Chapter Eleven
Max lay awake looking into the dark room stray thoughts chasing through his head. Amazing how much change a day could bring. If someone had told that morning that this was how he would end the day he wouldn’t have believed them.
Liz moved in her sleep trying to get into a more comfortable position. Max smiled slightly as her nose wrinkled and she made a small disgusted sound. He shifted onto his back letting her stretch out over his chest and tucked his hand behind his head.
He tried to line up all the pieces in some sort of order but he still wasn’t seeing anything more then he had before. He sincerely hoped that Zan and Ava, as outsiders would see things the rest of them didn’t. He also hoped they could be trusted.
Michael lay awake trying to think of a way to work around this thing. He had better have in mind what he wanted to say to Maria because he couldn’t avoid her forever. So what did he want?
The whole thing with Maria had never been thought out on his part. He hadn’t planned any of it. It had just sort of happened. Things had been going on and it had seemed like an okay idea at the time. After the trouble last May he had decided that maybe it wasn’t a good idea any longer. Things were starting to happen and it wasn’t safe anymore…..not that it ever really had been.
Then Courtney had shown up and he had somehow stepped in the shit even though they weren’t dating. Michael blew out a frustrated breath and wondered how it was that Max seemed to sail through things and actually sort of understand what Liz was thinking. He had no idea what Maria was thinking even when she was talking directly to him.
How was he supposed to explain things without giving her the wrong impression? How could he keep her quiet long enough to explain anything? Why did he have to explain at all?
Spiking his fingers through his hair he realized he had to explain it because he wanted her in his life. If he wanted her in his life he had better try to get a handle on how she thought if he hoped to find an explanation that she would accept.
Michael slowly sat up as he heard a noise outside. It sounded like a shoe scraping across pavement. Easing silently out of bed he went to the window and saw a person disappear around toward the front of the building.
Max opened his eyes before Michael could even touch him. “I’m up. What’s wrong?”
“I think I saw someone sneaking around outside. I heard their shoes under my window and when I went to look I saw someone disappearing around the corner. I couldn’t see who it was,” Michael answered in a whisper.
Zan got up overhearing them talking. “Let’s go check it out.”
Max eased Liz off his chest and over onto the couch slipping out from underneath her following the other two outside. They split up with Zan going around the building one way Max and Michael the other.
“This is the direction I saw them coming around,” Michael whispered looking for anything out of place.
“How tall was the person?” Max asked.
“I couldn’t tell. They were mostly around the corner by the time I saw ’em,” Michael answered. Reaching his window he stopped and looked around. “Look at this.”
Max bent down and studied the footprint in the dirt next to the shrub under Michael’s bedroom window. He glanced up at Michael voicing both of their thoughts. “Looks to small for a man’s footprint.”
Zan stayed at the front blending into the corner of the building waiting patiently. He figured if the person had checked Michael’s room first it was likely that they would check the window on the front door depending on how determined they were to find whoever they were looking for.
A few minutes ticked by before his patience was rewarded. He frowned as he recognized what had to be Tess sneaking up to the front door with Lonnie watching her from the parking lot half hidden by a parked car. Pooling his energy he tried to pick with one of them to fire at. In the end he reluctantly chose Tess. He couldn’t let her slip into the house while he chased down Lonnie. Stepping out of hiding he fired quickly cursing as Tess moved and the bolt sailed past hitting the bricks behind where she used to be standing.
“Stop!” Zan commanded knowing it was hopeless. He pounded toward the fleeing figure but realized quickly he had been warped when he got a glimpse of the ‘person’ he was chasing. Himself. The bitch had a sense of humor. He was chasing his own ass. Fuck.
After filling each other in Max almost had a heart attack when they walked back inside and the couch was empty. He glanced in the kitchen and then raced down the hall almost running Liz over as she stepped from the bathroom.
“Whoa there!” Liz said grabbing his arms to keep from falling.
“Shit! Liz you scared me,” Max said grasping her hips in reflex.
“You? I’m the one that almost got trampled. What’s wrong?” Liz asked seeing his pale face.
“Nothing. Everything’s fine now. I just…you weren’t there,” Max said lamely.
“Uh huh. Where were you?” Liz said not fooled.
“Umm someone was outside so we went to see who it was,” Max said softly leading her back down the hall.
Liz didn’t ask anything else she just followed him yawning. She blushed when she saw Zan watching her giving her a wink as he slid back under the blankets next to Ava. Liz tugged on Max’s hand pulling him into the kitchen. “I’m a little thirsty, She explained as Max gave her a questioning look then smiled at Michael. She got a glass and started over to the sink. “So was it Tess?”
“Think so yeah,” Michael answered from where he was leaning against the counter. When Liz brushed past him to reach the sink he straightened and left the room without another word.
“What’s with him?” Liz asked softly. “Is he mad that we’re all here?”
“No. He’s fine just not happy about being woken up I guess,” Max said slowly staring after Michael for a minute before turning back to Liz.
Liz nodded and drank some of her water. “I have to work tomorrow you know.”
“What time?” Max asked.
“Ten to six,” Liz replied hopping up to sit on the counter holding her half-full glass.
Max nodded mentally rearranging their day. “What about Sunday?”
“Umm I’m off,” Liz said softly. “Reservation on Sunday?”
“Yeah. Sounds good,” Max said wondering if Michael was working with Liz tomorrow. “So are you busy tomorrow night?”
“Very busy yes,” Liz said smiling. “I had a whole night of studying planned.”
“You think maybe I could talk you out of..,” Max trailed off as Liz took another drink.
Liz arched her brow. “Talk me out of what Mr. Evans?” She asked with a cheeky smile.
“Studying,” Max answered quickly his ears heating.
“You’re a tease Max,” Liz said her grin growing.
“What?” Max burst out.
“I said you’re a tease. All talk,” Liz said and hopped down setting her glass in the sink. She started for the doorway her bare feet padding across the cool floor. “You don’t have to talk me out of…….studying,” Liz drawled slowly biting the inside of her cheek at the look on his face. He was way too easy.
Max caught her before she cleared the doorway yanking her back into the kitchen. “Are you daring to mess with me?”
“Max. If I ‘mess’ with you you’ll know it,” Liz said smirking. “I’m not a tease. Am I?”
Max’s eyes narrowed seeing her repressing her giggles. “Well I don’t know about that. I seem to remember you teasing me on more then one occasion.”
“No, that wasn’t teasing,” Liz denied her laughter clear in her voice.
“It wasn’t? What was it then?” Max asked grinning as he pulled her closer.
“Foreplay. I can’t help it if you’re the…..tease,” Liz said and made a break for the door when his grip loosened in surprise.
Zan heard the sounds of a short scuffle then silence. He quickly got an idea of what Michael had been talking about earlier.
“Max!” Liz gasp shocked when he scooped her up and set her on the counter. “I was just..”
“Teasing?” Max asked smiling down into her eyes.
“Playing,” Liz disagreed. “There’s a difference.”
“That’s right I’M the teaser,” Max said nodding before leaning forward.
“Uh huh,” Liz agreed as Max nuzzled her neck. “Tired?”
“No,” Max mumbled against her neck.
“Thirsty?” Liz asked smiling.
“No.”
“Have to get home to feed the cat?” Liz asked squirming as his fingers passed over her ribs tickling her slightly.
“Don’t have a cat,” Max answered pulling her closer to the edge of the counter. He stepped between her knees and looked into her dark eyes gently tucking her hair behind her ear then he kissed her.
Liz smiled against his mouth before kissing him back her arms going around his neck. She knew he wasn’t worrying about Tess or anything else and that was the point.
Michael thumped his pillow a few times and stared at the ceiling.
Max inhaled sharply as her fingernails lightly scraped over his ribs before her fingers slid around to his back gently kneading his skin. He pulled away long enough to shed his shirt. Anything to make it easier for her to touch him.
Liz smiled as his shirt landed on the toaster.
Max caught her lips with his, frantic for the warmth of her mouth. He grasp her hips firmly as her lips moved over his softly, torturing him for long minutes before allowing him in.
Liz felt a sense of weightlessness as his kiss turned demanding and urgent. Her knees griped his sides to give her a solid base to keep her grounded as she felt his tongue slide against hers.
Max bit her lip quickly then moved on to her throat panting for breath. He groaned softly as her legs tightened and her fingers traced the muscles of his bare back. One of his hands slipped under her shirt as the fingers of his other tangled in her hair.
Liz caught her lip in her teeth as he sucked hard on her neck. His fingers skating up her side combined with his mouth tugging at the skin of her neck had her fingers involuntarily flexing on his back and her eyes slid closed.
Zan turned over restlessly then gave up and headed for the door. Some exercise was called for.
Ava smirked and rolled over as the front door clicked shut. Pulling the blanket higher she was asleep in seconds.
Liz hesitated as Max tugged her shirt slowly up and pulled back. “Max? We’re in Michael’s kitchen,” She reminded him softly.
Max took a deep breath and nodded. “Right. The kitchen,” Max said wondering why he was supposed to care about those words.
“With Michael, Zan, and Ava here,” Liz said brushing his sweaty hair off his forehead.
“Right,” Max said. “I forgot. Okay.”
He looked so sweet she leaned forward and kissed him rubbing her lips over his. “Just leave it on,” She whispered against his mouth her finger tracing the skin along the top of his pants.
Max groaned deepening their kiss wildly.
Michael rolled out of bed and started pacing. He paused every time he passed the window wanting to climb out but was reluctant to be driven out of his own home. Instead he settled on doing sets of crunches and sit-ups hoping to tire himself out.
Liz bit back a moan as Max caressed her breast softly. She kissed his shoulder scraping her teeth over his collarbone. She gasp as he pulled her back to his mouth demanding her immediate response skillfully using his tongue to weaken her self control.
Max pressed his advantage by brushing his thumb over her nipple pleased when her kiss turned hotter wetter. He groaned into her mouth, as her nails scraped low over his stomach teasing him.
Liz pulled away and pushed her hand against his chest panting. She looked into his eyes, brow arched in question, as she released the button on his pants. She paused holding his eyes then slowly slipped her fingers under the band of his pants and boxers.
Max caught her hand holding her still almost biting off his tongue as her fingers brushed back and forth over the skin of his lower abdomen. He knew she was asking him how to proceed….how far he wanted this to go….here in Michael’s kitchen. He rested his forehead against hers sorely tempted but knowing they needed to stop. Seeing her smile he knew he was right. She was far too special to risk. After a minute he had his ability to speak back. “Tired?”
Liz’s smile went to a full-fledged grin. “That isn’t really the word I would use no.”
Max smiled and kissed her briefly. “You did this on purpose.”
Liz nodded against his forehead slowly. “Uh huh, I did.”
Max looked into her shining eyes biting back a moan as her fingers flexed and her nails traced ever so lightly against his skin on an upward journey tracing around his belly button. “God Liz!”
“Hmmm?” Liz asked enjoying herself. “This is messing with you. What do you think? Will you remember it?”
Max nodded unable to speak, his nose bumping into hers.
“Good,” Liz whispered and kissed him, gently soothing him. She kneaded the tension from his back keeping her touch slow and smooth.
Max sighed relaxing into her a little more. He brushed his lips over hers lightly then nuzzled her nose with his, happy when she smiled. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too…Tease,” Liz whispered smiling and squirmed when he tickled her. “Now take me back to the couch.”
Max wrapped his arms around her and smiled when she squeaked as he pulled her off the counter her legs wrapping around him to keep from falling. “You didn’t think I’d let you go did you?”
“No, I guess not,” Liz said her arms going around his neck.
Zan slipped back inside silently, shaking his head as his eyes landed on the couch. Max had curved his body around Liz’s protectively, holding her to him so close Zan wondered how she could breath with her face buried in his bare chest like that. He guessed she didn’t mind when she burrowed closer forcing Max against the back of the couch as she claimed more room for herself.
Michael walked into the living room scowling blackly as the morning sun shone brightly throwing beams of light through the window and over the floor. Seeing everyone still asleep he crept into the kitchen scowl deepening, if possible, at the sight of the shirt draped over his toaster.
Leftovers (CC, ML / Adult) (Complete)
Moderators: Itzstacie, Forum Moderators
Chapter Twelve
Liz was happy to leave Michael’s apartment the next day. As soon as Maria’s car pulled up Liz was out the door and jogging down the walk. The atmosphere in the apartment was stifling and it was a relief to get out of there.
“Hey,” Liz greeted Maria as she slid into the passenger seat.
“Sooo,” Maria drawled glancing over at Liz.
“So,” Liz answered back her lips twitching with amusement.
“Liz! Spill!” Maria burst out unable to stand it another moment.
“Ummm yeah well…Max and I are working things out,” Liz said a huge grin breaking over her face.
“Yeah, I sort of got that part when you crawled up on his lap,” Maria said and rolled her eyes a smile crossing her face. “If I didn’t get it then the hickey you’re sporting there would have clued me in.”
“He is just….the greatest,” Liz said softly. She couldn’t imagine anyone loving her more then he did. He forgave her and loved her despite everything. It wasn’t even an issue to him. There was no question. He just loved her.
Maria smiled hearing the familiar note in her voice. “So I take it that we are now back in alien central?”
Liz glanced over at Maria quickly. “Ummm I don’t have a choice Maria. I love him. I’m not leaving him again. I can’t. This thing with Tess…it’s not going away. There’s a lot going on that I need to tell you,” Liz paused looking out the widow. “I don’t want to drag you into anything. My choice is made but you…you still have a choice that you need to make for yourself.”
Maria stopped at the light and slanted Liz a look. “You think I’m letting you do this by yourself? Hell no. Michael isn’t getting off that easy.”
Liz smiled and started laughing when she saw Maria’s expression. It looked like the die had been cast. Now it was time to play it out.
Max waited until Ava and Zan took off to look around before talking to Michael. He hadn’t missed Michael’s telltale evasiveness and odd behavior. He had several ideas on what was going on but he wanted to let Michael tell him. Gearing himself up for whatever he might hear he took a seat next Michael on the couch. He was surprised when Michael spoke first.
“Look Max….this thing with Liz….,” Michael scowled and huffed out an annoyed breath and scratched his eyebrow. “You’ve gotta do something. I can’t….this can’t go on like this.”
“What is going on? You’ve never said anything and I don’t know what’s going on with you, Michael,” Max pointed out softly.
“She….feels….she just….fuck,” Michael said stumbling over what to say. Finally he just sucked it up and came out with it. “I feel things from her. Like this underlying pull to her.”
Max glanced at Michael and could see he was extremely uncomfortable and upset.
“I’ve tried to ignore it and a lot of the time I can but when you’re with her it just….it gets really bad,” Michael said not looking at Max. He stopped, waiting for Max to tear into him.
Max thought about what Michael had said and what little Zan had said the night before. “How do you really feel about her?”
“Umm I think that she’s hot but I don’t feel like she’s available. At first I just felt like she needed to be watched...checked out. I didn't want you to make a mistake. I never thought about her in the context of asking her out or hitting on her. Now I still feel that but…I feel like a pull to her like….”
“Like you need to touch her?” Max asked no censure in his tone.
“Yeah. A little….maybe,” Michael said and scratched his eyebrow. “I don’t like it. It’s worse when you’re with her. I don’t feel like I want to be with her it’s more like….okay it’s like you walk by a bakery and you smell the stuff cooking and suddenly you’re hungry you know? That’s more what it feel like…sort of.”
Max smothered a smile instead just nodded. “Okay. So what can I do to help you?”
“I don’t know, Max, but we need to do something. Zan feels something like it too. The only thing that I know helps is not being anywhere around you two. You’re always touching her and it just gets worse. Maria’s going to fucking rip my head off,” Michael said morosely.
“Michael…you can’t just close down like you do. Maria probably doesn’t know what you want at this point. You dumped her and then carried on with Courtney and now this. You aren't even giving her a chance to understand. If you don’t talk to her you’re leaving her to think up her own answers and she has a vivid imagination. What she can think up can be wilder and worse than the truth I’m sure,” Max pointed out trying to help him.
“It’s easy for you to say that,” Michael grumbled.
“No. It’s never easy Michael. Not even for me. I just want Liz more then I fear the pain I guess. It’s not really a choice for me to make. She makes me happy and I could never go back to how things were. I wasted years being afraid. I was so afraid I barely spoke to her. I wasted weeks over this stupid thing with Kyle,” Max said refuting Michael’s claim.
“How did you get past that?” Michael asked curious. “She lied right?”
“Yeah, she did. Umm I just did. I took a leap of faith. It really wasn’t that hard. I love her and I’ve known her all of my life. I had to believe in what I know to be true about her. I didn’t even care what the truth really was anymore I just wanted to work it out. I stopped listening to everyone else and just went with my gut. All of the time we spent apart….months..almost a year and it doesn’t feel like it now. It feels like we’re closer then ever. I can feel how happy she is and I just know I want to see her happy every day. It feels just as right and I just feel….really happy,” Max admitted glancing over at Michael.
“I want that for you too. If Maria makes you happy then go for it. If she’s what you really want then I’ll help you as much as I can. This thing with Liz…we’ll work it out. We’re going to see River Dog tomorrow so don’t sweat this. I trust you Michael. I would trust Liz with you because I know you….what kind of person you are, so stop giving Maria a reason to doubt you. Talk to her and keep talking until she listens. We’re not easy to be with. We’re not asking a small thing when we ask them to have a relationship with us but to make the right choice for them they need all the information we can give them. Don’t hide things from her…trust her as much as you’re asking her to trust you.”
Maria watched Liz float around the café amazed at how different she was from yesterday. She glowed. During a lag in business Liz told her about the night before Tess showing up and some of the things Maria didn’t know about.
“So….you didn’t…?” Maria asked Liz almost afraid to here her answer.
“No. Of course not,” Liz denied immediately then smiled.
“Liz…” Maria drawled her eyebrow raised. “You had to call a halt didn’t you?”
“No. Max just knows,” Liz said softly. “I never have to tell him to stop. He just understands.”
They were interrupted by Michael slamming into the café through the back door. “Clearly someone is a little cranky,” Maria said dryly.
“Oh. Yeah….way crabby,” Liz agreed nodding.
“Well. This should be a great day,” Maria said narrowing her eyes as she watched Michael through the pass through window.
She wasn’t stupid or deaf. She had heard Michael admit to some sort of feeling for Liz. What bothered her wasn’t that she thought he wanted to be with Liz or that he might hit on her. What really bothered her was that he might have started this thing….whatever this relationship was…with her because of whatever he felt for Liz. Like channeling feelings or desires for Liz onto her because he was unable to act on them any other way. Now that bothered her.
Frankly, she was pissed off about numerous things when it came to Michael and wasn’t sure what to do about it. She was tired of being shut out and tossed aside. She knew Michael wasn’t all flowery and romantic…..Clearly she knew that. She didn’t expect him to change that. She just wanted to know she mattered. That she was the one he wanted to be with when he was there.
Seeing a flood of people coming in Maria set aside her ongoing problems with Michael and focused on the task at hand.
Michael thought about his conversation with Max and watched Maria through his shift. She was civil but that was about it. The problem with all of this was how was he supposed to know….to be certain? Max had just said that he would feel it. The problem with that was that Michael was so used to ignoring his feelings he barely gave them any thought most of the time. He didn’t spend time thinking and figuring things out. He acted when presented the chance and just rolled with the punches. He doubted Maria would go for that approach this time.
At the end of Maria’s shift he took his break and walked into the backroom where Maria was putting her stuff in her locker. Standing awkwardly in the doorway he waited for several minutes before he realized Maria wasn’t going to make this easy. “Maria? Can I talk to you?”
“Sure,” Maria answered not turning around.
“I just…about last night…I don’t think about Liz like that….like Max,” Michael fumbled walking farther into the room but wisely keeping lead off room. Just in case.
“I know,” Maria said slamming her order pad into her locker. “Max loves her.”
“Yeah. I don’t,” Michael said relieved. This wasn’t going bad.
“Yup,” Maria said shortly and slammed shut her locker.
When she started for the door he sighed. “Maria. Come on. What is it? You’re not talking and I don’t know what you want to hear.”
“I don’t have anything to say. I’m happy that Max and Liz won’t have a problem from you. That has nothing to do with me. I’m listening but I’m not hearing anything that pertains to me. You’ve made your point fairly clear. We’re not dating and you can run around with Courtney or any other person that happens to be there when you feel like….whatever. So unless you have something to add to that I’ll just be leaving,” Maria said eyeing Michael.
“I don’t want to run around! I’m here talking to you aren’t I?” Michael asked feeling that familiar frustration well up to choke him. Goddamn it! Why was she so difficult?
“And it was lovely and over now so see ya,” Maria said her eyes shooting sparks.
Michael caught her in the alley pinning her up against the wall. He was so frustrated with her it took him a moment to speak.
“Hello! Michael! What do you think you’re doing?” Maria demanded pushing at his chest.
“Ouch! Watch it…I’m a little sore. Listen….This thing with Liz…it isn’t by choice and not something I want okay? Max is gonna fix it so…..Look I want to try to…explain this. I want to, you know….see you and do this…whatever it is,” Michael said in a rush.
Maria crossed her arms over her chest and studied him for a moment. “Did you start this…..whatever because of whatever is going on with you and this thing with Liz?”
Michael looked away for a second before looking her in the eye. “Maybe….at first maybe. But I was never thinking of anyone else. I don't plan stuff and I do things on impulse sometimes but this was a good impulse. If this thing with Liz is the reason it started….then it’s worth it. I got to know you because of Liz and the shooting and so really everything sort of starts there. I don’t think of anyone else with you…I don’t,” Michael said hoping she believed him and he expressed himself clearly enough.
Maria thought about that for a long moment chewing on her lower lip. “Michael…I’m not going to put up with you shutting me out. You can’t just toss me aside when you feel that it’s getting scary or whatever. I won’t put up with it. I’m a part of this too. This stuff doesn’t just happen to you. These are my friends and my family too. If you forget that I'm going to be very very angry with you. I kicked Tess’s ass and I won’t hesitate to kick yours so if you’re looking for a Michael worshipper you’re looking in the wrong place got me?”
Michael found himself wanting to kiss her so taking his life in his hands he took a leap of faith.
The soft but firm pressure of his mouth surprised her at first but she kissed him back slowly. Her choice had been made. She was going to work like hell to make this thing work….and so was Michael.
Tess sat in the desert thinking, arms wrapped around her knees. Lonnie had run back to Nesado to tell him about last night but she needed to think by herself for a bit.
Ava was working with the others. Max was back with Liz and had actually tried to kill her for looking in a window. Michael was behind Max 100% and god knew Isabel wouldn’t wipe her ass without Max okaying it so she was screwed.
Chewing on her fingernail she wondered what was really going on. Nesado had lied. He hadn’t ever said this was a new life. He was sleeping with Lonnie and stalking Liz Parker. She was scared to go back and face him.
Tess had misjudged things badly she knew that now. She had just gone to Michael’s to see if Ava was there and assess things. She hadn’t known Lonnie was following her until she was already at the apartment. She had never expected Max to react like that. He didn’t seem the type but then everyone seemed to go crazy where that stupid human was concerned.
Liz Parker. God she hated her. If she could just disappear or die in a horribly painful way. Tess smiled at the thought. Things would be perfect then. Her path was clear. She had invested too much time and too much of herself to let things fall apart now.
Liz stepped out of the shower humming to herself. She couldn’t wait to see Max. He had called her twice already but she wanted to see him. She knew she should feel funny about last night but….she didn’t. She had meant it before when she said that she was putting herself in his hands. She loved him and trusted him totally. He would never hurt her and she wanted to be with him.
She didn’t know if the future would be better or not but then she never really had. What she did know was that Tess couldn’t be trusted. Max didn’t think she could be trusted either….all of them had had doubts about her at one time or another and that couldn’t be ignored or brushed aside.
Liz sighed feeling a downswing to her mood. Was she just fooling herself? Was she doing the right thing? Liz tossed her towel on her desk chair and turned to the mirror studying her own face closely. Looking for answers to her questions.
Max climbed up the ladder to Liz’s balcony. He was early but he couldn’t wait to see her. Crouching down by her window his eyes widened as he caught sight of her. Holy shit!
Liz heard a thump from her balcony and looked out the window scared it might be Tess or something. She smiled when she saw Max and quickly went to the window. “Hurt your butt?”
“Wh-what? I just…I was early,” Max said eyes glued to her.
“So I see,” Liz said eyes dancing. “Come on in. I just have to get dressed.”
“Yeah. I can see that,” Max said ears on fire.
“You like butterflies?” Liz asked her smile growing as her amusement increased.
“Huh?” Max asked brow furrowing.
“I thought you might have a…thing for butterflies since you can’t seem to look away from them,” Liz said referring to her damp robe.
Max nodded slowly. “I love them,” He agreed climbing in the window.
“So where are we going?” Liz asked moving back to her mirror to brush out her wet hair.
“Ahhhh,” Max said trying to kick-start his brain. “Where do you want to go?”
“I don’t really care. I just asked so I knew what to wear,” Liz said putting on her lip-gloss.
“That’s fine,” Max said grinning.
Liz smiled and looked over her shoulder arching her eyebrow. “Just this robe? I might get cold.”
Max walked closer and ran his hands down her arms. “Think so?”
“No,” Liz whispered meeting his eyes in the mirror. “But my Dad might wonder what you were doing to me,” Liz said laughter in her voice.
Max froze in place. “He’s here? Now?”
“Uh huh,” Liz said grinning as Max took a step away from her. “So….”
“So…I’ll meet you downstairs,” Max said and made a break for the window.
“Tease,” Liz called laughing.
Liz was happy to leave Michael’s apartment the next day. As soon as Maria’s car pulled up Liz was out the door and jogging down the walk. The atmosphere in the apartment was stifling and it was a relief to get out of there.
“Hey,” Liz greeted Maria as she slid into the passenger seat.
“Sooo,” Maria drawled glancing over at Liz.
“So,” Liz answered back her lips twitching with amusement.
“Liz! Spill!” Maria burst out unable to stand it another moment.
“Ummm yeah well…Max and I are working things out,” Liz said a huge grin breaking over her face.
“Yeah, I sort of got that part when you crawled up on his lap,” Maria said and rolled her eyes a smile crossing her face. “If I didn’t get it then the hickey you’re sporting there would have clued me in.”
“He is just….the greatest,” Liz said softly. She couldn’t imagine anyone loving her more then he did. He forgave her and loved her despite everything. It wasn’t even an issue to him. There was no question. He just loved her.
Maria smiled hearing the familiar note in her voice. “So I take it that we are now back in alien central?”
Liz glanced over at Maria quickly. “Ummm I don’t have a choice Maria. I love him. I’m not leaving him again. I can’t. This thing with Tess…it’s not going away. There’s a lot going on that I need to tell you,” Liz paused looking out the widow. “I don’t want to drag you into anything. My choice is made but you…you still have a choice that you need to make for yourself.”
Maria stopped at the light and slanted Liz a look. “You think I’m letting you do this by yourself? Hell no. Michael isn’t getting off that easy.”
Liz smiled and started laughing when she saw Maria’s expression. It looked like the die had been cast. Now it was time to play it out.
Max waited until Ava and Zan took off to look around before talking to Michael. He hadn’t missed Michael’s telltale evasiveness and odd behavior. He had several ideas on what was going on but he wanted to let Michael tell him. Gearing himself up for whatever he might hear he took a seat next Michael on the couch. He was surprised when Michael spoke first.
“Look Max….this thing with Liz….,” Michael scowled and huffed out an annoyed breath and scratched his eyebrow. “You’ve gotta do something. I can’t….this can’t go on like this.”
“What is going on? You’ve never said anything and I don’t know what’s going on with you, Michael,” Max pointed out softly.
“She….feels….she just….fuck,” Michael said stumbling over what to say. Finally he just sucked it up and came out with it. “I feel things from her. Like this underlying pull to her.”
Max glanced at Michael and could see he was extremely uncomfortable and upset.
“I’ve tried to ignore it and a lot of the time I can but when you’re with her it just….it gets really bad,” Michael said not looking at Max. He stopped, waiting for Max to tear into him.
Max thought about what Michael had said and what little Zan had said the night before. “How do you really feel about her?”
“Umm I think that she’s hot but I don’t feel like she’s available. At first I just felt like she needed to be watched...checked out. I didn't want you to make a mistake. I never thought about her in the context of asking her out or hitting on her. Now I still feel that but…I feel like a pull to her like….”
“Like you need to touch her?” Max asked no censure in his tone.
“Yeah. A little….maybe,” Michael said and scratched his eyebrow. “I don’t like it. It’s worse when you’re with her. I don’t feel like I want to be with her it’s more like….okay it’s like you walk by a bakery and you smell the stuff cooking and suddenly you’re hungry you know? That’s more what it feel like…sort of.”
Max smothered a smile instead just nodded. “Okay. So what can I do to help you?”
“I don’t know, Max, but we need to do something. Zan feels something like it too. The only thing that I know helps is not being anywhere around you two. You’re always touching her and it just gets worse. Maria’s going to fucking rip my head off,” Michael said morosely.
“Michael…you can’t just close down like you do. Maria probably doesn’t know what you want at this point. You dumped her and then carried on with Courtney and now this. You aren't even giving her a chance to understand. If you don’t talk to her you’re leaving her to think up her own answers and she has a vivid imagination. What she can think up can be wilder and worse than the truth I’m sure,” Max pointed out trying to help him.
“It’s easy for you to say that,” Michael grumbled.
“No. It’s never easy Michael. Not even for me. I just want Liz more then I fear the pain I guess. It’s not really a choice for me to make. She makes me happy and I could never go back to how things were. I wasted years being afraid. I was so afraid I barely spoke to her. I wasted weeks over this stupid thing with Kyle,” Max said refuting Michael’s claim.
“How did you get past that?” Michael asked curious. “She lied right?”
“Yeah, she did. Umm I just did. I took a leap of faith. It really wasn’t that hard. I love her and I’ve known her all of my life. I had to believe in what I know to be true about her. I didn’t even care what the truth really was anymore I just wanted to work it out. I stopped listening to everyone else and just went with my gut. All of the time we spent apart….months..almost a year and it doesn’t feel like it now. It feels like we’re closer then ever. I can feel how happy she is and I just know I want to see her happy every day. It feels just as right and I just feel….really happy,” Max admitted glancing over at Michael.
“I want that for you too. If Maria makes you happy then go for it. If she’s what you really want then I’ll help you as much as I can. This thing with Liz…we’ll work it out. We’re going to see River Dog tomorrow so don’t sweat this. I trust you Michael. I would trust Liz with you because I know you….what kind of person you are, so stop giving Maria a reason to doubt you. Talk to her and keep talking until she listens. We’re not easy to be with. We’re not asking a small thing when we ask them to have a relationship with us but to make the right choice for them they need all the information we can give them. Don’t hide things from her…trust her as much as you’re asking her to trust you.”
Maria watched Liz float around the café amazed at how different she was from yesterday. She glowed. During a lag in business Liz told her about the night before Tess showing up and some of the things Maria didn’t know about.
“So….you didn’t…?” Maria asked Liz almost afraid to here her answer.
“No. Of course not,” Liz denied immediately then smiled.
“Liz…” Maria drawled her eyebrow raised. “You had to call a halt didn’t you?”
“No. Max just knows,” Liz said softly. “I never have to tell him to stop. He just understands.”
They were interrupted by Michael slamming into the café through the back door. “Clearly someone is a little cranky,” Maria said dryly.
“Oh. Yeah….way crabby,” Liz agreed nodding.
“Well. This should be a great day,” Maria said narrowing her eyes as she watched Michael through the pass through window.
She wasn’t stupid or deaf. She had heard Michael admit to some sort of feeling for Liz. What bothered her wasn’t that she thought he wanted to be with Liz or that he might hit on her. What really bothered her was that he might have started this thing….whatever this relationship was…with her because of whatever he felt for Liz. Like channeling feelings or desires for Liz onto her because he was unable to act on them any other way. Now that bothered her.
Frankly, she was pissed off about numerous things when it came to Michael and wasn’t sure what to do about it. She was tired of being shut out and tossed aside. She knew Michael wasn’t all flowery and romantic…..Clearly she knew that. She didn’t expect him to change that. She just wanted to know she mattered. That she was the one he wanted to be with when he was there.
Seeing a flood of people coming in Maria set aside her ongoing problems with Michael and focused on the task at hand.
Michael thought about his conversation with Max and watched Maria through his shift. She was civil but that was about it. The problem with all of this was how was he supposed to know….to be certain? Max had just said that he would feel it. The problem with that was that Michael was so used to ignoring his feelings he barely gave them any thought most of the time. He didn’t spend time thinking and figuring things out. He acted when presented the chance and just rolled with the punches. He doubted Maria would go for that approach this time.
At the end of Maria’s shift he took his break and walked into the backroom where Maria was putting her stuff in her locker. Standing awkwardly in the doorway he waited for several minutes before he realized Maria wasn’t going to make this easy. “Maria? Can I talk to you?”
“Sure,” Maria answered not turning around.
“I just…about last night…I don’t think about Liz like that….like Max,” Michael fumbled walking farther into the room but wisely keeping lead off room. Just in case.
“I know,” Maria said slamming her order pad into her locker. “Max loves her.”
“Yeah. I don’t,” Michael said relieved. This wasn’t going bad.
“Yup,” Maria said shortly and slammed shut her locker.
When she started for the door he sighed. “Maria. Come on. What is it? You’re not talking and I don’t know what you want to hear.”
“I don’t have anything to say. I’m happy that Max and Liz won’t have a problem from you. That has nothing to do with me. I’m listening but I’m not hearing anything that pertains to me. You’ve made your point fairly clear. We’re not dating and you can run around with Courtney or any other person that happens to be there when you feel like….whatever. So unless you have something to add to that I’ll just be leaving,” Maria said eyeing Michael.
“I don’t want to run around! I’m here talking to you aren’t I?” Michael asked feeling that familiar frustration well up to choke him. Goddamn it! Why was she so difficult?
“And it was lovely and over now so see ya,” Maria said her eyes shooting sparks.
Michael caught her in the alley pinning her up against the wall. He was so frustrated with her it took him a moment to speak.
“Hello! Michael! What do you think you’re doing?” Maria demanded pushing at his chest.
“Ouch! Watch it…I’m a little sore. Listen….This thing with Liz…it isn’t by choice and not something I want okay? Max is gonna fix it so…..Look I want to try to…explain this. I want to, you know….see you and do this…whatever it is,” Michael said in a rush.
Maria crossed her arms over her chest and studied him for a moment. “Did you start this…..whatever because of whatever is going on with you and this thing with Liz?”
Michael looked away for a second before looking her in the eye. “Maybe….at first maybe. But I was never thinking of anyone else. I don't plan stuff and I do things on impulse sometimes but this was a good impulse. If this thing with Liz is the reason it started….then it’s worth it. I got to know you because of Liz and the shooting and so really everything sort of starts there. I don’t think of anyone else with you…I don’t,” Michael said hoping she believed him and he expressed himself clearly enough.
Maria thought about that for a long moment chewing on her lower lip. “Michael…I’m not going to put up with you shutting me out. You can’t just toss me aside when you feel that it’s getting scary or whatever. I won’t put up with it. I’m a part of this too. This stuff doesn’t just happen to you. These are my friends and my family too. If you forget that I'm going to be very very angry with you. I kicked Tess’s ass and I won’t hesitate to kick yours so if you’re looking for a Michael worshipper you’re looking in the wrong place got me?”
Michael found himself wanting to kiss her so taking his life in his hands he took a leap of faith.
The soft but firm pressure of his mouth surprised her at first but she kissed him back slowly. Her choice had been made. She was going to work like hell to make this thing work….and so was Michael.
Tess sat in the desert thinking, arms wrapped around her knees. Lonnie had run back to Nesado to tell him about last night but she needed to think by herself for a bit.
Ava was working with the others. Max was back with Liz and had actually tried to kill her for looking in a window. Michael was behind Max 100% and god knew Isabel wouldn’t wipe her ass without Max okaying it so she was screwed.
Chewing on her fingernail she wondered what was really going on. Nesado had lied. He hadn’t ever said this was a new life. He was sleeping with Lonnie and stalking Liz Parker. She was scared to go back and face him.
Tess had misjudged things badly she knew that now. She had just gone to Michael’s to see if Ava was there and assess things. She hadn’t known Lonnie was following her until she was already at the apartment. She had never expected Max to react like that. He didn’t seem the type but then everyone seemed to go crazy where that stupid human was concerned.
Liz Parker. God she hated her. If she could just disappear or die in a horribly painful way. Tess smiled at the thought. Things would be perfect then. Her path was clear. She had invested too much time and too much of herself to let things fall apart now.
Liz stepped out of the shower humming to herself. She couldn’t wait to see Max. He had called her twice already but she wanted to see him. She knew she should feel funny about last night but….she didn’t. She had meant it before when she said that she was putting herself in his hands. She loved him and trusted him totally. He would never hurt her and she wanted to be with him.
She didn’t know if the future would be better or not but then she never really had. What she did know was that Tess couldn’t be trusted. Max didn’t think she could be trusted either….all of them had had doubts about her at one time or another and that couldn’t be ignored or brushed aside.
Liz sighed feeling a downswing to her mood. Was she just fooling herself? Was she doing the right thing? Liz tossed her towel on her desk chair and turned to the mirror studying her own face closely. Looking for answers to her questions.
Max climbed up the ladder to Liz’s balcony. He was early but he couldn’t wait to see her. Crouching down by her window his eyes widened as he caught sight of her. Holy shit!
Liz heard a thump from her balcony and looked out the window scared it might be Tess or something. She smiled when she saw Max and quickly went to the window. “Hurt your butt?”
“Wh-what? I just…I was early,” Max said eyes glued to her.
“So I see,” Liz said eyes dancing. “Come on in. I just have to get dressed.”
“Yeah. I can see that,” Max said ears on fire.
“You like butterflies?” Liz asked her smile growing as her amusement increased.
“Huh?” Max asked brow furrowing.
“I thought you might have a…thing for butterflies since you can’t seem to look away from them,” Liz said referring to her damp robe.
Max nodded slowly. “I love them,” He agreed climbing in the window.
“So where are we going?” Liz asked moving back to her mirror to brush out her wet hair.
“Ahhhh,” Max said trying to kick-start his brain. “Where do you want to go?”
“I don’t really care. I just asked so I knew what to wear,” Liz said putting on her lip-gloss.
“That’s fine,” Max said grinning.
Liz smiled and looked over her shoulder arching her eyebrow. “Just this robe? I might get cold.”
Max walked closer and ran his hands down her arms. “Think so?”
“No,” Liz whispered meeting his eyes in the mirror. “But my Dad might wonder what you were doing to me,” Liz said laughter in her voice.
Max froze in place. “He’s here? Now?”
“Uh huh,” Liz said grinning as Max took a step away from her. “So….”
“So…I’ll meet you downstairs,” Max said and made a break for the window.
“Tease,” Liz called laughing.
Chapter Thirteen
Liz started choking and dropped her taco. “Excuse me?” Liz gasp when she could get her breath. “What? A bakery?”
Max wiped his mouth with his napkin to buy time, glad they were in the desert where they wouldn’t be overheard. “That’s how Michael described it,” Max said with a shrug. “It’s no big deal. We’ll figure it out.”
“Not a big deal? Are you crazy?” Liz asked horrified.
“No, it’s not really. I don’t think it is,” Max said seriously. “Michael and Zan both are fully in control of themselves. It’s not like they’ve been harassing you. It’ll be okay…really it will,” Max said seeing Liz’s expression.
“Max. You’re telling me that….to the males of the ‘not of this earth’ persuasion I feel like a BAKERY! A nice way of saying I’m in HEAT or something! Are you out of your MIND?” Liz asked her voice rising.
“No. NO that’s not what I said,” Max denied his mind scrambling to put a better spin on this. “It’s like sex appeal. Yeah. See, you just have an abundance of sex appeal. I’ve always thought so,” Max said and sent her his most charming smile. “You’re very sexy.”
Liz threw her balled up napkin at him. “Stop that. This is horrible Max! I’m NOT sexy or some sort of….hootchie girl! Oh my GOD!”
Max tackled her before she could scramble to her feet. He settled over her looking her in the eyes. “You are sexy and I never said anything about a…hootchie girl. You’re smart and beautiful…you are so naturally sexy Liz…that’s not a bad thing. It’s not,” Max said seriously. Seeing she was not reassured and tears welling in her eyes he struggled to think of how to work this around. “Liz, why don’t you believe me? Why is this a bad thing? Tell me why this is so awful.”
“It’s embarrassing and mortifying I mean god Max!” Liz said her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.
“You like it when I feel it right?” Max asked rubbing her cheek with his thumb.
“That’s different. It makes me feel special…loved when you’re attracted to me. I’m never afraid of you. I want you to want me..to need to touch me. Only you, not any alien in a…What? Mile radius? Two miles? Oh My God!” Liz said utterly mortified at the very thought.
Max could see this wasn’t going well. He shouldn’t have told her at all.
“Maybe what you feel is just…..because of whatever this is. I mean…I thought it was just Zan and he’s like…another you only not, so I could sort of rationalize that but MICHAEL?” Liz cried getting more upset as the implications bounced around in her head. “I had no idea he meant…Now…how do I know you don’t just think….”
Max watched her skitter toward a major Maria like freak out in utter surprise. He totally hadn’t expected this. She was usually so….calm. Max laced his fingers in her hair and kissed her. He focused and opened up to her allowing her to see what he thought…how he felt.
Liz moaned as a flood of feelings surged through her. Flashes flew through her head so fast she didn’t really see them as individual flashes they were a stream of need and love so strong it took her breath. When he pulled away she blinked up at him utterly silent.
“I love you. I want you all the time and always have. You were my fantasy before I really understood what one was. It was always you. You were always just MORE in my eyes. More vibrant, smarter, nicer, so beautiful. I don’t care if every alien in the solar system is drawn to you. They can’t have you. We love each other and that’s what matters. So if sometimes I feel like I have to touch you or go crazy it’s just part of us…of what we are together. You are special and I love you more then anything. Don’t be embarrassed Liz….this is beautiful and right,” Max said softly but it was no less fierce for that softness.
Liz didn’t answer she just lifted her face to his and kissed him.
Max groaned and felt a rush of heat wash over him as her mouth opened and the kiss turned wet and torrid building energy that was as vast as the night sky above them.
Isabel walked into the café hoping to catch Michael before he left. Seeing Alex at the counter she hesitated for a slit second before going to sit beside him. “Hello Alex.”
Alex didn’t look up. “They aren’t here, so whichever one of them you’re looking for, you’re out of luck,” Alex said tonelessly and took a drink of his orange soda.
“Alex….Why are you acting like this?” Isabel asked turning to face him.
“Like what? Like you do to most people not deemed worthy?” Alex asked twirling his straw and watching the ice circle the inside of his glass.
Isabel sighed and turned back to the counter. Wrinkling her nose in disgust she cleaned the place in front of her with a napkin. “That’s not fair, Alex.”
“Life’s not fair get used to it. You’re the last one that should be claiming you’re not being treated fairly,” Alex pointed out. He was sick of her attitude and wasn’t about to cave. She had said horrible things to his best friend and felt entitled to goddess like adoration. Fuck that. He’d had enough of being a lap dog.
“What have I done now? Did I miss your birthday or forget to go to one of your bands..shows?” Isabel asked her voice haughty masking her feels well.
“You’re rude and basically I’m starting to think just as shallow and cruel as the mask you wear. That’s what you’ve done. I put up with a lot from you but I have to draw the line somewhere and here is where it stops. You trashed Liz and treated her like dog shit to be scraped off of your shoe. You treat us like second class citizens or week old leftovers and I’ve had it. I don’t need you. I have friends that actually know what friendship is and you’re not that hot okay? There are plenty of pretty girls in the world so don’t think you’re irreplaceable. We don’t need you, Isabel. We’re not the ones that ran to you begging to be part of your club,” Alex said feeling his anger do a slow burn inside him. “You’re the one that needed MY help. Not the other way around.”
“Alex…,” Isabel started only to have Alex cut her off.
“I’ve tried to be friends and whatever. I accepted that you don’t feel more and that’s your right but you don’t have the right to walk all over us mere humans whenever you feel like it. You’re not perfect. You’re shallow and bitchy and you make mistakes just like the rest of us. You hurt people. On purpose. People that have helped you and you don’t even seem to care or notice for that matter,” Alex said and speared Isabel with an angry look. “You chose Tess for your best friend on the basis that she was like you so….go find her then.”
Isabel blinked in total shock. Alex was really angry with her and she found she didn’t like it. “I’m sorry, Alex. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have acted like that….it’s just that Liz really hurt Max and it’s just been us for so long. I just…I’m sorry.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Are you blind Isabel? Max loves Liz. Michael is….making progress with Maria. They are making a life, Isabel. Real connections outside of the three of you or four if you count Tess. If you’re not careful you’ll find that you’re alone with only your masks and pretences to keep you company. If Max had to choose…who would he choose? You or Liz? Are you even sure of the answer anymore? You can’t keep treating people like you do. That’s what Tess does and look where that’s getting her. It’s up to you what you want to do with your life….the sort of friends you want to have. If you’re happy with your life then that’s all that matters but Isabel…eventually High School ends and you enter the real world. Since it looks like you’ll be sticking around for awhile maybe you should think about what it is you want out of that life,” Alex said and tossed down enough money to cover his soda and left.
Max held Liz close staring up at the sky above them. Things were getting more complicated by the moment but strangely that just told him that this was right. It convinced him he had made the right choice because he was still so at peace. The weird pull, Tess, Nesado…none of that seemed to touch the certainty inside him. Glancing down into her sleeping face his thoughts turned to the amazing events of this evening.
She had opened up without reserve creating a deeper connection then they had managed before now. He really understood now. He traced the line of her nose the curve of her still swollen lips amazed that someone so beautiful inside and out loved him so completely.
He now understood why she had been so upset earlier.
Part of it was her private nature and not seeing herself as the type of girl guys would fantasized about. Her self image just didn’t allow those types of thoughts. She found it amazing that he had even noticed her in the first place. She wasn’t lacking in self-confidence it was just she saw other qualities as her strengths and her physical appeal wasn’t one of those traits that she saw as a strong point. She thought she was plain…ordinary. She was very misguided, Max thought to himself with a smile, his eyes tracing the curve of her cheek.
Another part was fear. Both Nesado and Rath had frightened her badly. She had felt small, weak, and vulnerable against them. She was afraid that Nesado would feel her…find her again. She worried about it being her fault that they had come here and that he would end up hurt. He worried too but his worries were more about how to keep her safe. Liz was vulnerable and he couldn’t be with her all the time. He hoped that River Dog had some answers on what was happening because eventually Nesado would come. Liz’s very difference from everyone else made her a mystery.
Nesado stared out into the darkness contemplating Liz Parker. She was intriguing. He had thought about her a lot over the course of time and still didn’t understand her. The first time he had seen her he had felt….something. Energy harnessed in her small fragile human body….power. It was unlike any power he had felt before and that was confusing and intriguing all at once. He sensed the boy’s feel….or his signature energy laced through hers but the very fact that hers was there so strong and sure was….disquieting.
She had drawn him across the desert to that radio tower. He had watched them sleep together on that blanket and knew if he didn’t act soon his plans….the deals he had made would fall apart. They weren’t united but it was clear they were close enough for it to be dangerous to him. Introducing Tess hadn’t had the effect that he had hoped. Max resisted and clung to the girl. At first he had thought getting rid of her would solve the problem but after touching her…..he had faltered. Now he was trapped. He couldn’t harm her any more then he could Max. In his desperation Max had made clear his wishes and he couldn’t override the encoding. He could however work around it.
A cold smile passed over his face. Tess was a useless screw up. He had trained her on how to please her king but she had failed him. Now he had to revise his plan. He needed to focus on the girl. She was the key to his king. The key to real power. Control the girl control the king. He had one of Kivar’s desires in Lonnie but that wouldn’t be enough.
Memories of Antar flowed over him reminding him of what he was striving for. Here on this planet everything was muted. Being forced to hold a form not his own took it’s toll. Sensation was dull and the pleasures that humans found so enjoyable were largely lost to him. He longed to throw off this form and really feel something without the filter of a false form between him and the world. The brief touch of that girl had him longing to see things in color and seep himself in the sensations of this world. Even through the filter of this form he had felt sensation burst inside him at her touch. Maybe he didn’t need to worry about the deal at all. Maybe this planet could be home to him…..if he had the girl.
Liz stayed silent as Max pulled the jeep up in front of the café. She felt mellow and content with her hand tucked securely in Max’s. He placed her hand on his thigh as he parked and turned off the vehicle. “What time should I be ready to go tomorrow?”
“Is ten okay?” Max asked softly.
“Umm yeah. That’s fine,” Liz said yawning sleepily.
“I was thinking that we’d leave the others at home tomorrow. Maybe just take Zan,” Max said rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. He wanted to make finding the answers as comfortable as possible for her and saw no need for all of group to be there.
Liz nodded in agreement relieved. The thought of Isabel glaring at her while her personal life was discussed was upsetting and disquieting to say the least. She could just imagine what Isabel would say. “Max? What are we going to do about Tess? Have you thought about it?”
“I’m not sure. I know she’s a threat but….I don’t like the idea of killing her,” Max said glancing over at Liz. “I think that’s a last resort. I’m hoping it won’t come to that but safety comes first.”
Liz nodded in understanding. His reluctance to take a life was one of the things she loved about him. He was the most gentle person she had ever met when he was with her. It was such a part of him when he touched her that she had trouble thinking of those hands taking a life. Max was extremely protective so if pushed he would protect his family but she hoped it didn’t come to that. “I hope so too,” Liz said softly then with a sigh she finally acknowledged the end to the evening. “I better go in.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Max said and brushed a kiss over her mouth. He waited until he was inside before leaving.
Zan lurked around the corner silently watching.
Liz started choking and dropped her taco. “Excuse me?” Liz gasp when she could get her breath. “What? A bakery?”
Max wiped his mouth with his napkin to buy time, glad they were in the desert where they wouldn’t be overheard. “That’s how Michael described it,” Max said with a shrug. “It’s no big deal. We’ll figure it out.”
“Not a big deal? Are you crazy?” Liz asked horrified.
“No, it’s not really. I don’t think it is,” Max said seriously. “Michael and Zan both are fully in control of themselves. It’s not like they’ve been harassing you. It’ll be okay…really it will,” Max said seeing Liz’s expression.
“Max. You’re telling me that….to the males of the ‘not of this earth’ persuasion I feel like a BAKERY! A nice way of saying I’m in HEAT or something! Are you out of your MIND?” Liz asked her voice rising.
“No. NO that’s not what I said,” Max denied his mind scrambling to put a better spin on this. “It’s like sex appeal. Yeah. See, you just have an abundance of sex appeal. I’ve always thought so,” Max said and sent her his most charming smile. “You’re very sexy.”
Liz threw her balled up napkin at him. “Stop that. This is horrible Max! I’m NOT sexy or some sort of….hootchie girl! Oh my GOD!”
Max tackled her before she could scramble to her feet. He settled over her looking her in the eyes. “You are sexy and I never said anything about a…hootchie girl. You’re smart and beautiful…you are so naturally sexy Liz…that’s not a bad thing. It’s not,” Max said seriously. Seeing she was not reassured and tears welling in her eyes he struggled to think of how to work this around. “Liz, why don’t you believe me? Why is this a bad thing? Tell me why this is so awful.”
“It’s embarrassing and mortifying I mean god Max!” Liz said her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.
“You like it when I feel it right?” Max asked rubbing her cheek with his thumb.
“That’s different. It makes me feel special…loved when you’re attracted to me. I’m never afraid of you. I want you to want me..to need to touch me. Only you, not any alien in a…What? Mile radius? Two miles? Oh My God!” Liz said utterly mortified at the very thought.
Max could see this wasn’t going well. He shouldn’t have told her at all.
“Maybe what you feel is just…..because of whatever this is. I mean…I thought it was just Zan and he’s like…another you only not, so I could sort of rationalize that but MICHAEL?” Liz cried getting more upset as the implications bounced around in her head. “I had no idea he meant…Now…how do I know you don’t just think….”
Max watched her skitter toward a major Maria like freak out in utter surprise. He totally hadn’t expected this. She was usually so….calm. Max laced his fingers in her hair and kissed her. He focused and opened up to her allowing her to see what he thought…how he felt.
Liz moaned as a flood of feelings surged through her. Flashes flew through her head so fast she didn’t really see them as individual flashes they were a stream of need and love so strong it took her breath. When he pulled away she blinked up at him utterly silent.
“I love you. I want you all the time and always have. You were my fantasy before I really understood what one was. It was always you. You were always just MORE in my eyes. More vibrant, smarter, nicer, so beautiful. I don’t care if every alien in the solar system is drawn to you. They can’t have you. We love each other and that’s what matters. So if sometimes I feel like I have to touch you or go crazy it’s just part of us…of what we are together. You are special and I love you more then anything. Don’t be embarrassed Liz….this is beautiful and right,” Max said softly but it was no less fierce for that softness.
Liz didn’t answer she just lifted her face to his and kissed him.
Max groaned and felt a rush of heat wash over him as her mouth opened and the kiss turned wet and torrid building energy that was as vast as the night sky above them.
Isabel walked into the café hoping to catch Michael before he left. Seeing Alex at the counter she hesitated for a slit second before going to sit beside him. “Hello Alex.”
Alex didn’t look up. “They aren’t here, so whichever one of them you’re looking for, you’re out of luck,” Alex said tonelessly and took a drink of his orange soda.
“Alex….Why are you acting like this?” Isabel asked turning to face him.
“Like what? Like you do to most people not deemed worthy?” Alex asked twirling his straw and watching the ice circle the inside of his glass.
Isabel sighed and turned back to the counter. Wrinkling her nose in disgust she cleaned the place in front of her with a napkin. “That’s not fair, Alex.”
“Life’s not fair get used to it. You’re the last one that should be claiming you’re not being treated fairly,” Alex pointed out. He was sick of her attitude and wasn’t about to cave. She had said horrible things to his best friend and felt entitled to goddess like adoration. Fuck that. He’d had enough of being a lap dog.
“What have I done now? Did I miss your birthday or forget to go to one of your bands..shows?” Isabel asked her voice haughty masking her feels well.
“You’re rude and basically I’m starting to think just as shallow and cruel as the mask you wear. That’s what you’ve done. I put up with a lot from you but I have to draw the line somewhere and here is where it stops. You trashed Liz and treated her like dog shit to be scraped off of your shoe. You treat us like second class citizens or week old leftovers and I’ve had it. I don’t need you. I have friends that actually know what friendship is and you’re not that hot okay? There are plenty of pretty girls in the world so don’t think you’re irreplaceable. We don’t need you, Isabel. We’re not the ones that ran to you begging to be part of your club,” Alex said feeling his anger do a slow burn inside him. “You’re the one that needed MY help. Not the other way around.”
“Alex…,” Isabel started only to have Alex cut her off.
“I’ve tried to be friends and whatever. I accepted that you don’t feel more and that’s your right but you don’t have the right to walk all over us mere humans whenever you feel like it. You’re not perfect. You’re shallow and bitchy and you make mistakes just like the rest of us. You hurt people. On purpose. People that have helped you and you don’t even seem to care or notice for that matter,” Alex said and speared Isabel with an angry look. “You chose Tess for your best friend on the basis that she was like you so….go find her then.”
Isabel blinked in total shock. Alex was really angry with her and she found she didn’t like it. “I’m sorry, Alex. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have acted like that….it’s just that Liz really hurt Max and it’s just been us for so long. I just…I’m sorry.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Are you blind Isabel? Max loves Liz. Michael is….making progress with Maria. They are making a life, Isabel. Real connections outside of the three of you or four if you count Tess. If you’re not careful you’ll find that you’re alone with only your masks and pretences to keep you company. If Max had to choose…who would he choose? You or Liz? Are you even sure of the answer anymore? You can’t keep treating people like you do. That’s what Tess does and look where that’s getting her. It’s up to you what you want to do with your life….the sort of friends you want to have. If you’re happy with your life then that’s all that matters but Isabel…eventually High School ends and you enter the real world. Since it looks like you’ll be sticking around for awhile maybe you should think about what it is you want out of that life,” Alex said and tossed down enough money to cover his soda and left.
Max held Liz close staring up at the sky above them. Things were getting more complicated by the moment but strangely that just told him that this was right. It convinced him he had made the right choice because he was still so at peace. The weird pull, Tess, Nesado…none of that seemed to touch the certainty inside him. Glancing down into her sleeping face his thoughts turned to the amazing events of this evening.
She had opened up without reserve creating a deeper connection then they had managed before now. He really understood now. He traced the line of her nose the curve of her still swollen lips amazed that someone so beautiful inside and out loved him so completely.
He now understood why she had been so upset earlier.
Part of it was her private nature and not seeing herself as the type of girl guys would fantasized about. Her self image just didn’t allow those types of thoughts. She found it amazing that he had even noticed her in the first place. She wasn’t lacking in self-confidence it was just she saw other qualities as her strengths and her physical appeal wasn’t one of those traits that she saw as a strong point. She thought she was plain…ordinary. She was very misguided, Max thought to himself with a smile, his eyes tracing the curve of her cheek.
Another part was fear. Both Nesado and Rath had frightened her badly. She had felt small, weak, and vulnerable against them. She was afraid that Nesado would feel her…find her again. She worried about it being her fault that they had come here and that he would end up hurt. He worried too but his worries were more about how to keep her safe. Liz was vulnerable and he couldn’t be with her all the time. He hoped that River Dog had some answers on what was happening because eventually Nesado would come. Liz’s very difference from everyone else made her a mystery.
Nesado stared out into the darkness contemplating Liz Parker. She was intriguing. He had thought about her a lot over the course of time and still didn’t understand her. The first time he had seen her he had felt….something. Energy harnessed in her small fragile human body….power. It was unlike any power he had felt before and that was confusing and intriguing all at once. He sensed the boy’s feel….or his signature energy laced through hers but the very fact that hers was there so strong and sure was….disquieting.
She had drawn him across the desert to that radio tower. He had watched them sleep together on that blanket and knew if he didn’t act soon his plans….the deals he had made would fall apart. They weren’t united but it was clear they were close enough for it to be dangerous to him. Introducing Tess hadn’t had the effect that he had hoped. Max resisted and clung to the girl. At first he had thought getting rid of her would solve the problem but after touching her…..he had faltered. Now he was trapped. He couldn’t harm her any more then he could Max. In his desperation Max had made clear his wishes and he couldn’t override the encoding. He could however work around it.
A cold smile passed over his face. Tess was a useless screw up. He had trained her on how to please her king but she had failed him. Now he had to revise his plan. He needed to focus on the girl. She was the key to his king. The key to real power. Control the girl control the king. He had one of Kivar’s desires in Lonnie but that wouldn’t be enough.
Memories of Antar flowed over him reminding him of what he was striving for. Here on this planet everything was muted. Being forced to hold a form not his own took it’s toll. Sensation was dull and the pleasures that humans found so enjoyable were largely lost to him. He longed to throw off this form and really feel something without the filter of a false form between him and the world. The brief touch of that girl had him longing to see things in color and seep himself in the sensations of this world. Even through the filter of this form he had felt sensation burst inside him at her touch. Maybe he didn’t need to worry about the deal at all. Maybe this planet could be home to him…..if he had the girl.
Liz stayed silent as Max pulled the jeep up in front of the café. She felt mellow and content with her hand tucked securely in Max’s. He placed her hand on his thigh as he parked and turned off the vehicle. “What time should I be ready to go tomorrow?”
“Is ten okay?” Max asked softly.
“Umm yeah. That’s fine,” Liz said yawning sleepily.
“I was thinking that we’d leave the others at home tomorrow. Maybe just take Zan,” Max said rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. He wanted to make finding the answers as comfortable as possible for her and saw no need for all of group to be there.
Liz nodded in agreement relieved. The thought of Isabel glaring at her while her personal life was discussed was upsetting and disquieting to say the least. She could just imagine what Isabel would say. “Max? What are we going to do about Tess? Have you thought about it?”
“I’m not sure. I know she’s a threat but….I don’t like the idea of killing her,” Max said glancing over at Liz. “I think that’s a last resort. I’m hoping it won’t come to that but safety comes first.”
Liz nodded in understanding. His reluctance to take a life was one of the things she loved about him. He was the most gentle person she had ever met when he was with her. It was such a part of him when he touched her that she had trouble thinking of those hands taking a life. Max was extremely protective so if pushed he would protect his family but she hoped it didn’t come to that. “I hope so too,” Liz said softly then with a sigh she finally acknowledged the end to the evening. “I better go in.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Max said and brushed a kiss over her mouth. He waited until he was inside before leaving.
Zan lurked around the corner silently watching.
Chapter Fourteen
Climbing into the Jeep the next morning Liz was determined to gut this out no matter how embarrassing. Zan didn’t really know her anyway so it wouldn’t be that bad she tried to tell herself. She sighed as she settled into the seat not believing a word of it. Sending Max a brief smile to reassure him she turned to watch the scenery go by so lost in thought she didn’t really even hear Max explaining to Zan the background about how they met River Dog.
When they arrived Max watched Liz carefully. He could sense her unease but even if he couldn’t it would be clear anyway with all the space she kept between them. Max smiled knowing she was trying to suppress her “vibes”. When he saw her break into a huge smile he looked over and saw Eddie approaching them a smile spreading over his face as he focused on Liz.
“Eddie! How are you?” Liz asked when he got close enough.
“Not as good as you I would bet,” Eddie said looking her over. “You look great. So what are you doing out here?”
“Oh umm we’re hoping to see River Dog. I have some questions,” Liz said blushing a little under his warm perusal.
Zan hung back and smirked as Max straightened keeping a close eye on Liz although he didn’t crowd her.
Eddie nodded to Max briefly his eyes barely flickering over Zan before resting back on Liz. “He’s up at the cave. He goes up there when he wants to be alone. Communing with nature and Spirits I guess,” Eddie said with a teasing smile.
“Oh well I guess we’ll head out there. Thanks Eddie,” Liz said with a smile.
“Sure. Oh…thanks for the Red Skin basket,” Eddie said and winked before he turned and jogged back to the two men waiting for him leaning against the building while they eyed the newcomers.
Max moved closer and laced their fingers together to get her attention. “What did he mean by that?”
“I finally got my dad to change the name of the potato skins. It’s nothing,” Liz said softly. Turning back to Max she smiled tugging him closer. “You can’t possibly be jealous Max Evans,” Liz teased lightly.
Max raised his eyebrow slightly and smiled. “No?”
“Nope,” Liz answered her finger tracing the zipper on his jacket. “I don’t think I was with Eddie last night….was I?”
Zan took a deep steadying breath too far away to hear them but feeling the impact none the less.
Max rolled his eyes and smiled. “You’re trying to play me.”
Liz arched her eyebrow as she looked at him. “Me? I don’t think so. You’re the one who tries to charm me into forgetting things.”
Max grinned as he looked into her offended expression. “Whatever gets me out of trouble.”
“Or into it,” Liz replied as Max nuzzled her ear. “Come on Zan’s waiting,” Liz said pushing Max away unable to control her smile despite her shove.
“How far is this cave?” Zan grumbled as he trailed behind the other two. He hated nature. Slapping away a fly he scowled.
“Not far. Can you keep up?” Liz asked biting back a chuckle at his expression.
“I’s keeping up fine,” Zan replied offended that she was questioning his stamina.
“Okay. I guess I was just thrown off due to all the whining,” Liz teased looking over her shoulder at him. “Sorry.”
Zan rolled his eyes but his lips twitched into a smile. “At least I gotta view,” Zan said letting his eyes travel down to her backside. When he looked back up he was wearing a wolfish grin and was pleased by her pink cheeks.
By the time they reached the cave Zan was looking forward to getting out of the sun. He had seen several snakes sunning themselves on the rocks and the insects were way too active. The sticks sucked ass.
Before they could enter Liz spotted the Indian Elder a little ways away looking into the distance. She strolled toward him feeling a rise in her nervousness the closer she got. This was the man they were counting on to have the answers to her life this time. It was a little scary. Feeling Max squeeze her fingers in support she relaxed slightly and sent him a smile.
“Why are you here?” River Dog asked without turning. “I have told you all I know.”
“Actually….umm this time it’s me who has the questions,” Liz said softly.
River Dog turned and studied them for a moment before nodding slightly. He walked back toward the cave and sat on a cluster of rocks outside finding comfort in the sunlight. He watched the other three settle on the ground and smiled inwardly as the new one carefully checked the ground first. “Did you know that I knew your Grandmother?”
“Umm no. I knew she came out here a lot,” Liz said puzzled about the direction this was starting out in.
“We talked of many things. She was a fascinating women…much like you will be I would think,” River Dog said his voice quiet as he shifted through his memories. “She knew of many things and believed in things that some would find foolish. I found her to be interesting and wise in a way not often found any more. She had a strong spirit,” River Dog said and paused watching a bird circle it’s prey in the distance. “Do you remember the time she took you with her for the summer?”
Liz smiled and nodded. “Yes. My parents were remodeling the café that summer so Grandma offered to take me on a dig with her in Mexico. I was….six or seven I think. I was so excited. I thought it was an adventure. I’m sure I was a huge pest,” Liz said chuckling slightly and smiling at the memory. She settled against Max instinctively finding comfort in the warmth of his body. “Then I got sick.”
“Yes. Claudia said you were very ill with a high fever. What do you remember about that time?” River Dog asked watching her and Max closely.
“Not a lot. I was sick for almost a week and delusional from the fever for most of that time,” Liz said reciting what she had been told. “I was never allowed to spend the summer with her again after that.”
“Sometimes when a strong spirit is young they do things that they aren’t aware of. It’s natural to them because they’ve always been able to do it. They don’t realize that it’s dangerous or that others can’t do the things they can do. Your Grandmother knew you were one of those. Your Spirit is strong and of the Earth. We spoke about it many times. Did you know she brought you to a local tribe for healing while you were ill?” River Dog asked softly.
Liz’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “No. I didn’t know.”
“That is why your parents were upset. It wasn’t conventional and they feared you could have died due to your Grandmothers actions….not bringing you to a hospital for care. Claudia knew that that wouldn’t help. Your Spirit was out walking the Earth and needed help finding its way back to its body. That is what the ritual was for,” River Dog tried to explain clearly.
“What do you mean my Spirit was walking? I don’t understand,” Liz said her fingers griping Max’s thigh tightly.
“Sometimes the Spirit leaves the body and travels. Some people do it in sleep and think that it’s a dream others just relax and the ties that ground them to their bodies loosen. The problem is that it leaves the body open to outside influences….unguarded. That’s dangerous even more so when you’re young. Youth is attractive to others so is power and strength. Why don’t you tell me what brings you here now?” River Dog asked his eyes steady as he looked between the three of them.
“Ummm well…,” Liz stuttered thrown off balance.
“We’s been feeling things from her,” Zan said cutting in. “She’s sending mental lap dances.”
“WHAT?” Liz yelped and punched Zan hard in the chest.
“Ouch! Watch the claws,” Zan said smirking.
Max grabbed her as she lunged for him again fist raised. “ZAN!” Max yelled sharply shooting him a killing look. When Liz settled back against his side, his arm firmly around her just in case, Max turned to River Dog. “Sorry. What the mentally challenged one over there was trying to say is that to us….visitors Liz is sending some pretty strong signals and she’s had some trouble. We’re afraid that someone we don’t want to meet might pick up on them. We’re curious about some of the things you said before and wondered if you might know anything that can help us.”
River Dog nodded slowly internally amused but outwardly just as unreadable as ever. “Liz has a warm spirit…an Earth Spirit. You are of the Sky. There are many myths in different cultures that speak of the ties between Earth and Sky. The Earth has its own balance its own gravity I’m sure that calls to you,” River Dog ended with a shrug.
“That’s it?” Liz asked feeling a bubble of despair grow inside her. “That’s all you can say? You don’t know what’s happening?”
“I know of no other pairing like this….ever. I can say what I see but there is no certainty there,” River Dog replied. “This is part of your path. You will find your way.”
“Why did you say that Liz would appeal to us?” Max asked.
“You are made of two places. Earth and Sky….Sky has no balance of its own. Liz is a strong force she can provide balance and maintain her own. I imagine that would appeal to all visitors.”
“Why would they feel things…signals from me?” Liz asked.
“Nesado told me that their normal form of communication is mental telepathy. They are more sensitive to signals and better equipped to receive them. You are not anchored by any bonds strong enough to send those….signals down so they just go into the open.”
“But…WHY? Why am I sending anything at all? Maria doesn’t,” Liz demanded.
“Does Maria’s Spirit walk?” River Dog asked quietly. “Liz…whatever your Grandmother felt has only grown stronger. You have a gift….power. The Earth has blessed you. It is strong…life springs from the Earth, all sorts of life. You have a different path from some but that was to be true anyway wasn’t it?” River Dog asked looking at Max.
“Why did you warn her about trusting me?” Max asked puzzling over things as he tried to put things together in his mind.
“Liz needs to be careful. Careful who she lets in. She needs an anchor….someone strong enough to draw her back when she wanders too far. Someone who will stay,” River Dog said with a pointed glance at Max.
“I don’t believe any of this. I don’t have a gift. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I have never….walked anyway but with my own feet,” Liz said certainty in her tone.
“Well like I said….I just tell you what I see,” River Dog said standing slowly. Looking to the sky he stayed quiet for a moment. “Storms coming.”
Zan looked at the clear sky thoughtfully.
After dropping Zan off he took Liz on a drive. He parked finally at the edge of Frazier woods in the shadow of the trees. Liz climbed right into the backseat and after a moment of surprise Max followed her.
Liz curled up against him and sighed when his arms came around her. “Do you believe him?”
Max tilted his head down to look at the top of her head. Her hair shown in dim light strands of red and copper threading through the brown. “I have no real reason not to. You’ve always been special. I don’t find that any harder to believe then the fact that there are aliens.”
“But you are an alien,” Liz whispered.
“And you’re special. That’s just how it is,” Max said in return reaching out to finger a lock of her hair.
“So tell me something….Do aliens really snatch bodies like in the movies?” Liz asked smiling.
Max froze completely unable to process the turn of the conversation.
Liz sat up and poked him in the side. “Max?”
“No, we don’t snatch bodies that I know of. Not like in the movies anyway,” Max said smiling just happy she wasn’t upset.
“Not even special ones?” Liz asked softly tracing his lower lip with her index finger.
“Not even then,” Max said then nipped her finger smiling when she squeaked in surprise.
“Even if I asked you to?” Liz laughter still in her voice.
“What exactly are you saying here Liz?” Max asked softly.
Liz raised her eyes to his looking at him with a steady calm gaze. “I’m saying I love you and I trust you. I’m saying that you’re the one.”
Max took a deep breath overwhelmed at the certainty in her eyes. “You’re the one for me too,” Max said softly.
They spent the afternoon talking. They talked about River Dog, Nesado, and the rest of their friends. As they talked they never stopped touching. It was time spent outside of their regular world cocooned in the backseat and tangled together, building an understanding between them.
Climbing into the Jeep the next morning Liz was determined to gut this out no matter how embarrassing. Zan didn’t really know her anyway so it wouldn’t be that bad she tried to tell herself. She sighed as she settled into the seat not believing a word of it. Sending Max a brief smile to reassure him she turned to watch the scenery go by so lost in thought she didn’t really even hear Max explaining to Zan the background about how they met River Dog.
When they arrived Max watched Liz carefully. He could sense her unease but even if he couldn’t it would be clear anyway with all the space she kept between them. Max smiled knowing she was trying to suppress her “vibes”. When he saw her break into a huge smile he looked over and saw Eddie approaching them a smile spreading over his face as he focused on Liz.
“Eddie! How are you?” Liz asked when he got close enough.
“Not as good as you I would bet,” Eddie said looking her over. “You look great. So what are you doing out here?”
“Oh umm we’re hoping to see River Dog. I have some questions,” Liz said blushing a little under his warm perusal.
Zan hung back and smirked as Max straightened keeping a close eye on Liz although he didn’t crowd her.
Eddie nodded to Max briefly his eyes barely flickering over Zan before resting back on Liz. “He’s up at the cave. He goes up there when he wants to be alone. Communing with nature and Spirits I guess,” Eddie said with a teasing smile.
“Oh well I guess we’ll head out there. Thanks Eddie,” Liz said with a smile.
“Sure. Oh…thanks for the Red Skin basket,” Eddie said and winked before he turned and jogged back to the two men waiting for him leaning against the building while they eyed the newcomers.
Max moved closer and laced their fingers together to get her attention. “What did he mean by that?”
“I finally got my dad to change the name of the potato skins. It’s nothing,” Liz said softly. Turning back to Max she smiled tugging him closer. “You can’t possibly be jealous Max Evans,” Liz teased lightly.
Max raised his eyebrow slightly and smiled. “No?”
“Nope,” Liz answered her finger tracing the zipper on his jacket. “I don’t think I was with Eddie last night….was I?”
Zan took a deep steadying breath too far away to hear them but feeling the impact none the less.
Max rolled his eyes and smiled. “You’re trying to play me.”
Liz arched her eyebrow as she looked at him. “Me? I don’t think so. You’re the one who tries to charm me into forgetting things.”
Max grinned as he looked into her offended expression. “Whatever gets me out of trouble.”
“Or into it,” Liz replied as Max nuzzled her ear. “Come on Zan’s waiting,” Liz said pushing Max away unable to control her smile despite her shove.
“How far is this cave?” Zan grumbled as he trailed behind the other two. He hated nature. Slapping away a fly he scowled.
“Not far. Can you keep up?” Liz asked biting back a chuckle at his expression.
“I’s keeping up fine,” Zan replied offended that she was questioning his stamina.
“Okay. I guess I was just thrown off due to all the whining,” Liz teased looking over her shoulder at him. “Sorry.”
Zan rolled his eyes but his lips twitched into a smile. “At least I gotta view,” Zan said letting his eyes travel down to her backside. When he looked back up he was wearing a wolfish grin and was pleased by her pink cheeks.
By the time they reached the cave Zan was looking forward to getting out of the sun. He had seen several snakes sunning themselves on the rocks and the insects were way too active. The sticks sucked ass.
Before they could enter Liz spotted the Indian Elder a little ways away looking into the distance. She strolled toward him feeling a rise in her nervousness the closer she got. This was the man they were counting on to have the answers to her life this time. It was a little scary. Feeling Max squeeze her fingers in support she relaxed slightly and sent him a smile.
“Why are you here?” River Dog asked without turning. “I have told you all I know.”
“Actually….umm this time it’s me who has the questions,” Liz said softly.
River Dog turned and studied them for a moment before nodding slightly. He walked back toward the cave and sat on a cluster of rocks outside finding comfort in the sunlight. He watched the other three settle on the ground and smiled inwardly as the new one carefully checked the ground first. “Did you know that I knew your Grandmother?”
“Umm no. I knew she came out here a lot,” Liz said puzzled about the direction this was starting out in.
“We talked of many things. She was a fascinating women…much like you will be I would think,” River Dog said his voice quiet as he shifted through his memories. “She knew of many things and believed in things that some would find foolish. I found her to be interesting and wise in a way not often found any more. She had a strong spirit,” River Dog said and paused watching a bird circle it’s prey in the distance. “Do you remember the time she took you with her for the summer?”
Liz smiled and nodded. “Yes. My parents were remodeling the café that summer so Grandma offered to take me on a dig with her in Mexico. I was….six or seven I think. I was so excited. I thought it was an adventure. I’m sure I was a huge pest,” Liz said chuckling slightly and smiling at the memory. She settled against Max instinctively finding comfort in the warmth of his body. “Then I got sick.”
“Yes. Claudia said you were very ill with a high fever. What do you remember about that time?” River Dog asked watching her and Max closely.
“Not a lot. I was sick for almost a week and delusional from the fever for most of that time,” Liz said reciting what she had been told. “I was never allowed to spend the summer with her again after that.”
“Sometimes when a strong spirit is young they do things that they aren’t aware of. It’s natural to them because they’ve always been able to do it. They don’t realize that it’s dangerous or that others can’t do the things they can do. Your Grandmother knew you were one of those. Your Spirit is strong and of the Earth. We spoke about it many times. Did you know she brought you to a local tribe for healing while you were ill?” River Dog asked softly.
Liz’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “No. I didn’t know.”
“That is why your parents were upset. It wasn’t conventional and they feared you could have died due to your Grandmothers actions….not bringing you to a hospital for care. Claudia knew that that wouldn’t help. Your Spirit was out walking the Earth and needed help finding its way back to its body. That is what the ritual was for,” River Dog tried to explain clearly.
“What do you mean my Spirit was walking? I don’t understand,” Liz said her fingers griping Max’s thigh tightly.
“Sometimes the Spirit leaves the body and travels. Some people do it in sleep and think that it’s a dream others just relax and the ties that ground them to their bodies loosen. The problem is that it leaves the body open to outside influences….unguarded. That’s dangerous even more so when you’re young. Youth is attractive to others so is power and strength. Why don’t you tell me what brings you here now?” River Dog asked his eyes steady as he looked between the three of them.
“Ummm well…,” Liz stuttered thrown off balance.
“We’s been feeling things from her,” Zan said cutting in. “She’s sending mental lap dances.”
“WHAT?” Liz yelped and punched Zan hard in the chest.
“Ouch! Watch the claws,” Zan said smirking.
Max grabbed her as she lunged for him again fist raised. “ZAN!” Max yelled sharply shooting him a killing look. When Liz settled back against his side, his arm firmly around her just in case, Max turned to River Dog. “Sorry. What the mentally challenged one over there was trying to say is that to us….visitors Liz is sending some pretty strong signals and she’s had some trouble. We’re afraid that someone we don’t want to meet might pick up on them. We’re curious about some of the things you said before and wondered if you might know anything that can help us.”
River Dog nodded slowly internally amused but outwardly just as unreadable as ever. “Liz has a warm spirit…an Earth Spirit. You are of the Sky. There are many myths in different cultures that speak of the ties between Earth and Sky. The Earth has its own balance its own gravity I’m sure that calls to you,” River Dog ended with a shrug.
“That’s it?” Liz asked feeling a bubble of despair grow inside her. “That’s all you can say? You don’t know what’s happening?”
“I know of no other pairing like this….ever. I can say what I see but there is no certainty there,” River Dog replied. “This is part of your path. You will find your way.”
“Why did you say that Liz would appeal to us?” Max asked.
“You are made of two places. Earth and Sky….Sky has no balance of its own. Liz is a strong force she can provide balance and maintain her own. I imagine that would appeal to all visitors.”
“Why would they feel things…signals from me?” Liz asked.
“Nesado told me that their normal form of communication is mental telepathy. They are more sensitive to signals and better equipped to receive them. You are not anchored by any bonds strong enough to send those….signals down so they just go into the open.”
“But…WHY? Why am I sending anything at all? Maria doesn’t,” Liz demanded.
“Does Maria’s Spirit walk?” River Dog asked quietly. “Liz…whatever your Grandmother felt has only grown stronger. You have a gift….power. The Earth has blessed you. It is strong…life springs from the Earth, all sorts of life. You have a different path from some but that was to be true anyway wasn’t it?” River Dog asked looking at Max.
“Why did you warn her about trusting me?” Max asked puzzling over things as he tried to put things together in his mind.
“Liz needs to be careful. Careful who she lets in. She needs an anchor….someone strong enough to draw her back when she wanders too far. Someone who will stay,” River Dog said with a pointed glance at Max.
“I don’t believe any of this. I don’t have a gift. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I have never….walked anyway but with my own feet,” Liz said certainty in her tone.
“Well like I said….I just tell you what I see,” River Dog said standing slowly. Looking to the sky he stayed quiet for a moment. “Storms coming.”
Zan looked at the clear sky thoughtfully.
After dropping Zan off he took Liz on a drive. He parked finally at the edge of Frazier woods in the shadow of the trees. Liz climbed right into the backseat and after a moment of surprise Max followed her.
Liz curled up against him and sighed when his arms came around her. “Do you believe him?”
Max tilted his head down to look at the top of her head. Her hair shown in dim light strands of red and copper threading through the brown. “I have no real reason not to. You’ve always been special. I don’t find that any harder to believe then the fact that there are aliens.”
“But you are an alien,” Liz whispered.
“And you’re special. That’s just how it is,” Max said in return reaching out to finger a lock of her hair.
“So tell me something….Do aliens really snatch bodies like in the movies?” Liz asked smiling.
Max froze completely unable to process the turn of the conversation.
Liz sat up and poked him in the side. “Max?”
“No, we don’t snatch bodies that I know of. Not like in the movies anyway,” Max said smiling just happy she wasn’t upset.
“Not even special ones?” Liz asked softly tracing his lower lip with her index finger.
“Not even then,” Max said then nipped her finger smiling when she squeaked in surprise.
“Even if I asked you to?” Liz laughter still in her voice.
“What exactly are you saying here Liz?” Max asked softly.
Liz raised her eyes to his looking at him with a steady calm gaze. “I’m saying I love you and I trust you. I’m saying that you’re the one.”
Max took a deep breath overwhelmed at the certainty in her eyes. “You’re the one for me too,” Max said softly.
They spent the afternoon talking. They talked about River Dog, Nesado, and the rest of their friends. As they talked they never stopped touching. It was time spent outside of their regular world cocooned in the backseat and tangled together, building an understanding between them.
Chapter Fifteen
Getting ready for school the next morning Max was lost in his thoughts absent-mindedly going through the motions. Liz was driving him totally insane. In a good way but he was finding that he was having trouble concentrating on anything but her.
“Max! Hello? Were you just going to drive off without me?” Isabel asked sharply from in front of the jeep.
Max jammed on the brake and waited for her to climb in. “Sorry. I was thinking,” Max replied sheepishly.
Isabel shot him a nasty look and flipped her hair. “Obviously. What is going on with you anyway Max? I’ve barely seen you all weekend.”
“I’ve just had a lot going on with Liz and everything,” Max said not really answering her question.
“I gathered that. Care to fill the rest of us in?” Isabel asked a slightly chilly tone to her voice.
“Not really. It doesn’t involve the whole group,” Max said firmly. He was getting tired of trying to balance the relationship he had with his sister with the one he had with Liz. Liz never said anything about Isabel although he knew Isabel wasn’t exactly friendly to her. Isabel frequently made barbed comments about Liz however. He had shrugged it off and not said much thinking she would get over it when she got to know Liz but she never really had. He knew Isabel was exceptionally sensitive about loosing either him or Michael but that didn’t excuse her behavior and he was ashamed he had allowed it to continue.
“It doesn’t involve us? How can you say that?” Isabel asked astonished. She turned in her seat to face Max as he drove.
“I can say that because it’s the truth. Isabel not everything is everyone’s business. This is personal and doesn’t effect you at all. If Liz wants to share she will,” Max said simply.
“What is it about Liz? You never think straight when it has anything to do with that girl,” Isabel scoffed. She knew she was over reacting and being a bitch. She just couldn’t seem to help it. Alex’s words echoed in her head and she was afraid he was right. She was afraid that someone had replaced her as the most important person in her brother’s life.
“She’s not “that girl”. I love her, Isabel. She’s not going away and I would really appreciate it if you tried to get along with her. She’s important to me and she makes me happy. Even if that weren’t true she’s a part of this. She’s helped us out so much. Why are you acting like this anyway? What did she ever do to you?” Max asked frustrated.
“Why am I acting like this? Max…look at what you’ve done since she came into our lives! You expose yourself in the middle of a crowed café, get taken by the FBI, get hurt in a car accident with HER….I’m sure you weren’t paying attention to the road…you light up half of Roswell while drunk and trying to impress her. It always comes back to her,” Isabel said making her case.
“No it doesn’t. I did all of those things. I did, not Liz. She’s not responsible for any of that. I would do all of that again….well maybe not the drinking but the rest of it I would. I love her and I don’t want a life without her. Stop holding her responsible for MY mistakes. Things change Isabel…we aren’t alone just the three of us anymore. You need to accept that and adjust to the changes in our lives. Would you really want to go back to how it was? I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t change anything,” Max said his voice ringing with conviction.
Isabel sighed and turned to look out the window. There was no talking to him when he was like this. His mind was made up and she had better get used to it. Truthfully she had known that before starting this conversation. Ever since Max had healed her Isabel had known. It had really struck her when they had stood in that alley with Maria’s car blocking their escape. Max had sided with Liz then…threatened to turn himself in but if she were honest with herself Max had made his choice the instant he had bent over Liz preparing to heal her. He had chosen Liz over her and Michael and hadn’t blinked an eye. There was no going back now.
Liz walked into school thinking about what she had discovered last night. She had stayed up late searching the Internet for a clue as to what River Dog could have been talking about. She had found plenty of myths about the Earth and Sky in many different cultures but that wasn’t what had really caught her attention. Astral projection. That’s what River Dog had meant. At least that’s what she thought he had meant.
Liz opened her locker and shuffled her books around looking for her notebook. She was only half-aware of the noise of the other students and the slamming of locker doors as she collected her books. She smiled when strong arms wrapped around her and enveloped her in Max’s comforting scent. “Good morning to you too,” Liz drawled softly.
Max smiled into her hair as his hand splayed across her belly. “Morning sunshine. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s really good actually,” Liz answered leaning back into him.
“Can I walk you to class?” Max asked his breath moving her hair as he spoke.
“Mmmm sure,” Liz murmured not really wanting to move.
“Well aren’t you two cute,” Tess observed snidely from behind them.
Max dropped his arms and spun to face Tess blocking Liz with his body. “What are you doing here?”
Tess looked around casually. “It’s Monday. A school day. I think I still go to school here,” Tess pointed out. “Even if I’m not in your little group anymore.”
“That was your choice,” Max replied.
“No, I think it was yours. You tried to kill me for looking in a window Max. I think you made your choice then,” Tess said watching them both closely.
“I didn’t..,” Max cut himself off when Liz squeezed his arm in warning.
“I saw you. I can’t believe you would do that. I’m one of you and for that tramp you would murder me?” Tess asked her tone a study in disbelief.
“You’re working against us Tess. I know you are,” Max said firmly.
“That little sewer rat tell you that?” Tess asked referring to Ava. “You shouldn’t believe everything you hear.”
“Just stay away from us,” Max said as the warning bell rang. “I have no interest in you unless you do something to change that.”
Liz slipped her hand into his as he guided her away. A glance over her shoulder showed Tess glaring at her fiercely. When they were almost to class Liz looked up at a silent and worried Max. “What do you thing she’s doing here?”
“I don’t know. You have her in gym don’t you?” Max asked worried about Liz’s safety.
“Yeah, but I doubt she’ll do anything in front of witnesses. Don’t worry I’ll be careful,” Liz said giving thought to skipping that class.
“I’ll meet you here after class okay?” Max asked quietly.
“See you then,” Liz said and lifted her face for his swift kiss.
Max worried all the way to his first class.
By fifth hour Liz was relaxing a little and anticipating the end of the school day. She had skipped gym and now made her way to her advanced chemistry class feeling like the worst of day was over. Tess wasn’t in any of her remaining classes so it shouldn’t be that bad. So she was surprised by her fathers appearance at the door to her classroom only a few minutes into the lecture. She closely watched her teacher talking with her father with a sinking feeling inside.
“Liz? You’re excused from class. Your father is here to take you home.”
Liz gathered her books slowly her mind racing. This didn’t seem right. Since when did parents go to the door of a classroom? How did her dad even know which class she had right now? As she stepped out into the hall her father took her arm and started leading her down the hallway.
“What’s going on Dad?” Liz asked studying him closely.
“Your Mom got hurt and we need to go to the hospital to see her. She’s okay but she wanted to see you.”
“Uh huh. You’re not my Dad,” Liz said firmly and stopped walking. There was no way her Dad would come here like this. This was total bullshit. She watched the pleasant expression slip from her father’s face and he stepped forward leaning in close.
“Not falling for this a second time huh? Smartened up a little since the first time. Well just think about this…I don’t think you want to watch good old dad burn handprints into your classmates. No, I don’t think you want that at all. Government agents would find old dad really interesting after something like that don’t you think? So….let’s go,” Nesado said smiling coldly from Jeff Parker’s face.
Not seeing a good way out Liz didn’t protest as he lead her past the few students wandering the halls and outside to the parking lot. When he shoved her toward an already running nondescript car her books flew out of her hands.
“Leave them and get in,” Nesado order shoving her toward the rear door.
“Stop,” Zan ordered trying to appear to be Max.
Nesado paused and studied Max carefully. This was a complication but not a showstopper. He motioned to Tess who opened the driver’s door and moved up beside Liz. “Max…..good to see you.”
“Wish I could say the same. Release Liz now,” Zan said careful to mimic Max’s speech patterns and struggling to rid himself of his accent when he gave his order.
“Sorry Max. I don’t think Tess takes orders very well. She’s a little upset with you….a woman scorned and all that,” Nesado said smirking. Tess was of some use to him he thought glad he hadn’t disposed of her.
“I’m not letting you leave here with her,” Zan said eyeing the group looking for a way to handle this. Tess had a firm grip on Liz and was standing halfway behind her. There was no way to take a shot without hitting Liz….plus they were in public in full daylight.
“Why don’t you join us then?” Nesado said a small smile on his Jeff Parker face.
“No!” Liz burst out pulling at the arm Tess held.
“Stop it now or I’ll kill you,” Tess hissed her nails biting into the skin on Liz’s arm.
Liz stilled and looked to Max….no..those weren’t the right cloths and Max would never wear those boots. Zan. It had to be Zan because Max was in his European History class taking a test this period.
Zan weighed his options then nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll go.”
Nesado smiled. Controlling the girl seemed to be working on the king just fine. “Go ahead and get in the passenger’s seat. I think we’ll leave the girls the backseat. I’ll drive.”
Max went to meet Liz after class and when he saw she wasn’t there he grabbed a girl leaving. “Do you know where Liz Parker is? Did she not get to this class?”
“No, she was here but her father came to take her home for something.”
“Thanks,” Max said and walked away not noticing as the girl stared after him for a moment. He pushed his way through the halls looking for Michael.
Liz stayed quiet as they drove out of town. The silence inside the car was total. Tess seemed uncomfortable with the silence shifting in her seat every few minutes. If Liz had to guess she would say Zan was staying quiet for fear of slipping up….trying to wait it out until he could make a move.
She watched the road and saw that they were heading in the same direction as the reservation.
“Tess is gone too,” Michael said hanging up the phone as they walked across the parking lot. “Isabel said she didn’t show up to her fourth hour class.”
Max stopped and stooped down snagging a notebook off the ground. “This is Liz’s. All of these books are hers. She doodles in the margins. Goddamn it!”
“Let’s go check the café,” Michael said grabbing Max’s arm and pulling him up.
“She’s not there!” Max said shaking his head in disgust. He was supposed to keep her safe. He had failed her. She had been snatched in the middle of the day from a crowded school.
“Let’s just make sure. It’s not like we know where else to look at this point,” Michael pointed out.
Max headed for the CrashDown.
Getting ready for school the next morning Max was lost in his thoughts absent-mindedly going through the motions. Liz was driving him totally insane. In a good way but he was finding that he was having trouble concentrating on anything but her.
“Max! Hello? Were you just going to drive off without me?” Isabel asked sharply from in front of the jeep.
Max jammed on the brake and waited for her to climb in. “Sorry. I was thinking,” Max replied sheepishly.
Isabel shot him a nasty look and flipped her hair. “Obviously. What is going on with you anyway Max? I’ve barely seen you all weekend.”
“I’ve just had a lot going on with Liz and everything,” Max said not really answering her question.
“I gathered that. Care to fill the rest of us in?” Isabel asked a slightly chilly tone to her voice.
“Not really. It doesn’t involve the whole group,” Max said firmly. He was getting tired of trying to balance the relationship he had with his sister with the one he had with Liz. Liz never said anything about Isabel although he knew Isabel wasn’t exactly friendly to her. Isabel frequently made barbed comments about Liz however. He had shrugged it off and not said much thinking she would get over it when she got to know Liz but she never really had. He knew Isabel was exceptionally sensitive about loosing either him or Michael but that didn’t excuse her behavior and he was ashamed he had allowed it to continue.
“It doesn’t involve us? How can you say that?” Isabel asked astonished. She turned in her seat to face Max as he drove.
“I can say that because it’s the truth. Isabel not everything is everyone’s business. This is personal and doesn’t effect you at all. If Liz wants to share she will,” Max said simply.
“What is it about Liz? You never think straight when it has anything to do with that girl,” Isabel scoffed. She knew she was over reacting and being a bitch. She just couldn’t seem to help it. Alex’s words echoed in her head and she was afraid he was right. She was afraid that someone had replaced her as the most important person in her brother’s life.
“She’s not “that girl”. I love her, Isabel. She’s not going away and I would really appreciate it if you tried to get along with her. She’s important to me and she makes me happy. Even if that weren’t true she’s a part of this. She’s helped us out so much. Why are you acting like this anyway? What did she ever do to you?” Max asked frustrated.
“Why am I acting like this? Max…look at what you’ve done since she came into our lives! You expose yourself in the middle of a crowed café, get taken by the FBI, get hurt in a car accident with HER….I’m sure you weren’t paying attention to the road…you light up half of Roswell while drunk and trying to impress her. It always comes back to her,” Isabel said making her case.
“No it doesn’t. I did all of those things. I did, not Liz. She’s not responsible for any of that. I would do all of that again….well maybe not the drinking but the rest of it I would. I love her and I don’t want a life without her. Stop holding her responsible for MY mistakes. Things change Isabel…we aren’t alone just the three of us anymore. You need to accept that and adjust to the changes in our lives. Would you really want to go back to how it was? I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t change anything,” Max said his voice ringing with conviction.
Isabel sighed and turned to look out the window. There was no talking to him when he was like this. His mind was made up and she had better get used to it. Truthfully she had known that before starting this conversation. Ever since Max had healed her Isabel had known. It had really struck her when they had stood in that alley with Maria’s car blocking their escape. Max had sided with Liz then…threatened to turn himself in but if she were honest with herself Max had made his choice the instant he had bent over Liz preparing to heal her. He had chosen Liz over her and Michael and hadn’t blinked an eye. There was no going back now.
Liz walked into school thinking about what she had discovered last night. She had stayed up late searching the Internet for a clue as to what River Dog could have been talking about. She had found plenty of myths about the Earth and Sky in many different cultures but that wasn’t what had really caught her attention. Astral projection. That’s what River Dog had meant. At least that’s what she thought he had meant.
Liz opened her locker and shuffled her books around looking for her notebook. She was only half-aware of the noise of the other students and the slamming of locker doors as she collected her books. She smiled when strong arms wrapped around her and enveloped her in Max’s comforting scent. “Good morning to you too,” Liz drawled softly.
Max smiled into her hair as his hand splayed across her belly. “Morning sunshine. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s really good actually,” Liz answered leaning back into him.
“Can I walk you to class?” Max asked his breath moving her hair as he spoke.
“Mmmm sure,” Liz murmured not really wanting to move.
“Well aren’t you two cute,” Tess observed snidely from behind them.
Max dropped his arms and spun to face Tess blocking Liz with his body. “What are you doing here?”
Tess looked around casually. “It’s Monday. A school day. I think I still go to school here,” Tess pointed out. “Even if I’m not in your little group anymore.”
“That was your choice,” Max replied.
“No, I think it was yours. You tried to kill me for looking in a window Max. I think you made your choice then,” Tess said watching them both closely.
“I didn’t..,” Max cut himself off when Liz squeezed his arm in warning.
“I saw you. I can’t believe you would do that. I’m one of you and for that tramp you would murder me?” Tess asked her tone a study in disbelief.
“You’re working against us Tess. I know you are,” Max said firmly.
“That little sewer rat tell you that?” Tess asked referring to Ava. “You shouldn’t believe everything you hear.”
“Just stay away from us,” Max said as the warning bell rang. “I have no interest in you unless you do something to change that.”
Liz slipped her hand into his as he guided her away. A glance over her shoulder showed Tess glaring at her fiercely. When they were almost to class Liz looked up at a silent and worried Max. “What do you thing she’s doing here?”
“I don’t know. You have her in gym don’t you?” Max asked worried about Liz’s safety.
“Yeah, but I doubt she’ll do anything in front of witnesses. Don’t worry I’ll be careful,” Liz said giving thought to skipping that class.
“I’ll meet you here after class okay?” Max asked quietly.
“See you then,” Liz said and lifted her face for his swift kiss.
Max worried all the way to his first class.
By fifth hour Liz was relaxing a little and anticipating the end of the school day. She had skipped gym and now made her way to her advanced chemistry class feeling like the worst of day was over. Tess wasn’t in any of her remaining classes so it shouldn’t be that bad. So she was surprised by her fathers appearance at the door to her classroom only a few minutes into the lecture. She closely watched her teacher talking with her father with a sinking feeling inside.
“Liz? You’re excused from class. Your father is here to take you home.”
Liz gathered her books slowly her mind racing. This didn’t seem right. Since when did parents go to the door of a classroom? How did her dad even know which class she had right now? As she stepped out into the hall her father took her arm and started leading her down the hallway.
“What’s going on Dad?” Liz asked studying him closely.
“Your Mom got hurt and we need to go to the hospital to see her. She’s okay but she wanted to see you.”
“Uh huh. You’re not my Dad,” Liz said firmly and stopped walking. There was no way her Dad would come here like this. This was total bullshit. She watched the pleasant expression slip from her father’s face and he stepped forward leaning in close.
“Not falling for this a second time huh? Smartened up a little since the first time. Well just think about this…I don’t think you want to watch good old dad burn handprints into your classmates. No, I don’t think you want that at all. Government agents would find old dad really interesting after something like that don’t you think? So….let’s go,” Nesado said smiling coldly from Jeff Parker’s face.
Not seeing a good way out Liz didn’t protest as he lead her past the few students wandering the halls and outside to the parking lot. When he shoved her toward an already running nondescript car her books flew out of her hands.
“Leave them and get in,” Nesado order shoving her toward the rear door.
“Stop,” Zan ordered trying to appear to be Max.
Nesado paused and studied Max carefully. This was a complication but not a showstopper. He motioned to Tess who opened the driver’s door and moved up beside Liz. “Max…..good to see you.”
“Wish I could say the same. Release Liz now,” Zan said careful to mimic Max’s speech patterns and struggling to rid himself of his accent when he gave his order.
“Sorry Max. I don’t think Tess takes orders very well. She’s a little upset with you….a woman scorned and all that,” Nesado said smirking. Tess was of some use to him he thought glad he hadn’t disposed of her.
“I’m not letting you leave here with her,” Zan said eyeing the group looking for a way to handle this. Tess had a firm grip on Liz and was standing halfway behind her. There was no way to take a shot without hitting Liz….plus they were in public in full daylight.
“Why don’t you join us then?” Nesado said a small smile on his Jeff Parker face.
“No!” Liz burst out pulling at the arm Tess held.
“Stop it now or I’ll kill you,” Tess hissed her nails biting into the skin on Liz’s arm.
Liz stilled and looked to Max….no..those weren’t the right cloths and Max would never wear those boots. Zan. It had to be Zan because Max was in his European History class taking a test this period.
Zan weighed his options then nodded slowly. “Okay. I’ll go.”
Nesado smiled. Controlling the girl seemed to be working on the king just fine. “Go ahead and get in the passenger’s seat. I think we’ll leave the girls the backseat. I’ll drive.”
Max went to meet Liz after class and when he saw she wasn’t there he grabbed a girl leaving. “Do you know where Liz Parker is? Did she not get to this class?”
“No, she was here but her father came to take her home for something.”
“Thanks,” Max said and walked away not noticing as the girl stared after him for a moment. He pushed his way through the halls looking for Michael.
Liz stayed quiet as they drove out of town. The silence inside the car was total. Tess seemed uncomfortable with the silence shifting in her seat every few minutes. If Liz had to guess she would say Zan was staying quiet for fear of slipping up….trying to wait it out until he could make a move.
She watched the road and saw that they were heading in the same direction as the reservation.
“Tess is gone too,” Michael said hanging up the phone as they walked across the parking lot. “Isabel said she didn’t show up to her fourth hour class.”
Max stopped and stooped down snagging a notebook off the ground. “This is Liz’s. All of these books are hers. She doodles in the margins. Goddamn it!”
“Let’s go check the café,” Michael said grabbing Max’s arm and pulling him up.
“She’s not there!” Max said shaking his head in disgust. He was supposed to keep her safe. He had failed her. She had been snatched in the middle of the day from a crowded school.
“Let’s just make sure. It’s not like we know where else to look at this point,” Michael pointed out.
Max headed for the CrashDown.
Chapter Sixteen
Liz sat where they placed her on the cabin floor and tried to remain invisible. Her huge dark eyes followed their movements around the room and she missed nothing. She was so afraid that Zan would strike out at Lonnie. She had seen his eyes burn when he caught sight of her. She could only hope that Lonnie was as self centered as Isabel and didn’t notice the discrepancies that were adding up by the minute.
Really Zan was nothing like Max even when he was trying to look like him. The way he carried himself was different, the expressions on his face, the look in his eyes were all harsher…harder then Max’s. All of that was before he even opened his mouth. She wasn’t sure if it mattered if they knew it was Zan or not but it seemed wise to keep that quiet for as long as possible. The less that they knew the better unfortunately Tess was already looking at Zan funny so it was only a matter of time before she got a clue….then again she was blonde.
“So…this is what everyone’s so hyped up ‘bout?” Lonnie asked turning away from Nesado and walking closer to Liz eyeing her with vague interest.
“Leave her alone,” Zan gritted out as Tess injected him with something.
Lonnie grinned and reached down and grabbed Liz’s hair jerking her to her feet ignoring Liz’s hissing breath. Slamming her back into the wall she moved in close grabbing Liz’s face in one hand her fingers digging into her cheeks. “Looks a little plain to me. She does have that…fresh scrubbed look ta her…real cherry,” Lonnie said smirk on her face and seeping into her voice. A glance at Max showed him stiff with anger and her enjoyment increased. “I can spice her up for ya,” Lonnie said easing Liz’s shirt up eyes locked on Max. When Liz started to struggle Lonnie slammed her head back into the wall sharply. “Stay still or I’ll make it hurt,” Lonnie whispered by her ear.
Liz blinked away tears of pain and held herself rigid as Lonnie ran her hand over her bare skin. She tried to stay calm and not panic but the look on Zan’s face wasn’t helping.
Tess watched feeling uneasy about the direction this was going. Something was really wrong here. That idea was only confirmed when Nesado left the room with a smile shutting the door behind him.
“If you don’t stop I’ll kill you so slowly you’ll beg me to finish it,” Zan said through clenched teeth. He strained against the zip ties binding his wrists but without his powers he couldn’t release them. Damn the little bitch had pulled them so tight his fingers pulsed with his heartbeat.
“Hmmm Tess said you were soft. I don’t see it,” Lonnie mused thoughtfully. “Then again Rath woulda had her spread in less then a hour and you grew up wit her. I’s just helping you out.”
“Lonnie stop,” Tess ordered feeling Max vibrating with rage under her fingers.
“You ain’t in charge here so butt the fuck out,” Lonnie ordered her cold eyes moving to Tess. “You do what you’s told and maybe you’ll live till morning. Don’t fucking piss me off got it?”
“Listen you sick twist! The lesbian thing may get you off but that’s not what we’re here for. Try to control you’re urges for two seconds….or go fuck Nesado but this isn’t happening,” Tess said firmly moving away from Max to face off with Lonnie.
“Didn’t think you cared…..or is it that you want her?” Lonnie asked amused. Tess was just too much of a lightweight to get the job done.
“I care. I don’t want to see this and it isn’t serving a purpose so back off,” Tess said preparing to force the issue.
Lonnie struck without warning backhanding Tess so hard blood flew out of her mouth. Grabbing her by the hair Lonnie got right up in her face. “I’ll do whateva I wanna do got that? You are useless to everyone at this point so don’t fucking make me mad. I don’t like being ordered around….just ask my dear departed brother about that.”
Liz took the distraction and eased along the wall trying to get away.
Zan eased forward slowly eyes blazing. Lonnie never could do two things at once. Never take your eyes off of your victims.
“Like you’re a prize? Some insane whored out piece of street trash? Please. Kivar will have you pegged as defective the second he sees you. You have more miles on you then a TWA jetliner. Everyone’s flown your skanky skies no ticket required,” Tess said jerking her head out of Lonnie’s grasp and shoving her.
Zan used his shoulder to knock Lonnie to the floor where he proceeded to start kicking her wherever he could land a blow. He didn’t speak just struck her repeatedly as hard as he could.
Tess narrowed her eyes and just watched suspicion blooming larger inside her.
Nesado walked in and used his powers to fling Zan across the room and into the wall hard. Eyeing the room at large he spoke. “That will be quite enough.”
Lonnie glared up at him unable to move. “A little help here?”
Nesado stared down at her still in his Jeff Parker form. “You were sloppy. Help yourself.”
Tess smirked and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Lonnie would be waiting a long ass time if she was waiting for loving tenderness from Nesado. She strolled over to where “Max” rested on his side unable to get up without the use of his hands. She unbuttoned his shirt ignoring his glare and pulled his shirt aside to view as much of his arm as possible. Sure enough there was a tattoo. She raised her eyebrow at him and smirked down into his face. Ruffling his hair briefly she rose to her feet.
Liz had stopped moving frozen by the violence and waited in fear for what Tess was about to do.
“I have been waiting for a close up view of this glowing. What about you Nesado? I mean…we really shouldn’t take the word of Ava now should we? She did after all have reason to lie didn’t she?” Tess asked smugly. She turned her smug stare on Liz rejoicing in her fear. “Come on Liz show us a little chemistry.”
Nesado cocked his head and studied Liz’s frozen expression a moment before walking over to Max and lifting him to his feet. “That’s a good idea Tess,” He said giving Max a shove toward Liz. “Show us.”
“No,” Zan said resisting. Liz looked so afraid her eyes were huge in her pale face and he didn’t think she had blinked in the last five minutes.
“Please….it’s not like you haven’t done this before. In fact I bet kissing is the least of what you’ve done…or tried to do. She looks like she could use a little affection right now. Or would you rather I show her that?” Nesado asked no emotion registering just as if this were an idle conversation. He didn’t know why Tess wanted to see this but he was willing to go along. He also wanted to feel that surge of sensation, it was intoxicating.
Zan blew out an annoyed breath and walked closer to Liz. He hoped he would get a chance to do something to get them out of this. Things were happening so fast it was hard to think. “Liz? Baby, you okay?”
Liz’s eyes darted from Zan to Tess and back again. She didn’t want him touching her. She didn’t want anyone touching her. She started backing away from him until her back hit the wall.
“She doesn’t look like she likes you too much…..MAX,” Tess pointed out amused.
“Baby, it’s okay. It’ll be fine,” Zan said easing closer his eyes worried at the panicked look in hers. “Just a kiss okay? We’ll be fine,” Zan said stopping before touching her. “Okay?”
Liz looked past Zan’s shoulder as Lonnie struggled to her feet. Looking from her to Nesado’s cold eyes then on to Tess she felt helpless and trapped. Slowly she nodded and focused on Zan.
Zan leaned forward and kissed her lightly getting no response from her what so ever. Angling his body to block the view of the room he whispered to her. “You gots to hold it ta gether here sweets. They’s a whole world a trouble you understand?”
Liz pressed back into the wall and nodded slowly as Zan pulled back and stepped away from her.
“Oh come on. I’ve seen more heat from you two in the halls at school,” Tess said smirking. She was enjoying forcing Liz to cheat on Max with his double. How fun was this?
Zan leaned back in and kissed her hard forcing her mouth open under the pressure of his. Moving closer he pressed his body into hers, ignoring her hands pushing against his chest.
Liz felt a wave of fear wash over her and wished herself away from here. Feeling the click of metal against her teeth as Zan’s tongue pushed into her mouth she was revolted. She forced herself to stay still but tears leaked out of the sides of her eyes. Inside she called for Max desperate to be away from here. Her sense of danger was shrieking loudly in warning and it got louder as Zan continued to kiss her.
She tasted like spices…cinnamon maybe but not quite. Zan kissed her deeply pressing her back into the wall.
Feeling the hard press of his aroused body she panicked and shoved him hard as she wiggled to get away from him. Breaking free she darted around him and stood in the center of the room prepared to run if he came near her. Her vision darkened around the edges and she tried to slow her breathing so she wouldn’t pass out. “Stay away from me,” Liz said seeing him take a step toward her.
“Okay chill,” Zan said panting slightly. He eyed the rest of the occupants of the room and leaned back against the wall smirking.
Nesado’s eyes narrowed as he looked back and forth between Liz and….Max? She was very afraid and looking to bolt. “Liz? Go sit in the chair please. He will not come closer to you. Go sit in the chair by the window now,” Nesado said hoping to calm her slightly. His encoding was sending a warning coursing through him, which confused him. When she complied he turned to…the other. “Who are you? You are not Max…..are you Zan?”
“Give the shifter a prize,” Zan smirked then looked to Lonnie. “Hey sis….how’s you’s ribs? Did I break any?”
“Fuck you, Zan,” Lonnie said coldly, shaken but trying to cover it.
When Liz saw everyone focused on Zan she turned to look at the window next to her chair. It was partly open already if they would just give her a minute she could go right out the window.
Nesado tried to process this new surprise and adjust his plan accordingly. He couldn’t harm Liz himself but he could leave and allow Lonnie or Tess to do what was needed. He had counted on Max not knowing about the encoding. “Tess come with me please,” Nesado said and left the room. When Tess closed the door behind her he started giving instructions. “Tape his mouth shut with duct tape. Make sure it’ll hold. He knows about the encoding understand?”
“Yes,” Tess said having no intention of helping him any longer. She could see how things were going. She wasn’t going to live to see Antar if she stayed here. She would leave Lonnie and Nesado to Zan. She smiled sweetly at Nesado as she pondered Liz. Sorely tempted to leave her she decided against it for two reasons. She didn’t need Max pissed at her and ready to kill her too and if Nesado needed Liz it would be wise to take her with her when she left. Now how to do that.
Liz sat rigidly in the chair hands clasp in her lap as Zan and Lonnie argued. She didn’t trust any of them at this point. She kept her eyes lowered and tried to sink into the background. Zan had scared the shit out of her. Her lips were swollen and sore, she could taste blood from the spot where he had bit her.
Liz raised her eyes as Tess came back in the room a roll of duct tape in her hand. Liz didn’t really pay attention to what was being said she focused on what Tess was doing. Zan’s back and bound hands were toward her so she could see Tess wave her hands and then the zip ties release. Zan burst into action tackling Lonnie to the floor with a loud crash as the table beside Lonnie crashed over with them.
Liz didn’t wait. She jumped up and was out the window in record time tearing the screen out on the way, feet pounding in the loose soil as she tore away from the cabin. Hearing someone hit the dirt behind her she looked back to see Tess running away from the cabin also. Pouring on burst of speed Liz made for the open desert thankful she had a head start.
Michael looked over at Max worried that they were going to wreck. After checking the café they had headed back toward the school to get the others then Max had suddenly stiffened and jerked the wheel pulling a U turn in the middle of the road, tires squealing a protest. Max had ignored his questions and demands for answers and headed out of town.
Liz ran totally focused on getting far far away. She had left Tess behind quickly but she didn’t stop. Fear drove her onward blindly. It wasn’t until she heard thunder roll across the desert that she stopped to look around. Panting as she tried to catch her breath she saw the dark sky and saw lightning in the distance. She thought she wasn’t that far from the cave so she headed in the direction she thought she might find it. Tess had never been there and she doubted it would occur to Nesado to look there.
Liz sat where they placed her on the cabin floor and tried to remain invisible. Her huge dark eyes followed their movements around the room and she missed nothing. She was so afraid that Zan would strike out at Lonnie. She had seen his eyes burn when he caught sight of her. She could only hope that Lonnie was as self centered as Isabel and didn’t notice the discrepancies that were adding up by the minute.
Really Zan was nothing like Max even when he was trying to look like him. The way he carried himself was different, the expressions on his face, the look in his eyes were all harsher…harder then Max’s. All of that was before he even opened his mouth. She wasn’t sure if it mattered if they knew it was Zan or not but it seemed wise to keep that quiet for as long as possible. The less that they knew the better unfortunately Tess was already looking at Zan funny so it was only a matter of time before she got a clue….then again she was blonde.
“So…this is what everyone’s so hyped up ‘bout?” Lonnie asked turning away from Nesado and walking closer to Liz eyeing her with vague interest.
“Leave her alone,” Zan gritted out as Tess injected him with something.
Lonnie grinned and reached down and grabbed Liz’s hair jerking her to her feet ignoring Liz’s hissing breath. Slamming her back into the wall she moved in close grabbing Liz’s face in one hand her fingers digging into her cheeks. “Looks a little plain to me. She does have that…fresh scrubbed look ta her…real cherry,” Lonnie said smirk on her face and seeping into her voice. A glance at Max showed him stiff with anger and her enjoyment increased. “I can spice her up for ya,” Lonnie said easing Liz’s shirt up eyes locked on Max. When Liz started to struggle Lonnie slammed her head back into the wall sharply. “Stay still or I’ll make it hurt,” Lonnie whispered by her ear.
Liz blinked away tears of pain and held herself rigid as Lonnie ran her hand over her bare skin. She tried to stay calm and not panic but the look on Zan’s face wasn’t helping.
Tess watched feeling uneasy about the direction this was going. Something was really wrong here. That idea was only confirmed when Nesado left the room with a smile shutting the door behind him.
“If you don’t stop I’ll kill you so slowly you’ll beg me to finish it,” Zan said through clenched teeth. He strained against the zip ties binding his wrists but without his powers he couldn’t release them. Damn the little bitch had pulled them so tight his fingers pulsed with his heartbeat.
“Hmmm Tess said you were soft. I don’t see it,” Lonnie mused thoughtfully. “Then again Rath woulda had her spread in less then a hour and you grew up wit her. I’s just helping you out.”
“Lonnie stop,” Tess ordered feeling Max vibrating with rage under her fingers.
“You ain’t in charge here so butt the fuck out,” Lonnie ordered her cold eyes moving to Tess. “You do what you’s told and maybe you’ll live till morning. Don’t fucking piss me off got it?”
“Listen you sick twist! The lesbian thing may get you off but that’s not what we’re here for. Try to control you’re urges for two seconds….or go fuck Nesado but this isn’t happening,” Tess said firmly moving away from Max to face off with Lonnie.
“Didn’t think you cared…..or is it that you want her?” Lonnie asked amused. Tess was just too much of a lightweight to get the job done.
“I care. I don’t want to see this and it isn’t serving a purpose so back off,” Tess said preparing to force the issue.
Lonnie struck without warning backhanding Tess so hard blood flew out of her mouth. Grabbing her by the hair Lonnie got right up in her face. “I’ll do whateva I wanna do got that? You are useless to everyone at this point so don’t fucking make me mad. I don’t like being ordered around….just ask my dear departed brother about that.”
Liz took the distraction and eased along the wall trying to get away.
Zan eased forward slowly eyes blazing. Lonnie never could do two things at once. Never take your eyes off of your victims.
“Like you’re a prize? Some insane whored out piece of street trash? Please. Kivar will have you pegged as defective the second he sees you. You have more miles on you then a TWA jetliner. Everyone’s flown your skanky skies no ticket required,” Tess said jerking her head out of Lonnie’s grasp and shoving her.
Zan used his shoulder to knock Lonnie to the floor where he proceeded to start kicking her wherever he could land a blow. He didn’t speak just struck her repeatedly as hard as he could.
Tess narrowed her eyes and just watched suspicion blooming larger inside her.
Nesado walked in and used his powers to fling Zan across the room and into the wall hard. Eyeing the room at large he spoke. “That will be quite enough.”
Lonnie glared up at him unable to move. “A little help here?”
Nesado stared down at her still in his Jeff Parker form. “You were sloppy. Help yourself.”
Tess smirked and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Lonnie would be waiting a long ass time if she was waiting for loving tenderness from Nesado. She strolled over to where “Max” rested on his side unable to get up without the use of his hands. She unbuttoned his shirt ignoring his glare and pulled his shirt aside to view as much of his arm as possible. Sure enough there was a tattoo. She raised her eyebrow at him and smirked down into his face. Ruffling his hair briefly she rose to her feet.
Liz had stopped moving frozen by the violence and waited in fear for what Tess was about to do.
“I have been waiting for a close up view of this glowing. What about you Nesado? I mean…we really shouldn’t take the word of Ava now should we? She did after all have reason to lie didn’t she?” Tess asked smugly. She turned her smug stare on Liz rejoicing in her fear. “Come on Liz show us a little chemistry.”
Nesado cocked his head and studied Liz’s frozen expression a moment before walking over to Max and lifting him to his feet. “That’s a good idea Tess,” He said giving Max a shove toward Liz. “Show us.”
“No,” Zan said resisting. Liz looked so afraid her eyes were huge in her pale face and he didn’t think she had blinked in the last five minutes.
“Please….it’s not like you haven’t done this before. In fact I bet kissing is the least of what you’ve done…or tried to do. She looks like she could use a little affection right now. Or would you rather I show her that?” Nesado asked no emotion registering just as if this were an idle conversation. He didn’t know why Tess wanted to see this but he was willing to go along. He also wanted to feel that surge of sensation, it was intoxicating.
Zan blew out an annoyed breath and walked closer to Liz. He hoped he would get a chance to do something to get them out of this. Things were happening so fast it was hard to think. “Liz? Baby, you okay?”
Liz’s eyes darted from Zan to Tess and back again. She didn’t want him touching her. She didn’t want anyone touching her. She started backing away from him until her back hit the wall.
“She doesn’t look like she likes you too much…..MAX,” Tess pointed out amused.
“Baby, it’s okay. It’ll be fine,” Zan said easing closer his eyes worried at the panicked look in hers. “Just a kiss okay? We’ll be fine,” Zan said stopping before touching her. “Okay?”
Liz looked past Zan’s shoulder as Lonnie struggled to her feet. Looking from her to Nesado’s cold eyes then on to Tess she felt helpless and trapped. Slowly she nodded and focused on Zan.
Zan leaned forward and kissed her lightly getting no response from her what so ever. Angling his body to block the view of the room he whispered to her. “You gots to hold it ta gether here sweets. They’s a whole world a trouble you understand?”
Liz pressed back into the wall and nodded slowly as Zan pulled back and stepped away from her.
“Oh come on. I’ve seen more heat from you two in the halls at school,” Tess said smirking. She was enjoying forcing Liz to cheat on Max with his double. How fun was this?
Zan leaned back in and kissed her hard forcing her mouth open under the pressure of his. Moving closer he pressed his body into hers, ignoring her hands pushing against his chest.
Liz felt a wave of fear wash over her and wished herself away from here. Feeling the click of metal against her teeth as Zan’s tongue pushed into her mouth she was revolted. She forced herself to stay still but tears leaked out of the sides of her eyes. Inside she called for Max desperate to be away from here. Her sense of danger was shrieking loudly in warning and it got louder as Zan continued to kiss her.
She tasted like spices…cinnamon maybe but not quite. Zan kissed her deeply pressing her back into the wall.
Feeling the hard press of his aroused body she panicked and shoved him hard as she wiggled to get away from him. Breaking free she darted around him and stood in the center of the room prepared to run if he came near her. Her vision darkened around the edges and she tried to slow her breathing so she wouldn’t pass out. “Stay away from me,” Liz said seeing him take a step toward her.
“Okay chill,” Zan said panting slightly. He eyed the rest of the occupants of the room and leaned back against the wall smirking.
Nesado’s eyes narrowed as he looked back and forth between Liz and….Max? She was very afraid and looking to bolt. “Liz? Go sit in the chair please. He will not come closer to you. Go sit in the chair by the window now,” Nesado said hoping to calm her slightly. His encoding was sending a warning coursing through him, which confused him. When she complied he turned to…the other. “Who are you? You are not Max…..are you Zan?”
“Give the shifter a prize,” Zan smirked then looked to Lonnie. “Hey sis….how’s you’s ribs? Did I break any?”
“Fuck you, Zan,” Lonnie said coldly, shaken but trying to cover it.
When Liz saw everyone focused on Zan she turned to look at the window next to her chair. It was partly open already if they would just give her a minute she could go right out the window.
Nesado tried to process this new surprise and adjust his plan accordingly. He couldn’t harm Liz himself but he could leave and allow Lonnie or Tess to do what was needed. He had counted on Max not knowing about the encoding. “Tess come with me please,” Nesado said and left the room. When Tess closed the door behind her he started giving instructions. “Tape his mouth shut with duct tape. Make sure it’ll hold. He knows about the encoding understand?”
“Yes,” Tess said having no intention of helping him any longer. She could see how things were going. She wasn’t going to live to see Antar if she stayed here. She would leave Lonnie and Nesado to Zan. She smiled sweetly at Nesado as she pondered Liz. Sorely tempted to leave her she decided against it for two reasons. She didn’t need Max pissed at her and ready to kill her too and if Nesado needed Liz it would be wise to take her with her when she left. Now how to do that.
Liz sat rigidly in the chair hands clasp in her lap as Zan and Lonnie argued. She didn’t trust any of them at this point. She kept her eyes lowered and tried to sink into the background. Zan had scared the shit out of her. Her lips were swollen and sore, she could taste blood from the spot where he had bit her.
Liz raised her eyes as Tess came back in the room a roll of duct tape in her hand. Liz didn’t really pay attention to what was being said she focused on what Tess was doing. Zan’s back and bound hands were toward her so she could see Tess wave her hands and then the zip ties release. Zan burst into action tackling Lonnie to the floor with a loud crash as the table beside Lonnie crashed over with them.
Liz didn’t wait. She jumped up and was out the window in record time tearing the screen out on the way, feet pounding in the loose soil as she tore away from the cabin. Hearing someone hit the dirt behind her she looked back to see Tess running away from the cabin also. Pouring on burst of speed Liz made for the open desert thankful she had a head start.
Michael looked over at Max worried that they were going to wreck. After checking the café they had headed back toward the school to get the others then Max had suddenly stiffened and jerked the wheel pulling a U turn in the middle of the road, tires squealing a protest. Max had ignored his questions and demands for answers and headed out of town.
Liz ran totally focused on getting far far away. She had left Tess behind quickly but she didn’t stop. Fear drove her onward blindly. It wasn’t until she heard thunder roll across the desert that she stopped to look around. Panting as she tried to catch her breath she saw the dark sky and saw lightning in the distance. She thought she wasn’t that far from the cave so she headed in the direction she thought she might find it. Tess had never been there and she doubted it would occur to Nesado to look there.
Chapter Seventeen
Max strained to hone in on where that brief brush of Liz had come from. It had just been the barest flicker of fear and panic but he knew it had come from this direction. He blocked out Michael and his running monologue of comments, demands, and questions needing all of his focus and energy to try and find Liz.
Michael clutched the roll bar as the jeep bumped over the unpaved road. He swore softly as he almost lost his grip on Max’s phone. “I don’t know he isn’t talking to me I told you that,” Michael barked at Isabel over the phone.
“Well how are we supposed to handle this Michael? Maria said Liz is supposed to work in like thirty minutes,” Isabel said feeling the eyes of the group on her as they all tried to get an idea of what was happening from her side of the conversation.
“Don’t do anything. There’s nothing we can do. Her “father” picked her up from school….tons of people heard that and saw what happened. There’s nothing we can do about that,” Michael pointed out. “Maria should just tell him what everyone is saying.”
“What about Ava and Zan?” Isabel asked softly.
“Head over to my place and pick them up. Just keep an eye on them and see what they have to say I guess. As soon as we get wherever Maxwell is going I’ll call you back. As soon as I figure out what’s happening I’ll let you know,” Michael said gruffly. He felt ill equipped in dealing with this and directing the others but Max was clearly otherwise involved.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you then,” Isabel said and hung up.
As the rain started to fall Liz realized she might be a little turned around. She was coming from a different direction then the other times she had made the trek to the cave and she was running on frantic energy and fear. Pushing her hair back out of her face Liz looked around trying to get her bearings. It was dangerous to be in the open desert during a storm. Lightening strikes sought the highest point and right now that would be her. If given a choice however she would choose the desert over that cabin. Pushing on she went off of instinct hoping it would guide her to safety.
Max saw lights in the distance and increased their speed heedless of the falling rain. The jeep stalled as Max hopped out and started for the cabin.
Michael hustled after him hoping for the best. The scene they walked into was not what he was hoping for. The room screamed of violence with overturned furniture and broken glass littering the floor.
Zan stood over a pile of dust with no show of emotion lighting his features. When the door crashed open he responded slowly looking up as if hating to tear his eyes away from the remains.
“Where is she?” Max demanded. He didn’t give a shit about Lonnie or whatever had happened here if it didn’t pertain to Liz.
“She ain’t here. Took off out into the desert or something,” Zan said slowly.
“Where are the others? Tess and Nesado?” Michael asked quickly.
“Gone. I think they beat it while I was wrestling wit Lonnie. When I snapped her neck they’s was gone,” Zan said a half smile playing over his mouth. “I heard the car start up so one of them took it.”
Max walked around the room touching things trying to get a flash of Liz. He ignored the other two just trailing his fingers over the objects in the room seeking some hint however small. Stopping at the chair by the window he felt a vision explode behind his eyes.
Zan was taken off guard when Max slammed into him driving him into the wall with his arm across his throat cutting off his air.
“What did you do to her? What did you do?” Max demanded pressing harder as rage burned through reason.
“Max! Let up man! He can’t talk if you crush his windpipe,” Michael said trying to pull Max back a little. It was like trying to pull a wild animal off of it’s prey. “Max! Let up so we can find her.”
Zan took a breath and gritted out his answer. “I didn’t do shit to her. I kissed her cause they told me to. That’s all. She was already freaked and it didn’t go over well. That’s all.”
“BULLSHIT! She was afraid of YOU,” Max said feeling rage cloud his vision. He felt the echo of Liz’s fear beating inside him, fueling his already fierce anger. His fists clenched as he tried to restrain himself from just killing him and being done with it. He hurt Liz it was that simple.
Michael saw this was quickly spiraling out of control. Hoping to get some answers he tried to talk Max down. “Back off Max. I’ll handle it. We need to find Liz….let me ask Zan some questions and we’ll find her faster,” Breathing a relieved breath when Max took one step back he focused on Zan. “Listen. You better tell us what went down here or you’re toast. That simple, so start talking,” Michael said arms hanging loose and ready at his side. He figured Zan didn’t have any powers or he would have used them to keep Max from killing him.
“I told you what happened! I kissed her,” Zan said stubbornly.
“Where? Where did this happen…in this room?” Max demanded. If the bastard wasn’t going to tell the truth he would find it out for himself.
“Over there. Against that wall,” Zan said motioning to the wall. “I just wanna say that Lonnie she….sort of…touched Liz like scared her first so Liz she was freaken see?”
Max ignored him and walked over to the wall running his hand over the wall searching for her echo.
Michael watched him while keeping Zan in his sights prepared to blast him if necessary. He saw Max stiffen then turn eyes blazing with fury on Zan. Oh fuck. Michael tensed wondering what had been done to Liz here in this room.
“You forced her. You used your strength and her fear to force her,” Max stated softly. “That wasn’t necessary and you took that opportunity to do what you did, using it to excuse your behavior. It doesn’t excuse it. Not to me.”
“I didn’t fuck her. I kissed her. My hands were tied behind me for fucks sake,” Zan said aggravated.
“I don’t care. You scared her. Not the enemy…you. Now she’s running. You hurt her!” Max roared in rage. “You can’t tell me that you fucking BIT her because TESS MADE YOU! I better never see you near her again. I’ll fucking kill you. Now I’m not wasting any more time on you Liz needs me,” Max said and made for the door. His head was throbbing with rage and fear. Anything could happen to her out in the desert. He had to find her NOW.
Michael turned his glare on Zan then punched him hard in the face finding satisfaction in the snap of his head and crunching sound of his cheekbone shattering. Shaking out the pain in his fist he spun to follow Max. “I second that.”
Tess stumbled along hoping she was headed toward the road. She had given up on finding Liz. She had run like a jack rabbit into the desert and Tess had no desire to chase her down out there.
She went over and over everything in her mind trying to come up with some sort of answer…some direction. She understood Nesado’s plan to get around the encoding using either her or Lonnie. If she went with that it implied that the encoding reacted to Liz somehow. Or maybe Max had inadvertently given an order about her safety. Either was possible. The real question was why would Nesado risk discovery and Max’s wrath to pluck Liz out of school and hold her? Why had Lonnie reacted like she did? Nesado must have said something to her to cause that scene at the cabin. Thoughts whirling Tess continued to fight her way along keeping an eye out for anyone approaching. No one was exactly happy with her at the moment so caution was called for.
Michael griped the roll bar in a death grip as Max left the road striking out into the desert. The jeep bounced over the ruts, tires spinning to find purchase in the loose soil. Visibility was almost nil but none of that seemed to bother Max. “Max you know where we’re going?” Michael shouted over the noise.
“I know she headed out this way. I have to find her Michael. I have to,” Max replied fighting back his fear with determination. He would find her and god help anyone in his way.
Michael wisely didn’t point out the vastness of the desert and all the directions she could have gone. Instead he reached for the phone.
Liz stumbled through the rain almost sure she was lost. Thunder rolled over the desert blocking out all other sound followed by the bright flashes of lightening. Liz paused to look around using the light to get her bearings. She felt a wave of relief when she saw the entrance to the cave. Entering the cave she pushed forward into the dark, feeling her way back into the cave until she couldn’t see the dim light from the entrance and sank to the ground.
Huddled in the dark shivering from cold Liz brought her knees up to her chest and rested her head against the wall. Fear was a living creature in her chest trying to find a way out into the open. She listened for any hint of sound…anything that would say someone had found her. As the sounds of rain and thunder continued unbroken she started to relax slightly. Enough to think.
She had hints of what they wanted from her. Lonnie had toyed with her getting off on the power of holding others and forcing her will on them. Nesado had wanted something more. He thought she was the answer to living a full life here on Earth. Something about her told him that it was possible to feel more….get more out of life here on this planet. Thinking about that Liz wondered if it was because he was living a lie. Everything about his life here was a lie. He shifted forms and drifted without anchor killing on a whim, feeling nothing, being touched by nothing.
Zan was another issue entirely. She wasn’t really sure what had caused her strong primal aversion to him other then he wasn’t Max. She had felt lust and male sense of wanting to take what he could get away with from him. She didn’t really sense the same love for pain and power that she had from Lonnie. What she felt was the same hints of difference she had felt from him all along. She just knew she didn’t want him touching her again. Ever. It was just wrong for anyone but Max to touch her like that. No one but Max truly loved her and she returned those feelings. It wasn’t the form it was the soul inside and feeling behind the touch that mattered. She wasn’t going to be fooled or tricked. She knew the difference, it was clear and absolute, and not even for the sake of playing along would she allow certain boundaries to be crossed.
Liz didn’t think beyond hiding here. She was safe in the dark away from the confusion of what was happening and the people that were trying to hurt her. She would stay here and stay quiet. When it felt safe she would see about leaving this place until then she would sit in the dark.
“What do you mean I picked her up?” Jeff Parker demanded his eyes going from one person to the next.
“That’s what everyone said. I asked Allison who’s in that class with Liz and she said you came to the door and spoke with the teacher and Liz left with you,” Maria said twisting her fingers as anxiety twisted her insides.
“I did no such thing!” Jeff burst out fear washing over him.
“Mr. Parker? Maybe we should call my Dad. He can talk to the teacher and everything,” Kyle offered quietly.
Jeff didn’t speak just nodded in sharp jerks and headed for the phone.
“This is sooo not good,” Alex said wishing there was some way to help. He hated this.
“Michael said they were following Liz into the desert,” Isabel said as she joined them. Sliding into the booth she tapped a nervous rhythm with her fingernail. “He said that Liz got away and ran. Lonnie’s dead. Zan killed her but Nesado and Tess got away. Tess is the one that released Zan but seems to have her own ass in mind.”
Alex eyes Isabel and sensed she was hiding something. “What aren’t you telling us? I can tell by your face that there’s more. I want to know what it is.”
Isabel chewed on her lip for a moment before answering. “Michael said that Lonnie…touched Liz inappropriately and it scared her. Zan…kissed her…forced a kiss on her…bit her and that sent her running off into the desert by herself they think. They’re in the jeep trying to follow her now.”
“WHAT?” Maria cried looking outside where the rain was coming down in sheets. It was November and Liz didn’t have a coat with her or anything.
Ava frowned not liking what she heard at all. Zan was an asshole at times, that was true, but they were trying to build a mutual truce here and kissing Max’s girl ain’t the way to do that. Surely he could see that these people didn’t see things the way they did. She would place bets on most of them still being cherry if not every last one of them. It was clear by their attitudes, and shit even their appearance, that they had a totally different upbringing. This group wouldn’t see sex in the more casual way that they did. Rath and Zan each had their own ideas about what sex meant. To Rath and Lonnie it was used for fun, domination, and power. Zan was casual about it and didn’t hide the fact that he had slept around every once in awhile but this was serious. This was their chance at building more for themselves and they couldn’t afford to piss these people off.
How could he possibly be so blind? Max was crazy for that girl and wouldn’t take this kindly. Even she could see that Liz was just as gone on him. You didn’t fuck with that kind of thing.
Ava knew Zan didn’t love her in the same way she loved him. He cared for her and took care of her but he didn’t feel that true deep bond for her. She had accepted that long ago but still it hurt every once in a while. Ava wondered if it was that he was her first combined with their reliance on each other growing up that had tipped the scales for her. She couldn’t honestly say. She had gone out with other guys on occasion and slept with one or two but couldn’t feel that same sense of peace and understanding that she felt with Zan. She wished she could at times like this. She had never had that glow with anyone but Zan and had given up on looking for it with someone else.
She wanted a new life. A better life then living in sewer and stealing what they needed to live. She wouldn’t go back to that, not even for Zan. So if he screwed this up he was on his own. She would make her own place and find her own voice and if he cared about her he would have to make some changes. She wouldn’t put up with this anymore. The last couple of weeks had shown her that she could make it on her own if she had to. It had given her a glimpse of how different life could be.
Looking around the table she envied these people. They might argue and whatever but they pulled together when they had to. They didn’t try to kill each other and they didn’t tolerate people hurting one of theirs. She wondered what it felt like to have people you could count on. That you knew would come for you even if they were pissed at you. That would be nice.
“Ava?” Alex asked seeing she was far away. When her eyes met his he saw something shimmer there for a moment before slipping away. “Do you have any ideas?”
“Tess is a dangerous wild card. She’ll do whateva ta save herself. She can’t be trusted but ain’t totally against ya. She’s playing the odds hoping ta end up on the winning side. Nesado is in the shit. He can’t function fully without either Tess or Lonnie. He can’t harm Liz like kill her but there’s a lot of slack there and shifter’s are good at getting around that rule. See he don’t have emotions like a human does so he wouldn’t see nonphysical harm as a problem get me? If he has enough time he’ll figure out a way to get what he wants. He’s the main problem. He needs ta be taken out,” Ava said honestly. She was throwing her lot in with these people hoping to earn their trust along the way.
“What do you think he wants?” Kyle asked leaning forward his focus fully on Ava.
“From what Zan said about what the Dog said……I think he either wants to take over Liz’s form or thinks that if he can build a strong enough tie to her that she’ll ground him in his form,” Ava said then seeing their confused look she explained. “Shifters change they’s form right? But he can’t eva walk around in HIS form….his real form so everything’s muted. He don’t feel much see? If you’s always changing form you don’t settle into one enough ta make it work. ‘Sides they just copy the outside…mold themselves inta the shape but the inside..the inside stays the same ya know? I think afta this long it’s driven him a little buggy but that’s my thoughts there. I think he felt something from Liz…..the first strong thing he felt in like fifty years right? So he wants that. He craves what he can’t have or something.”
Maria thought about that. “Liz said that she saw flashes from him. She said that was how she knew it wasn’t Max so maybe he saw flashes from her.”
“That makes sense,” Isabel agreed. “How could he take her form?”
“Well the Indian dude said that Liz can walk the earth without her body. Like her spirit or soul can leave her body and travel right? So without an anchor or tie ta hold her firm she can get lost. If he can force her out…by scaring her badly enough or convincing her that she needs to leave for whateva reason he can slide inta her empty shell. Send enough of his power and essence inta her to remake her and cut the tie ta her body. The fact that she sends so strong means she ain’t got that anchor and her ties ta her body are….looser then normal. That’s my take on it anyways. He seems so far to be testing the waters maybe seeing which way is best. I don’t know all this for sure but….it seems like this is what might be…it matches with what I do know,” Ava said trying to give the information she had along with her best guesses at what was happening.
“What do you mean her soul travels? Is that because Max healed her?” Kyle asked worried.
“No. That’s human….There’s books on it and all. Max probably boosted it….changed her a little. Our powers are all powers that humans are capable of…like you’re all wired for the potential or something. Max when he heals can boost that….like create the connection or strengthen the path see? But there’s something already there in Liz naturally that sets her apart. She already had the connections to use her own power. Max felt it from the start. Michael did too but not in solid or strong way from what he said. It was after Max healed her and they got close that Michael felt the increase. So something happened….she feels like Max…like they’s trying to build a bond…make their ties to each other stronger….the shadow is there or Michael wouldn’t feel like she’s Max’s and try to double check Max’s choice. I don’t know why she feels like…she does or why the males seem to respond to it but that’s how it is. Somewhere the wires got crossed and Max settled on Liz,” Ava said with a shrug.
“Don’t you find that odd?” Isabel asked curious. Since Ava was with Zan she wondered why she seemed to accept it so easily.
“Nah not really. Is it any weirder then dead aliens reborn in new bodies? Zan he don’t feel the same for me that I do for him. I can do the glowing thing but he ain’t neva felt like that so it don’t surprise me that Max don’t feel it for Tess. The feelings Zan and I have are ‘cause we grew up wit each other. Max and Tess they didn’t have that. You and Michael grew up wit each other and don’t seem to have relived the old life,” Ava pointed out. She didn’t see anything so odd about them pairing up with humans. They lived human lives and love was love. It just existed who was to say why something happened and why it didn’t.
Max strained to hone in on where that brief brush of Liz had come from. It had just been the barest flicker of fear and panic but he knew it had come from this direction. He blocked out Michael and his running monologue of comments, demands, and questions needing all of his focus and energy to try and find Liz.
Michael clutched the roll bar as the jeep bumped over the unpaved road. He swore softly as he almost lost his grip on Max’s phone. “I don’t know he isn’t talking to me I told you that,” Michael barked at Isabel over the phone.
“Well how are we supposed to handle this Michael? Maria said Liz is supposed to work in like thirty minutes,” Isabel said feeling the eyes of the group on her as they all tried to get an idea of what was happening from her side of the conversation.
“Don’t do anything. There’s nothing we can do. Her “father” picked her up from school….tons of people heard that and saw what happened. There’s nothing we can do about that,” Michael pointed out. “Maria should just tell him what everyone is saying.”
“What about Ava and Zan?” Isabel asked softly.
“Head over to my place and pick them up. Just keep an eye on them and see what they have to say I guess. As soon as we get wherever Maxwell is going I’ll call you back. As soon as I figure out what’s happening I’ll let you know,” Michael said gruffly. He felt ill equipped in dealing with this and directing the others but Max was clearly otherwise involved.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you then,” Isabel said and hung up.
As the rain started to fall Liz realized she might be a little turned around. She was coming from a different direction then the other times she had made the trek to the cave and she was running on frantic energy and fear. Pushing her hair back out of her face Liz looked around trying to get her bearings. It was dangerous to be in the open desert during a storm. Lightening strikes sought the highest point and right now that would be her. If given a choice however she would choose the desert over that cabin. Pushing on she went off of instinct hoping it would guide her to safety.
Max saw lights in the distance and increased their speed heedless of the falling rain. The jeep stalled as Max hopped out and started for the cabin.
Michael hustled after him hoping for the best. The scene they walked into was not what he was hoping for. The room screamed of violence with overturned furniture and broken glass littering the floor.
Zan stood over a pile of dust with no show of emotion lighting his features. When the door crashed open he responded slowly looking up as if hating to tear his eyes away from the remains.
“Where is she?” Max demanded. He didn’t give a shit about Lonnie or whatever had happened here if it didn’t pertain to Liz.
“She ain’t here. Took off out into the desert or something,” Zan said slowly.
“Where are the others? Tess and Nesado?” Michael asked quickly.
“Gone. I think they beat it while I was wrestling wit Lonnie. When I snapped her neck they’s was gone,” Zan said a half smile playing over his mouth. “I heard the car start up so one of them took it.”
Max walked around the room touching things trying to get a flash of Liz. He ignored the other two just trailing his fingers over the objects in the room seeking some hint however small. Stopping at the chair by the window he felt a vision explode behind his eyes.
Zan was taken off guard when Max slammed into him driving him into the wall with his arm across his throat cutting off his air.
“What did you do to her? What did you do?” Max demanded pressing harder as rage burned through reason.
“Max! Let up man! He can’t talk if you crush his windpipe,” Michael said trying to pull Max back a little. It was like trying to pull a wild animal off of it’s prey. “Max! Let up so we can find her.”
Zan took a breath and gritted out his answer. “I didn’t do shit to her. I kissed her cause they told me to. That’s all. She was already freaked and it didn’t go over well. That’s all.”
“BULLSHIT! She was afraid of YOU,” Max said feeling rage cloud his vision. He felt the echo of Liz’s fear beating inside him, fueling his already fierce anger. His fists clenched as he tried to restrain himself from just killing him and being done with it. He hurt Liz it was that simple.
Michael saw this was quickly spiraling out of control. Hoping to get some answers he tried to talk Max down. “Back off Max. I’ll handle it. We need to find Liz….let me ask Zan some questions and we’ll find her faster,” Breathing a relieved breath when Max took one step back he focused on Zan. “Listen. You better tell us what went down here or you’re toast. That simple, so start talking,” Michael said arms hanging loose and ready at his side. He figured Zan didn’t have any powers or he would have used them to keep Max from killing him.
“I told you what happened! I kissed her,” Zan said stubbornly.
“Where? Where did this happen…in this room?” Max demanded. If the bastard wasn’t going to tell the truth he would find it out for himself.
“Over there. Against that wall,” Zan said motioning to the wall. “I just wanna say that Lonnie she….sort of…touched Liz like scared her first so Liz she was freaken see?”
Max ignored him and walked over to the wall running his hand over the wall searching for her echo.
Michael watched him while keeping Zan in his sights prepared to blast him if necessary. He saw Max stiffen then turn eyes blazing with fury on Zan. Oh fuck. Michael tensed wondering what had been done to Liz here in this room.
“You forced her. You used your strength and her fear to force her,” Max stated softly. “That wasn’t necessary and you took that opportunity to do what you did, using it to excuse your behavior. It doesn’t excuse it. Not to me.”
“I didn’t fuck her. I kissed her. My hands were tied behind me for fucks sake,” Zan said aggravated.
“I don’t care. You scared her. Not the enemy…you. Now she’s running. You hurt her!” Max roared in rage. “You can’t tell me that you fucking BIT her because TESS MADE YOU! I better never see you near her again. I’ll fucking kill you. Now I’m not wasting any more time on you Liz needs me,” Max said and made for the door. His head was throbbing with rage and fear. Anything could happen to her out in the desert. He had to find her NOW.
Michael turned his glare on Zan then punched him hard in the face finding satisfaction in the snap of his head and crunching sound of his cheekbone shattering. Shaking out the pain in his fist he spun to follow Max. “I second that.”
Tess stumbled along hoping she was headed toward the road. She had given up on finding Liz. She had run like a jack rabbit into the desert and Tess had no desire to chase her down out there.
She went over and over everything in her mind trying to come up with some sort of answer…some direction. She understood Nesado’s plan to get around the encoding using either her or Lonnie. If she went with that it implied that the encoding reacted to Liz somehow. Or maybe Max had inadvertently given an order about her safety. Either was possible. The real question was why would Nesado risk discovery and Max’s wrath to pluck Liz out of school and hold her? Why had Lonnie reacted like she did? Nesado must have said something to her to cause that scene at the cabin. Thoughts whirling Tess continued to fight her way along keeping an eye out for anyone approaching. No one was exactly happy with her at the moment so caution was called for.
Michael griped the roll bar in a death grip as Max left the road striking out into the desert. The jeep bounced over the ruts, tires spinning to find purchase in the loose soil. Visibility was almost nil but none of that seemed to bother Max. “Max you know where we’re going?” Michael shouted over the noise.
“I know she headed out this way. I have to find her Michael. I have to,” Max replied fighting back his fear with determination. He would find her and god help anyone in his way.
Michael wisely didn’t point out the vastness of the desert and all the directions she could have gone. Instead he reached for the phone.
Liz stumbled through the rain almost sure she was lost. Thunder rolled over the desert blocking out all other sound followed by the bright flashes of lightening. Liz paused to look around using the light to get her bearings. She felt a wave of relief when she saw the entrance to the cave. Entering the cave she pushed forward into the dark, feeling her way back into the cave until she couldn’t see the dim light from the entrance and sank to the ground.
Huddled in the dark shivering from cold Liz brought her knees up to her chest and rested her head against the wall. Fear was a living creature in her chest trying to find a way out into the open. She listened for any hint of sound…anything that would say someone had found her. As the sounds of rain and thunder continued unbroken she started to relax slightly. Enough to think.
She had hints of what they wanted from her. Lonnie had toyed with her getting off on the power of holding others and forcing her will on them. Nesado had wanted something more. He thought she was the answer to living a full life here on Earth. Something about her told him that it was possible to feel more….get more out of life here on this planet. Thinking about that Liz wondered if it was because he was living a lie. Everything about his life here was a lie. He shifted forms and drifted without anchor killing on a whim, feeling nothing, being touched by nothing.
Zan was another issue entirely. She wasn’t really sure what had caused her strong primal aversion to him other then he wasn’t Max. She had felt lust and male sense of wanting to take what he could get away with from him. She didn’t really sense the same love for pain and power that she had from Lonnie. What she felt was the same hints of difference she had felt from him all along. She just knew she didn’t want him touching her again. Ever. It was just wrong for anyone but Max to touch her like that. No one but Max truly loved her and she returned those feelings. It wasn’t the form it was the soul inside and feeling behind the touch that mattered. She wasn’t going to be fooled or tricked. She knew the difference, it was clear and absolute, and not even for the sake of playing along would she allow certain boundaries to be crossed.
Liz didn’t think beyond hiding here. She was safe in the dark away from the confusion of what was happening and the people that were trying to hurt her. She would stay here and stay quiet. When it felt safe she would see about leaving this place until then she would sit in the dark.
“What do you mean I picked her up?” Jeff Parker demanded his eyes going from one person to the next.
“That’s what everyone said. I asked Allison who’s in that class with Liz and she said you came to the door and spoke with the teacher and Liz left with you,” Maria said twisting her fingers as anxiety twisted her insides.
“I did no such thing!” Jeff burst out fear washing over him.
“Mr. Parker? Maybe we should call my Dad. He can talk to the teacher and everything,” Kyle offered quietly.
Jeff didn’t speak just nodded in sharp jerks and headed for the phone.
“This is sooo not good,” Alex said wishing there was some way to help. He hated this.
“Michael said they were following Liz into the desert,” Isabel said as she joined them. Sliding into the booth she tapped a nervous rhythm with her fingernail. “He said that Liz got away and ran. Lonnie’s dead. Zan killed her but Nesado and Tess got away. Tess is the one that released Zan but seems to have her own ass in mind.”
Alex eyes Isabel and sensed she was hiding something. “What aren’t you telling us? I can tell by your face that there’s more. I want to know what it is.”
Isabel chewed on her lip for a moment before answering. “Michael said that Lonnie…touched Liz inappropriately and it scared her. Zan…kissed her…forced a kiss on her…bit her and that sent her running off into the desert by herself they think. They’re in the jeep trying to follow her now.”
“WHAT?” Maria cried looking outside where the rain was coming down in sheets. It was November and Liz didn’t have a coat with her or anything.
Ava frowned not liking what she heard at all. Zan was an asshole at times, that was true, but they were trying to build a mutual truce here and kissing Max’s girl ain’t the way to do that. Surely he could see that these people didn’t see things the way they did. She would place bets on most of them still being cherry if not every last one of them. It was clear by their attitudes, and shit even their appearance, that they had a totally different upbringing. This group wouldn’t see sex in the more casual way that they did. Rath and Zan each had their own ideas about what sex meant. To Rath and Lonnie it was used for fun, domination, and power. Zan was casual about it and didn’t hide the fact that he had slept around every once in awhile but this was serious. This was their chance at building more for themselves and they couldn’t afford to piss these people off.
How could he possibly be so blind? Max was crazy for that girl and wouldn’t take this kindly. Even she could see that Liz was just as gone on him. You didn’t fuck with that kind of thing.
Ava knew Zan didn’t love her in the same way she loved him. He cared for her and took care of her but he didn’t feel that true deep bond for her. She had accepted that long ago but still it hurt every once in a while. Ava wondered if it was that he was her first combined with their reliance on each other growing up that had tipped the scales for her. She couldn’t honestly say. She had gone out with other guys on occasion and slept with one or two but couldn’t feel that same sense of peace and understanding that she felt with Zan. She wished she could at times like this. She had never had that glow with anyone but Zan and had given up on looking for it with someone else.
She wanted a new life. A better life then living in sewer and stealing what they needed to live. She wouldn’t go back to that, not even for Zan. So if he screwed this up he was on his own. She would make her own place and find her own voice and if he cared about her he would have to make some changes. She wouldn’t put up with this anymore. The last couple of weeks had shown her that she could make it on her own if she had to. It had given her a glimpse of how different life could be.
Looking around the table she envied these people. They might argue and whatever but they pulled together when they had to. They didn’t try to kill each other and they didn’t tolerate people hurting one of theirs. She wondered what it felt like to have people you could count on. That you knew would come for you even if they were pissed at you. That would be nice.
“Ava?” Alex asked seeing she was far away. When her eyes met his he saw something shimmer there for a moment before slipping away. “Do you have any ideas?”
“Tess is a dangerous wild card. She’ll do whateva ta save herself. She can’t be trusted but ain’t totally against ya. She’s playing the odds hoping ta end up on the winning side. Nesado is in the shit. He can’t function fully without either Tess or Lonnie. He can’t harm Liz like kill her but there’s a lot of slack there and shifter’s are good at getting around that rule. See he don’t have emotions like a human does so he wouldn’t see nonphysical harm as a problem get me? If he has enough time he’ll figure out a way to get what he wants. He’s the main problem. He needs ta be taken out,” Ava said honestly. She was throwing her lot in with these people hoping to earn their trust along the way.
“What do you think he wants?” Kyle asked leaning forward his focus fully on Ava.
“From what Zan said about what the Dog said……I think he either wants to take over Liz’s form or thinks that if he can build a strong enough tie to her that she’ll ground him in his form,” Ava said then seeing their confused look she explained. “Shifters change they’s form right? But he can’t eva walk around in HIS form….his real form so everything’s muted. He don’t feel much see? If you’s always changing form you don’t settle into one enough ta make it work. ‘Sides they just copy the outside…mold themselves inta the shape but the inside..the inside stays the same ya know? I think afta this long it’s driven him a little buggy but that’s my thoughts there. I think he felt something from Liz…..the first strong thing he felt in like fifty years right? So he wants that. He craves what he can’t have or something.”
Maria thought about that. “Liz said that she saw flashes from him. She said that was how she knew it wasn’t Max so maybe he saw flashes from her.”
“That makes sense,” Isabel agreed. “How could he take her form?”
“Well the Indian dude said that Liz can walk the earth without her body. Like her spirit or soul can leave her body and travel right? So without an anchor or tie ta hold her firm she can get lost. If he can force her out…by scaring her badly enough or convincing her that she needs to leave for whateva reason he can slide inta her empty shell. Send enough of his power and essence inta her to remake her and cut the tie ta her body. The fact that she sends so strong means she ain’t got that anchor and her ties ta her body are….looser then normal. That’s my take on it anyways. He seems so far to be testing the waters maybe seeing which way is best. I don’t know all this for sure but….it seems like this is what might be…it matches with what I do know,” Ava said trying to give the information she had along with her best guesses at what was happening.
“What do you mean her soul travels? Is that because Max healed her?” Kyle asked worried.
“No. That’s human….There’s books on it and all. Max probably boosted it….changed her a little. Our powers are all powers that humans are capable of…like you’re all wired for the potential or something. Max when he heals can boost that….like create the connection or strengthen the path see? But there’s something already there in Liz naturally that sets her apart. She already had the connections to use her own power. Max felt it from the start. Michael did too but not in solid or strong way from what he said. It was after Max healed her and they got close that Michael felt the increase. So something happened….she feels like Max…like they’s trying to build a bond…make their ties to each other stronger….the shadow is there or Michael wouldn’t feel like she’s Max’s and try to double check Max’s choice. I don’t know why she feels like…she does or why the males seem to respond to it but that’s how it is. Somewhere the wires got crossed and Max settled on Liz,” Ava said with a shrug.
“Don’t you find that odd?” Isabel asked curious. Since Ava was with Zan she wondered why she seemed to accept it so easily.
“Nah not really. Is it any weirder then dead aliens reborn in new bodies? Zan he don’t feel the same for me that I do for him. I can do the glowing thing but he ain’t neva felt like that so it don’t surprise me that Max don’t feel it for Tess. The feelings Zan and I have are ‘cause we grew up wit each other. Max and Tess they didn’t have that. You and Michael grew up wit each other and don’t seem to have relived the old life,” Ava pointed out. She didn’t see anything so odd about them pairing up with humans. They lived human lives and love was love. It just existed who was to say why something happened and why it didn’t.
Chapter Eighteen
Max cursed loudly as the jeep’s tires spun uselessly imbedding themselves further. Turning off the ignition with an angry flick of his wrist he hopped out of the vehicle and started off on foot.
Michael chased after him muttering under his breath. “Max! Hold up! Do you even know where she is? We can’t just wander around out here,” Michael shouted to be heard over the rain.
“You can stay by the jeep if you want to. I’m going to find her. I think she went this way,” Max called back following his instincts.
“You think?” Michael said and pulled Max to a stop.
“Yes. Can’t you feel her? I have to find her before Nesado does. I don’t have time to argue with you so stay or go,” Max said and shook off his restraining hand and started off.
Michael sighed and wiped the water off of his face before following.
When Liz heard a rustling sound outside she froze and pressed back into the wall instinctively trying to hide. She desperately tried to stop her trembling and locked her jaw so her teeth wouldn’t chatter. When the soft glow of light approached she didn’t move praying they wouldn’t see her. She tried to make herself as small as possible and held her breath.
Max was almost positive that she was here. It made sense and it felt right. He cupped his hands together and created enough light to see as he made his way into the cave calling to Liz softly. He felt his heart clench when he saw her huddled in on herself wet and cold. Her eyes were huge and scared in her pale face.
When she saw Max she wondered if it was really him. It wasn’t until she saw Michael that she believed it. She was so relieved that she started to cry.
Max slid his coat off as he approached her slowly. He didn’t want to scare her anymore then she already was. Max was grateful when Michael lit the torches that River Dog had used before allowing him to concentrate on Liz. “Liz? Come on and talk to me so I know you’re okay.”
Liz wiped her face and sent him a wobbly smile. “I’m a lot better now,” Liz said softly unfolding her body to rise to her feet.
Max helped her up and wrapped his coat around her worried about how cold her fingers were. He tucked her into the shelter of his body and held her tight not speaking too overwhelmed by relief to speak.
Michael stood awkwardly a few feet away clearly able to read Max. His face was totally open and unguarded as the emotions passed through him. Michael glanced away feeling uncomfortable in the face of so much open feeling. He inched his way to the entrance of the cave and looked out at the cold rain focusing on everything outside to ignore the rest.
“It’s okay. I’m okay Max,” Liz whispered softly her cold fingers stroking his neck ignoring the cold rainwater dripping off of him.
“It’s not okay,” Max denied his brows almost meeting as he scowled. “I’m going to kill that fucker.”
Liz felt her lips twitch at Max’s unusual display of male pique. “Which fucker are we talking about?” Liz asked softly trying to wrap his coat around them both.
“Zan….Nesado…all of them,” Max said rubbing his cheek on her shoulder.
Liz sighed reluctant to talk about it. “Max…..I don’t think Zan meant to…,” Liz stopped as it occurred to her that Max shouldn’t know about Zan.
“Don’t defend him,” Max said his voice clearly showing his anger. “He has no excuse. I saw what he did. I felt it and….there’s no excuse,” Max said stroking her back, her arms, and her hips. Unable not to touch her…..feel that she was really okay.
“He’s not you, Max. I’m not defending him. He scared me but…I was already really afraid. What happened with Rath and what was going on in that cabin…I was already afraid and maybe I overreacted. I just wanted him to stop and I couldn’t play along. There was no point, Tess already knew who he was and…..it was just….gross,” Liz said softly into his neck. She didn’t want Max to blow the chance at learning more….becoming stronger and more able to fight if they needed to. They had the future to think about after all. What Zan did or didn’t intend sort of paled in comparison.
“He bit you. You were bleeding,” Max said stubbornly.
“You can fix it for me,” Liz said by his ear. When he remained rigid and unmoved she sighed. “I really don’t think he meant to do what happened. I don’t think that’s how it started. I think that he was very angry and it just….got away from him and turned into something else. If you saw it then you know that it was when I was shoving him that it broke the skin, I think. Lonnie was there and I think he’s not like you. I think he’s not as controlled and gentle inside,” Liz pulled back to look into Max’s eyes. “It’s over. It was what it was and it’s over now. I’m fine and I forgive him so let’s move past it.”
Max didn’t care about any of that. He didn’t see how she could just get over it so easy. He KNEW exactly how she felt at the time. Glossing it over now didn’t change that but he also saw the anxiety shadowing her eyes. So without speaking he just ran his fingers over her mouth healing her silently. “I need to talk to Michael for a second okay?”
Liz nodded and stepped away pulling his jacket around her tighter, cold down to her bones.
Michael turned as Max came up behind him. “She okay?”
“I think so but she’s really cold. I need to dry her cloths and get her warm. I don’t want to hike back out of here with it raining like it is. You still have the phone?” Max asked eyeing the sky. It didn’t look like it was going to let up soon.
“Yeah, but it’s not working right. I got it wet and tried to dry it out but something’s still screwy with it,” Michael said gruffly. He thought he had fried it.
“Okay, well do you think you can make it to the reservation? We need to call the Sheriff and get someone out here with some warmer cloths. The Sheriff can put out an APB for Tess and the car Nesado used to take Liz. Someone needs to pick up Zan but I don’t want it to be the girls alone. I don’t trust him. I have no idea when his powers will come back but he’s a loose cannon at this point,” Max said low enough so it wouldn’t carry back to Liz.
“Yeah, I can make it. I’ll have Maria drive out and I’ll go get Zan. Will you be okay here for a while?” Michael asked knowing it would be awhile before he could hike back here. Nesado was still running around somewhere.
“Yeah, we’ll sit tight till you get back then we can push the jeep out,” Max said. He could hold Nesado off from here easier then out in the open. Plus, it would keep Liz out of the cold wet weather.
“Let me ask Liz what she remembers about the car then I’ll head out,” Michael said and ducked back inside.
Max studied what he could see of the area, feeling pretty secure in the fact that he would hear anyone approaching with all the loose rocks littering the path up to the cave.
“Okay. I guess I’ll see you later,” Michael said from beside him.
Max turned and nodded. “Thanks Michael. Don’t take chances and follow your instincts. Nesado is likely changing forms so just be careful.”
“Got it. You…um…take care of Liz,” Michael said with a grin and jogged off down the path before Max could respond to chastise him.
Max settled down on the ground feeling keyed up inside. He had dried Liz’s cloths the best he could while she was wearing them and tried to warm her by sending gentle pulses of warmth along her skin but she was still shivering in the damp air. Getting as comfortable as possible he urged her to cuddle up and tucked his coat around them. Watching the light dance along the walls he tried to calm down. Liz was here and he would keep her safe this time.
Liz was soothed by the steady rise and fall of his chest under her cheek her fingers stroking his abdomen absently. She let go of her fear and blocked out the rest of world taking joy from this moment. This was exactly where she wanted to be. Max always made her feel safe no matter what else was going on outside. She wasn’t blind to his tension though. “Max?”
“Yeah?” Max responded softly.
“What are you thinking about?” Liz asked tucking her hair behind her ear.
“I’m thinking that I’m in a lot of trouble here and I don’t know what to do about it,” Max answered his eyes following the path of a shadow making it’s way across the ceiling.
“What do you mean?” Liz asked feeling his warmth seeping into her slowly chasing away the chill.
“They say you should never bet what you can’t afford to loose. I’m betting my whole life. Everyday we bet it all and I can’t afford to loose it. I feel like we’re all juggling these pieces of our life and any second we could loose our grip and one piece could tumble sending everything else after it. Everything in our life is connected. We can’t afford to loose even one piece. Look at what’s already happened. Change one thing it all just changes so drastically,” Max said his fingers kneading her back working out the knots and sending pulses of warmth out through his fingers without thought.
“Yes it does,” Liz agreed knowing there was no way to refute that. “But we just have to do our best and hope it’s enough. You told me that and you were right. The future’s coming and there’s no way to stop it or see what it is and that’s scary. I know it is but everyone’s life is like that. We may not have asked for this life but I don’t think it’s all bad. I think we’re closer because so much rides on us. I can tell you I would never put up with Isabel otherwise,” Liz said smiling into his chest. “I really don’t think Michael would tolerate me if that weren’t true either so it all balances out. We balance each other out. We’ve all changed quite a bit since this started and we all know the dangers involved but we all stay. That means something.”
Max sighed and tucked one hand behind his head. “This won’t go on forever. Our luck can’t last forever and what then? Liz….I can’t loose you. That’s always been true. That’s how we got here in the first place. That day in the café….I couldn’t not heal you. Even knowing that I could end up on an alien autopsy tape in some guys basement VCR. Not even the thought of Michael or Isabel stopped me because I knew that if you died that day that there was no reason for me to be here. I just keep failing to keep you safe and one of these times it’s going to turn out bad.”
“No, you’re wrong about that. You’re not solely responsible for me and I don’t think it’s luck. We all work hard to get through everything. As much as I know you love me…you have more to live for then just me. If something did happen to me I would want you to move forward. Isabel and Michael need you, Max, and so do your parents. We all have a job to do and a place in this,” Liz said going up on her elbow to see his face.
“What is true is not always what you want it to be,” Max said softly before meeting her eyes. “Your most important job is to live. No matter what else happens. Nothing matters to me more then that.”
Liz chewed on the inside of her cheek debating her answer in her mind. “There are some things more important to me then my life,” Liz said softly. She could think of several things right off hand, the first of which was him.
“We’re a team….partners right?” Max asked trying to work around her last statement.
“Yes, of course we are,” Liz agreed.
“Okay, so then we need to work like a team and have the same goal, which is getting out of this right?” Max asked seeing her mind turning that over looking for flaws.
“Right, but you’re trying to trick me, Max Evans, and it’s not going to work. You can’t charm me into forgetting what you’re trying to get me to agree to. My life isn’t more important then yours. You protect me all the time….sometimes when it’s really dangerous to do so and I don’t question you. So you need to accept that I might do the same if the situation calls for it and I have the ability to do so,” Liz said eyeing him with suspicion.
Max’s lips tightened at the stubborn look on her face and his mind worked on getting around it. “I never said that your life was more important,” Max pointed out shaving the truth a tad.
“Not outright but that’s what you meant. It’s what you think and that’s not true. You aren’t going to get me to agree to desert you or…run and leave you when things get dangerous. You have never left me. Never. No matter how dangerous it was. Max….you’re not the danger to me. You have to see that. Nesado isn’t coming after me because of you so your argument is flawed and therefore I can’t agree,” Liz said smugly her eyes dancing at his expression.
Max furiously tried to come up with a counter argument but found his focus changing as Liz straddled his abdomen letting the coat drop away. “You’re doing that thing,” Max pointed out, narrowing his eyes as he tried to hang onto the conversation.
“What thing?” Liz asked tired of talking. She shifted her weight to her knees and slowly tugged at Max’s shirt.
“The thing….that you accuse me of,” Max said watching her eyes flicker in shadows cast by the torches lighting the room.
“Yeah. It works so….I thought I would try it,” Liz said a smile playing over her lips. “How’s it working? What were we talking about?”
“Ummm I….think,” Max said then stopped as Liz tugged harder working his shirt out from under him. “It’s working cause I don’t care what we were talking about.”
Liz smiled as she tossed his shirt aside. It was always good to stop when you were winning. “Then I’m doing it right.”
“Liz…..this isn’t really….a good time. You’ll get cold and it’s a cave and…,” Max trailed off as Liz moved to sit on his thighs.
Liz cocked her head and studied him for a long moment. “So tell me no.”
Max opened his mouth to tell her just that when she trailed a finger across the bare skin just above his pants and he shut it again his teeth coming together with a snap.
“Tell me you don’t want this. Tell me that this isn’t the only thing you’re thinking about right this second,” Liz said softly her fingers moving over his chest. “Tell me you don’t want to touch me. If you tell me that…if you say no I’ll stop.”
Max blew out a long breath struggling to get his thoughts in some sort of order. Reason didn’t seem as important as the desire to claim her. “Liz…I don’t have my wallet…..I won’t be able to hear…anyone until…,” Max’s words…his reason stopped when Liz pulled on the button at the top of his pants.
“Oh…yeah Saint Max….don’t worry. I always have a plan,” Liz said understanding the importance of the wallet comment. “I took care of it already. I don’t have an answer for the other thing……you’re right you may not hear anyone until they’re here. I don’t want to make you……if you really don’t want to I’ll back off. I just want to remember this…not anything else.”
Max pulled her down onto his chest looking into her eyes. “You don’t have to do this, Liz. We can wait as long as you need to. If it scares you, I understand…..Zan and Rath and the rest of it….”
Liz shook her head firmly. “You don’t get it. You’re not them. Nothing is the same when it’s you. I’m never afraid of you. I never think that you’ll hurt me….force me. Even when you’re rougher I still feel what’s behind it. I love you Max. I love when you touch me no matter where we are or what’s going on because I know you love me. It shows always. Don’t think differently,” Liz said brushing his hair back enjoying the soft strands sliding between her fingers. “So you tell me what you want. If you want to stop tell me,” Liz said trying to be as open as possible. She didn’t have to hide from Max and if they were ever going to take the next step forward she wanted it to be with complete honesty between them. They had never really just talked about sex and how they felt they had just sort of drifted into things. She wanted to make sure Max knew she could distinguish between him and anyone else. The differences were so vast as to be worlds apart.
“There you go again,” Max said a smile spreading over his face. “Calling me a tease.”
Liz laughed in surprise her eyes shining. “Well if the shoe fits,” Liz said shrugging a smile shining from her face.
Max cursed loudly as the jeep’s tires spun uselessly imbedding themselves further. Turning off the ignition with an angry flick of his wrist he hopped out of the vehicle and started off on foot.
Michael chased after him muttering under his breath. “Max! Hold up! Do you even know where she is? We can’t just wander around out here,” Michael shouted to be heard over the rain.
“You can stay by the jeep if you want to. I’m going to find her. I think she went this way,” Max called back following his instincts.
“You think?” Michael said and pulled Max to a stop.
“Yes. Can’t you feel her? I have to find her before Nesado does. I don’t have time to argue with you so stay or go,” Max said and shook off his restraining hand and started off.
Michael sighed and wiped the water off of his face before following.
When Liz heard a rustling sound outside she froze and pressed back into the wall instinctively trying to hide. She desperately tried to stop her trembling and locked her jaw so her teeth wouldn’t chatter. When the soft glow of light approached she didn’t move praying they wouldn’t see her. She tried to make herself as small as possible and held her breath.
Max was almost positive that she was here. It made sense and it felt right. He cupped his hands together and created enough light to see as he made his way into the cave calling to Liz softly. He felt his heart clench when he saw her huddled in on herself wet and cold. Her eyes were huge and scared in her pale face.
When she saw Max she wondered if it was really him. It wasn’t until she saw Michael that she believed it. She was so relieved that she started to cry.
Max slid his coat off as he approached her slowly. He didn’t want to scare her anymore then she already was. Max was grateful when Michael lit the torches that River Dog had used before allowing him to concentrate on Liz. “Liz? Come on and talk to me so I know you’re okay.”
Liz wiped her face and sent him a wobbly smile. “I’m a lot better now,” Liz said softly unfolding her body to rise to her feet.
Max helped her up and wrapped his coat around her worried about how cold her fingers were. He tucked her into the shelter of his body and held her tight not speaking too overwhelmed by relief to speak.
Michael stood awkwardly a few feet away clearly able to read Max. His face was totally open and unguarded as the emotions passed through him. Michael glanced away feeling uncomfortable in the face of so much open feeling. He inched his way to the entrance of the cave and looked out at the cold rain focusing on everything outside to ignore the rest.
“It’s okay. I’m okay Max,” Liz whispered softly her cold fingers stroking his neck ignoring the cold rainwater dripping off of him.
“It’s not okay,” Max denied his brows almost meeting as he scowled. “I’m going to kill that fucker.”
Liz felt her lips twitch at Max’s unusual display of male pique. “Which fucker are we talking about?” Liz asked softly trying to wrap his coat around them both.
“Zan….Nesado…all of them,” Max said rubbing his cheek on her shoulder.
Liz sighed reluctant to talk about it. “Max…..I don’t think Zan meant to…,” Liz stopped as it occurred to her that Max shouldn’t know about Zan.
“Don’t defend him,” Max said his voice clearly showing his anger. “He has no excuse. I saw what he did. I felt it and….there’s no excuse,” Max said stroking her back, her arms, and her hips. Unable not to touch her…..feel that she was really okay.
“He’s not you, Max. I’m not defending him. He scared me but…I was already really afraid. What happened with Rath and what was going on in that cabin…I was already afraid and maybe I overreacted. I just wanted him to stop and I couldn’t play along. There was no point, Tess already knew who he was and…..it was just….gross,” Liz said softly into his neck. She didn’t want Max to blow the chance at learning more….becoming stronger and more able to fight if they needed to. They had the future to think about after all. What Zan did or didn’t intend sort of paled in comparison.
“He bit you. You were bleeding,” Max said stubbornly.
“You can fix it for me,” Liz said by his ear. When he remained rigid and unmoved she sighed. “I really don’t think he meant to do what happened. I don’t think that’s how it started. I think that he was very angry and it just….got away from him and turned into something else. If you saw it then you know that it was when I was shoving him that it broke the skin, I think. Lonnie was there and I think he’s not like you. I think he’s not as controlled and gentle inside,” Liz pulled back to look into Max’s eyes. “It’s over. It was what it was and it’s over now. I’m fine and I forgive him so let’s move past it.”
Max didn’t care about any of that. He didn’t see how she could just get over it so easy. He KNEW exactly how she felt at the time. Glossing it over now didn’t change that but he also saw the anxiety shadowing her eyes. So without speaking he just ran his fingers over her mouth healing her silently. “I need to talk to Michael for a second okay?”
Liz nodded and stepped away pulling his jacket around her tighter, cold down to her bones.
Michael turned as Max came up behind him. “She okay?”
“I think so but she’s really cold. I need to dry her cloths and get her warm. I don’t want to hike back out of here with it raining like it is. You still have the phone?” Max asked eyeing the sky. It didn’t look like it was going to let up soon.
“Yeah, but it’s not working right. I got it wet and tried to dry it out but something’s still screwy with it,” Michael said gruffly. He thought he had fried it.
“Okay, well do you think you can make it to the reservation? We need to call the Sheriff and get someone out here with some warmer cloths. The Sheriff can put out an APB for Tess and the car Nesado used to take Liz. Someone needs to pick up Zan but I don’t want it to be the girls alone. I don’t trust him. I have no idea when his powers will come back but he’s a loose cannon at this point,” Max said low enough so it wouldn’t carry back to Liz.
“Yeah, I can make it. I’ll have Maria drive out and I’ll go get Zan. Will you be okay here for a while?” Michael asked knowing it would be awhile before he could hike back here. Nesado was still running around somewhere.
“Yeah, we’ll sit tight till you get back then we can push the jeep out,” Max said. He could hold Nesado off from here easier then out in the open. Plus, it would keep Liz out of the cold wet weather.
“Let me ask Liz what she remembers about the car then I’ll head out,” Michael said and ducked back inside.
Max studied what he could see of the area, feeling pretty secure in the fact that he would hear anyone approaching with all the loose rocks littering the path up to the cave.
“Okay. I guess I’ll see you later,” Michael said from beside him.
Max turned and nodded. “Thanks Michael. Don’t take chances and follow your instincts. Nesado is likely changing forms so just be careful.”
“Got it. You…um…take care of Liz,” Michael said with a grin and jogged off down the path before Max could respond to chastise him.
Max settled down on the ground feeling keyed up inside. He had dried Liz’s cloths the best he could while she was wearing them and tried to warm her by sending gentle pulses of warmth along her skin but she was still shivering in the damp air. Getting as comfortable as possible he urged her to cuddle up and tucked his coat around them. Watching the light dance along the walls he tried to calm down. Liz was here and he would keep her safe this time.
Liz was soothed by the steady rise and fall of his chest under her cheek her fingers stroking his abdomen absently. She let go of her fear and blocked out the rest of world taking joy from this moment. This was exactly where she wanted to be. Max always made her feel safe no matter what else was going on outside. She wasn’t blind to his tension though. “Max?”
“Yeah?” Max responded softly.
“What are you thinking about?” Liz asked tucking her hair behind her ear.
“I’m thinking that I’m in a lot of trouble here and I don’t know what to do about it,” Max answered his eyes following the path of a shadow making it’s way across the ceiling.
“What do you mean?” Liz asked feeling his warmth seeping into her slowly chasing away the chill.
“They say you should never bet what you can’t afford to loose. I’m betting my whole life. Everyday we bet it all and I can’t afford to loose it. I feel like we’re all juggling these pieces of our life and any second we could loose our grip and one piece could tumble sending everything else after it. Everything in our life is connected. We can’t afford to loose even one piece. Look at what’s already happened. Change one thing it all just changes so drastically,” Max said his fingers kneading her back working out the knots and sending pulses of warmth out through his fingers without thought.
“Yes it does,” Liz agreed knowing there was no way to refute that. “But we just have to do our best and hope it’s enough. You told me that and you were right. The future’s coming and there’s no way to stop it or see what it is and that’s scary. I know it is but everyone’s life is like that. We may not have asked for this life but I don’t think it’s all bad. I think we’re closer because so much rides on us. I can tell you I would never put up with Isabel otherwise,” Liz said smiling into his chest. “I really don’t think Michael would tolerate me if that weren’t true either so it all balances out. We balance each other out. We’ve all changed quite a bit since this started and we all know the dangers involved but we all stay. That means something.”
Max sighed and tucked one hand behind his head. “This won’t go on forever. Our luck can’t last forever and what then? Liz….I can’t loose you. That’s always been true. That’s how we got here in the first place. That day in the café….I couldn’t not heal you. Even knowing that I could end up on an alien autopsy tape in some guys basement VCR. Not even the thought of Michael or Isabel stopped me because I knew that if you died that day that there was no reason for me to be here. I just keep failing to keep you safe and one of these times it’s going to turn out bad.”
“No, you’re wrong about that. You’re not solely responsible for me and I don’t think it’s luck. We all work hard to get through everything. As much as I know you love me…you have more to live for then just me. If something did happen to me I would want you to move forward. Isabel and Michael need you, Max, and so do your parents. We all have a job to do and a place in this,” Liz said going up on her elbow to see his face.
“What is true is not always what you want it to be,” Max said softly before meeting her eyes. “Your most important job is to live. No matter what else happens. Nothing matters to me more then that.”
Liz chewed on the inside of her cheek debating her answer in her mind. “There are some things more important to me then my life,” Liz said softly. She could think of several things right off hand, the first of which was him.
“We’re a team….partners right?” Max asked trying to work around her last statement.
“Yes, of course we are,” Liz agreed.
“Okay, so then we need to work like a team and have the same goal, which is getting out of this right?” Max asked seeing her mind turning that over looking for flaws.
“Right, but you’re trying to trick me, Max Evans, and it’s not going to work. You can’t charm me into forgetting what you’re trying to get me to agree to. My life isn’t more important then yours. You protect me all the time….sometimes when it’s really dangerous to do so and I don’t question you. So you need to accept that I might do the same if the situation calls for it and I have the ability to do so,” Liz said eyeing him with suspicion.
Max’s lips tightened at the stubborn look on her face and his mind worked on getting around it. “I never said that your life was more important,” Max pointed out shaving the truth a tad.
“Not outright but that’s what you meant. It’s what you think and that’s not true. You aren’t going to get me to agree to desert you or…run and leave you when things get dangerous. You have never left me. Never. No matter how dangerous it was. Max….you’re not the danger to me. You have to see that. Nesado isn’t coming after me because of you so your argument is flawed and therefore I can’t agree,” Liz said smugly her eyes dancing at his expression.
Max furiously tried to come up with a counter argument but found his focus changing as Liz straddled his abdomen letting the coat drop away. “You’re doing that thing,” Max pointed out, narrowing his eyes as he tried to hang onto the conversation.
“What thing?” Liz asked tired of talking. She shifted her weight to her knees and slowly tugged at Max’s shirt.
“The thing….that you accuse me of,” Max said watching her eyes flicker in shadows cast by the torches lighting the room.
“Yeah. It works so….I thought I would try it,” Liz said a smile playing over her lips. “How’s it working? What were we talking about?”
“Ummm I….think,” Max said then stopped as Liz tugged harder working his shirt out from under him. “It’s working cause I don’t care what we were talking about.”
Liz smiled as she tossed his shirt aside. It was always good to stop when you were winning. “Then I’m doing it right.”
“Liz…..this isn’t really….a good time. You’ll get cold and it’s a cave and…,” Max trailed off as Liz moved to sit on his thighs.
Liz cocked her head and studied him for a long moment. “So tell me no.”
Max opened his mouth to tell her just that when she trailed a finger across the bare skin just above his pants and he shut it again his teeth coming together with a snap.
“Tell me you don’t want this. Tell me that this isn’t the only thing you’re thinking about right this second,” Liz said softly her fingers moving over his chest. “Tell me you don’t want to touch me. If you tell me that…if you say no I’ll stop.”
Max blew out a long breath struggling to get his thoughts in some sort of order. Reason didn’t seem as important as the desire to claim her. “Liz…I don’t have my wallet…..I won’t be able to hear…anyone until…,” Max’s words…his reason stopped when Liz pulled on the button at the top of his pants.
“Oh…yeah Saint Max….don’t worry. I always have a plan,” Liz said understanding the importance of the wallet comment. “I took care of it already. I don’t have an answer for the other thing……you’re right you may not hear anyone until they’re here. I don’t want to make you……if you really don’t want to I’ll back off. I just want to remember this…not anything else.”
Max pulled her down onto his chest looking into her eyes. “You don’t have to do this, Liz. We can wait as long as you need to. If it scares you, I understand…..Zan and Rath and the rest of it….”
Liz shook her head firmly. “You don’t get it. You’re not them. Nothing is the same when it’s you. I’m never afraid of you. I never think that you’ll hurt me….force me. Even when you’re rougher I still feel what’s behind it. I love you Max. I love when you touch me no matter where we are or what’s going on because I know you love me. It shows always. Don’t think differently,” Liz said brushing his hair back enjoying the soft strands sliding between her fingers. “So you tell me what you want. If you want to stop tell me,” Liz said trying to be as open as possible. She didn’t have to hide from Max and if they were ever going to take the next step forward she wanted it to be with complete honesty between them. They had never really just talked about sex and how they felt they had just sort of drifted into things. She wanted to make sure Max knew she could distinguish between him and anyone else. The differences were so vast as to be worlds apart.
“There you go again,” Max said a smile spreading over his face. “Calling me a tease.”
Liz laughed in surprise her eyes shining. “Well if the shoe fits,” Liz said shrugging a smile shining from her face.
Chapter Nineteen
Liz slid off of him and moved over slightly putting some space between them. She was getting used to the cold and hardly felt it anymore.
Max turned on his side propping his head on his hand so he could see her. “What are you doing over there?”
Liz glanced over at him tucking her legs underneath her. “Nothing. How long do think it’ll be till Michael gets back?” Liz asked changing the subject.
Shooting her a puzzled look he went with the change in topic. “I don’t know. He’s got to call the Sheriff, Maria, and go get Zan. He’ll be gone awhile I guess.”
“I’ve got to call my Dad,” Liz muttered tracing patterns in the dirt in front of her. “I think I know what to say.”
Max watched her wondering what was going on. He picked up his jacket seeing her trembling faintly. “Here put this on.”
“That’s okay. I’m fine. You’ll probably need it to go and keep a look out for….people,” Liz said not looking up from her drawings.
“What’s with you?” Max asked sitting up totally confused.
“Nothing. I just think that we should….keep a little distance. Right?” Liz asked looking up and meeting Max’s eyes. “I mean, we don’t want to draw anyone here right? Michael said it’s stronger when….we’re around each other so….”
“What changed in the last two minutes? Did you channel Maria or what? I’m a little confused,” Max said studying her face. She was never really moody so he had no idea what was happening.
Liz smiled slightly her eyebrow arching. “Nothing changed. We discussed…stuff and now we’re discussing other stuff.”
“Yeah, but we discussed stuff with you right here. Now you’re over there,” Max pointed out watching her like a hawk.
“Yeah well….it’s safer here,” Liz answered expanding her complicated design.
“It’s warmer here,” Max tempted.
“I’m okay. So what are we going to do when we leave here?” Liz said trying to redirect the conversation as she tossed Max his shirt.
Max spread his shirt out like a blanket, lips pressed tightly together. He seriously wondered if she was trying to get him angry. She was freezing to death and being unreasonable. Tempted to just pick her up and wrap himself around her he decided to bring her to him.
Liz concentrated on her expanding doodle right up until Max’s pants hit the dirt. She looked up and blinked, her eyes round as saucers. “What? What are you….doing?”
“Nothing. Why?” Max asked in a serious tone. He settled back down watching her closely.
“Why? Why? I don’t know…maybe because you have no….pants on? What the hell are you doing?” Liz blurted out without thinking. “We talked about….you said….what are you DOING?”
Max shrugged and smiled. “I could be getting comfortable.”
“Uh huh,” Liz nodded trying not to let her eyes roam.
“Or I could be teasing you,” Max said still smiling.
“Well you apparently didn’t take into account the cold factor in here cause….well it’ll take…more to actually effectively tease me,” Liz said smiling sweetly as Max’s smile disappeared. She shrieked and tried to dodge him when he dove for her. She attempted to wiggle away but found she was trapped under the weight of his body “Not the reaction you were looking for? Where the hell is Maria when I actually need her?”
“I don’t think you want Maria here right now,” Max said making himself comfortable.
“I don’t?” Liz asked pushing on his chest and taking satisfaction from his wince as her cold hands touched his skin.
“Nope,” Max said nuzzling her ear.
“You do realize that this is still a cave and I’m laying in the dirt right?” Liz asked with mild curiosity.
“Yeah,” Max agreed not lifting his head.
“Soooo I don’t get it,” Liz said softly her fingers moving to his side. “I go with your wishes and you drop your pants and tackle me in the dirt? What am I missing?”
Max made a muffled inarticulate response much more concerned with the spot just below her ear.
“You are completely insane,” Liz stated as point of fact.
“No, I’m not,” Max said then stopped to nibble on her ear smiling when she squirmed. “You won’t listen and you won’t do anything that’s reasonable so this is what happens to you now.”
“So you think this is like….what? A punishment?” Liz asked incredulous. Was he serious?
“No. I would never punish you. This is to obtain my original objective,” Max said then traced the outer shell of her ear.
“God! What are you even talking about?” Liz asked completely lost.
“Are you cold?” Max asked nudging her shirt off of her shoulder.
“Do I feel cold?” Liz asked smiling.
“Let’s see,” Max said and took her hand and tugged it down into his boxers.
Liz gasp in shock. “I can’t believe you just did that!”
Max groaned and rested his head in the curve of her shoulder. “I can’t either,” Max said softly his lips brushing her skin. “Liz….I was trying to….do the right thing…for you. I love you so much….I want you all the time but…I want to make it special for you. I want to stay with you after….not rush and send you home. This is so important to you and it shouldn’t be happening in the dirt of some damp cave. I should be cherishing you and making this perfect.”
Liz blinked away tears and kissed his hair. “You do cherish me. I feel that from you no matter where we are. Can we just…take a baby step forward?”
Max went up on his elbows trying to ignore her hand. “I think we are. Is this…okay?”
Liz smiled as she looked into his warm eyes. She touched him tentatively so softly that it the barest brush of her fingers watching him closely. “I’m okay. You?”
“God I love you,” Max whispered brushing her cheek with his fingers.
“I know. You took off your pants for me and everything,” Liz teased then moved up to brush her lips over his.
He chased her lips with his needing deeper contact. Setting his lips firmly against hers a groan rumbling in his chest as her lips moved against his like warm silk.
Michael shifted in the passenger seat sweating even with the chilly air blowing over him. He glanced over at Maria to see if she noticed his discomfort. “Baby please. Liz is fine I saw her myself.”
“Michael….she may be fine right this second but how are we going to keep her that way? This…..alien can change into anyone. Anyone at all. He could climb up to her balcony in the middle of the night. He could wait in the alley for her to take out the trash. All he has to do is wait for the right moment. Her parents have no idea how to protect her and neither do you!” Maria said waving one hand in the air the other still on the wheel.
“We’ll figure out something,” Michael said scratching his eyebrow.
Maria’s eyes widened as she saw something beside the road. “Holy shit!” Maria yelped and slammed on the brake.
Michael caught himself on the dash looking to see what Maria was trying to avoid.
“That fucking bitch almost hit my car! She could have dented it!” Maria yelled furious. “Try and get her to lay down in the road. Sideways so I can just drive right over and not damage the car.”
Michael shook his head and got out raising his hand in preparation. “Tess. No more bullshit. Get in the car.”
“She’ll get the seats dirty Michael! Just strap her to the back or we can drag her!” Maria said glaring at Tess.
Tess looked from Michael to Maria sniffed and flipped her mud covered hair before climbing in the backseat.
“I suggest you sit there and keep your mouth shut,” Michael said glaring at Tess from between the seats. “We’re going to pick up Zan. Then we’re going to hash this out and Tess….you better not even think of using your powers on anyone. I’ll kill you. No questions asked.”
“I understand,” Tess said and turned to look out the window.
Maria pulled up to the cabin and was relieved to see Zan open the door right away. She didn’t want to be left with the backseat psycho. Since when were they an alien relief organization? Give me your dirty your tired your killer psycho aliens and I’ll give them a ride?
Kyle wondered when he became a full-fledged member of this club. He negotiated the turn into the reservation and parked before turning to his passengers. “Now what? I mean I’m new here so I’m not familiar with the protocol in the alien ranks.”
“Shut up Kyle,” Isabel said rolling her eyes. How did Liz ever put up with him in the first place?
“Hey! On your planet you may be a Princess but this is my planet and my car so unless you want to stand out in the rain you’ll be nice. You ever see ET? I like him better then you,” Kyle said bristling at her tone. “He had pretty eyes and a better personality.”
Alex snickered from the backseat before answering. “We just have to wait for Michael and Maria to get back. Your dad is going to meet us here too.”
Ava smiled to herself amused by how the humans banded together and knocked Isabel down a peg or two. She liked them. It was interesting and fun to watch the by play between all these different people.
Isabel sighed worried and keyed up. She fussed with the bag at her feet worried she hadn’t chosen correctly or that she had forgotten. Were the clothes she had chosen warm enough? Socks….did she forget to put in two pairs of socks?
“Isabel, relax. He’s fine and you already checked that bag three times. Even if you did forget something we can’t change it now,” Alex pointed out from the backseat.
“I know. I’m sorry,” Isabel sighed and sat back in her seat. “I don’t have anything in here small enough for Liz. Maybe we should have gone to Maria’s. She’s closer to Liz’s size.”
“Liz won’t care. She’ll be happy to just have something warm. It’s fine Isabel….really,” Alex said softly trying to calm her. As mad and hurt as he was he still cared about Isabel. He knew she used these tactics to focus on other things besides her worry for Max. He even believed that she was worried for Liz although she never really said so. Watching her reorganize the contents of the bag by color then reorganize it by type of clothing he felt the need to soothe her.
“I brought Max’s old red jacket…..she seems to like red. She may have to tie up the sweat pants. She’s going to look like a hobo!” Isabel cried distressed.
“Chill out. This isn’t a fashion show,” Kyle said flipping through the radio stations.
“If I choose the clothes it’s always about fashion!” Isabel said horrified. That was the problem with the world. It was always about appearances.
“We won’t tell anyone you picked out the clothes. No one will even see Liz anyway,” Alex said seriously.
Ava sat listening to them take care of each other in their own way impressed. They seemed to know each other and take care of each other no questions asked. She longed for that. For people that cared about her with all of her weird quirks.
Liz traced the muscles of his back with her fingers feeling them move sliding under his skin as he shifted over her. Her hands moved over him, fingers tracing each defined muscle enjoying his harsh breaths.
Max moved needing to see her, his eyes were hot and possessive as they moved over her. He wasn’t thinking about anything outside of this moment. He held her eyes as he worked her pants open. The open trusting look he saw there glowed in his chest warming him and reaffirming his need to protect her. This was his mate….his future. His mouth closed over hers, slowly leisurely intensifying the pressure coaxing until her mouth opened under his. He slanted his head kissing her deep and hard, taking her with slow gliding thrusts of his tongue. He felt her abdomen ripple under his hand as she tried to get closer.
Liz tugged at him trying to pull him closer. Needing more of his weight more of him. She moaned into his mouth as his hand moved lower edging into her panties. The soft tentative brush of his fingers had her almost sobbing under him with want.
“It’s okay,” Max whispered by her ear. “God Liz…you are so beautiful….so soft.”
“Love you…Max,” Liz gasp out touching him like he was the only solid thing in her world. Her fingers slipped back beneath his boxers nails scraping along the thin trail of hair drifting down from his navel.
Max jerked slightly when her fingers closed around his straining erection. He pulled her to him tightly laying half over her struggling to control himself as her hand moved over him.
Liz kissed him softly running her lips over his neck tasting his skin. She could feel a shimmering flood of warmth pooling inside her gradually overtaking her awareness.
Michael griped the arm rest sweat pouring off of him. He thought he heard Zan groan in misery behind him but wasn’t sure. If Tess attacked now he would be helpless and unable to stop her.
“Stop! Max stop,” Liz said her voice trembling with some unnamed emotion. She needed to wait. Something was off.
Max froze then quickly rolled off of her his arms coming up to hold her as she moved to nestle into his side. “You okay?” He asked concerned.
Michael relaxed slightly as the intensity eased and he slowly regained control over the energy humming inside him. A glance over at Maria showed her watching him with worried eyes. He offered his hand and smiled to reassure her not wanting to talk and give Tess any information. He was relieved when she took his hand and interlaced their fingers resting their joined hands on her thigh as she drove.
Liz didn’t answer with words she kissed him, her hands seeking to please him. Touching him softly, caressing his skin. Something inside guiding her, telling her what she was allowed to do within the restrictions Max had placed on them. “Help me please you, Max.”
Max felt the air rush from his lungs as her hand tightened on him telling him what she meant. His breathing was out of control along with his heart rate. His eyes slipped closed as his hips moved instinctively and he was helpless to stop it.
Liz felt him stiffen and watched him with fascination as he gave himself over to her.
Max stared at the ceiling utterly unable to move. Not even the rocks gouging into his back could prod him into action. “Liz?”
Liz shifted to brush a kiss over his mouth to reassure him. “I love you Max.”
Max turned his head to look at her thinking she looked so beautiful it almost hurt to look at her. “I love you too,” He paused trying to get his brain functioning. “Why did you..”
“Stop you?” Liz asked tracing the path of a bead of sweat on his chest. She shrugged unsure of how to answer him. “I don’t know. I need to wait until we…really move forward. Take that final step. It’s just a feeling I guess. You don’t want that to happen here so…..I’ll wait.”
Max studied her face then let his eyes drift down her body. She was still fully dressed except that her pants were undone. She was filthy. He couldn’t even imagine how he himself looked but…. “If you want to…..I’ll change my mind.”
Liz shook her head. “I agree with you. I want to stay with you after. I’m fine Max. It’s better to wait. I want you totally in agreement with me,” Liz said with a smile. Letting her eyes pass over him. “I got you all dirty and you look a little…..tired. Need help standing up?” Liz teased her eyes dancing.
Max smiled his teeth flashing white in the dim light. “I think I’ll rest here a second. Just admit that the cold didn’t negatively affect me.”
Liz laughed in delight at the teasing light in his eyes. “I totally admit you are perfect for me. How’s that?”
“I’ll take it. That’s all that matters to me anyway,” Max replied as Liz brushed a kiss over his cheek.
Liz slid off of him and moved over slightly putting some space between them. She was getting used to the cold and hardly felt it anymore.
Max turned on his side propping his head on his hand so he could see her. “What are you doing over there?”
Liz glanced over at him tucking her legs underneath her. “Nothing. How long do think it’ll be till Michael gets back?” Liz asked changing the subject.
Shooting her a puzzled look he went with the change in topic. “I don’t know. He’s got to call the Sheriff, Maria, and go get Zan. He’ll be gone awhile I guess.”
“I’ve got to call my Dad,” Liz muttered tracing patterns in the dirt in front of her. “I think I know what to say.”
Max watched her wondering what was going on. He picked up his jacket seeing her trembling faintly. “Here put this on.”
“That’s okay. I’m fine. You’ll probably need it to go and keep a look out for….people,” Liz said not looking up from her drawings.
“What’s with you?” Max asked sitting up totally confused.
“Nothing. I just think that we should….keep a little distance. Right?” Liz asked looking up and meeting Max’s eyes. “I mean, we don’t want to draw anyone here right? Michael said it’s stronger when….we’re around each other so….”
“What changed in the last two minutes? Did you channel Maria or what? I’m a little confused,” Max said studying her face. She was never really moody so he had no idea what was happening.
Liz smiled slightly her eyebrow arching. “Nothing changed. We discussed…stuff and now we’re discussing other stuff.”
“Yeah, but we discussed stuff with you right here. Now you’re over there,” Max pointed out watching her like a hawk.
“Yeah well….it’s safer here,” Liz answered expanding her complicated design.
“It’s warmer here,” Max tempted.
“I’m okay. So what are we going to do when we leave here?” Liz said trying to redirect the conversation as she tossed Max his shirt.
Max spread his shirt out like a blanket, lips pressed tightly together. He seriously wondered if she was trying to get him angry. She was freezing to death and being unreasonable. Tempted to just pick her up and wrap himself around her he decided to bring her to him.
Liz concentrated on her expanding doodle right up until Max’s pants hit the dirt. She looked up and blinked, her eyes round as saucers. “What? What are you….doing?”
“Nothing. Why?” Max asked in a serious tone. He settled back down watching her closely.
“Why? Why? I don’t know…maybe because you have no….pants on? What the hell are you doing?” Liz blurted out without thinking. “We talked about….you said….what are you DOING?”
Max shrugged and smiled. “I could be getting comfortable.”
“Uh huh,” Liz nodded trying not to let her eyes roam.
“Or I could be teasing you,” Max said still smiling.
“Well you apparently didn’t take into account the cold factor in here cause….well it’ll take…more to actually effectively tease me,” Liz said smiling sweetly as Max’s smile disappeared. She shrieked and tried to dodge him when he dove for her. She attempted to wiggle away but found she was trapped under the weight of his body “Not the reaction you were looking for? Where the hell is Maria when I actually need her?”
“I don’t think you want Maria here right now,” Max said making himself comfortable.
“I don’t?” Liz asked pushing on his chest and taking satisfaction from his wince as her cold hands touched his skin.
“Nope,” Max said nuzzling her ear.
“You do realize that this is still a cave and I’m laying in the dirt right?” Liz asked with mild curiosity.
“Yeah,” Max agreed not lifting his head.
“Soooo I don’t get it,” Liz said softly her fingers moving to his side. “I go with your wishes and you drop your pants and tackle me in the dirt? What am I missing?”
Max made a muffled inarticulate response much more concerned with the spot just below her ear.
“You are completely insane,” Liz stated as point of fact.
“No, I’m not,” Max said then stopped to nibble on her ear smiling when she squirmed. “You won’t listen and you won’t do anything that’s reasonable so this is what happens to you now.”
“So you think this is like….what? A punishment?” Liz asked incredulous. Was he serious?
“No. I would never punish you. This is to obtain my original objective,” Max said then traced the outer shell of her ear.
“God! What are you even talking about?” Liz asked completely lost.
“Are you cold?” Max asked nudging her shirt off of her shoulder.
“Do I feel cold?” Liz asked smiling.
“Let’s see,” Max said and took her hand and tugged it down into his boxers.
Liz gasp in shock. “I can’t believe you just did that!”
Max groaned and rested his head in the curve of her shoulder. “I can’t either,” Max said softly his lips brushing her skin. “Liz….I was trying to….do the right thing…for you. I love you so much….I want you all the time but…I want to make it special for you. I want to stay with you after….not rush and send you home. This is so important to you and it shouldn’t be happening in the dirt of some damp cave. I should be cherishing you and making this perfect.”
Liz blinked away tears and kissed his hair. “You do cherish me. I feel that from you no matter where we are. Can we just…take a baby step forward?”
Max went up on his elbows trying to ignore her hand. “I think we are. Is this…okay?”
Liz smiled as she looked into his warm eyes. She touched him tentatively so softly that it the barest brush of her fingers watching him closely. “I’m okay. You?”
“God I love you,” Max whispered brushing her cheek with his fingers.
“I know. You took off your pants for me and everything,” Liz teased then moved up to brush her lips over his.
He chased her lips with his needing deeper contact. Setting his lips firmly against hers a groan rumbling in his chest as her lips moved against his like warm silk.
Michael shifted in the passenger seat sweating even with the chilly air blowing over him. He glanced over at Maria to see if she noticed his discomfort. “Baby please. Liz is fine I saw her myself.”
“Michael….she may be fine right this second but how are we going to keep her that way? This…..alien can change into anyone. Anyone at all. He could climb up to her balcony in the middle of the night. He could wait in the alley for her to take out the trash. All he has to do is wait for the right moment. Her parents have no idea how to protect her and neither do you!” Maria said waving one hand in the air the other still on the wheel.
“We’ll figure out something,” Michael said scratching his eyebrow.
Maria’s eyes widened as she saw something beside the road. “Holy shit!” Maria yelped and slammed on the brake.
Michael caught himself on the dash looking to see what Maria was trying to avoid.
“That fucking bitch almost hit my car! She could have dented it!” Maria yelled furious. “Try and get her to lay down in the road. Sideways so I can just drive right over and not damage the car.”
Michael shook his head and got out raising his hand in preparation. “Tess. No more bullshit. Get in the car.”
“She’ll get the seats dirty Michael! Just strap her to the back or we can drag her!” Maria said glaring at Tess.
Tess looked from Michael to Maria sniffed and flipped her mud covered hair before climbing in the backseat.
“I suggest you sit there and keep your mouth shut,” Michael said glaring at Tess from between the seats. “We’re going to pick up Zan. Then we’re going to hash this out and Tess….you better not even think of using your powers on anyone. I’ll kill you. No questions asked.”
“I understand,” Tess said and turned to look out the window.
Maria pulled up to the cabin and was relieved to see Zan open the door right away. She didn’t want to be left with the backseat psycho. Since when were they an alien relief organization? Give me your dirty your tired your killer psycho aliens and I’ll give them a ride?
Kyle wondered when he became a full-fledged member of this club. He negotiated the turn into the reservation and parked before turning to his passengers. “Now what? I mean I’m new here so I’m not familiar with the protocol in the alien ranks.”
“Shut up Kyle,” Isabel said rolling her eyes. How did Liz ever put up with him in the first place?
“Hey! On your planet you may be a Princess but this is my planet and my car so unless you want to stand out in the rain you’ll be nice. You ever see ET? I like him better then you,” Kyle said bristling at her tone. “He had pretty eyes and a better personality.”
Alex snickered from the backseat before answering. “We just have to wait for Michael and Maria to get back. Your dad is going to meet us here too.”
Ava smiled to herself amused by how the humans banded together and knocked Isabel down a peg or two. She liked them. It was interesting and fun to watch the by play between all these different people.
Isabel sighed worried and keyed up. She fussed with the bag at her feet worried she hadn’t chosen correctly or that she had forgotten. Were the clothes she had chosen warm enough? Socks….did she forget to put in two pairs of socks?
“Isabel, relax. He’s fine and you already checked that bag three times. Even if you did forget something we can’t change it now,” Alex pointed out from the backseat.
“I know. I’m sorry,” Isabel sighed and sat back in her seat. “I don’t have anything in here small enough for Liz. Maybe we should have gone to Maria’s. She’s closer to Liz’s size.”
“Liz won’t care. She’ll be happy to just have something warm. It’s fine Isabel….really,” Alex said softly trying to calm her. As mad and hurt as he was he still cared about Isabel. He knew she used these tactics to focus on other things besides her worry for Max. He even believed that she was worried for Liz although she never really said so. Watching her reorganize the contents of the bag by color then reorganize it by type of clothing he felt the need to soothe her.
“I brought Max’s old red jacket…..she seems to like red. She may have to tie up the sweat pants. She’s going to look like a hobo!” Isabel cried distressed.
“Chill out. This isn’t a fashion show,” Kyle said flipping through the radio stations.
“If I choose the clothes it’s always about fashion!” Isabel said horrified. That was the problem with the world. It was always about appearances.
“We won’t tell anyone you picked out the clothes. No one will even see Liz anyway,” Alex said seriously.
Ava sat listening to them take care of each other in their own way impressed. They seemed to know each other and take care of each other no questions asked. She longed for that. For people that cared about her with all of her weird quirks.
Liz traced the muscles of his back with her fingers feeling them move sliding under his skin as he shifted over her. Her hands moved over him, fingers tracing each defined muscle enjoying his harsh breaths.
Max moved needing to see her, his eyes were hot and possessive as they moved over her. He wasn’t thinking about anything outside of this moment. He held her eyes as he worked her pants open. The open trusting look he saw there glowed in his chest warming him and reaffirming his need to protect her. This was his mate….his future. His mouth closed over hers, slowly leisurely intensifying the pressure coaxing until her mouth opened under his. He slanted his head kissing her deep and hard, taking her with slow gliding thrusts of his tongue. He felt her abdomen ripple under his hand as she tried to get closer.
Liz tugged at him trying to pull him closer. Needing more of his weight more of him. She moaned into his mouth as his hand moved lower edging into her panties. The soft tentative brush of his fingers had her almost sobbing under him with want.
“It’s okay,” Max whispered by her ear. “God Liz…you are so beautiful….so soft.”
“Love you…Max,” Liz gasp out touching him like he was the only solid thing in her world. Her fingers slipped back beneath his boxers nails scraping along the thin trail of hair drifting down from his navel.
Max jerked slightly when her fingers closed around his straining erection. He pulled her to him tightly laying half over her struggling to control himself as her hand moved over him.
Liz kissed him softly running her lips over his neck tasting his skin. She could feel a shimmering flood of warmth pooling inside her gradually overtaking her awareness.
Michael griped the arm rest sweat pouring off of him. He thought he heard Zan groan in misery behind him but wasn’t sure. If Tess attacked now he would be helpless and unable to stop her.
“Stop! Max stop,” Liz said her voice trembling with some unnamed emotion. She needed to wait. Something was off.
Max froze then quickly rolled off of her his arms coming up to hold her as she moved to nestle into his side. “You okay?” He asked concerned.
Michael relaxed slightly as the intensity eased and he slowly regained control over the energy humming inside him. A glance over at Maria showed her watching him with worried eyes. He offered his hand and smiled to reassure her not wanting to talk and give Tess any information. He was relieved when she took his hand and interlaced their fingers resting their joined hands on her thigh as she drove.
Liz didn’t answer with words she kissed him, her hands seeking to please him. Touching him softly, caressing his skin. Something inside guiding her, telling her what she was allowed to do within the restrictions Max had placed on them. “Help me please you, Max.”
Max felt the air rush from his lungs as her hand tightened on him telling him what she meant. His breathing was out of control along with his heart rate. His eyes slipped closed as his hips moved instinctively and he was helpless to stop it.
Liz felt him stiffen and watched him with fascination as he gave himself over to her.
Max stared at the ceiling utterly unable to move. Not even the rocks gouging into his back could prod him into action. “Liz?”
Liz shifted to brush a kiss over his mouth to reassure him. “I love you Max.”
Max turned his head to look at her thinking she looked so beautiful it almost hurt to look at her. “I love you too,” He paused trying to get his brain functioning. “Why did you..”
“Stop you?” Liz asked tracing the path of a bead of sweat on his chest. She shrugged unsure of how to answer him. “I don’t know. I need to wait until we…really move forward. Take that final step. It’s just a feeling I guess. You don’t want that to happen here so…..I’ll wait.”
Max studied her face then let his eyes drift down her body. She was still fully dressed except that her pants were undone. She was filthy. He couldn’t even imagine how he himself looked but…. “If you want to…..I’ll change my mind.”
Liz shook her head. “I agree with you. I want to stay with you after. I’m fine Max. It’s better to wait. I want you totally in agreement with me,” Liz said with a smile. Letting her eyes pass over him. “I got you all dirty and you look a little…..tired. Need help standing up?” Liz teased her eyes dancing.
Max smiled his teeth flashing white in the dim light. “I think I’ll rest here a second. Just admit that the cold didn’t negatively affect me.”
Liz laughed in delight at the teasing light in his eyes. “I totally admit you are perfect for me. How’s that?”
“I’ll take it. That’s all that matters to me anyway,” Max replied as Liz brushed a kiss over his cheek.
Chapter Twenty
Michael hiked through the cold rain not even really feeling it. He hoped he had sorted things out enough for the moment. Long enough that he could get Max and Liz out.
Zan had suggested injecting Tess with whatever she had injected him with, which Michael thought was a pretty damn good idea and he had taken it one step further, by injecting more into Zan as well. He didn’t trust either of them. Ava he wasn’t sure about but didn’t see a reason to outright mistrust her.
By the time they had gotten back to the reservation the Sheriff was there and they had talked briefly and agreed to meet back up at Michael’s apartment later that night. The APB on the car hadn’t yielded results yet but it was too early to discount it totally. Michael reminded the Sheriff that Nesado could be hurt by gunshots….after all it had taken that healing stones to get him moving again after the FBI had gotten a hold of him. The Sheriff had handcuffed Tess and Zan just to be on the safe side.
After a brief argument Michael got everyone but Maria to head over to his apartment and wait while he hiked in to get Max and Liz. Maria would wait on the road for either the jeep to drive out or them to hike out on foot. Isabel had lent Michael her cell phone so he could stay in contact with all of them.
Making his way up the incline to the cave he was relieved to see Max poke his head out. A bigger plus was that he appeared to be fully clothed.
“Everything okay?” Max asked glancing behind him quickly.
“I think so. I found Tess. She’s with the rest of them at my place,” Michael said his eyes drawn to Liz as she walked up and met his eyes. He frowned when she sneezed and pulled Max’s coat tighter around her.
Max drew her in front of him wrapping his arms around her to keep her as warm as possible. “She went without an argument?”
“Well pretty much. We shot her up with that crap she used on Zan and handcuffed her. I pumped some more of that stuff into Zan too just in case….handcuffed him until we can get there,” Michael said shifting from foot to foot.
Max looked out at the rain and sighed. “Well it looks like it’ll be awhile.”
“Oh no. We have to go. The longer I stay gone the harder it’ll be to explain to my parents,” Liz said turning enough to see Max’s face. “A little rain won’t hurt me.”
“Liz….I don’t want you to get sick,” Max said glancing down at her.
“My Dad has a very good imagination and I don’t want to give him any longer to think up wild stories. I’ll be lucky if he believes the story I’m going hand him as it is,” Liz pointed out. “A cold is the lesser of the two worries I think.”
“What are you going to tell him?” Michael asked curious.
“I’m going to tell him that some guy I saw once in the café came to school and convinced a teacher that he was my father. When I got into the hallway he threatened me with a knife so I left with him and Tess, Ava can hold that up and he drove us around ranting and we jumped out of the car and called the Sheriff. There isn’t anything really believable to tell him but with this story I can have Ava and the Sheriff back me up,” Liz explained her fingers plucking at the cuff of Max’s shirt.
Michael couldn’t stop the smirk from spreading over his face. “I don’t think that’s going to work.”
“Why not?” Liz asked her eyes meeting his.
“He’ll take you to get checked out…make sure that guy didn’t take advantage of you,” Michael stated smirking. “I don’t think that’s the best idea. Is it?”
Liz narrowed her eyes at his snarky tone. “Jerk! I really don’t think I’d have a problem passing inspection…..Would I Michael?” Liz challenged her eyebrow quirked in question. “You seem a little cranky. Having a hard time are you? I can always make it worse,” Liz said smiling up at his dumbfounded expression.
Michael stood there watching as Liz took off down the path before turning his head to stare at Max.
Max just shrugged. “You asked for it,” He said smiling and took off after Liz.
Max trooped after Liz wishing his coat was shorter. He loved the sway of her hips. He had to admit he wasn’t cold at all.
Michael grumbled to himself about lovesick idiots and girls with sassy mouths. This wasn’t the best day he had ever had and it didn’t appear to be getting any better.
Liz stopped when she saw the jeep. “Well it’s really stuck,” She observed casting a glance back at Max. “Max?”
Max raised his eyes to hers and smiled.
Liz rolled her eyes and pointed to the jeep. “I’d like to get home sometime tonight. Any ideas?”
“Yeah, here take the keys. You drive and Michael and I will push,” Max said tossing her his keys.
Liz caught them and climbed behind the wheel and started trying to move the seat.
“Can you reach the pedals?” Michael asked sarcastically as he shrugged out of his coat tossing it in the backseat along with the bag Isabel had given him.
“Well enough to run you over yes,” Liz replied starting the jeep with a roar.
Michael grunted and moved up next to Max. “She’s really sweet today. You responsible for that?”
Max smiled and shook his head. “That’s all you. You seem to have a way with women.”
“Okay boys…ready,” Liz called dropping the jeep into reverse.
They worked at freeing the jeep for a few minutes before Michael stood up panting.
“Stamina issues Michael?” Liz called cheerfully.
Michael just sent her a glare and bent back to the task.
Liz chuckled to herself and gave the jeep gas when Max told her to. “Come on guys! Mush!” Liz called to irritate Michael even more. Suddenly the jeep’s tires spun and caught. Liz allowed it to roll to a stop a little ways away smothering her laughter as she looked over the two mud splattered aliens. “Too bad Maria isn’t here to enjoy this. You two aren’t going to start wrestling are you? Cause we don’t have time to play.”
“Funny Liz. Now move over and let a person who can actually see over the steering wheel drive,” Michael grumbled sorely put out.
Liz smiled and slid over to the passenger seat without a word.
All the way to Michael’s Liz worked on her story knowing she was in for a long night. She knew she could only stay at Michael’s long enough to work out the details with Ava and the Sheriff before she called home.
Max wondered what they were supposed to do with Tess. Her powers were going to come back at some point and they clearly couldn’t trust her. He didn’t even really want to ask her anything since he wouldn’t believe anything she said anyway. He knew she was responsible for part of what had happened to Liz and for that alone he would never forgive her. The problem was if they cast her out there was nothing to say she wouldn’t come back at some point with a new plan. There was just no good way to handle this.
Max parked and before he could say anything Liz’s door was being yanked open by a hyper Maria. “God Liz, are you really okay? Spaceboy said you were but he has no social skills so I can’t take his word for it. Besides he’s insane. He wouldn’t let me kill that heifer Tess the Bastard!” Maria rattled off while checking Liz over. “You look like shit Liz.”
“Gee thanks Maria,” Liz said smiling as she got out of the jeep. “Mud baths are sold at many spas all over the world.”
“Yeah, right. Is that what the three of you were doing while I was sitting by the side of the road?” Maria asked amused. “If so it took forever.”
“It wouldn’t have been half that long if Michael had any staying power. Right Michael?” Liz asked biting the inside of her cheek at Michael’s nasty glare.
“I’ve thought the same thing a time or two. Maybe that’s the problem. He has a hair trigger and that’s why he’s so…..easily affected by you,” Maria frowned thoughtfully. “I think my mom has some herbs for that.”
Liz started laughing at the horrified look on Michael’s face.
Max clapped Michael on the back before following the two girls in. When was Michael going to learn? Living with Isabel had taught him well. Women had long memories when you ticked them off.
Liz stayed in the background after pulling the Sheriff and Ava aside to coordinate their stories. With a few modifications her story was set and the Sheriff had called her parents to tell them he had received a call from Liz and was going to pick her up. Ava had agreed to tame her look and take Tess’s place for the time being staying with the Valenti’s. In fact she seemed almost happy to stay much to Zan’s surprise.
Liz only had a few more minutes before she had to leave when Max pulled her aside. Puzzled Liz allowed him to drag her down the hall to Michael’s room.
Shutting the door behind them Max turned to Liz looking her over. “I’ll come by as soon as I get done here. I don’t want to leave you alone tonight,” Max said hoping she wouldn’t argue.
“I’ll leave my light on for you,” Liz said smiling gently.
“Okay, now….I want you to mark me,” Max said smiling when her eyes flew to his.
“Excuse me?” Liz asked.
“It’s for a good cause,” Max assured her grinning wider. “That way you’ll know it’s me before I even get close to you. Just make it somewhere visible.”
Liz thought about that for a second then decided it had merit. Who was she to argue with a good plan? “What if Nesado sees you? He might copy it,” Liz pointed out as she moved closer.
“Okay…visible and non visible?” Max asked softly.
“Deal,” Liz said looking him over. “Take off the shirt.”
Max complied quickly tossing his shirt on Michael’s bed. He congratulated himself for thinking up an excellent plan.
Liz leaned in and kissed him, brushing his mouth softly working up to the rest. Her fingers traced the plains of his chest as she nipped his lower lip. She took her time not willing to rush the simple joy she received from kissing him. Stretching her body up along his she deepened their kiss, slowly pulling him down closer to her.
Max groaned softly as her mouth left his hovering over his neck her warm breath drifting over his skin.
“You really want me to do this? I’ll know you anyway….even without this,” Liz whispered.
“I really want you to,” Max answered pulling her closer.
“Okay,” Liz agreed feeling her heart beat faster in her chest. She smelled soap still fresh on his skin from when he had briefly washed up in Michael’s bathroom. Rubbing her lips over his neck she felt his hands tighten then move to her lower back slipping just beneath the edge of her shirt to glide across her bare skin.
Max felt his breath catch as she licked his skin lightly her tongue swirling over his pulse once…twice before her lips pressed firmly. He felt the pull of her mouth straight through him like white-hot lightening.
Liz pulled back and smiled at the heat in his eyes. She loved it when he looked at her like that. She felt powerful and desired…loved. Holding his eyes she knelt in front of him, her fingers running over his abdomen. Kissing his navel lightly she brushed her lips along the ridges of his abdomen loving the way his muscles jumped under her mouth. Picking a spot to the left of his navel she nipped him lightly before setting her mouth on him and sucking hard.
Max held still under her mouth sweat beading on his forehead as the heat whipped through him. When she pulled back she licked his skin once before standing.
“Is that what you had in mind?” Liz asked softly looking up at him. When he kissed her in answer she opened for him immediately feeling his fingers frame her face.
Michael hiked through the cold rain not even really feeling it. He hoped he had sorted things out enough for the moment. Long enough that he could get Max and Liz out.
Zan had suggested injecting Tess with whatever she had injected him with, which Michael thought was a pretty damn good idea and he had taken it one step further, by injecting more into Zan as well. He didn’t trust either of them. Ava he wasn’t sure about but didn’t see a reason to outright mistrust her.
By the time they had gotten back to the reservation the Sheriff was there and they had talked briefly and agreed to meet back up at Michael’s apartment later that night. The APB on the car hadn’t yielded results yet but it was too early to discount it totally. Michael reminded the Sheriff that Nesado could be hurt by gunshots….after all it had taken that healing stones to get him moving again after the FBI had gotten a hold of him. The Sheriff had handcuffed Tess and Zan just to be on the safe side.
After a brief argument Michael got everyone but Maria to head over to his apartment and wait while he hiked in to get Max and Liz. Maria would wait on the road for either the jeep to drive out or them to hike out on foot. Isabel had lent Michael her cell phone so he could stay in contact with all of them.
Making his way up the incline to the cave he was relieved to see Max poke his head out. A bigger plus was that he appeared to be fully clothed.
“Everything okay?” Max asked glancing behind him quickly.
“I think so. I found Tess. She’s with the rest of them at my place,” Michael said his eyes drawn to Liz as she walked up and met his eyes. He frowned when she sneezed and pulled Max’s coat tighter around her.
Max drew her in front of him wrapping his arms around her to keep her as warm as possible. “She went without an argument?”
“Well pretty much. We shot her up with that crap she used on Zan and handcuffed her. I pumped some more of that stuff into Zan too just in case….handcuffed him until we can get there,” Michael said shifting from foot to foot.
Max looked out at the rain and sighed. “Well it looks like it’ll be awhile.”
“Oh no. We have to go. The longer I stay gone the harder it’ll be to explain to my parents,” Liz said turning enough to see Max’s face. “A little rain won’t hurt me.”
“Liz….I don’t want you to get sick,” Max said glancing down at her.
“My Dad has a very good imagination and I don’t want to give him any longer to think up wild stories. I’ll be lucky if he believes the story I’m going hand him as it is,” Liz pointed out. “A cold is the lesser of the two worries I think.”
“What are you going to tell him?” Michael asked curious.
“I’m going to tell him that some guy I saw once in the café came to school and convinced a teacher that he was my father. When I got into the hallway he threatened me with a knife so I left with him and Tess, Ava can hold that up and he drove us around ranting and we jumped out of the car and called the Sheriff. There isn’t anything really believable to tell him but with this story I can have Ava and the Sheriff back me up,” Liz explained her fingers plucking at the cuff of Max’s shirt.
Michael couldn’t stop the smirk from spreading over his face. “I don’t think that’s going to work.”
“Why not?” Liz asked her eyes meeting his.
“He’ll take you to get checked out…make sure that guy didn’t take advantage of you,” Michael stated smirking. “I don’t think that’s the best idea. Is it?”
Liz narrowed her eyes at his snarky tone. “Jerk! I really don’t think I’d have a problem passing inspection…..Would I Michael?” Liz challenged her eyebrow quirked in question. “You seem a little cranky. Having a hard time are you? I can always make it worse,” Liz said smiling up at his dumbfounded expression.
Michael stood there watching as Liz took off down the path before turning his head to stare at Max.
Max just shrugged. “You asked for it,” He said smiling and took off after Liz.
Max trooped after Liz wishing his coat was shorter. He loved the sway of her hips. He had to admit he wasn’t cold at all.
Michael grumbled to himself about lovesick idiots and girls with sassy mouths. This wasn’t the best day he had ever had and it didn’t appear to be getting any better.
Liz stopped when she saw the jeep. “Well it’s really stuck,” She observed casting a glance back at Max. “Max?”
Max raised his eyes to hers and smiled.
Liz rolled her eyes and pointed to the jeep. “I’d like to get home sometime tonight. Any ideas?”
“Yeah, here take the keys. You drive and Michael and I will push,” Max said tossing her his keys.
Liz caught them and climbed behind the wheel and started trying to move the seat.
“Can you reach the pedals?” Michael asked sarcastically as he shrugged out of his coat tossing it in the backseat along with the bag Isabel had given him.
“Well enough to run you over yes,” Liz replied starting the jeep with a roar.
Michael grunted and moved up next to Max. “She’s really sweet today. You responsible for that?”
Max smiled and shook his head. “That’s all you. You seem to have a way with women.”
“Okay boys…ready,” Liz called dropping the jeep into reverse.
They worked at freeing the jeep for a few minutes before Michael stood up panting.
“Stamina issues Michael?” Liz called cheerfully.
Michael just sent her a glare and bent back to the task.
Liz chuckled to herself and gave the jeep gas when Max told her to. “Come on guys! Mush!” Liz called to irritate Michael even more. Suddenly the jeep’s tires spun and caught. Liz allowed it to roll to a stop a little ways away smothering her laughter as she looked over the two mud splattered aliens. “Too bad Maria isn’t here to enjoy this. You two aren’t going to start wrestling are you? Cause we don’t have time to play.”
“Funny Liz. Now move over and let a person who can actually see over the steering wheel drive,” Michael grumbled sorely put out.
Liz smiled and slid over to the passenger seat without a word.
All the way to Michael’s Liz worked on her story knowing she was in for a long night. She knew she could only stay at Michael’s long enough to work out the details with Ava and the Sheriff before she called home.
Max wondered what they were supposed to do with Tess. Her powers were going to come back at some point and they clearly couldn’t trust her. He didn’t even really want to ask her anything since he wouldn’t believe anything she said anyway. He knew she was responsible for part of what had happened to Liz and for that alone he would never forgive her. The problem was if they cast her out there was nothing to say she wouldn’t come back at some point with a new plan. There was just no good way to handle this.
Max parked and before he could say anything Liz’s door was being yanked open by a hyper Maria. “God Liz, are you really okay? Spaceboy said you were but he has no social skills so I can’t take his word for it. Besides he’s insane. He wouldn’t let me kill that heifer Tess the Bastard!” Maria rattled off while checking Liz over. “You look like shit Liz.”
“Gee thanks Maria,” Liz said smiling as she got out of the jeep. “Mud baths are sold at many spas all over the world.”
“Yeah, right. Is that what the three of you were doing while I was sitting by the side of the road?” Maria asked amused. “If so it took forever.”
“It wouldn’t have been half that long if Michael had any staying power. Right Michael?” Liz asked biting the inside of her cheek at Michael’s nasty glare.
“I’ve thought the same thing a time or two. Maybe that’s the problem. He has a hair trigger and that’s why he’s so…..easily affected by you,” Maria frowned thoughtfully. “I think my mom has some herbs for that.”
Liz started laughing at the horrified look on Michael’s face.
Max clapped Michael on the back before following the two girls in. When was Michael going to learn? Living with Isabel had taught him well. Women had long memories when you ticked them off.
Liz stayed in the background after pulling the Sheriff and Ava aside to coordinate their stories. With a few modifications her story was set and the Sheriff had called her parents to tell them he had received a call from Liz and was going to pick her up. Ava had agreed to tame her look and take Tess’s place for the time being staying with the Valenti’s. In fact she seemed almost happy to stay much to Zan’s surprise.
Liz only had a few more minutes before she had to leave when Max pulled her aside. Puzzled Liz allowed him to drag her down the hall to Michael’s room.
Shutting the door behind them Max turned to Liz looking her over. “I’ll come by as soon as I get done here. I don’t want to leave you alone tonight,” Max said hoping she wouldn’t argue.
“I’ll leave my light on for you,” Liz said smiling gently.
“Okay, now….I want you to mark me,” Max said smiling when her eyes flew to his.
“Excuse me?” Liz asked.
“It’s for a good cause,” Max assured her grinning wider. “That way you’ll know it’s me before I even get close to you. Just make it somewhere visible.”
Liz thought about that for a second then decided it had merit. Who was she to argue with a good plan? “What if Nesado sees you? He might copy it,” Liz pointed out as she moved closer.
“Okay…visible and non visible?” Max asked softly.
“Deal,” Liz said looking him over. “Take off the shirt.”
Max complied quickly tossing his shirt on Michael’s bed. He congratulated himself for thinking up an excellent plan.
Liz leaned in and kissed him, brushing his mouth softly working up to the rest. Her fingers traced the plains of his chest as she nipped his lower lip. She took her time not willing to rush the simple joy she received from kissing him. Stretching her body up along his she deepened their kiss, slowly pulling him down closer to her.
Max groaned softly as her mouth left his hovering over his neck her warm breath drifting over his skin.
“You really want me to do this? I’ll know you anyway….even without this,” Liz whispered.
“I really want you to,” Max answered pulling her closer.
“Okay,” Liz agreed feeling her heart beat faster in her chest. She smelled soap still fresh on his skin from when he had briefly washed up in Michael’s bathroom. Rubbing her lips over his neck she felt his hands tighten then move to her lower back slipping just beneath the edge of her shirt to glide across her bare skin.
Max felt his breath catch as she licked his skin lightly her tongue swirling over his pulse once…twice before her lips pressed firmly. He felt the pull of her mouth straight through him like white-hot lightening.
Liz pulled back and smiled at the heat in his eyes. She loved it when he looked at her like that. She felt powerful and desired…loved. Holding his eyes she knelt in front of him, her fingers running over his abdomen. Kissing his navel lightly she brushed her lips along the ridges of his abdomen loving the way his muscles jumped under her mouth. Picking a spot to the left of his navel she nipped him lightly before setting her mouth on him and sucking hard.
Max held still under her mouth sweat beading on his forehead as the heat whipped through him. When she pulled back she licked his skin once before standing.
“Is that what you had in mind?” Liz asked softly looking up at him. When he kissed her in answer she opened for him immediately feeling his fingers frame her face.