PART 19
Journal Entry 26
Something terrible has gone wrong…
“Liz, are you sure you feel nothing?” A note of concern was creeping into Nick’s voice. Maria looked at him. He seemed to be getting more agitated by the second.
And Liz, she was just staring at her feet, hugging herself.
Jans appeared in the door of the tent, calling to Nick. Alex and Maria watched as they conferred outside, Nick seemingly getting distressed at something Jans had to say. Nick turned to look at Liz, his face showing signs of anguish.
When Nick came back, he picked up Liz wordlessly and carried her back to her tent. Liz curled up on Max’s bed, hugging his pillow to her chest. She couldn’t stop crying. She didn’t even notice Nick’s stroking her hair comfortingly.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 27
My heart aches for her, for us. When had I started feeling these human emotions? Is this some power she has over us? The same one she wielded so effectively over Max? And what could have happened to him? The second phase was supposed to have been simple, no long-term damage done. Instead I sit helplessly at her side, trying to stop myself from crying with her…
Michael and Isabel sat in the Jeep despondently. Isabel had tried dreamwalking to find Max, but she couldn’t reach him. They were starting to fear the worst.
Michael hugged Isabel to his side. Max had just always been there for them and it felt weird and scary to think of being without him. Even though he drove them up the wall sometimes with his controlling attitude, they had always counted on him getting them out of trouble. How were they going to tell Liz about this? How do you tell anyone the person they love is… gone?
But if he were dead, where was Max’s body? Michael frowned. He had a feeling there was something weird going on here…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nick sat watching over Liz the whole morning. She had seemed to slip into a drugged state off exhaustion after a while, but he had stayed at her side, knowing it was what Max would have wanted. Jans came to report every now and again, but so far their people have found nothing…
Michael had called from a payphone to report what had happened and to say that the three of them were staying at the site to see if they could learn anything more. He didn’t seem surprised when Nick informed him that they already knew. That Liz knew.
Michael ended the call by saying: “Tell her that he was thinking of her when it happened.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Maria came during the afternoon. She felt awful for her friend, especially now that she knew Michael was okay. She slipped into bed with Liz, hugging her close. “Hey Lizzie, babe…”
This elicited the first real reaction from Liz. A moan of such pain broke from her throat that Maria promptly burst into tears with her. “Liz… he loved you so much!” It was all she could think of to say.
“I just want to die… please, just let me…” Liz’s voice was hollow and slurred. The pain was tearing her apart inside. It felt like her whole body was in pain. The never-ending pain of loss. The pain that was only interrupted by the flicker of something unknown at the edge of her mind, like a thought that you can’t really get hold of. Liz closed her eyes. She was just so tired… so empty, maybe if she just stopped breathing...
The little niggling thought became a scream: “Noooo!”
Liz jerked upright in bed.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Nick was on his way back when he heard Maria cry Liz’s name. He broke into a run and burst into the tent. Liz was sitting up in bed, Max’s pillow still clutched to her chest. Her eyes were closed and she was frowning in concentration.
He fell to his knees at the side of the bed, staring at her with a mixture of hope and dread.
Liz was reaching out with all of her mind. Nothing again. Then she remembered Grandma Claudia. Follow your heart. She let herself feel all the love and anguish that her heart could handle and the whisper became louder. Don’t ever leave me.
The relief flooding through Liz was indescribably sweet. “He’s alive. Max is alive!” The outburst was followed by a silent conversation with her soulmate. I love you. I was so scared. I’ll find you. The relief in her body intensified, telling her that Max had felt her response.
She jumped up, scattering Maria and Nick before her. “We have to go find him. He’s alive! We must go now.”
Nick blanched at the authority in her voice, but followed her obediently.
Liz faltered when they reached the car. Where do they start looking? The desert was huge and all she could sense was Max’s feelings. She turned to Nick, worry creasing her brow. “How are we going—”
Nick interrupted her, his voice ringing with certainty. “You will guide us.”
“What do you mean? I can’t… I don’t…” Liz was confused and scared. They were all staring at her with such hope.
Nick came to stand before her, blocking her view of all the others. “Yes, you can. I know you can.”
Liz looked at him for a few silent seconds, before she just nodded her head.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 28
He is alive! They found each other and I felt so many things coursing through my body that I nearly became dizzy. Relief, happiness, pride… Yes, I was proud of her. How human that sounds! It’s all up to her now.
Liz could barely sit still while they drove. She had decreed that they start where Max was seen last. There was a drive of several hours ahead of them, but Liz couldn’t sleep. She kept trying to connect with Max. It only worked on a few irregular occasions. He seemed fine, but worried. She wondered why until it dawned on her. He knew she was coming to find him and he was concerned for her safety. Her always protecting Max!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max was still having trouble recovering from the sheer terror that had gripped him when he felt Liz giving up on life. His mind kept screaming at her not to do it, that she couldn’t leave him alone on this planet, her planet, their planet... Until he finally felt her reaction.
Only then did he realize that he was leading her right to him. Right into the trap with him.
It was dark in the space where he was held. He had woken up in the darkness and had remained so ever since. He had no idea where he was or why he couldn’t reach Isabel or Michael. He had been desperate enough to even try to reach Tess. Nothing had worked until his body started shaking with reaction. Liz’s reaction to his death. It came out of nowhere, but the intensity of it shocked him into desperation. Desperation to reach her before she gave up completely…
What was he doing here? Who had him? Liz was coming… His mind grappled to handle the myriad of issues flying around in his head when he heard it. A voice coming closer. “They will be here soon. We’ll wait until she is here…” A cold and terrible fury took hold of Max then. For he recognized the voice.
Chapter 20 next.
The Experiment Series (ML, CC / Mautre) (Complete)
Moderators: Itzstacie, Forum Moderators
Chapter 20
PART 20
Journal Entry 29
We needed to get him out without alerting his captors. We can’t afford to fight the other side now. Not with him vulnerable because of her presence…
It was still dark by the time Nick’s group arrived at the site where Max had disappeared. They were scattered in two vehicles, Nick having brought some men along that Liz has never seen. She didn’t care about anything but getting to Max. She had felt a wave of fury from him that scared her in its intensity. That was quickly followed by total panic. All she could make out from him was: “Don’t come.” It didn’t make sense to her at all, so she kept quiet, fearful that Nick would keep her out of the rescue effort if he knew.
Isabel, Michael and Tess woke up from their restless sleep in the Jeep when the lights of the two cars fell over them. Michael was out of the car the minute he saw Liz. He pulled her into a rough hug. “Liz, I’m sorry. You know he loved you above all…”
Liz had to fight the tears following Michael’s actions. He hid such a soft heart beneath his sometimes gruff exterior. “Michael, he’s alive!”
Michael searched her eyes uncertainly. He didn’t know whether Liz was losing it or if he should start hoping with her.
Liz smiled up at him, conviction shining in her face. “I felt him! He—”
“What nonsense!” Tess interrupted her. “There is no way you could sense him. Firstly, you’re a human and secondly, none of us feel him. I share a genetic connection with him. I would be the first to know!”
The group just stared at her in silence. Then Michael turned back to Liz. “So, you felt him, huh? What do we do now?” The last part was aimed at Nick.
Nick looked at Liz. Michael looked at Liz. In fact, everyone was looking at Liz…
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max was getting desperate. He had tried warning Liz to stay away, but she had either not heard him, or she was ignoring him because he could feel her coming closer. His stubborn, beautiful, wonderful Liz was walking right into a trap.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz was concentrating on pinpointing Max’s location. It was very hard with Tess glaring at her and everyone else practically dancing around her with anxiety. She eventually walked away from them, holding up her hand when they tried to follow.
“Oh, please! How much more dramatic—”
“Shut up Tess!” Michael and Isabel talked in chorus.
Liz had no idea what she was doing. She was going on instinct here. She tried reaching out to Max again, but the feeling of panic coming from him was drowning out everything else in her mind and she mentally backed away again. What were they doing to him? Why was he so scared? She turned around anxiously, her eyes finding Isabel.
Isabel was at her side immediately. “What is going on?”
“I don’t know! He is really scared about something and I can’t… It makes it hard to concentrate.” Liz’s voice was pleading. “Do you think you could try to use me to… to find him?”
Isabel paled. “He was afraid? What for? Are they doing something to him?”
Liz looked away, avoiding her searching gaze. “Uhm… I don’t know. He just seemed… panicked, I guess.”
“Let’s do it then!” Isabel took Liz’s hand and they both closed their eyes, looking for Max. She felt him immediately. Izzy didn’t have time to be amazed at how strong the connection between her brother and Liz was, she just yelled at Max.
“Max! Where are you? You have to help us find you!”
Max sounded frantic. “Isabel! You have to keep Liz away from me! It’s a trap for her… or me, I’m not sure. Please! Just keep her away!”
Isabel understood then. Max would never be in such desperate fear for himself, only ever for Liz. “Okay Max, I’ll try, but you have to tell me where you are!”
Max answered in a relieved tone. “I have no idea. It’s dark. And Izzy, please warn Nick. It’s—”
The connection was severed unexpectedly, when Liz was jerked away from Isabel. Isabel opened her eyes and found Jans basically hugging Liz. He was mumbling something about being worried about her. Where the heck had he come from? Isabel was sure he hadn’t been in either of the two cars.
Liz was assailed by an avalanche of images while Jans touched her. Some disturbing ones were coming from Jans himself, but the most emphatic one coming from Max: a wave of extreme hatred. Liz pulled away from Jans, realizing that Max had been reacting to Jans. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized what it meant.
Isabel and Jans both made a grab for Liz at the same time. Isabel was a second slower than Jans. He grinned at her while holding Liz in front of him like a shield. “Sorry, she’s mine now! Since the leader will be dead soon, I can reign by her side!”
The rest of the group had arrived by then. Nick held them all back, not wanting Liz to get hurt. He glared at Jans. “What is wrong with you! These are our leaders, our own people!”
Jans’ voice was condescending. “You are so pathetic. Why does he have to be our leader? Because he was born that way? I don’t care for that anymore, especially in the light of what happened to our planet. And getting little Liz in the process is just sweetening the deal…”
“Our people will never accept you after this. It will get you nowhere!” Nick’s eyes went to Liz. “Are you okay?”
Liz nodded. She had been taking deep breaths, trying to stay calm, but that was a difficult task with Jans’ hand glowing on her skin. She mustn’t think about Max either, because that just opened the connection between them and she couldn’t afford to be distracted by his distress. No, she had to keep her wits about her…
Michael was watching Liz worriedly. He never wanted to be the person to tell Max anything had happened to Liz. She seemed so calm. He wondered if it had anything to do with Max. Catching Liz’s eyes, it dawned on him that she was trying to communicate something to him. He blinked in confusion as he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what it was.
Liz gave up being subtle and mouthed to Michael: “Be ready.”
She didn’t give him time to absorb that before she whirled around in Jans’ arms and kneed him in the groin. Luckily for her he had not been expecting trouble from her. There was a stunned moment where the only sound that could be heard was Jans’ groaning. Then both Michael and Nick were on top of Jans, holding him down.
When Jans was effectively captured, Michael turned to Liz in astonishment. “What the hell was that?”
But Liz ignored the question and walked over to Jans. “Thanks for teaching me self-defense, you bastard! Now where is Max?”
Michael was the first one to burst out laughing. Max was going to have a cow!
21 next.
Journal Entry 29
We needed to get him out without alerting his captors. We can’t afford to fight the other side now. Not with him vulnerable because of her presence…
It was still dark by the time Nick’s group arrived at the site where Max had disappeared. They were scattered in two vehicles, Nick having brought some men along that Liz has never seen. She didn’t care about anything but getting to Max. She had felt a wave of fury from him that scared her in its intensity. That was quickly followed by total panic. All she could make out from him was: “Don’t come.” It didn’t make sense to her at all, so she kept quiet, fearful that Nick would keep her out of the rescue effort if he knew.
Isabel, Michael and Tess woke up from their restless sleep in the Jeep when the lights of the two cars fell over them. Michael was out of the car the minute he saw Liz. He pulled her into a rough hug. “Liz, I’m sorry. You know he loved you above all…”
Liz had to fight the tears following Michael’s actions. He hid such a soft heart beneath his sometimes gruff exterior. “Michael, he’s alive!”
Michael searched her eyes uncertainly. He didn’t know whether Liz was losing it or if he should start hoping with her.
Liz smiled up at him, conviction shining in her face. “I felt him! He—”
“What nonsense!” Tess interrupted her. “There is no way you could sense him. Firstly, you’re a human and secondly, none of us feel him. I share a genetic connection with him. I would be the first to know!”
The group just stared at her in silence. Then Michael turned back to Liz. “So, you felt him, huh? What do we do now?” The last part was aimed at Nick.
Nick looked at Liz. Michael looked at Liz. In fact, everyone was looking at Liz…
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max was getting desperate. He had tried warning Liz to stay away, but she had either not heard him, or she was ignoring him because he could feel her coming closer. His stubborn, beautiful, wonderful Liz was walking right into a trap.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz was concentrating on pinpointing Max’s location. It was very hard with Tess glaring at her and everyone else practically dancing around her with anxiety. She eventually walked away from them, holding up her hand when they tried to follow.
“Oh, please! How much more dramatic—”
“Shut up Tess!” Michael and Isabel talked in chorus.
Liz had no idea what she was doing. She was going on instinct here. She tried reaching out to Max again, but the feeling of panic coming from him was drowning out everything else in her mind and she mentally backed away again. What were they doing to him? Why was he so scared? She turned around anxiously, her eyes finding Isabel.
Isabel was at her side immediately. “What is going on?”
“I don’t know! He is really scared about something and I can’t… It makes it hard to concentrate.” Liz’s voice was pleading. “Do you think you could try to use me to… to find him?”
Isabel paled. “He was afraid? What for? Are they doing something to him?”
Liz looked away, avoiding her searching gaze. “Uhm… I don’t know. He just seemed… panicked, I guess.”
“Let’s do it then!” Isabel took Liz’s hand and they both closed their eyes, looking for Max. She felt him immediately. Izzy didn’t have time to be amazed at how strong the connection between her brother and Liz was, she just yelled at Max.
“Max! Where are you? You have to help us find you!”
Max sounded frantic. “Isabel! You have to keep Liz away from me! It’s a trap for her… or me, I’m not sure. Please! Just keep her away!”
Isabel understood then. Max would never be in such desperate fear for himself, only ever for Liz. “Okay Max, I’ll try, but you have to tell me where you are!”
Max answered in a relieved tone. “I have no idea. It’s dark. And Izzy, please warn Nick. It’s—”
The connection was severed unexpectedly, when Liz was jerked away from Isabel. Isabel opened her eyes and found Jans basically hugging Liz. He was mumbling something about being worried about her. Where the heck had he come from? Isabel was sure he hadn’t been in either of the two cars.
Liz was assailed by an avalanche of images while Jans touched her. Some disturbing ones were coming from Jans himself, but the most emphatic one coming from Max: a wave of extreme hatred. Liz pulled away from Jans, realizing that Max had been reacting to Jans. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized what it meant.
Isabel and Jans both made a grab for Liz at the same time. Isabel was a second slower than Jans. He grinned at her while holding Liz in front of him like a shield. “Sorry, she’s mine now! Since the leader will be dead soon, I can reign by her side!”
The rest of the group had arrived by then. Nick held them all back, not wanting Liz to get hurt. He glared at Jans. “What is wrong with you! These are our leaders, our own people!”
Jans’ voice was condescending. “You are so pathetic. Why does he have to be our leader? Because he was born that way? I don’t care for that anymore, especially in the light of what happened to our planet. And getting little Liz in the process is just sweetening the deal…”
“Our people will never accept you after this. It will get you nowhere!” Nick’s eyes went to Liz. “Are you okay?”
Liz nodded. She had been taking deep breaths, trying to stay calm, but that was a difficult task with Jans’ hand glowing on her skin. She mustn’t think about Max either, because that just opened the connection between them and she couldn’t afford to be distracted by his distress. No, she had to keep her wits about her…
Michael was watching Liz worriedly. He never wanted to be the person to tell Max anything had happened to Liz. She seemed so calm. He wondered if it had anything to do with Max. Catching Liz’s eyes, it dawned on him that she was trying to communicate something to him. He blinked in confusion as he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what it was.
Liz gave up being subtle and mouthed to Michael: “Be ready.”
She didn’t give him time to absorb that before she whirled around in Jans’ arms and kneed him in the groin. Luckily for her he had not been expecting trouble from her. There was a stunned moment where the only sound that could be heard was Jans’ groaning. Then both Michael and Nick were on top of Jans, holding him down.
When Jans was effectively captured, Michael turned to Liz in astonishment. “What the hell was that?”
But Liz ignored the question and walked over to Jans. “Thanks for teaching me self-defense, you bastard! Now where is Max?”
Michael was the first one to burst out laughing. Max was going to have a cow!
21 next.
Chapter 21
PART 21
Journal Entry 30
A traitor in our midst. I still feel ill at the thought. The phase was to find out how intense her connection with him was, but without creating such pain for them both. Oh, Aaron and Kayla, if you could only see…
They couldn’t get anything out of Jans. Liz was close to tears with frustration because she really wanted to find Max. At least the negative feelings from Max had subsided as soon as they had Jans under control. Now, all she could sense was impatience.
Nick turned to them. “He must have had help with this. He was with me in the camp while Max disappeared. We should still be careful.” He nodded at two of the other men present to take Jans away.
“Why don’t we just drive around a bit and I’ll try to find him?” Liz pleaded with Nick. She hated standing around here. “I feel like he isn’t that far away…”
“Lizzie, we’re in the middle of the desert! Where would they hide him out here?” Maria was pressed to Michael’s side. They were all still staring at Liz as if she had sprouted horns.
“I don’t know, Maria! But I need to find him. I need him.”
“Well, as long as I don’t have to be around when you tell Max that you had Jans teach you self-defense…” Maria’s mumble lightened the atmosphere for a few precious minutes.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The search seemed to take forever. Liz was getting really tired. They had driven in ever-increasing circles in the hope that Liz would sense something, but so far they had had little success.
Liz was in the Jeep with Michael, Maria and Izzy. Laying back against the seat and sighing, she thought back to the afternoon after the bonding ceremony. She had been in this same seat, but under very different circumstances. She still remembered the heat and hunger of Max’s gaze. How his hands had felt on her skin. How desperately she had wanted to be with him… Her body suddenly started humming, making her sit up in her seat.
Michael saw the movement from the corner of his eye and brought the Jeep to a halt.
Liz got out, hugging herself. She started walking towards a group of rocks, her eyes closed in concentration. The other three also jumped out of the Jeep and followed her with Michael hovering close behind her to make sure that she didn’t fall or bump into something.
“He’s here… somewhere close.” Liz’s voice was soft.
Nick grabbed hold of her arm, holding her back. “Let us do the rest. We cannot endanger you too.” He eyed Liz warily as she got a stubborn look on her face. “There are other people involved with this, Liz, we’ll come get you as soon as he’s out.”
Maria came over to hug Liz, effectively keeping her from going with the rest of the group. Michael’s orders. Maria sighed. When had Spaceboy gotten so responsible?
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 31
I knew that I should not allow them to do this. But these are extraordinary times for my people… for them. How much more must they prove before we tell them everything? They need this… almost as much as we do.
The wait was agonizing for Liz. It felt like hours since the rescue team had disappeared around the rocks. “What is taking them so long, Maria?”
Maria had been wondering the same thing, but didn’t want to alarm Liz. “Relax, chica. I’m sure they’re fine.” Or I’ll kill them all myself! she thought.
Liz and Maria were sitting in the shade of the rocks in an attempt to escape the scorching midday desert sun. Liz watched the horizon shimmering with heat through half-closed lids. If Max ever arrives, I’m kissing him for three hours solid to make up for yesterday! She felt a burst of happiness from Max and hoped Maria didn’t see her blush. This shared connection thing could become a problem!
Her body told her he was near before she could see him. She was up and running past a surprised Maria in an instant.
They nearly ran each other into the ground, but Max caught her and swung her up in the air instead. No words were necessary. They loved each other, they were happy they were safe and together and their connection did the rest. Their kiss was filled with all the emotions sweeping through them.
Max was holding her so tight, Liz could barely breathe. She ran her hands over his body, trying to ascertain that he was indeed unharmed. But all she felt under her fingertips were smooth skin and gloriously firm muscles. Only her perfect Max, no worse for wear.
“Ahem…” Michael’s effort to break up the reunion went unnoticed.
Max couldn’t stop kissing Liz. He had been so afraid for her, afraid that he would never see her again. It put so much into perspective. How short life could be and how one should make the most of every moment. He stared at her when he finally lifted his mouth. Yes, that’s what they should do… make the most of every moment they have together!
Nick’s voice finally intruded. “We should go back and deal with these three.”
Max and Liz were still looking at each other intently. The others were starting to become uncomfortable with the long silence when Liz suddenly nodded at Max before dipping her head and blushing.
Taking a deep breath, Max turned to Nick. “Could you leave us the Jeep? We… ah… need some time alone.”
Maria’s mouth dropped open. Surely Max Evans wasn’t saying what she thought he was saying! She turned her eyes to her friend. Liz was clinging to Max’s hand and staring at the ground. Maria walked over to Liz determinedly, but she basically had to tear Liz from Max’s grip. “I’m sorry Max, but I really need to talk to Liz.”
When she judged that she had dragged Liz away far enough, she whirled on her. “Lizzie, what the hell are you doing? We don’t know what will happen! What if—”
“I don’t care, Maria!” Liz interrupted her with a firm voice. “These are not normal circumstances. Nothing about me and Max is normal! I only know one thing: we love each other. That’s all that matters to me…”
Maria stared at her speechless. Seeing the certainty in her friend’s eyes, Maria gave in. “You better tell me everything afterwards, girl! I have a stake in this too, you know!”
Liz was staring back at Max. “Yeah, I don’t think I would tell you everything, Maria. Maybe just the important bits…” She smiled as she walked back to Max, basking in his heated appraisal of her progress. It was time for another first in her life. Yet another first that would be the result of Max Evans…
22 up next.
Journal Entry 30
A traitor in our midst. I still feel ill at the thought. The phase was to find out how intense her connection with him was, but without creating such pain for them both. Oh, Aaron and Kayla, if you could only see…
They couldn’t get anything out of Jans. Liz was close to tears with frustration because she really wanted to find Max. At least the negative feelings from Max had subsided as soon as they had Jans under control. Now, all she could sense was impatience.
Nick turned to them. “He must have had help with this. He was with me in the camp while Max disappeared. We should still be careful.” He nodded at two of the other men present to take Jans away.
“Why don’t we just drive around a bit and I’ll try to find him?” Liz pleaded with Nick. She hated standing around here. “I feel like he isn’t that far away…”
“Lizzie, we’re in the middle of the desert! Where would they hide him out here?” Maria was pressed to Michael’s side. They were all still staring at Liz as if she had sprouted horns.
“I don’t know, Maria! But I need to find him. I need him.”
“Well, as long as I don’t have to be around when you tell Max that you had Jans teach you self-defense…” Maria’s mumble lightened the atmosphere for a few precious minutes.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The search seemed to take forever. Liz was getting really tired. They had driven in ever-increasing circles in the hope that Liz would sense something, but so far they had had little success.
Liz was in the Jeep with Michael, Maria and Izzy. Laying back against the seat and sighing, she thought back to the afternoon after the bonding ceremony. She had been in this same seat, but under very different circumstances. She still remembered the heat and hunger of Max’s gaze. How his hands had felt on her skin. How desperately she had wanted to be with him… Her body suddenly started humming, making her sit up in her seat.
Michael saw the movement from the corner of his eye and brought the Jeep to a halt.
Liz got out, hugging herself. She started walking towards a group of rocks, her eyes closed in concentration. The other three also jumped out of the Jeep and followed her with Michael hovering close behind her to make sure that she didn’t fall or bump into something.
“He’s here… somewhere close.” Liz’s voice was soft.
Nick grabbed hold of her arm, holding her back. “Let us do the rest. We cannot endanger you too.” He eyed Liz warily as she got a stubborn look on her face. “There are other people involved with this, Liz, we’ll come get you as soon as he’s out.”
Maria came over to hug Liz, effectively keeping her from going with the rest of the group. Michael’s orders. Maria sighed. When had Spaceboy gotten so responsible?
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 31
I knew that I should not allow them to do this. But these are extraordinary times for my people… for them. How much more must they prove before we tell them everything? They need this… almost as much as we do.
The wait was agonizing for Liz. It felt like hours since the rescue team had disappeared around the rocks. “What is taking them so long, Maria?”
Maria had been wondering the same thing, but didn’t want to alarm Liz. “Relax, chica. I’m sure they’re fine.” Or I’ll kill them all myself! she thought.
Liz and Maria were sitting in the shade of the rocks in an attempt to escape the scorching midday desert sun. Liz watched the horizon shimmering with heat through half-closed lids. If Max ever arrives, I’m kissing him for three hours solid to make up for yesterday! She felt a burst of happiness from Max and hoped Maria didn’t see her blush. This shared connection thing could become a problem!
Her body told her he was near before she could see him. She was up and running past a surprised Maria in an instant.
They nearly ran each other into the ground, but Max caught her and swung her up in the air instead. No words were necessary. They loved each other, they were happy they were safe and together and their connection did the rest. Their kiss was filled with all the emotions sweeping through them.
Max was holding her so tight, Liz could barely breathe. She ran her hands over his body, trying to ascertain that he was indeed unharmed. But all she felt under her fingertips were smooth skin and gloriously firm muscles. Only her perfect Max, no worse for wear.
“Ahem…” Michael’s effort to break up the reunion went unnoticed.
Max couldn’t stop kissing Liz. He had been so afraid for her, afraid that he would never see her again. It put so much into perspective. How short life could be and how one should make the most of every moment. He stared at her when he finally lifted his mouth. Yes, that’s what they should do… make the most of every moment they have together!
Nick’s voice finally intruded. “We should go back and deal with these three.”
Max and Liz were still looking at each other intently. The others were starting to become uncomfortable with the long silence when Liz suddenly nodded at Max before dipping her head and blushing.
Taking a deep breath, Max turned to Nick. “Could you leave us the Jeep? We… ah… need some time alone.”
Maria’s mouth dropped open. Surely Max Evans wasn’t saying what she thought he was saying! She turned her eyes to her friend. Liz was clinging to Max’s hand and staring at the ground. Maria walked over to Liz determinedly, but she basically had to tear Liz from Max’s grip. “I’m sorry Max, but I really need to talk to Liz.”
When she judged that she had dragged Liz away far enough, she whirled on her. “Lizzie, what the hell are you doing? We don’t know what will happen! What if—”
“I don’t care, Maria!” Liz interrupted her with a firm voice. “These are not normal circumstances. Nothing about me and Max is normal! I only know one thing: we love each other. That’s all that matters to me…”
Maria stared at her speechless. Seeing the certainty in her friend’s eyes, Maria gave in. “You better tell me everything afterwards, girl! I have a stake in this too, you know!”
Liz was staring back at Max. “Yeah, I don’t think I would tell you everything, Maria. Maybe just the important bits…” She smiled as she walked back to Max, basking in his heated appraisal of her progress. It was time for another first in her life. Yet another first that would be the result of Max Evans…
22 up next.
Chapter 22
PART 22
Liz and Max watched as the rest of the group trooped into the cars. They had found Jans’ car close to where Max had been held and were taking it back. The cars eventually drove off, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
Finally they were alone…
~*~*~*~*~*~
Maria was giving Michael the third degree about Max’s kidnapping. “So where was he? And why couldn’t any of you guys sense him? And—”
“Hey, slow down, cheesehead! One thing at a time!” Michael sounded exasperated, causing Izzy and Alex to smile where they were sitting in the back seat. Yeah, things were basically back to normal…
Sighing, Michael tried to relay the little he knew. “They had him in this underground chamber, apparently it was fitted out with some kind of metal that they thought would shield us from finding him. Guess, they only figured on mind connections, not heart ones. Jans had planned the whole thing, it just worked even better when Liz came out here to find him. He initially just wanted Max out of the picture so he could take his place as leader… and with Liz.”
“Eeew!” Maria’s response echoed everyone’s thoughts. “Hey wait, what about the message from Nacedo?”
“I’m guessing that was Jans too. There’s been no sign of him around here and since the thugs knew where we were… But we’ll phone him as soon as we can, just to make sure.” Michael took Maria’s hand, ignoring her surprised look at the gesture. “Let’s just get home, so we can start forgetting about this whole mess.”
“Sooo, I wonder what Liz and Max are up to right now. Oh wait, no! I just had a mental image! I SO did not need to think that about my friend! Just drive faster would you Michael! I need miles between me and that image!” Alex was starting to babble at the end, causing hysterical bursts of laughter from the other occupants of the car.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max helped Liz into the Jeep silently. What do you say at a time like this? I love you? Are you sure? No, he couldn’t ask that. What if she said no? Max didn’t think he could take a ‘no’ right now.
Liz waited until they were back on the highway, driving away from Roswell before speaking. “Where are we going Max?”
Her voice sounded nervous and Max looked at her, feeling guilty for his closed-off reactions of the past few minutes. This was a big step for her too. He enveloped her hands that were folded in her lap with one of his. “I love you.” He took a deep breath. “We don’t have to do this, you know.”
“I know. Max, I love you. I want this… us.” Liz snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder as he drove. “So really, where are we going?”
He leant his head on hers for a few seconds before answering. “I thought we’d go to Carlsbad.”
“Okay.” Liz was starting to sound sleepy. His heart filled with tenderness for her because she had not rested until she had found him. Brave Liz. Beautiful Liz. His Liz.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Standing in the hotel room, they looked at each other shyly. Both of them very aware of the implied intimacy of the big double bed next to them.
Liz started when she felt Max running his hand down her arm softly. “Are you scared?” Repeating words spoken a long time ago. He was gazing at her anxiously, not knowing how to ease her nervousness.
“Kiss me, Max.”
He hugged her to him tenderly, slowly leaning down to touch his mouth to hers. He kissed her gently, running his hands over her face and into her hair. Trying to show her with his actions how precious she was to him.
Liz leant into his welcoming warmth and felt her fears disappear like the morning mist. This was Max. Her Max. Who loved her. She had nothing to worry about.
Max pulled away from her and waited until she opened her eyes slowly. “Why don’t you go take a bath and I’ll… uhm go out to… I mean, I need to…” He was stumbling over his words, embarrassment tingeing his cheeks.
Liz’s eyes widened in understanding. Right! Ever careful Max remembering that they needed to take precautions. She nodded and watched him leave.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The afternoon sun was casting long shadows outside when Max returned. The room was quiet and he walked to the half-closed bathroom door. Hesitating in the doorway, he wondered if he should just walk in. He didn’t want to embarrass Liz. But he couldn’t stop his feet from moving forward. The sight that greeted his eyes was breathtaking. Liz had fallen asleep in the bath filled nearly to the brim with bubbles. Her skin was glistening with moisture where it peeked from the water. Her beauty made him weak. Weak with love. Weak with desire.
He lifted her gently from the tub, wrapping her in a large towel. She murmured his name and pressed closer to him, causing a severe reaction in Max’s body. The towel left so much of her uncovered that he couldn’t help but stare. Her legs were smooth and shapely, dangling over his one arm and doing wicked things to his heart and mind.
He managed to get her to bed without his legs giving out. Using the towel still wrapped around her, he patted her dry as best he could without waking her. She seemed so tired and vulnerable, it made his heart ache. He pulled the towel from her and slid her underneath the covers, but it needed only the few seconds that the action took to sear her bare form into his brain.
Cursing under his breath, he went to take a shower. And to try and get himself under control.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz came awake when the bathroom door opened. She was confused for a moment about how she had gotten to bed, but all thought fled her mind when Max appeared in the doorway. He was wearing a towel and nothing else. Liz’s eyes traveled across him helplessly, eagerly, hungrily. Over the dark wet strands of hair falling over his eyes. Over his beloved face. Over the contours of his chest and arms. Travelling lower until she forgot to breathe.
Max stopped when he realized she was awake and watching him. His body came to life while her gaze caressed him. It was the most sensual feeling he has ever experienced and he was afraid that he might lose his sanity tonight. Lose it somewhere in Liz Parker’s exquisite body and warm eyes…
He walked to the bed silently and sat down on the edge. Pulling Liz upright, he smiled slightly as she clutched the sheet to her chest. She smiled back up at him shyly, trustingly. His heart clenched in sudden fear. What if he hurt her tonight? Not in the normal first-time sense, but because he was what he was.
Liz saw the flash of fear in his eyes and placed a gentle, warm hand on his chest. She felt the fierce thudding of his heart against her fingertips. For an instant he seemed both humbled and profoundly uneasy. Then he began to shake almost violently, the intensity of their feelings overwhelming him.
“Liz.” Her name was a plea, his voice husky and low.
She watched as his eyes darkened, then blazed with fire. She slowly slid her hand down from his chest to his bare stomach, hearing his smothered groan.
Max reached out and pulled the sheet from her fingers slowly. Uncovering her beauty to his thirsty eyes. He let his fingers drift over her collarbone, caressing the smooth soft skin of her shoulder before sliding lower, finally letting the weight of her breast fill his hand. She was perfect.
Liz arched into his hand, her body knowing instinctively what to do. His lips captured hers again. His tongue licking inside the velvet depths of her mouth and setting her body aflame. His hands covered her skin, touching everywhere he could reach, stoking the fires in her blood. She drank in the hot male scent of him, wanting more.
Max lapped up each little sound exploding from her throat. He lay down with her, managing it without breaking their kiss. He pressed her against him, reveling in the feeling of her naked skin.
Soon the barriers of sheets and towels were too much to bear and were removed. Throughout Max kept up the drugging kisses that transported Liz to another world. She gloried in the heat and hardness of his body. At how perfectly he fit to her. She rubbed herself against him trying to soothe the ache in the pit of her stomach. Max was kissing her neck, her shoulders, his lips covering every inch of her skin. He seemed to instinctively know all the hidden spots where his lips would arouse her.
Max was dazed. How many times had he dreamed of this, never daring to hope that it would ever come true. But here he was, and she was a fever in his blood. He knew that being inside Liz Parker would be the closest to heaven that he’ll ever be.
He came back to her mouth, kissing her swollen lips softly before looking into her eyes. “Liz?” Asking her silently if this was still what she wanted.
“Yes, Max… yes.”
She undid him with three small words. Increasing his desire for her until it felt as if he’d die if he didn’t have her. But he kept himself in check. This was Liz. This was her first time. He needed to be gentle.
Holding her gaze with his, Max completed his possession of Liz with a smooth and careful stroke. She cried out and he held her until she grew accustomed to his body. He was trembling with the effort of keeping still, but he waited until she looked into his eyes and moved against him experimentally.
Max gave in then, moving inside her until they shared in the wild, mysterious, shattering joy of each other’s bodies. Liz clung to him afterwards, thankful for his weight pressing her into the mattress. She was afraid that her body was going to scatter into little bits following the explosion of pleasure she had just experienced. This was where she belonged. In Max’s arms. She knew she would never be able to live without this feeling again.
Max finally lifted his head from her shoulder. His breathing still ragged. “Are you okay? Did I… did I hurt you?”
He saw her answer in her dazzling smile. Cupping her cheek, he kissed her again. “Liz Parker, will you marry me?”
23 next...
Liz and Max watched as the rest of the group trooped into the cars. They had found Jans’ car close to where Max had been held and were taking it back. The cars eventually drove off, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
Finally they were alone…
~*~*~*~*~*~
Maria was giving Michael the third degree about Max’s kidnapping. “So where was he? And why couldn’t any of you guys sense him? And—”
“Hey, slow down, cheesehead! One thing at a time!” Michael sounded exasperated, causing Izzy and Alex to smile where they were sitting in the back seat. Yeah, things were basically back to normal…
Sighing, Michael tried to relay the little he knew. “They had him in this underground chamber, apparently it was fitted out with some kind of metal that they thought would shield us from finding him. Guess, they only figured on mind connections, not heart ones. Jans had planned the whole thing, it just worked even better when Liz came out here to find him. He initially just wanted Max out of the picture so he could take his place as leader… and with Liz.”
“Eeew!” Maria’s response echoed everyone’s thoughts. “Hey wait, what about the message from Nacedo?”
“I’m guessing that was Jans too. There’s been no sign of him around here and since the thugs knew where we were… But we’ll phone him as soon as we can, just to make sure.” Michael took Maria’s hand, ignoring her surprised look at the gesture. “Let’s just get home, so we can start forgetting about this whole mess.”
“Sooo, I wonder what Liz and Max are up to right now. Oh wait, no! I just had a mental image! I SO did not need to think that about my friend! Just drive faster would you Michael! I need miles between me and that image!” Alex was starting to babble at the end, causing hysterical bursts of laughter from the other occupants of the car.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max helped Liz into the Jeep silently. What do you say at a time like this? I love you? Are you sure? No, he couldn’t ask that. What if she said no? Max didn’t think he could take a ‘no’ right now.
Liz waited until they were back on the highway, driving away from Roswell before speaking. “Where are we going Max?”
Her voice sounded nervous and Max looked at her, feeling guilty for his closed-off reactions of the past few minutes. This was a big step for her too. He enveloped her hands that were folded in her lap with one of his. “I love you.” He took a deep breath. “We don’t have to do this, you know.”
“I know. Max, I love you. I want this… us.” Liz snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder as he drove. “So really, where are we going?”
He leant his head on hers for a few seconds before answering. “I thought we’d go to Carlsbad.”
“Okay.” Liz was starting to sound sleepy. His heart filled with tenderness for her because she had not rested until she had found him. Brave Liz. Beautiful Liz. His Liz.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Standing in the hotel room, they looked at each other shyly. Both of them very aware of the implied intimacy of the big double bed next to them.
Liz started when she felt Max running his hand down her arm softly. “Are you scared?” Repeating words spoken a long time ago. He was gazing at her anxiously, not knowing how to ease her nervousness.
“Kiss me, Max.”
He hugged her to him tenderly, slowly leaning down to touch his mouth to hers. He kissed her gently, running his hands over her face and into her hair. Trying to show her with his actions how precious she was to him.
Liz leant into his welcoming warmth and felt her fears disappear like the morning mist. This was Max. Her Max. Who loved her. She had nothing to worry about.
Max pulled away from her and waited until she opened her eyes slowly. “Why don’t you go take a bath and I’ll… uhm go out to… I mean, I need to…” He was stumbling over his words, embarrassment tingeing his cheeks.
Liz’s eyes widened in understanding. Right! Ever careful Max remembering that they needed to take precautions. She nodded and watched him leave.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The afternoon sun was casting long shadows outside when Max returned. The room was quiet and he walked to the half-closed bathroom door. Hesitating in the doorway, he wondered if he should just walk in. He didn’t want to embarrass Liz. But he couldn’t stop his feet from moving forward. The sight that greeted his eyes was breathtaking. Liz had fallen asleep in the bath filled nearly to the brim with bubbles. Her skin was glistening with moisture where it peeked from the water. Her beauty made him weak. Weak with love. Weak with desire.
He lifted her gently from the tub, wrapping her in a large towel. She murmured his name and pressed closer to him, causing a severe reaction in Max’s body. The towel left so much of her uncovered that he couldn’t help but stare. Her legs were smooth and shapely, dangling over his one arm and doing wicked things to his heart and mind.
He managed to get her to bed without his legs giving out. Using the towel still wrapped around her, he patted her dry as best he could without waking her. She seemed so tired and vulnerable, it made his heart ache. He pulled the towel from her and slid her underneath the covers, but it needed only the few seconds that the action took to sear her bare form into his brain.
Cursing under his breath, he went to take a shower. And to try and get himself under control.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Liz came awake when the bathroom door opened. She was confused for a moment about how she had gotten to bed, but all thought fled her mind when Max appeared in the doorway. He was wearing a towel and nothing else. Liz’s eyes traveled across him helplessly, eagerly, hungrily. Over the dark wet strands of hair falling over his eyes. Over his beloved face. Over the contours of his chest and arms. Travelling lower until she forgot to breathe.
Max stopped when he realized she was awake and watching him. His body came to life while her gaze caressed him. It was the most sensual feeling he has ever experienced and he was afraid that he might lose his sanity tonight. Lose it somewhere in Liz Parker’s exquisite body and warm eyes…
He walked to the bed silently and sat down on the edge. Pulling Liz upright, he smiled slightly as she clutched the sheet to her chest. She smiled back up at him shyly, trustingly. His heart clenched in sudden fear. What if he hurt her tonight? Not in the normal first-time sense, but because he was what he was.
Liz saw the flash of fear in his eyes and placed a gentle, warm hand on his chest. She felt the fierce thudding of his heart against her fingertips. For an instant he seemed both humbled and profoundly uneasy. Then he began to shake almost violently, the intensity of their feelings overwhelming him.
“Liz.” Her name was a plea, his voice husky and low.
She watched as his eyes darkened, then blazed with fire. She slowly slid her hand down from his chest to his bare stomach, hearing his smothered groan.
Max reached out and pulled the sheet from her fingers slowly. Uncovering her beauty to his thirsty eyes. He let his fingers drift over her collarbone, caressing the smooth soft skin of her shoulder before sliding lower, finally letting the weight of her breast fill his hand. She was perfect.
Liz arched into his hand, her body knowing instinctively what to do. His lips captured hers again. His tongue licking inside the velvet depths of her mouth and setting her body aflame. His hands covered her skin, touching everywhere he could reach, stoking the fires in her blood. She drank in the hot male scent of him, wanting more.
Max lapped up each little sound exploding from her throat. He lay down with her, managing it without breaking their kiss. He pressed her against him, reveling in the feeling of her naked skin.
Soon the barriers of sheets and towels were too much to bear and were removed. Throughout Max kept up the drugging kisses that transported Liz to another world. She gloried in the heat and hardness of his body. At how perfectly he fit to her. She rubbed herself against him trying to soothe the ache in the pit of her stomach. Max was kissing her neck, her shoulders, his lips covering every inch of her skin. He seemed to instinctively know all the hidden spots where his lips would arouse her.
Max was dazed. How many times had he dreamed of this, never daring to hope that it would ever come true. But here he was, and she was a fever in his blood. He knew that being inside Liz Parker would be the closest to heaven that he’ll ever be.
He came back to her mouth, kissing her swollen lips softly before looking into her eyes. “Liz?” Asking her silently if this was still what she wanted.
“Yes, Max… yes.”
She undid him with three small words. Increasing his desire for her until it felt as if he’d die if he didn’t have her. But he kept himself in check. This was Liz. This was her first time. He needed to be gentle.
Holding her gaze with his, Max completed his possession of Liz with a smooth and careful stroke. She cried out and he held her until she grew accustomed to his body. He was trembling with the effort of keeping still, but he waited until she looked into his eyes and moved against him experimentally.
Max gave in then, moving inside her until they shared in the wild, mysterious, shattering joy of each other’s bodies. Liz clung to him afterwards, thankful for his weight pressing her into the mattress. She was afraid that her body was going to scatter into little bits following the explosion of pleasure she had just experienced. This was where she belonged. In Max’s arms. She knew she would never be able to live without this feeling again.
Max finally lifted his head from her shoulder. His breathing still ragged. “Are you okay? Did I… did I hurt you?”
He saw her answer in her dazzling smile. Cupping her cheek, he kissed her again. “Liz Parker, will you marry me?”
23 next...
Chapter 23
PART 23
Max could practically hear his own heart beating in the stillness that gripped the room after his proposal. He stared down at Liz anxiously, but he couldn’t figure out what she was thinking. For that matter, what was he thinking? They were way too young to get married, their parents will never allow it and did he really want Liz to make such a huge decision right now? Yes, a little voice inside his head said. I never want her to share herself with anyone but me. I want to make love with her and wake up with her for the rest of my life. On this planet and any other…
Liz opened her mouth to speak, but Max rushed in ahead of her. “I mean, will you marry me when we graduate? I know we can’t right now, but I want… no, I need to hear you say yes very much right now. Liz, no one will ever love you like I do.”
Liz placed her fingers on Max’s lips, stopping any further talking. She was amazed that he could still be uncertain about her answer. How could he doubt that he was the person she wanted to be with forever? But she knew the answer to that question. Because more than anything, Max still feared that she would one day want someone normal. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Like that was even possible!
“Yes.” Soft and definite.
Max’s eyes widened for a moment and then filled with tears. Happy tears. Relieved tears. Tears that showed Liz how much he had wanted that to be her answer. And confirmed once again that she would never find anyone to take Max’s place in her heart, in this galaxy or any other.
Max crushed her against him, his face pressed in her neck. His aching lungs were reminding him to breathe, but he could care less about air now. How does that compare with Liz Parker saying she’ll marry him? He felt like he was floating on a cloud. Giddy and dizzy and indescribably happy.
Liz ran her hands over his back, trying to comfort him. He seemed really overcome with emotion and she marveled at the fact that she had such power over him. It was an ego-boosting realization, but one she must never misuse. Besides, he had the same power over her…
Max rolled to his side, pulling Liz with him. He caressed her face as they lay staring at each other with their faces inches apart on the same pillow. “Wow. We just… wow!”
Liz grinned against his fingers that were now tracing her lips. “It took you long enough to notice that I am now officially ruined, Mr Evans!”
Max’s half-smile had a devastating effect on her as always. “Hey, if that means nobody but me gets to do this with you for the rest of your life, that’s fine by me!” He became serious again. “Are you okay? Nothing… uhm weird going on?”
Liz shook her head, still smiling. Max would never change! She suddenly yawned.
Max tucked her hair behind her ear. “Go to sleep, love.”
“What about you? Aren’t you tired too?” Her eyes were already closing. Max was safely back in her arms and all was well in her little world.
“Yeah. But not too tired to watch you sleep for a little while.” He kissed her forehead and whispered. “I have dreamt of this moment for as long as I can remember… I love you, Liz Parker.”
“Love you too… Thank you for making this so special…” Her words were mumbled against his chest. She fell asleep with Max’s heartbeat in her ear.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 32
We held our breath until they returned. This wasn’t part of the original experiment, but we needed to know anyway. Was it possible? Did our plan work?
The Jeep came to a halt amid a hushed silence in the camp the next evening. Max and Liz looked at each other. It was clear that everyone had been waiting for their return. It felt really strange being among these people when so much in their lives had changed in the past 24 hours.
If Michael didn’t have Maria in a firm grip, she would have run to Liz screaming. Liz looked fine to her. Does that mean…?
Max took pity on his friends who were very obviously dying of curiosity and asked them to have coffee with him and Liz in the dining tent. The six assembled around a table and all eyes were on Liz who was trying very hard to hide her burning face in Max’s shoulder.
Maria finally couldn’t take it anymore. “So! What happened! Did you… Was everything normal?”
“Jeesh, Maria, be blunt, why don’t ya!” Michael didn’t sound as annoyed as he should have.
Max sighed, taking Liz’s hand. “Everything is… fine. Normal. Okay? Okay! Subject closed from now on.” He stared at each of them in turn, causing all the open mouths to snap shut again. Noticing Nick at the door of the tent, he waved him in. “What has happened to Jans and his people?”
Nick looked away. “They have been taken care of.”
Max froze. “What do you mean ‘taken care of’?”
“I mean he will never bother anyone again. We really have to discuss some things, Max. Like Liz and the others returning home to their parents soon.”
A shocked silence greeted that statement. Go home? Parents? They had all just assumed that Nick had taken care of that. Things had been so abnormal since they arrived at the camp that they had just lived in the moment.
Max was crushing Liz’s hand with his. He felt ill at the thought that she had to leave. “Okay. So tell us what is going on?”
Nick had trouble not grinning. It was clear that his young leader was very unwilling for his love to leave the camp. “Well, we let them think that you all went off on a two week camping trip with a group from school.”
Liz was getting agitated. She looked at Max, remembering last night and… this morning. Boy, were her parents going to freak if they knew what their little girl had been doing while ‘camping’! “How did you do that? They would never just believe…”
Nick stopped her by raising his hand. “They spoke to all of you the next morning and watched you being picked up by the bus. Its similar to what Tess can do… We thought it best to handle it that way. The point is, the parents are expecting you back day after tomorrow.”
A collective gasp was heard from around the table.
Max spoke first. “What about our training and all the other stuff that was so important that you brought us here.” His voice had an underlying tone of anger. “What is going on here? You can’t expect us to fight a war—”
Nick held up his hand for the second time. “There is much you need to know. About our planet, about your real parents, about why you are here. Not just here in the camp, but here on earth. The time has finally come to tell you everything...”
Six pairs of eyes were trained on Nick and he read many different emotions in them. Hope, fear, eagerness, trepidation. He looked at Max. How was he going to take the news? News that would forever change his life and that of his friends…
24 coming up.
Max could practically hear his own heart beating in the stillness that gripped the room after his proposal. He stared down at Liz anxiously, but he couldn’t figure out what she was thinking. For that matter, what was he thinking? They were way too young to get married, their parents will never allow it and did he really want Liz to make such a huge decision right now? Yes, a little voice inside his head said. I never want her to share herself with anyone but me. I want to make love with her and wake up with her for the rest of my life. On this planet and any other…
Liz opened her mouth to speak, but Max rushed in ahead of her. “I mean, will you marry me when we graduate? I know we can’t right now, but I want… no, I need to hear you say yes very much right now. Liz, no one will ever love you like I do.”
Liz placed her fingers on Max’s lips, stopping any further talking. She was amazed that he could still be uncertain about her answer. How could he doubt that he was the person she wanted to be with forever? But she knew the answer to that question. Because more than anything, Max still feared that she would one day want someone normal. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Like that was even possible!
“Yes.” Soft and definite.
Max’s eyes widened for a moment and then filled with tears. Happy tears. Relieved tears. Tears that showed Liz how much he had wanted that to be her answer. And confirmed once again that she would never find anyone to take Max’s place in her heart, in this galaxy or any other.
Max crushed her against him, his face pressed in her neck. His aching lungs were reminding him to breathe, but he could care less about air now. How does that compare with Liz Parker saying she’ll marry him? He felt like he was floating on a cloud. Giddy and dizzy and indescribably happy.
Liz ran her hands over his back, trying to comfort him. He seemed really overcome with emotion and she marveled at the fact that she had such power over him. It was an ego-boosting realization, but one she must never misuse. Besides, he had the same power over her…
Max rolled to his side, pulling Liz with him. He caressed her face as they lay staring at each other with their faces inches apart on the same pillow. “Wow. We just… wow!”
Liz grinned against his fingers that were now tracing her lips. “It took you long enough to notice that I am now officially ruined, Mr Evans!”
Max’s half-smile had a devastating effect on her as always. “Hey, if that means nobody but me gets to do this with you for the rest of your life, that’s fine by me!” He became serious again. “Are you okay? Nothing… uhm weird going on?”
Liz shook her head, still smiling. Max would never change! She suddenly yawned.
Max tucked her hair behind her ear. “Go to sleep, love.”
“What about you? Aren’t you tired too?” Her eyes were already closing. Max was safely back in her arms and all was well in her little world.
“Yeah. But not too tired to watch you sleep for a little while.” He kissed her forehead and whispered. “I have dreamt of this moment for as long as I can remember… I love you, Liz Parker.”
“Love you too… Thank you for making this so special…” Her words were mumbled against his chest. She fell asleep with Max’s heartbeat in her ear.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 32
We held our breath until they returned. This wasn’t part of the original experiment, but we needed to know anyway. Was it possible? Did our plan work?
The Jeep came to a halt amid a hushed silence in the camp the next evening. Max and Liz looked at each other. It was clear that everyone had been waiting for their return. It felt really strange being among these people when so much in their lives had changed in the past 24 hours.
If Michael didn’t have Maria in a firm grip, she would have run to Liz screaming. Liz looked fine to her. Does that mean…?
Max took pity on his friends who were very obviously dying of curiosity and asked them to have coffee with him and Liz in the dining tent. The six assembled around a table and all eyes were on Liz who was trying very hard to hide her burning face in Max’s shoulder.
Maria finally couldn’t take it anymore. “So! What happened! Did you… Was everything normal?”
“Jeesh, Maria, be blunt, why don’t ya!” Michael didn’t sound as annoyed as he should have.
Max sighed, taking Liz’s hand. “Everything is… fine. Normal. Okay? Okay! Subject closed from now on.” He stared at each of them in turn, causing all the open mouths to snap shut again. Noticing Nick at the door of the tent, he waved him in. “What has happened to Jans and his people?”
Nick looked away. “They have been taken care of.”
Max froze. “What do you mean ‘taken care of’?”
“I mean he will never bother anyone again. We really have to discuss some things, Max. Like Liz and the others returning home to their parents soon.”
A shocked silence greeted that statement. Go home? Parents? They had all just assumed that Nick had taken care of that. Things had been so abnormal since they arrived at the camp that they had just lived in the moment.
Max was crushing Liz’s hand with his. He felt ill at the thought that she had to leave. “Okay. So tell us what is going on?”
Nick had trouble not grinning. It was clear that his young leader was very unwilling for his love to leave the camp. “Well, we let them think that you all went off on a two week camping trip with a group from school.”
Liz was getting agitated. She looked at Max, remembering last night and… this morning. Boy, were her parents going to freak if they knew what their little girl had been doing while ‘camping’! “How did you do that? They would never just believe…”
Nick stopped her by raising his hand. “They spoke to all of you the next morning and watched you being picked up by the bus. Its similar to what Tess can do… We thought it best to handle it that way. The point is, the parents are expecting you back day after tomorrow.”
A collective gasp was heard from around the table.
Max spoke first. “What about our training and all the other stuff that was so important that you brought us here.” His voice had an underlying tone of anger. “What is going on here? You can’t expect us to fight a war—”
Nick held up his hand for the second time. “There is much you need to know. About our planet, about your real parents, about why you are here. Not just here in the camp, but here on earth. The time has finally come to tell you everything...”
Six pairs of eyes were trained on Nick and he read many different emotions in them. Hope, fear, eagerness, trepidation. He looked at Max. How was he going to take the news? News that would forever change his life and that of his friends…
24 coming up.
Chapter 24
PART 24
Journal Entry 33
I dread the fact that I have to be the one to give them the news. Aaron and Kayla, this was not what you initially planned, but we needed to adapt. And it turned out so much better than we could have hoped for.
For the first time since they’ve known him, Nick seemed uncomfortable and at a loss for words and Max felt like a big hand was choking the life from him slowly. What was so awful that Nick would be so distressed about telling them? He felt Liz lean against his side and snake her arm around his waist. He glanced down at her thankfully, relieved that at least one constant in his life was still present.
“There is no easy way to say this… But you were all part of a test. A test that is part of an experiment for our people.” Nick was interrupted by a chorus of upset cries… from everyone but Max, who had gone pale as death.
“Please! Just give me time to finish and hopefully you will understand and forgive us for our methods. It was desperate times.” Nick looked at each of them in return, his eyes lingering on Max. “Our planet has been destroyed.”
His announcement was met with silence.
“We had originally planned to send Max, Tess, Michael and Isabel to earth so that you could come back later, to save us. But we never had time to complete that plan. Your ship crashed, but Nacedo was able to save the four pods. As you know, he was later captured and by the time he found the pods again, you three were gone and only Tess was left.”
Nick bent his head. “Some of us, in fact all of us in the camp apart from the children, fled just before the planet was destroyed. We came here to earth about 20 years ago to find you.” He faltered. “I’m sorry, but your parents were… they were lost with the planet.”
Isabel had begun to sob softly and Michael was staring at the table, utter desolation on his face. He was never going to meet any real parents after all.
Max was numb. Should he feel something? He guessed so, but Nick was talking about a planet and parents that he had never known.
Taking a deep breath, Nick went on. “Our King and Queen were dead, but their children were still alive. Here, on earth. It took us a long time to find you, but we eventually did after Nacedo managed to learn from his army contacts that there was a suspicious shooting at the Crashdown in Roswell and that the FBI was investigating it. I sent Nacedo there to make contact with you, to test you to see if you really were the three missing children we were looking for. It took some time, but when Michael left that sign at the library, we were certain. So in essence, that day Max saved Liz was the first day we had all begun to hope again.”
The group around the table seemed unable to respond. “We have been watching you since that sign at the library. We were amazed at first that you all seemed to have become almost human. That you could live… among this other race almost effortlessly. And our initial plan needed to be adapted after the destruction of our planet. We had been living in this small community for 20 years. We needed to adapt or else there would be no legacy of our once proud race but a group of stragglers dying out on a strange planet.”
“Since we had all been genetically programmed with specific mates when we were born, we needed to see how that would be affected if we lived among humans. We needed to see what would happen to our children.” He looked at Max again, but Max would not meet his eyes. “We saw how close Max was to Liz, but we also knew that Tess was his genetic mate. So we sent her and Nacedo to you to see what would happen.” Max’s head snapped up at this. He remembered the heartache Tess had caused Liz and his eyes turned black with anger.
Nick continued hastily, but his voice was uncertain. “We saw how you fought Tess’ hold over you. How important Liz was to you. That there seemed to be something between you and Liz that was so much stronger than our genetic coding. We didn’t know what that was, but we hoped it would be something that could save us… something that all of us and our children could use to become part of this planet.” His voice trailed lower. “But we were not prepared for it being so much more.”
Max was starting to get up. “I don’t think I can listen to much more of this! You treated us like lab rats!”
Liz held on to him. “Please Max, give him a chance.” They stared at each other, Liz’s eyes pleading as she rubbed her hand up and down his arm. Everyone let out an inaudible breath as Max finally sat down again, his mouth in a tight line and his actions clearly indicating that he was doing it only because Liz asked him to.
Nick turned his attention to Liz. “We weren’t sure what to do at first. But we knew we needed to find out what the potential was for integrating with humans. So we brought you all here. To… to test the strength of Max and Liz’s bond.”
This time Liz gasped.
“It was so much stronger than we had ever anticipated. I could see that first day that Max knew Liz was in the camp. He even knew where she was. Nothing in our genetic coding was that specific. This ‘love’ you kept talking about was not something we were familiar with, so we needed to explore the impact of it on genetic coding and on the possibility of us staying here on earth, among humans. And before you ask, we had nothing to do with Tess’ little attempt to brainwash Liz.”
Liz could feel Max’s agitation rising, but she didn’t know what to do to help him. This was probably the furthest from anything that he had ever expected to hear. All she could focus on was the fact that nothing that Nick had said so far meant that she and Max couldn’t be together for the rest of their lives. Nick’s voice interrupted her reverie.
“It soon became clear how in tune Max was to Liz. Just as he knew where she was, he also knew if something was wrong with her. That left us with trying to see how Liz… how any human would fit in with our race. It was more imperative to study her than any of you since… since she was with Max, our leader. And because they seemed to have the strongest bond.”
Max felt like he was going to explode. How could Nick just sit there and tell them calmly that he had been studying them the whole time? That he had been studying Liz. He felt like strangling the guy. “This is totally unacceptable to me. You put all of our lives in danger. You let that Jans guy be with Liz everyday, not to mention that what you did led to Tess trying to… How could you call yourselves our people if this is how you treat us? Was the little abduction scene from yesterday part of the whole plan?”
Nick shifted in his seat. “Not entirely. We were initially just going to test and see if Liz can sense you the way you do her. Jans trying to… Jans distorted the whole plan. You were just supposed to be missing for a few hours, until she could find you. We never intended for everyone to think you were dead…”
Max was on his feet by now, but Nick pleaded with him. “I cannot tell you how sorry I am about Jans… It was terrible to see how devastated Liz was and I… I felt the same way. Devastated and guilty…”
“I thought you said you didn’t know emotions.” Max’s voice had a sharp edge to it.
Nick looked at Liz who was staring at him, her eyes filling with tears. “Apparently we do… We just didn’t know we could, or what they were. Liz, I’ve come to care a great deal about you. You see, Max and Isabel’s father Aaron was my uncle. And I cannot tell you how much it meant to me that you found Max for us yesterday. And that you love him so much.” The last part was said softly, hesitantly as Liz’ tears finally spilled over. “Thank all of you, for loving these three and making them part of humanity.”
Max couldn’t stand to see Liz cry, so he took her hand and pulled her up against his chest. He gave Nick a long look, one that spoke of disillusionment and pain and started to leave the tent, Liz curled protectively against his side.
“Max, wait.” As always, Liz’s voice got immediate reaction. Liz turned back to Nick. “Could you leave us, please? We need to talk about this.”
The six looked at each other after his departure. So, there was no planet to go back to after all. No one would be coming for them soon.
Isabel was still sad. “I think we need to give ourselves time to let this all sink in. Why don’t we talk again tomorrow?”
It was a subdued group that got up from the table and left for their tents in pairs. Many thoughts were going through their heads. ‘We are staying on earth for the rest of our lives. We will never meet our parents. How is this going to affect us?’
Liz turned to Max when they got back to their tent. She could feel his confusion, his anger and his pain and she hugged him, trying to take some of it into her own body. His arms came around her in a crushing embrace. She kissed him on his cheek. “It’s going to be okay.” She prayed she was right.
25 next.
Journal Entry 33
I dread the fact that I have to be the one to give them the news. Aaron and Kayla, this was not what you initially planned, but we needed to adapt. And it turned out so much better than we could have hoped for.
For the first time since they’ve known him, Nick seemed uncomfortable and at a loss for words and Max felt like a big hand was choking the life from him slowly. What was so awful that Nick would be so distressed about telling them? He felt Liz lean against his side and snake her arm around his waist. He glanced down at her thankfully, relieved that at least one constant in his life was still present.
“There is no easy way to say this… But you were all part of a test. A test that is part of an experiment for our people.” Nick was interrupted by a chorus of upset cries… from everyone but Max, who had gone pale as death.
“Please! Just give me time to finish and hopefully you will understand and forgive us for our methods. It was desperate times.” Nick looked at each of them in return, his eyes lingering on Max. “Our planet has been destroyed.”
His announcement was met with silence.
“We had originally planned to send Max, Tess, Michael and Isabel to earth so that you could come back later, to save us. But we never had time to complete that plan. Your ship crashed, but Nacedo was able to save the four pods. As you know, he was later captured and by the time he found the pods again, you three were gone and only Tess was left.”
Nick bent his head. “Some of us, in fact all of us in the camp apart from the children, fled just before the planet was destroyed. We came here to earth about 20 years ago to find you.” He faltered. “I’m sorry, but your parents were… they were lost with the planet.”
Isabel had begun to sob softly and Michael was staring at the table, utter desolation on his face. He was never going to meet any real parents after all.
Max was numb. Should he feel something? He guessed so, but Nick was talking about a planet and parents that he had never known.
Taking a deep breath, Nick went on. “Our King and Queen were dead, but their children were still alive. Here, on earth. It took us a long time to find you, but we eventually did after Nacedo managed to learn from his army contacts that there was a suspicious shooting at the Crashdown in Roswell and that the FBI was investigating it. I sent Nacedo there to make contact with you, to test you to see if you really were the three missing children we were looking for. It took some time, but when Michael left that sign at the library, we were certain. So in essence, that day Max saved Liz was the first day we had all begun to hope again.”
The group around the table seemed unable to respond. “We have been watching you since that sign at the library. We were amazed at first that you all seemed to have become almost human. That you could live… among this other race almost effortlessly. And our initial plan needed to be adapted after the destruction of our planet. We had been living in this small community for 20 years. We needed to adapt or else there would be no legacy of our once proud race but a group of stragglers dying out on a strange planet.”
“Since we had all been genetically programmed with specific mates when we were born, we needed to see how that would be affected if we lived among humans. We needed to see what would happen to our children.” He looked at Max again, but Max would not meet his eyes. “We saw how close Max was to Liz, but we also knew that Tess was his genetic mate. So we sent her and Nacedo to you to see what would happen.” Max’s head snapped up at this. He remembered the heartache Tess had caused Liz and his eyes turned black with anger.
Nick continued hastily, but his voice was uncertain. “We saw how you fought Tess’ hold over you. How important Liz was to you. That there seemed to be something between you and Liz that was so much stronger than our genetic coding. We didn’t know what that was, but we hoped it would be something that could save us… something that all of us and our children could use to become part of this planet.” His voice trailed lower. “But we were not prepared for it being so much more.”
Max was starting to get up. “I don’t think I can listen to much more of this! You treated us like lab rats!”
Liz held on to him. “Please Max, give him a chance.” They stared at each other, Liz’s eyes pleading as she rubbed her hand up and down his arm. Everyone let out an inaudible breath as Max finally sat down again, his mouth in a tight line and his actions clearly indicating that he was doing it only because Liz asked him to.
Nick turned his attention to Liz. “We weren’t sure what to do at first. But we knew we needed to find out what the potential was for integrating with humans. So we brought you all here. To… to test the strength of Max and Liz’s bond.”
This time Liz gasped.
“It was so much stronger than we had ever anticipated. I could see that first day that Max knew Liz was in the camp. He even knew where she was. Nothing in our genetic coding was that specific. This ‘love’ you kept talking about was not something we were familiar with, so we needed to explore the impact of it on genetic coding and on the possibility of us staying here on earth, among humans. And before you ask, we had nothing to do with Tess’ little attempt to brainwash Liz.”
Liz could feel Max’s agitation rising, but she didn’t know what to do to help him. This was probably the furthest from anything that he had ever expected to hear. All she could focus on was the fact that nothing that Nick had said so far meant that she and Max couldn’t be together for the rest of their lives. Nick’s voice interrupted her reverie.
“It soon became clear how in tune Max was to Liz. Just as he knew where she was, he also knew if something was wrong with her. That left us with trying to see how Liz… how any human would fit in with our race. It was more imperative to study her than any of you since… since she was with Max, our leader. And because they seemed to have the strongest bond.”
Max felt like he was going to explode. How could Nick just sit there and tell them calmly that he had been studying them the whole time? That he had been studying Liz. He felt like strangling the guy. “This is totally unacceptable to me. You put all of our lives in danger. You let that Jans guy be with Liz everyday, not to mention that what you did led to Tess trying to… How could you call yourselves our people if this is how you treat us? Was the little abduction scene from yesterday part of the whole plan?”
Nick shifted in his seat. “Not entirely. We were initially just going to test and see if Liz can sense you the way you do her. Jans trying to… Jans distorted the whole plan. You were just supposed to be missing for a few hours, until she could find you. We never intended for everyone to think you were dead…”
Max was on his feet by now, but Nick pleaded with him. “I cannot tell you how sorry I am about Jans… It was terrible to see how devastated Liz was and I… I felt the same way. Devastated and guilty…”
“I thought you said you didn’t know emotions.” Max’s voice had a sharp edge to it.
Nick looked at Liz who was staring at him, her eyes filling with tears. “Apparently we do… We just didn’t know we could, or what they were. Liz, I’ve come to care a great deal about you. You see, Max and Isabel’s father Aaron was my uncle. And I cannot tell you how much it meant to me that you found Max for us yesterday. And that you love him so much.” The last part was said softly, hesitantly as Liz’ tears finally spilled over. “Thank all of you, for loving these three and making them part of humanity.”
Max couldn’t stand to see Liz cry, so he took her hand and pulled her up against his chest. He gave Nick a long look, one that spoke of disillusionment and pain and started to leave the tent, Liz curled protectively against his side.
“Max, wait.” As always, Liz’s voice got immediate reaction. Liz turned back to Nick. “Could you leave us, please? We need to talk about this.”
The six looked at each other after his departure. So, there was no planet to go back to after all. No one would be coming for them soon.
Isabel was still sad. “I think we need to give ourselves time to let this all sink in. Why don’t we talk again tomorrow?”
It was a subdued group that got up from the table and left for their tents in pairs. Many thoughts were going through their heads. ‘We are staying on earth for the rest of our lives. We will never meet our parents. How is this going to affect us?’
Liz turned to Max when they got back to their tent. She could feel his confusion, his anger and his pain and she hugged him, trying to take some of it into her own body. His arms came around her in a crushing embrace. She kissed him on his cheek. “It’s going to be okay.” She prayed she was right.
25 next.
Chapter 25
PART 25
Journal Entry 34
I am placing my hope in her. She is the only one that can help him through this. The only one that can stop him from cutting himself off from us forever…
Liz waited as Max clung to her. He was always so strong and she felt humbled that she was the one he turned to whenever he needed someone to share his burden. She wished there was something that she could say that could help, but there was just too much to take in right now. His parents and his planet were gone, his nephew had used him for an experiment, and as usual, Max was worried about what all this would do to her. She knew him so well by now.
Max suddenly shifted in her arms, leaning away so he could kiss her. The kiss was filled with pain and desperation and Liz opened herself to him, showing him all the love and support she feels for him. He kept his kisses up for endless minutes, his mouth slanting over hers in a dance as old as time.
He leant his forehead against hers when he finally ended the kiss. “Liz…. I… I really need to… Please, can I just...”
He needed her. She felt his need crashing over her, but also his concern that she might get the wrong impression about this. That she might think that their relationship has now become only about the physical for him. She kissed him softly and rubbed their noses together for a sweet moment, before taking his hand and leading him to the bed.
He stopped her when she reached down to take off her shirt. Staring into her eyes, his face held a look of such wonder and awe that it completely arrested her attention.
“I love you. Only you. Only ever you.” It was a solemn promise that warmed her heart.
“Max, I need you to know that this commitment I made to you… its for forever. No matter what happens from now on. Or what you learn about yourself. Or how long it takes you to do whatever you have to do for your people… I am yours. All of me. Always.”
He stopped breathing at the last comment. ‘She is mine.’ The thought made him feel protective and dizzy with lust at the same time. Desire slowly won the contest, so he helped her to pull her shirt over her head. She was perfect to him. She was everything he wanted or would ever want.
Leaning in to kiss her again, he lifted her up and placed her carefully on the bed. Kneeling over her, he continued to kiss her. Kiss her like she was water after a long desert drought. He ran his hands over her body, his fingers skimming her curves as if trying to commit them to memory. She arched under his hands, stoking the fire in his blood to new heights. He idly wondered how it was possible that she knew instinctively what to do to increase his desire for her.
His hands and lips were magical. They made her feel like she was in a different world. One where nothing but the two of them mattered. She ran her hands under his shirt, relishing in the heat of his skin and the velvet steel of his muscles. Pushing the shirt up and over his shoulders, she had to tear her lips away from his to get him to take the shirt off. He seemed reluctant to break contact with her. His breathing was ragged, his face flushed and his eyes had darkened to a fiery black. His gaze, skipping over her face and coming to rest on her mouth, caused a sharp ache in the pit of her stomach. Liz raked her fingers down his back and pressed his lower body into hers when she reached his jeans. They both groaned with the contact.
Max was frantic to have her. He needed to lose himself in her and forget the things that Nick had told them today for a few precious minutes. He basically ripped the rest of their clothes off, desperate to feel her skin next to his. Closing his eyes, he concentrated for a moment on the exquisite pleasure of having Liz in his arms before her moan brought him back to the present.
“Max…please.”
Their gazes locked as he joined them and they watched the various emotions flitting across each other’s faces. Their connection opened unexpectedly and flooded them with feelings and images that left them gasping. It was the most intense experience not only being physically close to someone, but to also share their deepest and most intense feelings. Nothing in this world, or any other, could compare with this…
~*~*~*~*~*~
They met for breakfast the next morning. If anything, the night has brought them closer to their partners. Alex and Isabel held hands, while Michael had his arm around Maria’s shoulders. Max stood behind Liz, his hands resting on her waist. They were all looking at him.
Max felt a lot calmer than yesterday. Being with Liz had reaffirmed his faith in the possibility that everything could be worked out. He had regained his balance…
“Okay, I think we need to all have a chance to say how we feel about Nick’s experiment. Izzy, why don’t you start?” Max looked at her.
Isabel looked uncomfortable. “Well, I hate that they brought us here under false pretences. And I really wanted to know my real mother… I… I don’t know, Max, it’s all really raw right now. I don’t hate Nick, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Max turned to Michael, but he was staring at the table sullenly. Maria nudged him in the side. “Whatever. He did what he did, now we’re back where we started.”
“Maria?” Max startled her.
Maria looked at Michael, not sure what to say. He was not meeting her eyes. “I think that the guy was probably trying to do the right thing, but he did it in a really misguided way. I don’t like that he hurt all of you in the process, though.”
Alex spoke up next. “It’s not really my place to judge, because this affects the three of you the most. But I can see that he would have been desperate, so I guess I can understand where he came from.”
“Liz?”
Liz swallowed nervously. For some reason she felt like a lot was riding on her answer. “Max, this man lost an entire planet of people. Your people. I don’t agree with his methods, but I think he was trying his best.” Her eyes pleaded with Max: “He was there for me when you… I think he really cares about all of us. Yeah, I think we should give him a chance.”
Max was staring at her in surprise. He knew he shouldn’t be, she was such a softhearted person, but after all that she had gone through as a result of him and his race, she was still able to forgive.
Liz stepped closer to Max. “He wasn’t trying to break us up during all this time. He was trying to understand how these people could fit in on this planet. He did our bonding ceremony. He let us go off alone the other night. He wants us together… I think we are stronger now because of him. And Max, we can be together. Forever.”
All eyes were on Max again. In the end, they were looking to him to make a decision. Max turned away from the weight of their stares. He remembered how devastated Liz had been about Tess and her interference in their lives. Her inconsolable crying when she walked away from him at the cave that day. That Liz was kidnapped by Nacedo. Drugged by Nick and his people. How was he ever going to get past that? But on the other hand, Nick had helped him that day that he decided to do the ceremony with Liz. Nick had kept Tess from using anymore mind control on him. He had looked after Liz when Max was not here. Max had also seen Nick’s bewilderment at feeling emotions and it reminded him of when Izzy and him first came to stay with the Evans’. He had felt lost and alone and confused. It had taken the love of his new parents and the beauty and grace of a little dark-haired girl to teach him what it meant to belong and be human. What it was like to love and be loved…
“I think we need some time apart from Nick and these people to gain perspective. Right now I’m having trouble forgetting some of the things that he was involved in. But… I agree that we should give him a chance. Later. For right now, we need to come up with a plan on how we’re going to handle going back home.”
“Can we not just act like we did before all this happened? You know, like we’re just a bunch of friends doing stuff together?” Alex’s voice started wavering as he saw the look that passed between Max and Liz. Oh boy, he had forgotten that things had really changed for them during these two weeks! He watched as Liz walked into Max’s arms like it was the most natural thing in the world for her. He wondered what she was going to tell her parents. He could picture it now: ‘So Mom and Dad, I never really went on a school camping trip. I went off into the desert with an alien race, basically married their leader and oh uhm… I ended up having sex with him too.’ Yeah, that would go down real well! Yes, things were bound to become interesting back in Roswell…
26 next.
Journal Entry 34
I am placing my hope in her. She is the only one that can help him through this. The only one that can stop him from cutting himself off from us forever…
Liz waited as Max clung to her. He was always so strong and she felt humbled that she was the one he turned to whenever he needed someone to share his burden. She wished there was something that she could say that could help, but there was just too much to take in right now. His parents and his planet were gone, his nephew had used him for an experiment, and as usual, Max was worried about what all this would do to her. She knew him so well by now.
Max suddenly shifted in her arms, leaning away so he could kiss her. The kiss was filled with pain and desperation and Liz opened herself to him, showing him all the love and support she feels for him. He kept his kisses up for endless minutes, his mouth slanting over hers in a dance as old as time.
He leant his forehead against hers when he finally ended the kiss. “Liz…. I… I really need to… Please, can I just...”
He needed her. She felt his need crashing over her, but also his concern that she might get the wrong impression about this. That she might think that their relationship has now become only about the physical for him. She kissed him softly and rubbed their noses together for a sweet moment, before taking his hand and leading him to the bed.
He stopped her when she reached down to take off her shirt. Staring into her eyes, his face held a look of such wonder and awe that it completely arrested her attention.
“I love you. Only you. Only ever you.” It was a solemn promise that warmed her heart.
“Max, I need you to know that this commitment I made to you… its for forever. No matter what happens from now on. Or what you learn about yourself. Or how long it takes you to do whatever you have to do for your people… I am yours. All of me. Always.”
He stopped breathing at the last comment. ‘She is mine.’ The thought made him feel protective and dizzy with lust at the same time. Desire slowly won the contest, so he helped her to pull her shirt over her head. She was perfect to him. She was everything he wanted or would ever want.
Leaning in to kiss her again, he lifted her up and placed her carefully on the bed. Kneeling over her, he continued to kiss her. Kiss her like she was water after a long desert drought. He ran his hands over her body, his fingers skimming her curves as if trying to commit them to memory. She arched under his hands, stoking the fire in his blood to new heights. He idly wondered how it was possible that she knew instinctively what to do to increase his desire for her.
His hands and lips were magical. They made her feel like she was in a different world. One where nothing but the two of them mattered. She ran her hands under his shirt, relishing in the heat of his skin and the velvet steel of his muscles. Pushing the shirt up and over his shoulders, she had to tear her lips away from his to get him to take the shirt off. He seemed reluctant to break contact with her. His breathing was ragged, his face flushed and his eyes had darkened to a fiery black. His gaze, skipping over her face and coming to rest on her mouth, caused a sharp ache in the pit of her stomach. Liz raked her fingers down his back and pressed his lower body into hers when she reached his jeans. They both groaned with the contact.
Max was frantic to have her. He needed to lose himself in her and forget the things that Nick had told them today for a few precious minutes. He basically ripped the rest of their clothes off, desperate to feel her skin next to his. Closing his eyes, he concentrated for a moment on the exquisite pleasure of having Liz in his arms before her moan brought him back to the present.
“Max…please.”
Their gazes locked as he joined them and they watched the various emotions flitting across each other’s faces. Their connection opened unexpectedly and flooded them with feelings and images that left them gasping. It was the most intense experience not only being physically close to someone, but to also share their deepest and most intense feelings. Nothing in this world, or any other, could compare with this…
~*~*~*~*~*~
They met for breakfast the next morning. If anything, the night has brought them closer to their partners. Alex and Isabel held hands, while Michael had his arm around Maria’s shoulders. Max stood behind Liz, his hands resting on her waist. They were all looking at him.
Max felt a lot calmer than yesterday. Being with Liz had reaffirmed his faith in the possibility that everything could be worked out. He had regained his balance…
“Okay, I think we need to all have a chance to say how we feel about Nick’s experiment. Izzy, why don’t you start?” Max looked at her.
Isabel looked uncomfortable. “Well, I hate that they brought us here under false pretences. And I really wanted to know my real mother… I… I don’t know, Max, it’s all really raw right now. I don’t hate Nick, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Max turned to Michael, but he was staring at the table sullenly. Maria nudged him in the side. “Whatever. He did what he did, now we’re back where we started.”
“Maria?” Max startled her.
Maria looked at Michael, not sure what to say. He was not meeting her eyes. “I think that the guy was probably trying to do the right thing, but he did it in a really misguided way. I don’t like that he hurt all of you in the process, though.”
Alex spoke up next. “It’s not really my place to judge, because this affects the three of you the most. But I can see that he would have been desperate, so I guess I can understand where he came from.”
“Liz?”
Liz swallowed nervously. For some reason she felt like a lot was riding on her answer. “Max, this man lost an entire planet of people. Your people. I don’t agree with his methods, but I think he was trying his best.” Her eyes pleaded with Max: “He was there for me when you… I think he really cares about all of us. Yeah, I think we should give him a chance.”
Max was staring at her in surprise. He knew he shouldn’t be, she was such a softhearted person, but after all that she had gone through as a result of him and his race, she was still able to forgive.
Liz stepped closer to Max. “He wasn’t trying to break us up during all this time. He was trying to understand how these people could fit in on this planet. He did our bonding ceremony. He let us go off alone the other night. He wants us together… I think we are stronger now because of him. And Max, we can be together. Forever.”
All eyes were on Max again. In the end, they were looking to him to make a decision. Max turned away from the weight of their stares. He remembered how devastated Liz had been about Tess and her interference in their lives. Her inconsolable crying when she walked away from him at the cave that day. That Liz was kidnapped by Nacedo. Drugged by Nick and his people. How was he ever going to get past that? But on the other hand, Nick had helped him that day that he decided to do the ceremony with Liz. Nick had kept Tess from using anymore mind control on him. He had looked after Liz when Max was not here. Max had also seen Nick’s bewilderment at feeling emotions and it reminded him of when Izzy and him first came to stay with the Evans’. He had felt lost and alone and confused. It had taken the love of his new parents and the beauty and grace of a little dark-haired girl to teach him what it meant to belong and be human. What it was like to love and be loved…
“I think we need some time apart from Nick and these people to gain perspective. Right now I’m having trouble forgetting some of the things that he was involved in. But… I agree that we should give him a chance. Later. For right now, we need to come up with a plan on how we’re going to handle going back home.”
“Can we not just act like we did before all this happened? You know, like we’re just a bunch of friends doing stuff together?” Alex’s voice started wavering as he saw the look that passed between Max and Liz. Oh boy, he had forgotten that things had really changed for them during these two weeks! He watched as Liz walked into Max’s arms like it was the most natural thing in the world for her. He wondered what she was going to tell her parents. He could picture it now: ‘So Mom and Dad, I never really went on a school camping trip. I went off into the desert with an alien race, basically married their leader and oh uhm… I ended up having sex with him too.’ Yeah, that would go down real well! Yes, things were bound to become interesting back in Roswell…
26 next.
Chapter 26
PART 26
“I think Alex has the right idea. We need to go back and act normal.” Isabel aimed this at her brother.
Max swallowed. He knew what they were all trying to tell him. That he should “date” Liz like a normal guy. That they should go to the movies or bowling or something that wouldn’t let on how close they really were… physically and emotionally. He felt ill at the thought, but what else could they do? Tell her parents everything? He suspected that would only lead to him being barred from ever seeing her again, and that was not even an option for him.
Liz stood pressed to him, her face buried in his neck. As always, he smelled so… Max. Like home. But she could feel the tension in his body and she knew that it was there because they had to go home. Going home meant something completely different to them now. It did not mean their parent’s houses or their bedrooms in Roswell. It was not a place anymore. Home now meant each other…
She realized that she has started craving physical closeness with Max. Being near him for the biggest part of each day was rapidly becoming a necessity. She needed to hear his voice, look in his eyes, touch him, make love with him… She needed it like she needed breath to stay alive.
Max held her away from him and ran a caressing hand over her cheek. “Honey, Isabel and Michael and I need to talk about some things. Could you guys let us do that?” But he pulled her back when she started to leave, kissing her soundly in front of their groaning and griping audience. Leaning his forehead against hers, he whispered ‘I love you’ so that only she could hear.
Liz grinned. “Me too.”
Maria pounced on her as soon as they were out of earshot of the three aliens. “Sooo?”
“Maria! What is wrong with you! You nearly gave us all heart attacks!” Alex clutched his chest dramatically.
“Yeah, like that's something I’m worried about!” She dragged Liz over to her and Michael’s tent. “We want details about… you know! What happened? Did it hurt? Did he turn into something weird? Did anything weird happen to you? What--?”
“Aaaahhh!” Alex’s cry halted Maria’s questions. “I soo do not want to hear any of this! These are my two friends, not to mention that I’ve known one of them since grade school! This is just too…” He put his hands over his ears.
Liz smiled at her friends’ antics. Everything seemed so… well, normal when they are around. “Don’t worry Alex. No details, I promise!”
Maria’s face showed her disappointment at Liz’s decision. “I don’t care if the wuss here is too pathetic to ask for details, but I know he doesn’t just think of Isabel as a friend and he’s also dying to know if being closer is possible.”
“Yes, Maria. It is possible. Nothing weird happened—”
Maria was getting impatient. “Yeah, yeah, whatever! Get to the good stuff!”
Liz had a dreamy look on her face by now. “Uhm…yeah… Maria, I don’t think we should talk about this…”
“Oooh no! You’re not brushing me off about this. I want to know! I need to know!”
Liz hugged her. “Maria, I love you, but this is between Max and I.” She leaned closer, putting her mouth to Maria’s ear. “It will be wonderful for you too. When it’s the right time…” She stepped away from Maria. “Now, why don’t we think up something nice to do for the other three today. Its our last day here and with all the bad news we could use some fun time.”
Maria grumbled something under her breath, but sat down obediently for the planning session.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max was hugging Isabel. “Are you okay?” His voice was filled with concern. He knew that the news must have been really hard for Isabel. She had desperately wanted a real mother.
Blinking back tears, Isabel clung to her brother. She still had him and Michael, she reminded herself. And she still had Alex… “Yeah, I’ll be fine. I just need some time to… to adjust, I guess.”
Max disentangled himself from Izzy and turned to Michael. He had his back to them, his shoulders stiff and tense. “Michael…”
“I don’t want to talk about it, okay Maxwell!” Michael’s voice was harsh.
Sighing, Max decided to let things rest for a while. His heart ached for Michael, who seemed more alone than ever now that his dream of going home would never come true. “Okay, but we need a plan for going home. And for what to say to Nick before we leave.” Nick’s name brought back memories of the past few days. Particularly of Jans. “What happened to Jans and his cohorts?”
The question finally made Michael turn around. “We don’t really know. They took them into this trailer and later came out without them.” He stopped, but Max was clearly waiting for him to continue. He knew that Michael would never have left things at that. “Okay, so I went back later. The trailer was empty.”
“Empty?” Max was frowning. “Could they have taken them somewhere else then?”
“Maybe. But there were some weird spheric things in the trailer. Three of them…”
They looked at each other. “So, you think they’ve put the guys in those spheres?”
“How the hell should I know, Maxwell! You’re the leader. Go ask them!” Michael stomped out of the tent angrily.
Isabel stood up, but Max stopped her. “I’ll go talk to him.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
He found Michael at the edge of the camp, on his way off into the desert. “Michael wait!”
“Leave me alone, Max!” But he stopped.
Not knowing where to start, Max was silent for a few minutes. “Thank you, you know, for looking after Liz and everyone else while I was gone. It meant a lot to me.” Getting no reaction from Michael, he continued: “And I’m sorry. About our home and your parents—”
“No Maxwell, you’re not sorry.” Michael’s voice was filled with hurt. “You’re not sorry, because now you can go on living your perfect little life in Roswell. You can continue pretending the Evans’ are your parents. And you can stay with Liz. Don’t pretend you’re not happy about that.”
Momentarily taken aback by the vehemence in Michael’s voice, Max was unable to react immediately. There was truth in what Michael said. Ever since that day in the cave he had started hating his destiny and the fact that he would have to leave this planet that he had called home for so long. He hated his former home for what it represented: leaving Liz, his parents, his home…
“Michael, I… You’re right. I never really wanted to go home. I only wanted answers to my past. Our past.” He turned to stare out into the desert, watching the horizon shimmer with heatwaves. “But I also want you to know that you are my brother. Isabel’s and mine. We are family… And I can’t… I need you with me.” He watched Michael anxiously for reaction. They were guys and never talked about this stuff at all. It was only to Liz that he had once confessed his feelings about Michael. ‘I can’t lose him.’
They stood side-by-side for a long time. Max started when he heard Michael saying softly. “Yeah. You’re my brother too.”
Max hugged him, not caring that Michael stood ramrod straight while he did it. Stepping away, he smiled when Michael wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Let’s go find our women before they cook up something scary for us.”
Michael looked relieved that Max wasn’t going to push the issue further. “Hey, its not my girlfriend that nearly drop-kicked that Jans guy into…” Michael trailed off when Max stopped in his tracks, swinging towards him.
“What?!”
Holding up his hands, Michael tried to get out of his slip. “Hey, I was just joking, okay!” But his nervous reaction told Max that he wasn’t.
“Michael, what the hell happened! Did Liz… I thought you guys handled Jans?” Max’s voice was rising and Michael really didn’t want to be the one telling Max about Liz and her self-defense classes. Spotting Maria coming out of their tent, he started retreating towards her.
“I have to go. Maria is calling me…”
Max frowned as he watched Michael practically fleeing from him. What the heck was going on here? Then he saw Liz coming towards him and all thought flew from his head. His gaze hungrily took in her every movement. He drank in the sight of the sunlight making her hair shine like a halo. He watched how her clothes molded her body and his hands itched to do the same. And her eyes, as always he could see into her soul through her eyes. Taking a deep breath, he stopped himself from drowning in her gaze.
She reached him and stood on tiptoe to kiss him lightly. “You look really serious.” She stepped closer, pressing her body to his and linking her arms around his neck.
He was sinking fast and he struggled to keep his head while her presence was playing havoc with his senses… and his body. “Liz.” His eyes fell to her lips while she ran her tongue over her bottom lip. Okay, maybe he could just kiss her once. Then they could talk…
Liz smiled against his mouth as he kissed her hungrily. This was not what she had come over for, but the way his eyes had burned over her while she was walking towards him had started that now familiar ache in the pit of her stomach. And now he was finally kissing her. His mouth fitting to hers so perfectly. Their tongues dancing together, alternating between slow sliding caresses and urgent fights for dominance. It was hot out here in the sun, but she hardly noticed. Nor did she notice the interested stares they were attracting from fellow camp dwellers…
Max needed her closer. He never seemed to get close enough to her unless he was inside of her. Part of her. He shifted his weight and curled his hand around her rear, bringing her to stand between his legs. He trailed kisses from her mouth over her jaw to her ear and enjoyed the harsh impeded breath she took as a result. He liked the fact that she was not the only one with power in this relationship… Power. That reminded him that he needed to ask her something.
Liz moaned when he pulled away from her. “Max, don’t stop. Please…”
He nearly succumbed again. Grabbing her hands from his chest, he put them behind her back, holding her captive. Liz’s eyes flew open. Her new position put her in delicious contact with Max’s body, but his eyes told her that his mind and his body were in conflict at the moment. She blinked up at him, confused by his stern expression. His question floored her further.
“What is this I hear about you attacking Jans?”
Liz bit her lip. Max was going to kill her…
27 next.
“I think Alex has the right idea. We need to go back and act normal.” Isabel aimed this at her brother.
Max swallowed. He knew what they were all trying to tell him. That he should “date” Liz like a normal guy. That they should go to the movies or bowling or something that wouldn’t let on how close they really were… physically and emotionally. He felt ill at the thought, but what else could they do? Tell her parents everything? He suspected that would only lead to him being barred from ever seeing her again, and that was not even an option for him.
Liz stood pressed to him, her face buried in his neck. As always, he smelled so… Max. Like home. But she could feel the tension in his body and she knew that it was there because they had to go home. Going home meant something completely different to them now. It did not mean their parent’s houses or their bedrooms in Roswell. It was not a place anymore. Home now meant each other…
She realized that she has started craving physical closeness with Max. Being near him for the biggest part of each day was rapidly becoming a necessity. She needed to hear his voice, look in his eyes, touch him, make love with him… She needed it like she needed breath to stay alive.
Max held her away from him and ran a caressing hand over her cheek. “Honey, Isabel and Michael and I need to talk about some things. Could you guys let us do that?” But he pulled her back when she started to leave, kissing her soundly in front of their groaning and griping audience. Leaning his forehead against hers, he whispered ‘I love you’ so that only she could hear.
Liz grinned. “Me too.”
Maria pounced on her as soon as they were out of earshot of the three aliens. “Sooo?”
“Maria! What is wrong with you! You nearly gave us all heart attacks!” Alex clutched his chest dramatically.
“Yeah, like that's something I’m worried about!” She dragged Liz over to her and Michael’s tent. “We want details about… you know! What happened? Did it hurt? Did he turn into something weird? Did anything weird happen to you? What--?”
“Aaaahhh!” Alex’s cry halted Maria’s questions. “I soo do not want to hear any of this! These are my two friends, not to mention that I’ve known one of them since grade school! This is just too…” He put his hands over his ears.
Liz smiled at her friends’ antics. Everything seemed so… well, normal when they are around. “Don’t worry Alex. No details, I promise!”
Maria’s face showed her disappointment at Liz’s decision. “I don’t care if the wuss here is too pathetic to ask for details, but I know he doesn’t just think of Isabel as a friend and he’s also dying to know if being closer is possible.”
“Yes, Maria. It is possible. Nothing weird happened—”
Maria was getting impatient. “Yeah, yeah, whatever! Get to the good stuff!”
Liz had a dreamy look on her face by now. “Uhm…yeah… Maria, I don’t think we should talk about this…”
“Oooh no! You’re not brushing me off about this. I want to know! I need to know!”
Liz hugged her. “Maria, I love you, but this is between Max and I.” She leaned closer, putting her mouth to Maria’s ear. “It will be wonderful for you too. When it’s the right time…” She stepped away from Maria. “Now, why don’t we think up something nice to do for the other three today. Its our last day here and with all the bad news we could use some fun time.”
Maria grumbled something under her breath, but sat down obediently for the planning session.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max was hugging Isabel. “Are you okay?” His voice was filled with concern. He knew that the news must have been really hard for Isabel. She had desperately wanted a real mother.
Blinking back tears, Isabel clung to her brother. She still had him and Michael, she reminded herself. And she still had Alex… “Yeah, I’ll be fine. I just need some time to… to adjust, I guess.”
Max disentangled himself from Izzy and turned to Michael. He had his back to them, his shoulders stiff and tense. “Michael…”
“I don’t want to talk about it, okay Maxwell!” Michael’s voice was harsh.
Sighing, Max decided to let things rest for a while. His heart ached for Michael, who seemed more alone than ever now that his dream of going home would never come true. “Okay, but we need a plan for going home. And for what to say to Nick before we leave.” Nick’s name brought back memories of the past few days. Particularly of Jans. “What happened to Jans and his cohorts?”
The question finally made Michael turn around. “We don’t really know. They took them into this trailer and later came out without them.” He stopped, but Max was clearly waiting for him to continue. He knew that Michael would never have left things at that. “Okay, so I went back later. The trailer was empty.”
“Empty?” Max was frowning. “Could they have taken them somewhere else then?”
“Maybe. But there were some weird spheric things in the trailer. Three of them…”
They looked at each other. “So, you think they’ve put the guys in those spheres?”
“How the hell should I know, Maxwell! You’re the leader. Go ask them!” Michael stomped out of the tent angrily.
Isabel stood up, but Max stopped her. “I’ll go talk to him.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
He found Michael at the edge of the camp, on his way off into the desert. “Michael wait!”
“Leave me alone, Max!” But he stopped.
Not knowing where to start, Max was silent for a few minutes. “Thank you, you know, for looking after Liz and everyone else while I was gone. It meant a lot to me.” Getting no reaction from Michael, he continued: “And I’m sorry. About our home and your parents—”
“No Maxwell, you’re not sorry.” Michael’s voice was filled with hurt. “You’re not sorry, because now you can go on living your perfect little life in Roswell. You can continue pretending the Evans’ are your parents. And you can stay with Liz. Don’t pretend you’re not happy about that.”
Momentarily taken aback by the vehemence in Michael’s voice, Max was unable to react immediately. There was truth in what Michael said. Ever since that day in the cave he had started hating his destiny and the fact that he would have to leave this planet that he had called home for so long. He hated his former home for what it represented: leaving Liz, his parents, his home…
“Michael, I… You’re right. I never really wanted to go home. I only wanted answers to my past. Our past.” He turned to stare out into the desert, watching the horizon shimmer with heatwaves. “But I also want you to know that you are my brother. Isabel’s and mine. We are family… And I can’t… I need you with me.” He watched Michael anxiously for reaction. They were guys and never talked about this stuff at all. It was only to Liz that he had once confessed his feelings about Michael. ‘I can’t lose him.’
They stood side-by-side for a long time. Max started when he heard Michael saying softly. “Yeah. You’re my brother too.”
Max hugged him, not caring that Michael stood ramrod straight while he did it. Stepping away, he smiled when Michael wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Let’s go find our women before they cook up something scary for us.”
Michael looked relieved that Max wasn’t going to push the issue further. “Hey, its not my girlfriend that nearly drop-kicked that Jans guy into…” Michael trailed off when Max stopped in his tracks, swinging towards him.
“What?!”
Holding up his hands, Michael tried to get out of his slip. “Hey, I was just joking, okay!” But his nervous reaction told Max that he wasn’t.
“Michael, what the hell happened! Did Liz… I thought you guys handled Jans?” Max’s voice was rising and Michael really didn’t want to be the one telling Max about Liz and her self-defense classes. Spotting Maria coming out of their tent, he started retreating towards her.
“I have to go. Maria is calling me…”
Max frowned as he watched Michael practically fleeing from him. What the heck was going on here? Then he saw Liz coming towards him and all thought flew from his head. His gaze hungrily took in her every movement. He drank in the sight of the sunlight making her hair shine like a halo. He watched how her clothes molded her body and his hands itched to do the same. And her eyes, as always he could see into her soul through her eyes. Taking a deep breath, he stopped himself from drowning in her gaze.
She reached him and stood on tiptoe to kiss him lightly. “You look really serious.” She stepped closer, pressing her body to his and linking her arms around his neck.
He was sinking fast and he struggled to keep his head while her presence was playing havoc with his senses… and his body. “Liz.” His eyes fell to her lips while she ran her tongue over her bottom lip. Okay, maybe he could just kiss her once. Then they could talk…
Liz smiled against his mouth as he kissed her hungrily. This was not what she had come over for, but the way his eyes had burned over her while she was walking towards him had started that now familiar ache in the pit of her stomach. And now he was finally kissing her. His mouth fitting to hers so perfectly. Their tongues dancing together, alternating between slow sliding caresses and urgent fights for dominance. It was hot out here in the sun, but she hardly noticed. Nor did she notice the interested stares they were attracting from fellow camp dwellers…
Max needed her closer. He never seemed to get close enough to her unless he was inside of her. Part of her. He shifted his weight and curled his hand around her rear, bringing her to stand between his legs. He trailed kisses from her mouth over her jaw to her ear and enjoyed the harsh impeded breath she took as a result. He liked the fact that she was not the only one with power in this relationship… Power. That reminded him that he needed to ask her something.
Liz moaned when he pulled away from her. “Max, don’t stop. Please…”
He nearly succumbed again. Grabbing her hands from his chest, he put them behind her back, holding her captive. Liz’s eyes flew open. Her new position put her in delicious contact with Max’s body, but his eyes told her that his mind and his body were in conflict at the moment. She blinked up at him, confused by his stern expression. His question floored her further.
“What is this I hear about you attacking Jans?”
Liz bit her lip. Max was going to kill her…
27 next.
Chapter 27
PART 27
Journal Entry 35
I still haven’t told them everything.
Liz ducked her head, trying to get away from Max’s piercing gaze. Maybe if she explained that she did all of it for him… No, that wouldn’t work. Max didn’t care about himself, he only cared about her… She sighed, chewing her lip.
If he wasn’t so impatient for her answer, Max would’ve been amused by her squirming. But she looked guilty of something and his gut clenched at the possibility that she had put herself in danger.
Liz was getting desperate to get away from Max, but he still held her hands behind her back in a firm grip. So she went for a low dig. “Could you please let me go? You’re hurting me.”
Max didn’t believe her for a second, but he let her go anyway. “Well, what happened with Jans?”
Backing away from him, she gestured over her shoulder. “Could we talk about this later? The others are waiting… we were planning a picnic.”
He grabbed her hand again, holding her back. “No Liz. I need you to tell me now.”
Liz squared her shoulders and stepped closer to him. What was she so afraid of? This was Max and he loved her. He would never hurt her. He might be really angry for a while, but surely she could seduce him out of that? “Okay, but you have to promise me you will not flip out.” ‘O yeah great Liz, that line really worked on Maria last time…’
Max’s frown increased. He was liking the sound of this less and less. “Liz.” His sounded threatening.
Liz ducked her head again. She felt like a naughty little girl when he spoke to her like that. How anyone knowing Max could not see that he was born to be a great leader was beyond her. Then her eyes were snagged by the triangle of skin exposed by the v-neck of his T-shirt. Goodness he was hot!
“Liz!” O yeah, right, he was waiting for an answer.
“Uhm, yeah, I sort of… I sort of had Jans teach me self-defense.” She was still not risking looking in his eyes. “I figured that I should be able to look after myself and not just hang around looking pretty on your arm. He was just teaching me some basic stuff.”
The silence lengthened between them until Liz couldn’t take it anymore and lifted her gaze to his. He was staring at her with a small smile curving his lips. His eyes were heating up in a way that made Liz feel deliciously desired.
“You are so amazing, do you know that?” His voice had that husky timbre that had the power of making her knees go weak. “And you really are trying to drive me insane…” Liz batted her eyes at him innocently and grinned when she heard his barely audible growl. “But if you don’t ask me or someone we trust to help you in your little schemes next time, I’m putting you over my knee!”
Instead of looking suitably chastened, Liz’s eyes were sparkling. “Over your knee, huh? Okay!”
She laughed out loud at Max’s dumbfounded expression. It was about time he learnt that not everyone trembled in fear in front of the great leader! She pressed her body against his, enjoying its hardness and obvious excitement. Granted, she did have an edge over most people with Max…
“Could we get this show on the road already!” Alex shouted at them. He turned back to the others that were all waiting for Max and Liz to finish whatever they were doing. “Honestly, we are going to have so much trouble with them back in Roswell. First it was the staring, now it’s the kissing and uhm… other stuff that I don’t even want to think about. They are so going to fail all their classes! Wouldn’t it be a sad commentary on their race if their leader was a high-school drop-out.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
The picnic was fun, but they were all very aware of the fact that they were returning to Roswell tomorrow. And that they were returning as very different people…
Max watched his friends talk and felt peace flowing through his body. These were the most important people in his life and for a brief span of time, they were all safe. His eyes came to rest on Michael, who sat behind Maria, his knees bracketing her hips. He saw that the blonde girl’s antics captured Michael’s attention completely at times and lifted the burden of sadness and loneliness that he always carried with him. He caught Michael’s attention and said quietly: “You are home.” Michael seemed frozen for a few moments before his eyes returned to Maria and he responded with a small nod.
~*~*~*~*~*~
It was late afternoon when they went back. They were subdued as all the couples were contemplating their last night together. Max had trouble keeping his hands of Liz. They had all decided that going back to Roswell and working summer jobs were the thing to do for now. They would try to get away nearly every weekend, though. But it wouldn’t be enough for him. He was addicted to her. Sometimes so much it scared him…
Nick was waiting for them when the Jeep came to a halt in the camp. He watched as they piled out and noted that they were even closer than before. He was relieved that the news about their planet and parents hadn’t driven a wedge between them and their human partners. At least that was something else that his people could feel comfortable about. Bonds with humans can be stronger than those between aliens. He shifted his attention back to Max when he felt the weight of Max’s gaze.
Nick cleared his throat. “I need to talk to you. There is something important you must know before you go home.”
The six looked at each other. They did not need anymore bad news right now. Max, as always, took the lead by taking Liz’s hand and pulling her into the dining tent with him.
Nick waited till they were all seated before talking. “Have you all decided what to do?”
Only Liz could see the tenseness underlying his question and she squeezed Max’s hand in an effort to get him to notice it too. Max registered Liz’s small gesture, but was too anxious to be able to figure out what she was trying to tell him.
“Yes. We need to go back home and regroup. We would appreciate it if you could stay away from us for a while. Until I contact you.”
Nick was shaking his head even before Max had finished speaking. “We can’t do that.”
Max was on his feet. “You don’t understand. I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. Stay away from us.”
Sitting down heavily, Nick stared at the table. “We can’t do that, because we need to protect you. I wasn’t lying when I told you that another race is on earth too. The one that destroyed our planet. And they want to destroy you too.”
Max’s jaw hardened. “We can take care of ourselves. We have until—”
“They would want Liz too now.” Nick played the only card that would ever make Max Evans stop in his tracks. He watched as he saw the shock register in Max’s eyes. Shock followed by guilt. Guilt that he had put her in more danger by making her his mate. Nick felt awful for using this, but he had to. They all needed each other now.
“How would they know?” Max’s voice was quiet.
“We don’t know enough about them to be sure. But they will find you and they will find out that you’re with Liz.” Nick stood up too, his gaze pleading with his young leader. “We will do everything we can to protect her. To protect all of you. But you can’t go off without us now. It is too important that you stay alive.”
Max felt like he had been kicked in the gut. Everything he did seemed to put Liz in more danger. His tortured mind could only come up with one answer to this problem. He had to stay away from Liz…
28 next.
Journal Entry 35
I still haven’t told them everything.
Liz ducked her head, trying to get away from Max’s piercing gaze. Maybe if she explained that she did all of it for him… No, that wouldn’t work. Max didn’t care about himself, he only cared about her… She sighed, chewing her lip.
If he wasn’t so impatient for her answer, Max would’ve been amused by her squirming. But she looked guilty of something and his gut clenched at the possibility that she had put herself in danger.
Liz was getting desperate to get away from Max, but he still held her hands behind her back in a firm grip. So she went for a low dig. “Could you please let me go? You’re hurting me.”
Max didn’t believe her for a second, but he let her go anyway. “Well, what happened with Jans?”
Backing away from him, she gestured over her shoulder. “Could we talk about this later? The others are waiting… we were planning a picnic.”
He grabbed her hand again, holding her back. “No Liz. I need you to tell me now.”
Liz squared her shoulders and stepped closer to him. What was she so afraid of? This was Max and he loved her. He would never hurt her. He might be really angry for a while, but surely she could seduce him out of that? “Okay, but you have to promise me you will not flip out.” ‘O yeah great Liz, that line really worked on Maria last time…’
Max’s frown increased. He was liking the sound of this less and less. “Liz.” His sounded threatening.
Liz ducked her head again. She felt like a naughty little girl when he spoke to her like that. How anyone knowing Max could not see that he was born to be a great leader was beyond her. Then her eyes were snagged by the triangle of skin exposed by the v-neck of his T-shirt. Goodness he was hot!
“Liz!” O yeah, right, he was waiting for an answer.
“Uhm, yeah, I sort of… I sort of had Jans teach me self-defense.” She was still not risking looking in his eyes. “I figured that I should be able to look after myself and not just hang around looking pretty on your arm. He was just teaching me some basic stuff.”
The silence lengthened between them until Liz couldn’t take it anymore and lifted her gaze to his. He was staring at her with a small smile curving his lips. His eyes were heating up in a way that made Liz feel deliciously desired.
“You are so amazing, do you know that?” His voice had that husky timbre that had the power of making her knees go weak. “And you really are trying to drive me insane…” Liz batted her eyes at him innocently and grinned when she heard his barely audible growl. “But if you don’t ask me or someone we trust to help you in your little schemes next time, I’m putting you over my knee!”
Instead of looking suitably chastened, Liz’s eyes were sparkling. “Over your knee, huh? Okay!”
She laughed out loud at Max’s dumbfounded expression. It was about time he learnt that not everyone trembled in fear in front of the great leader! She pressed her body against his, enjoying its hardness and obvious excitement. Granted, she did have an edge over most people with Max…
“Could we get this show on the road already!” Alex shouted at them. He turned back to the others that were all waiting for Max and Liz to finish whatever they were doing. “Honestly, we are going to have so much trouble with them back in Roswell. First it was the staring, now it’s the kissing and uhm… other stuff that I don’t even want to think about. They are so going to fail all their classes! Wouldn’t it be a sad commentary on their race if their leader was a high-school drop-out.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
The picnic was fun, but they were all very aware of the fact that they were returning to Roswell tomorrow. And that they were returning as very different people…
Max watched his friends talk and felt peace flowing through his body. These were the most important people in his life and for a brief span of time, they were all safe. His eyes came to rest on Michael, who sat behind Maria, his knees bracketing her hips. He saw that the blonde girl’s antics captured Michael’s attention completely at times and lifted the burden of sadness and loneliness that he always carried with him. He caught Michael’s attention and said quietly: “You are home.” Michael seemed frozen for a few moments before his eyes returned to Maria and he responded with a small nod.
~*~*~*~*~*~
It was late afternoon when they went back. They were subdued as all the couples were contemplating their last night together. Max had trouble keeping his hands of Liz. They had all decided that going back to Roswell and working summer jobs were the thing to do for now. They would try to get away nearly every weekend, though. But it wouldn’t be enough for him. He was addicted to her. Sometimes so much it scared him…
Nick was waiting for them when the Jeep came to a halt in the camp. He watched as they piled out and noted that they were even closer than before. He was relieved that the news about their planet and parents hadn’t driven a wedge between them and their human partners. At least that was something else that his people could feel comfortable about. Bonds with humans can be stronger than those between aliens. He shifted his attention back to Max when he felt the weight of Max’s gaze.
Nick cleared his throat. “I need to talk to you. There is something important you must know before you go home.”
The six looked at each other. They did not need anymore bad news right now. Max, as always, took the lead by taking Liz’s hand and pulling her into the dining tent with him.
Nick waited till they were all seated before talking. “Have you all decided what to do?”
Only Liz could see the tenseness underlying his question and she squeezed Max’s hand in an effort to get him to notice it too. Max registered Liz’s small gesture, but was too anxious to be able to figure out what she was trying to tell him.
“Yes. We need to go back home and regroup. We would appreciate it if you could stay away from us for a while. Until I contact you.”
Nick was shaking his head even before Max had finished speaking. “We can’t do that.”
Max was on his feet. “You don’t understand. I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. Stay away from us.”
Sitting down heavily, Nick stared at the table. “We can’t do that, because we need to protect you. I wasn’t lying when I told you that another race is on earth too. The one that destroyed our planet. And they want to destroy you too.”
Max’s jaw hardened. “We can take care of ourselves. We have until—”
“They would want Liz too now.” Nick played the only card that would ever make Max Evans stop in his tracks. He watched as he saw the shock register in Max’s eyes. Shock followed by guilt. Guilt that he had put her in more danger by making her his mate. Nick felt awful for using this, but he had to. They all needed each other now.
“How would they know?” Max’s voice was quiet.
“We don’t know enough about them to be sure. But they will find you and they will find out that you’re with Liz.” Nick stood up too, his gaze pleading with his young leader. “We will do everything we can to protect her. To protect all of you. But you can’t go off without us now. It is too important that you stay alive.”
Max felt like he had been kicked in the gut. Everything he did seemed to put Liz in more danger. His tortured mind could only come up with one answer to this problem. He had to stay away from Liz…
28 next.
Chpater 28
PART 28
They were all waiting breathlessly for Max’s reaction to Nick’s proposal. Max was standing like a statue, the only movement his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. A war was clearly going on inside him.
Liz could feel Max shutting down his emotions from where she stood watching the face-off between him and Nick. He was mentally stepping back from anything that could cause heartache to the people he loved. To her…
Rushing into speech, Nick tried to defuse some of the tension in the room. “We would stay out of your way, we would just… watch over you.”
Michael decided to step in since he could see Max was seeing horror-movies about Liz being killed in his head. “Max, he talks sense. As long as they don’t bother us, where’s the problem?”
Max finally came out of his trance. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He looked at Nick again and Nick flinched at the desolation in his eyes. “Do whatever you have to do. But nothing that influences our lives before you talk to me.”
Nick understood exactly what he meant. No more tests and genetic mates being sprung on them. And especially nothing that would upset Liz. He wondered about the fact that Max seemed to avoid looking at Liz. What was going on? He feared that his desperate attempt to get Max to allow them to protect the three have backfired in some way that he had not foreseen.
Michael also watched Max’s reaction and he knew his friend was thinking up ways to get Liz out of harm’s way. He also knew what Max would come up with. Staying away from her… He had hoped Max had learned his lesson the previous times he tried to stay away from Liz: never worked, never would work, dead loss even trying. A movement from Liz caught his eye. She had a determined look on her face and Michael promptly felt sorry for Max. He was in for it tonight. And this time, Liz had even more weapons in her arsenal to bring him to his knees. Yeah, what he wouldn’t give to be a fly on that wall!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max came back from the showers to find Liz packing. She was wearing one of his shirts and her damp hair streamed down her back. His heart stopped when he thought that this might be their last night together for a really long time. Until he was sure she was safe…
Liz had felt his presence and knew he was watching her, but she didn’t acknowledge him. The ball was in his court now and she waited to see what he intended to do. His actions since their talk with Nick had hinted that he was in one of his its-better-if-I-stay-away-from-Liz moods and she was not going to stand for it. So she had taken a shower and put on one of his button-down shirts… and nothing else. He was going to admit that he wanted to stay with her even if she had to torture it out of him.
He watched her movements, graceful and sensual and he felt torn in two. How many times had he stood at this crossroad before? And where had all his previous decisions brought him? Right to this spot. This spot from where he could watch his mate, his future wife, his lover and not be with her? Could he even do that? He felt his resolve wavering in the light of her spectacular beauty.
“Liz…” He needed to tell her. He needed to tell her now or he never would. His eyes hungrily followed her movements as she straightened from her task. The shirt reached to mid-thigh when she stood before him and he couldn’t stop his hand from reaching out to touch the smooth skin where the hem of the shirt ended. He wanted more than anything not to tell her his decision tonight. He wished he could wait until tomorrow morning and allow himself one more night with her in his arms. But that would be lying to her. And she deserved better.
“Liz.” But his throat wouldn’t work to tell her they needed to stay away from each other. Not with her staring up at him with lights and passion dancing in her eyes. Not with the heat of her body teasing him with dreams of heaven. Not with the knowledge that he would never love like this again.
“I can’t do this.” He suddenly blurted out. “I can’t be without you. Ever again!”
Liz had been steeling herself for the fight that was coming and his words completely deflated her. “What are you talking about, Max? Did you plan on being without me?”
He brought his other hand up to her face. “I need you to be safe. I thought maybe… But I now know that more than anything, I need to be the one to keep you safe. With me. Is that… Is that okay with you? I mean, these guys will be looking for you and—”
“Max Evans! If you ever ask me again whether I would be willing to take chances to be with you, I’m going to use my new self-defense tricks on you! I love you! Together we are stronger.”
Max stared at her in amazement. She had known all along what he was so afraid to say. And she had been ready to battle him about it. “I… I’m sorry?”
She retreated from him. “Do you love me?”
“Of course! How… How can you even ask me that?”
“Would you love me whether or not we were together?”
Max realized he was truly in trouble. Only an idiot would not be able to see where this line of questioning was headed. “Yeah, but Liz I—”
“But Liz nothing! They would use me in any case. Because you love me. Not because we are dating or not.”
Max held up his hands. Liz could be really scary when she was angry. Really scary, but really sexy. “Hey! I get it! I… I’ll never do it again?”
They stared at each other before bursting out laughing. Max felt like a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He would keep Liz close. Well, not so close that her father would try to kill him, but close enough that he could keep an eye on her. To see that she was safe and also… because he loved looking at her.
Liz had seen the change in his gaze immediately. It felt like fingers of fire were trailing her body wherever his eyes traveled. She decided to give him what he deserved for even thinking of stepping back again anyway, so she retreated when he came towards her.
Max stopped in confusion. Was she still mad at him? His eyes widened and his heart slammed to a halt when he saw her unbuttoning the shirt slowly, her eyes never leaving his face.
“Its good that you came to your senses, because I was kind off hoping I wouldn’t have to show you that you would be missing this.” She slid the shirt off her shoulders, letting it trail from her fingers as she finally walked towards him…
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 36
They were going home. And I worry about them. These human emotions of love and caring have overtaken our camp in the two weeks they were here. We have set up teams to watch over each of them. We are working on getting houses and other covers for this job. We cannot let the others find them…
They were quiet on the way back to Roswell. Max held Liz’s hand whenever he didn’t have to change gears and Michael and Maria sat huddled together in the back seat. Isabel and Alex were in a car with Nick.
Max dropped Maria off first and waited patiently for Michael to return from the farewell at her door. Michael was next, mainly because Max didn’t want an audience for his goodbye to Liz. He stopped in the alley behind the Crashdown, hoping it would give them some privacy. Liz was in his lap immediately, kissing him passionately and urgently. Had it only been about four hours since they were together this morning? Already they were feeling the loss of their impending separation.
The lack of space was getting uncomfortable and Max stumbled out of the Jeep with Liz in his arms. She curled her legs around his waist and hung on, not breaking off the kiss. He ended up lifting her onto the seat he had just vacated. His hands slid underneath her shirt, caressing the soft skin of her back. How he loved kissing her!
“Liz!” Jeff Parker’s voice intruded into their passionate haze with a vengeance. Max pulled away and looked at Liz worriedly. This was not a great start to their new relationship. He had also not made a great impression on the man he hoped to call his father-in-law one-day! ‘Great going Evans!’
Chapter 29 coming up.
They were all waiting breathlessly for Max’s reaction to Nick’s proposal. Max was standing like a statue, the only movement his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. A war was clearly going on inside him.
Liz could feel Max shutting down his emotions from where she stood watching the face-off between him and Nick. He was mentally stepping back from anything that could cause heartache to the people he loved. To her…
Rushing into speech, Nick tried to defuse some of the tension in the room. “We would stay out of your way, we would just… watch over you.”
Michael decided to step in since he could see Max was seeing horror-movies about Liz being killed in his head. “Max, he talks sense. As long as they don’t bother us, where’s the problem?”
Max finally came out of his trance. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He looked at Nick again and Nick flinched at the desolation in his eyes. “Do whatever you have to do. But nothing that influences our lives before you talk to me.”
Nick understood exactly what he meant. No more tests and genetic mates being sprung on them. And especially nothing that would upset Liz. He wondered about the fact that Max seemed to avoid looking at Liz. What was going on? He feared that his desperate attempt to get Max to allow them to protect the three have backfired in some way that he had not foreseen.
Michael also watched Max’s reaction and he knew his friend was thinking up ways to get Liz out of harm’s way. He also knew what Max would come up with. Staying away from her… He had hoped Max had learned his lesson the previous times he tried to stay away from Liz: never worked, never would work, dead loss even trying. A movement from Liz caught his eye. She had a determined look on her face and Michael promptly felt sorry for Max. He was in for it tonight. And this time, Liz had even more weapons in her arsenal to bring him to his knees. Yeah, what he wouldn’t give to be a fly on that wall!
~*~*~*~*~*~
Max came back from the showers to find Liz packing. She was wearing one of his shirts and her damp hair streamed down her back. His heart stopped when he thought that this might be their last night together for a really long time. Until he was sure she was safe…
Liz had felt his presence and knew he was watching her, but she didn’t acknowledge him. The ball was in his court now and she waited to see what he intended to do. His actions since their talk with Nick had hinted that he was in one of his its-better-if-I-stay-away-from-Liz moods and she was not going to stand for it. So she had taken a shower and put on one of his button-down shirts… and nothing else. He was going to admit that he wanted to stay with her even if she had to torture it out of him.
He watched her movements, graceful and sensual and he felt torn in two. How many times had he stood at this crossroad before? And where had all his previous decisions brought him? Right to this spot. This spot from where he could watch his mate, his future wife, his lover and not be with her? Could he even do that? He felt his resolve wavering in the light of her spectacular beauty.
“Liz…” He needed to tell her. He needed to tell her now or he never would. His eyes hungrily followed her movements as she straightened from her task. The shirt reached to mid-thigh when she stood before him and he couldn’t stop his hand from reaching out to touch the smooth skin where the hem of the shirt ended. He wanted more than anything not to tell her his decision tonight. He wished he could wait until tomorrow morning and allow himself one more night with her in his arms. But that would be lying to her. And she deserved better.
“Liz.” But his throat wouldn’t work to tell her they needed to stay away from each other. Not with her staring up at him with lights and passion dancing in her eyes. Not with the heat of her body teasing him with dreams of heaven. Not with the knowledge that he would never love like this again.
“I can’t do this.” He suddenly blurted out. “I can’t be without you. Ever again!”
Liz had been steeling herself for the fight that was coming and his words completely deflated her. “What are you talking about, Max? Did you plan on being without me?”
He brought his other hand up to her face. “I need you to be safe. I thought maybe… But I now know that more than anything, I need to be the one to keep you safe. With me. Is that… Is that okay with you? I mean, these guys will be looking for you and—”
“Max Evans! If you ever ask me again whether I would be willing to take chances to be with you, I’m going to use my new self-defense tricks on you! I love you! Together we are stronger.”
Max stared at her in amazement. She had known all along what he was so afraid to say. And she had been ready to battle him about it. “I… I’m sorry?”
She retreated from him. “Do you love me?”
“Of course! How… How can you even ask me that?”
“Would you love me whether or not we were together?”
Max realized he was truly in trouble. Only an idiot would not be able to see where this line of questioning was headed. “Yeah, but Liz I—”
“But Liz nothing! They would use me in any case. Because you love me. Not because we are dating or not.”
Max held up his hands. Liz could be really scary when she was angry. Really scary, but really sexy. “Hey! I get it! I… I’ll never do it again?”
They stared at each other before bursting out laughing. Max felt like a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He would keep Liz close. Well, not so close that her father would try to kill him, but close enough that he could keep an eye on her. To see that she was safe and also… because he loved looking at her.
Liz had seen the change in his gaze immediately. It felt like fingers of fire were trailing her body wherever his eyes traveled. She decided to give him what he deserved for even thinking of stepping back again anyway, so she retreated when he came towards her.
Max stopped in confusion. Was she still mad at him? His eyes widened and his heart slammed to a halt when he saw her unbuttoning the shirt slowly, her eyes never leaving his face.
“Its good that you came to your senses, because I was kind off hoping I wouldn’t have to show you that you would be missing this.” She slid the shirt off her shoulders, letting it trail from her fingers as she finally walked towards him…
~*~*~*~*~*~
Journal Entry 36
They were going home. And I worry about them. These human emotions of love and caring have overtaken our camp in the two weeks they were here. We have set up teams to watch over each of them. We are working on getting houses and other covers for this job. We cannot let the others find them…
They were quiet on the way back to Roswell. Max held Liz’s hand whenever he didn’t have to change gears and Michael and Maria sat huddled together in the back seat. Isabel and Alex were in a car with Nick.
Max dropped Maria off first and waited patiently for Michael to return from the farewell at her door. Michael was next, mainly because Max didn’t want an audience for his goodbye to Liz. He stopped in the alley behind the Crashdown, hoping it would give them some privacy. Liz was in his lap immediately, kissing him passionately and urgently. Had it only been about four hours since they were together this morning? Already they were feeling the loss of their impending separation.
The lack of space was getting uncomfortable and Max stumbled out of the Jeep with Liz in his arms. She curled her legs around his waist and hung on, not breaking off the kiss. He ended up lifting her onto the seat he had just vacated. His hands slid underneath her shirt, caressing the soft skin of her back. How he loved kissing her!
“Liz!” Jeff Parker’s voice intruded into their passionate haze with a vengeance. Max pulled away and looked at Liz worriedly. This was not a great start to their new relationship. He had also not made a great impression on the man he hoped to call his father-in-law one-day! ‘Great going Evans!’
Chapter 29 coming up.