Liz gasp and drew her legs up to grip his sides. His mouth was so hot it stole her breath.
When her fingers wove into his hair Max sucked harder his tongue circling her nipple slowly. He groaned when her back arched and her fingers tightened.
“Liz? Honey, you better get up,” Nancy called down the hall. “Your father’s chomping at the bit. He wants to have breakfast with you.”
Liz’s eyes popped open and she wiggled around to check her door. Had she locked it? Oh shit. “I’m up! I’ll be out in a few minutes,” Liz called to prevent her mother from checking on her.
Max took several deep breaths not moving for fear of maiming himself.
“Max, you have to let me up. I didn’t lock the door,” Liz said pushing on his shoulders.
Max rolled so he was on his back and watched Liz scrambled off of him. He smiled as she raced to her door the sides of her top flapping behind her. The click of the lock was loud in the stillness of the morning. He watched her lean back against the door unmindful of her state of undress. She was beautiful. “You okay?”
Liz looked up and smiled. “Yeah. I’m good. I just want you uninjured.”
Max smiled in reaction to her saucy smile. “Yeah. That would be a plus.”
Liz watched Max get up and walk over to her thinking he was the sexiest thing she had ever seen. Even with his hair sticking straight up.
Max pulled her into a hug resting his head against hers. “I never said good morning.”
“Yes, you did. I heard you,” Liz said smiling and slipping her arms around his waist. “It was a little muffled but..”
Max smiled and gave her a squeeze. “Meet you in about an hour?”
“Make it two,” Liz said then stopped. “Wait. How are you getting out of school?”
“Oh umm the Sheriff called my parents and explained about what happened. He said he hoped it was okay if I missed school to bring you to the station. You’re calmer with me there and maybe I could add things that you hadn’t noticed,” Max explained with a smile.
“Good thinking,” Liz agreed.
“Yeah, so I’ll see you in about two hours,” Max said and paused hating to let go of her so he brushed a kiss over her forehead to stall. Finally he released her and went to get his shoes and coat.
Liz watched him soaking in his little rituals. The way he checked and rechecked the knots on his shoes. The absentminded way he ran his hand through his hair while he looked around for anything he had forgotten.
Max looked up and saw the small curve to her lips. “What?”
Liz shook her head. “Nothing. You’re cute in the morning.”
Max felt his ears heat embarrassed for some unknown reason. “Not as cute as you are. Especially right this second.”
Liz looked down at her still open top then quirked her eyebrow at him. “Like flannel do ya?”
“Definitely,” Max said and with a grin plastered across his face he slipped out the window.
Chapter Twenty Three
After spending a leisurely breakfast with her parents where she tried her hardest to lay to rest their lingering fears Liz raced back upstairs to get ready. She wanted to look extra good today after her mud-splattered appearance of yesterday. She chose a turtle neck sweater that hovered between gray and blue a light dreamy hue with slim fitting black boot cut pants and her high black leather boots. The added height couldn’t hurt Liz reasoned. She was tired of Michael towering over her like an angry cloud. She’d take every inch she could gain on him.
After brushing her hair out into a loose straight fall of shiny silk she grabbed her leather coat and hit the stairs.
Nancy stood behind the counter reminding Jeff to keep a hold on his temper while talking to the people at the school when Liz came down. She watched her face light up and followed her gaze to Max who had just walked in. Her speech trailed off as she watched a happy grin spread over Max’s face as Liz approached.
“Right on time,” Liz said beaming as she reached him.
“You look amazing,” Max said smiling into her eyes. He eyes dropped to her neck and his expression turned serious as he moved aside her sweater. “It looks red.”
“It’s fine. Stop being such a worrier,” Liz said sternly but the effect was spoiled by a sudden sneeze.
“That’s two. Does two make a cold?” Max asked smiling.
Liz shot him a look and poked him in the stomach. “Watch it mister. I bite,” Liz warned eyes dancing.
“I know,” Max said pulling her to his side and wrapping his arm around her. “I’m counting on it.”
“You are such a liar,” Liz accused smiling.
“No more then you are,” Max said his grin growing in response.
“Hey Max! Can I talk to you a minute?” Jeff called walking out from behind the counter.
“Go talk to my Dad. You can tell him all about how you got that hickey,” Liz said a mischievous smile curving her lips and lighting her eyes.
“Very funny,” Max muttered rubbing at his neck casually healing himself.
Liz just smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek.
Max followed her father into the backroom glancing nervously back at Liz before the door swung shut. He wasn’t reassured by her finger wave.
“Listen Max….my Lizzie seems to like you and spends a lot of time with you right?” Jeff asked eyeing the boy in front of him.
“Ahhhh yes,” Max said and cleared his throat.
“Keep your eyes open okay?” Jeff asked his eyes steady on the younger man. Seeing his puzzled look he explained. “I know I can’t keep her locked away all the time. She’s a stubborn girl,” Jeff said with a shrug. “Another pair of eyes watching out for her isn’t ever a bad thing.”
“Right,” Max nodded. “I always look out for her.”
Jeff stayed quiet for a moment studying his daughter’s boyfriend. “I hope I’m not making a mistake here but I like you, Max. You seem like a good kid and Liz has always been a pretty good judge of character.”
“Thank you Mr. Parker,” Max said feeling relieved.
“No need to thank me. My opinion can always change,” Jeff warned then clapped Max on the shoulder. “Now you better not keep her waiting. She doesn’t like to be late.”
“Right,” Max said and watched Mr. Parker walk away like a mouse watches a snake.
“Oh Max! Honestly,” Liz said amused. “I think you’re overly sensitive.”
“I’m not. He knows. He stared right at me,” Max said pulling into an open parking place. “It was in his eyes.”
“He was talking to you. Of course he was looking at you. Trust me if he had checked on me last night and saw you in bed with me….fully clothed or not he wouldn’t have just left you there,” Liz pointed out logically. “You just have a guilty conscience.”
Max shot her a look. “You don’t?”
“No. It’s his job as a parent to put the fear of God into you. He did the same thing with Kyle. It’s my job to sneak my boyfriend in the window,” Liz teased amused that he would be so worried about something so small with all the other things that he could be worrying about.
Max sighed and sat back in his seat.
“This is normal, Max. This is how it works,” Liz said turning in her seat to face Max. “Father’s try to protect their daughters and scare away predatory boys. Boyfriends sneak in windows and steal bases in the backseat of cars. I’m just going with the rules already laid out. You should be happy to have such a normal relationship.”
Max smiled and shook his head. “You are something.”
“Well, when you figure out what…let me know,” Liz said with a grin and opened her door. “Ready?”
“I think so,” Max agreed.
Maria looked up as Max and Liz walked in. “Thank god you guys are here,” Maria declared jumping up from the couch. “I’m sick of listening to the thing locked in the bathroom shriek and I have to pee. Michael said he wouldn’t let her out until you got here.”
Liz smiled and shot Alex an amused look.
“Let her out. I want to deal with her first,” Max said to Michael.
Michael nodded and left, Maria trailing after him griping.
“So where is Zan?” Max asked looking around the room. When he saw everyone looking uncomfortable he wondered what had happened.
Ava looked up her chin tilted up in denial of any hurt feelings. “He split.”
“You decided to stay?” Max asked watching her.
“Yes. If that’s okay,” Ava said softly looking at her fingernails.
“Of course it is,” Liz said glancing at Max. “Kyle? It’s okay with you isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it’s cool,” Kyle agreed as Michael dragged in Tess shoving her toward the open chair by the window.
Max turned his attention to Tess who stared back steadily. Gradually the others fell silent and Maria joined them taking her seat by Michael. Isabel hadn’t said a word waiting to see how Max wanted to handle things. Liz sat on the arm of the couch next to Alex.
“So Tess. What do you think should happen to you?” Max asked still watching Tess.
“Why are you even asking me. I’m sure you already know what you’re going to do,” Tess sneered staring at him with resentment. “I’m sure you and Liz talked it all out last night.”
“Believe it or not we have better things to do then talk about you,” Max said crossing his arms over his chest.
Tess tossed her hair off of her face at that remark her stare morphing into a glare.
“I’m not interested in asking you any questions. I can’t trust what you say. I can’t trust you. You’ve shown that you have your own agenda that doesn’t mesh with ours. So I guess what I’m really asking is, why we shouldn’t take steps to eliminate the threat you pose,” Max said his head tilting slightly as he waited for her answer.
“What threat? You seem to have it all worked out. Ava taking my place for the alien side of things and Liz for the rest. What possible threat do I pose?” Tess asked bitterly.
“No one is taking your place. You never had a place to take,” Max said firmly. “You never fit in here and that was your choice not to fit in. You tried to remake us and you’re pissed it didn’t work out. Tough shit. I told you all along how it was. The threat you pose is this. You’ve lied, deceived, misused your powers, kidnapped people, plotted against us all to achieve whatever it is that you’re after. Why would you just give up now? How do I know that you won’t continue to hurt people? The answer, as I see it, is that I don’t. I can’t have you coming back here and killing someone or causing problems. I’m tired of dealing with you and the problems you cause. Enoughs enough Tess.”
“What do you want me to say? You won’t believe me no matter what I say,” Tess pointed out softly. “So just kill me if that’s what you’re going to do.”
“No, that’s not my idea. You might wish that it was,” Max said stepping closer. He walked around her chair and stopped behind her looking at the room’s occupants. “I want to try something but I don’t know if it’ll work. It might even kill her or damage….her. Pierce told me where our powers come from so I don't see why I can't change that part of her brain enough to prevent her from ever being able to use her powers. It’s a risk but…one worth taking I think. We decide most things as a group and talk things out so…what do you guys think?”
“Why don’t we just kill her?” Michael asked scowling as he glared at Tess.
“I’m not comfortable with cold blooded murder,” Max said softly.
“What about Copper Summit? That was like pretty close to this,” Maria pointed out.
“No, it wasn’t,” Liz said shaking her head. “Those people….aliens..they attacked us. They had no intention of allowing us to leave. Tess poses a future threat but no direct threat at this time.”
“I support whatever you want to do Max,” Isabel said softly. “If you want to try this it’s fine with me.”
“I say we try Max’s way. There isn’t much of a choice here otherwise,” Alex said thoughtfully.
“There is a sizable risk,” Ava said softly looking at Max. “If the Skins find her or she finds them they can undo it….heal her. If they think it’s worth it. That little freak Nicolas is still walking around. I’ve seen him.”
Max let that sink in for a moment looking to Liz. Trying to weigh the true risk. He looked around the room at the indecision on most of their faces before walking back around to view Tess. “I want to leave you with something Tess. I want to believe that if we give you this chance you’ll use it wisely but….that would be betting with more then I can afford to loose. You haven't given me any reason to think you can change. You’ve never once thought about other options, other paths your life could take. Even now you have no remorse for what you’ve done.”
“What I’ve done?” Tess asked her face flushing. “What I’ve done is what I’ve always done….make the choices you couldn’t. You are the one that refuses to consider other options besides this human life you cling to so desperately. Nesado was wrong to leave you all here for so long. It’s made you weak and given you false ideas about what’s expected of you. Do you really think that they went to this much trouble to send us here….TWO sets of us so we could live some small stupid human life? I don’t think so. You were a KING Max. Not a human boy. Get over yourselves. Honestly. It’s disgusting. I’ve watched you all pretend to be human and deny your past since I got here. Dating your human playthings going to football games and holding down jobs….it’s ridiculous. You aren’t even half of what you could be. Everything I did was to make the tough choices you all refused to make. The choices our people need for us to make,” Tess said bitterness dripping from her voice.
“Well that settles it for me,” Maria said breaking the stunned silence after Tess had finished speaking. “Fucking kill the stupid bitch. Even making her a vegetable isn’t good enough now.”
Max sighed as everyone started talking at once.
Liz got up and walked over to Max slipping her hand in his. “What do you think?” She asked leaning into his side.
“I really don’t see a choice here. She isn’t going to change. She can’t even control herself when she knows her life depends on it,” Max said naturally pulling Liz closer to his side needing more contact. “What do you think?”
“I don’t know. She’s certainly fanatical,” Liz observed. “There are options here. Even if she leaves and somehow gets Nicholas to heal her you have a solid Four Square with Ava. She seems to know a lot and wants to stay so…that’s one option. Or…the future you never said she came back or worked against him so maybe she won’t. There’s no way to know what she’ll do. We can only control what we do.”
“You didn’t say the safest option,” Max said glancing down at her.
“Max…we would be killing her for things she MIGHT do. I just…I’m not sure I can do that,” Liz said softly.
“You really don’t expect me to be afraid do you?” Tess asked drawing their attention. “Listen to you. Talking and asking the others to validate your choice. Weak. You’re weak. That’s the whole point I’ve been trying to make. You never take decisive action.”
“It’s not a weakness to reason things out, Tess,” Liz said eyeing the bound girl. “Listening to different points of view is what makes someone a great leader. Kings have advisors and so do Presidents. There’s a reason for that.”
“If you people are his advisors he’s in a hell of a lot of trouble,” Tess said smirking. “Look at them. Good lord.”
Max turned to see the rest of them arguing amongst themselves talking over each other and not really listening to anyone.
“You might want to change your story Tess. None of what you did was for the good of anyone but yourself,” Liz said getting irritated with Tess’s comments and attitude. “You don’t care about the people on this planet or any other. You care about you. How can you expect anyone to cut you a break when you’re still lying.”
“What about you, Liz? You lie almost as much as I do,” Tess said eyeing her with blatant dislike. “All of that crap you tried to feed me. Like you were ever going to actually HELP me. So….who is this latest change in your viewpoint for? Taking Max back seems to be for your benefit to me. Or are you telling yourself it’s for his?”
“Stop!” Max cut in. “This is the way it is. Don’t think I’m going to let you screw this up. This is the way it’s supposed to be.”
Liz chewed on her cheek a momentary flair of doubt rising to the surface. She had been so focused on Max and Tess that she missed Kyle’s approach.
“Tess, there is no helping you. Buddha couldn’t pull off that miracle. Was the egg you hatched from cracked? Cause I KNOW you are. It’s not in anyone’s best interests for anyone to date you or mate with you. Leave Liz alone,” Kyle said his eyes focused intently on Tess. “Don’t even try to pull your tired shit. We’ve heard it way too many times and in case you didn’t get the memo….We don’t fucking care. We don’t care about you or anything you babble like a lunatic about.”
Liz turned to Kyle shocked by his open hostility. Kyle was so not normally mean.
“Kyle. I think your inadequacies are showing,” Tess sneered.
Liz’s eyes narrowed and without thinking she kicked Tess’s chair over sending her to the floor. Crouching down next to her she spoke loud enough for only Tess to hear her. “I realize you have mental problems but you need to shut up now. You are on thin ice here, Tess. No one in this room likes you or is on your side so taunting people isn’t the best idea you ever had. Michael isn’t known for impulse control.”
“Please. The truth hurts sometimes,” Tess said smirking.
“He’s not inadequate. Maybe it’s you. Did you ever think about that? I’ve been with both Max and Kyle and neither one ever had any problems with…. inadequacies when they were with me,” Liz said matter of fact. “Maybe whatever genetic material they used to create you was just what was leftover. Clearly you’re missing something.”
“Screw you!” Tess spat out struggling to release herself with her almost nonexistent powers.
Liz smiled as she stood and watched. “You just don’t learn. You need to learn how to start helping yourself. We don’t owe you anything. You used up all of your free passes.”
Max guided Liz away from Tess uneasy with Tess’s increasing struggles. Turning to the rest of the room he decided they had had enough time to argue themselves out. “ENOUGH!” When silence fell and all eyes were watching he spoke. “Okay. Let’s go around the room and see what everyone thinks. Michael?”
“I say we get rid of her. It’s not wise to give an enemy a second chance to kill you,” Michael said with no hesitation.
“I agree,” Maria said strongly and looked to Isabel.
Isabel paused studying Tess and wavering back and forth. “I think we should try to take her powers.”
“I agree with that. Killing should be the last thing we do not the first,” Alex said nodding in agreement with Isabel.
“Ava?” Max asked giving her a stake in this. Trying to show her she was a part of this thing.
“I’ll go with whatever. I don’t know all that she’s done so I really can’t say,” Ava said abstaining from voting.
“Kyle?” Max asked softly.
“I agree with Michael,” Kyle said still eyeing Tess.
Max turned to Liz and raised his eyebrow in question.
“I think….we should see if we can remove her powers. If that doesn’t work out…,” Liz trailed off with a shrug. “You can always kill someone. I’d like to try other options first.”
Tess stifled a smirk realizing that in the end it was up to Max anyway.
Max thought about it for a few minutes but he kept coming back to what Liz had said…that they would be killing her for what she might do not for what she had actually done. “Alright. I guess we’re going with my idea first and we’ll see how this works out,” Turning to Tess he kept his expression serious. “I want to say this before we start just in case you…aren’t capable of understanding this after. Since I’ve never tried anything even close to this before there’s every possibility that something will go wrong,” Max watched Tess’s face pale, the color slowly draining from her. “I’m taking this avenue once. Next time you do anything that makes me think that you’re a danger to any one of us you’re dead. I want to be clear about that. There are limits to my mercy….or weakness, as you like to say. This life is your second chance and so far you’ve seemed intent on pissing it away. You won’t get another.”
Tess watched with wide eyes as Max left Liz’s side with a determined expression on his face.
After spending a leisurely breakfast with her parents where she tried her hardest to lay to rest their lingering fears Liz raced back upstairs to get ready. She wanted to look extra good today after her mud-splattered appearance of yesterday. She chose a turtle neck sweater that hovered between gray and blue a light dreamy hue with slim fitting black boot cut pants and her high black leather boots. The added height couldn’t hurt Liz reasoned. She was tired of Michael towering over her like an angry cloud. She’d take every inch she could gain on him.
After brushing her hair out into a loose straight fall of shiny silk she grabbed her leather coat and hit the stairs.
Nancy stood behind the counter reminding Jeff to keep a hold on his temper while talking to the people at the school when Liz came down. She watched her face light up and followed her gaze to Max who had just walked in. Her speech trailed off as she watched a happy grin spread over Max’s face as Liz approached.
“Right on time,” Liz said beaming as she reached him.
“You look amazing,” Max said smiling into her eyes. He eyes dropped to her neck and his expression turned serious as he moved aside her sweater. “It looks red.”
“It’s fine. Stop being such a worrier,” Liz said sternly but the effect was spoiled by a sudden sneeze.
“That’s two. Does two make a cold?” Max asked smiling.
Liz shot him a look and poked him in the stomach. “Watch it mister. I bite,” Liz warned eyes dancing.
“I know,” Max said pulling her to his side and wrapping his arm around her. “I’m counting on it.”
“You are such a liar,” Liz accused smiling.
“No more then you are,” Max said his grin growing in response.
“Hey Max! Can I talk to you a minute?” Jeff called walking out from behind the counter.
“Go talk to my Dad. You can tell him all about how you got that hickey,” Liz said a mischievous smile curving her lips and lighting her eyes.
“Very funny,” Max muttered rubbing at his neck casually healing himself.
Liz just smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek.
Max followed her father into the backroom glancing nervously back at Liz before the door swung shut. He wasn’t reassured by her finger wave.
“Listen Max….my Lizzie seems to like you and spends a lot of time with you right?” Jeff asked eyeing the boy in front of him.
“Ahhhh yes,” Max said and cleared his throat.
“Keep your eyes open okay?” Jeff asked his eyes steady on the younger man. Seeing his puzzled look he explained. “I know I can’t keep her locked away all the time. She’s a stubborn girl,” Jeff said with a shrug. “Another pair of eyes watching out for her isn’t ever a bad thing.”
“Right,” Max nodded. “I always look out for her.”
Jeff stayed quiet for a moment studying his daughter’s boyfriend. “I hope I’m not making a mistake here but I like you, Max. You seem like a good kid and Liz has always been a pretty good judge of character.”
“Thank you Mr. Parker,” Max said feeling relieved.
“No need to thank me. My opinion can always change,” Jeff warned then clapped Max on the shoulder. “Now you better not keep her waiting. She doesn’t like to be late.”
“Right,” Max said and watched Mr. Parker walk away like a mouse watches a snake.
“Oh Max! Honestly,” Liz said amused. “I think you’re overly sensitive.”
“I’m not. He knows. He stared right at me,” Max said pulling into an open parking place. “It was in his eyes.”
“He was talking to you. Of course he was looking at you. Trust me if he had checked on me last night and saw you in bed with me….fully clothed or not he wouldn’t have just left you there,” Liz pointed out logically. “You just have a guilty conscience.”
Max shot her a look. “You don’t?”
“No. It’s his job as a parent to put the fear of God into you. He did the same thing with Kyle. It’s my job to sneak my boyfriend in the window,” Liz teased amused that he would be so worried about something so small with all the other things that he could be worrying about.
Max sighed and sat back in his seat.
“This is normal, Max. This is how it works,” Liz said turning in her seat to face Max. “Father’s try to protect their daughters and scare away predatory boys. Boyfriends sneak in windows and steal bases in the backseat of cars. I’m just going with the rules already laid out. You should be happy to have such a normal relationship.”
Max smiled and shook his head. “You are something.”
“Well, when you figure out what…let me know,” Liz said with a grin and opened her door. “Ready?”
“I think so,” Max agreed.
Maria looked up as Max and Liz walked in. “Thank god you guys are here,” Maria declared jumping up from the couch. “I’m sick of listening to the thing locked in the bathroom shriek and I have to pee. Michael said he wouldn’t let her out until you got here.”
Liz smiled and shot Alex an amused look.
“Let her out. I want to deal with her first,” Max said to Michael.
Michael nodded and left, Maria trailing after him griping.
“So where is Zan?” Max asked looking around the room. When he saw everyone looking uncomfortable he wondered what had happened.
Ava looked up her chin tilted up in denial of any hurt feelings. “He split.”
“You decided to stay?” Max asked watching her.
“Yes. If that’s okay,” Ava said softly looking at her fingernails.
“Of course it is,” Liz said glancing at Max. “Kyle? It’s okay with you isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it’s cool,” Kyle agreed as Michael dragged in Tess shoving her toward the open chair by the window.
Max turned his attention to Tess who stared back steadily. Gradually the others fell silent and Maria joined them taking her seat by Michael. Isabel hadn’t said a word waiting to see how Max wanted to handle things. Liz sat on the arm of the couch next to Alex.
“So Tess. What do you think should happen to you?” Max asked still watching Tess.
“Why are you even asking me. I’m sure you already know what you’re going to do,” Tess sneered staring at him with resentment. “I’m sure you and Liz talked it all out last night.”
“Believe it or not we have better things to do then talk about you,” Max said crossing his arms over his chest.
Tess tossed her hair off of her face at that remark her stare morphing into a glare.
“I’m not interested in asking you any questions. I can’t trust what you say. I can’t trust you. You’ve shown that you have your own agenda that doesn’t mesh with ours. So I guess what I’m really asking is, why we shouldn’t take steps to eliminate the threat you pose,” Max said his head tilting slightly as he waited for her answer.
“What threat? You seem to have it all worked out. Ava taking my place for the alien side of things and Liz for the rest. What possible threat do I pose?” Tess asked bitterly.
“No one is taking your place. You never had a place to take,” Max said firmly. “You never fit in here and that was your choice not to fit in. You tried to remake us and you’re pissed it didn’t work out. Tough shit. I told you all along how it was. The threat you pose is this. You’ve lied, deceived, misused your powers, kidnapped people, plotted against us all to achieve whatever it is that you’re after. Why would you just give up now? How do I know that you won’t continue to hurt people? The answer, as I see it, is that I don’t. I can’t have you coming back here and killing someone or causing problems. I’m tired of dealing with you and the problems you cause. Enoughs enough Tess.”
“What do you want me to say? You won’t believe me no matter what I say,” Tess pointed out softly. “So just kill me if that’s what you’re going to do.”
“No, that’s not my idea. You might wish that it was,” Max said stepping closer. He walked around her chair and stopped behind her looking at the room’s occupants. “I want to try something but I don’t know if it’ll work. It might even kill her or damage….her. Pierce told me where our powers come from so I don't see why I can't change that part of her brain enough to prevent her from ever being able to use her powers. It’s a risk but…one worth taking I think. We decide most things as a group and talk things out so…what do you guys think?”
“Why don’t we just kill her?” Michael asked scowling as he glared at Tess.
“I’m not comfortable with cold blooded murder,” Max said softly.
“What about Copper Summit? That was like pretty close to this,” Maria pointed out.
“No, it wasn’t,” Liz said shaking her head. “Those people….aliens..they attacked us. They had no intention of allowing us to leave. Tess poses a future threat but no direct threat at this time.”
“I support whatever you want to do Max,” Isabel said softly. “If you want to try this it’s fine with me.”
“I say we try Max’s way. There isn’t much of a choice here otherwise,” Alex said thoughtfully.
“There is a sizable risk,” Ava said softly looking at Max. “If the Skins find her or she finds them they can undo it….heal her. If they think it’s worth it. That little freak Nicolas is still walking around. I’ve seen him.”
Max let that sink in for a moment looking to Liz. Trying to weigh the true risk. He looked around the room at the indecision on most of their faces before walking back around to view Tess. “I want to leave you with something Tess. I want to believe that if we give you this chance you’ll use it wisely but….that would be betting with more then I can afford to loose. You haven't given me any reason to think you can change. You’ve never once thought about other options, other paths your life could take. Even now you have no remorse for what you’ve done.”
“What I’ve done?” Tess asked her face flushing. “What I’ve done is what I’ve always done….make the choices you couldn’t. You are the one that refuses to consider other options besides this human life you cling to so desperately. Nesado was wrong to leave you all here for so long. It’s made you weak and given you false ideas about what’s expected of you. Do you really think that they went to this much trouble to send us here….TWO sets of us so we could live some small stupid human life? I don’t think so. You were a KING Max. Not a human boy. Get over yourselves. Honestly. It’s disgusting. I’ve watched you all pretend to be human and deny your past since I got here. Dating your human playthings going to football games and holding down jobs….it’s ridiculous. You aren’t even half of what you could be. Everything I did was to make the tough choices you all refused to make. The choices our people need for us to make,” Tess said bitterness dripping from her voice.
“Well that settles it for me,” Maria said breaking the stunned silence after Tess had finished speaking. “Fucking kill the stupid bitch. Even making her a vegetable isn’t good enough now.”
Max sighed as everyone started talking at once.
Liz got up and walked over to Max slipping her hand in his. “What do you think?” She asked leaning into his side.
“I really don’t see a choice here. She isn’t going to change. She can’t even control herself when she knows her life depends on it,” Max said naturally pulling Liz closer to his side needing more contact. “What do you think?”
“I don’t know. She’s certainly fanatical,” Liz observed. “There are options here. Even if she leaves and somehow gets Nicholas to heal her you have a solid Four Square with Ava. She seems to know a lot and wants to stay so…that’s one option. Or…the future you never said she came back or worked against him so maybe she won’t. There’s no way to know what she’ll do. We can only control what we do.”
“You didn’t say the safest option,” Max said glancing down at her.
“Max…we would be killing her for things she MIGHT do. I just…I’m not sure I can do that,” Liz said softly.
“You really don’t expect me to be afraid do you?” Tess asked drawing their attention. “Listen to you. Talking and asking the others to validate your choice. Weak. You’re weak. That’s the whole point I’ve been trying to make. You never take decisive action.”
“It’s not a weakness to reason things out, Tess,” Liz said eyeing the bound girl. “Listening to different points of view is what makes someone a great leader. Kings have advisors and so do Presidents. There’s a reason for that.”
“If you people are his advisors he’s in a hell of a lot of trouble,” Tess said smirking. “Look at them. Good lord.”
Max turned to see the rest of them arguing amongst themselves talking over each other and not really listening to anyone.
“You might want to change your story Tess. None of what you did was for the good of anyone but yourself,” Liz said getting irritated with Tess’s comments and attitude. “You don’t care about the people on this planet or any other. You care about you. How can you expect anyone to cut you a break when you’re still lying.”
“What about you, Liz? You lie almost as much as I do,” Tess said eyeing her with blatant dislike. “All of that crap you tried to feed me. Like you were ever going to actually HELP me. So….who is this latest change in your viewpoint for? Taking Max back seems to be for your benefit to me. Or are you telling yourself it’s for his?”
“Stop!” Max cut in. “This is the way it is. Don’t think I’m going to let you screw this up. This is the way it’s supposed to be.”
Liz chewed on her cheek a momentary flair of doubt rising to the surface. She had been so focused on Max and Tess that she missed Kyle’s approach.
“Tess, there is no helping you. Buddha couldn’t pull off that miracle. Was the egg you hatched from cracked? Cause I KNOW you are. It’s not in anyone’s best interests for anyone to date you or mate with you. Leave Liz alone,” Kyle said his eyes focused intently on Tess. “Don’t even try to pull your tired shit. We’ve heard it way too many times and in case you didn’t get the memo….We don’t fucking care. We don’t care about you or anything you babble like a lunatic about.”
Liz turned to Kyle shocked by his open hostility. Kyle was so not normally mean.
“Kyle. I think your inadequacies are showing,” Tess sneered.
Liz’s eyes narrowed and without thinking she kicked Tess’s chair over sending her to the floor. Crouching down next to her she spoke loud enough for only Tess to hear her. “I realize you have mental problems but you need to shut up now. You are on thin ice here, Tess. No one in this room likes you or is on your side so taunting people isn’t the best idea you ever had. Michael isn’t known for impulse control.”
“Please. The truth hurts sometimes,” Tess said smirking.
“He’s not inadequate. Maybe it’s you. Did you ever think about that? I’ve been with both Max and Kyle and neither one ever had any problems with…. inadequacies when they were with me,” Liz said matter of fact. “Maybe whatever genetic material they used to create you was just what was leftover. Clearly you’re missing something.”
“Screw you!” Tess spat out struggling to release herself with her almost nonexistent powers.
Liz smiled as she stood and watched. “You just don’t learn. You need to learn how to start helping yourself. We don’t owe you anything. You used up all of your free passes.”
Max guided Liz away from Tess uneasy with Tess’s increasing struggles. Turning to the rest of the room he decided they had had enough time to argue themselves out. “ENOUGH!” When silence fell and all eyes were watching he spoke. “Okay. Let’s go around the room and see what everyone thinks. Michael?”
“I say we get rid of her. It’s not wise to give an enemy a second chance to kill you,” Michael said with no hesitation.
“I agree,” Maria said strongly and looked to Isabel.
Isabel paused studying Tess and wavering back and forth. “I think we should try to take her powers.”
“I agree with that. Killing should be the last thing we do not the first,” Alex said nodding in agreement with Isabel.
“Ava?” Max asked giving her a stake in this. Trying to show her she was a part of this thing.
“I’ll go with whatever. I don’t know all that she’s done so I really can’t say,” Ava said abstaining from voting.
“Kyle?” Max asked softly.
“I agree with Michael,” Kyle said still eyeing Tess.
Max turned to Liz and raised his eyebrow in question.
“I think….we should see if we can remove her powers. If that doesn’t work out…,” Liz trailed off with a shrug. “You can always kill someone. I’d like to try other options first.”
Tess stifled a smirk realizing that in the end it was up to Max anyway.
Max thought about it for a few minutes but he kept coming back to what Liz had said…that they would be killing her for what she might do not for what she had actually done. “Alright. I guess we’re going with my idea first and we’ll see how this works out,” Turning to Tess he kept his expression serious. “I want to say this before we start just in case you…aren’t capable of understanding this after. Since I’ve never tried anything even close to this before there’s every possibility that something will go wrong,” Max watched Tess’s face pale, the color slowly draining from her. “I’m taking this avenue once. Next time you do anything that makes me think that you’re a danger to any one of us you’re dead. I want to be clear about that. There are limits to my mercy….or weakness, as you like to say. This life is your second chance and so far you’ve seemed intent on pissing it away. You won’t get another.”
Tess watched with wide eyes as Max left Liz’s side with a determined expression on his face.
Chapter Twenty Four
“Well that clearly didn’t work as planned,” Michael said looking at Tess.
“Why do you say that?” Maria asked also studying the blonde.
“She’s drooling and babbling, Maria. I don’t think that’s what Max intended to accomplish,” Kyle replied head cocked to the side.
“Okay…Okay…Ummm we studied this,” Liz said hands waving in front of her. “Alex, find me a piece of paper. Max, remember last year right before school let out we studied the brain and it’s different parts.”
“That was a year ago Liz,” Max pointed out. “Clearly I don’t remember or I wouldn’t have turned Tess into a…”
“Retard?” Michael suggested helpfully.
“Shut up, Michael! God!” Isabel said feeling a rising tide of panic inside her.
“All I have to say is I like her a whole lot better like this. Sometimes you get unexpected gifts from a little mistake,” Maria said casually.
“Is that what your Mom tells you?” Kyle asked and winced when Maria hit him.
“Shut up all of you!” Liz said loudly. “We can’t leave her like this.”
“Why not?” Maria asked and when Liz shot her a look she tried to sway her to her side. “I can make some tapes and we can put some headphones on her and brainwash her. It works so I’ve heard. Hours and hours of listening to me is bound to improve her tons.”
“Maria!” Liz yelled taking the paper from Alex. She started sketching the brain and it’s parts.
“What? You do experiments all the time. This is the first one I’ve been interested in. Don’t take away my joy,” Maria said half-serious.
“I don’t experiment on humans! This is serious Maria!” Liz said aggravated. She knew Max was upset that this had gone so wrong. She felt terrible and they weren’t taking this seriously.
“She’s not human. She would say so herself if she could talk,” Kyle said then continued. “Plus, I think we already did experiment on her,” Kyle held up his hands in surrender when Liz shot him a glare.
“Okay Max. Here’s the brain now if we look at it from this angle you see…” Liz said swinging into an explanation of where Max should be looking and telling him what parts of Tess’s brain were affected by what he had done.
Ava watched not understanding half of what Liz was saying but impressed none the less. Max looked like he wasn’t totally getting it either. Tess was screwed Ava thought silently. Looking around the room she tried to gauge the reactions of the rest of them. Michael was eating potato chips and watching TV seemingly absorbed until Maria took the remote and changed the channel. Ava smiled at Michael’s scowl and the glare he fastened on Maria.
“What? You need help opening up. Listen and you might learn something. I like Ricki,” Maria said stealing a chip and settling up against him.
Ava’s smile grew as Michael sighed but wrapped his arm around her and set the bag of chips on her lap. Kyle tried to appear indifferent but he watched what Liz and Max were doing ignoring the TV completely. Alex was standing close enough to lend assistance if Liz needed anything else and Isabel looked almost ruffled. She even had a lock of hair out of place.
“I can’t remember all of that,” Max said frustrated. He was shaken and not looking forward to trying again. This was a stupid idea and he never should have tried it. He had no idea of what he was doing.
“Max, look at me,” Liz said softly waiting until he met her eyes. “You can do this. You know this stuff you got an A just like I did.”
“That was a year ago. I don’t retain this stuff like you do,” Max replied.
“Okay…then can’t you connect with me and I’ll remember it for you,” Liz asked calmly.
Max took a deep breath and looked from Liz to Tess then back. “I’ve never tried that. I don’t know if it will work and….I don’t want to hurt you or..”
“You won’t. You can do this. We can do it,” Liz said then fighting off her own fears and anxiety she smiled. “We do lots of new things together. This is just one more.”
“Right. Okay, we can try it. It’s not like she can get any worse at this point but if I think anything is going wrong I’m stopping. She won’t be grateful for the effort and I won’t let anything happen to you,” Max said feeling steadier…more confident.
“She doesn’t have to be grateful. I am, cause I’ve got a great guy,” Liz said seriously.
“You own me now?” Max teased feeling his tight chest ease off a little.
“Well….you are wearing my mark now aren’t you,” Liz teased back her eyebrow arching in question.
“Please don’t forget we’re here. You know…..best friend and sister,” Alex pointed out drawing their attention. “I just….really don’t want to see said mark. I would really rather not have even known about it but its too late for that now,” Alex said eyes sparkling with humor.
“Sorry Alex,” Liz said her cheeks a little pinker then normal. A glance at Max had her grinning…his ears were on fire.
“No problem. It’s nice to know that things are…..good between you. I guess,” Alex replied enjoying himself.
“Well….I guess we should do this,” Max said moving things along. “Isabel, can you hold her head? She can’t keep moving it like that if I’m going to get in.”
Isabel moved around the chair behind Tess and put one hand under her chin and the other at the top of her skull tilting her head up a little and holding it still.
“Okay….Liz, I’ll make the connection with you first and hold it while I try and fix Tess,” Max explained so they would all know what he was doing.
Liz nodded and slipped her fingers into his when he held out his hand. Meeting his eyes she found she didn’t have to do anything else because he was in. She focused on the information he needed.
Max took a deep breath as the link between them opened strong and sure. Keeping her hand held tightly in his he relaxed feeling grounded and turned to Tess. He actually found it easy to maintain the link to Liz. She was like a shadow at the back of his mind and already so much apart of his thoughts.
Alex watched as Max placed his hand on the side of Tess’s head fingers sinking into her matted hair. Liz stood quietly her eyes not really focused her face serene hand in Max’s. As the minutes ticked by he started to worry and his eyes met Isabel’s equally worried eyes.
Maria tossed Michael the chips and got up coming to stand by Alex. “Why does Liz do this stuff? Tess like hates her. Max tried and it didn’t work,” Maria fretted.
“She’s Liz. You know she couldn’t leave her like this without at least trying to help. That’s not her,” Alex answered Maria’s fretting with the answer she already knew. “Besides she knows Max will feel guilty about this.”
“We all knew the risks,” Maria said just to say something. She knew Alex was right but she didn’t have to like it. They would all be better off in the long run if Tess were dead. She knew for a fact she would sleep better knowing Tess wasn’t running around out there somewhere with a grudge the size of Texas against all of them powers or no.
“Yes, we did but Alex is right. Max would have felt guilty anyway. He doesn’t take failure lightly at any time. It doesn’t matter what kind of person Tess is,” Isabel said softly so as not to break Max’s concentration.
Max stepped back with a grimace sweat beaded on his brow. He turned to Liz immediately and watched her blink then focus.
“Did it work?” Liz asked searching Max’s face.
“I think so. At least I got what I needed to from you. I don’t know about Tess,” Max replied relieved beyond words that she was okay.
“So why don’t you ask me?” Tess asked sarcastically. “And whoever is holding my head…let me go, you’re pulling my hair.”
“Great,” Maria mumbled as Isabel stepped back. “Couldn’t you give her a new personality while you were in there?”
Max smiled at Maria and shook his head. He was exhausted.
“Well? Can someone please take off these handcuffs now?” Tess asked after a moment of silence.
“No. We’re going to wait at least eight hours to make sure the drugs have worn off then we’ll check your powers,” Max said not bothering to tell Tess anything about what had happened.
“Well then someone better hose her off. She stinks,” Maria said her nose wrinkled in disgust. “She still has that mud and shit all over her too.”
“I can bring her some cloths if that would help,” Ava offered quietly. She had a ton of questions about what they had just done but thought it better not to voice them in front of Tess.
“That sounds great, Ava. Thanks. Kyle? Can you drive her by your house to collect the things Tess might need? She won’t be going back there so anything you bring I’m sure she’ll be grateful for,” Max said staring into Tess’s eyes.
“Yeah, sure. Come on Ava. I’ll drive us over now,” Kyle said happy to escape for a few minutes.
“So….who has the honor of bathing the beast?” Maria asked hoping they picked her. Maybe Tess would ‘accidentally’ drown or hit her head on the edge of the tub. They said most accidents happened in the home after all.
“Isabel?” Max asked turning to his sister. “Would you watch her please?”
“Max….,” Isabel squirmed before sighing. “Okay. There’s a limit to my helpfulness. Just so you understand that up front,” Isabel said to Tess firmly.
Alex smiled in glee at the very thought of the upcoming shower. He placed a mental bet that Isabel would end up pissed off and yelling for help in less then five minutes.
Liz felt Max’s exhaustion weighing on him and moved closer tugging on his hand. “Why don’t we go lay down in Michael’s room for awhile? There’s nothing to do until we’re all back here anyway,” Liz pointed out softly.
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Max said and allowed Liz to lead him down the hall. A few quiet minutes alone with Liz was always a good idea in his opinion. He sank down onto Michael’s bed and kicked off his shoes. Getting comfortable he watched with half closed eyes as Liz took off her boots and climbed into bed next to him.
Liz sighed as she cuddled up close to Max her legs tangling with his as he curved around her. “Are you really okay?”
“Yeah. I’m just a little tired. I really messed up,” Max said softly his breath moving her hair when he talked. “It took a lot to fix what I did. She might have some problems from it still. We’ll have to see.”
“Max…..we did the very best we could. It’s more then she deserves really so don’t blame yourself for this. She wouldn’t be half as kind if the positions were reversed,” Liz pointed out then after a pause she continued. “I’m proud of you Max. I really am lucky.”
Max smiled and kissed her hair. “I couldn’t have done it without you. I don’t know how you remember all that stuff. You’re scary smart.”
Liz smiled at his light teasing and wiggled back against him. “You don’t seem scared,” Liz said as his hand slid up under her sweater to rest on her bare stomach.
“I’m used to it,” Max said and started nibbling on her ear.
“I thought you were tired,” Liz said a smile in her voice.
“I’m never that tired,” Max mumbled then continued on his exploration.
“Michael’s going to be sooo pissed at you,” Liz said softly not sounding like she really cared.
“Uh huh,” Max agreed easily not overly concerned. He kept his touch soothing skimming over her skin and taking comfort from his ability to touch her. “You know I had to heal the visible mark.”
“Um hmm,” Liz agreed in a hum of sound. “The other one is probably almost gone.”
Max smiled following her line of thought.
Isabel leaned against the sink listening to the running water and the sound of Tess’s handcuffs as the wrist bracelets hit each other. This was quite possibly the most uncomfortable she had ever been. She glanced over at the partly open door to reassure herself that if she needed to she could call for help and Michael would hear her.
“So…don’t tell me you agree with all this,” Tess said from the shower.
“Actually I do. You crossed the line….leapt over it really. What did you expect Max to do? Let you ruin our lives?” Isabel replied her tone sounding almost disinterested.
“You agree with him seeing Liz? I find that hard to believe. You never agreed with that,” Tess said then ducked under the shower spray.
“It doesn’t matter what I think. I do believe that he loves her so….I think that means something…is worth something. Besides, she actually saved your ass so I’d back off if I were you,” Isabel answered idly checking her nail polish. Maybe a darker shade would be better. Waving her hand over her left hand she compared her two hands to make up her mind.
“I doubt she was interested in helping me,” Tess scoffed.
“You’re wrong. Liz may not like you but that doesn’t really matter. She does what she thinks is right. I know that from personal experience and I doubt I’m her favorite person either,” Isabel said as she adjusted the shade of her polish even darker. “Haven’t you ever wanted to be free of the past? Start over? I heard that message the same as you did but there is no way that I want to be with Michael. Our last life couldn’t have been all that great. We were murdered after all.”
Tess paused thinking about that for a few minutes. “I guess I never really seriously considered it. Nesado always talked about how things had to be. Everything he ever did was to reach that goal….everything he ever taught me. My whole life has been about the last one.”
“Well it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve thought about this a lot since Copper Summit and that whole thing with the Congresswoman. I think we’re different. How can we not be? We have a part of someone else mixed with what we were. We aren’t just what we were before. I think that changes things and frankly if Nesado is any indication of what our planet’s people are like I can see why they have problems,” Isabel said satisfied with her new nail color.
“Have you ever invested a lot in something? I mean….pinned your whole life on it?” Tess asked.
“Yes. Max and Michael,” Isabel answered. “But that doesn’t mean change is impossible. Life is evolution things change or they die. Tess…..Max is serious. He would kill you. I know that you don’t think he would but….if it really came down to it he would. I really think he seriously considered it today. You don’t understand how he feels about Liz. He would literally do anything he thought he had to if it meant saving her or keeping her safe. I’ve lived with him my whole life and I’ve seen him. He broke a sacred pact we made for her. He was always doing things for her even before she knew he was. In the fourth grade Liz got upset because the class pet got hurt or sick or something so Max healed it when she ran to tell the teacher. In fifth grade somebody, I think it was Pam Troy personally, poured grape juice all inside Liz’s desk ruining the paper Liz had worked for weeks on and we were all due to turn in that day. Max fixed it before Liz ever saw it. What I’m trying to tell you is once Max commits to something that deeply he never wavers. Not once has he ever wavered from his commitments,” Isabel said trying to explain what she knew to be true.
“That doesn’t grind you?” Tess asked knowing how possessive Isabel was.
“Yes and no. Of course it bothered me at first. It scared me actually. That he would trust someone that he had never really talked to but it worked out. I was worried about a lot of things but I know I can count on Max. He believes strongly in family and I’m part of his family so even if more people are added over time it doesn’t mean he’s any less my brother. We stick together…all of us and it works. For all that they annoy me at times….I won’t go against the commitment we’ve made to stick together. Certain things you just don’t question,” Isabel answered slowly. She didn’t believe that Tess would listen but she had to try one last time. She had really wanted to fit Tess into their group and was uncomfortable with the thought of being on opposite sides but she was sticking with Max in this life end of story. “I hope you find something that shows you a new way of thinking because this one isn’t working for you. I mean have you ever felt like you really fit in anywhere? You’re not good enough or pure alien blooded enough for Nesado and you never tried to fit in with us. Do you really think our old planet would just except us back like nothing changed? We aren’t even that same species that we were. We’re half-breeds now but at least we look human. Whatever Nesado’s true form is….it isn’t what we look like. I really doubt it would be that easy to fit in on Antar. We weren’t raised like before either. Those differences would stand out to them. We would never meet their expectations. We couldn’t even meet Nesado’s.”
“So what are you saying? We just give up? Stay here?” Tess asked turning off the water.
“I’m not saying that if we find a way to help them….repay some of the debt for this second chance…that we shouldn’t do it. What I am saying is that if that chance never comes it wouldn’t be that bad. I’m also saying I don’t want to go back forever. I don’t like anything I’ve learned so far about my past life…my current one is pretty good considering. I’m saying I don’t want to waste this life looking back and counting on something that may never happen,” Isabel said and handed Tess her towel. “Besides….you’re way more human now then you were yesterday and that’s not such a bad thing. If this worked and you don’t have your powers then the only thing different about you is your blood. I think you should try to find a place that you feel like you belong. Where you don’t feel all that anger and resentment for being forced into a mold that doesn’t really fit anymore.”
“Well that clearly didn’t work as planned,” Michael said looking at Tess.
“Why do you say that?” Maria asked also studying the blonde.
“She’s drooling and babbling, Maria. I don’t think that’s what Max intended to accomplish,” Kyle replied head cocked to the side.
“Okay…Okay…Ummm we studied this,” Liz said hands waving in front of her. “Alex, find me a piece of paper. Max, remember last year right before school let out we studied the brain and it’s different parts.”
“That was a year ago Liz,” Max pointed out. “Clearly I don’t remember or I wouldn’t have turned Tess into a…”
“Retard?” Michael suggested helpfully.
“Shut up, Michael! God!” Isabel said feeling a rising tide of panic inside her.
“All I have to say is I like her a whole lot better like this. Sometimes you get unexpected gifts from a little mistake,” Maria said casually.
“Is that what your Mom tells you?” Kyle asked and winced when Maria hit him.
“Shut up all of you!” Liz said loudly. “We can’t leave her like this.”
“Why not?” Maria asked and when Liz shot her a look she tried to sway her to her side. “I can make some tapes and we can put some headphones on her and brainwash her. It works so I’ve heard. Hours and hours of listening to me is bound to improve her tons.”
“Maria!” Liz yelled taking the paper from Alex. She started sketching the brain and it’s parts.
“What? You do experiments all the time. This is the first one I’ve been interested in. Don’t take away my joy,” Maria said half-serious.
“I don’t experiment on humans! This is serious Maria!” Liz said aggravated. She knew Max was upset that this had gone so wrong. She felt terrible and they weren’t taking this seriously.
“She’s not human. She would say so herself if she could talk,” Kyle said then continued. “Plus, I think we already did experiment on her,” Kyle held up his hands in surrender when Liz shot him a glare.
“Okay Max. Here’s the brain now if we look at it from this angle you see…” Liz said swinging into an explanation of where Max should be looking and telling him what parts of Tess’s brain were affected by what he had done.
Ava watched not understanding half of what Liz was saying but impressed none the less. Max looked like he wasn’t totally getting it either. Tess was screwed Ava thought silently. Looking around the room she tried to gauge the reactions of the rest of them. Michael was eating potato chips and watching TV seemingly absorbed until Maria took the remote and changed the channel. Ava smiled at Michael’s scowl and the glare he fastened on Maria.
“What? You need help opening up. Listen and you might learn something. I like Ricki,” Maria said stealing a chip and settling up against him.
Ava’s smile grew as Michael sighed but wrapped his arm around her and set the bag of chips on her lap. Kyle tried to appear indifferent but he watched what Liz and Max were doing ignoring the TV completely. Alex was standing close enough to lend assistance if Liz needed anything else and Isabel looked almost ruffled. She even had a lock of hair out of place.
“I can’t remember all of that,” Max said frustrated. He was shaken and not looking forward to trying again. This was a stupid idea and he never should have tried it. He had no idea of what he was doing.
“Max, look at me,” Liz said softly waiting until he met her eyes. “You can do this. You know this stuff you got an A just like I did.”
“That was a year ago. I don’t retain this stuff like you do,” Max replied.
“Okay…then can’t you connect with me and I’ll remember it for you,” Liz asked calmly.
Max took a deep breath and looked from Liz to Tess then back. “I’ve never tried that. I don’t know if it will work and….I don’t want to hurt you or..”
“You won’t. You can do this. We can do it,” Liz said then fighting off her own fears and anxiety she smiled. “We do lots of new things together. This is just one more.”
“Right. Okay, we can try it. It’s not like she can get any worse at this point but if I think anything is going wrong I’m stopping. She won’t be grateful for the effort and I won’t let anything happen to you,” Max said feeling steadier…more confident.
“She doesn’t have to be grateful. I am, cause I’ve got a great guy,” Liz said seriously.
“You own me now?” Max teased feeling his tight chest ease off a little.
“Well….you are wearing my mark now aren’t you,” Liz teased back her eyebrow arching in question.
“Please don’t forget we’re here. You know…..best friend and sister,” Alex pointed out drawing their attention. “I just….really don’t want to see said mark. I would really rather not have even known about it but its too late for that now,” Alex said eyes sparkling with humor.
“Sorry Alex,” Liz said her cheeks a little pinker then normal. A glance at Max had her grinning…his ears were on fire.
“No problem. It’s nice to know that things are…..good between you. I guess,” Alex replied enjoying himself.
“Well….I guess we should do this,” Max said moving things along. “Isabel, can you hold her head? She can’t keep moving it like that if I’m going to get in.”
Isabel moved around the chair behind Tess and put one hand under her chin and the other at the top of her skull tilting her head up a little and holding it still.
“Okay….Liz, I’ll make the connection with you first and hold it while I try and fix Tess,” Max explained so they would all know what he was doing.
Liz nodded and slipped her fingers into his when he held out his hand. Meeting his eyes she found she didn’t have to do anything else because he was in. She focused on the information he needed.
Max took a deep breath as the link between them opened strong and sure. Keeping her hand held tightly in his he relaxed feeling grounded and turned to Tess. He actually found it easy to maintain the link to Liz. She was like a shadow at the back of his mind and already so much apart of his thoughts.
Alex watched as Max placed his hand on the side of Tess’s head fingers sinking into her matted hair. Liz stood quietly her eyes not really focused her face serene hand in Max’s. As the minutes ticked by he started to worry and his eyes met Isabel’s equally worried eyes.
Maria tossed Michael the chips and got up coming to stand by Alex. “Why does Liz do this stuff? Tess like hates her. Max tried and it didn’t work,” Maria fretted.
“She’s Liz. You know she couldn’t leave her like this without at least trying to help. That’s not her,” Alex answered Maria’s fretting with the answer she already knew. “Besides she knows Max will feel guilty about this.”
“We all knew the risks,” Maria said just to say something. She knew Alex was right but she didn’t have to like it. They would all be better off in the long run if Tess were dead. She knew for a fact she would sleep better knowing Tess wasn’t running around out there somewhere with a grudge the size of Texas against all of them powers or no.
“Yes, we did but Alex is right. Max would have felt guilty anyway. He doesn’t take failure lightly at any time. It doesn’t matter what kind of person Tess is,” Isabel said softly so as not to break Max’s concentration.
Max stepped back with a grimace sweat beaded on his brow. He turned to Liz immediately and watched her blink then focus.
“Did it work?” Liz asked searching Max’s face.
“I think so. At least I got what I needed to from you. I don’t know about Tess,” Max replied relieved beyond words that she was okay.
“So why don’t you ask me?” Tess asked sarcastically. “And whoever is holding my head…let me go, you’re pulling my hair.”
“Great,” Maria mumbled as Isabel stepped back. “Couldn’t you give her a new personality while you were in there?”
Max smiled at Maria and shook his head. He was exhausted.
“Well? Can someone please take off these handcuffs now?” Tess asked after a moment of silence.
“No. We’re going to wait at least eight hours to make sure the drugs have worn off then we’ll check your powers,” Max said not bothering to tell Tess anything about what had happened.
“Well then someone better hose her off. She stinks,” Maria said her nose wrinkled in disgust. “She still has that mud and shit all over her too.”
“I can bring her some cloths if that would help,” Ava offered quietly. She had a ton of questions about what they had just done but thought it better not to voice them in front of Tess.
“That sounds great, Ava. Thanks. Kyle? Can you drive her by your house to collect the things Tess might need? She won’t be going back there so anything you bring I’m sure she’ll be grateful for,” Max said staring into Tess’s eyes.
“Yeah, sure. Come on Ava. I’ll drive us over now,” Kyle said happy to escape for a few minutes.
“So….who has the honor of bathing the beast?” Maria asked hoping they picked her. Maybe Tess would ‘accidentally’ drown or hit her head on the edge of the tub. They said most accidents happened in the home after all.
“Isabel?” Max asked turning to his sister. “Would you watch her please?”
“Max….,” Isabel squirmed before sighing. “Okay. There’s a limit to my helpfulness. Just so you understand that up front,” Isabel said to Tess firmly.
Alex smiled in glee at the very thought of the upcoming shower. He placed a mental bet that Isabel would end up pissed off and yelling for help in less then five minutes.
Liz felt Max’s exhaustion weighing on him and moved closer tugging on his hand. “Why don’t we go lay down in Michael’s room for awhile? There’s nothing to do until we’re all back here anyway,” Liz pointed out softly.
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Max said and allowed Liz to lead him down the hall. A few quiet minutes alone with Liz was always a good idea in his opinion. He sank down onto Michael’s bed and kicked off his shoes. Getting comfortable he watched with half closed eyes as Liz took off her boots and climbed into bed next to him.
Liz sighed as she cuddled up close to Max her legs tangling with his as he curved around her. “Are you really okay?”
“Yeah. I’m just a little tired. I really messed up,” Max said softly his breath moving her hair when he talked. “It took a lot to fix what I did. She might have some problems from it still. We’ll have to see.”
“Max…..we did the very best we could. It’s more then she deserves really so don’t blame yourself for this. She wouldn’t be half as kind if the positions were reversed,” Liz pointed out then after a pause she continued. “I’m proud of you Max. I really am lucky.”
Max smiled and kissed her hair. “I couldn’t have done it without you. I don’t know how you remember all that stuff. You’re scary smart.”
Liz smiled at his light teasing and wiggled back against him. “You don’t seem scared,” Liz said as his hand slid up under her sweater to rest on her bare stomach.
“I’m used to it,” Max said and started nibbling on her ear.
“I thought you were tired,” Liz said a smile in her voice.
“I’m never that tired,” Max mumbled then continued on his exploration.
“Michael’s going to be sooo pissed at you,” Liz said softly not sounding like she really cared.
“Uh huh,” Max agreed easily not overly concerned. He kept his touch soothing skimming over her skin and taking comfort from his ability to touch her. “You know I had to heal the visible mark.”
“Um hmm,” Liz agreed in a hum of sound. “The other one is probably almost gone.”
Max smiled following her line of thought.
Isabel leaned against the sink listening to the running water and the sound of Tess’s handcuffs as the wrist bracelets hit each other. This was quite possibly the most uncomfortable she had ever been. She glanced over at the partly open door to reassure herself that if she needed to she could call for help and Michael would hear her.
“So…don’t tell me you agree with all this,” Tess said from the shower.
“Actually I do. You crossed the line….leapt over it really. What did you expect Max to do? Let you ruin our lives?” Isabel replied her tone sounding almost disinterested.
“You agree with him seeing Liz? I find that hard to believe. You never agreed with that,” Tess said then ducked under the shower spray.
“It doesn’t matter what I think. I do believe that he loves her so….I think that means something…is worth something. Besides, she actually saved your ass so I’d back off if I were you,” Isabel answered idly checking her nail polish. Maybe a darker shade would be better. Waving her hand over her left hand she compared her two hands to make up her mind.
“I doubt she was interested in helping me,” Tess scoffed.
“You’re wrong. Liz may not like you but that doesn’t really matter. She does what she thinks is right. I know that from personal experience and I doubt I’m her favorite person either,” Isabel said as she adjusted the shade of her polish even darker. “Haven’t you ever wanted to be free of the past? Start over? I heard that message the same as you did but there is no way that I want to be with Michael. Our last life couldn’t have been all that great. We were murdered after all.”
Tess paused thinking about that for a few minutes. “I guess I never really seriously considered it. Nesado always talked about how things had to be. Everything he ever did was to reach that goal….everything he ever taught me. My whole life has been about the last one.”
“Well it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve thought about this a lot since Copper Summit and that whole thing with the Congresswoman. I think we’re different. How can we not be? We have a part of someone else mixed with what we were. We aren’t just what we were before. I think that changes things and frankly if Nesado is any indication of what our planet’s people are like I can see why they have problems,” Isabel said satisfied with her new nail color.
“Have you ever invested a lot in something? I mean….pinned your whole life on it?” Tess asked.
“Yes. Max and Michael,” Isabel answered. “But that doesn’t mean change is impossible. Life is evolution things change or they die. Tess…..Max is serious. He would kill you. I know that you don’t think he would but….if it really came down to it he would. I really think he seriously considered it today. You don’t understand how he feels about Liz. He would literally do anything he thought he had to if it meant saving her or keeping her safe. I’ve lived with him my whole life and I’ve seen him. He broke a sacred pact we made for her. He was always doing things for her even before she knew he was. In the fourth grade Liz got upset because the class pet got hurt or sick or something so Max healed it when she ran to tell the teacher. In fifth grade somebody, I think it was Pam Troy personally, poured grape juice all inside Liz’s desk ruining the paper Liz had worked for weeks on and we were all due to turn in that day. Max fixed it before Liz ever saw it. What I’m trying to tell you is once Max commits to something that deeply he never wavers. Not once has he ever wavered from his commitments,” Isabel said trying to explain what she knew to be true.
“That doesn’t grind you?” Tess asked knowing how possessive Isabel was.
“Yes and no. Of course it bothered me at first. It scared me actually. That he would trust someone that he had never really talked to but it worked out. I was worried about a lot of things but I know I can count on Max. He believes strongly in family and I’m part of his family so even if more people are added over time it doesn’t mean he’s any less my brother. We stick together…all of us and it works. For all that they annoy me at times….I won’t go against the commitment we’ve made to stick together. Certain things you just don’t question,” Isabel answered slowly. She didn’t believe that Tess would listen but she had to try one last time. She had really wanted to fit Tess into their group and was uncomfortable with the thought of being on opposite sides but she was sticking with Max in this life end of story. “I hope you find something that shows you a new way of thinking because this one isn’t working for you. I mean have you ever felt like you really fit in anywhere? You’re not good enough or pure alien blooded enough for Nesado and you never tried to fit in with us. Do you really think our old planet would just except us back like nothing changed? We aren’t even that same species that we were. We’re half-breeds now but at least we look human. Whatever Nesado’s true form is….it isn’t what we look like. I really doubt it would be that easy to fit in on Antar. We weren’t raised like before either. Those differences would stand out to them. We would never meet their expectations. We couldn’t even meet Nesado’s.”
“So what are you saying? We just give up? Stay here?” Tess asked turning off the water.
“I’m not saying that if we find a way to help them….repay some of the debt for this second chance…that we shouldn’t do it. What I am saying is that if that chance never comes it wouldn’t be that bad. I’m also saying I don’t want to go back forever. I don’t like anything I’ve learned so far about my past life…my current one is pretty good considering. I’m saying I don’t want to waste this life looking back and counting on something that may never happen,” Isabel said and handed Tess her towel. “Besides….you’re way more human now then you were yesterday and that’s not such a bad thing. If this worked and you don’t have your powers then the only thing different about you is your blood. I think you should try to find a place that you feel like you belong. Where you don’t feel all that anger and resentment for being forced into a mold that doesn’t really fit anymore.”
Chapter Twenty Five
“Michael! Where are you going?” Maria called to Michael’s rigid back.
“Out,” Michael said gruffly not even the slightest pause in his stride.
“Now? We might need you,” Maria asked grabbing her coat and following him to the door.
“Yes! Now,” Michael said practically ripping the door off the hinges.
Maria chased him outside having to jog to keep up with his long angry strides. “Michael! Can you stop for a second?”
Michael stopped so suddenly she almost ran right into his back.
“What is it? I stopped now what do you want?” Michael asked back still turned to her.
“I want to know what your problem is!” Maria said as she slipped her coat on. “One second you’re fine and then…”
“And then Max and Liz go to lay down,” Michael finished. “Look. I just need to…..take a walk alright? I’ll be back. I just…I can’t sit there and..I’ll be back,” Michael said and started walking.
“Wait. I’ll come with,” Maria said jogging to catch up.
They walked in atypical silence for a long time, side by side, Michael shortening his steps once he saw Maria running to keep up. Eventually, Maria slipped her hand into his and soon after she was swinging their joined hands as she talked, distracting him from his thoughts and pulling his attention to the here and now.
Max looked at Liz with something very much like awe. She had managed to rid him of his shirt before he knew it and tossed it to the floor. She was now perched on his lap slowly tracing each of his ribs with her fingers regarding him with soft dark eyes.
Liz scooted down onto his thighs as her fingers trailed lower, absorbed in mapping every muscle, feeling the various textures of his skin. He was so vibrantly alive under her fingers that she found it fascinating watching his body react to her touch. The play of his muscles under his taunt flesh, the way his skin pebbled into goose flesh at the scrape of her nails. She felt no need to hurry she was enjoying herself thoroughly.
Max tried to stay still under her searching fingers and allow her to do as she pleased. He found himself focusing on her mouth. He had always found her mouth highly erotic and captivating. The soft curve of her lips when she was amused, the way she tugged on her lower lip when she was nervous or concentrating, even her pout was enticing to him. So he lay there trying to distract himself by focusing on it now.
Reaching the top of his pants she paused briefly, catching her bottom lip between her teeth, before unbuttoning then unzipping his pants. They were in her way and he looked like he could use the room.
Max snapped back to reality at the sudden release his eyes flying up to hers.
Feeling the weight of his stare she raised her eyes to his and smiled not intending to go much further. “Tired yet?”
“No,” Max said seriously. Her eyes held his attention flickering with heat but controlled and direct. “I don’t really think this is fair.”
Liz’s eyebrow rose mockingly. “How so? Am I hearing a complaint?”
“No…not really. I just don’t think the fact that you’re wearing everything you walked into this room with and I’m not is really….fair,” Max said then sucked in his breath as she snapped the waistband on his boxers.
“I’m not wearing everything I came in here with. I took off my boots but if you like I could put them back on,” Liz offered making a move to get up.
Max moved quickly to grasp her hips and hold her in place. “That’s okay. You’re good right where you are.”
“Uh huh,” Liz said nodding seriously. “That’s what I thought you’d say. There are limits here. One of them is that I will not remove any of my clothing in Michael’s bed. That is sooo not happening. Now…where was I? Ohhhh yeah, I was gonna do this.”
Max watched her ease forward slowly her eyes holding his until the last second then dropping to his neck.
“Just let me know when you’re tired,” Liz whispered then started planting nibbling kisses along his jaw her hair sliding over his chest. Maybe just a tiny bit further.
Alex looked up as Isabel lead Tess back into the room and had her sit back down in the chair by the window. He had to admit Tess looked much better even if she did look a little like a homeless person in one of Michael’s T-shirts and a rolled up pair of sweats. Then again she was homeless.
“Where’s everyone?” Isabel asked sitting beside him on the couch.
“Well, Kyle and Ava aren’t back from collecting Tess’s stuff. Michael and Maria…umm went for a walk and Max and Liz are….resting,” Alex replied idly flipping through the channels on the TV.
Isabel didn’t comment on his answer, instead she turned back to Tess. “Are you hungry or anything? You haven’t eaten since yesterday right?”
Tess just nodded in agreement and was surprised when Isabel got back up and went into the kitchen. She turned her attention to Alex who ignored her until she shifted positions.
“Don’t even think about it. I have a stun gun and I’m not afraid to use it,” Alex said and lifted it allowing Tess to see he was serious.
“I wasn’t going to do anything,” Tess denied with an offended tone.
“Right,” Alex drawled his disbelief plain. “Just in case you were….I’ve been dying to try this baby out so feel free. I may be the B team but I’ve got a cool new toy.”
Tess just rolled her eyes and didn’t bother to reply. When Isabel came back in carrying a plate with a sandwich and chips in one hand and a can of Cherry Coke in the other Tess heard her stomach rumble. Isabel set the plate on Tess’s lap and the pop next to her chair.
“This was about it for choices of things to eat. Michael doesn’t cook much here,” Isabel said pleased she had been able to find that much. She really needed to go grocery shopping for Michael. That was the only way a vegetable made it in the door to this apartment.
“Thank you,” Tess said started eating. She was starving and who knew when her next meal would be.
Isabel reclaimed her spot on the couch making sure she had a clear view of Tess. She was surprised that Michael and Max had left her in charge of Tess for this long. They were usually so overbearing in a situation like this. “Any ideas on when Michael will be back?”
“Not for awhile would be my guess,” Alex replied not illuminating things further. “Here the remote is yours.”
“Thanks Alex,” Isabel said and resumed flipping through the channels. “So what do you think about Zan taking off?”
“I don’t know. I guess it’s for the best. Max was pretty pissed off at him. Ava seemed…..like she expected it,” Alex said thoughtfully.
“Yeah, she did. I’m just…surprised he took off without saying anything to anyone else but Ava,” Isabel replied. “I mean he came all this way and everything.”
“Who knows. I’m sure he’ll pop back up at some point,” Alex said privately thinking that Zan was probably pissed Ava had stayed here.
Max groaned as Liz’s soft tongue soothed the spot she had just released next to his navel her renewed mark showing clearly. He pulled her up to his mouth and rolled them so they were resting on their side as his mouth covered hers his kiss hard and voracious.
Liz made a small sound in her throat and tried to move closer her leg curving up over his body holding him to her. When he pulled back her breathing was fast and choppy.
“Michael’s likely to break down the door soon,” Max said between pants.
“He’s not here. He left,” Liz answered absently as her fingers ran over his chest. She was simply unable to stop touching him.
“How do you know?” Max asked then moved to nibble on her earlobe.
“Umm….I just….do,” Liz said then moaned at the fast swipe of Max’s tongue. “The front door….slammed awhile…ago.”
Max didn’t question her further too busy with nudging aside the high collar of her sweater to reach her neck.
Isabel looked up as Kyle and Ava walked in her eyebrow arching at the easy bantering between them….that was fast.
Kyle saw Isabel’s look and set the duffel bag he was carrying down shooting her a huge grin. “We brought Tess’s SUV with most of her stuff packed into it for her. I had to teach Ava how to drive it so the SUV may have a few more dents in it but you can always work your voodoo on it if it’s a problem.”
“That bag has a change of clothes and some simple stuff like make up and that kind of thing,” Ava said her voice soft but friendly.
“How did we get the evil twin?” Kyle asked curious. “Even though Ava can’t drive for shit she’s not too bad,” Kyle said his grin growing when Ava shoved him. “Oh hey Tess? If you have trouble making some cash there’s always Hooters. Or your talents maybe best used as an ‘exotic dancer’.”
“Shut up, Kyle,” Isabel said fixing him with a frown.
“Hey! I packed up her clothes. I know what’s in her wardrobe,” Kyle defended himself. “Even you wear more clothes and that’s saying something.”
“Panty sniffing again, Kyle?” Tess asked her tone nasty.
“Not yours that’s for sure,” Kyle said flippantly.
“Just Liz’s then?” Tess asked pushing the issue.
“So far. There’s always hope though. If you leave a forwarding address I’ll update you when things change,” Kyle said flopping down on couch on the other side of Alex.
Ava smiled finding Kyle to be highly amusing. She was looking forward to this new life. Kyle was even taking her furniture shopping. Something about a chair. She didn’t really get it but thought he was sweet to think of her. With the holidays coming she was looking forward to seeing what it was like for normal people.
Liz exited the bedroom closing the door softly behind her then straightened her clothes as she walked down the hall.
Ava looked up as Liz entered the room looking like she had barely escaped Max. She suppressed a laugh and sat on one of the barstools content to watch.
Liz made a beeline for Alex bending over the back on the couch to speak with him. “Alex? Did Maria leave her purse here?”
“Yeah. It’s over by the counter I think,” Alex replied used to looking after Maria’s stuff. She was always setting down her purse or keys and forgetting where she had put them then panicking.
“Thanks,” Liz said trying to scuttle away before anyone started questioning her. She needed to make some repairs. Spotting the purse she scooped it up and almost made it back out of the room.
“Where’s Max?” Isabel asked Liz’s fleeing back.
“Ummm sleeping,” Liz answered wincing as she hoped Isabel didn’t go wake him up.
“Was it really that draining?” Isabel asked referring to healing Tess.
“What? No!” Liz yelped half turning.
“Michael’s going to be back soon and we really need to talk things over and he has to check Tess again. How’s he going to do that if he’s exhausted?” Isabel asked becoming slightly worried.
Liz’s mouth dropped open then shut quickly. “Ummm…I really don’t think he’s exhausted. Just give him till Michael gets back then I’ll go wake him up.”
Kyle bit back his urge to smirk as Liz fled. How stupid was Isabel anyway? Right…like Max was really napping back there with Liz. He couldn’t imagine being that tired.
“Maybe you should check on him,” Alex said shooting Kyle a look.
“Yeah. He may need medical assistance,” Kyle agreed unable to hide his wide smile.
“I think he’s fine. Let him sleep,” Ava said before Isabel could respond. She pinned the two boys with a stern look. “Liz would’ve said something if anything was wrong so stop causing trouble.”
“Ava!” Kyle admonished. He wanted to see Isabel’s reaction damn it.
“Stop,” Ava said pointing a warning finger at him. “I’ll have to do something to you that you wouldn’t like if you don’t.”
Kyle heaved a sigh and sat back arms crossed over his chest. “I never get to have any fun at all. Ever since you aliens revealed yourselves the funs just drained right out of things.”
“Poor baby,” Ava said in a distinctly unsympathetic tone.
Isabel got up feeling restless and tired of waiting around. Ignoring the others she decided to go reorganize Michael’s kitchen then she could make a list of all the things he needed.
Liz came back in the room to both Alex and Kyle smirking at her. She sat down in Isabel’s vacated spot on the couch and when they didn’t stop looking at her she sighed. “What?”
“Did you have a nice nap?” Kyle asked his eyes twinkling with evil enjoyment.
“Yes, thank you I did,” Liz said pinning him with a look daring him to question her answer.
“You don’t look rested,” Alex pointed out picking up after Kyle.
“I don’t? I feel tons better….very rested,” Liz said sweetly. “It was a power nap I guess.”
“Max okay? He needed a little more then a power nap?” Kyle asked the devil dancing in his eyes.
“Don’t guys always need more…..down time?” Liz asked her lips tilting up into a grin.
“Hey there!” Kyle said offended. “Some of us have a very quick recovery time.”
“Even quicker delivery,” Ava said weighing in on Liz’s side.
Liz started laughing at the stricken look on Kyle’s face.
Max woke up still tired but feeling like something was missing. Seeing Liz gone, he frowned and stumbled up catching his pants as they tried to slide to the floor. Stuffing his feet into his shoes while he grabbed his shirt he tugged it on still half asleep. Yawning as he made his way down the hall toward the sound of the TV.
Spotting a sleepy Max Kyle pointed his finger at him. “This is your fault.”
“What is?” Max asked walking toward Liz yawning.
“This sacrilege…..this travesty of justice,” Kyle sputtered.
“You started it,” Ava replied with Liz nodding in total agreement.
Max scooped Liz up and took her seat settling her on his lap. “Started what?”
“I don’t think you want to know. Kyle just makes things up,” Liz said stroking his neck.
“Okay,” Max agreed relaxing back into the couch.
“WHAT?” Kyle yelped. “I do not! Evans, you are whipped,” Kyle said in disgust eyeing Liz’s smirk of triumph.
“No, he’s not. He’s just smart,” Liz replied in defense of Max. “He doesn’t make snide comments if he can’t handle the retort. Now leave him alone. He’s still half asleep.”
Max smiled lacing the fingers of one hand with hers as Kyle sputtered and the bickering continued minus him and Liz. Feeling Liz brush a kiss over his temple he opened his eyes.
“You know you have your shirt on backwards right?” Liz teased.
“It’s your fault. You left me there completely helpless and too tired to move,” Max muttered playing with her slender fingers.
“Liar. You were sleeping you dork,” Liz said a smile curving her lips. “Keep telling lies and I’ll reconsider a few things next time and leave my boots on.”
Max pictured that for a second and got an elbow in the ribs. “Owww you’re brutal.”
“I know what you’re thinking and you deserved it,” Liz replied unrepentant.
Max smiled giving her a gentle squeeze feeling content when she relaxed back against him. That feeling didn’t wane even when Michael came back and sent him a black glare accompanied by a scowl. He could tell Michael wasn’t really pissed since his hand was in Maria’s back pocket a dead give away.
“Michael! Where are you going?” Maria called to Michael’s rigid back.
“Out,” Michael said gruffly not even the slightest pause in his stride.
“Now? We might need you,” Maria asked grabbing her coat and following him to the door.
“Yes! Now,” Michael said practically ripping the door off the hinges.
Maria chased him outside having to jog to keep up with his long angry strides. “Michael! Can you stop for a second?”
Michael stopped so suddenly she almost ran right into his back.
“What is it? I stopped now what do you want?” Michael asked back still turned to her.
“I want to know what your problem is!” Maria said as she slipped her coat on. “One second you’re fine and then…”
“And then Max and Liz go to lay down,” Michael finished. “Look. I just need to…..take a walk alright? I’ll be back. I just…I can’t sit there and..I’ll be back,” Michael said and started walking.
“Wait. I’ll come with,” Maria said jogging to catch up.
They walked in atypical silence for a long time, side by side, Michael shortening his steps once he saw Maria running to keep up. Eventually, Maria slipped her hand into his and soon after she was swinging their joined hands as she talked, distracting him from his thoughts and pulling his attention to the here and now.
Max looked at Liz with something very much like awe. She had managed to rid him of his shirt before he knew it and tossed it to the floor. She was now perched on his lap slowly tracing each of his ribs with her fingers regarding him with soft dark eyes.
Liz scooted down onto his thighs as her fingers trailed lower, absorbed in mapping every muscle, feeling the various textures of his skin. He was so vibrantly alive under her fingers that she found it fascinating watching his body react to her touch. The play of his muscles under his taunt flesh, the way his skin pebbled into goose flesh at the scrape of her nails. She felt no need to hurry she was enjoying herself thoroughly.
Max tried to stay still under her searching fingers and allow her to do as she pleased. He found himself focusing on her mouth. He had always found her mouth highly erotic and captivating. The soft curve of her lips when she was amused, the way she tugged on her lower lip when she was nervous or concentrating, even her pout was enticing to him. So he lay there trying to distract himself by focusing on it now.
Reaching the top of his pants she paused briefly, catching her bottom lip between her teeth, before unbuttoning then unzipping his pants. They were in her way and he looked like he could use the room.
Max snapped back to reality at the sudden release his eyes flying up to hers.
Feeling the weight of his stare she raised her eyes to his and smiled not intending to go much further. “Tired yet?”
“No,” Max said seriously. Her eyes held his attention flickering with heat but controlled and direct. “I don’t really think this is fair.”
Liz’s eyebrow rose mockingly. “How so? Am I hearing a complaint?”
“No…not really. I just don’t think the fact that you’re wearing everything you walked into this room with and I’m not is really….fair,” Max said then sucked in his breath as she snapped the waistband on his boxers.
“I’m not wearing everything I came in here with. I took off my boots but if you like I could put them back on,” Liz offered making a move to get up.
Max moved quickly to grasp her hips and hold her in place. “That’s okay. You’re good right where you are.”
“Uh huh,” Liz said nodding seriously. “That’s what I thought you’d say. There are limits here. One of them is that I will not remove any of my clothing in Michael’s bed. That is sooo not happening. Now…where was I? Ohhhh yeah, I was gonna do this.”
Max watched her ease forward slowly her eyes holding his until the last second then dropping to his neck.
“Just let me know when you’re tired,” Liz whispered then started planting nibbling kisses along his jaw her hair sliding over his chest. Maybe just a tiny bit further.
Alex looked up as Isabel lead Tess back into the room and had her sit back down in the chair by the window. He had to admit Tess looked much better even if she did look a little like a homeless person in one of Michael’s T-shirts and a rolled up pair of sweats. Then again she was homeless.
“Where’s everyone?” Isabel asked sitting beside him on the couch.
“Well, Kyle and Ava aren’t back from collecting Tess’s stuff. Michael and Maria…umm went for a walk and Max and Liz are….resting,” Alex replied idly flipping through the channels on the TV.
Isabel didn’t comment on his answer, instead she turned back to Tess. “Are you hungry or anything? You haven’t eaten since yesterday right?”
Tess just nodded in agreement and was surprised when Isabel got back up and went into the kitchen. She turned her attention to Alex who ignored her until she shifted positions.
“Don’t even think about it. I have a stun gun and I’m not afraid to use it,” Alex said and lifted it allowing Tess to see he was serious.
“I wasn’t going to do anything,” Tess denied with an offended tone.
“Right,” Alex drawled his disbelief plain. “Just in case you were….I’ve been dying to try this baby out so feel free. I may be the B team but I’ve got a cool new toy.”
Tess just rolled her eyes and didn’t bother to reply. When Isabel came back in carrying a plate with a sandwich and chips in one hand and a can of Cherry Coke in the other Tess heard her stomach rumble. Isabel set the plate on Tess’s lap and the pop next to her chair.
“This was about it for choices of things to eat. Michael doesn’t cook much here,” Isabel said pleased she had been able to find that much. She really needed to go grocery shopping for Michael. That was the only way a vegetable made it in the door to this apartment.
“Thank you,” Tess said started eating. She was starving and who knew when her next meal would be.
Isabel reclaimed her spot on the couch making sure she had a clear view of Tess. She was surprised that Michael and Max had left her in charge of Tess for this long. They were usually so overbearing in a situation like this. “Any ideas on when Michael will be back?”
“Not for awhile would be my guess,” Alex replied not illuminating things further. “Here the remote is yours.”
“Thanks Alex,” Isabel said and resumed flipping through the channels. “So what do you think about Zan taking off?”
“I don’t know. I guess it’s for the best. Max was pretty pissed off at him. Ava seemed…..like she expected it,” Alex said thoughtfully.
“Yeah, she did. I’m just…surprised he took off without saying anything to anyone else but Ava,” Isabel replied. “I mean he came all this way and everything.”
“Who knows. I’m sure he’ll pop back up at some point,” Alex said privately thinking that Zan was probably pissed Ava had stayed here.
Max groaned as Liz’s soft tongue soothed the spot she had just released next to his navel her renewed mark showing clearly. He pulled her up to his mouth and rolled them so they were resting on their side as his mouth covered hers his kiss hard and voracious.
Liz made a small sound in her throat and tried to move closer her leg curving up over his body holding him to her. When he pulled back her breathing was fast and choppy.
“Michael’s likely to break down the door soon,” Max said between pants.
“He’s not here. He left,” Liz answered absently as her fingers ran over his chest. She was simply unable to stop touching him.
“How do you know?” Max asked then moved to nibble on her earlobe.
“Umm….I just….do,” Liz said then moaned at the fast swipe of Max’s tongue. “The front door….slammed awhile…ago.”
Max didn’t question her further too busy with nudging aside the high collar of her sweater to reach her neck.
Isabel looked up as Kyle and Ava walked in her eyebrow arching at the easy bantering between them….that was fast.
Kyle saw Isabel’s look and set the duffel bag he was carrying down shooting her a huge grin. “We brought Tess’s SUV with most of her stuff packed into it for her. I had to teach Ava how to drive it so the SUV may have a few more dents in it but you can always work your voodoo on it if it’s a problem.”
“That bag has a change of clothes and some simple stuff like make up and that kind of thing,” Ava said her voice soft but friendly.
“How did we get the evil twin?” Kyle asked curious. “Even though Ava can’t drive for shit she’s not too bad,” Kyle said his grin growing when Ava shoved him. “Oh hey Tess? If you have trouble making some cash there’s always Hooters. Or your talents maybe best used as an ‘exotic dancer’.”
“Shut up, Kyle,” Isabel said fixing him with a frown.
“Hey! I packed up her clothes. I know what’s in her wardrobe,” Kyle defended himself. “Even you wear more clothes and that’s saying something.”
“Panty sniffing again, Kyle?” Tess asked her tone nasty.
“Not yours that’s for sure,” Kyle said flippantly.
“Just Liz’s then?” Tess asked pushing the issue.
“So far. There’s always hope though. If you leave a forwarding address I’ll update you when things change,” Kyle said flopping down on couch on the other side of Alex.
Ava smiled finding Kyle to be highly amusing. She was looking forward to this new life. Kyle was even taking her furniture shopping. Something about a chair. She didn’t really get it but thought he was sweet to think of her. With the holidays coming she was looking forward to seeing what it was like for normal people.
Liz exited the bedroom closing the door softly behind her then straightened her clothes as she walked down the hall.
Ava looked up as Liz entered the room looking like she had barely escaped Max. She suppressed a laugh and sat on one of the barstools content to watch.
Liz made a beeline for Alex bending over the back on the couch to speak with him. “Alex? Did Maria leave her purse here?”
“Yeah. It’s over by the counter I think,” Alex replied used to looking after Maria’s stuff. She was always setting down her purse or keys and forgetting where she had put them then panicking.
“Thanks,” Liz said trying to scuttle away before anyone started questioning her. She needed to make some repairs. Spotting the purse she scooped it up and almost made it back out of the room.
“Where’s Max?” Isabel asked Liz’s fleeing back.
“Ummm sleeping,” Liz answered wincing as she hoped Isabel didn’t go wake him up.
“Was it really that draining?” Isabel asked referring to healing Tess.
“What? No!” Liz yelped half turning.
“Michael’s going to be back soon and we really need to talk things over and he has to check Tess again. How’s he going to do that if he’s exhausted?” Isabel asked becoming slightly worried.
Liz’s mouth dropped open then shut quickly. “Ummm…I really don’t think he’s exhausted. Just give him till Michael gets back then I’ll go wake him up.”
Kyle bit back his urge to smirk as Liz fled. How stupid was Isabel anyway? Right…like Max was really napping back there with Liz. He couldn’t imagine being that tired.
“Maybe you should check on him,” Alex said shooting Kyle a look.
“Yeah. He may need medical assistance,” Kyle agreed unable to hide his wide smile.
“I think he’s fine. Let him sleep,” Ava said before Isabel could respond. She pinned the two boys with a stern look. “Liz would’ve said something if anything was wrong so stop causing trouble.”
“Ava!” Kyle admonished. He wanted to see Isabel’s reaction damn it.
“Stop,” Ava said pointing a warning finger at him. “I’ll have to do something to you that you wouldn’t like if you don’t.”
Kyle heaved a sigh and sat back arms crossed over his chest. “I never get to have any fun at all. Ever since you aliens revealed yourselves the funs just drained right out of things.”
“Poor baby,” Ava said in a distinctly unsympathetic tone.
Isabel got up feeling restless and tired of waiting around. Ignoring the others she decided to go reorganize Michael’s kitchen then she could make a list of all the things he needed.
Liz came back in the room to both Alex and Kyle smirking at her. She sat down in Isabel’s vacated spot on the couch and when they didn’t stop looking at her she sighed. “What?”
“Did you have a nice nap?” Kyle asked his eyes twinkling with evil enjoyment.
“Yes, thank you I did,” Liz said pinning him with a look daring him to question her answer.
“You don’t look rested,” Alex pointed out picking up after Kyle.
“I don’t? I feel tons better….very rested,” Liz said sweetly. “It was a power nap I guess.”
“Max okay? He needed a little more then a power nap?” Kyle asked the devil dancing in his eyes.
“Don’t guys always need more…..down time?” Liz asked her lips tilting up into a grin.
“Hey there!” Kyle said offended. “Some of us have a very quick recovery time.”
“Even quicker delivery,” Ava said weighing in on Liz’s side.
Liz started laughing at the stricken look on Kyle’s face.
Max woke up still tired but feeling like something was missing. Seeing Liz gone, he frowned and stumbled up catching his pants as they tried to slide to the floor. Stuffing his feet into his shoes while he grabbed his shirt he tugged it on still half asleep. Yawning as he made his way down the hall toward the sound of the TV.
Spotting a sleepy Max Kyle pointed his finger at him. “This is your fault.”
“What is?” Max asked walking toward Liz yawning.
“This sacrilege…..this travesty of justice,” Kyle sputtered.
“You started it,” Ava replied with Liz nodding in total agreement.
Max scooped Liz up and took her seat settling her on his lap. “Started what?”
“I don’t think you want to know. Kyle just makes things up,” Liz said stroking his neck.
“Okay,” Max agreed relaxing back into the couch.
“WHAT?” Kyle yelped. “I do not! Evans, you are whipped,” Kyle said in disgust eyeing Liz’s smirk of triumph.
“No, he’s not. He’s just smart,” Liz replied in defense of Max. “He doesn’t make snide comments if he can’t handle the retort. Now leave him alone. He’s still half asleep.”
Max smiled lacing the fingers of one hand with hers as Kyle sputtered and the bickering continued minus him and Liz. Feeling Liz brush a kiss over his temple he opened his eyes.
“You know you have your shirt on backwards right?” Liz teased.
“It’s your fault. You left me there completely helpless and too tired to move,” Max muttered playing with her slender fingers.
“Liar. You were sleeping you dork,” Liz said a smile curving her lips. “Keep telling lies and I’ll reconsider a few things next time and leave my boots on.”
Max pictured that for a second and got an elbow in the ribs. “Owww you’re brutal.”
“I know what you’re thinking and you deserved it,” Liz replied unrepentant.
Max smiled giving her a gentle squeeze feeling content when she relaxed back against him. That feeling didn’t wane even when Michael came back and sent him a black glare accompanied by a scowl. He could tell Michael wasn’t really pissed since his hand was in Maria’s back pocket a dead give away.
Last edited by Lelea on Sun Apr 06, 2003 10:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Chapter Twenty Six
While most of the group was arguing about what to order in for lunch Michael cornered Liz in the hallway.
“Yes Michael?” Liz asked, smile quirking her lips at Michael's confrontational body posture.
“Don’t. Just don’t. You may be able to jerk Max around but I’m not Max,” Michael said gruffly staring her down.
“Interesting word choice, Michael,” Liz said, head tilting to the side to stare right back. She wasn’t the least bit intimidated. “No, you’re not Max. So why don’t you just tell me what your problem is?”
Michael frowned his eyes intent and burning into hers. “I have more then one.”
“I’m glad to see you’re admitting that. I wouldn’t want to be rude and point out anything you don’t already know,” Liz said sweetly watching his frown turn to a fierce scowl.
“From now on please service Max elsewhere. My bed is mine. Got it?” Michael asked tired of dancing around.
“I always had it. Relax Michael, nothing happened that you and Maria haven’t done there a hundred times. Believe me the last place I want to be naked is your bed,” Liz said sincerely. “You know the affronted thing….it doesn’t really work on you. You seem to be forgetting Maria couldn’t keep a secret from me if she had a gun to her head.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Michael denied heatedly.
“Really? Okay, I’ll enlighten you. You’ve gone much…much further in MY bed then I have. Ring a bell? I think you were late coming back from your break that day, luckily I was in Florida at the time. You’re a total prick for not answering Maria’s calls after that,” Liz said leaning against the wall as she watched Michael’s face. The dropped jaw was satisfying. “Then I actually saw you on the floor of the CrashDown. Do you even know how filthy that floor is? Plus there’s my balcony…”
“Okay. I got it,” Michael said cutting her off.
“I hope so, Michael,” Liz said her eyes pinning him in place. “This thing you do…it’s not going to work with me. If you want something ask me or talk to me don’t try to bully me. It pisses me off.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?” Michael asked eyes narrowing.
“I don’t know. Does it?” Liz asked just as annoyed as Michael appeared to be but trying not to show it. “This isn’t easy for me either, Michael. I don’t like it any more then you do and if I knew what to do to stop it I would. I don’t like you knowing things about me. Personal things. You seem to always know that stuff either by reading my private thoughts or this….thing. I have tried to be….reasonable about this but I won’t put up with your shit.”
“What about your shit? You do this….do MAX..when you know what happens. You know exactly what you’re doing,” Michael accused.
Liz felt her anger break free. “I see. What exactly were you and Maria doing? I have eyes even if I don’t feel what you do. That looks like Maria’s work to me,” Liz said eyes dropping to his neck. “I’m not doing anything to deliberately cause you problems but I refuse to push Max away because of you or anyone else. I won’t, not this time, so get used to it. I love Max. We’re in a relationship and this sort of goes with it. I don’t care if you like it or not and frankly you aren’t really on my mind at the time.”
“What I do is none of your business. It doesn’t affect YOU,” Michael said coldly.
“Keep playing this game. We’ll see how well it goes for you,” Liz said and pushed past him.
Tess watched everything listening to what she could. She knew she had some decisions to make and the more information she had the better. She tried to put her feelings aside as Nesado had taught her and observe the group as objectively as she could.
She watched Michael and Liz with interest. The tension there was felt from clear across the room.
Max watched Liz pick at her pizza feeling her tension as if it were his own. “Liz? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just…it’s nothing. I’m fine,” Liz said and seeing his unconvinced expression she rolled her eyes and smiled. “It is trust me.”
“I do,” Max said scooting closer. He took a pepperoni off his piece of pizza. “Here eat this.”
Liz took it and ate it then kissed him quickly. “Thanks. So…what are you going to do with Tess?”
“Nothing. I’m going to check her once more then she’s free to go,” Max said shrugging lightly. He figured that she would decide for herself what happened to her. He had made things as clear as he knew how. Now it was up to her it had been almost eight hours since they had injected her.
Liz nodded and stayed quiet for a moment. “Maybe you should have Michael try too. He might be able to sense something you don’t. He’s more combat orientated then you are. His whole job is to look out for you right?” Liz asked lightly pushing aside her differences with Michael.
“That’s a good idea. Couldn’t hurt,” Max agreed between bites of his pizza.
Liz didn’t say anything more just continued to pick at her food thinking.
Once they had checked Tess out and were reasonably sure that she didn’t have any powers they loaded up her stuff and released her.
Liz made herself scarce when Michael started mouthing off taking out his frustration and anger on anyone that irked him while they were sending Tess off. Ava caught the less then friendly look Liz shot Michael before leaving the room without a word. She watched as Max and Michael started in on each other with Isabel in the middle playing peacekeeper while the others watched like this was nothing new. Shaking her head she slipped from the room following Liz into the kitchen.
“They always like that?” Ava asked eyeing the other girl.
Liz hopped up onto the counter and took a sip of her pop. “Not always but its not exactly rare either.”
“Max allows that?” Ava asked opening the fridge to grab her own drink.
“They didn’t grow up like your group did. They had no idea they had a past life or any of it. Now the roles are changing and so much is going on….we haven’t worked it all out yet,” Liz tried to explain. She idly played with the tab on her soda can eyes on the floor.
Ava nodded debating even bringing up her next question but curiosity won out. “What about how they are with you? Max go for that?” Ava asked and watched Liz go completely still.
“Michael and Isabel are very important to Max,” Liz said trying to dodge the question.
Ava didn’t respond to that statement instead she opened her pop and took a drink while she studied Liz. Privately she thought they all better get their priorities in order. “So does Tess have a job or anything?”
“No. She never worked,” Liz responded grateful for the change in topic.
“I better start looking for one tomorrow. I’ll need to start earning some money,” Ava said then took another sip of her drink. “The Valenti’s are great and all but I’ll need clothes and stuff.”
“I think I can probably help you out there. My dad’s always hiring waitresses. Maria and I work there and so does Michael as the cook. I can ask him if you want,” Liz offered then smiled. “You’ll love the uniform.”
“Thanks. I would really like that,” Ava agreed softly as Maria entered.
“Like what?” Maria asked catching the tail end of the conversation.
“Working at the CrashDown,” Liz answered.
“Sounds like a good idea,” Maria agreed then rolled her eyes. “I had to escape before I was tempted to take Alex’s stun gun and use it. Maybe a few zaps would do Michael some good. He is so ornery.”
“That’s one word for it,” Liz said softly tucking her hair back behind her ear.
Ava’s eyes widened as she spotted a glow shining through Liz’s sweater in a couple of spots. “Uh Liz? You’re glowing.”
“Crap,” Liz said hopping off the counter. The cover up she had borrowed from Maria’s purse must have rubbed off on her sweater.
“You should have Max fix it,” Maria said surprised she hadn’t done that already.
“I will when he takes me home,” Liz said not explaining further. She wanted to wait till they were away from here just in case. She remembered what happened the last time.
“Hey, you guys ready to talk about Nesado?” Alex asked from the doorway. “They’re done arguing for now.”
“Finally!” Maria huffed and flounced back into the room.
Ava and Liz shared a quick look before following after her.
Max watched Liz through the beginnings of the Nesado conversation. Everyone voicing an opinion and throwing out ideas and Liz seemed withdrawn and apart from it all. She played with the neck of her sweater and fidgeted. It was Michael that snapped her to attention.
“Are we boring you?” Michael asked Liz, a scowl etched into his face. “I mean, if you have somewhere else to be please speak up. We’re only talking about this because of you anyway.”
“Yes Michael, you are boring me. If this topic doesn’t concern you then there’s no need for you to be involved is there?” Liz asked fed up with him and his difficult attitude.
“This is my house. What happens in my house is my concern,” Michael replied feeling his irritation skyrocket. “And I think we both know this does concern me.”
“Really? I disagree. Whatever you claim you feel isn’t my business. I’m not convinced you feel anything at all and if you do it’s your problem not mine. If Nesado is my problem alone then butt out. I didn’t ask for your help,” Liz said bluntly. “I didn’t sign a full disclosure contract when I joined this club. You’re not entitled to know everything so if it’s not your problem and I didn’t ask for help then there’s no reason to be having this conversation.”
Alex sat back in his chair shocked silent and a glance at Maria showed her mouth actually hanging open. Kyle couldn’t help the smirk the spread across his face. It wasn’t often Liz got really pissed but when she did it was ugly. Michael was toast. Ava just watched wanting to see this play out and who was on what side. It was clear there were divisions in this group and this might make them more visible.
“Listen up. We’re having this conversation and you’re going to answer my questions. We’re the aliens. You’re human. Since Nesado is an alien that automatically makes this our business,” Michael said standing so he could tower over her.
“Thank you for the Biology lesson Michael. I wasn’t aware you even passed that class,” Liz said furious. Resentful that he was once again trying to bully and intimidate her she felt the urge to strike out. “I thought you already knew everything with your superior intelligence so what could I possibly have to add. I’m only human.”
“You’re a bitch,” Michael said clearly. “Don’t act like I’m stupid just because I’m not in the science club.”
“That has nothing to do with it. Use your brain for once before you open your mouth and I may reconsider your intelligence. If you’re the alien you figure it out. You don’t need my help and I have better things to do then to sit here and listen to your ignorance for hours on end,” Liz said her eyes blazing up into his.
“What would those things be? Sucking Max off?” Michael asked furious responding without thinking. Validating Liz’s previous statements.
“Don’t you dare act like I’m a whore. I’ve had it. I’m done. I don’t want you anywhere near me ever again. I don’t want your help, your opinion, your advice, or anything else. I would rather die then let you help me you fucking asshole,” Liz said her tone clear and cold. “You have no right to treat me like this and I won’t tolerate it. You always do things that you have no right to do and everyone just shrugs it off or forgives you for it but not this time. Stay away from me. I don’t want you in my life.”
Max had been momentarily frozen with shock at Michael’s blatant disrespect but feeling Liz’s permeating hurt and cold rage he was thrown past his shock directly into fury. When Michael made a move to grab Liz’s arm as she brushed past he moved to block him. “Don’t you ever touch her,” Max grated out his fury choking off all the things he wanted to say to him. Instead Max shoved him back a few steps and grabbed his own coat intent on getting Liz away from him. Away from possible harm. He could come back and deal with Michael later, Liz came first.
After the front door clicked shut stunned silence reigned for a moment before anyone reacted. Maria was the first to move. She picked up Alex’s stun gun and zapped Michael twice without warning.
“I fucking told you I would hurt you, you BASTARD!” Maria yelled trying to zap him again.
“Fuck Maria!” Michael yelped as he jumped aside.
“Maria, I think you need to turn up the voltage with that knob on the side,” Kyle pointed out helpfully. “That’ll take his ass to the floor.”
“Thanks,” Maria said turning the knob to high.
Ava sat stunned as Maria closed in on Michael deadly serious.
“Maria just calm down,” Isabel said getting up and trying to figure out how to help Michael.
“Shut up. This isn’t your business and if you decide to get involved I’ll zap you along with him,” Maria said still trying to back Michael into the corner.
Isabel sat back down. She had no doubt that Maria was serious.
“Maria! I’m sorry!” Michael said backing up slowly. “I didn’t mean it and it was totally wrong and uncalled for.”
“Yes, it was. You’re going to be a whole lot sorrier when your ass hits the floor. I warned you, Michael, now I’m going to kick your ass. You can’t treat people like that. This isn’t just about Liz. If you would dare say that to her….even think it, then it shows your attitude toward all women. This is going to hurt,” Maria said her eyes shooting sparks very similar to the weapon in her hand.
Alex eased closer to Maria and when she lunged forward he decided to take her. Unfortunately for Michael Alex was not an athlete.
Maria stared down at Michael withering on the floor and took a deep calming breath. She felt better. “Thanks Alex. It really works. I really need to buy one for myself.”
Liz sat hugging the door as Max drove. She was utterly still and silent as she watched the scenery pass by.
Max didn’t speak as he drove them to his parent’s house. They were in Clovis and not expected back until late. Pulling into the driveway he shut off the engine and turned to Liz. “Michael’s an ass. I am so sorry about this.”
“I know. Just forget it. I want to go home,” Liz said softly.
“I won’t forget it. I know he hurt you and I’ll handle it. He’ll never say anything like that again,” Max said his feelings clear in his voice.
“You can’t fix this, Max. You can’t control how he thinks or what he does. I really don’t want to talk about this anymore. I just want to go home,” Liz said still facing the window. “I have to work soon anyway.”
“Okay,” Max said and started the engine. “I’ll sit in the café tonight with you. I want to make sure you’re safe.”
When they pulled up in front of the café Liz spoke softly. “The glowing thing is back. See?”
Max turned to see Liz pull back the high neck on her sweater to expose one of the glowing marks on her skin. “I’ll meet you upstairs and I’ll fix it. Okay?”
“Okay,” Liz said and paused. “I don’t think this is your fault and I’m not angry with you at all. I just don’t want to be walked on anymore. I’m serious about this. I won’t put up with it from Michael or Isabel anymore.”
“You don’t have to. I love you, Liz. I don’t want you to feel like you have to put up with them treating you badly. You don’t and I won’t allow it,” Max said looking into her eyes and running his fingers along her cheek. Fucking Michael was road kill. This stopped now. He wasn’t putting up with this shit and neither was Liz.
While most of the group was arguing about what to order in for lunch Michael cornered Liz in the hallway.
“Yes Michael?” Liz asked, smile quirking her lips at Michael's confrontational body posture.
“Don’t. Just don’t. You may be able to jerk Max around but I’m not Max,” Michael said gruffly staring her down.
“Interesting word choice, Michael,” Liz said, head tilting to the side to stare right back. She wasn’t the least bit intimidated. “No, you’re not Max. So why don’t you just tell me what your problem is?”
Michael frowned his eyes intent and burning into hers. “I have more then one.”
“I’m glad to see you’re admitting that. I wouldn’t want to be rude and point out anything you don’t already know,” Liz said sweetly watching his frown turn to a fierce scowl.
“From now on please service Max elsewhere. My bed is mine. Got it?” Michael asked tired of dancing around.
“I always had it. Relax Michael, nothing happened that you and Maria haven’t done there a hundred times. Believe me the last place I want to be naked is your bed,” Liz said sincerely. “You know the affronted thing….it doesn’t really work on you. You seem to be forgetting Maria couldn’t keep a secret from me if she had a gun to her head.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Michael denied heatedly.
“Really? Okay, I’ll enlighten you. You’ve gone much…much further in MY bed then I have. Ring a bell? I think you were late coming back from your break that day, luckily I was in Florida at the time. You’re a total prick for not answering Maria’s calls after that,” Liz said leaning against the wall as she watched Michael’s face. The dropped jaw was satisfying. “Then I actually saw you on the floor of the CrashDown. Do you even know how filthy that floor is? Plus there’s my balcony…”
“Okay. I got it,” Michael said cutting her off.
“I hope so, Michael,” Liz said her eyes pinning him in place. “This thing you do…it’s not going to work with me. If you want something ask me or talk to me don’t try to bully me. It pisses me off.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?” Michael asked eyes narrowing.
“I don’t know. Does it?” Liz asked just as annoyed as Michael appeared to be but trying not to show it. “This isn’t easy for me either, Michael. I don’t like it any more then you do and if I knew what to do to stop it I would. I don’t like you knowing things about me. Personal things. You seem to always know that stuff either by reading my private thoughts or this….thing. I have tried to be….reasonable about this but I won’t put up with your shit.”
“What about your shit? You do this….do MAX..when you know what happens. You know exactly what you’re doing,” Michael accused.
Liz felt her anger break free. “I see. What exactly were you and Maria doing? I have eyes even if I don’t feel what you do. That looks like Maria’s work to me,” Liz said eyes dropping to his neck. “I’m not doing anything to deliberately cause you problems but I refuse to push Max away because of you or anyone else. I won’t, not this time, so get used to it. I love Max. We’re in a relationship and this sort of goes with it. I don’t care if you like it or not and frankly you aren’t really on my mind at the time.”
“What I do is none of your business. It doesn’t affect YOU,” Michael said coldly.
“Keep playing this game. We’ll see how well it goes for you,” Liz said and pushed past him.
Tess watched everything listening to what she could. She knew she had some decisions to make and the more information she had the better. She tried to put her feelings aside as Nesado had taught her and observe the group as objectively as she could.
She watched Michael and Liz with interest. The tension there was felt from clear across the room.
Max watched Liz pick at her pizza feeling her tension as if it were his own. “Liz? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just…it’s nothing. I’m fine,” Liz said and seeing his unconvinced expression she rolled her eyes and smiled. “It is trust me.”
“I do,” Max said scooting closer. He took a pepperoni off his piece of pizza. “Here eat this.”
Liz took it and ate it then kissed him quickly. “Thanks. So…what are you going to do with Tess?”
“Nothing. I’m going to check her once more then she’s free to go,” Max said shrugging lightly. He figured that she would decide for herself what happened to her. He had made things as clear as he knew how. Now it was up to her it had been almost eight hours since they had injected her.
Liz nodded and stayed quiet for a moment. “Maybe you should have Michael try too. He might be able to sense something you don’t. He’s more combat orientated then you are. His whole job is to look out for you right?” Liz asked lightly pushing aside her differences with Michael.
“That’s a good idea. Couldn’t hurt,” Max agreed between bites of his pizza.
Liz didn’t say anything more just continued to pick at her food thinking.
Once they had checked Tess out and were reasonably sure that she didn’t have any powers they loaded up her stuff and released her.
Liz made herself scarce when Michael started mouthing off taking out his frustration and anger on anyone that irked him while they were sending Tess off. Ava caught the less then friendly look Liz shot Michael before leaving the room without a word. She watched as Max and Michael started in on each other with Isabel in the middle playing peacekeeper while the others watched like this was nothing new. Shaking her head she slipped from the room following Liz into the kitchen.
“They always like that?” Ava asked eyeing the other girl.
Liz hopped up onto the counter and took a sip of her pop. “Not always but its not exactly rare either.”
“Max allows that?” Ava asked opening the fridge to grab her own drink.
“They didn’t grow up like your group did. They had no idea they had a past life or any of it. Now the roles are changing and so much is going on….we haven’t worked it all out yet,” Liz tried to explain. She idly played with the tab on her soda can eyes on the floor.
Ava nodded debating even bringing up her next question but curiosity won out. “What about how they are with you? Max go for that?” Ava asked and watched Liz go completely still.
“Michael and Isabel are very important to Max,” Liz said trying to dodge the question.
Ava didn’t respond to that statement instead she opened her pop and took a drink while she studied Liz. Privately she thought they all better get their priorities in order. “So does Tess have a job or anything?”
“No. She never worked,” Liz responded grateful for the change in topic.
“I better start looking for one tomorrow. I’ll need to start earning some money,” Ava said then took another sip of her drink. “The Valenti’s are great and all but I’ll need clothes and stuff.”
“I think I can probably help you out there. My dad’s always hiring waitresses. Maria and I work there and so does Michael as the cook. I can ask him if you want,” Liz offered then smiled. “You’ll love the uniform.”
“Thanks. I would really like that,” Ava agreed softly as Maria entered.
“Like what?” Maria asked catching the tail end of the conversation.
“Working at the CrashDown,” Liz answered.
“Sounds like a good idea,” Maria agreed then rolled her eyes. “I had to escape before I was tempted to take Alex’s stun gun and use it. Maybe a few zaps would do Michael some good. He is so ornery.”
“That’s one word for it,” Liz said softly tucking her hair back behind her ear.
Ava’s eyes widened as she spotted a glow shining through Liz’s sweater in a couple of spots. “Uh Liz? You’re glowing.”
“Crap,” Liz said hopping off the counter. The cover up she had borrowed from Maria’s purse must have rubbed off on her sweater.
“You should have Max fix it,” Maria said surprised she hadn’t done that already.
“I will when he takes me home,” Liz said not explaining further. She wanted to wait till they were away from here just in case. She remembered what happened the last time.
“Hey, you guys ready to talk about Nesado?” Alex asked from the doorway. “They’re done arguing for now.”
“Finally!” Maria huffed and flounced back into the room.
Ava and Liz shared a quick look before following after her.
Max watched Liz through the beginnings of the Nesado conversation. Everyone voicing an opinion and throwing out ideas and Liz seemed withdrawn and apart from it all. She played with the neck of her sweater and fidgeted. It was Michael that snapped her to attention.
“Are we boring you?” Michael asked Liz, a scowl etched into his face. “I mean, if you have somewhere else to be please speak up. We’re only talking about this because of you anyway.”
“Yes Michael, you are boring me. If this topic doesn’t concern you then there’s no need for you to be involved is there?” Liz asked fed up with him and his difficult attitude.
“This is my house. What happens in my house is my concern,” Michael replied feeling his irritation skyrocket. “And I think we both know this does concern me.”
“Really? I disagree. Whatever you claim you feel isn’t my business. I’m not convinced you feel anything at all and if you do it’s your problem not mine. If Nesado is my problem alone then butt out. I didn’t ask for your help,” Liz said bluntly. “I didn’t sign a full disclosure contract when I joined this club. You’re not entitled to know everything so if it’s not your problem and I didn’t ask for help then there’s no reason to be having this conversation.”
Alex sat back in his chair shocked silent and a glance at Maria showed her mouth actually hanging open. Kyle couldn’t help the smirk the spread across his face. It wasn’t often Liz got really pissed but when she did it was ugly. Michael was toast. Ava just watched wanting to see this play out and who was on what side. It was clear there were divisions in this group and this might make them more visible.
“Listen up. We’re having this conversation and you’re going to answer my questions. We’re the aliens. You’re human. Since Nesado is an alien that automatically makes this our business,” Michael said standing so he could tower over her.
“Thank you for the Biology lesson Michael. I wasn’t aware you even passed that class,” Liz said furious. Resentful that he was once again trying to bully and intimidate her she felt the urge to strike out. “I thought you already knew everything with your superior intelligence so what could I possibly have to add. I’m only human.”
“You’re a bitch,” Michael said clearly. “Don’t act like I’m stupid just because I’m not in the science club.”
“That has nothing to do with it. Use your brain for once before you open your mouth and I may reconsider your intelligence. If you’re the alien you figure it out. You don’t need my help and I have better things to do then to sit here and listen to your ignorance for hours on end,” Liz said her eyes blazing up into his.
“What would those things be? Sucking Max off?” Michael asked furious responding without thinking. Validating Liz’s previous statements.
“Don’t you dare act like I’m a whore. I’ve had it. I’m done. I don’t want you anywhere near me ever again. I don’t want your help, your opinion, your advice, or anything else. I would rather die then let you help me you fucking asshole,” Liz said her tone clear and cold. “You have no right to treat me like this and I won’t tolerate it. You always do things that you have no right to do and everyone just shrugs it off or forgives you for it but not this time. Stay away from me. I don’t want you in my life.”
Max had been momentarily frozen with shock at Michael’s blatant disrespect but feeling Liz’s permeating hurt and cold rage he was thrown past his shock directly into fury. When Michael made a move to grab Liz’s arm as she brushed past he moved to block him. “Don’t you ever touch her,” Max grated out his fury choking off all the things he wanted to say to him. Instead Max shoved him back a few steps and grabbed his own coat intent on getting Liz away from him. Away from possible harm. He could come back and deal with Michael later, Liz came first.
After the front door clicked shut stunned silence reigned for a moment before anyone reacted. Maria was the first to move. She picked up Alex’s stun gun and zapped Michael twice without warning.
“I fucking told you I would hurt you, you BASTARD!” Maria yelled trying to zap him again.
“Fuck Maria!” Michael yelped as he jumped aside.
“Maria, I think you need to turn up the voltage with that knob on the side,” Kyle pointed out helpfully. “That’ll take his ass to the floor.”
“Thanks,” Maria said turning the knob to high.
Ava sat stunned as Maria closed in on Michael deadly serious.
“Maria just calm down,” Isabel said getting up and trying to figure out how to help Michael.
“Shut up. This isn’t your business and if you decide to get involved I’ll zap you along with him,” Maria said still trying to back Michael into the corner.
Isabel sat back down. She had no doubt that Maria was serious.
“Maria! I’m sorry!” Michael said backing up slowly. “I didn’t mean it and it was totally wrong and uncalled for.”
“Yes, it was. You’re going to be a whole lot sorrier when your ass hits the floor. I warned you, Michael, now I’m going to kick your ass. You can’t treat people like that. This isn’t just about Liz. If you would dare say that to her….even think it, then it shows your attitude toward all women. This is going to hurt,” Maria said her eyes shooting sparks very similar to the weapon in her hand.
Alex eased closer to Maria and when she lunged forward he decided to take her. Unfortunately for Michael Alex was not an athlete.
Maria stared down at Michael withering on the floor and took a deep calming breath. She felt better. “Thanks Alex. It really works. I really need to buy one for myself.”
Liz sat hugging the door as Max drove. She was utterly still and silent as she watched the scenery pass by.
Max didn’t speak as he drove them to his parent’s house. They were in Clovis and not expected back until late. Pulling into the driveway he shut off the engine and turned to Liz. “Michael’s an ass. I am so sorry about this.”
“I know. Just forget it. I want to go home,” Liz said softly.
“I won’t forget it. I know he hurt you and I’ll handle it. He’ll never say anything like that again,” Max said his feelings clear in his voice.
“You can’t fix this, Max. You can’t control how he thinks or what he does. I really don’t want to talk about this anymore. I just want to go home,” Liz said still facing the window. “I have to work soon anyway.”
“Okay,” Max said and started the engine. “I’ll sit in the café tonight with you. I want to make sure you’re safe.”
When they pulled up in front of the café Liz spoke softly. “The glowing thing is back. See?”
Max turned to see Liz pull back the high neck on her sweater to expose one of the glowing marks on her skin. “I’ll meet you upstairs and I’ll fix it. Okay?”
“Okay,” Liz said and paused. “I don’t think this is your fault and I’m not angry with you at all. I just don’t want to be walked on anymore. I’m serious about this. I won’t put up with it from Michael or Isabel anymore.”
“You don’t have to. I love you, Liz. I don’t want you to feel like you have to put up with them treating you badly. You don’t and I won’t allow it,” Max said looking into her eyes and running his fingers along her cheek. Fucking Michael was road kill. This stopped now. He wasn’t putting up with this shit and neither was Liz.
Chapter Twenty Seven
Max climbed up to Liz’s room to wait for her still thinking about what had happened at Michael’s. He knew he had to do something to prevent any further incidents but he also knew that this was more then one isolated incident.
Hearing movement inside he approached the window and waited for Liz to open it. When she did he climbed inside watching her carefully. Michael had managed to wipe out Liz’s playful mood as if it had never been and Max was angry about that along with many other things. Max went to her desk and sat in the chair waiting for Liz to relax and come to him.
Liz didn’t speak or look at Max. She was mostly berating herself and holding an internal argument as she got her uniform and set it out on the bed along with her tennis shoes and pair of short silver socks. She didn’t want to admit it but Michael had made her feel ashamed. Like there was something wrong with her feelings. With wanting Max and that made her angry.
She was the one who really started things more often then not. She was also the one who wanted to go farther more often then not. It was always Max who stopped. Chewing on her bottom lip she tried to reason her way out of her feelings but it wasn’t working. Maybe Michael wasn’t completely wrong. Maybe she was too forward and….slutty with Max. She thought he liked it but maybe he didn’t. Maybe that’s why he always stopped. Michael would know more about what guys thought then she would. That’s why she was avoiding Max for the moment.
He was going to have to touch her to heal the marks. She clearly remembered what it had felt like when he healed that one mark the last time. It wasn’t the visions she was afraid of it was the almost unbearable urge to touch him and have him touch her. It was like an explosion of heat and longing that hadn’t ended for days. Days where she had to struggle to appear normal and not melt into a puddle every time she saw him and that’s saying nothing about when he touched her. Good lord she had made a total idiot out of herself the last time and wasn’t eager to repeat that experience. If she thought she could hide the marks and they would go away she would but that was a huge risk. A risk that she didn’t think would pay off. If Michael thought things were bad up to now he just had no idea.
Liz cringed as she imagined the numerous face offs they would be having if this was anything like last time. He was going to think she was doing it on purpose. He was going to be mad as hell, which in turn almost guaranteed that she would be getting angry right back. The thing was….she didn’t think it would be like the last time. She thought it would be worse. Last time there had only been one mark not five. This was bound to be different.
Max waited patiently sensing some sort of turmoil inside her but not understanding the cause. His eyes followed her as she moved around the room looking for clues to what she was thinking. If he could see her eyes he would have a better chance at it. Her eyes were so large and expressive that even when she tried to hide her thoughts they swirled in the depths of her dark beautiful eyes.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to change,” Liz said in a hushed voice picking up her uniform.
“Okay,” Max agreed softly and resumed waiting.
Isabel had a headache. She was sure it was a tension headache brought on by the last several days. Goddamn Michael anyway. Her fingers massaged her temples rhythmically trying to ease the pressure that throbbed with every beat of her heart. Sighing she wished Max were here. He always got rid of these headaches for her.
“What’s your problem? I’m the one that got electrocuted,” Michael grumbled from his prone position on the couch.
“Fuck off Michael. That was your own fault. Do you ever think?” Isabel demanded shooting him a glare. “Really I want to know.”
“Gee you are a bundle of warmth aren’t you? I know where not to go for a little bit of sympathy,” Michael responded.
“Sympathy? Are you out of your mind? What the hell is wrong with you?” Isabel asked amazed. “I’m still trying to process what you said. I can’t believe you said that stuff to Liz. In front of Max no less. I don’t know what the problem is but you better fix it. You thought what I did was bad? That was nothing compared to this. Max isn’t deaf and he isn’t likely to brush this off. Did you see Ava’s face? I’m sure she thinks we’re all lunatics. She looked horrified. You’re fucking girlfriend stun gunned you, Michael! God!”
“Yeah well…everyone has a bad day now and again,” Michael mumbled wincing as he shifted positions. Damn he hurt.
“Bad day? Bad day is what you have to say about this? A bad day is when they’re out of a killer pair of shoes in your size or you fail a quiz. Not when you call your KINGS….your BROTHERS girlfriend a whore right in front of him. Not when Liz chews your ass off and says she would rather DIE then accept help from you. Not when your girlfriend listens to you demean women and her best friend in particular then proceeds to kick your ass. That’s more then a bad day. You’ll be lucky if your not fired from your job and Max doesn’t kill you.”
“I know I haven’t been the best either. I’ve done things…said things to Liz more then once but Michael…I have never attacked her like that. That was brutal and wrong to attack her personally like that. You know it was,” Isabel said watching him with puzzled eyes. “You’re the one that pointed out to me that I needed to lay off her.”
“I know,” Michael said and looked over at her. “I know I did. It’s just….I don’t even know what it was.”
“Well I suggest you figure it out before Max gets here. Otherwise the beating Maria gave you is just the beginning,” Isabel pointed out.
Ava sat on the couch one leg tucked underneath her while Kyle watched TV from his spot on the other end of the couch. Her eyes were on the TV but her mind was still turning over the events of the afternoon.
She wasn’t sure what she thought at this point. They were in trouble. Nesado would exploit these cracks in the group and it was just dangerous all around. The only good thing she could say was that the humans stuck together and complimented each other well. There were no power struggles there. They each had a place and worked from their strengths.
What she had seen of the hybrids had shown a lack of unity and direction. Isabel wasn’t like Lonnie that was clear to her. That was both a good thing and not. Isabel didn’t seem to thirst for power the way Lonnie had but she was selfish. Time would tell how that flaw would play out. Michael…she didn’t have a clear read on Michael. He was impulsive and thoughtless but there was more there. Rath would have knocked Maria into next week if she had even tried to correct him verbally much less stun gun him.
She thought the decision to hide had worked against them in some ways. Max wasn’t used to thinking in terms of being a king and deciding for the others. He looked for their approval and agreement when he should be taking a stand. There was an art to being a leader….a balance to achieve there and she wasn’t seeing it so far. It wasn’t all bad though at least Isabel and Michael didn’t seem to want to kill him so he wasn’t doing too bad. He had chosen a smart strong mate who loved him and was clearly loyal. It could be worse.
She actually thought this working with humans thing might really work out. Balance them out a little and keep their faults from taking the leading role in their future.
Ava smiled as she replayed Maria wielding that stun gun. If nothing else she wouldn’t be bored.
Max straightened as Liz walked out of the bathroom in bare feet wearing her waitress uniform. He watched her nervously tuck her hair behind her ear as she looked at everything but him. “Liz? What’s wrong?”
“Ummm nothing. I guess we should….get rid of these huh?” Liz said referring to the three glowing marks on her neck, the one peeking out when the V-neck of her uniform moved aside, and the one completely hidden mark.
Max stood up and closed the distance between them. He needed to see her eyes. Something was wrong and he was going to find out what it was.
Liz felt nervous and vulnerable standing there in her bare feet as Max moved to tower over her. She felt a lot more naked then she actually was.
Max could feel her tensing the closer he got and grew more determined to get to the bottom of this. Was she really angry with him about Michael and didn’t want to say so? He tilted her chin up with his finger and held her eyes as he touched the first mark to heal it.
Liz gasp as a wave of heat pooled inside her as a flood of images flickered behind her eyes in no real order that she could decipher. A flash of her eyes, stars, a stone circle, her smile, the cave, bare skin, the library at school, and water.
Max felt the immediate pull on his energy and went with it giving what she needed. He saw her eyes flare with heat pupils expanding to eclipse the warm brown pulling him in.
Liz blinked when Max dropped his hand from her neck still staring into her eyes. When she tried to look away he shook his head.
“Don’t. I’m not done,” Max said his voice low. It was clear more then words were needed this time. His anger with Michael was growing by leaps and bounds as he got a sense of what was happening.
Liz was never really sure what happened after that. He went to heal the other marks, fingers skimming her neck and before she knew it her uniform was on the floor with her bra quick to follow. A minute after that she was looking up at Max from her bed.
“Max?” Liz asked faintly.
“I’m just getting rid of a few things,” Max answered the question he knew she was asking.
“Like what?” Liz asked as Max pushed one of his legs between hers.
“Like the glowing marks and this weird idea you have that I think less of you or want you less. I’m not really clear on that but…” Max paused and led her hand down to the bulge at the front of his pants. “All I know is that you’re damn lucky you have to work in a few minutes.”
Liz held still eyes wide with surprise. “What?”
“I’m serious. If I didn’t think your parents would come looking for you when you didn’t show up for work I would disprove all those wrong ideas that are floating around in your head. I’m still tempted,” Max said eyes following his fingers as they traveled down her chest. “I now know what Kyle was talking about.”
“WHAT?!” Liz shrieked sitting up. “What does Kyle have to do with this? What did he say?”
Max smiled at the look on her face. “Should I be worried about this? You seem a little…upset.”
“Max Evans if you don’t start talking I’ll borrow Alex’s stun gun and zap you where it will really hurt,” Liz threatened. Kyle wouldn’t tell Max…..no that wasn’t possible. Kyle wouldn’t do that…..would he?
“Liz. That isn’t nice. Threatening me like that,” Max said amused. “I don’t see what you’re so freaked about. I think you need to start talking.”
Liz sat there her mouth open as she tried to think of something to wiggle out of this with. “I don’t think so. You’re the one who started talking about Kyle. I have to get to work. I’m running late,” Liz said scrambling off the bed and scooping up her clothes.
“Liz?” Max asked surprised at how fast she could move.
“Gotta go,” Liz said and slammed her bathroom door.
“What the hell?” Max asked the empty room. “Hey Liz? I never healed the last mark.”
“That’s okay. It’s not visible. I’ll….stick a Band-Aid on it,” Liz said snapping up her uniform. Shit shit shit. “Thanks anyway.”
“It’s glowing Liz. You can’t just walk around with it like that,” Max pointed out getting up and walking toward the bathroom door.
“Umm it’s not a big thing okay?” Liz said pulling her hair up into a ponytail. “I sort of like it glowing like that.”
Max waited for Liz to leave the bathroom before trapping her against the wall. “We’ll talk about this later?”
“Yes. We will,” Liz agreed and ducked under his arm. “Just as soon as I talk to Kyle,” Liz thought to herself. “You coming?” Liz asked Max as she reached the door.
“At this point I’m not sure if I’m coming or going,” Max remarked as he followed her out.
Max climbed up to Liz’s room to wait for her still thinking about what had happened at Michael’s. He knew he had to do something to prevent any further incidents but he also knew that this was more then one isolated incident.
Hearing movement inside he approached the window and waited for Liz to open it. When she did he climbed inside watching her carefully. Michael had managed to wipe out Liz’s playful mood as if it had never been and Max was angry about that along with many other things. Max went to her desk and sat in the chair waiting for Liz to relax and come to him.
Liz didn’t speak or look at Max. She was mostly berating herself and holding an internal argument as she got her uniform and set it out on the bed along with her tennis shoes and pair of short silver socks. She didn’t want to admit it but Michael had made her feel ashamed. Like there was something wrong with her feelings. With wanting Max and that made her angry.
She was the one who really started things more often then not. She was also the one who wanted to go farther more often then not. It was always Max who stopped. Chewing on her bottom lip she tried to reason her way out of her feelings but it wasn’t working. Maybe Michael wasn’t completely wrong. Maybe she was too forward and….slutty with Max. She thought he liked it but maybe he didn’t. Maybe that’s why he always stopped. Michael would know more about what guys thought then she would. That’s why she was avoiding Max for the moment.
He was going to have to touch her to heal the marks. She clearly remembered what it had felt like when he healed that one mark the last time. It wasn’t the visions she was afraid of it was the almost unbearable urge to touch him and have him touch her. It was like an explosion of heat and longing that hadn’t ended for days. Days where she had to struggle to appear normal and not melt into a puddle every time she saw him and that’s saying nothing about when he touched her. Good lord she had made a total idiot out of herself the last time and wasn’t eager to repeat that experience. If she thought she could hide the marks and they would go away she would but that was a huge risk. A risk that she didn’t think would pay off. If Michael thought things were bad up to now he just had no idea.
Liz cringed as she imagined the numerous face offs they would be having if this was anything like last time. He was going to think she was doing it on purpose. He was going to be mad as hell, which in turn almost guaranteed that she would be getting angry right back. The thing was….she didn’t think it would be like the last time. She thought it would be worse. Last time there had only been one mark not five. This was bound to be different.
Max waited patiently sensing some sort of turmoil inside her but not understanding the cause. His eyes followed her as she moved around the room looking for clues to what she was thinking. If he could see her eyes he would have a better chance at it. Her eyes were so large and expressive that even when she tried to hide her thoughts they swirled in the depths of her dark beautiful eyes.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to change,” Liz said in a hushed voice picking up her uniform.
“Okay,” Max agreed softly and resumed waiting.
Isabel had a headache. She was sure it was a tension headache brought on by the last several days. Goddamn Michael anyway. Her fingers massaged her temples rhythmically trying to ease the pressure that throbbed with every beat of her heart. Sighing she wished Max were here. He always got rid of these headaches for her.
“What’s your problem? I’m the one that got electrocuted,” Michael grumbled from his prone position on the couch.
“Fuck off Michael. That was your own fault. Do you ever think?” Isabel demanded shooting him a glare. “Really I want to know.”
“Gee you are a bundle of warmth aren’t you? I know where not to go for a little bit of sympathy,” Michael responded.
“Sympathy? Are you out of your mind? What the hell is wrong with you?” Isabel asked amazed. “I’m still trying to process what you said. I can’t believe you said that stuff to Liz. In front of Max no less. I don’t know what the problem is but you better fix it. You thought what I did was bad? That was nothing compared to this. Max isn’t deaf and he isn’t likely to brush this off. Did you see Ava’s face? I’m sure she thinks we’re all lunatics. She looked horrified. You’re fucking girlfriend stun gunned you, Michael! God!”
“Yeah well…everyone has a bad day now and again,” Michael mumbled wincing as he shifted positions. Damn he hurt.
“Bad day? Bad day is what you have to say about this? A bad day is when they’re out of a killer pair of shoes in your size or you fail a quiz. Not when you call your KINGS….your BROTHERS girlfriend a whore right in front of him. Not when Liz chews your ass off and says she would rather DIE then accept help from you. Not when your girlfriend listens to you demean women and her best friend in particular then proceeds to kick your ass. That’s more then a bad day. You’ll be lucky if your not fired from your job and Max doesn’t kill you.”
“I know I haven’t been the best either. I’ve done things…said things to Liz more then once but Michael…I have never attacked her like that. That was brutal and wrong to attack her personally like that. You know it was,” Isabel said watching him with puzzled eyes. “You’re the one that pointed out to me that I needed to lay off her.”
“I know,” Michael said and looked over at her. “I know I did. It’s just….I don’t even know what it was.”
“Well I suggest you figure it out before Max gets here. Otherwise the beating Maria gave you is just the beginning,” Isabel pointed out.
Ava sat on the couch one leg tucked underneath her while Kyle watched TV from his spot on the other end of the couch. Her eyes were on the TV but her mind was still turning over the events of the afternoon.
She wasn’t sure what she thought at this point. They were in trouble. Nesado would exploit these cracks in the group and it was just dangerous all around. The only good thing she could say was that the humans stuck together and complimented each other well. There were no power struggles there. They each had a place and worked from their strengths.
What she had seen of the hybrids had shown a lack of unity and direction. Isabel wasn’t like Lonnie that was clear to her. That was both a good thing and not. Isabel didn’t seem to thirst for power the way Lonnie had but she was selfish. Time would tell how that flaw would play out. Michael…she didn’t have a clear read on Michael. He was impulsive and thoughtless but there was more there. Rath would have knocked Maria into next week if she had even tried to correct him verbally much less stun gun him.
She thought the decision to hide had worked against them in some ways. Max wasn’t used to thinking in terms of being a king and deciding for the others. He looked for their approval and agreement when he should be taking a stand. There was an art to being a leader….a balance to achieve there and she wasn’t seeing it so far. It wasn’t all bad though at least Isabel and Michael didn’t seem to want to kill him so he wasn’t doing too bad. He had chosen a smart strong mate who loved him and was clearly loyal. It could be worse.
She actually thought this working with humans thing might really work out. Balance them out a little and keep their faults from taking the leading role in their future.
Ava smiled as she replayed Maria wielding that stun gun. If nothing else she wouldn’t be bored.
Max straightened as Liz walked out of the bathroom in bare feet wearing her waitress uniform. He watched her nervously tuck her hair behind her ear as she looked at everything but him. “Liz? What’s wrong?”
“Ummm nothing. I guess we should….get rid of these huh?” Liz said referring to the three glowing marks on her neck, the one peeking out when the V-neck of her uniform moved aside, and the one completely hidden mark.
Max stood up and closed the distance between them. He needed to see her eyes. Something was wrong and he was going to find out what it was.
Liz felt nervous and vulnerable standing there in her bare feet as Max moved to tower over her. She felt a lot more naked then she actually was.
Max could feel her tensing the closer he got and grew more determined to get to the bottom of this. Was she really angry with him about Michael and didn’t want to say so? He tilted her chin up with his finger and held her eyes as he touched the first mark to heal it.
Liz gasp as a wave of heat pooled inside her as a flood of images flickered behind her eyes in no real order that she could decipher. A flash of her eyes, stars, a stone circle, her smile, the cave, bare skin, the library at school, and water.
Max felt the immediate pull on his energy and went with it giving what she needed. He saw her eyes flare with heat pupils expanding to eclipse the warm brown pulling him in.
Liz blinked when Max dropped his hand from her neck still staring into her eyes. When she tried to look away he shook his head.
“Don’t. I’m not done,” Max said his voice low. It was clear more then words were needed this time. His anger with Michael was growing by leaps and bounds as he got a sense of what was happening.
Liz was never really sure what happened after that. He went to heal the other marks, fingers skimming her neck and before she knew it her uniform was on the floor with her bra quick to follow. A minute after that she was looking up at Max from her bed.
“Max?” Liz asked faintly.
“I’m just getting rid of a few things,” Max answered the question he knew she was asking.
“Like what?” Liz asked as Max pushed one of his legs between hers.
“Like the glowing marks and this weird idea you have that I think less of you or want you less. I’m not really clear on that but…” Max paused and led her hand down to the bulge at the front of his pants. “All I know is that you’re damn lucky you have to work in a few minutes.”
Liz held still eyes wide with surprise. “What?”
“I’m serious. If I didn’t think your parents would come looking for you when you didn’t show up for work I would disprove all those wrong ideas that are floating around in your head. I’m still tempted,” Max said eyes following his fingers as they traveled down her chest. “I now know what Kyle was talking about.”
“WHAT?!” Liz shrieked sitting up. “What does Kyle have to do with this? What did he say?”
Max smiled at the look on her face. “Should I be worried about this? You seem a little…upset.”
“Max Evans if you don’t start talking I’ll borrow Alex’s stun gun and zap you where it will really hurt,” Liz threatened. Kyle wouldn’t tell Max…..no that wasn’t possible. Kyle wouldn’t do that…..would he?
“Liz. That isn’t nice. Threatening me like that,” Max said amused. “I don’t see what you’re so freaked about. I think you need to start talking.”
Liz sat there her mouth open as she tried to think of something to wiggle out of this with. “I don’t think so. You’re the one who started talking about Kyle. I have to get to work. I’m running late,” Liz said scrambling off the bed and scooping up her clothes.
“Liz?” Max asked surprised at how fast she could move.
“Gotta go,” Liz said and slammed her bathroom door.
“What the hell?” Max asked the empty room. “Hey Liz? I never healed the last mark.”
“That’s okay. It’s not visible. I’ll….stick a Band-Aid on it,” Liz said snapping up her uniform. Shit shit shit. “Thanks anyway.”
“It’s glowing Liz. You can’t just walk around with it like that,” Max pointed out getting up and walking toward the bathroom door.
“Umm it’s not a big thing okay?” Liz said pulling her hair up into a ponytail. “I sort of like it glowing like that.”
Max waited for Liz to leave the bathroom before trapping her against the wall. “We’ll talk about this later?”
“Yes. We will,” Liz agreed and ducked under his arm. “Just as soon as I talk to Kyle,” Liz thought to herself. “You coming?” Liz asked Max as she reached the door.
“At this point I’m not sure if I’m coming or going,” Max remarked as he followed her out.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Max sat in his regular booth watching Liz as she bustled around the café. She was avoiding him. Going back over things he realized that he had taken a wrong turn in Liz’s room. He wasn’t sure if it was the mention of Kyle that had upset her or just what had happened in general. He had wanted to show her that he did want her. He had gotten wisps of doubt on that issue when he was healing her and honestly he didn’t understand it.
Picking at the fries in front of him, he tried to think things through and decide how to handle this whole situation.
The first break in the rush of customers had Liz on the phone to Kyle. She realized in the back of her mind that she was probably freaking out over nothing but that didn’t quell her feelings in the slightest.
“Hello?” Kyle asked absently eyes still on the TV.
“Kyle, you Bastard!” Liz said not bothering to identify herself.
“Mom?” Kyle asked smiling. Clearly Liz was cranky.
“You’re not funny, you ass! What did you say to Max?” Liz demanded her foot tapping.
“Nothing. What are you talking about?” Kyle asked confused. He and Max rarely spoke. He had no idea what she was talking about.
“I’m talking about you saying something to Max. That’s what I’m talking about! Something private!” Liz practically yelled into the phone.
“Something private…..hmmm nothing springs to mind,” Kyle said thinking hard. “Can you be a little more specific?”
“Get down here right now!” Liz hissed with a glance at Jose who seemed really interested in the conversation judging by his frequent glances from the kitchen. “Come to the BACK door.”
“You just make that sound so tempting but I’m in the middle of something,” Kyle teased.
“You’re going to have my foot in the middle of your ass if I don’t see you in five. Understand?” Liz asked wanting to choke the shit out of him.
“Got it. See you in five. Wear something sexy,” Kyle said grinning.
“Fuck off!” Liz said and hung up.
Kyle tapped the phone antenna against his chin trying to think of what he could have said to get himself in trouble. There were just so many comments it was hard to narrow it down. Liz was cute when she was mad though. He better wear a cup she sounded really pissed.
He wasn’t even done knocking when Liz ripped open the door and yanked him inside. “Hello to you too, Liz.”
“Sit down!” Liz said pointing to the couch.
Kyle sat and looked up at her as she paced. “What is this about? If you told me what Max said maybe I could figure out what was going on here,” Kyle said trying to curb the urge to protect his groin. She looked a little wild-eyed.
“Did you ever tell him anything about me? Like ever…..from when we were dating or….when you helped me out?” Liz asked unwilling to discuss what Max had said and why it freaked her out.
“Ummm noooo,” Kyle said thinking then paused. “Okay well, maybe one thing,” Kyle admitted and held up his hands when Liz narrowed her eyes at him. “It was forever ago and let me preface this by saying I was trashed at the time,” Kyle defended himself. “The night you went on that radio station date we sort of…..discussed bases,” Kyle said and seeing Liz’s eye twitch he started looking for escape routes. “But only in the most positive sense. He was not at all pissed. I swear. We even agreed to share you.”
“WHAT?!” Liz shrieked and started hitting Kyle over the head.
“Hey hey! That hurts!” Kyle said grabbing her wrists.
“I hope it does! What the HELL is wrong with men? Stay away from Max. I don’t need you corrupting him anymore!” Liz said trying to pull her wrists out of his grip. Off balance she tumbled down onto his lap glaring at him fiercely.
“Umm Liz?” Max asked from the doorway a half smile on his face.
Liz bolted to her feet and kicked Kyle’s leg hard in a fit of anger.
“Fuck! Liz!” Kyle yelped grabbing his leg. “I need all my appendages!”
Max’s smile widened at Liz’s angry expression.
“Shut up! You deserved that! God!” Liz told Kyle disgusted. Turning to Max her eyes narrowed at his smile. “Both of you get out of here.”
Max’s eyes widened at her angry expression. “What did I do?”
“Just go! You want to share? Share another beer somewhere else! My break is over,” Liz said and with a nasty look she left the doors swinging wildly after her.
“What is she talking about sharing?” Max asked completely confused.
“Evans you are like five steps behind here. I’ll explain it after we leave. I want to keep my other appendages uninjured,” Kyle said limping to the door. “Michael that fucker! I’m going to kick his ass.” How stupid was he anyway? Didn’t he know never to poke at a beehive with a stick? It just riled them up and got everyone stung. Fucker.
“You’re kidding me?” Max asked astonished. “I said that?”
“You did,” Kyle nodded suppressing his grin.
“No. I wouldn’t say that,” Max said shaking his head.
“Possessive huh? Yeah, well you were trashed and not in your right mind. But that’s not really the problem,” Kyle said taking his shot. Clean net shot he ruled!
“So what’s the problem?” Max asked catching the basketball.
“The problem is that fucker Michael,” Kyle said scowling as he tried to block Max.
“Frequently yes,” Max agreed slipping around Kyle getting off a shot that circled the rim before going in.
“See between him and the rumors at school….well its not good. Say something enough and people start to believe it right?” Kyle asked dribbling while he watched Max. “Plus, Liz feels funny anyway about that whole…thing that happened.”
Max frowned. He had never thought to add all three of those things together. “Did you see him? Me I mean?” Max asked curious.
“No, I didn’t but Liz was so….” Kyle grunted as he used his body to shove Max back. “Nervous and upset. I was more focused on putting her at ease. Her fingers were white from clutching that towel and then the blankets. It wasn’t good I felt like a rapist she was so…I don’t know. Then that shit at school and everyone groping her. Michael needs his ass kicked in a major way. She’s worked up about all this. What she’s saying isn’t even half of what she’s thinking I would bet,” Kyle said and saw his opening. “Yes! That would make it my game Evans.”
Max leaned forward hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. Kyle had it going on.
Liz looked up from sweeping as Maria burst through the front doors.
“I came for the ice cream,” Maria said throwing herself down at the counter.
“What happened?” Liz asked concerned. She wondered how Maria had reacted after she left.
“I used Alex’s stun gun on Michael till he was kissing carpet,” Maria said still fuming.
Liz’s mouth dropped open for a second before snapping shut. “Wow. Oh Maria. I’m sorry,” Liz said feeling horrible.
“It’s not your fault Michael’s a pig,” Maria said spinning on her stool.
“It’s men. I think maybe your mom has a point,” Liz said setting aside her broom and walking behind the counter to get two spoons.
“What did Saint Max do?” Maria asked interested.
“He talked to Kyle. You remember when they got drunk? Well apparently they agreed to share me,” Liz said slamming the spoons down on the counter. “The funny thing is the whole school already thinks they do.”
Maria winced in sympathy. “Men are messed up creatures.” Maria observed as Liz disappeared into the back for the ice cream. When Liz reappeared She continued. “So how did all of this come up?” Maria asked watching Liz take her first bite.
“Ummm he was…sort of healing those glowing things and he brought up Kyle,” Liz said evasively. “Something like he could see what Kyle was talking about.”
“Oooookay?” Maria asked.
“I was almost naked at the time,” Liz said and stabbed her spoon into the ice cream carton.
“Oh. I see,” Maria said nodding then after a pause. “So when were you naked with Kyle?”
“Well….umm you know….when we pretended to sleep together,” Liz mumbled. “And well…I wasn’t naked but….that one time.”
“Oh right. Second base,” Maria nodded remembering. “Liz, that wasn’t even anything really. Well you know I really don’t think Max was talking about that. I doubt he was thinking much with you being pretty much naked and all. I know sharing is out of the question and not even a thought in his head. I mean come on Liz! He scowls at any guy in a five-foot radius of you. He freaked on Zan remember? Michael is about to have to deal with him too.”
“I know. It’s not that,” Liz said agreeing.
“So what is it?” Maria asked then licked her spoon.
“I just…feel….funny. It wasn’t really Max at all,” Liz said tapping the side of the carton with her spoon.
“It was Michael wasn’t it?” Maria asked studying Liz. “He doesn’t even really know you Liz. Plus, he’s like retarded.”
“But he does know me,” Liz almost whispered. Nibbling on her lower lip she set down her spoon. “He knows a lot.”
Maria waited silently knowing Liz would come out with it when she was ready.
“What if he’s right? He’s feels things from me and he knows how I think,” Liz said staring at the countertop. He HAD read her inner most thoughts after all. “So maybe he knows.”
“No he doesn’t. Michael doesn’t even know his own mind much less yours. I know these last few weeks have been one assault after another on your sexuality in different ways but don’t buy into it. There’s nothing wrong with you,” Maria said with total conviction.
Liz stayed silent for a minute then set aside her own crap and focused on Maria. “So what are you going to do about Michael?”
“Nothing. I’m not going to do anything. Let him sweat it,” Maria said with a shrug.
Liz smiled wondering how long that would last.
As Max lurked outside watching over Liz he thought over what Kyle had said. It made sense. Michael wasn’t a stranger and to have him say those things might have lent them more weight then they should have. As soon as he talked to Liz he would go see Michael. He had already called Isabel and told her to wait there until he arrived. He would deal with them both at the same time.
Something kept nagging at him just below the surface of his mind. A reason Liz would lend weight to Michael’s words. He didn’t think they knew each other well but they seemed to be able to find the right buttons to push in the other.
Seeing Liz turn out the lights in the café he waited a few minutes then headed up to her balcony. Cautiously he approached her window. Looking in he saw her pulling out her hair tie so he tapped on the glass.
Liz knew without turning that it was Max. The rising tide of heat inside her told her that. Shaking out her hair to give herself a moment to get a grip over her seesawing emotions she sternly lectured herself to not forget where she was….to remain collected and normal…sane.
She opened the window and leaned against the sill. “I’m so sorry I acted like that. I totally freaked out on you,” Liz said softly fingers clenched together her knuckles showing white.
Max studied her lowered eyes his gaze wandering down to her hands. “Well I learned what not to say,” Max said lightly easing down to sit beside her window.
“I’m sorry. I can’t believe I did that. You must think I’m a complete nut case…..or Maria,” Liz said smiling slightly.
“Well I was worried when you were hitting Kyle over the head. I was waiting for the stun gun to come out so I just stayed by the door…you know, in case I had to run,” Max teased lightly watching her carefully. When her smile widened he breathed easier. “The last few days have been crazy so you’re entitled to a freak out or two.”
“No, I’m not. It’s been just as hard on you,” Liz pointed out itching to brush back his hair. She looked down again digging her nails into her hand to keep from reaching out.
“Liz, you’re way too hard on yourself. Can you just talk to me about this?” Max asked his eyes wandering over her face. She looked flushed like she was too warm although she shouldn’t be since she was standing at the open window.
“I just…umm I know that you still….picture that night….the night of the concert and when you….mentioned Kyle….ummm I just….thought about that I guess. Since we were in my room and everything. I never really told you about that night and you never asked…..details I mean. Does it bother you?” Liz asked forcing out the words past her fear-clogged throat.
Max smiled and reached out to touch her his hand moved slowly over the silken mass of her hair, fingers rubbing the long strands against the pad of his thumb helpless against his need for even the smallest touch of her. “No, it doesn’t. Not the way you mean. What I was going to say earlier was that Kyle was right when he said it was a travesty of justice. It is a sacrilege that you don’t understand how I feel. That you could give any credence to Michael’s words shows that I’ve made a serious error in judgement,” Max said solemnly, his fingers moving to caress hers trying to ease her white knuckled grip. “More then one really but I’m going to fix it.
“I know you love me,” Liz whispered tentatively.
“Yes, I do but it’s more then that. I need you so much. Sometimes I think that if you knew how much it would scare you,” Max said and saw a flash of disbelief float through her eyes. “Its true. If you could see my dreams you would know. You will know,” Max said his thumb moving back and forth over the inside of her wrist. “Why do you believe Michael over me?” Max asked looking into her eyes.
Liz heard him but couldn’t answer. The sudden increase of the heat and yearning inside her stole her ability to speak. She swayed forward unconsciously, needing to be closer to him.
Max watched her pupils expand and slid his hands up her bare arms urging her closer. His heartbeat accelerated his blood pumping through him hotly. Catching a wisp of the scent of her skin as she drew closer he lost all sense of the anything but her. Until the flashes started.
Liz crawled out the window and onto his lap pushing his back to the wall guided by his strong hands. She couldn’t think or protest as his hands slid up her legs pushing up her uniform.
Max stiffened under her as he received the answer to his question. Looking into her eyes he set that aside for the moment in favor of proving his need for her. The faintest glimmer of his need. Moving his hands up under her uniform to her hips, he moved her over his erection encouraging her to rub against him.
Liz followed his guiding hands feeling her remaining mark pulse strong in time with her heart, sending liquid heat shimmering out through her in waves.
“You’re so beautiful,” Max groaned. “Everything about you. Don’t hide from me. You don’t ever have to hide from me.”
“Max…I can’t….,” Liz gasp out her fingers gliding over his exposed skin. Feeling his pulse beat fast and strong pushing against her fingers, touching his ears softly. “I thought we were talking.”
“We are. Can’t you hear what I’m saying?” Max asked his voice deeper then normal. He nuzzled her neck tasting her skin.
Sinking his fingers in her hair, he guided her mouth down to his needing to taste her. He gave himself over to the physical trying to pour himself and his feelings into this moment. His mouth was hot and hard yet curiously soft at the same time, demanding her surrender and giving his own.
As their mouths mated she felt something trying to struggle free inside her….awaken and merge with him. Her heartbeat matched his naturally, as easily as her tongue stroked along his. She craved more of him…needed to touch him sink into him rational thought and her resolve to resist forgotten.
Max tightened his arms pulling her closer as his mind sought the touch of hers. He felt a primal instinctive pull and he tried to adjust and provide what she was seeking.
“Lizzie?” Jeff called interrupting.
Liz pulled back gasping and shaking.
Seeing her stricken look he tried to soothe her by planting soft kisses along the length of her neck while rubbing her arms to still her trembling. “You better answer him.”
“Lizzie? Are you awake?” Jeff called worried tapping at her door lightly.
“Yeah Dad. Ummm I’m changing though. What is it?” Liz called easing off of Max’s lap and schooling her expression into a neutral mask. She was pathetic. Silently climbing back inside she tip toed to her door and locked it.
“I need to talk to you for a few minutes about going back to school,” Jeff answered.
“Okay, give me five minutes,” Liz called back relieved and disappointed at the interruption. Walking back to the window she faced Max. “You better go.”
“Right. I have to deal with a few things anyway. Are you really okay?” Max asked studying her lowered eyes.
“Uh huh. I’m fine. See you tomorrow?” Liz asked softly.
“Count on it,” Max said standing. Reaching the railing he turned back sensing she was hiding something. Seeing her soft smile as she eased the window shut he shook his head. He would have time to deal with it tomorrow. Now it was time to deal with Isabel and Michael.
Max sat in his regular booth watching Liz as she bustled around the café. She was avoiding him. Going back over things he realized that he had taken a wrong turn in Liz’s room. He wasn’t sure if it was the mention of Kyle that had upset her or just what had happened in general. He had wanted to show her that he did want her. He had gotten wisps of doubt on that issue when he was healing her and honestly he didn’t understand it.
Picking at the fries in front of him, he tried to think things through and decide how to handle this whole situation.
The first break in the rush of customers had Liz on the phone to Kyle. She realized in the back of her mind that she was probably freaking out over nothing but that didn’t quell her feelings in the slightest.
“Hello?” Kyle asked absently eyes still on the TV.
“Kyle, you Bastard!” Liz said not bothering to identify herself.
“Mom?” Kyle asked smiling. Clearly Liz was cranky.
“You’re not funny, you ass! What did you say to Max?” Liz demanded her foot tapping.
“Nothing. What are you talking about?” Kyle asked confused. He and Max rarely spoke. He had no idea what she was talking about.
“I’m talking about you saying something to Max. That’s what I’m talking about! Something private!” Liz practically yelled into the phone.
“Something private…..hmmm nothing springs to mind,” Kyle said thinking hard. “Can you be a little more specific?”
“Get down here right now!” Liz hissed with a glance at Jose who seemed really interested in the conversation judging by his frequent glances from the kitchen. “Come to the BACK door.”
“You just make that sound so tempting but I’m in the middle of something,” Kyle teased.
“You’re going to have my foot in the middle of your ass if I don’t see you in five. Understand?” Liz asked wanting to choke the shit out of him.
“Got it. See you in five. Wear something sexy,” Kyle said grinning.
“Fuck off!” Liz said and hung up.
Kyle tapped the phone antenna against his chin trying to think of what he could have said to get himself in trouble. There were just so many comments it was hard to narrow it down. Liz was cute when she was mad though. He better wear a cup she sounded really pissed.
He wasn’t even done knocking when Liz ripped open the door and yanked him inside. “Hello to you too, Liz.”
“Sit down!” Liz said pointing to the couch.
Kyle sat and looked up at her as she paced. “What is this about? If you told me what Max said maybe I could figure out what was going on here,” Kyle said trying to curb the urge to protect his groin. She looked a little wild-eyed.
“Did you ever tell him anything about me? Like ever…..from when we were dating or….when you helped me out?” Liz asked unwilling to discuss what Max had said and why it freaked her out.
“Ummm noooo,” Kyle said thinking then paused. “Okay well, maybe one thing,” Kyle admitted and held up his hands when Liz narrowed her eyes at him. “It was forever ago and let me preface this by saying I was trashed at the time,” Kyle defended himself. “The night you went on that radio station date we sort of…..discussed bases,” Kyle said and seeing Liz’s eye twitch he started looking for escape routes. “But only in the most positive sense. He was not at all pissed. I swear. We even agreed to share you.”
“WHAT?!” Liz shrieked and started hitting Kyle over the head.
“Hey hey! That hurts!” Kyle said grabbing her wrists.
“I hope it does! What the HELL is wrong with men? Stay away from Max. I don’t need you corrupting him anymore!” Liz said trying to pull her wrists out of his grip. Off balance she tumbled down onto his lap glaring at him fiercely.
“Umm Liz?” Max asked from the doorway a half smile on his face.
Liz bolted to her feet and kicked Kyle’s leg hard in a fit of anger.
“Fuck! Liz!” Kyle yelped grabbing his leg. “I need all my appendages!”
Max’s smile widened at Liz’s angry expression.
“Shut up! You deserved that! God!” Liz told Kyle disgusted. Turning to Max her eyes narrowed at his smile. “Both of you get out of here.”
Max’s eyes widened at her angry expression. “What did I do?”
“Just go! You want to share? Share another beer somewhere else! My break is over,” Liz said and with a nasty look she left the doors swinging wildly after her.
“What is she talking about sharing?” Max asked completely confused.
“Evans you are like five steps behind here. I’ll explain it after we leave. I want to keep my other appendages uninjured,” Kyle said limping to the door. “Michael that fucker! I’m going to kick his ass.” How stupid was he anyway? Didn’t he know never to poke at a beehive with a stick? It just riled them up and got everyone stung. Fucker.
“You’re kidding me?” Max asked astonished. “I said that?”
“You did,” Kyle nodded suppressing his grin.
“No. I wouldn’t say that,” Max said shaking his head.
“Possessive huh? Yeah, well you were trashed and not in your right mind. But that’s not really the problem,” Kyle said taking his shot. Clean net shot he ruled!
“So what’s the problem?” Max asked catching the basketball.
“The problem is that fucker Michael,” Kyle said scowling as he tried to block Max.
“Frequently yes,” Max agreed slipping around Kyle getting off a shot that circled the rim before going in.
“See between him and the rumors at school….well its not good. Say something enough and people start to believe it right?” Kyle asked dribbling while he watched Max. “Plus, Liz feels funny anyway about that whole…thing that happened.”
Max frowned. He had never thought to add all three of those things together. “Did you see him? Me I mean?” Max asked curious.
“No, I didn’t but Liz was so….” Kyle grunted as he used his body to shove Max back. “Nervous and upset. I was more focused on putting her at ease. Her fingers were white from clutching that towel and then the blankets. It wasn’t good I felt like a rapist she was so…I don’t know. Then that shit at school and everyone groping her. Michael needs his ass kicked in a major way. She’s worked up about all this. What she’s saying isn’t even half of what she’s thinking I would bet,” Kyle said and saw his opening. “Yes! That would make it my game Evans.”
Max leaned forward hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. Kyle had it going on.
Liz looked up from sweeping as Maria burst through the front doors.
“I came for the ice cream,” Maria said throwing herself down at the counter.
“What happened?” Liz asked concerned. She wondered how Maria had reacted after she left.
“I used Alex’s stun gun on Michael till he was kissing carpet,” Maria said still fuming.
Liz’s mouth dropped open for a second before snapping shut. “Wow. Oh Maria. I’m sorry,” Liz said feeling horrible.
“It’s not your fault Michael’s a pig,” Maria said spinning on her stool.
“It’s men. I think maybe your mom has a point,” Liz said setting aside her broom and walking behind the counter to get two spoons.
“What did Saint Max do?” Maria asked interested.
“He talked to Kyle. You remember when they got drunk? Well apparently they agreed to share me,” Liz said slamming the spoons down on the counter. “The funny thing is the whole school already thinks they do.”
Maria winced in sympathy. “Men are messed up creatures.” Maria observed as Liz disappeared into the back for the ice cream. When Liz reappeared She continued. “So how did all of this come up?” Maria asked watching Liz take her first bite.
“Ummm he was…sort of healing those glowing things and he brought up Kyle,” Liz said evasively. “Something like he could see what Kyle was talking about.”
“Oooookay?” Maria asked.
“I was almost naked at the time,” Liz said and stabbed her spoon into the ice cream carton.
“Oh. I see,” Maria said nodding then after a pause. “So when were you naked with Kyle?”
“Well….umm you know….when we pretended to sleep together,” Liz mumbled. “And well…I wasn’t naked but….that one time.”
“Oh right. Second base,” Maria nodded remembering. “Liz, that wasn’t even anything really. Well you know I really don’t think Max was talking about that. I doubt he was thinking much with you being pretty much naked and all. I know sharing is out of the question and not even a thought in his head. I mean come on Liz! He scowls at any guy in a five-foot radius of you. He freaked on Zan remember? Michael is about to have to deal with him too.”
“I know. It’s not that,” Liz said agreeing.
“So what is it?” Maria asked then licked her spoon.
“I just…feel….funny. It wasn’t really Max at all,” Liz said tapping the side of the carton with her spoon.
“It was Michael wasn’t it?” Maria asked studying Liz. “He doesn’t even really know you Liz. Plus, he’s like retarded.”
“But he does know me,” Liz almost whispered. Nibbling on her lower lip she set down her spoon. “He knows a lot.”
Maria waited silently knowing Liz would come out with it when she was ready.
“What if he’s right? He’s feels things from me and he knows how I think,” Liz said staring at the countertop. He HAD read her inner most thoughts after all. “So maybe he knows.”
“No he doesn’t. Michael doesn’t even know his own mind much less yours. I know these last few weeks have been one assault after another on your sexuality in different ways but don’t buy into it. There’s nothing wrong with you,” Maria said with total conviction.
Liz stayed silent for a minute then set aside her own crap and focused on Maria. “So what are you going to do about Michael?”
“Nothing. I’m not going to do anything. Let him sweat it,” Maria said with a shrug.
Liz smiled wondering how long that would last.
As Max lurked outside watching over Liz he thought over what Kyle had said. It made sense. Michael wasn’t a stranger and to have him say those things might have lent them more weight then they should have. As soon as he talked to Liz he would go see Michael. He had already called Isabel and told her to wait there until he arrived. He would deal with them both at the same time.
Something kept nagging at him just below the surface of his mind. A reason Liz would lend weight to Michael’s words. He didn’t think they knew each other well but they seemed to be able to find the right buttons to push in the other.
Seeing Liz turn out the lights in the café he waited a few minutes then headed up to her balcony. Cautiously he approached her window. Looking in he saw her pulling out her hair tie so he tapped on the glass.
Liz knew without turning that it was Max. The rising tide of heat inside her told her that. Shaking out her hair to give herself a moment to get a grip over her seesawing emotions she sternly lectured herself to not forget where she was….to remain collected and normal…sane.
She opened the window and leaned against the sill. “I’m so sorry I acted like that. I totally freaked out on you,” Liz said softly fingers clenched together her knuckles showing white.
Max studied her lowered eyes his gaze wandering down to her hands. “Well I learned what not to say,” Max said lightly easing down to sit beside her window.
“I’m sorry. I can’t believe I did that. You must think I’m a complete nut case…..or Maria,” Liz said smiling slightly.
“Well I was worried when you were hitting Kyle over the head. I was waiting for the stun gun to come out so I just stayed by the door…you know, in case I had to run,” Max teased lightly watching her carefully. When her smile widened he breathed easier. “The last few days have been crazy so you’re entitled to a freak out or two.”
“No, I’m not. It’s been just as hard on you,” Liz pointed out itching to brush back his hair. She looked down again digging her nails into her hand to keep from reaching out.
“Liz, you’re way too hard on yourself. Can you just talk to me about this?” Max asked his eyes wandering over her face. She looked flushed like she was too warm although she shouldn’t be since she was standing at the open window.
“I just…umm I know that you still….picture that night….the night of the concert and when you….mentioned Kyle….ummm I just….thought about that I guess. Since we were in my room and everything. I never really told you about that night and you never asked…..details I mean. Does it bother you?” Liz asked forcing out the words past her fear-clogged throat.
Max smiled and reached out to touch her his hand moved slowly over the silken mass of her hair, fingers rubbing the long strands against the pad of his thumb helpless against his need for even the smallest touch of her. “No, it doesn’t. Not the way you mean. What I was going to say earlier was that Kyle was right when he said it was a travesty of justice. It is a sacrilege that you don’t understand how I feel. That you could give any credence to Michael’s words shows that I’ve made a serious error in judgement,” Max said solemnly, his fingers moving to caress hers trying to ease her white knuckled grip. “More then one really but I’m going to fix it.
“I know you love me,” Liz whispered tentatively.
“Yes, I do but it’s more then that. I need you so much. Sometimes I think that if you knew how much it would scare you,” Max said and saw a flash of disbelief float through her eyes. “Its true. If you could see my dreams you would know. You will know,” Max said his thumb moving back and forth over the inside of her wrist. “Why do you believe Michael over me?” Max asked looking into her eyes.
Liz heard him but couldn’t answer. The sudden increase of the heat and yearning inside her stole her ability to speak. She swayed forward unconsciously, needing to be closer to him.
Max watched her pupils expand and slid his hands up her bare arms urging her closer. His heartbeat accelerated his blood pumping through him hotly. Catching a wisp of the scent of her skin as she drew closer he lost all sense of the anything but her. Until the flashes started.
Liz crawled out the window and onto his lap pushing his back to the wall guided by his strong hands. She couldn’t think or protest as his hands slid up her legs pushing up her uniform.
Max stiffened under her as he received the answer to his question. Looking into her eyes he set that aside for the moment in favor of proving his need for her. The faintest glimmer of his need. Moving his hands up under her uniform to her hips, he moved her over his erection encouraging her to rub against him.
Liz followed his guiding hands feeling her remaining mark pulse strong in time with her heart, sending liquid heat shimmering out through her in waves.
“You’re so beautiful,” Max groaned. “Everything about you. Don’t hide from me. You don’t ever have to hide from me.”
“Max…I can’t….,” Liz gasp out her fingers gliding over his exposed skin. Feeling his pulse beat fast and strong pushing against her fingers, touching his ears softly. “I thought we were talking.”
“We are. Can’t you hear what I’m saying?” Max asked his voice deeper then normal. He nuzzled her neck tasting her skin.
Sinking his fingers in her hair, he guided her mouth down to his needing to taste her. He gave himself over to the physical trying to pour himself and his feelings into this moment. His mouth was hot and hard yet curiously soft at the same time, demanding her surrender and giving his own.
As their mouths mated she felt something trying to struggle free inside her….awaken and merge with him. Her heartbeat matched his naturally, as easily as her tongue stroked along his. She craved more of him…needed to touch him sink into him rational thought and her resolve to resist forgotten.
Max tightened his arms pulling her closer as his mind sought the touch of hers. He felt a primal instinctive pull and he tried to adjust and provide what she was seeking.
“Lizzie?” Jeff called interrupting.
Liz pulled back gasping and shaking.
Seeing her stricken look he tried to soothe her by planting soft kisses along the length of her neck while rubbing her arms to still her trembling. “You better answer him.”
“Lizzie? Are you awake?” Jeff called worried tapping at her door lightly.
“Yeah Dad. Ummm I’m changing though. What is it?” Liz called easing off of Max’s lap and schooling her expression into a neutral mask. She was pathetic. Silently climbing back inside she tip toed to her door and locked it.
“I need to talk to you for a few minutes about going back to school,” Jeff answered.
“Okay, give me five minutes,” Liz called back relieved and disappointed at the interruption. Walking back to the window she faced Max. “You better go.”
“Right. I have to deal with a few things anyway. Are you really okay?” Max asked studying her lowered eyes.
“Uh huh. I’m fine. See you tomorrow?” Liz asked softly.
“Count on it,” Max said standing. Reaching the railing he turned back sensing she was hiding something. Seeing her soft smile as she eased the window shut he shook his head. He would have time to deal with it tomorrow. Now it was time to deal with Isabel and Michael.
Chapter Twenty Nine
Pulling into a parking spot right in front of Michael’s apartment Max killed the engine and sat struggling to control his boiling anger and resentment. His hands tightened on the wheel as he ruthlessly reigned in his emotions. Plucking the keys from the ignition he stepped out onto the pavement, breathing deeply, hoping the chilly air would cool off some of his temper.
Isabel looked up as Max entered without knocking. Her stomach sank at the molten amber of his eyes and the tight set of his face. She had never seen him this angry. It rolled off him in waves that were almost visible.
“Can we get this over with? I’m ready for my beating if I can get some sleep after,” Michael said eyes remaining closed. Slowly opening them and looking over to Max he amended his statement slightly. “Look…I’m sorry about what I said. She just pissed me off and it’s been a crappy couple of days anyway. I just lashed out without thinking. I’m sorry man.”
“You’re sorry,” Max said his voice flat. “I see. You had a crappy couple of days and lashed out and now you’re sorry. That’s great.”
“Max…,” Isabel said watching Max’s face turn red with rage. For the first time that she could remember she was afraid of Max.
“No! Not this time,” Max said waving off Isabel. “You two are sickening. Maybe you two should rethink that whole destiny thing and get together. You’re a matched set. I’ve never met two people more perfect for each other. Neither one of you gives a shit about anything but yourself and what you want and what’s happening to you. In the end it’s all about you.”
“I think you need to calm down here, Maxwell. Isabel didn’t have anything to do with this,” Michael said sitting up as he saw the tears shimmering in Isabel’s eyes. He had never seen Max rip into Isabel so brutally before. Him yeah, but never Isabel.
“Don’t tell me what to do. I’ve had a crappy couple of days so according to you I can say whatever the fuck I please,” Max said, his hands fisting at his sides. “Oh I’m sorry am I hurting your feelings?”
Michael sat back on the couch tensing as he realized how bad this was going to be.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Max asked glaring at Michael. “Do you even see why you’re wrong? I’m asking because you do the same shit over and over. That tells me you don’t. I mean, you lived with Hank. You’d think you would know what words can do to someone. How did it make you feel when Hank ripped into you? When HE had a crappy couple of days.”
“Max, please stop. He’s sorry,” Isabel said trying to break in before things got out of hand.
“I can handle this, Isabel,” Michael said eyes narrowed on Max. “Liz shed a few crocodile tears? She sob into your shoulder and get you all worked up?” Michael asked resentment coloring his voice even though he knew he was wrong and should just shut up. Max bringing up Hank was like him ripping off his skin leaving him exposed to the elements.
Isabel stiffened in horror as the words left Michael’s mouth. This was very bad.
“No, she didn’t. She doesn’t expect anything more from you, Michael,” Max said his eyes burning into Michael’s. “Foolishly I’m the one who expects better. I should know better after two lifetimes but I guess I’m just slow. I thought that you cared about me enough to want me to be happy. To respect me enough to treat the people I care about with the barest amount of common decency. I thought you cared enough about Maria to think before you vomit insults all over someone SHE cares about. I was wrong. You don’t understand what true caring is. You don’t understand common decency or appreciate the FUCKING HELP other people give you! Otherwise, you wouldn’t treat the people that help you and care about you the way you do. You can’t just say whatever you want and then take it back later with a lame ass apology.”
“What do you want me to do, Max? I’m sorry, I said what I said. It won’t happen again,” Michael said his voice low but steady.
“Really? Why don’t I believe you?” Max asked then paused to take several deep breaths. Reaching for a sense of calm that was so far out of reach it was laughable. “Who had Liz’s journal?”
“What?” Isabel asked confused by the shift in the conversation. Looking to Michael she saw him go still, his face tensing.
“When Liz “lost” her journal. Who is the “friend” that returned it?” Max asked his eyes on Michael.
“Did she tell you that I had it?” Michael asked looking up.
“No. I asked her why she would believe you over me. I got that for an answer in a flash,” Max replied his hands aching from the force with which they were clenched.
“What does that have to do with this?” Isabel asked softly.
“It has everything to do with it. It shows just how little other people matter to Michael. He violated Liz’s trust and privacy. He read her private thoughts and dreams without permission or thought for her feelings. Then knowing what she’s been through the last few weeks he mouths off saying whatever he pleases because he’s frustrated and angry. She listened to you, Michael. She gave weight to what you said. Do you understand that? She believes you know her, after all you’ve read her thoughts, you feel things from her so you must know what the FUCK you’re talking about right?” Max asked harshly. “Do you have any idea how upset she was to learn you felt things from her in the first goddamn place? No, I bet you never even thought about it once. You’re frustrated and that’s all that matters right? Who cares what anyone else is feeling.”
“That’s not fair Max,” Isabel defended Michael. “It’s a little more then simple frustration.”
“Right. Like I don’t know that? Like I haven’t felt that for years around her? I know exactly how it is. The difference is that I control myself. I know my body and my feelings are just that…MINE. I may not always be able to control my body’s response but I damn well control my actions and my words. If he can’t he has no business around Maria or anyone else,” Max said cutting right past the bullshit. “That’s just a bullshit excuse.”
Looking back and forth between them he shook his head. “Both of you just say whatever you want and never think about how you’re making other people feel. You do whatever you want because you want to but I don’t have that luxury. You feel justified in striking out whenever you feel like it. Well no more. I’m telling you I better not ever see or hear about this type of shit ever again. I’m not just talking about Liz here either. I’m actually ashamed to be apart of this. I’m disappointed in both of you. Start acting like my family. Like you actually care about someone besides yourselves.”
“I do care about you. I love you Max. You’re my brother….my family,” Isabel said softly her stomach in knots.
“Then start respecting my choices. I chose Liz. She’s not going away. I can’t force you to like her but I won’t tolerate anymore of your games. Don’t think I don’t see you skating on the edge of outright hostility with her. Just stop it. I love her. Don’t you get it? In at least two timelines we know about I chose her…loved her. She’s my family and my future so get used to it,” Max said firmly. “I think there’s a reason we’re all together. The four of us have spent two lifetimes with each other, I want to trust you but how can I? You can’t even be trusted to act civilly toward the most important person to me. I can’t allow this to continue. I can’t allow her to be subjected to this crap. So I’m telling you this once….when you’re talking to her you’re talking to a part of me. When you hurt her you’re really hurting me. I can’t explain it any clearer than that. I don’t want apologies I want to see changes in both of your behavior. We can’t afford to keep going over the same shit again and again.”
“I understand,” Isabel said softly, blinking tears out of her eyes.
“I hope so because if you don’t we’re all in serious trouble. Now let’s get home,” Max said feeling suddenly drained. Turning to Michael he tugged on his ear. “You have a lot of fences to mend here, Michael. Make your choices carefully. See ya tomorrow.”
Michael watched Max and Isabel file out feeling like he had been hit by a truck. Closing his eyes he knew sleep was a long way off. He wished Max had kicked the shit out of him.
The first thought in Liz’s mind when she woke up was of Max. Before her eyes even opened she was counting the minutes until she saw him. The second thing to float to the surface was that she felt sick. She was damp with sweat and there was a permeating sense of restless disquiet. She felt edgy and just off. Shoving back her sweaty hair she kicked off the blankets and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Lifting her shirt she peeled off the Band-Aid covering her glowing unhealed mark to find it glowing brighter then ever. Not only that but the previously healed mark on the swell of her breast was now back and looking mighty ugly which made it likely the others were too. Just like last time. Cursing softly under her breath she forced herself up and into the shower.
The ugly molted marks on her neck and the swell of her breast forced an outfit change. She chose a green button down shirt, a gray knit vest, and a matching short pleated plaid skirt. The vest kept the collar of the shirt up around her neck hiding the marks fairly well in combination with her hair. A concession to her continued feverish state had her leaving her legs bare choosing short socks in a matching color of green instead of tights and her chunky black shoes.
Tugging on the tail of her shirt she remembered to cover up the glowing mark and went for a new Band-Aid. Finally ready, she snagged her leather coat and backpack then hit the stairs.
“Ready Daddy,” Liz called into the café’s kitchen.
“Okay honey. Let me get my keys,” Jeff called wiping his hands on his apron before taking it off. Turning and seeing Liz he frowned. “Aren’t you going to get cold?”
“Nope. I’m okay. This coat is really warm,” Liz assured him.
Still frowning he took his keys off the peg in his office. He wasn’t worried about the coat. “Do you have your new phone?”
Liz rolled her eyes and smiled. “Yeah, in my pack. I’ve got some money just in case and all my books. My homework is finished too. Relax Dad. I’m all set,” Liz said trying to appear normal. “But if we don’t hurry I’m going to be late.”
“Okay. Okay. Lets’ go,” Jeff agreed. “Now after school straight home. If you need a ride just call and I’ll come and get you.”
“Daddy, I can’t come right home. I’ve got that research paper due on Friday remember? I need to finish up the research at the library after school. I’ll be home in time for my shift,” Liz said climbing in the car.
“Okay. Is Max going to drive you home or should I plan on picking you up?” Jeff asked starting the car.
“Ummm no. Max has to work today I think. I’ll find a ride,” Liz answered.
“No walking and no bus. If you can’t get a ride call home,” Jeff said frowning. He didn’t think she was taking this seriously enough. That lunatic was still roaming around somewhere.
“Really Dad. It’s not like I’m a princess or anything. I don’t need an armed guard,” Liz teased trying to lighten him up.
“You’re MY princess. You need to be careful, honey. There are very sick people out there and we don’t know where the man that abducted you is,” Jeff pointed out glancing at her as they drove.
“It was a very small abduction,” Liz said smiling slightly. Liz Parker alien abductee now that would increase her tips. “I promise I’ll be careful. The library after school and then the café. No talking to strangers or taking any candy…I promise. I’ll call if Kyle or Maria can’t drive me home.”
Jeff sighed contemplating how stubborn Liz was getting. She just didn’t take safety seriously enough.
Liz smiled relieved to see Max waiting for her at her locker.
“I thought you were never going to get here,” Max complained smiling.
“Good morning to you too,” Liz teased setting her backpack by her feet.
Max smiled wider and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “Good Morning Liz Parker. How did you sleep?”
“Pretty good. Thank you for asking Max Evans,” Liz answered smiling. She opened her locker then turned back to Max. “I do need you to lay your hands on me….for healing purposes only of course,” Liz said with a slight smile.
Max heaved a sigh. “I think I can tear myself away from class if you really need me to.”
“This should only take a sec,” Liz assured him.
“Miss Parker, can I see you in my office?” Principle Forrester called from the end of the hallway.
“Yeah, just let me get my stuff,” Liz called and picked her books out of her locker. Shooting Max a look she eased back her collar showing him her neck.
Frowning Max glanced down the hall and seeing the principle engaged in a conversation with Coach Klay he slipped his hand under Liz’s hair healing her quickly. “I’ll get the rest later okay?”
Liz took a shaky breath and nodded momentarily unable to speak. She felt the touch of his hands like a live wire setting off sparks inside her. This was nuts. She couldn’t go on like this forever. Underneath the Band-Aid her glowing mark pulsed brightly sending ribbons of heat through her body before settling in the molted mark on the swell of her breast.
Pulling into a parking spot right in front of Michael’s apartment Max killed the engine and sat struggling to control his boiling anger and resentment. His hands tightened on the wheel as he ruthlessly reigned in his emotions. Plucking the keys from the ignition he stepped out onto the pavement, breathing deeply, hoping the chilly air would cool off some of his temper.
Isabel looked up as Max entered without knocking. Her stomach sank at the molten amber of his eyes and the tight set of his face. She had never seen him this angry. It rolled off him in waves that were almost visible.
“Can we get this over with? I’m ready for my beating if I can get some sleep after,” Michael said eyes remaining closed. Slowly opening them and looking over to Max he amended his statement slightly. “Look…I’m sorry about what I said. She just pissed me off and it’s been a crappy couple of days anyway. I just lashed out without thinking. I’m sorry man.”
“You’re sorry,” Max said his voice flat. “I see. You had a crappy couple of days and lashed out and now you’re sorry. That’s great.”
“Max…,” Isabel said watching Max’s face turn red with rage. For the first time that she could remember she was afraid of Max.
“No! Not this time,” Max said waving off Isabel. “You two are sickening. Maybe you two should rethink that whole destiny thing and get together. You’re a matched set. I’ve never met two people more perfect for each other. Neither one of you gives a shit about anything but yourself and what you want and what’s happening to you. In the end it’s all about you.”
“I think you need to calm down here, Maxwell. Isabel didn’t have anything to do with this,” Michael said sitting up as he saw the tears shimmering in Isabel’s eyes. He had never seen Max rip into Isabel so brutally before. Him yeah, but never Isabel.
“Don’t tell me what to do. I’ve had a crappy couple of days so according to you I can say whatever the fuck I please,” Max said, his hands fisting at his sides. “Oh I’m sorry am I hurting your feelings?”
Michael sat back on the couch tensing as he realized how bad this was going to be.
“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Max asked glaring at Michael. “Do you even see why you’re wrong? I’m asking because you do the same shit over and over. That tells me you don’t. I mean, you lived with Hank. You’d think you would know what words can do to someone. How did it make you feel when Hank ripped into you? When HE had a crappy couple of days.”
“Max, please stop. He’s sorry,” Isabel said trying to break in before things got out of hand.
“I can handle this, Isabel,” Michael said eyes narrowed on Max. “Liz shed a few crocodile tears? She sob into your shoulder and get you all worked up?” Michael asked resentment coloring his voice even though he knew he was wrong and should just shut up. Max bringing up Hank was like him ripping off his skin leaving him exposed to the elements.
Isabel stiffened in horror as the words left Michael’s mouth. This was very bad.
“No, she didn’t. She doesn’t expect anything more from you, Michael,” Max said his eyes burning into Michael’s. “Foolishly I’m the one who expects better. I should know better after two lifetimes but I guess I’m just slow. I thought that you cared about me enough to want me to be happy. To respect me enough to treat the people I care about with the barest amount of common decency. I thought you cared enough about Maria to think before you vomit insults all over someone SHE cares about. I was wrong. You don’t understand what true caring is. You don’t understand common decency or appreciate the FUCKING HELP other people give you! Otherwise, you wouldn’t treat the people that help you and care about you the way you do. You can’t just say whatever you want and then take it back later with a lame ass apology.”
“What do you want me to do, Max? I’m sorry, I said what I said. It won’t happen again,” Michael said his voice low but steady.
“Really? Why don’t I believe you?” Max asked then paused to take several deep breaths. Reaching for a sense of calm that was so far out of reach it was laughable. “Who had Liz’s journal?”
“What?” Isabel asked confused by the shift in the conversation. Looking to Michael she saw him go still, his face tensing.
“When Liz “lost” her journal. Who is the “friend” that returned it?” Max asked his eyes on Michael.
“Did she tell you that I had it?” Michael asked looking up.
“No. I asked her why she would believe you over me. I got that for an answer in a flash,” Max replied his hands aching from the force with which they were clenched.
“What does that have to do with this?” Isabel asked softly.
“It has everything to do with it. It shows just how little other people matter to Michael. He violated Liz’s trust and privacy. He read her private thoughts and dreams without permission or thought for her feelings. Then knowing what she’s been through the last few weeks he mouths off saying whatever he pleases because he’s frustrated and angry. She listened to you, Michael. She gave weight to what you said. Do you understand that? She believes you know her, after all you’ve read her thoughts, you feel things from her so you must know what the FUCK you’re talking about right?” Max asked harshly. “Do you have any idea how upset she was to learn you felt things from her in the first goddamn place? No, I bet you never even thought about it once. You’re frustrated and that’s all that matters right? Who cares what anyone else is feeling.”
“That’s not fair Max,” Isabel defended Michael. “It’s a little more then simple frustration.”
“Right. Like I don’t know that? Like I haven’t felt that for years around her? I know exactly how it is. The difference is that I control myself. I know my body and my feelings are just that…MINE. I may not always be able to control my body’s response but I damn well control my actions and my words. If he can’t he has no business around Maria or anyone else,” Max said cutting right past the bullshit. “That’s just a bullshit excuse.”
Looking back and forth between them he shook his head. “Both of you just say whatever you want and never think about how you’re making other people feel. You do whatever you want because you want to but I don’t have that luxury. You feel justified in striking out whenever you feel like it. Well no more. I’m telling you I better not ever see or hear about this type of shit ever again. I’m not just talking about Liz here either. I’m actually ashamed to be apart of this. I’m disappointed in both of you. Start acting like my family. Like you actually care about someone besides yourselves.”
“I do care about you. I love you Max. You’re my brother….my family,” Isabel said softly her stomach in knots.
“Then start respecting my choices. I chose Liz. She’s not going away. I can’t force you to like her but I won’t tolerate anymore of your games. Don’t think I don’t see you skating on the edge of outright hostility with her. Just stop it. I love her. Don’t you get it? In at least two timelines we know about I chose her…loved her. She’s my family and my future so get used to it,” Max said firmly. “I think there’s a reason we’re all together. The four of us have spent two lifetimes with each other, I want to trust you but how can I? You can’t even be trusted to act civilly toward the most important person to me. I can’t allow this to continue. I can’t allow her to be subjected to this crap. So I’m telling you this once….when you’re talking to her you’re talking to a part of me. When you hurt her you’re really hurting me. I can’t explain it any clearer than that. I don’t want apologies I want to see changes in both of your behavior. We can’t afford to keep going over the same shit again and again.”
“I understand,” Isabel said softly, blinking tears out of her eyes.
“I hope so because if you don’t we’re all in serious trouble. Now let’s get home,” Max said feeling suddenly drained. Turning to Michael he tugged on his ear. “You have a lot of fences to mend here, Michael. Make your choices carefully. See ya tomorrow.”
Michael watched Max and Isabel file out feeling like he had been hit by a truck. Closing his eyes he knew sleep was a long way off. He wished Max had kicked the shit out of him.
The first thought in Liz’s mind when she woke up was of Max. Before her eyes even opened she was counting the minutes until she saw him. The second thing to float to the surface was that she felt sick. She was damp with sweat and there was a permeating sense of restless disquiet. She felt edgy and just off. Shoving back her sweaty hair she kicked off the blankets and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Lifting her shirt she peeled off the Band-Aid covering her glowing unhealed mark to find it glowing brighter then ever. Not only that but the previously healed mark on the swell of her breast was now back and looking mighty ugly which made it likely the others were too. Just like last time. Cursing softly under her breath she forced herself up and into the shower.
The ugly molted marks on her neck and the swell of her breast forced an outfit change. She chose a green button down shirt, a gray knit vest, and a matching short pleated plaid skirt. The vest kept the collar of the shirt up around her neck hiding the marks fairly well in combination with her hair. A concession to her continued feverish state had her leaving her legs bare choosing short socks in a matching color of green instead of tights and her chunky black shoes.
Tugging on the tail of her shirt she remembered to cover up the glowing mark and went for a new Band-Aid. Finally ready, she snagged her leather coat and backpack then hit the stairs.
“Ready Daddy,” Liz called into the café’s kitchen.
“Okay honey. Let me get my keys,” Jeff called wiping his hands on his apron before taking it off. Turning and seeing Liz he frowned. “Aren’t you going to get cold?”
“Nope. I’m okay. This coat is really warm,” Liz assured him.
Still frowning he took his keys off the peg in his office. He wasn’t worried about the coat. “Do you have your new phone?”
Liz rolled her eyes and smiled. “Yeah, in my pack. I’ve got some money just in case and all my books. My homework is finished too. Relax Dad. I’m all set,” Liz said trying to appear normal. “But if we don’t hurry I’m going to be late.”
“Okay. Okay. Lets’ go,” Jeff agreed. “Now after school straight home. If you need a ride just call and I’ll come and get you.”
“Daddy, I can’t come right home. I’ve got that research paper due on Friday remember? I need to finish up the research at the library after school. I’ll be home in time for my shift,” Liz said climbing in the car.
“Okay. Is Max going to drive you home or should I plan on picking you up?” Jeff asked starting the car.
“Ummm no. Max has to work today I think. I’ll find a ride,” Liz answered.
“No walking and no bus. If you can’t get a ride call home,” Jeff said frowning. He didn’t think she was taking this seriously enough. That lunatic was still roaming around somewhere.
“Really Dad. It’s not like I’m a princess or anything. I don’t need an armed guard,” Liz teased trying to lighten him up.
“You’re MY princess. You need to be careful, honey. There are very sick people out there and we don’t know where the man that abducted you is,” Jeff pointed out glancing at her as they drove.
“It was a very small abduction,” Liz said smiling slightly. Liz Parker alien abductee now that would increase her tips. “I promise I’ll be careful. The library after school and then the café. No talking to strangers or taking any candy…I promise. I’ll call if Kyle or Maria can’t drive me home.”
Jeff sighed contemplating how stubborn Liz was getting. She just didn’t take safety seriously enough.
Liz smiled relieved to see Max waiting for her at her locker.
“I thought you were never going to get here,” Max complained smiling.
“Good morning to you too,” Liz teased setting her backpack by her feet.
Max smiled wider and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “Good Morning Liz Parker. How did you sleep?”
“Pretty good. Thank you for asking Max Evans,” Liz answered smiling. She opened her locker then turned back to Max. “I do need you to lay your hands on me….for healing purposes only of course,” Liz said with a slight smile.
Max heaved a sigh. “I think I can tear myself away from class if you really need me to.”
“This should only take a sec,” Liz assured him.
“Miss Parker, can I see you in my office?” Principle Forrester called from the end of the hallway.
“Yeah, just let me get my stuff,” Liz called and picked her books out of her locker. Shooting Max a look she eased back her collar showing him her neck.
Frowning Max glanced down the hall and seeing the principle engaged in a conversation with Coach Klay he slipped his hand under Liz’s hair healing her quickly. “I’ll get the rest later okay?”
Liz took a shaky breath and nodded momentarily unable to speak. She felt the touch of his hands like a live wire setting off sparks inside her. This was nuts. She couldn’t go on like this forever. Underneath the Band-Aid her glowing mark pulsed brightly sending ribbons of heat through her body before settling in the molted mark on the swell of her breast.
Chapter Thirty
Liz tapped her pen against her teeth trying to ignore Michael’s eyes burning a hole into her back. Shifting in her seat she tried to ignore the stifling heat of the room, Michael, and the two marks pulsing in time with her heart long enough to finish her Spanish quiz.
Michael’s pencil snapped in half and he tossed it down in utter disgust. Fuck it. He was going to fail this quiz anyway. What he wanted to know was what the hell was going on with Liz. She was squirming around in her seat and pulsed with…..heat. Nesado was going to come if she didn’t cut it the fuck out. How fucking stupid was Max anyway? Couldn’t he see…shit, fucking FEEL what was happening here? Liz was calling out so loudly it was deafening.
Scowling he scooted lower in his seat as Liz hooked her feet around the legs of her chair. In Michael’s opinion Max had too much control. If this wasn’t getting through to him he was hopeless. He didn’t see the problem. Just skip school and take care of this. They both wanted to so what was the problem? Why was everything so damn difficult?
Liz fled Spanish with relief. It was lunchtime and that meant Max. She didn’t even stop to get her coat. She went directly to the quad, needing to be near Max as soon as possible. Surely she would feel better just being close to him. She wouldn’t rip off his clothes. She wouldn’t touch him at all. She just wanted to be close to him.
Max sat on the cold bench waiting for Liz and hoping the cold would help him out a little. He needed all the help he could get at this point. He had just given Michael a speech on controlling himself…he couldn’t blow it now by tearing Liz’s panties off in the middle of the quad. Besides he doubted that would help her reputation any and her father would surely decide to kill him.
Stepping out into the chilly air Liz took a deep breath feeling marginally better already. Spotting Max she made her way over to him weaving around the other students impatiently. The moment she saw his eyes molten with possessive heat everything inside her just melted.
Max caught the scent of her on the air and looked up his eyes locking on hers. He pulled her unresisting body down onto his lap wrapping his arms around her as she settled back against him. “What did the principal want?”
“Nothing really. I think he just wanted to check on me. I got the idea that my dad threw a pretty big fit in his office yesterday,” Liz said absently not really interested in the conversation.
Max played with the ends of her shirt to keep his hands from wandering. “I bet. You’re dad seems to be taking this seriously.”
“Yeah. He is. I’m not allowed to take the bus anywhere or walk by myself. He got me a new phone already and a can of pepper spray that I’m supposed to keep on me at all times. I tried to explain we weren’t allowed to bring stuff like that to school but he said if I got thrown out he would sue them over that and my abduction. Oh…good news! I’m getting my very own stun gun. You better watch it,” Liz said with a smile.
“Mmmm,” Max said barely hearing her. He had to figure out how to get her alone somewhere private. Overnight was out of the question for awhile since her dad was so….worked up but there had to be a way. He just needed to put his mind to it.
Liz was using words to cover up her thoughts, which were no where near what her words were saying. Her thoughts were a stream of want and need hidden underneath a layer of polite conversation.
The arrival of Kyle, Maria, and Ava at the lunch table eased Liz’s way. She talked and laughed with them like there was nothing else on her mind. Max had already bought their lunch but she picked at the food not really hungry.
Max didn’t even make an attempt to eat. He watched Liz with steady eyes confused by conflicting signals. Her eyes refused to meet his even causally, when his hand rested on her bare leg her skin felt hot. He felt a clash of conflicting feelings holding him immobile.
“You going to eat that or play with it?” Kyle asked Liz eyeing her donut.
“You want some?” Liz asked her eyes flickering briefly.
“Well…yeah that’s why I asked,” Kyle said meeting her eyes.
“So….I should share?” Liz asked smiling sweetly.
“Ummmm,” Kyle paused sensing he had no good answer here.
“You do want the donut right?” Liz asked eyes darting a look at Maria who was openly smirking.
“Yeeees,” Kyle said cautiously.
“So for you to have the donut I would have to give it to you. I would have to share,” Liz pointed out shifting on Max’s lap.
Max stayed quiet having more sense then to speak.
“I don’t know. It looks pretty good,” Liz said tearing off a piece and eating it. “Strawberry crème. It is good.”
Max watched her lick the powdered sugar off of her fingers biting back a groan. His hand inched higher up her thigh unconsciously stroking her skin. Suddenly he was terribly hungry and he had never felt less like sharing.
“Since I’m such a good friend and it’s only a donut,” Liz said eyes twinkling as she slid the napkin holding the donut across the table.
“You didn’t ask me if I wanted it,” Max said softly by her ear.
“You’re hungry?” Liz asked glancing at him her eyes resting on his mouth as she watched him nod. “Okay,” Liz said and tore the donut in half. “Then you and Kyle can share,” Liz said lips twitching with amusement as Max scowled. She gave half to Kyle and kept half tearing off a small piece and holding it up for Max.
Instead of taking it like Liz intended, Max leaned forward quickly and closed his mouth around her fingers and the piece of donut. Liz felt the flair of heat inside her as Max’s tongue swirled around her fingers.
Maria smirked at Liz’s shocked expression and the blush staining her cheeks.
“This feels just like the last time,” Kyle remarked smirking. “He gets the better end of the deal. All I get is a partially eaten donut.”
Liz’s eyebrow arched in warning. “Let me help even things up,” Liz said her tone pleasant. She picked up Kyle’s half of the donut and held it up. “Open wide.” Was all the warning Kyle got before Liz smacked the filling side of the treat against his face.
Ava and Maria started laughing at the vexed expression on Kyle’s face as the donut hit the table. “Lovely. Thanks a million, Liz.”
“You need to learn to quit while your ahead Kyle,” Liz responded smiling as Max kissed her ear.
After school Liz went straight to the school’s library. It was supposed to be closed that day in the after school hours since Mrs. Hoffman was attending some sort of seminar, but she had been given special permission by Principal Forrester to be there. He was bending over backwards for her since her dad have made such a stink over what had happened.
Wandering the stacks looking for the books she needed she was amazed by how quiet it was in here. She could barely hear the sounds of the students in the hall, everything seemed peaceful here. Trailing her finger on the spines of the books she frowned looking up. Sure enough what she needed was on the top shelf. Sighing she retrieved the rolling ladder at the end of the aisle and pushed it over to the section she needed and after a sweeping look to make sure no one was around she climbed up.
Max waited at Liz’s locker wondering what had happened to her. Seeing Maria he called out. “Maria! Hey did Liz get kept after class?”
“No, she had to go to the library remember? She mentioned it at lunch. Of course you may have been just a tad distracted,” Maria teased lightly.
“Oh yeah,” Max said like he remembered that when he didn’t. Tugging at his suddenly burning ear he smiled. “I’ll just go..”
“Right,” Maria said smiling back. “Hey you didn’t like kill the other two and bury the bodies did you?”
“No,” Max said shaking his head. “I just talked to them. They’re around somewhere.”
“Good cause Michael’s supposed to work tonight and I don’t want to have to cover the grill,” Maria said and waved as she left.
Max made his way to the library quickly and frowned when he was met with a locked door. Opening it with his powers he silently crept inside and looked around. Walking past the end of each row looking for Liz he stopped dead when he saw her up at the top of the ladder looking at a book. Since one foot was on a higher rung and her skirt was….short he had an amazing view.
Walking closer on silent feet he reached the bottom of the ladder and spoke as his hand touched her bare leg. “How is it that your panties exactly match your outfit?”
Liz smiled and looked down into his burning eyes. “Careful planning. What are you doing here? I thought you had to work,” Liz said making as if to start down the ladder but Max’s hands moved to hold her in place.
“I do,” Max agreed his hands sliding higher up her legs.
“This isn’t going to get you to work on time,” Liz pointed out then bit her lip as his fingers glided over the curve of her bottom before griping her hips under her skirt.
“No, it’s not,” Max agreed his voice deep and husky. “But it is going to add wonderful things to my dreams.”
“Max?” Liz asked as her fingers went lax and the book fell to the floor. She swayed slightly on the ladder and felt Max’s hands tighten, steadying her.
“You better hold on with both hands. Ladders can be dangerous,” Max said his eyes heating as she did as he said, her fingers curling around the sides of the ladder. He didn’t register any of the warnings trying to float to the surface, about where they were or how this wasn’t the right place or time. What he did register was the flash of her green satin panties and the wealth of her long bare legs.
Liz rested her forehead against the side rail of the ladder her eyes slipping closed as Max nibbled at the bare skin of one leg. If it weren’t for his hands supporting her she would have tumbled right off the ladder. She should stop him. For the sake of her own sanity she should open her mouth and say no.
“I think this is my new favorite outfit on you,” Max said against her skin. “You are so beautiful,” Max murmured crowding her as he stepped closer nibbling kisses climbing up her leg slowly. Licking the back of her knee he heard her gasp sharply.
Liz tightened her fingers, holding onto the ladder as his lips traveled higher. All awareness of the outside world dropped away as his lips seared a path up her leg, planting warm biting kisses, his quick breaths sending goose bumps rippling over her skin. “God! Max!” Liz gasp out, her breath hitching in her throat as she felt his teeth scrape her skin before latching onto the edge of her panties. She felt a flood of liquid warmth dampen her panties then heard a groan rumble in Max’s chest as he started tugging in earnest.
Max lost all sense of caution. He had to have those panties off. Nothing else had ever mattered to him more. He released them from his teeth to speak. “I need you to put your leg down,” Max said hooking his thumbs in the sides of her panties as Liz lowered her leg allowing him to slide the small bit of satin down her legs. Leaving them around her feet he kissed her thigh slowly working his way up.
Liz felt an explosion of heat and raw need as he nipped round curve of her ass. “Oh God Max!”
Max’s hands tightened on her hips holding her still as he marked her as his. She was his.
Liz whimpered as a shaft of heat arrowed through her. She didn’t protest as Max plucked her off the ladder and set her on her feet catching her when her knees gave out. Liz lifted her face for his kiss, arms going around his neck holding onto the solid heat of his body.
Max kissed her gently coaxing her to open her mouth for him, groaning in pleasure when her tongue swept into his mouth. His body crowded closer to hers surrounding her with his warm masculine scent. He slowly walked her backwards to the table at the end of the row.
Inside her body, Liz felt a drowning wave of liquid heat wash through her. It raced through her, thick and heavy, hot and aching. She wanted him and if the hard press of his body was accurate he needed her. Could it really be this simple? She surrendered completely to the demands of his mouth accepting her feelings for what they were.
Max felt the hot lash of lightening whip through him as his body raged, demanding more of her. Lifting her up onto the edge of the table he urged her knees apart stepping between them to get closer.
Liz nipped his lip then cried out softly as Max rubbed up against her deliberately.
Max nuzzled her ear holding her tightly to him as her hot wetness soaked through the front of his pants driving him wild. He started panting as her fingers tugged at his shirt pulling it up as she mumbled incoherently, pleas interlaced with moans.
The slamming of a locker right outside the library and muffled shouts of a group of jocks running down the hall crashed him back to earth and had him stepping back away from her, horrified by his utter lack of control.
Liz blinked opening her eyes at the loss of his heat. Seeing the look on his face she felt a rush of twisting emotion overloading her senses. “Please Max. Please don’t leave me,” Liz pleaded promptly bursting into tears as she realized he was stopping again.
Seeing her start to cry he felt horrible. “Shhh it’s okay. I’m not leaving,” Max whispered taking her into his arms and stroking her hair softly.
“This isn’t normal,” Liz sobbed into his neck. “Why do I feel like this? You don’t!”
Max’s forehead wrinkled in confusion and concern. “Like what? What do you feel like?”
“Like I can’t stop,” Liz mumbled feeling ashamed and afraid. “I feel those marks pulsing and…..I get all hot. Then I need to see you and when you touch me I can’t even talk it’s so hot and it’s like I’m being pulled to you. All this stuff just starts swirling around inside me and I can feel the glowing mark sending heat through me and it sort of centers around the other mark by my heart. I feel like I need you. I need to touch you and be close. Why isn’t the same for you?”
“Liz, how do you think this happened? I had to touch you. I do feel it. It’s not exactly the same but I feel a pull so strong that I can find you....feel you from miles away. I try so hard to control myself but…when I saw you on that ladder…..control wasn’t even a thought in my head. I had to have you….touch you,” Max said looking into her tear filled eyes.
“Then why did you stop? You always stop,” Liz whispered softly overcoming her fear to voice her question. She was so afraid of his answer.
“I stop because I love you. I need to protect you and safe guard your feelings. I want our first time to be right not rushed for fear of discovery. That’s strong enough to get through to me when nothing else could,” Max explained earnestly studying her eyes.
Liz looked away and nodded pushing him away. She stood and pushed her hair over her shoulder then spotted her panties over by the ladder. “Max, you’re really late for work. You should…..I have to go,” Liz said then forced herself to meet his questioning gaze.
“I’ll drive you,” Max said immediately watching her carefully.
“Umm that’s okay. My dad’s coming for me soooo,” Liz trailed off walking down the row to retrieve her panties and dropped book.
“Liz…..don’t do this,” Max said following her. “Don’t shut me out like this. I just don’t want to do anything that would make it so I can’t see you. If we got caught or….I wouldn’t lie to you. I really do want you so much,” Max said upset with himself for making her cry. This whole thing was his fault.
“I know. You’re right,” Liz agreed nodding feeling awkward and upset. Her emotions were all tangled up and she couldn’t sort them out with her panties in her hand and him looking at her. “Will you come into the café for dinner?”
“Yes. I always do,” Max answered worried eyes on hers.
Liz forced a smile and nodded. “Then I’ll save you a piece of asteroid pie. We can eat dinner together if you come after seven.”
“That would be great,” Max said feeling a little better. Her smile soothed him slightly and the plans for dinner helped even more.
“Okay. Well you better get going. You are so late. Brody’s going to be pissed,” Liz said urging him to leave. “We don’t want him to make you skip your break right?”
“Right. Okay, I’ll see you after seven,” Max said and brushed a kiss over her mouth.
Liz watched him stride out of the library before letting the first of her tears fall. Scrubbing at her face in disgust she berated herself and reminded herself sternly that she had to get it together. She a long shift with Michael and Maria to get through and Ava was coming up to see her dad about a job. She didn’t have time for this right now. She was just being silly anyway.
Liz tapped her pen against her teeth trying to ignore Michael’s eyes burning a hole into her back. Shifting in her seat she tried to ignore the stifling heat of the room, Michael, and the two marks pulsing in time with her heart long enough to finish her Spanish quiz.
Michael’s pencil snapped in half and he tossed it down in utter disgust. Fuck it. He was going to fail this quiz anyway. What he wanted to know was what the hell was going on with Liz. She was squirming around in her seat and pulsed with…..heat. Nesado was going to come if she didn’t cut it the fuck out. How fucking stupid was Max anyway? Couldn’t he see…shit, fucking FEEL what was happening here? Liz was calling out so loudly it was deafening.
Scowling he scooted lower in his seat as Liz hooked her feet around the legs of her chair. In Michael’s opinion Max had too much control. If this wasn’t getting through to him he was hopeless. He didn’t see the problem. Just skip school and take care of this. They both wanted to so what was the problem? Why was everything so damn difficult?
Liz fled Spanish with relief. It was lunchtime and that meant Max. She didn’t even stop to get her coat. She went directly to the quad, needing to be near Max as soon as possible. Surely she would feel better just being close to him. She wouldn’t rip off his clothes. She wouldn’t touch him at all. She just wanted to be close to him.
Max sat on the cold bench waiting for Liz and hoping the cold would help him out a little. He needed all the help he could get at this point. He had just given Michael a speech on controlling himself…he couldn’t blow it now by tearing Liz’s panties off in the middle of the quad. Besides he doubted that would help her reputation any and her father would surely decide to kill him.
Stepping out into the chilly air Liz took a deep breath feeling marginally better already. Spotting Max she made her way over to him weaving around the other students impatiently. The moment she saw his eyes molten with possessive heat everything inside her just melted.
Max caught the scent of her on the air and looked up his eyes locking on hers. He pulled her unresisting body down onto his lap wrapping his arms around her as she settled back against him. “What did the principal want?”
“Nothing really. I think he just wanted to check on me. I got the idea that my dad threw a pretty big fit in his office yesterday,” Liz said absently not really interested in the conversation.
Max played with the ends of her shirt to keep his hands from wandering. “I bet. You’re dad seems to be taking this seriously.”
“Yeah. He is. I’m not allowed to take the bus anywhere or walk by myself. He got me a new phone already and a can of pepper spray that I’m supposed to keep on me at all times. I tried to explain we weren’t allowed to bring stuff like that to school but he said if I got thrown out he would sue them over that and my abduction. Oh…good news! I’m getting my very own stun gun. You better watch it,” Liz said with a smile.
“Mmmm,” Max said barely hearing her. He had to figure out how to get her alone somewhere private. Overnight was out of the question for awhile since her dad was so….worked up but there had to be a way. He just needed to put his mind to it.
Liz was using words to cover up her thoughts, which were no where near what her words were saying. Her thoughts were a stream of want and need hidden underneath a layer of polite conversation.
The arrival of Kyle, Maria, and Ava at the lunch table eased Liz’s way. She talked and laughed with them like there was nothing else on her mind. Max had already bought their lunch but she picked at the food not really hungry.
Max didn’t even make an attempt to eat. He watched Liz with steady eyes confused by conflicting signals. Her eyes refused to meet his even causally, when his hand rested on her bare leg her skin felt hot. He felt a clash of conflicting feelings holding him immobile.
“You going to eat that or play with it?” Kyle asked Liz eyeing her donut.
“You want some?” Liz asked her eyes flickering briefly.
“Well…yeah that’s why I asked,” Kyle said meeting her eyes.
“So….I should share?” Liz asked smiling sweetly.
“Ummmm,” Kyle paused sensing he had no good answer here.
“You do want the donut right?” Liz asked eyes darting a look at Maria who was openly smirking.
“Yeeees,” Kyle said cautiously.
“So for you to have the donut I would have to give it to you. I would have to share,” Liz pointed out shifting on Max’s lap.
Max stayed quiet having more sense then to speak.
“I don’t know. It looks pretty good,” Liz said tearing off a piece and eating it. “Strawberry crème. It is good.”
Max watched her lick the powdered sugar off of her fingers biting back a groan. His hand inched higher up her thigh unconsciously stroking her skin. Suddenly he was terribly hungry and he had never felt less like sharing.
“Since I’m such a good friend and it’s only a donut,” Liz said eyes twinkling as she slid the napkin holding the donut across the table.
“You didn’t ask me if I wanted it,” Max said softly by her ear.
“You’re hungry?” Liz asked glancing at him her eyes resting on his mouth as she watched him nod. “Okay,” Liz said and tore the donut in half. “Then you and Kyle can share,” Liz said lips twitching with amusement as Max scowled. She gave half to Kyle and kept half tearing off a small piece and holding it up for Max.
Instead of taking it like Liz intended, Max leaned forward quickly and closed his mouth around her fingers and the piece of donut. Liz felt the flair of heat inside her as Max’s tongue swirled around her fingers.
Maria smirked at Liz’s shocked expression and the blush staining her cheeks.
“This feels just like the last time,” Kyle remarked smirking. “He gets the better end of the deal. All I get is a partially eaten donut.”
Liz’s eyebrow arched in warning. “Let me help even things up,” Liz said her tone pleasant. She picked up Kyle’s half of the donut and held it up. “Open wide.” Was all the warning Kyle got before Liz smacked the filling side of the treat against his face.
Ava and Maria started laughing at the vexed expression on Kyle’s face as the donut hit the table. “Lovely. Thanks a million, Liz.”
“You need to learn to quit while your ahead Kyle,” Liz responded smiling as Max kissed her ear.
After school Liz went straight to the school’s library. It was supposed to be closed that day in the after school hours since Mrs. Hoffman was attending some sort of seminar, but she had been given special permission by Principal Forrester to be there. He was bending over backwards for her since her dad have made such a stink over what had happened.
Wandering the stacks looking for the books she needed she was amazed by how quiet it was in here. She could barely hear the sounds of the students in the hall, everything seemed peaceful here. Trailing her finger on the spines of the books she frowned looking up. Sure enough what she needed was on the top shelf. Sighing she retrieved the rolling ladder at the end of the aisle and pushed it over to the section she needed and after a sweeping look to make sure no one was around she climbed up.
Max waited at Liz’s locker wondering what had happened to her. Seeing Maria he called out. “Maria! Hey did Liz get kept after class?”
“No, she had to go to the library remember? She mentioned it at lunch. Of course you may have been just a tad distracted,” Maria teased lightly.
“Oh yeah,” Max said like he remembered that when he didn’t. Tugging at his suddenly burning ear he smiled. “I’ll just go..”
“Right,” Maria said smiling back. “Hey you didn’t like kill the other two and bury the bodies did you?”
“No,” Max said shaking his head. “I just talked to them. They’re around somewhere.”
“Good cause Michael’s supposed to work tonight and I don’t want to have to cover the grill,” Maria said and waved as she left.
Max made his way to the library quickly and frowned when he was met with a locked door. Opening it with his powers he silently crept inside and looked around. Walking past the end of each row looking for Liz he stopped dead when he saw her up at the top of the ladder looking at a book. Since one foot was on a higher rung and her skirt was….short he had an amazing view.
Walking closer on silent feet he reached the bottom of the ladder and spoke as his hand touched her bare leg. “How is it that your panties exactly match your outfit?”
Liz smiled and looked down into his burning eyes. “Careful planning. What are you doing here? I thought you had to work,” Liz said making as if to start down the ladder but Max’s hands moved to hold her in place.
“I do,” Max agreed his hands sliding higher up her legs.
“This isn’t going to get you to work on time,” Liz pointed out then bit her lip as his fingers glided over the curve of her bottom before griping her hips under her skirt.
“No, it’s not,” Max agreed his voice deep and husky. “But it is going to add wonderful things to my dreams.”
“Max?” Liz asked as her fingers went lax and the book fell to the floor. She swayed slightly on the ladder and felt Max’s hands tighten, steadying her.
“You better hold on with both hands. Ladders can be dangerous,” Max said his eyes heating as she did as he said, her fingers curling around the sides of the ladder. He didn’t register any of the warnings trying to float to the surface, about where they were or how this wasn’t the right place or time. What he did register was the flash of her green satin panties and the wealth of her long bare legs.
Liz rested her forehead against the side rail of the ladder her eyes slipping closed as Max nibbled at the bare skin of one leg. If it weren’t for his hands supporting her she would have tumbled right off the ladder. She should stop him. For the sake of her own sanity she should open her mouth and say no.
“I think this is my new favorite outfit on you,” Max said against her skin. “You are so beautiful,” Max murmured crowding her as he stepped closer nibbling kisses climbing up her leg slowly. Licking the back of her knee he heard her gasp sharply.
Liz tightened her fingers, holding onto the ladder as his lips traveled higher. All awareness of the outside world dropped away as his lips seared a path up her leg, planting warm biting kisses, his quick breaths sending goose bumps rippling over her skin. “God! Max!” Liz gasp out, her breath hitching in her throat as she felt his teeth scrape her skin before latching onto the edge of her panties. She felt a flood of liquid warmth dampen her panties then heard a groan rumble in Max’s chest as he started tugging in earnest.
Max lost all sense of caution. He had to have those panties off. Nothing else had ever mattered to him more. He released them from his teeth to speak. “I need you to put your leg down,” Max said hooking his thumbs in the sides of her panties as Liz lowered her leg allowing him to slide the small bit of satin down her legs. Leaving them around her feet he kissed her thigh slowly working his way up.
Liz felt an explosion of heat and raw need as he nipped round curve of her ass. “Oh God Max!”
Max’s hands tightened on her hips holding her still as he marked her as his. She was his.
Liz whimpered as a shaft of heat arrowed through her. She didn’t protest as Max plucked her off the ladder and set her on her feet catching her when her knees gave out. Liz lifted her face for his kiss, arms going around his neck holding onto the solid heat of his body.
Max kissed her gently coaxing her to open her mouth for him, groaning in pleasure when her tongue swept into his mouth. His body crowded closer to hers surrounding her with his warm masculine scent. He slowly walked her backwards to the table at the end of the row.
Inside her body, Liz felt a drowning wave of liquid heat wash through her. It raced through her, thick and heavy, hot and aching. She wanted him and if the hard press of his body was accurate he needed her. Could it really be this simple? She surrendered completely to the demands of his mouth accepting her feelings for what they were.
Max felt the hot lash of lightening whip through him as his body raged, demanding more of her. Lifting her up onto the edge of the table he urged her knees apart stepping between them to get closer.
Liz nipped his lip then cried out softly as Max rubbed up against her deliberately.
Max nuzzled her ear holding her tightly to him as her hot wetness soaked through the front of his pants driving him wild. He started panting as her fingers tugged at his shirt pulling it up as she mumbled incoherently, pleas interlaced with moans.
The slamming of a locker right outside the library and muffled shouts of a group of jocks running down the hall crashed him back to earth and had him stepping back away from her, horrified by his utter lack of control.
Liz blinked opening her eyes at the loss of his heat. Seeing the look on his face she felt a rush of twisting emotion overloading her senses. “Please Max. Please don’t leave me,” Liz pleaded promptly bursting into tears as she realized he was stopping again.
Seeing her start to cry he felt horrible. “Shhh it’s okay. I’m not leaving,” Max whispered taking her into his arms and stroking her hair softly.
“This isn’t normal,” Liz sobbed into his neck. “Why do I feel like this? You don’t!”
Max’s forehead wrinkled in confusion and concern. “Like what? What do you feel like?”
“Like I can’t stop,” Liz mumbled feeling ashamed and afraid. “I feel those marks pulsing and…..I get all hot. Then I need to see you and when you touch me I can’t even talk it’s so hot and it’s like I’m being pulled to you. All this stuff just starts swirling around inside me and I can feel the glowing mark sending heat through me and it sort of centers around the other mark by my heart. I feel like I need you. I need to touch you and be close. Why isn’t the same for you?”
“Liz, how do you think this happened? I had to touch you. I do feel it. It’s not exactly the same but I feel a pull so strong that I can find you....feel you from miles away. I try so hard to control myself but…when I saw you on that ladder…..control wasn’t even a thought in my head. I had to have you….touch you,” Max said looking into her tear filled eyes.
“Then why did you stop? You always stop,” Liz whispered softly overcoming her fear to voice her question. She was so afraid of his answer.
“I stop because I love you. I need to protect you and safe guard your feelings. I want our first time to be right not rushed for fear of discovery. That’s strong enough to get through to me when nothing else could,” Max explained earnestly studying her eyes.
Liz looked away and nodded pushing him away. She stood and pushed her hair over her shoulder then spotted her panties over by the ladder. “Max, you’re really late for work. You should…..I have to go,” Liz said then forced herself to meet his questioning gaze.
“I’ll drive you,” Max said immediately watching her carefully.
“Umm that’s okay. My dad’s coming for me soooo,” Liz trailed off walking down the row to retrieve her panties and dropped book.
“Liz…..don’t do this,” Max said following her. “Don’t shut me out like this. I just don’t want to do anything that would make it so I can’t see you. If we got caught or….I wouldn’t lie to you. I really do want you so much,” Max said upset with himself for making her cry. This whole thing was his fault.
“I know. You’re right,” Liz agreed nodding feeling awkward and upset. Her emotions were all tangled up and she couldn’t sort them out with her panties in her hand and him looking at her. “Will you come into the café for dinner?”
“Yes. I always do,” Max answered worried eyes on hers.
Liz forced a smile and nodded. “Then I’ll save you a piece of asteroid pie. We can eat dinner together if you come after seven.”
“That would be great,” Max said feeling a little better. Her smile soothed him slightly and the plans for dinner helped even more.
“Okay. Well you better get going. You are so late. Brody’s going to be pissed,” Liz said urging him to leave. “We don’t want him to make you skip your break right?”
“Right. Okay, I’ll see you after seven,” Max said and brushed a kiss over her mouth.
Liz watched him stride out of the library before letting the first of her tears fall. Scrubbing at her face in disgust she berated herself and reminded herself sternly that she had to get it together. She a long shift with Michael and Maria to get through and Ava was coming up to see her dad about a job. She didn’t have time for this right now. She was just being silly anyway.