Everything To You Series (CC/Mature) (Complete)

[sylvia37]

Hey, look at me. Back in a week. Bet you weren't expecting that.

So......didn't like that cliff hanger 'eh? It actually wasn't Liz's fault, it was mine. I was just teasing her.

Thanks for the comments, or should I say threats.

I debated doing this, but I have to post a "Graphic violence/Language" warning here. Don't let that send you into a tizzy.

I love you guys. Kisses.


Everything to You Part 88


Finally. Max held his breath as they landed, tires screeching, only letting his breath out as the plane taxied toward their gate.

Standing as soon as the “Fasten Seat Belt” was turned off, he pulled his bag from the overhead bin. He didn’t have a checked bag because he decided he could fit enough clothes for a few days in a small bag and now he was doubly glad because he wouldn’t have to take the extra time waiting at the baggage claim.

After the long hours of contemplation on the plane, and now that he was actually there within close proximity, the anticipation and longing to see Liz had escalated, overshadowing his nervousness. He’d purposefully kept his connection to Liz at a minimum, not wanting her to know that he was nearby, but it was getting harder and harder. He wanted to hold her and to kiss her and to tell her he loved her and was never letting her go. Anything else just wasn’t important anymore.

If only these damn people would get moving. Max stood in the line to exit the plane, ready to lift them bodily out of his way. Didn’t they know the love of his life was waiting for him? Didn’t they know he hadn’t seen her or touched her or kissed her in weeks? Didn’t they know.....

They were moving. Finally. Jesus, he was losing it.

Inside the airport, Max looked at the signs and hurried toward the exit where the shuttle buses were. He and his Father had decided it would be more economical than a cab would be. Finally seeing his destination, Max exited the building, immediately hunching his shoulders against the cold.

After showing his online reservation to the driver, Max boarded the shuttle and once again, waited. There was another couple going to Evanston and they hadn’t arrived yet.
Glancing down at his watch, he fidgeted impatiently. It was going to take a while to get there, especially since they had to drop off someone else first, so Max still had at least another hour or two before he got to Liz’s. At this rate, he’d have a heart attack before that happened. He needed to relax.

Looking around, he saw the driver standing nonchalantly smoking a cigarette, talking to a fellow driver, with no sign of his other fare yet.

Was this a conspiracy? Closing his eyes, he leaned back against the seat, letting out his breathe, willing his wayward thoughts under control.

Only a couple of hours.....




**********************
Liz glanced at the time on her computer terminal, trying not to sigh. 7:00 PM. Max wouldn’t be here for hours yet. This wait was killing her.

At least she had homework to do. The library was quiet on Friday nights, which was perfect for what she needed. She wanted to get everything caught up so she wouldn’t have to worry about school for the weekend. She wanted this time to be about Max and her. The thought alone made her stomach curl in longing.

Forcing her mind back to what she was doing, Liz clicked on the link to the website she was looking for. When it appeared, she immersed herself in her work, hoping the time would speed by if she kept herself busy.

Only a few more hours.........


*********************

He waited. Shivering a little in his jacket, he sat... and he waited.

It was perfect. Friday night, the night that most of the students were either off campus or partying.

“No good whores and sinners...” he murmured to himself.

From his hiding place, he looked at the lights shining through from the building’s windows. Only a few students were there this late.

Perfect. Perfect for what he wanted......

What he needed.

He pulled the knife from his pocket, running his fingers over the blade, the feel of the cold metal on his skin giving him an almost sexual pleasure. Absently running the tip of the knife over his palm, he watched the skin turn white where he pressed……

“It’s up to you to be an example, Hershel.”

“To show them the error of their ways.”

“I will, Mama.

“Now pull down those trousers.”

“Please, Mama, please don’t. I promise I’ll be good.”

“This is necessary, Hershel... You’ll understand when you’re older.”

“But.... it hurts.”

“That’s right. It hurts because it’s good. You’ll remember this when you look at those whores of Satan and think you want what they’re offering. You’ll remember how it hurt.....”

He remembered, alright. Reaching down, he felt his member growing painfully hard at the thought.

It had to hurt when you were taught a lesson.

He used the tip of the knife to clean a piece of greasy dirt from beneath his fingernail, wiping the blade on his dirty pants, brushing close to his groin. Closing his eyes, he imagined he heard the sound of screams in his ears and couldn’t keep himself from stroking at the hardness again.

Oh, yeah. They were sinners, alright. Trying to drag him down with them.

They needed to be taught a lesson.

*******************

Patience is a virtue. Max kept telling himself that as he sat on the shuttle, staring out at the passing traffic, the droning of the elderly woman next to him barely registering. Had she even noticed that he hadn’t said a word the entire time she’d been talking? He glanced over at her husband, wondering if he was even awake. It didn’t appear that way, but Max could hardly blame him. This woman could put an insomniac to sleep.

Earlier, when they’d finally arrived at the airport shuttle, the elderly couple had apologized profusely, saying they’d gotten confused about where they were supposed to be. By the time the driver had gotten them situated and the shuttle was moving, Max was ready to go out of his mind.

Then the woman had started talking, telling him about their trip and how their daughter had wanted to pick them up, but it was such a long trip for her to drive in Friday night traffic and it was so much cheaper to take the shuttle than a cab and blah, blah, blah....

By the time they were half way through with the trip, Max knew almost every detail of the woman’s family tree and most of her neighbors. He’d wondered briefly if it would be unethical to disable her vocal cords for the rest of the trip. A sudden bout of Laryngitis might actually keep her occupied for a while. Frowning at his thoughts, Max had settled for tuning her out with thoughts of Liz.

Was she waiting for him as impatiently as he was longing to be with her? Had she been counting the hours too? It had sounded like it on the phone earlier. He’d felt bad for lying to her about where he was, but it would have ruined the surprise to tell her he was already at the Roswell airport when he’d called.

They were pulling into a residential street. Sitting up a little straighter, Max felt his heart jump as they circled a cul-de-sac and pulled into a driveway.

Thank God.

In a relatively short amount of time, they were back on the road. Max had ignored the driver’s amused look as he had helped get the people off the bus, even helping the driver with their luggage. He’d almost felt bad for his thoughts earlier when the elderly woman had thanked him, calling him a “nice boy” and kissed him on the cheek.

Almost.

Now they were headed toward the college and Max couldn’t help the excitement bubbling up inside him.

“I’ll give you an extra twenty dollars if you hurry,” Max heard himself saying. Good God, was he actually bribing someone?

The driver looked back at him in the rearview mirror in amusement.

“You got it, kid.”


*************************


“The library will be closing in five minutes. Please come to the check out desk with all materials in preparation for closing. Thank you.”

Five minutes. Liz glanced at the terminal clock again and saw that it was indeed five minutes to nine. She typed furiously for a moment, finishing her last thought before spell checking and saving her document to disk. She clicked on the print button, then started gathering her things as her paper printed. Finally having everything, she saw that she and the last librarian were the only two left and the lights were actually being turned off in the outer rooms.

As she walked out the door, Liz shivered, putting her bag down to pull her scarf closer around her neck, pulling on her gloves and hat afterward. A good looking young man followed, and Liz recognized him as one of the library staff.

“Cold, isn’t it?” He smiled at her as he locked the door.

“Yeah.”

Glancing at the knee length skirt, boots and tights Liz was wearing he asked “How far do you have to go?” This time his smile was more flirtatious, but Liz wasn’t paying attention.

“It’s not too bad.” She answered, starting down the steps. She was anxious to get going.

“Do you want a ride?”

Shaking her head, Liz continued down the steps. She didn’t know him and she’d made the walk to her dorm from the library so often, she really didn’t have to think about it anymore. It was a ways, but she didn’t mind. Better than getting a ride from a strange guy.

“That’s okay. I’ll walk. Thanks though.”

“Suit yourself.” He said, slightly disappointed but not surprised. Waving casually, he went in the opposite direction.

“’Night.”

Starting off down the path, Liz bent her head against the slight wind, thinking about the things she wanted to do when she got to the dorm. She needed to take a shower and change clothes. She wanted to look her best for Max when he got there, although she knew he wouldn’t care what she looked like. She needed to pack some things for the weekend....

Liz glanced behind her, thinking she would see someone else, but there was no one. What was that noise? Shaking her head, she hurried along, suddenly keenly aware that she was alone. She’d walked this path many times at night, but normally there were other people out or she was with someone. Tonight it seemed to be deserted.

Coming up ahead, the path ducked behind one of the class buildings, with trees and bushes on the other side. She hated this part because it got darker for a moment as the trees loomed overhead. She could see the streetlamp beyond which at least kept it from being completely black, but she really needed to start bringing a flashlight if she was going to be doing this much.

There it was again. That noise. Liz looked around, seeing no one. Okay, her paranoia was really freaking her out. As the darkened part of the path loomed ahead, she slowed down, suddenly extremely uneasy. She didn’t really want to go back there, but if she didn’t, she would have to go all the way around the building, and she wasn’t exactly sure where she would end up or join the path again. Shit, she would just hurry that’s all.


*************

He watched her from the shadows as she hesitated. Then she took a deep breath and plunged forward, hoisting her bag closer on her shoulder. Her footsteps were rapid as she hurried forward, obviously nervous.

She should be nervous. With perverse pleasure, he savored her discomfort. It had amused him to see her looking over her shoulder for him, but he knew she wouldn’t find him. He was too good for that. He’d had a lot of practice and practice made perfect.

Almost. She was almost at the opening of the trees and back into the light. He could feel her relief as she saw what she thought was her salvation coming closer.

Her salvation was the light. Now that was just ironic. ‘Cause in most cases, that would be true.

But not tonight. Tonight, he was her salvation. He was going to show her the error of her ways. Then maybe she’d be worthy of the light.

He heard her sigh of relief right before he grabbed her, cutting off her scream.

**************************


The door swung open, but to Max’s disappointment, it wasn’t Liz standing there. Instead, a pretty girl of medium height, with short blond hair and a pierced nose stood staring at him. At his silence, she suddenly smiled.

“Oh, Sugar, I know you’re disappointed, but you’re hurting my feelings with that look.” At Max’s surprised expression, she laughed.

“You were looking for Liz right?” Megan grabbed Max’s hand and dragged him into the room. “I’m Megan, Liz’s roommate.”

“Oh. Sorry....um....” Max felt his face heating up as he realized that he should have known that.

“It’s okay.” Megan smiled again, gazing at him in frank appraisal. Lord, he was even better looking in person. Her smile widened as he nervously scratched the back of his neck. And so cute when he was nervous.

“I thought you weren’t due for a couple of hours yet.”

“Um...I got an earlier flight. I wanted to surprise Liz.”

“Oh, you will Honey. She’ll be over the moon.”

“So.........where is she?”

“Oh, sorry. You distracted me,” Megan said, laughing at his disconcerted expression. “She’s at the library.”

“The library?” Max pulled his campus map out of his pocket and scrutinized it. He was startled when Megan leaned over his shoulder.

“It’s there,” She pointed at the map. “It’s kind of a walk, though.”

“Thanks. I’ll just...um.....”

“You go ahead. Just put your stuff on Liz’s bed. And don’t worry about me. I’m taking off for the night so.....” Megan smiled again as she watched Max put his bag on Liz’s bed. He glanced up and saw the picture of the two of them from the beach that Maria had taken and a small smile curved his lips. Turning back, he blushed to see that Megan had appeared to be checking out his ass. She smiled cheekily at him.

“Go on, Sweetie. The library just closed and if you’re lucky, you’ll run into her on her way back here.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Have a good time,” Megan said, watching him leave. Sighing, she went back to getting ready. Some girls had all the luck.


************************

She struggled, twisting and turning to break his grip but she couldn’t. His lips bared in a grimace of hard amusement at her plight, hearing her harsh breathing above the duck tape he had placed across her mouth, seeing her twisting her hands, trying to get them free from the tape as well. She hadn’t even had time to gasp before he’d had her covered.

He’d found it worked better if they couldn’t scream.

Dragging the squirming girl back into the woods, he stopped, pulling out his knife and putting it to her throat.

“I’ll use this if I have ta.” He barely controlled his laugh as she stiffened in fear and stopped struggling. Pressing himself against her so he she could feel his erection, he whispered in her ear, “That’s better.”

He pushed her forward, deeper into the shadow of the trees.


**********************

Glancing down at the map in his hand, Max looked at the name of the building he’d just passed. Okay, he was here so......

A noise to his left had him looking up in anticipation, but it was only a couple walking in the opposite direction. Gazing down the path as he walked, Max watched for a sign of Liz coming toward him. He wanted desperately to open their connection, but it would ruin the surprise. Of course, he didn’t want to give her a heart attack either by just appearing in front of her when he was supposed to be on a plane.

It couldn’t be that much farther, could it? This map wasn’t set to scale so it was hard to tell. Glancing around, he saw another landmark and looked back down at the map. Okay, not too far now. Where was Liz?

***********************

The no good whore had almost kneed him in the groin. He’d had to punish her for that. His backhand across her face had stopped her struggles for a moment, but now she was squirming under him again, trying to get him off of her as they lay on the ground. He put his knife across her throat, the fear in her large eyes sending satisfaction straight to his groin.

“All alike, ain’t ya? Just need the fear of God in ya to put you in yer place. “ He rubbed his erection against her struggling form, grinding himself hard into her. She tried to gasp in pain beneath the duck tape, and he smiled, doing it again.

Running the knife down her torso, he freed her from her coat, levering himself up to run the knife up between her legs, teasing the insides of her thighs. She whimpered, her eyes wild with fear and pain.

“Skirts make it easy,” he whispered, edging the sharp point of the knife under her stockings, ripping a hole in them, drawing a little bit of blood in the process. The sight of it on her naked thigh excited him even more. He ran the point of the knife through the blood, drawing marks on her quivering flesh.

He should have been paying attention. As he looked upward to gage her reaction, her bound hands came down hard in his face with handfuls of dirt, momentarily blinding him, causing his eyes to sting and blur.

“Fucking bitch!”

He slapped her hard, dazing her, before sitting up and pinning her beneath his thighs, wiping at his eyes. One hand came down on her throat, as he worked to free himself from his pants. Her eyes were wide and fearful again and he felt the return of his power. Reaching between her thighs, he poised the edge of the knife to rip her panties.

“Time for me to teach you a lesson, whore.”

Her whimpering scream as he tore a hole in her panties sent a jolt of pleasure through him and holding the knife at her throat, he reached down to position himself, the pleading in her tearful, fear-widened gaze filling him with fierce satisfaction......

“Oh my God! What are you doing?”

He jerked around. A girl was standing not far away, a horrified expression on her face.

He froze, uncertain for a moment what to do, then as their gazes clashed, recognition chased across her features at the exact moment that he realized who she was.

He thrust himself after her, just as she turned to run.


************************

Okay, he was lost. Max looked to the right, then to the left, but there was no one in sight.

Shit, where did he take the wrong turn? Looking back down at the map, he studied it.

That was it. He’d veered off the path back in front of that building, thinking that he wasn’t supposed to go through the trees, but apparently he was. Damn it. Now he had to back track.

Turning around, Max hurried back toward the other side of the building, hoping he hadn’t missed Liz in the process of getting lost. At this rate, he should have just stayed at the dorm and waited for her. Maybe he should just check to see where she was. He wouldn’t have to give himself away too much. He would just take a peek.

******************

She turned to run, heart pounding, hoping she could make it far enough to get her cell phone out and call the campus police, but instead, Liz hit the ground with a “thud” as the man managed to grab her ankle.

“You ain’t going nowhere, whore!”

The wind knocked out of her, Liz struggled to breathe even as the man dragged her back toward him. She kicked and pushed at him with all of her might, hearing him let out a yelp as she kicked him in the face, but the grip on her ankle didn’t lessen.

Finally getting enough breath, she opened her mouth to scream, but found it covered by a rough, dirty hand, as the man landed on top of her.

“I said, you ain’t going nowhere, you little slut!”

Then she felt it and her heart and mind cried out.

“MAX!”

***************************

“LIZ!”

Max doubled over at the waist as her fear slammed into him.

She was being attacked! Stumbling forward, blindly, Max panted as he ran, fear making his heart pound and his insides roil. Oh God, where was she! He stopped, concentrating.

A man on top of her....a knife to her throat.....


“NO!”

The torturous cry tore from Max’s throat as he rushed forward, following the connection, almost blind in his desperation to reach her.

************************

Max was coming......Max was coming.....

Liz didn’t have the presence of mind to wonder at the divine providence that had brought him here at this moment, but it didn’t matter. She held onto their connection like a lifeline, trying not to panic as the man held her down, but it was quickly becoming a losing battle. His clothes were open, his turgid flesh grinding against her making her want to scream, causing her to twist and struggle with the need to have him away from her. She cried out behind the hard hand over her mouth as she felt the knife in his other run up between her legs and over her torso.

Then his horrible voice sounded in her ear. “Ain’t so easy to forget me now, is it girly?”

He leaned over close, one hand holding the knife at her throat and the other covering her mouth. His mouth stretched in a dark smile of anticipation at the look of fright and anger in her dark eyes.

“You’re mine......”

She heard and felt Max crash through the trees right before the man’s body fairly flew through the air.

Max followed him to where he landed, his eyes alight with fury, his body practically crackling with rage. Dropping to his knees, Max grabbed him by the collar, the other hand at the man’s throat, cutting off his air, barely feeling him clawing and bucking under him trying to dislodge his solid weight. There was nothing but the need to see him dead for trying to hurt Liz.

The hand surrounding the man’s throat started to glow.......

“Max!” Liz’s voice cut through the haze of his rage and he turned to see her cradling a girl in her arms. Turning back to the man, Max pulled him up by his collar and punched him hard in the face with his other fist, leaving the man senseless on the ground.

“Liz!” Max fell to his knees at her side, wanting to yank her into his arms, but he couldn’t. The girl in her arms was sobbing and whimpering, her still bound hands clutching Liz’s jacket in a death grip.

“Is she.....did he......” Max couldn’t get the words out, but Liz knew what he was asking.

“I don’t know.” She looked at him, her hand coming up to cup his face as though she still couldn’t believe he was real. “Max, how did you.....get here.... I mean.....”

“I took an earlier flight. I wanted to surprise you.” Max’s hand came up to cover hers against his cheek as he watched tears form in her eyes. Turning his head a little, he kissed her trembling palm.

“I really glad,” Liz whispered, love and thankfulness overshadowing the fear of a moment ago.

“Me too,” Max answered hoarsely. He was holding his emotions at bay by a thread at the moment, unable to think about what would have happened if he hadn’t gotten there when he did.

The next few hours were a nightmare. After the police arrived, they rode together to the hospital. Although Liz insisted that she was okay, they said that she had to be examined for trace evidence and give her statement. Max had to give a statement as well.

They found out girl had not been raped, but had come very close to it. If Liz hadn’t shown up when she did, it would have been a different story. The girl, Sarah, had left her dorm to meet with friends at another dorm close to where Liz lived, so she was taking the same path that Liz always took from the library. The man had been hiding out in the trees, apparently waiting for an opportunity to present itself.

Liz explained how she’d heard noises, but thought they were just the wind at first. Then she realized she was hearing voices and the sounds of a scuffle. The officers in charge told them that they were checking to see if the man was wanted in any other states. They informed them that they would need to be available for further questioning and possibly a trial, if necessary. They weren’t minors so the police couldn’t insist that their parents be called, however they suggested that it would be better for them to be informed by their children rather than hearing about it on the evening news.

And throughout it all, Max held her, gripping her hand as she gave her statement, holding her against him as they waited for the doctor and police to come examine her. He only let go when they insisted that he had to leave for the examination and it nearly killed him to see the look of fear that lingered in Liz’s eyes as they ushered him out of the room. But he kept their connection open, holding her mentally, if not physically and he felt her gratitude, her exhaustion and her repugnance for what they were doing like a knife in his heart.

He needed to get her out of there.

Finally, after Max gave his statement and an address where they could be reached, they were finished. Bundling Liz up in her coat, they were given a ride back to Liz’s dorm, where Max helped her pack some clothes before the police officer was nice enough to drive them to Max’s hotel.

A few long moments later, they finally entered his hotel room. Max put their bags on the floor and turned to find Liz standing in the middle of the room, staring at the ground.

He approached her cautiously, wanting to wrap his arms around her, but she started unbuttoning her coat and pulling off her shoes before he could. She looked at him, her eyes wide with weariness and distress and said, “I need to take a shower.” Then she disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Max standing alone in their room.

She just needed to get clean. Her hair was matted with dirt and twigs, and her body felt sore and dirty. Liz shed her clothes and stepped into the spray, ripping open a package of soap before reaching for her washcloth.


All of those people touching her....

She tried to keep her mind blank as she washed, but thoughts of what might have happened....of what did happen...... combined with the humiliation of the evidence examination, kept running through her mind.

His thighs pinning her to the ground.....

No! Liz shook her head, massaging shampoo into her hair, her fingers unconsciously digging into her scalp.

His hot breath on her cheeks as his eyes gleamed with malice down at her.......

A trembling breath escaped her lips as Liz picked up the washcloth again, rubbing more soap into it.

His exposed erection grinding into her as he held the knife to her throat....


She didn’t even realize she was sobbing until Max stepped into the shower, fully clothed, gently removing the washcloth from her tightly clenched fingers. He swallowed against the pain in his chest at seeing the reddened skin of her chest, neck and thighs before enveloping her in his arms. Her cries were like a dull knife stabbing into his soul, but he held onto his emotions, sending only love and comfort through their connection.

“Max......” Liz didn’t even know what she wanted to say, her emotions were in such turmoil, but she clung to him, burrowing closer to his body, wanting to crawl inside his skin where it was safe and never come out.

“I’m here. I’m not leaving you. I’ll never leave you again.” Max’s hoarse declaration was whispered into her ear, and Liz allowed it to comfort her, allowing herself to soak up his strength and his love like a sponge. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew that he was just as upset...just as traumatized by what had happened as she was, but he wasn’t allowing himself to feel it, not when she needed him to be strong. Eventually, she’d have to help him face that, but at that moment, she was too exhausted, too much in need to do anything but let him take care of her.

When the water started to get cold, they finally moved. Max dried himself with his powers, enveloping Liz in a towel and drying her hair for her as well. He’d found one of his old T-shirts in her bag and helped her dress, then she methodically brushed her teeth and crawled into the bed. Max followed a moment later.

Pulling Liz to him, Max held her, feeling her need for him like a living thing. He swallowed back the rising tide of his own emotions, threatening to make him come apart, only allowing himself to feel his need to comfort Liz. Liz gripped his T-shirt in her hands, laying her head on his shoulder, wrapping herself around him like a blanket, soaking up his warmth, letting him comfort and sooth her as only he could.

Tomorrow they’d have to face what had happened. She would have to call her father as she’d promised the police officers and she’d have to deal with the repercussions for herself and for Max.

But for now...at this moment....with Max holding her as if his life depended on it....

she felt safe.

They fell into exhausted slumber.


TBC.........

[sylvia37]

Wow, well okay. Here I am. A little late, but with good reason. At least I hope you'll agree after you read.

Glad you guys were on the edge of your seats on that last part. You all make me feel so good.

And Wow, I have new readers. Thank you for taking the time to read. It's so cool.

So....first a heartfelt THANK YOU to Liz, my lovely beta who helped me tremendously on the last part as well as this one. (I forgot to thank her last time.) Kisses to you.

And I guess....an NC-!7 warning is due.

So.......um.....let me know. Oh, and posted in two parts for length.


Everything to You Part 89


He woke in the wee hours of the morning, awareness slowly creeping in. He lay quietly for a moment, not thinking, not feeling. Then the hours before he and Liz had fallen asleep came back in a haunting rush and a familiar sick feeling pierced his insides. Max swallowed back the ache and slowly lifted himself up on an elbow to look down at the sleeping angel beside him.

Her long eyelashes lay against her cheeks in thick crescents, her hair spread across both their pillows in a dark tangle. Max reached down to lightly sift back a silky lock that had wrapped itself around her neck and lay across her cheek. His fingers grazed her skin, the softness of it such a contrast to his own. She didn’t move, just breathed softly, facing him, her body lightly aligned with his, hand resting on his pillow.

As he stared down at her in the thick shadows of the room, his eyes took in every nuance, every beloved feature in minute detail, so precious to him. Everything about her was precious to him.

And he’d almost lost her tonight.

Tears welled in his eyes as Max tried to stem the rising tide of emotions that he’d been holding back since the moment he’d felt Liz’s fear. But here in this room, touching her, knowing she was safe, reaction set in.

He’d almost lost her tonight.

Quickly, quietly he slipped from the bed, padding silently to the bathroom, where he shut the door. Flicking on the light, he sat on the closed lid of the toilet, covering his face with his hands, shuddering as the feelings overwhelmed him.

Liz’s fear and disgust as the man held her down, his exposed flesh pressing into her above her clothes......

The knife pressed to her throat......

Shaking his head, Max tried to dispel the images and the accompanying feelings, but they wouldn’t leave.

Helpless.....she was helpless under his greater weight and strength....

Oh God. Max pushed back the urge to vomit as Liz’s thoughts and fears came back to him. He knew that feeling of helplessness only too well.

Tess’s hands touching him through his clothes as he stood helpless, unable to move....

His breath came out in a harsh gasp as he forcibly pushed away that thought. This wasn’t about him. It was about Liz. He felt sick with her feelings. Her fear had been his own. Max had known in those moments of sheer terror that the man had meant to kill her when he was done. If he hadn’t made it in time, Liz and the other girl would have been raped and murdered.

Raped and murdered.

Scrubbing at his streaming eyes, Max pressed the palms of his hands to his eyelids as the words burned in his brain and for the second time in his life, he was thankful that he was an alien. Without his and Liz’s unique connection, he would never have known what was happening to her or where to find her.

He would have been too late.

Covering his face with his hands again, Max willed his morbid thoughts to cease, trying to absorb the reality of Liz being safe into his heart and soul, so that he could stop this and go back to bed.

That’s how Liz found him a moment later. She slid to her knees in front of him, and he immediately pulled her to him, burying his face in her hair. Liz held his trembling body in her arms, her own tears falling as they stayed wrapped around each other for several minutes, just giving and receiving comfort.

Max eventually pulled away, wiping at his eyes, and Liz pulled two tissues from the dispenser, handing him one with a small hitching laugh. After clearing the moisture from his eyes, Max looked at her apologetically.

“I’m sorry.....”

But Liz shook her head. “I’m not.” She stood up and took his hand, pulling him to his feet and toward the door. “Come back to bed.”

“I have to.....” He gestured inside the room and Liz nodded.

They took turns in the bathroom, Max first, then Liz. Max had turned on the lamp after sliding back into bed while he waited, and a moment later, Liz opened the door. His eyes immediately took in her petite form in his shirt, roaming down her legs.

Bruises.

Liz saw his expression and quickly followed his gaze to see what had put that stricken look on his face. Then she saw them. Purple and black marks dotting her legs and thighs, mottling the delicate skin.

She lifted her head just as Max approached her. He picked her up and she automatically put her arms around his neck as he carried her to the bed. Laying her down, he leaned over her, looking into her eyes for a moment before pressing his fingers to each discoloration, healing the broken skin.

Liz held onto his shirt while he did it, feeling fragile inside at the ugly reminder of what had happened. She saw Max’s lips tighten and felt his anger spike at the particularly large marks on her upper thighs, the accompanying flashes making him wish all over again that he had just killed the bastard. But he didn’t stop or say anything, only gently turned her over to heal the rest of her. As he worked, their connection showed him more than just the visible bruises. He also felt the soreness of her body as well, the strained muscles of her legs and back where she’d pushed and kicked to get away from her attacker. He healed that as well, until Liz felt completely whole again.

“Thank you,” she whispered, as he lay down next to her, pressing her cheek to his chest. Turning the three-way lamp down to low, Max gripped her, unable to get enough of just holding her and feeling her near, after the long weeks apart and especially after having almost lost her. The thought intruded as he strove for contentment, tightening his insides once again.

“Max....”Liz lifted up to her elbow, feeling his distress.

Dropping his eyes away from her probing gaze, Max shook his head miserably. “I’m sorry. I.....”

“Shhh,” Liz laid a slim finger over his lips, already aware of the horrifying scenarios his mind had created, each one worst than the last.

“I’m safe. You saved me.” She leaned down to kiss him, suddenly aware that they hadn’t done that in all the hours they had been together. “You came when I needed you.”

Max lifted his hand, sliding it under her hair to hold her as he returned her kiss, feeling the silky strands caressing his skin. Their lips brushed again and again until finally it wasn’t enough. It was never enough. Their dormant bond shimmered to life, making its presence known, making them aware of just how long it had been since they had kissed like this.

Turning until he was hovering above her, Max leaned down, his lips never leaving hers, his mouth becoming more urgent as the emotions he was having so much trouble containing suddenly wanted to come pouring out. He probed her lips with his tongue, suppressing a harsh sound as she gave him access, kissing her deeply. Barely feeling Liz clutching his shirt, their mouths met again and again, the heat and passion, momentarily pushing aside the aftermath of their ordeal. Their bodies tangled together on the sheets.

Max suddenly became aware of how little clothing they were wearing as Liz’s smooth, bare legs slid in between his. His body reacted instantly and he groaned under his breath, even as he pulled back slightly. Liz didn’t need to feel his uncontrollable urges, after everything she had been through.

Pulling his mouth away, Max took a calming breath. “Liz.....we should.....”

“No we shouldn’t, Max.” Liz knew what he was thinking and moved to dispel his doubts. “I want this. I want you.” She took a deep breath, meeting his gaze in the muted light.

“I want you to make love to me.”

Doubts and fears followed by a healthy dose of lust going straight to his loins had Max momentarily speechless. But the doubts soon took over. “Liz.....”

“Max...” Liz looked up at him, knowing what he was feeling, but also knowing that they had reached a crossroads. They could either let this thing that had happened be a setback on their road to a deeper relationship, or they could let it bring them together.

Liz was opting for the latter.

“Max....that man.....” She swallowed as her voice cracked a little, “that man..... almost took what was yours tonight. I’ve only ever wanted you, and he almost took my choice away tonight.” She shook her head. “My heart....my body...they’re yours. I don’t want to wait anymore to give it to you.”

Her words brought unbidden tears to his throat, but Max shook his head, feeling his heart contract in misery. “Liz.....I want...that. I want you. But you deserve....the same and Tess took.....”

“No! No she didn’t Max.” Liz looked up at him in fierce determination, willing him to finally see and feel the truth in his heart and soul. “You didn’t betray me. In your heart, you didn’t sleep with Tess. You were making love to me. The rest doesn’t matter.”

Max wanted to believe her. Desperately he wanted it. But the ingrained alien knowledge that he was tainted because he had been with Tess before being with his bonded mate, would not just go away. A flash of Tess’s cold smile had him cringing inside.

Gleaning his thoughts, Liz tried again desperately. “Max....we are not on your planet. We’re on earth and you are as much human as you are Antarian. All that you’ve suffered....all that we’ve suffered together....has washed away whatever sin you think you still carry. We’ve paid our dues. We deserve to be happy.”

We deserve to be happy. We.

The word hit him like a punch to his gut and Max was reminded suddenly of words that Maria had spoken to him a long time ago.

“Don’t let what Tess did ruin your life. You’re condemning Liz too and she doesn’t deserve that.”

She was right. He was condemning both of them, not just himself every time he hesitated, every time he stopped from giving himself to her.

And abruptly Marsha’s words came back to him as well.

“Every time I let the things that had happened to me stop me from doing what I wanted, whether it was loving emotionally or physically, I was letting my Uncle win. He was long since out of my life, but I was still letting him run it. I was still letting him ruin it.”

Max had made a decision before he came here. It was why he’d been so nervous, but somehow in all of the commotion, it had gotten pushed aside. The decision to start living his life, to stop holding on to the past. Yet here he was, still letting Tess run the show.

Liz wanted to give him her virginity and even as the thought caused a riot of tenderness and passion in his body, Max’s stomach dropped, knowing he had nothing so precious to give in return.

“Just yourself, Max.” Liz’s voice interrupted his thoughts, and he looked down, knowing she was aware of his morbid thoughts. “You are precious to me. You are all I need....all I want.” She reached up to kiss him, letting him see his effect on her, letting him feel her desire for him...only him. Their bond simmered beneath the surface, neither of them letting it take hold, but both aware of it calling them to give in to their need.

And there was something else. Something that affected Max like nothing else could.

Liz needed him to heal her. She needed him to take away the memory of the feel of the other man’s repulsive touch...his violating presence.

Pulling back to stare down into her beautiful, pleading face, Max suddenly knew in his heart. That would be his gift. And in return, she would do the same for him.

They would heal each other.

Liz’s heart sang as she felt his acceptance...right before he lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was gentle....sweet....accepting.....and unbelievably arousing. Lifting his mouth for second to look down into her large, liquid gaze, Max kissed her again, this time letting his lips caress and linger. Feeling her mouth open under his, he took the invitation, their lips and tongues blending again and again. As their kisses went on and on, they’re bodies aligned on the sheets, perfectly fitting together.

Made for each other.

His hands molded her flesh through the shirt as Max’s tongue continued to pay homage to Liz’s mouth, drawing forth a ragged moan from her throat. Her hands slid with their on volition under his shirt, seeking skin, needing to touch him everywhere. Dragging his mouth away for a second, Max pulled his shirt off, immediately going back to his task, unable to stop kissing her. Liz’s hands on his skin burned, causing quaking tremors throughout his body, and his kisses reflected the urgency, moving from her mouth over her cheek to her neck.

“Wait.....” Liz’s breathless voice halted his progress and Max pulled back as she sat up. Lifting the hem of the shirt, Liz pulled it over her head.

Her cheeks burned as she felt Max’s reverent gaze on her and she quickly slid back down on the bed, closing her eyes against the look of longing and lust reflected in his gaze, feeling shy as his thoughts clearly told her that he found her perfect. She gasped as she felt his lips against her naked skin, skimming over her collarbone as a hand encircled her breast.

Max was in heaven. She was so beautiful....feminine and perfect. Her breasts were lovely, so much better than his imagination and made for his hands...his mouth. Liz’s gasp of desire was music to his ears as his lips closed over a satin peak, feeling it swell in his mouth, causing him to groan out loud. He laved it with his tongue, loving how it hardened even more, moving to the other one to do the same. Liz moaned as she held his head to her, moving restlessly against him at the sensations his mouth was causing.

Lifting his head, Max claimed her lips again, his naked chest pressed to hers, causing both of them to moan, but for a moment Liz was reminded of earlier that night, the other man pressing her into the ground.

“Liz......” Max lifted up, feeling her sudden fear, but she shook her head, pulling him back down.

“No....don’t stop.”

Max hesitated, but Liz reached up to kiss him, letting him know with her body and mind that she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. Concentrating on Max, her connection with him, the feel of him, Liz’s hands roamed his skin, caressing his arms, his hair, his back, sliding down over his hips, molding herself to him. He felt so good, so hard, so male, so unlike anyone else. She would never get enough of this feeling.

The touch of Liz’s hands on his body made Max tremble with desire, but when he felt her slip a hand between them to slide over his abdomen down to his erection, he stilled, shuddering with the mixture of lust and fear that the caress usually invoked. Striving to overcome his sudden trepidation, he kissed her mouth forcefully, his tongue demanding her response, momentarily distracting her.

Taking advantage of the distraction, he slid his hands down to her hips, nudging his fingertips under the elastic of her panties, to slide over her bottom, pushing them downward.

Liz pulled her mouth away to look up at him, giving him permission by arching her hips off the bed. Max slid them the rest of the way off and dropped them over the side of the bed. Reaching down to kiss her again, he felt her soft, naked body shape to his solid one, and he groaned, knowing he would never get enough of feeling her skin touching his. His large hands cupped her hips, pulling her against him tightly, the naked juncture of her thighs cradling his erection almost too much for him.

Feeling vulnerable with Max still partially clothed, Liz slid her own fingers downward, intending to remove Max’s boxers too, but he suddenly pulled back to run his lips down over her neck, sucking and nibbling at her sensitive skin, causing shivers of delight. He moved to her breasts, taking the delicate peaks in his mouth again, one by one, suckling and teasing them until Liz was almost mindless, her body thrumming with need.

“Max......” Liz moaned, arching against him, rubbing herself on the hard evidence of his arousal pressed so intimately against her. Max let out a harsh breath at the feel of her sliding against his hard flesh and kissed her roughly as his hand slid between her thighs. He groaned at the wetness, coating his fingers with her moisture, capturing her needy moan with his mouth. He slid two fingers inside, moving them back and forth causing her to arch again, whimpering at the sensations.

He had to taste her.

Liz drew in a breath as Max abandoned her mouth to skim his lips down over her breasts and abdomen, his tongue snaking out to lick and taste, before feeling him kissing her hipbone.

Suddenly knowing his intentions, she trembled, her thighs coming together in need and nervousness at the thought.

“Max....”

He looked up at her, seeing her uncertainty. “I won’t if you don’t want me to,” was all he said.

“Do you really.....want to.....” Liz asked, needing to hear his answer, but she felt his affirmative response before he said it.

“Yes.”

And he did. Giving her pleasure was intoxicating and the thought of doing the things to her he’d only read about was too tempting to resist. Oh yes, he definitely wanted to do this.

His thoughts caused a tremor of desire throughout her entire body and Liz felt heat creeping over her skin at the thought that he wanted so much to give her this intimate pleasure. Lying back, she tried to still her nervousness, opening her legs slightly, letting him know she was ready for him to continue.

Max slid downward, settling between her parted limbs, gently kissing her abdomen, caressing her soft skin, licking the inside of her thighs. She quivered, her legs tightening a little, but he remained gentle, just kissing and nibbling, moving ever closer to his objective.

Liz cried out at the first intimate touch of his tongue on her heated core. She trembled, caught between her desire for him to continue and her natural inhibitions, but when she heard his moan, and felt his own desire spike at the taste of her, she lost herself to the feel of his incredible mouth on her.

Max wasn’t exactly sure what he was doing, but he went on instinct, imitating with his tongue what he normally did with his fingers. It seemed to be working because Liz was no longer trembling with nervousness, she was trembling with need. She moaned continuously, her hands in his hair as she arched to his mouth and Max reveled in it with her, loving her taste, loving that he could do this to her. His own body was throbbing painfully, but he ignored it, concentrating on Liz. He tongued her clit, hearing her gasp as her desire sharpened and he dipped and tasted, coming back again and again to the little pleasure point.

“M....Max......” Liz sobbed out breathily, and Max let out a harsh sound of hunger at the new wetness filling his mouth, holding her hips as Liz came, her quivering flesh contracting on his tongue. Barely managing not to come with her, Max continued his ministrations, lapping and sucking at her until she finally collapsed back on the bed, trembling and panting.

[sylvia37]

Sitting up and wiping a glowing hand over his mouth to evaporate the moisture, Max tried to control his own heavy breathing, his body demanding release, his erection throbbing almost painfully at the picture of his soulmate, his lover, lying on the bed, trembling and flushed with the pleasure he’d given her.

God, he wanted her. He wanted her so much, but now that the moment had arrived.....he was afraid.

Liz opened her eyes to see Max sitting up gazing down at her with a mixture of longing and fear and she tried to control her breathing, forcing herself to concentrate on his feelings now that the onslaught of desire had been momentarily satisfied. Reaching up, she pulled him down, kissing him.

“Thank you. That was......” Words failed her and she blushed as she let him feel her feelings of love and satisfaction.

“I .....liked it too,” Max whispered, and Liz knew he was telling the truth. It humbled and excited her to know that he enjoyed pleasuring her that way.

But she could also feel his hesitation.....his aching need for release accompanied by his fear. He wanted to make love with her, but he was afraid that he would have flashbacks of Tess and ruin their first time together. He was trying fiercely to keep thoughts of Tess away but they were intruding now that the moment had arrived and his guilt and shame at his own uncertainty were threatening to take over.

Liz being Liz, she took the initiative.

“Lie back, Max,” she said, taking a deep calming breath as he complied. She slid on top of him, sitting on his thighs. She blushed momentarily at her own nakedness being on display, thankful that the room was only dimly lit, but pushed her timidity aside, concentrating on Max.

“Don’t think, Max, just feel,” she said, leaning down to kiss him. She’d done this before and she wanted him to remember, to only think of her and what they felt together. And being on top of him like this, letting him feel her love and desire to please him was as different from his experience with Tess as she could make it. She was determined to do this for him.

Max knew what she was doing and his heart filled so full that he felt tears threatening, but he pushed them back. God, he loved her. He loved her so much it hurt.

Feeling his feelings, Liz smiled mistily, returning his sentiments twofold. Leaning down, she kissed him, lightly at first, then more firmly, slipping her tongue into his mouth to love his. She felt Max’s hand slide up through her hair to cup her head and reveled in the familiar caress. Their tongues met and caressed, only to meet again, the kisses taking over where hesitation had been a moment ago.

Liz touched him, running her hands over his skin, feeling fiercely possessive and awed by his body. He was so beautiful, his muscles hard and defined, his body beautifully male...and he was hers.

Max blushed at her thoughts, his own hands creeping up to cup her breasts, unable to resist their allure. Liz moaned as he caressed her nipples, bringing them to attention. He leaned up to capture one in his mouth, loving the feel of it on his tongue as much as Liz loved feeling his mouth on her. She held his head to her, arching to his mouth, feeling desire pooling again.

Finally pulling away, Liz ran her own tongue over his collarbone, placing open mouthed kisses on his chest, nibbling his skin, causing him to groan and press upward into where they were intimately aligned. Continuing her caresses, Liz licked downward over his ribcage, kissing his tense abdomen, marveling at the feel of his muscles, moving sinuously as his own hands ran over her back and hips.

“Liz......” Max’s breathless voice brought her attention up to his face where he lay suddenly tense and uneasy.

“Don’t worry, Max. We’ll only do what you want to do. I won’t do anything you aren’t ready for.”

They both knew what she was talking about. He was trying to take the next step and make love with her, but having her mouth on him the way he had done for her just moments ago was more than he could handle. As much as the thought caused a riot of lust throughout his body, his feelings about his body and the taint that Tess had left on him would not allow him to let Liz pleasure him that way yet. They would have to work their way up to that.

First things first.

Continuing her ministrations, Liz kissed and tasted his skin, drawing circles on his abdomen, teasing and touching his erection through his shorts until he was groaning raggedly. Sitting up, she leaned down to kiss his mouth again, sliding her hands under the elastic of his shorts, much the same as he had done to her. After a moment’s hesitation, Max tremblingly allowed her to remove them. She tossed them to the floor next to her panties and turned back to look at his gloriously naked body for the first time.

Wow.

That was Liz’s first thought as she looked at him, her body reacting to the sight of his thick, defined flesh. She’d felt it before, but now that she could see what she’d been feeling, it was definitely...more than she’d thought.

The thought made her tremble with desire and a little trepidation.

“Liz......” Max croaked out hoarsely as she continued to stare at him, and he shivered with a mixture of embarrassment and need. The need became suddenly more prominent as she reached out and touched him, circling his erection with her hand, stroking and lightly squeezing. Unable to help himself, Max arched slightly to her rhythm, closing his eyes as her fingers pleasured him. His breath was coming out in pants and he struggled to control it....and control himself.

When she leaned over to kiss him, fingers still caressing, Max couldn’t take it any more and he pulled Liz down on him, holding her head with his hands as he took her mouth in a deep, savage kiss. They gasped into each other’s mouths as their bodies lying skin to skin for the first time, one hard, one soft, naturally intertwining as they strained together.

“God......Liz......” Max said hoarsely, feeling Liz’s slick folds sliding over his straining member. He trembled with as much longing as he did with fear at his own feelings, wanting desperately to bury himself in her and, at the same time, desperately to stop. He could feel Liz’s fierce desire as well and it only served to exacerbate his uncertainty.

“Max.....” Liz said, desire making her voice husky and sensual. “You’re safe with me.” She looked down at him, letting him see and feel her need of him, her longing for them to be one and her overwhelming love for him no matter what he decided. Her unvoiced question sounded in his mind.

“Are you ready?”

Knowing there was no need for protection because Liz had been on the pill for months in preparation for this moment, Max stared up into her beautiful face with a trembling breath and nodded ever so slightly.

“I love you,” Liz breathed, looking deeply into his eyes, letting the force of their waiting bond come to the forefront for the first time that night. Max groaned under her, feeling his soul reach out to hers and he closed his eyes as Liz lifted up and slowly took him into her body.

Completeness.

Liz let her breath out slowly, her slick, tight passage yielding to Max’s hardness, hesitating momentarily at the pain, then sliding down until their hips were flush together. Max opened his eyes, staring up into hers, their souls intertwining, their bond deepening as their bodies became one.

The way they were meant to be.

Liz’s eyes filled with tears. Looking down into her soulmate’s beautiful face, she saw that he was realizing with alacrity that this was completely different from his experience with Tess. This was the way it was supposed to be.....and he was no longer afraid.

“I love you...” Max whispered thickly, his feelings of relief and gratitude almost too much for him. They kissed, letting their bodies adjust, dwelling in this profound moment, so long in coming.

But soon it wasn’t enough. Liz began to move her hips, slowly at first while she accustomed herself to the stretching, burning sensation, then faster as it eased. The physical sensations were indescribable, heightened by the shared feelings of their bond. Liz could feel the pleasure Max was experiencing at the tight fit of her around him, and Max marveled as Liz gloried in finally having him inside her, filling her heart….. and her body to bursting.

Unable to keep from pushing deeper as his need intensified, Max moved under her, thrusting to the rhythm she set. Liz had closed her eyes, her head tilted back as she ground her hips down on him, and he groaned as he plumbed her depths, leaning up to suck on the tempting skin of her neck, then tracing his tongue downward to her breast. Liz let out a whimper as he took her distended nipple into his mouth, sucking and teasing, the sensations spiraling straight to her loins, adding fuel to the fire.

“Oh God....M...Max....don’t.....”

“I won’t.....” Max answered hoarsely, knowing what she was asking. He kept up his teasing of her breasts as he felt her response, feeling her passage becoming slicker as she neared her orgasm. He was precariously near his own orgasm and the thought both aroused and frightened him.

Residual feelings of unworthiness still held a small grip on him at the thought of releasing himself inside of his bonded mate. But even as the thoughts flickered through his mind, Max felt Liz’s response as she purposefully tightened around him, eliciting a guttural moan, her mind and body telling him that she wanted his seed.... she wanted him to complete their bond....she wanted to be his forever.

His forever. Liz gasped, arching with her hands on Max’s shoulders to take him as deep as possible, the thought sending her plummeting over the edge, spiraling pleasure radiating throughout her entire body. She strained down on him, moaning uncontrollably as her walls contracted around him, frissons of electricity dancing over her skin, making her tremble and quake.

Max lost himself to the sensation of Liz climaxing on his thick length. Any hesitation he might have had disappeared as the last vestiges of sanity slipped away, his soul wrapped in Liz’s pleasure, his body drenched in Liz’s essence.

With a last deep thrust, Max’s seed erupted, filling Liz’s deep crevices, a strangled sound of intense pleasure forced from his throat as he saturated her. Liz held him as he shuddered beneath her, her body responding to his with uncontrollable aftershocks as he finally gave himself to her.

Then the electricity that had seized her just seconds before spiraled into Max, and they were immersed in an onslaught of sensations, lips hungrily devouring as they clung to each other. Their souls fused, a white light encompassing their still joined bodies, reflecting their inner glory, completing the bond started so long ago.

Breathless but unable to stop kissing, to stop touching, their bodies remained wrapped together for an interminable amount of time, bound by the invisible threads of their bond..... until finally...quietly...it gentled to a steady hum within them.

They were now one body....one soul.

It was a long time later, after their breathing calmed and their hearts slowed down that Liz finally moved from her position on top of Max with a heartfelt sigh. It had taken a while to come back down to earth and they were loath to lose the feeling of wholeness that had come from completing their bond.

Liz laid her head on Max’s shoulder, sighing deeply in contentment and love. Her body ached, but it was a pleasant one and something she wouldn’t trade for the world. She felt strangely close to tears, but they were tears of happiness and joy.

Max held her soft form close, still marveling at the feel of her against his naked skin. He knew he always would. He was addicted. Turning his head, he placed a small kiss on her hair, breathing in the scent. The contentment saturating him was a new and almost frightening feeling. The burden of guilt and shame he’d been carrying around for so long was dissipating with the onslaught of joy radiating from Liz into him and there was a lightness in his soul that had never been there before.

Liz. His arms tightened around her, his heart contracting. She had done this for him. She had saved him.

“I love you,” Max said, the words inadequate for the feelings overflowing him, but Liz knew how deeply he meant them and her own heart reached out to him, showing him that she felt the same.

“I love you too.”

After a moment of silence, Liz lifted up on an elbow to gaze down at him, an uncontrollable grin of happiness curving her lips, and Max felt his own lips curve in response.

“What?” he asked, as she blushed a little under his warm gaze.

“Nothing....its just.....” she shook her head, burying her face in his shoulder.

“What?” Max asked again, still smiling as her breath tickled his bare skin, feeling her small laugh.

“I just...can’t believe we’re here like this. You....me....together.....naked.....”

Max laughed. He couldn’t help himself. He hadn’t been expecting that and it just struck him as incredibly funny.

“Stop,” Liz said, giggling into his shoulder as she blushed with chagrin, at the same time loving the sound of Max’s laughter and the feel of his amusement in her soul.

He was happy. She had done that for him. It was a heady feeling.

“I like being naked with you,” Max finally said, controlling himself, although the grin remained. “I think I could definitely get used to it.”

“Oh, is that how it’s going to be when we’re living together? The two of us running around naked all the time? You know the winters are awfully cold here.” Liz finally lifted her head to grin down at him, her feet unconsciously rubbing against his legs.

Living together. Max realized that he hadn’t gotten around to telling her his surprise, but as he gazed into her smiling face, he had no desire to bring up anything that would remind her of earlier events. It could wait. “I think I may have discovered a way to keep you warm,” Max answered instead, running a glowing hand down her arm and Liz did indeed feel heat emanating from it.

Shivering despite herself, she nevertheless attempted to look firm. “I hate to break it to you, Max Evans, but I’m not running around naked in our apartment, no matter how “warm” you think you can make me.”

“I’m definitely going to have to try and change your mind,” Max said, his eyes glowing with promise and anticipation. He slid so he leaned over her, covering her lips with his, stealing her breath as he kissed her slowly at first, then with more fervor.

Liz responded, unable to do anything else under the gentle persuasion he was using, his kisses soft and sweet, the gentle sweeps of his tongue making her want to writhe underneath him. When he finally lifted his mouth, she could only stare up at him in a daze, her body humming with desire.

“Is it working?” Max whispered before covering her mouth again, this time his kisses taking on a more intense note, his tongue clashing with hers as they felt the return of passion.

“Oh....” Was all Liz could manage as she wrapped her arms around his neck, arching to him as Max slid to cover her body with his own. Her legs fell open to accommodate him and they both inhaled sharply as his rapidly returning erection nestled against her delicate, swollen opening.

Max felt her desire as well as her soreness through their connection and he reached down unthinkingly to sooth her, his fingers gentle as he eased the distressed tissues. Liz moaned, unable to stop herself as her body responded to his touch, coating his glowing fingertips with her liquid.

“God.....Liz.....” Max croaked as he swelled to fullness, unable to believe he could feel this intense need again, so soon. But Liz was right there with him, her urgency matching his.

Their lips fused as they moved against each other, the intensity driving their passion upward quickly.

Max pulled his lips away to ask breathlessly, “Liz......are you ....”

“I’m okay,” she answered, knowing he was concerned that his greater weight on top of her would alarm her after earlier. “I want you,” she said, reaching up to kiss him, running her hands over his back and down to his hips.

Max groaned as she arched in invitation, the tip of his aroused shaft slipping into her welcoming entrance. He levered up on an elbow to look down at her, intending to bury himself deeply, when he was suddenly hit with a wave of uneasiness. He’d been in this position before.

Liz/Tess staring up at him from the floor of The Observatory, false passion reflected in her glittering eyes as they moved together.......

Liz gasped at the image that flashed through their minds.

Mortified, Max started to pull away, but Liz wrapped herself around him, refusing to let him go. “No! No, Max. Look at me. Look at me!” Liz’s voice was soft, but desperate as she forced him to meet her gaze with his anguished one.

“Feel me, Max. Feel us together. There’s no one else here. Just you and me.”

Desperately, Liz reached up to kiss him, coaxing a response from his stiff lips. She suffused their connection with her love, her desire for him, letting him feel her hope for them and her need for him let her help him through this.

Slowly, slowly Max began to relax a little, returning her kisses blindly, forcing himself not to pull away and hide. He immersed himself in Liz’s love, her need, his desperate eyes concentrated on her face. In return, Liz used every weapon in her arsenal, her mouth, her hands on his skin arousing him to a fever pitch, until they were ready again.

This time, Max stared deeply into her eyes as their bodies joined, concentrating only on her and their connection, a hiss of pleasure escaping his lips as Liz’s tight, wet walls parted to receive him. Liz closed her eyes, moaning and arching to his thrust, her legs lifting naturally to surround his lean hips. The position opened her to him, sinking him deeper, wrenching a groan from his lips.

And then there was only Liz’s tongue in his mouth, her hands in his hair, her sounds of pleasure in his ears. Their bodies ground together, Max moving to the tune Liz played in his mind, telling him without words what she wanted...what she needed.

When the end came, Liz sobbed out Max’s name, the contractions of her inner muscles triggering his own release and he clung to her, his head resting on her breast as the frissons of alien electricity zinged through them.

A hitching sound of grief brought Liz back to reality. Realizing what was happening, and feeling Max trying to hold back the force of his emotions, she reached out through their connection, lovingly caressing him, kissing his hair, gently breaking down the last of his walls.

Tess’s hold on him was breaking. He was free to live his life now.

“It’s okay....it’s okay.....” she whispered, tightening her arms around him, her heart twisting as he gave into the inevitable.....releasing in a torrent of hot, silent tears, the pent up guilt and pain that had held him prisoner for so long. She held his shaking body close, letting her love flow through their connection, her own tears falling in sympathy and relief.

Liz smiled through her tears when Max finally lifted his head from her breast gazing down at her, his eyes wet with his tears, but so full of love for her that she thought her heart might actually burst. They exchanged several soft, healing kisses, the last vestiges of sadness fading away.

“There’s something I didn’t tell you,” Max said a moment later, lifting a hand to wipe at his face. “I had another surprise besides coming early.”

“What was it?” Liz asked, gazing up at him.

“I quit school.” As her eyes widened, Max smiled a little self deprecatingly. “I decided that I couldn’t be without you anymore and that I was going to move in a couple of weeks, not a couple of months. You know.....take that first step toward....oof!”

Liz had launched herself at him, crying tears of happiness as she nearly choked him with her hug.

“Liz.....” he choked out, rubbing his throat in amusement as she eased her hold and lay back to smile hugely up at him.

“It’s a moot point now, of course, but.....” Max shrugged, unable to keep from smiling himself at her happiness.

“So you’ll be back in a couple of weeks?” Liz asked.

“No.” Max answered and Liz frowned as his face sobered.

“No?”

Max smoothed back a tangle of hair, his eyes lovingly caressing her face. “No, because I’m not leaving. I told you. I’ll work it out somehow...have Mom and Dad send my stuff and pay for Michael to drive the Chevelle up here or something...but....”

“It isn’t necessary. I’m fine.” Liz said turning to face him as Max finally settled over to the side and pulled the covers over them.

“Are you?” Max asked, his hand resting on her hip above the covers, and Liz flushed a little guiltily, realizing there was no way she could hide her nervousness from him.

“Okay, I’m a little....nervous about being here alone now, but he’s in jail...and it’s only a couple of weeks, and it’s going to be such a pain to have your stuff shipped and what about the money to........”

“Liz.” Max said, stopping her protests with a kiss. “Stop arguing, okay? We’ll work it out. I’m not leaving you. Not now. Not ever.”

Staring at him for a moment, Liz wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest, absorbing his strength and his warmth. “Okay,” she whispered.

“I love you.” She said, unable to adequately convey her feelings of relief and happiness that they were finally going to be together.

“I love you too,” Max answered thickly, feeling the same way. Lifting her chin, he kissed her feverishly, making the attempt anyway.

And as the wee hours of the night gradually faded into morning, he attempted it again....and again.....and again.



Whew....finally. Only 89 parts till they consumated. You guys were so patient....

[sylvia37]

Whew, Scottie that wasa long cigarette. LOL.. What can I say? I'm really glad you all weren't disappointed after waiting so long for our couple to finally be together. Thank you so much for your kind comments. It makes it all so worth while.

Thanks to Liz once again, whose working so hard, but takes the time to help me out.

We're winding down folks. Only a couple of parts left. Not sure of the exact amount but I'll let you know.


Everything to You Part 90

“Almost done,” Liz said to Max, putting the last of her things in her carryon. He sat on her bed as she finished packing. He nodded and used her cell phone to call a cab.

Megan entered the room, carrying her makeup case. “All done getting gorgeous. Time to face the masses.” She gathered her things for class. “So you’ll be back by the weekend?” she asked Liz.

“We’ll be back, but I’ll probably be staying with Max in his hotel until Sunday night.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll see you then. Oh, and I’ll check on that apartment for you.”

Megan had a friend who was leaving town to go home and her apartment would be available soon. Liz had already seen it and although it was small, it would be perfectly adequate for her and Max.

“Thanks,” Liz said.

Megan reached out to hug her friend. “Be safe, Sweetie.”

“And you,” She said, reaching out to tweak Max’s cheek. “You are definitely a keeper.” She smiled at Max’s expression, winking at Liz as she picked up her bag and left.

Liz laughed as Max looked at the door in a mixture of relief and bemusement. “She’s Maria with a Southern accent.”

Max’s lip quirked up at the corner. “I didn’t think there was room on this planet for two of them.”

“Just barely. Let’s hope they aren’t ever in the same place at the same time.” Liz climbed on the bed, pushing until Max was lying on his back. She smiled as she lay partially on top of him. She leaned down to kiss him, then lay her head on his chest, just soaking up being alone with him for a few more precious moments before they faced the outside world. Feeling Max’s lips in her hair, she smiled a little, closing her eyes to savor the feeling.

The day after the attack, the Vice President of Student Affairs at the school had contacted Liz at the hotel after speaking with the authorities. He told her how deeply sorry he and the other members of the senior staff were that this terrible thing had happened to her and assured her that if she needed to take some time away for a few days, her teachers would allow her to make up anything she missed.

It was actually the perfect solution to their problem. She and Max decided to fly back to Roswell together and pick up his things. They would then drive back to Illinois in the Chevelle.

A slight crease appeared between Liz’s brows, and she rubbed her nose against Max’s shirt for comfort. The conversation with her father about what had happened had been difficult. He’d been understandably upset to find out that his little girl had been attacked by someone who worked at the university, and had immediately planned to come up there. Liz had quite a time convincing him not to make the trip when she and Max were already planning to head back to Roswell in a couple of days. She’d assured him that Max was taking good care of her and had emphasized the fact that had it not been for him, something much worse could have happened.

Of course, Liz was partly saying these things to ease the way for when she and Max had to tell him that they were moving in together. She was not looking forward to his reaction, but her lips tightened a little in determination. It didn’t matter what his reaction was. She and Max were going to be together, and although she would rather have her father’s blessing, either way, he would just have to accept it. Still, she was glad he wasn’t meeting them at the airport. She had convinced him to let Michael and Maria pick them up, giving them a little breathing room before facing the inevitable.

There was also the question of sleeping arrangements. Liz sighed and snuggled more firmly into Max’s embrace. It may have only been a couple of days since their first night together in the hotel, but she was already used to waking up with him in the morning and going to sleep with him at night.

Among other things.

Making up for lost time. If Liz had to describe the last two days, that would be how she’d have to categorize them. Because, except for the hours they’d spent sight seeing in Chicago yesterday, and the few hours it took to eat and sleep, she and Max had spent their time in bed.

Liz had not thought it was possible to love him more or to want him more than she already had before this past weekend, but she’d been dead wrong. There were no words to describe how whole, how complete she felt when Max was loving her. The completion of their bond had linked their souls in a way that normal humans couldn’t comprehend, and it was a glorious feeling to know that she was now Max’s in every way possible, save for marriage. But when their bodies joined and they opened themselves up completely to each other……

Magic. That was the only word Liz could think of to describe it, but even that wasn’t adequate. And it only got better each time, making her crave his touch….his lips and hands on her, stoking the fire that only he could quench…..his hard body pressing into hers. Her mind drifted back to just last night in Max’s hotel room…..

Knowing they were leaving for Roswell the next morning, they’d spent the last hours fortifying themselves for time apart with their families. Their bodies were slick with sweat and Liz knew that she would have aches in places she never dreamed of….places Max would heal with his loving touch.

“Oh God, Max…right there…..” Liz arched her back as she rode him, feeling her orgasm moments away. Max’s hands were on her hips, helping her move, his erection sliding deep, hitting her in just the right spot. Liz knew she would never get tired of this feeling. The way he filled her, stretched her, made her wild with want and need. Her muscles quivered and she whimpered, grinding down to feel every inch of him and Max’s answering hitch of breath filled her with possessive satisfaction even as she lost herself.

A few precious seconds later, she vaguely heard Max’s low groan as her release ripped through her, triggering his own…….


“Liz…..” Max’s husky voice sounded in her ear and Liz blinked, realizing that she’d been projecting her thoughts to him unconsciously. The evidence was pressing into her abdomen.

“Sorry. I was just thinking about…..”

“I know what you were thinking about but unfortunately, we don’t have time to do anything about it. Our taxi is already on the way. “Max’s voice was amused and strained at the same time.”

She smiled a little sheepishly, shifting to face him, wanting to wriggle against the hardness, but carefully moving instead, to give him some relief. “I’m just going to miss you so much.”

“Me too.”

They had decided that, although their parents were going to be made aware that they were moving in together, they couldn’t disrespect the rules and insist on sleeping together under either of their roofs. And since this was the last time either of them was going to be seeing their parent’s for a while, it wouldn’t be fair to get a hotel room just so they could be alone. It was only for a few days and then they’d have all of the alone time they wanted.

Needed actually, Max thought, gazing up into Liz’s eyes, his hand cupping the back of her neck. He didn’t know if it was the bond or just good, old-fashioned horniness, but despite his teasing words to Liz, he was totally in agreement with her sentiments. The more he had her, the more he wanted her and, Max suspected, that it was going to be that way for a while, if not permanently.

A week ago that thought would have frightened him, but now that he had gotten past the first huge hurtle of giving himself to his mate, he couldn’t seem to get enough. And the best part was that Liz felt the same way.

He wasn’t deluding himself that he was completely over what Tess did, but for the first time, Max knew that he would get over it. With Liz’s help and support, he could finally look into the future and see the possibilities…and the joy.

Max leaned up to kiss her, letting out a breath, trying not to let it get too much out of hand. Their kisses tended to do that these days. “We’ll just have to find a way to be alone,” he whispered huskily.

Liz kissed him back, letting him know through their connection that she was holding him to that thought.


*******************

“Oh my God, I’m so glad you’re all right.” Maria’s voice was slightly tearful as she hugged Liz outside their gate at the airport, understandably emotional over Liz’s ordeal. Liz felt her own throat tighten as she was comforted by her best friend. She saw Max and Michael shaking hands out of the corner of her eye.

Maria pulled back to look at her. “I can’t believe you’re here. I know the reason isn’t a good one, but I’m really glad.”

“Me too,” Liz said, hugging her again.

Maria hugged Max, as well, and they all started walking toward the baggage claim.

“Are you feeling okay? It was so crazy that Max got there just in time.” Maria said.

“I know,” Liz answered, gazing up at Max with a smile and Maria suddenly noticed that she was practically glowing. Her smile seemed to distract Max from Michael, who was telling him a story about work. Maria noted how Max’s eyes caressed her face, which in itself wasn’t new, but the blush that lit Liz’s cheeks as they continued to stare at one another spoke volumes. Maria continued to gaze at them, noting speculatively that Max seemed much more relaxed than when he left, not at all how she expected him to be after Liz’s ordeal.

When they reached the baggage claim, the guys waited for Liz’s bag while Maria and Liz stood back.

“So tell me what’s happened since the bad stuff,” Maria said casually.

Liz dropped her eyes, her cheeks pinking a bit. “Oh, you know…..we….went sight seeing yesterday. It was really fun. Max likes Chicago.”

“Good, that’s good.” Maria said. “What else?” She smiled a little as Liz blushed more, still not looking at her.

“I…um….we….went to breakfast in the café where I work and…..oh, we had dinner at that little Italian place I was telling you about….and….um……”

“And…..” Maria said, still smiling, enjoying watching Liz squirm. Finally after a moment she relented.

“Give it up, Liz.”

“Give what up?”

“Oh come on. It’s as plain as the nose on Michael’s face. I can tell just by looking at the two of you.”

“Tell what?” Liz asked with as much innocence as she could muster with her cheeks on fire.

Maria huffed in exasperated amusement. “That you did The Dirty Deed…. The Horizontal Pretzel.” She leaned over to whisper breathily, “That you let Max dive the exquisite pearl of your femininity with his man harpoon”

Liz stared at her dumbfounded, then both girls burst into giggles as they shared the memory of finding one of Amy Deluca’s romance novels when they were little girls, goggling over the sex scenes even though they weren’t exactly sure what they meant. That particular description had always sent them into hysterics.

Trying to control their laughter, they saw Max and Michael staring at them quizzically and started giggling all over again.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Liz said, “For your information, Max didn’t harpoon anything.” The two girls snickered some more.

“Okay, but you had sex, right?” Maria laughed at the look on Liz’s face.

“Maria…..”

“Oh, come on. You’re glowing. And Romeo over there is as happy as I’ve ever seen him. I told you when Michael and I did it the first time. So tell me. Was it as wonderful as I described?”

“Better,” Liz answered dreamily.

“I’d say so, judging by that expression,” Maria grinned at the look on Liz’s face. “Just how much “harpooning” did you two do?”

Liz didn’t answer, just smiled a small secret smile.

Maria rolled her eyes. “Okay, well all I can say to that look is, “Way to go, Max!” Maria looked over to where the two aliens were standing and gave Max a “thumbs up” sign. He looked at her uncertainly, causing both her and Liz to crack up again.

The guys finally got Liz’s bag and Liz smiled at Max as he approached. She took his arm.

As they all walked toward the exit, Max leaned over to ask, “What was that all about?” indicating Maria.

“She can um….tell we um…..you know…..” Liz trailed off, but Max got the gist of what she was saying. He glanced over at Maria then down again at Liz’s grinning face.

“How?” he asked, somewhat uncomfortable with the knowledge that Maria knew.

“She says I’m glowing and that she’s never seen you look so happy.”

Max smiled a little at that, then his face paled somewhat. “You don’t think your Dad will be able to tell, do you?”

“No, but it doesn’t matter, Max. We’re going to tell him we’re living together at college when we get back. He’s going to figure it out.”

At Max’s grimace, Liz grinned a little, patting his arm reassuringly. They were approaching the sliding door to the outside, and Max’s brow wrinkled suddenly as he thought about Maria’s perceptiveness. Glancing at the two girls as they walked, he asked

“Were the two of you talking about fishing a minute ago?”


******************

The CrashDown bell rang loudly as the four teenagers entered. Liz and Maria had finally managed to stop laughing and pull themselves together after Max’s comment at the airport, but it had taken a good five minutes of giggling and a trip to the bathroom to repair their streaming makeup for them to gain some semblance of control. It hadn’t helped that Max and Michael kept giving them such dumb looks.

“Liz!” Her father’s voice boomed loudly from behind the counter and before she knew it, Liz found herself engulfed in a crushing bear hug. Jeff Parker pulled back to stare at his daughter’s face before hugging her again. “I’m so glad you’re all right.” His voice was thick with gratitude and relief.

“I’m fine, Dad,” Liz answered.

When he finally let go, Mr. Parker looked over at Max and held out his hand. “Thank you, Max. I owe you more than I can say.”

Max returned the handshake, but shook his head, feeling uncomfortable. How could he explain that Mr. Parker would never owe him a debt for keeping Liz safe. It was like breathing, completely necessary to his existence.

“Everyone sit down, sit down. Max, do your parents know your home yet?” Mr. Parker ushered them to a table.

“Um…I called them on the way over. They should be here any………”

Before he could finish that thought, the door chime rang again and Mr. and Mrs. Evans appeared followed by Kyle, Amy Deluca and Jim Valenti.

“We actually called everyone,” Maria said, smiling at Mr. Parker’s surprised expression.
More hugs were exchanged and tables pulled together. Mr. Parker took a break from the kitchen to sit with them and one of the waitresses came to take orders.

“So tell us, what else did the police find out?” Mr. Evans asked when everyone was settled.

Max took Liz’s hand under the table as she took a deep breath and told the people listening everything the police had found out about the man who’d attacked her. His name was Hershel Jenkins and he was indeed wanted in several states in connection with other attacks on college campuses and would face a long list of charges before all was said and done. The girl whose rape Liz had interrupted was out of the hospital, but she’d been so traumatized, her parents had to take her home. They weren’t sure that she would even be capable of testifying at the trial. The police were counting on Liz and Max’s testimony to convict the man, unless his lawyer got him to plead guilty.

“We’re so sorry you had to go through that, Liz,” Mrs. Evans said, her face a mask of sympathetic concern.

“Thank you,” Liz said, remembering the long moments of fear before she’d felt Max’s presence in her mind and heart. Max slid his arm around her and she laid her on his shoulder, taking comfort and strength from him. Seeing her distress, the others let the subject drop.

“Maria, did you tell Liz that you and Michael set a date for the wedding?” Amy asked her daughter, smiling at Michael’s long suffering expression. The two Deluca women were driving him crazy with wedding plans. He could only be grateful that it was going to be small with only Liz as Maria’s one attendant.

Liz turned toward Maria in surprise. “No, she didn’t,” she said in accusation.

“We got a little distracted with all that talk of fishing,” Maria answered, grinning at Liz’s blush.

“Fishing?” Kyle leaned over to whisper to Michael.

“Don’t ask,” Michael answered, shaking his head.

“But yes, we’ve set a date,” Maria continued. “It’s going to be in June after everyone is out of school for the summer.” She turned to Michael. “You have to ask Max to be your best man.”

“He knows,” Michael said, as if there was any question.

“You have to ask him formally, Michael. It’s only polite. I asked Liz even though she already knew.”

“Fine,” Michael said, sighing. Looking at Max with a raised eyebrow, he said, “Dude?”

“Yeah,” Max answered.

“Happy?” Michael asked Maria with a smirk at her exasperated expression. She just rolled her eyes at the two aliens.

“Anyway, we need to look at dresses while you’re here.” Maria said.

“Okay,” Liz answered. She glanced at her father who was looking at her speculatively. She flushed a little, knowing they had a lot to talk about.

The party soon broke up with Max telling his parents that he would be home later. Mrs. Evans hugged him one more time, gazing up at him for a moment. “I’m so proud of you, Honey.”

“Mom….” Max said, shaking his head at her words. She’d only told him that what seemed like a hundred times since he’d called her and his father the day after the attack.

“Okay, I’ll stop. We’ll see you later,” She said, smiling and waving to the others as she and her husband left.

Liz hugged Maria goodbye, promising to see her later. The whole group, including the parents, was going to watch her perform tonight at Cowpatty’s.

“Dad, Max and I are going to take my stuff up to my room,” Liz told her father as Max picked up her suitcase.

“Okay.”

The two teenagers headed upstairs and entered Liz’s room. As Max put her suitcase down, Liz threw herself backward on the bed, sighing tiredly. Max joined her and she rolled naturally into his arms as he lay back.

“Tired?” Max asked, smoothing her hair.

“Yeah. Somebody didn’t let me get much sleep last night.” Liz’s voice was teasing as she lifted to gaze at him.

“I didn’t exactly hear you complaining. Unless I misinterpreted those noises you were making…..” Max trailed off, grinning at her quelling glance.

“You’re not exactly quiet yourself, buddy,” Liz retorted, smiling a little at his complacent look. She loved it that they could tease each other like this. It was a small miracle after everything they’d been through together. And she would never, ever take for granted the contented look on Max’s face or the peace she felt in his heart. Every smile, every loving gesture was a gift.

Liz sighed, lying back down as she frowned a little. “Another reason why we can’t spend our nights together.” She could just imagine trying to keep from making too much noise with her father right up the hall. Or Max’s parents for that matter.

“Yeah, I know. Besides,” Max said, rolling to pin her partially beneath him. “I love the sounds you make.” He leaned down to run his lips over her neck. “Every little breath, every little moan….”

Liz fought to keep from doing just that as Max’s trailed his provocative lips down over the exposed skin of her collarbone, nibbling and kissing, causing small explosions of tingling desire to ignite with every little bite. She buried her hands in his hair, bringing his lips up to hers and their kiss was anything but gentle as they told each other with their lips, tongues and hearts how much they wanted one another. The sweep of Max’s tongue sent a curl of moist longing straight to Liz’s center.

“Liz….” Jeff Parker’s voice penetrated the sexual fog taking over their brains and Max quickly got up and walked over to the window, facing away from the door to hide the evidence of what they’d been doing.

Liz quickly smoothed her hair as her father appeared in the doorway. She nonchalantly lifted her suitcase to the bed, opening it to sort through the contents.

“What’s up, Dad?”

“Nothing,” Jeff Parker said. “I just missed you, that’s all.” He entered the room and sat down at her desk.

“Me too,” Liz said, leaning down to give him a kiss on the cheek. She noticed him staring at her as if to reassure himself that she was really all right and she shook her head. “I’m okay.”

“The police said that you struggled with him. Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

“I….” Liz hesitated, glancing over at Max who had turned away from the window. “I…..was a little sore afterward, but it’s fine now. I’m fine now.”

Jeff ran a somewhat angry hand over his chin. “I can’t believe this happened. I feel like going down there and suing those people for allowing that maniac to work there.”

“I think they know that, Dad. They told you they’re willing to refund my tuition for the semester, didn’t they? And they’re already talking about implementing new stricter hiring practices.”

“I know, I know. I’m not really going to do it. It just makes me so angry.” Jeff Parker looked up at his daughter’s face, seeing her goodness and purity of heart shining through as it always did and his heart constricted. “I can’t stand the thought of you being up their alone anymore.”

Liz looked over at Max who acquiesced to her silent request and joined her to push her suitcase back and sit on the bed.

“Actually Dad……I won’t be alone.” Liz glanced at Max, taking his hand in hers, causing Jeff to look down at their securely interlocked fingers. “Max is moving to Illinois to start school.”

Jeff gazed at to their tense faces, quelling his automatic negative response. Instead he asked, “When did you decide this, Max?”

“Um…before all this happened….before I went up there to see her.”

“Oh.” Jeff got up from the desk chair to walk around a little.

“I assume you’re going to be getting an apartment together.”

“We’ve already, hopefully, got one lined up,” Liz said, not sure of her father’s reaction. He was so calm, it was almost more unsettling than anger would have been.

Finally after a moment, Jeff sat back down, leaning over to rest his forearms on his legs. He looked up at the two teenagers with resignation.

“I don’t approve….” He held up his hand as Liz opened her mouth to protest. “I don’t approve, but….I won’t stop you.” Jeff sighed. “I told Max a while back, before you were getting ready to leave for college, that this situation was always a Catch 22. Me here worrying about you on your own, or me here knowing that you had someone looking out for you…but living with your boyfriend. After what’s happened, I guess living with your boyfriend is the lesser of two evils.”

He gazed at the two of them, their faces so young and full of sincerity, and Jeff shook his head. “You’re both just so young and you have so much living to do. I don’t think you know what you’re getting into.”

Liz knew that her father was worried, not just because of their youth and inexperience, but because of what had happened with her mother. She didn’t know how to explain to him that he didn’t have to worry about her and Max. They were bonded in a way that he didn’t understand and nothing would ever come between them. They did have a lot to learn about living together and making a life together, but there was no question that now or ten years from now….they were it for each other. Soulmates, bonded for life.

Glancing at Max, Liz had a fleeting desire to just tell her father the truth, to stop lying and just get it out in the open. She felt Max’s sudden tension, but also his willingness to allow her to make the decision. Gazing at her father, the impulse passed almost as quickly as it had come. She doubted that telling him that Max was an alien and that she was his bonded mate would ease his mind about them living together at school. Liz suppressed a smile as Max’s lip quirked slightly in shared amusement at the thought.

“Thank you,” Liz said instead, getting up to hug her father.

“Just do me a favor. Don’t make me a grandfather for a while. Please?”

“Dad!” Liz exclaimed, her cheeks reddening.

Jeff Parker grinned a little at her reaction, but had his gaze on Max seeing his point hit home as the boy’s cheeks paled a little.

“While you’re here….” Jeff started to say, but Liz cut him off, frowning at him in exasperation as she saw his amusement at their expense.

“Max is staying with his parents and I’m staying here,” Liz said.

“Good,” Jeff answered, relieved that he wasn’t going to have a fight on his hands. Despite his teasing words, he really didn’t like to think of anyone’s hands and other body parts all over his little girl, even someone he liked as much as Max. The thought reminded him of the man who’d attacked Liz and he frowned.

“What’s wrong, Dad?” Liz asked, seeing his sudden dark look.

Jeff gazed at her, feeling his heart constrict with the thought of harm coming to her. “I just want you to be safe, Liz. Promise me you’ll be safe. Max,” Jeff said, turning to look at the serious young man once again holding his daughter’s hand. “Promise me you’ll keep her safe.”

“I promise,” Max said, with a quiet conviction that eased a little of the tension from Jeff’s mind.

“That’s enough you two. Repeat after me. Liz is not a helpless little girl. She can take care of herself.” Liz frowned at the two of them, appreciating that they were concerned but not liking that they felt she needed looking after like a child.

“Just humor an old man, would you, Honey?”

“No, because you’re not old,” Liz retorted, but Jeff just grinned and got up, exchanging another look with Max that said it all. He was counting on him to keep his little girl safe.

After he left the room, Liz got up from the bed and started unpacking. Max came up behind her to put his arms around her, stopping her movements.

“You’re not a helpless little girl,” he breathed into her hair and Liz felt her irritation melt away as the feel of his arms around her made her want to melt, and at the same time, made her feel incredibly safe and loved.

“You’re a smart, beautiful, capable, loving, sexy…..”

“Okay, Okay, you’re forgiven,” Liz laughed, turning in his arms to return his embrace. “And for the record, you’re all those things too.”

“Only for you,” Max said, gazing down at her with so much love that Liz felt a lump in her throat.

“Only for you,” Liz answered back in a husky whisper, tilting her head up to receive his kiss. Her heart overflowed.

“So, do I pick you up later to go to the club or are you riding with your Dad?” Max asked after several long, mutually satisfying kisses.

“I’ll ride with Dad. There’s no need for you to come all the way over here since it’s not on your way.”

“Okay,” Max leaned down to kiss her one more time, lingering over her lips, not wanting it to end. Never wanting it to end. “I’ll see you later,” he whispered, slowly letting go of her, his hand lingering in her hair as he backed off. He automatically turned toward the window out to the balcony.

“Hey, you can take the front door now.” Liz smiled in amusement at his rueful look, then jumped when he swatted her on the butt as he walked past her.

Max turned to give her a lopsided grin, complete with heart melting dimples, before he walked out the door. Liz smiled dreamily before twirling around in a circle with her arms wrapped around herself.

God, she loved that man. She laughed in joy as she felt his answering response in her heart and soul.

TBC........

[sylvia37]

Well, here we are. Sorry it took so long. It's a long part plus my lovely beta, Liz, is working her little butt off. She got it back to me as soon as possible, and I appreciate her so much.

First off, let me say thanks for all the great comments. You guys are so funny and I look forward to everyone of your opinions. To answer a question, yes, I did come up with the "harpoon" line on my own. I used to read those romance novels when I was a kid, and the euphamisms they came up with for body parts used to always crack me up. I'm glad you guys enjoyed it.

And Scottie, you're right. This is difficult for me to give up. I've spent so long working on, I know when it finally completely over, it will be very sad for me. This is the last official part. There is still the epilogue and a tag to go. The good news though, is that I do already have an idea for another story. But I'll say more about that next time.

So, hope you like it. Posted in two parts for length. Thanks again to all of you and to new readers too.




Everything to You Part 91

“I’m just going to head up and take a shower. I’ll be back down for dinner, then we can go,” Liz told her father, giving him one last hug,

“Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked, holding her away from him.

“Yeah. I just......need to be alone for while.” Liz tried to smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She headed toward the stairs of the apartment from the CrashDown kitchen, her heart heavy. As she lifted her foot to the bottom step, she suddenly felt his presence and her heart lightened even though tears threatened again.

When she reached the top, Liz opened her bedroom door and walked straight into Max’s arms. He wrapped them around her securely, surrounding her with the warmth and security that only he could provide.

Liz sniffed against his chest. “Were your parents upset that you left?” she asked. He’d just gone home a couple of hours ago to spend some time with his parents before they all headed to Cowpatty’s to watch Maria and Mr. Valenti perform, but now he was here again, coming to her unconscious call.

“No. I told them that you needed me. They understood.”

“Thank you,” Liz whispered, rubbing her face against his shirt, breathing his scent into her body. She did need him. Like sunlight to a plant or water in the desert. She always needed him.

Max took a second to take off his jacket, then he led her to the bed where they laid down together, Liz wrapped in his arms, lying on his chest.

“I’m sorry.” Max said, not knowing how to comfort her.

Sighing, Liz gave up the fight and let the tears leak from her eyes onto his shirt.

“Just hold me,” Liz said, burrowing closer, absorbing his strength and comfort like a sponge, but the tightness in her chest wouldn’t go away.

After Max had left earlier, she’d unpacked a few things, then gone down to the restaurant to see her father again. While they were talking, the phone had rung. A moment later her father had looked at her sadly and handed it to her. It was her Mother.

“Liz....Honey, are you all right?”

“Yes, Mom.” Liz answered, feeling the usual resentment bubbling up at the sound of her Mother’s voice.

“I was so worried when your fathered called. I’m so sorry for what happened, Baby. I.....do you want me to come up? I almost left earlier but.....your Dad said to wait and ask.....”

Liz felt tears threatening suddenly. A longing to see her Mother caught her by surprise, momentarily blotting out the resentment.

“I.......” Liz swallowed, the resentment flooding back as she looked up at her father, who was feigning busy work at the counter.

“No.....you don’t need to come. Dad is here and.....I have Max. They’re all I need.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Liz wanted to take them back. The deafening silence told her more about her Mother’s hurt than words would have.

“Okay, Honey.” Nancy Parker finally answered a moment later, her voice sounding thick all of the sudden. “I’m glad......Max was......is there for you. Please tell him.....tell him thank you for me.....for what he did.”

“I will,” Liz whispered, her own voice hoarse around the lump in her throat.

“I.....I’m so glad you’re all right. I....love you.”

Liz gripped the phone for a moment, hearing the longing in her Mother’s voice and her tears threatened to choke her. “Bye Mom,” she whispered, clicking it off and putting it down.

Her father took one look at her face and came around the counter to hug her.........
Why did it have to hurt so much? And why did she have this desire for her Mother’s presence when all she had felt toward her since she’d found out the truth, was anger and resentment?

“Maybe because she’s still your Mother......and you want to forgive her.” Max’s voice sounded quiet in the room.

Liz should have known he’d know what she was thinking. Just like he’d known that she needed him. He’d felt her pain all the way to his house.

“I hurt her,” Liz said, her throat thick from her tears. “I......told her I didn’t need her.”

Max didn’t say anything, just let her talk and feel his comfort through their connection.

“I wasn’t trying to......it just came out. I......should call her back.” Liz sat up, wiping at her face, and picked up the phone. She felt Max’s hand rubbing soothingly on her back and his touch helped to calm her.

“Hello?”

“Mom?”

“Liz......” Nancy said in surprise. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes. I ......wanted to tell you that......I’m glad you called earlier and......that I’m really okay. You don’t have to worry about me.” Liz hadn’t quite reached the point of forgiveness, but hurting her Mother earlier had not made her feel good or vindicated.

“I’m.....so glad, Honey.” Nancy’s voice trembled slightly with emotion
Liz felt relief bloom where heaviness had reigned in her chest. Calling back had been the right thing to do. “I......um......that’s all. Oh and......Max......is going to be moving up to Illinois to go to school now. We’re driving his stuff back at the end of the week.”

“Oh,” Nancy said and there was silence for a moment. “So......he’s better now?”

Liz glanced at him, lying on her pillow with his eyes closed, his hand still tracing circles on her back. “Yeah, Mom. He’s doing really well. Thank you for asking.” Max opened his eyes in surprise realizing that Nancy Parker had just asked about him, and Liz smiled at him.

There was a slight hesitation as though Nancy Parker wanted to say something and Liz wondered suddenly if her Mother was going to warn her, but then she sighed and said,

“I’m......happy for you, Honey. Him too. I know......it’s been hard.”

“We’re all right now.” Liz answered relieved. Watching Max lying on her bed in contentment, she had the sudden urge to get off the phone and kiss him senseless. “I have to go.”

“Oh. Okay. I’m so glad you called back.”

“Me too, Mom. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Liz clicked off the phone and put it down, moving to lie down. But instead of lying with her head on Max’s chest, she climbed full length on top of him.

“Thank you,” she said, staring down into his hazel eyes, the long fringe of lashes framing them causing a little tingle to start in her abdomen. Good God, even his eyelashes turned her on.

“For what?” Max said a little vaguely, distracted by the feel of her soft breasts pressing into his chest and the silky glide of her hair against his cheek. He breathed in the scent, feeling his body react.

“For coming back. For listening to me. For being you.” Liz said, leaning down to feather a kiss on his irresistible lips. And they were irresistible, potent and dangerous to her self-control.

As always, one wasn’t enough. A small sound of need broke from Liz’s throat as she felt Max’s hand come up to cup her neck. His mouth opened under hers and Liz’s whole body thrummed to the lazy slide of his tongue against hers. They came together again and again, only pausing to breathe, their mouths blending from one ferocious kiss to the next.

Liz moaned under her breath, her legs falling open around Max’s hips to feel him, now hard and ready, pressing urgently against her own aching center. The fit made them both groan and Max couldn’t keep from moving a hand down to press her hips harder to his. The other came up to caress her breast through her shirt and Liz dropped her head against his chest, whimpering as his thumb brushed her nipple into a hard point.

“Max......” Liz moaned out as she felt his lips nipping at her temple, moving downward.

“I know......we promised......” Max answered a little breathily, not stopping his caresses. His fingers continued to wreak havoc on her resolve, playing and plucking at her now swollen flesh until Liz was ready to burst with the need to have him inside her.

Taking a deep breath, Liz heaved herself up and grabbed his hand, half hauling him off the bed with her slight weight to drag him into the bathroom. She went to the shower and turned it on just enough for the water to be heard.

“My Dad thinks I’m taking a shower,” she said, turning back to Max and pressing against him.

He leaned down to take her lips again, his hands skimming over her curves, cupping her breasts. He stroked and massaged the aching points, dragging a moan from Liz’s throat and she leaned back to rip her shirt over her head. Running her hands under Max’s shirt, she lifted the hem, helping him take it off, then she reached back to unhook her bra.

“Liz......are you sure......”

“Yes,” Liz answered, pressing against him urgently. “We just have to be quiet.” She stood up on tip toe to kiss him hungrily until he was kissing her back, lifting her closer to access her mouth desperately with his tongue. Liz fought back a moan, her hands running over his back and around to the front to skim his rippled stomach muscles.

Pulling back for a moment to catch his breath, Max looked behind her at the sink, and reached around to push the contents back so he could lift her onto the counter. It was the perfect height and Liz wrapped her legs around his hips as he stepped forward to pull her against him again.

“I need you,” He breathed into her hair before, kneeling to open the button of her pants and pull them off.

“Me too,” Liz whispered. It seemed like forever since they’d been together when in reality, it had been less than twenty-four hours. When he didn’t rise after pulling off her panties, Liz realized his intentions and closed her eyes, her thighs trembling in anticipation.

She was so ready that the first touch of Max’s tongue on her quivering flesh almost sent her over the edge. As it was, it only took a few hungry laps before Liz had to bite her lip to keep from crying out, heaving against him mindlessly. She vaguely heard his faint moan as her body gushed her liquid for him, and the feel of his pleasure at the taste of her, added immeasurably to her own.

Max only gave her a moment to calm down before standing up, hastily pulling at the button on his pants. Liz reached eagerly to help and then his hands were under her, sliding her forward. Their lips crashed together as she sank onto his erection, both of them shuddering at the feel of him stretching her, filling her, making their bodies one.

Home. Their souls breathed a sigh of relief at the completeness that always came with their physical joining.

Max began to move urgently inside her, finesse left behind as they both ruthlessly sought fulfillment. The angle didn’t allow Liz any leverage to help and she could only take the onslaught as Max surged against her, taking her with deep penetrating thrusts that brought them both quickly to the edge.

Breath coming out in pants, Liz clutched at his shoulders, feeling the beginning spiral of her climax coming on. Wrapping her legs around his lean hips to open herself completely, she threw back her head and screamed soundlessly, her whole body seizing in a wild rush.

Max ground his teeth as she writhed silently against him, her cry of pleasure sounding in his head. Her muscles clamped down on him and he bit his lip to hold back a groan of surrender, pulling her tightly against him to bury his face in her throat, hips jerking helplessly as he emptied into her in hot, urgent waves. The electric shards of alien energy shimmered over their joined bodies, making them tremble and cling to one another, their mouths coming together in hot, open mouthed kisses as their souls fused in glory. Several long moments later, they finally slumped against each other, replete.

“I’ve become a nymphomaniac,” Liz whispered after a moment, still a little breathless from her intense orgasm. “You’ve turned me into a nymphomaniac.” She attempted to sit up.

“Is that a bad thing?” Max asked, pulling back to help her, and Liz heard the underlying uncertainty behind the teasing question. She quickly focused on his feelings, seeing his sensitivity to anything she might deem as negative about their physical relationship. He wouldn’t be able to stand it if he thought he was coercing her to do anything she didn’t want to.

“It wasn’t a complaint. I’m the one who dragged you in here, remember? I thought I was being pretty obvious.” Liz said, opting to continue teasing rather than getting serious. She knew it would take time for Max to be completely comfortable and secure about their sexual relationship in light of what Tess had done to him, and she intended to make sure that he knew in her mind and heart that everything they did together was perfect and natural and one hundred percent mutual.

Max didn’t answer her, but Liz didn’t push, just reached up to kiss him lightly, letting him know through their connection that he didn’t have to worry. Max returned her kiss, then stepped back to fix his clothes.

“I guess I really do need a shower now,” Liz said, smiling at him as she slipped down from the sink. “And you need to get back.” She kissed him quickly, before reaching into the shower to adjust the temperature to hot.

Max looked at her for a moment as she stepped into the spray, wishing suddenly that he could stay and join her. His eyes strayed to her breasts, the moisture from the shower gleaming on them.

“You have to go,” Liz stated, fighting the urge to cover herself even as she gazed at him softly. She still wasn’t used to his blatant admiration of her assets. “Besides, we tried the shower thing remember?”

Max looked back up at her teasing expression, a small grin lifting the corner of his lip even as his cheeks reddened slightly.

They had tried making love in the shower at his hotel and both of them almost ended up in traction after Max slipped while lifting her up against the wall.

“I guess now isn’t the time to practice.” Max said, his grin widening a little.

“No,” Liz said succinctly. She leaned out to kiss him again in farewell.

“Thank you for coming. I really needed you,” Liz said against his lips. Then she smiled at him, a small sultry smile that conveyed her double meaning, before closing the shower curtain. She answered his “I love you” in her mind as she felt him leave through her bedroom window.

Squirting shower gel onto a puff, Liz ran it over her flushed skin, wondering again how she’d gotten so lucky to have someone like Max Evans so in love with her. Of all the people on the planet, that this amazing person would choose her to bestow the tremendous gift of his unending devotion was truly a mystery to her. Whatever the reason, Liz promised herself that she would never take his love for granted or let anything or anyone come between them again. No matter what the circumstances, she thought, her mind straying momentarily to Future Max and the devastating consequences of their actions.

Shaking her head to dispel those bleak thoughts, she reached for the shampoo, tipping her head back to wet all of her hair, smiling again to herself. She could still feel the affects of their lovemaking in her body, the tenderness between her legs and the residual sensation of having Max inside her sending a renewed burst of desire zinging through her. God, she really was turning into a nympho, Liz thought, rinsing shampoo from her hair with a grin.

Somehow the thought didn’t bother her.

[sylvia37]

“Are you having a good time?” Liz asked her Father, leaning close so she could be heard above the noise of the bar. Cowpatty’s was packed tonight, and the audience was full of energy, which in turn had energized the band. They were on a break at the moment.

“Yeah,” Jeff Parker said loudly. “They’re really good.”

Liz heard the almost wistful note in her Father’s voice as he said this and it reminded her of the things her Mother had told her about their early days together. She wondered if he had more regrets about giving up his music career than just losing her Mother. She glanced up at the Evan’s who were just coming back from the dance floor. She smiled at them, seeing that they were having fun. Max had told her that his parents liked to dance.

“Where is everyone?” Mrs. Evans asked as she sat down.

“They’re in the pool room. Kyle convinced Max and Michael to shoot some pool. The others went with them.”

“You want to go see if we can whip ‘em Jeff?” Phillip Evans asked and Liz’s father looked at Liz for a moment, knowing that she’d stayed out there to be with him. But Liz just smiled and shook her head, so Jeff grinned and got up to go, leaving Liz and Mrs. Evans at the table. They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, then Mrs. Evans moved over to sit closer to Liz. She smiled as Liz looked at her inquiringly.

“Max told us that the two of you are moving in together.”

“Oh,” Liz said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. She knew that the Evans liked her, but they might not like the fact that their son was moving in with his girlfriend, even though technically, Max had lived on his own before.

Diane looked pensive. “I have to admit that under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t approve. You’re both very young and I would be lying if I said that I condone such an intimate relationship at your age. But......” Diane noted Liz’s wary expression and moved to dispel her trepidation. “As I said, these aren’t normal circumstances. Given what we know about Max’s......unusual makeup and the fact that you’ve both had to grow up so fast......all of you have......I wanted you to know that Phillip and I are okay with it.”

Liz smiled in relief, glad that Mrs. Evans trusted her and Max enough to be able to make this decision on their own. “Thank you.”

“No Liz, thank you.” Diane placed her hand over Liz’s on the table. “You saved our son.” She shook her head. “Every time I see a smile on his face, I know it’s because of you. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that. For a while, I wasn’t sure that would ever happen again.” Moisture gleamed in her eyes. “You’re very special.”

Liz felt tears gathering as well, but she swallowed them back and gave Mrs. Evans a small grateful smile. “So is Max, Mrs. Evans. I’m the lucky one.”

“I think so too,” Diane said and the two women grinned at each other in agreement.

The others appeared shortly thereafter, Jim Valenti heading toward the stage.

“Your boyfriend sucks at pool, Liz” Kyle said as he and Jenna sat down and Jenna frowned at him for his rude comment.

Liz smiled at Max who shrugged, unperturbed. He’d warned them.

“That’s okay. He’s good at lots of other stuff.”

Kyle took a sip of his drink, noting the sappy smiles Liz and Max were exchanging.

“I’ll take your word for that. I don’t really want to know the details.”

Liz suddenly noticed that Maria wasn’t getting on stage with Jim Valenti. She was sitting on Michael’s lap, drinking his drink.

“What’s going on?” Liz asked.

“You’ll see.” Maria just smiled.

Jim stepped up to the microphone. “Folks, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. He’s agreed to join us on a song or two. His name’s Jeff Parker. Give him a round of applause.”

Liz sat up in amazement as the room clapped. Jeff stepped up, an electric guitar strapped to him. A moment later, she sat back smiling as the band broke into an old seventies Eric Clapton tune that she knew her father loved. She could see that he was in total concentration......and having a ball.

“He’s really good,” Max said in her ear and Liz turned to smile at him, nodding.

“I’ve heard him over the years but never like this.”

They played two more songs before Jeff finally lifted the guitar strap over his head and handed it back to one of the band members. He waved at the people as they applauded him and came to sit back down at the table. Maria made her way to the stage.

“That was fabulous, Jeff,” Amy Deluca complimented him and the other echoed her sentiments. He smiled, taking their comments in humble humor.

“That really was great, Dad,” Liz said, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“It was fun,” Jeff admitted, taking a drink from his glass. “But I’m not giving up my day job.”

The band started playing a slow dance tune and Jim stepped up to the mike with Maria at his side.

Kyle grabbed Jenna’s hand and led her to the dance floor along with several other couples. Jenna laid her head on his shoulder as they danced. She saw Max and Liz out of the corner of her eye, the two of them wrapped together in contentment as they moved slowly with the music.

“I’m really happy for Max and Liz,” Jenna said, lifting her head to look up at Kyle.

Kyle made a noncommittal sound, glancing over at the other couple. He watched them a moment, then looked down at Jenna’s upturned face.

“Are you still jealous of them?”

Jenna’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “I’ve never been jealous of them.”

“Oh come on. What was all that stuff I had to listen to about how beautiful their connection is and how wonderful it must be?”

“That wasn’t jealously, Kyle. It was......admiration, and maybe a little bit of envy. But not jealousy. I have everything I want right here.”

Kyle looked down at her, seeing the sincerity in her face, but still feeling a little uncertain. As much as he might sympathize with Max now and even sort of get along with him, he couldn’t help the automatic mechanism that caused him to resent him just a little. First he stole Liz, then there was Tess, although admittedly he counted himself lucky that Tess had set her sights on the Alien King rather than himself. But still......what was it about Max Evans that the women in his life couldn’t seem to resist?

“It’s that whole tragic hero thing, isn’t it?” Kyle asked rhetorically. “You guys can’t resist that.”

“Kyle, are you being serious? Do you really think I’d rather have their relationship over ours?” Jenna gazed up at him, seeing the uncertainty behind his sardonic façade.

“Listen to me. What Max and Liz have is unique and special. But I wouldn’t trade us for them. I definitely wouldn’t trade having a normal guy over......you know,” she raised her eyebrows to indicate Max’s alien status. “No matter how much I might admire their connection. I’d much rather be on the outside looking in than be the one who has to deal with the baggage. Seriously.”

“So normal and dependable. That’s your preference?” Kyle asked, relaxing a little bit.

“Well......as normal as it can be being friends with......you know. That’s plenty exciting enough for me. As for dependable......” Jenna shrugged jokingly, smiling at Kyle’s mock wounded expression before laying her head back down on his shoulder.

The song ended and the couples were about to sit down, but Maria motioned Max and Liz to stay.

“This next song is for my good friends, Max and Liz.” She smiled. “And for Michael, my fiancé.”

Liz smiled at Maria’s giddiness at calling Michael her fiancé in front of a crowd and she looked over to see Michael smiling slightly at Maria’s obvious happiness. Maria handed the mike back to Jim who took it and counted down.

Dancin' in the dark
Middle of the night
Takin' your heart
And holdin' it tight
Emotional touch
Touchin' my skin
And askin' you to do
What you've been doing all over again

Oh it's a beautiful thing
Don't think I can keep it all in
I just gotta let you know
What it is that won't let me go

It's your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can't get enough
And if you wonder about the spell I'm under
Oh it's your love

Liz had her eyes closed as she listened to Jim and Maria sing. The lyrics spoke to her as she swayed in Max’s arms, seeming to say exactly how she felt about him. She was under Max Evans’ spell and she never wanted to be free.

Better than I was
More than I am
And all of this happened
By takin' your hand
And who I am now
Is who I wanted to be
And now that we're together
I'm stronger than ever I'm happy and free

Max had felt Liz’s feelings as she listened to the song and he couldn’t help the glow he felt inside at her thoughts. He felt the same way, the lyrics stating his feelings perfectly. God, how did he get so lucky? The way that she loved him, despite how he had turned her life upside down, was a constant source of amazement and humility for him.

“I was thinking almost that exact same thing about you in the shower earlier.” Liz said, gleaning his thoughts, and she lifted her head so that their lips could meet in a slow, sweet kiss, filled with loving promise.

Oh it's a beautiful thing
Don't think I can keep it all in
And if you asked me why I changed
All I gotta do is say your sweet name

It's your love
It just does something to me
It sends a shock right through me
I can't get enough
And if you wonder about the spell I'm under
Oh it's your love

Lifting his head, Max suddenly grinned down at her, making Liz’s heart do a little flip as his dimples peeped out at her.

“So......you were thinking about me in the shower?”

Max’s teasing voice and the boyishly hopeful smile on his face caused Liz’s insides to melt. Good God, the man had a lethal smile! She knew she needed to arm herself against it or she would never win an argument again.

Composing herself, Liz managed to smile back, teasing him. “Don’t get a big head about it.”

Max leaned down, running his lips lightly over her cheek to her ear.

“Too late,” he whispered, pressing his hips into hers. Liz’s eyes closed briefly at the feel of his hardness pressing in to her, her body responding instantly, a stab of desire sending an answering ache straight to her center.

“That was a very naughty thing to say,” Liz whispered back, but the breathy moan in her voice ruined the admonishment.

Max couldn’t keep from sliding his fingers under the short hem of her shirt to feel her skin. It was a compulsion. “I want you,” he breathed into her ear, unable to stop the natural reaction of his body to being close to her like this and after so long denying his feelings and desires, he didn’t want to. Especially when she made it so obvious that she felt the same way.

Liz dropped her head to his shoulder with a quiet moan. “We are so not good at this separation thing.” It was just too hard. It was like asking newlyweds to have separate bedrooms on their honeymoon.

Sensing her conflicted feelings, Max pulled back from her slightly. “I’ll be good,” he said, trying to cool his overheated body down a little. Liz looked up at him, a mixture of gratitude and disappointment on her face, and Max gave her a lopsidedly rueful grin.

Letting out a breath to try and calm her own raging hormones, Liz turned her head away and had to smile a little as she saw that Amy Deluca had dragged Michael onto the dance floor. His expression said that he wouldn’t be too unhappy if an alien invasion happened about now. Poor Michael.

As she and Max turned in a slow circle, she saw that Patty, the club owner was at the table talking to her father. She blinked as she realized that the woman’s stance and body language bespoke of flirting.

Liz frowned a little, not sure how she felt about that.

“You okay?” Max asked, sensing her sudden change of demeanor.

“Yes. I just......” She looked at her father’s smiling face and swallowed. “I’m not sure I’m ready for Dad to......date.” It sounded lame in her own ears, but Liz couldn’t help the small ache.

“Don’t say anything,” Liz said, knowing that Max was trying to come up with something to make her feel better. “It’s ridiculous, especially since I won’t even be here.”

“It isn’t ridiculous. I’m sure I would feel the same way if it were my parents.”

“Thank you,” Liz said, snuggling closer. The song ended and they clapped as they went to sit down.

Patty stayed a couple of more minutes at the table, and Liz relaxed a little watching her father smiling as he talked to the pretty bar owner. She could almost see years of stress falling away from him tonight as he had talked and laughed and had a good time with friends and family. He deserved it and she couldn’t begrudge him no matter how much it might hurt her, but she couldn’t help the ache it caused. Her family was truly finished, gone their separate ways.

“No, they’re not,” Max whispered in her ear. “Look......”

He gestured to the group of people sitting at the table, Jim and Maria having joined them a moment ago. Liz gazed at them, feeling Max’s solid shoulder against her back, his arm wrapped around her waist, filling her with peace, and she suddenly knew what he was talking about. These people were her family. As she watched the Evans’ talking to her father and Jim and Amy and she listened to Kyle and Michael arguing over pool while Jenna and Maria discussed wedding plans, Liz felt contentment flow through her. Max was right. He and their friends were her family and no matter what, they would always be there for each other. They had proven it over this last year.

And as long as she had them in her life and Max’s love living inside her, Liz knew she would never be alone.

Her world was complete......

Well......almost......


**********************

She sat on her balcony under a blanket, candles lit along the ledges, her journal poised on her upraised knees as she wrote:

It’s February 24. I’m Liz Parker and this will be the last journal entry in this journal. When I started it, I was just a small town girl living a small town life...... then, something amazing happened to me. Or should I say someone?

Max Evans.

It’s funny how looking back at your life, you can see events so much more clearly than when you actually lived them. Hindsight is 20/20 so they say. If I had made different choices, different decisions, would I have ended up here? There’s no way to know. When I think about Alex......about little Zan......I think the cost of this happiness was too high. But I can’t change the past, so all I can do is honor the gift I’ve been given by loving Max the best way I can. With my whole heart and soul.

Now one journey is ending, and a new one is beginning. A new path with new choices and new decisions to make and I know it won’t always be easy or safe. But that’s okay because I won’t be doing it alone. And that makes all the difference.


Liz wrote two more sentences, finishing the entry, then looked up as she heard a noise. A moment later, she saw Max hopping over the railing.

“Hi,” she said, putting the book down beside her chair with the page still open. “What are you doing here?”

Max came to her and sat on the edge of the chair as she moved a little to accommodate him. “I couldn’t stay away. Everyone was in bed and I was lying there thinking about you and I knew you were still up. So......”

“I’m glad,” Liz said. She lifted the blanket and lowered the chair so Max could snuggle with her. He took off his jacket before lying mostly on top of her. She didn’t mind.

“You were writing in your journal.”

“Yeah, just kind of finishing it up.”

“Finishing?”

“Well......I started it a few days after the shooting. I thought it might be appropriate to end it now since my life in Roswell is ending. At least for now. “

“Oh,” Max said. “Are you sad? I mean......about that? Sad that your life in Roswell is over?”

“Yes and no. I mean......I was born here......I grew up here......I met you here......so yeah, that makes me a little sad. But I’m starting a new life with you,” Liz smiled at him radiantly. “And anywhere with you is perfect.”

“For me too.” Max said. “I called Marsha when I got home. I told her about the move. She was really happy for us.”

“I’m glad you told her. We owe her a lot.”

Nodding, Max lifted his head to look at her for a moment before leaning down for a thorough kiss.

When the kiss ended, he said, “This chair is really uncomfortable.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I kind of like it,” Liz answered, shifting her legs so that his hips were cradled by hers. She kissed him again, circling his neck to bury her hands in his hair. It was a long, slow kiss that went on and on until they had to stop, both gasping for breath.

“Max......” Liz moved under him, her hands now buried under his shirt, stroking his naked skin.

“Liz......we......” Max stopped to capture her lips again, unable to resist their moist, swollen appeal. After another long moment , he tore his mouth away. “We......this......is......”

“I know,” Liz said, gazing up at him. “But I don’t want you to stop.”

Her hoarse declaration broke whatever thin restraint Max had on his lust and he groaned low in his throat as he gave in to the inevitable. He kissed her roughly this time, his hand holding her hair, before running feverish lips down her neck to where her shirt started.

“Is your father awake?” Max asked breathlessly, kissing her neck again before kissing her lips.

“I don’t......” She moaned as he nipped at one of her breasts through her tank top. “I don’t......know.”

Max hesitated, looking toward her window, but Liz had no intention of stopping. Before he knew it, she had somehow managed to get her drawstring pants and panties down below her knees and her hands were working at his zipper.

“Did you become a circus performer when I wasn’t looking?” Max croaked as she maneuvered his zipper down between their bodies. He closed his eyes when her hand slipped inside to stroke him, dropping his head against her breasts, breathing harshly.

“Liz......”

“Don’t think, Max. Feel......” Liz continued her ministrations, stroking and teasing his hardness until all Max could think about was being inside her. Lifting her shirt out of the way, he latched onto one of her taut nipples, feeling the desire between them ratcheting upward as they incited each other.

“Now Max,” Liz moaned out, positioning him with her stroking hand. “Please......”

With a low sound of surrender, Max acquiesced, arching his hips before plunging deep.

“Oh......G......” Liz’s voice broke on a strangled moan as he stretched inside her, the sound of Max’s heartfelt groan of satisfaction reverberating through her. Their bond ignited, their souls singing, adding to the erotic sensations.

“Liz......” Max panted. “Liz......I can’t......this chair won’t hold......I can’t......move......”

Liz knew what he was trying to get out. He couldn’t thrust, the chair too flimsy to support their weight. But Liz didn’t need him to move. She was discovering that in this position, with him buried so deeply, so tightly against her, his pelvic bone was grinding into her in just the right spot making her want to writhe underneath him.

“You don’t......you don’t......Oh......right there..M..Max......don’t......don’t......” Liz couldn’t even complete a sentence as the pressure built inside her. Max could feel her burgeoning excitement as she arched her hips to grind herself harder against him and he realized belatedly what was going on. It was driving him crazy not to be able to move, but the feel of Liz’s pleasure and the sensation of having his aching length so deep inside her tight passage was more than enough at the moment. He held on, trembling as she pleasured herself on him, the thought alone making him want to explode.

“Oh......ugnn......” Liz thought she might come apart at the seams as the slow build of tension made her want to scream. She knew she was driving Max crazy, but she couldn’t help it. The small movement of her hips combined with the deep penetration was literally making her wild, and she could feel herself quaking as she moved closer and closer to the end. Finally with a last roll of her hips, the wave broke, the pleasure almost too much for her.

Max quickly covered Liz’s lips with his to capture her unbridled sounds, her body convulsing beneath him. He ground his teeth in agonized pleasure as her muscles spasmed around him, breaking the tentative hold of his restraint. With a harsh gasp, he finally moved, raising his hips slightly only to thrust back in, the slickness of her orgasm easing his way. Max felt Liz’s arms tighten around him as he moved against her, the alien energy already seizing her and he bit back his groan of pleasure as it spiraled into him, aiding in his release. He shook with the force of it, panting into her neck as their souls converged and he came fiercely into his mate. They held each other tightly, basking for long moments in glow of their lovemaking.

Then, with no warning, the chair gave. Liz stiffened, gasping as it collapsed, jolting them abruptly out of their passion induced euphoria.

Liz stared up at a Max wide eyed for a moment before breaking into uncontrolled giggles, burying her face in his neck. Max couldn’t help but grin at her amusement, her body shaking under his. He almost didn’t hear the sound of the door inside her room opening.

“Liz?” Jeff Parker’s voice sounded from inside the room and Max rolled quickly off the chair, leaving the blanket to cover her as Liz scrambled under it. He crouched in the corner of the balcony, fixing his clothes as he hid.

“Yeah, Dad. It’s okay. I just......I fell asleep and I......hit the chair with my leg when I got up.” Liz sat up, still under the blanket as her father’s head poked out of the window.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, it just hurt for a second.”

“Well, come on in. It’s cold out there.”

Liz couldn’t tell him that she hadn’t exactly been feeling the cold a moment ago. “I am. I just have to blow out the candles, then I’m in.”

“Okay. Good night then.” Jeff turned from the window. “Go home, Max. It’s late.” His voice was tinged with amusement, but stern nonetheless and Liz swallowed back a hysterical giggle as she looked over at Max’s suddenly pale face.

Waiting until he heard Liz’s door close, Max emerged from the corner, glancing warily toward Liz’s bedroom. He frowned as Liz’s laughter erupted.

“That’s it Liz. That’s the last time. I’m not touching you again until after we leave.”

Liz covered her mouth as she continued to snicker, Max’s declaration only adding to her amusement.

“Okay,” she snorted between giggles. “Whatever you say.”

Max came toward her, unable to keep from smiling at her merriment. It was contagious. He pulled her to her feet.

“I mean it,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her, grinning as she still giggled sporadically against him. “No more touching until we leave.” Liz convulsed again and Max bit back his own laugh.

“I can’t help myself,” Liz said a moment later, finally managing to get herself under control. “It gets better every time we do it.” She leaned up to kiss his neck.

Max closed his eyes at the feel of her soft lips on his skin. “We’re hopeless,” he said in resignation, not really sounding all that upset about it.

“Yeah,” Liz agreed in contentment, laying her head on his chest for a moment. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Max answered, pulling away to kiss her softly one last time. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“I can’t wait,” Liz breathed almost to herself as she watched him put on his jacket and move to the railing. But he heard her and turned as he climbed over the top to the ladder, smiling at her then, his love lighting his already handsome features to sheer beauty.

As his head disappeared, Liz heard his answering words in her head.

“You’re everything to me, Liz Parker.”

“Everything to you,” she confirmed.

Liz hugged the words to her as she went around blowing out candles and straightening up. She leaned over to pick up her journal, still open to the last entry. Her lips curved as she read the last lines again, knowing they were more true now than when she wrote them just an hour ago.

I’m Liz Parker and a few years ago I died.

It was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.


*************

"It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw

[sylvia37]

The chanting worked. No seriously you guys, I can't believe how long this has taken me and I'm not even done! When I got to page 21 on Word, I decided I better ask Liz if she thought I could break it up into two parts. She said go for it, so that's what I'm doing.

I seriously want to thank you all so much for the wonderful feedback:

su-lyn
cocopucks
begonia9508
Liz86000
Ellie
kay_b
83 AlienAngel
taressa05
RoswellScripter
sunrise102
Jason's Lover
mareli
Evans3
Scottie
Timelord31
frenchkiss70
Behrsgirl1230
cherie
tequathisy
smokie
NorafanofMaxandLiz
IloveRoswell
Alien614

Your responses make this such a fun thing for me, and i'm so going to miss it so much when I'm done.

So, on with it.


Everything to You Part 92a (Epilogue)


“Twins? Seriously?”

“I know. Can you believe it?”

“When did you find out?”

“Last night.”

“Unbelievable.”

“I know. That’s what I keep saying.”

Liz looked at Maria in the reflection of the mirror she was standing in front of. “But she wasn’t even seeing him like…last week right?”

“Right. They broke up two weeks ago and then she finds out she’s pregnant, and now it’s all like they were never apart.”

Liz shook her head. “Twins. Pam’s going to be as big as a house.”

“She already is, girlfriend. And not from being pregnant.”

“Really?” Liz said.

“You haven’t seen her in the last few months.” Maria answered, staring at her own reflection in the vanity. “I hate my hair,” she said suddenly. “Why did you let me do my hair this way?” She frowned at her reflection.

“Maria, your hair looks great. You liked it this way when we did it before, remember?” Liz soothed her best friend, coming up behind her to gaze at her reflection in the vanity mirror.

“It didn’t look this poofy. I don’t remember it looking this poofy.” Maria’s eyes looked like they were about to fill with tears and Liz strove to squelch the tide.

“We’ll spray it, okay? Just hold on and let me get the spray.” Liz went to the bag with Maria’s toiletries and got the hair spray. Just then, Mrs. Deluca re-entered the room from where she’d left a few minutes ago to check on the wedding guests.

“What are you doing?” She asked when she saw Liz about to spray Maria’s hair. “Don’t do that, it looks fine.”

“Mom, look at it. I look like I stuck my finger in a socket.”

“No, you don’t Honey. Let me see.” Mrs. Deluca took the spray from Liz who gave it over thankfully and moved out of the way.

She went to the other mirror to check her own makeup and hair one more time before the ceremony. She and Maria had both had their hair done that morning, curled with the sides pulled back with flowers intricately woven into the hair hanging loosely in the back. Liz’s dress was lilac colored with cap sleeves held with small bows right below the shoulders. The light fabric crisscrossed into a low V-neck and the fitted waist complimented her petite figure, the soft skirt falling to right below her knees.

She stared at her reflection, pleased with it, gazing at the deep V-neck. She wanted to look nice for the wedding of course, but she also wanted Max to like what she was wearing. Actually, she wanted him to find her sexy…alluring. ….irresistible… ….Okay, enough of those thoughts. Now, was Maria’s time. Later, during the reception and afterward would be her time. Her and Max’s time, she amended, feeling his presence in her mind and heart. She couldn’t wait to have him alone.

She had plans for him.

“You look lovely, Liz.” Mrs. Evans had come just come into the room.

“Thank you,” Liz answered, forcing her thoughts away from her plans and smiling at Max’s mother.

“I just came from seeing Max and Michael.”

“How’re they doing?” Liz asked with a grin.

“I’d say about the same as in here,” Mrs. Evans answered, smiling as she looked over at Maria and her mother fussing with her hair. She sat down on one of the vacant chairs.

“I haven’t gotten to speak with you much since you and Max have been back,” Mrs. Evans commented.

“I know. We’ve just been so busy with the wedding.”

“I know. I just…wanted to ask you how things were going, although I guess I don’t really need to. I can tell by looking at him that Max is very happy.”

Liz smiled at her assessment, glowing inside with her own happiness.

It had been four months since she and Max made the move to Illinois, and although there had been moments of adjustment and even moments of irritation, it had also been the best four months of her life so far.

They had settled into their little apartment a couple of weeks after they’d left Roswell in February. Since Spring quarter didn’t begin until almost the end of March, Max had plenty of time to get them set up and look for a part time job. The girl who had lived there before left some furniture and they were able to procure some second hand things from other places. The only new thing they’d purchased was a mattress and box springs.

The apartment was cozy and the furniture mismatched and somewhat used, but it was theirs and they were happy with it. Max found a job at the student bookstore almost immediately, so with both of them working, they had little money coming in too.

“We’re doing great, Mrs. Evans.”

“Well, I’m really proud of the two of you for handling everything so well. It’s not easy learning to live with someone new, even someone you love.”

Liz nodded her agreement, smiling a little as she thought the truth of those words. Despite how much she loved Max and how she would never choose to be anywhere else but with him, they had both figured out rather quickly that loving someone did not mean that person was not going to do things that frustrated or irritated you.

For instance, Liz discovered almost immediately that although Max was not a slob, he wasn’t exactly a neat freak either. Liz liked things tidy, though not obsessively so, she assured herself. Just, “a place for everything and everything in its place,” so the old saying went. Her clothes were put away when she took them off, her shoes were put back in the closet, her books were stacked neatly on her desk, or put in her bag for her classes.

Max, on the other hand, tended not to worry about putting things back exactly where he found them, or even the instant he was done with them. And whereas she liked to roll the tube of toothpaste neatly as it was used, he just grabbed it, squeezed it from the middle and put it back. He also had piles. Piles of books, piles of papers…piles of clothes.

“Liz. Tell her about the laundry,” Maria said, grinning at her friend from where she sat as she put the finishing touches on her makeup.

“What about the laundry?” Mrs. Evans asked.

Liz glanced at Maria with a mock glare and sighed. She had to admit that while Mrs. Evans was a wonderful mother, she had obviously spoiled her precious baby boy just a little. Liz vowed to herself that when she had children, she would not let them move out of the house without knowing at least a little bit about cooking and doing laundry. Evidently, Mrs. Evans didn’t feel the same way. And living with Michael had not helped the situation, because even though Michael could cook, doing laundry correctly had apparently not been a huge priority for either him or Max.

Of course, Liz hadn’t discovered this little fact until she came home one afternoon to find her clothes in a haphazard pile on the bed….and one of her favorite white shirts dyed pink.

“Max?” Liz called from the bedroom, holding the offending garment in front of her.

Max entered the bedroom and smiled when he saw what she was holding.

“I did laundry.” His smile said that he knew she’d be pleased that he’d helped out without being asked.

“But….” Liz tried to stem the flow of her irritation seeing that he didn’t seem to grasp what was bugging her. “Did you separate it?”

“Separate?” Max looked at her in confusion, and Liz ignored the little niggling voice in her head that thought the look was cute.

“Yes separate. When you wash clothes, you have to separate the light clothes from the dark or….or…. ….” Liz picked up assorted pink underwear that used to be white along with her white shirt and showed it to him, “this happens.”

At his still confused look, Liz bit back her sigh of exasperation. “These used to be white, Max. Now they’re pink. This is what happens when…..”

Her words sputtered to a stop when Max waved his hand over the clothes in her hand and turned them to white again.

His amused smile at the dumbfounded look on her face had not been appreciated.

Mrs. Evans and Amy Deluca laughed as Liz finished relaying the story and Liz couldn’t help but smile with them. It was pretty funny…now. She also had to admit that Max tried to accommodate her and attempted to remember to roll the toothpaste tube and not leave his dirty clothes in a pile on the floor, but not without a little teasing about what he liked to call her little quirks. All she could say was that it was a good thing he was so adorable because he’d figured out pretty quickly that there were certain times of the month that she didn’t tolerate his obvious amusement about her “little quirks” nearly as well as at other times.

“It sounds like the two of you are learning to cope pretty well. I’m so glad for both of you.”

“Thank you,” Liz said. She couldn’t help but be proud of them too, for the way they had managed to adjust to not only living together, but being responsible young adults as well.
And all of those little things were minor compared to the good things. Just being near each other whenever they wanted, taking care of each other, going to sleep together every night, waking up together every morning together….it was heaven.

“I’m sure you and Michael won’t have any trouble adjusting,” Mrs. Deluca said to Maria. “You’re practically living together now as it is.”

“Mom…..” Maria looked at her mother in exasperation, but Amy just shook her head, returning her daughter’s look with one of her own.

“I love the new apartment, Maria,” Liz said, hoping to diffuse the argument she sensed brewing. Both Maria and her mother had been on edge for the last week about the ceremony but she knew they would regret it if they argued on her wedding day.

“Me too,” Maria said, breaking her mother’s gaze to look at her best friend. “It’s definitely a change for the better from Michael’s old one.” She gave her mother a glare when the older woman seemed ready to say something, knowing how her mother felt about Michael’s somewhat dingy apartment. Amy pressed her lips together, choosing to refrain from commenting.

“It’s almost time to put your dress on,” Amy said instead. “I’ll be back in a minute to help.” Amy left and Mrs. Evans followed her, giving Maria a hug and wishing her luck.

“God, she’s making me crazy,” Maria said after the two women had left.

“She’s just nervous for you. You know she’s happy that you’re getting married.”

“I know. I’ll just be glad when this is over. Nobody told me what a pain planning a wedding could be. I mean, I know we helped with Isabel’s but this has been nuts.” Maria gazed at her friend in the mirror.

“I love the ring you and Michael picked out,” Liz said, lifting Maria’s hand to look. It was a pretty marquis cut diamond with two smaller diamonds on each side.

“Can you believe it? Michael was actually the one who saw it first. I was so shocked that we’d actually agreed, they were sizing it before I knew what was happening.” Maria smiled, holding out her hand to admire her ring, then she jumped from her chair, giddily twirling with Liz in a circle.

“I’m getting married today!”

Liz laughed with her and the two girls hugged.

“Who knew that having my car stolen would lead to a wedding.” Maria said.

Liz thought back to that time…it seemed so long ago, when they were all just starting to really get to know each other…and depend on each other. She shook her head. “I still can’t believe it myself sometimes. Look at us. We’re from Roswell, New Mexico and we’re marrying aliens.” The two girls stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.

When they calmed down, Maria stepped over to where her wedding dress was hanging in plastic smoothing her hand down it. She glanced over her shoulder at Liz suddenly smiling wickedly.

“Hey, I noticed that while Mrs. Evans was going on about how responsible you and Max are and how great you’re doing, that you didn’t mention your little weekday morning “no touching” ground rules.” Maria grinned at her friends suddenly pink face. “Don’t you think she’d be interested to know how responsible you’re being?”

“Maria….” Liz couldn’t help the smile on her face at her friend’s teasing. “Just wait. You’ll see how hard it is to…..”

“Oh, I already know. It’s definitely hard in the morning.” Maria interrupted, laughing at the face Liz made at her pun, but before Liz could retort, Jenna and Mrs. Deluca entered the room to help Maria put her dress on.

As Liz helped them, longing and nervousness tied her stomach in knots, Maria’s words having reminded her of her plan for Max after the wedding. If she could just get through this afternoon, tonight was either going to be one of the best, most erotic nights of her life….or it was going to blow up in her face.

Hopefully it would be the former.

While they might have needed to adjust to living together under the same roof, she and Max had no trouble adjusting to the physical aspect of their relationship. In fact, they could barely keep their hands off each other, hence the weekday morning, minimal touching rule. A few short kisses were all they allowed each other or things got out of control. After both of them had almost been late to class several times, it had been a necessity.

But aside from that, really everything was perfect…..except….

Liz mentally berated herself. She shouldn’t be unhappy. Okay, unhappy was the wrong word. More like dissatisfied. Frustrated. Not with how Max treated her. He treated her like a queen.

It was how he treated himself.


Their sex life was as fulfilling for her as she could possibly hope. How many people could claim to have as amazing, as gorgeous, as generous a lover as Max Evans? He was completely devoted to making her happy, and keeping her satisfied in every way possible, including physically and he spent a great deal of time showing her how much he loved her and wanted her on a daily basis. And despite his initial hesitation, Max had worked hard at letting go of his inhibitions, including his aversion to her performing oral sex on him. It had taken a while and some persuasion on her part, but he’d finally allowed her to give him that pleasure and didn’t seem to have any residual negative feelings about it now.

Liz hadn’t really realized what was happening at first, and honestly, she didn’t think Max was even aware of it himself. But over time, she had noticed that even during their deepest, most intense moments….moments when she gave him every piece of her heart and soul…...Max was holding back.

Thinking about it now, Liz had to admit that it hurt, at least until she realized what was causing it. And as usual, it was all about control. A little piece of him was afraid to let go of that last little bit of control…...to give in to what he really wanted.

While she was a complete open book to him…unable to hold back the slightest little bit of her emotional or physical response to him, Max couldn’t allow her the same joy. No matter how much she might want him to, he always managed to turn the tables on her and make it all about what she wanted and needed, denying himself. It was as though he was afraid of his baser instincts and that somehow if he gave into his own needs…his own desires …..he would hurt her or she would be disgusted by him. So he did what he’d always done, concentrated on her needs and desires and suppressed his own.

It was utterly ridiculous. There was nothing Max could do or want from her that would ever make her feel anything but one hundred percent loved, and one would think with their bond the way it was, that he would know that. But logic didn’t enter into it. It was just another unhealed wound that Tess had inflicted when she’d violated him.

So Liz formed a plan. She’d considered confronting him, but thought the better of it. She decided that instead of talking, she would show him. Show him that there was nothing he wanted that she wouldn’t do for him. In fact, she couldn’t wait to do for him. She wanted to make him as crazy as he made her. She wanted him to give himself to her completely…to let go of his control and know that he was safe with her. That she would never, ever use it against him.

Tonight was the night. Hopefully, if her plan worked the way she hoped, Max would be so turned on by the time they made it back to their hotel, he wouldn’t be able to help himself.

She shivered. Liz moved back from where the others were helping Maria and actually shivered with her thoughts, an ache starting in her center. The thought of Max losing his control…with her….it was the stuff of fantasies. She wanted him to be selfish…she wanted him to take what he wanted. And in the midst of taking, he would be giving her what she wanted.

All of himself.

She only hoped….no, he wouldn’t be angry with her. She wasn’t trying to trick him. She just needed him to see the truth and somehow, she didn’t think words would work this time. This time, action was the rule of the day.

Picturing him in her mind, Liz smiled to herself at how she’d left him this morning, sleepy and grumpy....and horny. They hadn’t really had much time together since being back and last night, they’d fallen into bed as soon as they got back to the hotel, too tired from helping Michael and Maria move into their new apartment and the rehearsal dinner afterward to do anything. Then, she had to leave early this morning to meet Maria, so there was no time to do anything but tease him a little before she left.

It was almost time to meet Maria down in the lobby. Walking over to the bed, Liz finally allowed herself the luxury of touching her beloved, sitting down to run her fingers lightly through the longer hair at his temples, and leaning down to kiss his lips.

His eyelids fluttered, then opened slowly revealing sleepy hazel eyes. His brow wrinkled when he realized she was fully dressed.

“What time is it?” he said a little throatily, and Liz smiled at his morning voice.

“It’s almost 9:00. You’ve got time. I just wanted to say goodbye before I meet Maria. I won’t see you until this afternoon.”

“You took a shower without me,” he said grumpily, eying her clothes and Liz laughed at his pouting.

“I actually needed to be on time, and we both know I wouldn’t have been if I let you take a shower with me.” Despite their rocky start, Max had managed…with lots of practice…to make showering an erotic art form.

Max’s look acknowledged the truth of her words and Liz watched as he stretched before settling back down against the pillows. His chest was bare to her gaze and she leaned down to kiss him again before laying her head there.

“I’ll miss you today. It feels like I haven’t seen you in days.”

“You haven’t,” Max said. “Not really. We’ve been too busy.” His hands ran over her damp hair, drying it, before sliding down her back.

“I know,” Liz answered. She sighed, then sat up, gazing down at him wishing she could just chuck the whole thing and get back in bed with him. But this was why tonight was such a good night for her plan. They’d barely had time to be with each other the last few days because of the wedding and they were both feeling the frustration. In fact….

Liz took a mental breath. No time like the present…..

“I wish you could have shared my shower,” she whispered, leaning down to kiss him. “I was lonely.”

She ran her hands over his shoulders, and down his chest before slipping them teasingly over his abdomen, the muscles rippling under her touch.

“Mmmm” he breathed as she ran her lips over the places her hands had just traversed, breathing in sharply as her tongue circled his navel.

Liz sat up, gazing in satisfaction at the flush of desire on his cheeks and his quickened breathing. The covers did nothing to hide his body’s response to her teasing.

“I have to go,” Liz said, smiling as his eyes sprang open.

“Maria’s going to be here in a minute.”

Max groaned, rolling over to bury his head in her pillow. “You did that on purpose.” He said in grumpy frustration.

“I promise I’ll make it worth your while later,” Liz whispered, dropping a kiss on his head, smiling again as he groaned into the pillow.

“Love you,” Liz said at the door, opening it to step out. “See you later.” She giggled, hearing his whispered “evil woman” right before she closed the door.

Liz grimaced to herself now, taking a deep breath. Did he honestly think it was easy for her to leave him practically naked and ready in her bed? Not bloody likely.

Mrs. Deluca’s voice brought Liz back to the present.

“Look at you,” Mrs. Deluca said. She stepped back as Maria stood in front of the full length mirror. Her eyes filled with tears.

“You’re beautiful, Maria,” Jenna said to her friend, smiling at her reflection.

Maria’s dress was an ivory, Spanish style creation. The neckline was off the shoulders, the sleeves, tiered lace. It fit snuggly in the waist, then fell in layered tiers of satin and lace to the floor.

“Let’s put on the finishing touch,” Liz said, coming up behind her friend. With Jenna and Mrs. Deluca’s help, they carefully put the wreath of flowers on her hair, pinning it in place. The veil fell behind her in a froth of netting and silk flowers.

“Mom,” Maria said, her eyes going from her own reflection to her mother standing behind her with her hands over her mouth. “Don’t cry okay?” Maria said tearfully. “I’ll ruin my makeup if you start because I’ll have to start.”

“Okay, okay,” Amy said, wiping at her eyes. “You’re just so beautiful, Honey. Michael won’t know what hit him.”

“Seriously, Maria,” Liz said, her own eyes bright as she slipped an arm around her friend and they stared together at their reflections. “You’re perfect. Michael’s going to die.”


*************************

“Why is my head between my legs?” Michael’s voice was muffled as he sat, bent over at the waist, a trashcan between his legs. Max stood at the mirror, trying unsuccessfully to tie his bow tie, his gaze straying to where Kyle and Michael were on the other side of the room.

“Because of the lovely shade of green you turned a moment ago,” Kyle answered him. “It might be your normal color under that human skin, but it doesn’t really look good for wedding photos.”

Michael raised a jaundiced eye to glare at him, and Kyle shook his head sardonically. “The next set of you guys they make, they really should include a “Sense of humor” gene.”

“Leave him alone, Kyle,” Jim Valenti said, walking over to pat Michael on the back. “You’ll be all right son. It’s normal to be nervous on your wedding day.”

“I’m not nervous,” Michael growled for the tenth time. “I just….” He swallowed and bent back over the trash can. God, he was going to fuck this up and Maria was going to kill him. On their wedding day.

Kyle grinned and Max had to bite back his own smile. Michael really did look sort of green.

“I’ll see you guys in a few,” Kyle said, opening the door. He and his father stepped out as Isabel and Mrs. Evans appeared.

“What’s going on?” Isabel said, looking at Michael leaning over the trashcan.

“Nerves,” Max mouthed, shaking his head.

“Michael,” Mrs. Evans said, sitting down next to him and Michael sat up slowly, closing his eyes as his head swam for a second. He felt Mrs. Evans cool fingers on his brow, and jumped a little before relaxing at the caress. He opened his eyes to see her looking at him sympathetically.

“Michael, you don’t have anything to be nervous about.” Mrs. Evans reached up to button his shirt at the neck then proceeded to start tying his bow tie. “Everything’s perfect and I just got back from seeing Maria. She looks lovely and she’s so excited.” She finished his tie, and reached up to cup his cheek. “She’s marrying the man of her dreams. That’s you. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Isabel grinned at Max as she tied his tie for him and Max smiled back. They were so happy that their parents had embraced Michael into the family. They both vividly remembered how uncomfortable it had been when he stayed with them when they discovered that Hank was abusing him. He’d come a long way since then.

Michael nodded at Mrs. Evans words and took a deep breath. She smiled, patting his cheek one last time before getting up.

Both Michael and Max put on their jackets, letting Mrs. Evans and Isabel fuss over them for a moment.

Isabel couldn’t stop staring at her brother. He looked….Isabel didn’t know….older….more mature….more confident. She knew that last thing had more to do with Liz than anything else. She’d never seen her brother so relaxed....or so happy. It made her heart glad to see him so content. It had been a long time coming.

“You both look wonderful,” Mrs. Evans said, gazing somewhat tearfully at the two young men standing tall and handsome in their black tuxes. Ironically, Michael had cut his hair a little shorter while Max had let his grow. Now it curled around his ears a little and on the back of his neck, his longer bangs still falling across his forehead. She couldn’t get over how handsome they both looked.

Mr. Evans entered the room, smiling broadly at the two young men. “It’s almost show time, boys. Are you ready?”

Michael tried unsuccessfully to rid himself of his “deer in headlights” look and nodded shakily.

“Okay, then.” Mr. Evans threw his arm around Michael’s shoulders. “Let’s get you hitched.”

TBC....

[sylvia37]

That is one hell of a sexy banner!.


I don't know what to say, you guys, except thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for nominating me and for reading and for, most importantly, letting me know that you like this story.

After three and a half years of writing, the nominations are icing, but the feedback from all of you is what kept me going because there were many times when I was ready to quit, thinking that I was just wasting my time. But each time I thought, "okay, this is really the worst chapter yet", my friends would come back and let me know I was wrong.

Please read the "Author's note" after the post, because I'll talk a little bit about my next fic and about this one.

A HUGE hug to Liz for always being wonderful and encouraging and to all you who've been so great throughout the process.

Mareli, Sandy, Crystal, Frenchkiss, Scottie, Nora, Tanya......

And to all of you who always too the time to tell me how much you liked what was happening or hated what was happening or wanted Max and Liz to be happy...LOL.

And to everyone else who got here late in the game or who only came out of lurkdome once in a while, I appreciate every comment. And to you lurkers, and there must be quite a few judging by the thread count, I'm glad you read and I hope you enjoyed. Thank you.


So.....first off, if you haven't read the first part of the epilogue, it's on page 9. Second, even though this is the last part, there is a tag to the story I'm already planning so this Max and Liz aren't gone quite yet.



Everything to You Part 92b (Conclusion)

“Michael, do you have a ring for Maria?” The minister said and Michael turned nervously to Max who quickly handed him the ring Michael made for Maria when he asked her to marry him.

“Repeat after me: Maria, I give you this ring as a token of my constant faith and abiding love.”

Michael repeated the words in a somewhat shaky voice, slipping the ring on Maria’s trembling finger.

“Maria, do you have a ring for Michael?”

Liz handed Maria her ring and smiled, glancing up at Max as Maria repeated the words to Michael. She could feel tears hovering, so happy for her friends. Maria glowed in her wedding dress and the look on Michael’s face when he’d first seen her walking down the aisle on Jim Valenti’s arm had been a moment she would never forget.

“Let us pray. Lord, we ask this day that you bless Michael and Maria as they start their new life together. They have pledged themselves to one another before you and their family and friends. May your joy abide with them that they may always be a blessing to each other and those around them.”

Michael and Maria joined hands.

“What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as Michael and Maria have consented together in holy matrimony, and have witnessed the same before God and this company and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other, and have declared the same by the joining and the giving of rings, I, therefore, by the authority of the state of New Mexico, pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."

He smiled at the young couple. “You may kiss the bride.”

Michael turned to Maria, and kissed her trembling lips. When they parted, her smile could have lit the sun, and Michael couldn’t hold back his own at her happiness.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs.Guerin.”

The congregation clapped as Michael and Maria turned toward them.

“Mrs. Guerin,” Liz whispered teasingly to Maria and Maria glanced at her friend with a mock scowl. Then they were laughing and crying and hugging each other as Michael turned to Max and they shook hands and hugged.

The bride and the groom joined hands again and walked down the aisle, Max and Liz following behind. Then it was a flurry of congratulations and wedding pictures and tears and hugs until they finally, finally made it to the reception.

“Oh my God, I’m exhausted,” Maria said, flopping into a chair after they had greeted everyone and mingled for a few moments. “Why did I let you talk me into buying these shoes?” Maria smiled at Liz’s outraged look, both of them knowing that she had been the one who had tried on a hundred pairs of shoes before picking the ones torturing her at the moment.

“Don’t make me call you a dirty name on your wedding day,” Liz said, slipping off her own high heels to wiggle her lilac painted toes.

“What do they teach you students at that school of yours?” Maria asked in mock horror. “I mean really.”

Liz had a sarcastic rejoinder poised on her lips, but it faded away as she caught sight of Max and Michael heading toward them, holding plates of food. They were talking, both looking relaxed, especially Michael, who finally appeared to have calmed down considerably, now that the actual ceremony was over.

Lord, he was sexy, Liz thought, feeling her body reacting as she gazed at her incredibly gorgeous boyfriend striding toward her. Both he and Michael had shed their suit jackets and ties, and rolled up their shirtsleeves and Liz found herself staring at Max’s muscular forearms as he approached. They were tan and long and she knew from experience the strength those arms could exude. Lowering her eyes, Liz took a deep breath.

Time for the plan. Swallowing in trepidation and not a little bit of excitement, Liz felt Max slide into the chair next to her and bit her lip as his thigh came in contact with hers under the tablecloth. She allowed her leg to rub against his, the soft material of her dress sliding effortlessly against the fabric of his pants.

She wanted him. She wished they were alone right now so she could undress him inch by inch and let him know just how much.


Max felt the air in his lungs constrict as Liz’s thought came through loud and clear. His eyes riveted to hers as she lifted her gaze to him and he thought he might actually combust with the heat in them.

“Thanks,” Liz said softly, taking the plate of food from his hand. She lowered her gaze and suppressed the smile that hovered on her lips. If the look in his eyes was any indication, her first salvo had scored a direct hit.

Max took a deep breath, trying to calm his body’s automatic reaction to his mate’s desire. The families were arriving at the table with their food and he tried to pay attention to the conversation and ignore the feel of Liz’s leg against his and the simmering heat of their connection.

A little while later after everyone had settled and eaten a little, Mr. Evans looked at Max and he nodded and lifted his fork to ping it lightly against his glass, getting everyone’s attention. Liz rubbed a hand against his arm, smiling at him, and turned slightly in her chair as Max stood up. The guest’s murmuring lowered to a hush.

“I’m Max Evans, the best man.” A small chuckle reverberated around the room and Max blushed a little, realizing that everyone here knew who he was.

“Um….It’s my job to say a few things about the bride and groom before congratulating them with a toast.” He looked at Michael, who had his arm around Maria, her feet in his lap. “I’ve known Michael a long time. We met when we were children and he, my sister Isabel and I became instant friends. Some of you, who’ve only known him the last couple of years or so, may not know that Michael was also adopted. Unfortunately, he didn’t get as lucky as Isabel and I in his choice of parents so…..” Max gazed at his parents before focusing back on Michael who looked somewhat uncomfortable. “Let’s just say, Michael was not the easiest person to make friends or to trust people.” He paused a moment.“ But that was before he met Maria.”

“They met through my girlfriend, Liz, but they didn’t really get to know each other until Michael stole her car.” Surprised murmurs were heard throughout the room and Michael, felt his face heat up as Amy Deluca and the other adults at the table looked at him. “And to say their chemistry was combustible would be a gross understatement.” Laughter now from the audience.

“It hasn’t been an easy relationship but nothing worth having ever is.” Max felt Liz take his hand and he squeezed it back, glancing down at her with a smile. “Having known Michael almost my whole life, I can say unequivocally that he is a better person because of Maria. She’s given him what he needed most in life: Love….acceptance….a family. And he’s given her the same. They’re perfect for each other, and as Michael’s friend….brother….I want to congratulate them on their special day…..” Max raised his glass and their friends and family did the same.” and to wish them a long, happy life together. To Michael and Maria.”

Everyone in the room echoed the sentiment. Maria wiped at the tears in her eyes and got up as Max sat down.

“Thank you,” she said, kissing him on the cheek as Michael hugged Isabel. Max smiled a self-conscious half smile, scratching the back of his neck in a familiar gesture of discomfort.

“That was really sweet,” Liz said. She’d known a little bit about what he was going to say, but he hadn’t told her all of it. She leaned forward to kiss him, letting her lips linger on his, tasting him with a little hum in the back of her throat. Max felt the hand still holding his shift to his thigh.

Liz running her lips over his jaw, drifting lower over his naked chest and downward as she nipped at his tense abdomen before reaching her goal. Her lips parted over his straining flesh in a tight fist….

Max’s whole body stiffened. Literally. Liz gave him one last soft kiss on the lips before leaning back as Maria ascended the small platform where the small band was assembled. A smile curved her lips as she avoided his heated gaze, but Max knew that she knew exactly what she was doing.

Maria took the microphone and smiled at the people in the audience. “I have a song I’d like to sing for my new husband.” She signaled to the musicians and slow jazz music filled the room. Then her husky voice came across slowly and lovingly.

I can only give you love that lasts forever
And the promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own for you and you alone
That’s all, That’s all

I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love whose burning light will warm the lonely night---
That’s all, That’s all

Liz looked at Michael who was smiling a small smile as he watched his wife…Liz still couldn’t get over that….sing for him. As people entered the dance floor, Liz got up and took Max’s hand.

“Dance with me?”

Max nodded, still in a slight daze from the flash he’d gotten from her. Fortunately, his body had calmed down somewhat so he wouldn’t completely embarrass himself when he got up, but as he pulled Liz close and started swaying to the music, Max realized that agreeing to dance might not have been the smartest thing to do when he was feeling like this. Liz’s petite body fit his like a glove as they danced, and the abundance of bare skin and the softness of her form pressing into him was rapidly unraveling what little restraint Max still had left.

What was she doing to him?

There are those, I am sure, who have told you
They would give you the world for a toy;
All I have are these arms to enfold you
And a love time can never destroy

If you’re wondering what I’m asking in return, Dear,
You’ll be glad to know that my demands are small:
Say it’s me that you adore, for now and evermore---
That’s all, That’s all


Pulling back slightly, Max gazed down at her, and Liz lifted her eyes to look back at him. Max’s breath caught in his throat. Her love for him shown through to him, filling his heart and soul with peace, but at the same time, her intense desire for him…her need for him to fill her body with his also came through her gaze….and shook him to the core. Swallowing, he glanced around at the dancers, seeing his mother and father, Jesse and Isabel, Jim Valenti and Amy Deluca, all on the dance floor. He couldn’t exactly drag Liz off right now, especially with the wedding couple still there, but God, she was making him crazy. Her need was like a drug, feeding his until all he could think about was being one with her. And for some reason, Max suspected that was her intent.

“Liz…..what….”

Her finger against his lips stopped his whispered question. Then she was leaning up to kiss him softly, and he caught another glimpse of her thoughts.

She loved the way she fit him perfectly, her body made for him. She had known that sex with him would be wonderful, but she hadn’t realized how she would crave the feel of him filling her, how she would live for the moments they were alone so she could have him.

Pulling back, Liz smiled softly at his dazed look. “Just dance,” she whispered, laying her head on his chest. Max complied, feeling as though he had gone down the rabbit hole….but not really wanting to get out.

If you’re wondering what I’m asking in return, Dear,
You’ll be glad to know that my demands are small:
Say it’s me that you adore, for now and evermore---
That’s all, That’s all

The last tinkling notes of the melody trailed off, and Maria exited the stage to the applause of her friends and family, right into Michael’s arms. She returned his kiss and the two stayed on the dance floor as the band started another slow song. She sighed happily as he held her close, his dancing skills much improved.

“Thank you,” Michael said.

Maria smiled. “Just a little gift.” She said. “I can’t believe how perfect today was. No tragedies. No screwups. It’s almost too good to be true.”

“Give it time. The day’s not over yet,” Michael said, a little overwhelmed himself at how well things had turned out.

“Don’t say that. I was so nervous earlier and….”

“You were nervous?” Michael interrupted. “Why?”

“Because I wanted things to be perfect. And you know nothing ever goes as planned as far as we’re concerned. I mean, look at Isabel and Jesse’s wedding. Her long lost lover who just happened to murder all of you in another life shows up to wreak havoc? Let’s just say, I was expecting the worst.”

“But?” Michael questioned, looking down at her.

“But…I got the best. Better. It was everything I was hoping for.”

“Me too,” Michael said, pulling her close again.

“I love you, Michael Guerin.

He only hesitated a split second over the words. “I love you, Maria….Guerin.

Maria smiled joyously at the words and snuggled closer, kissing his chest.

“Is it almost time for the Honeymoon?” Michael asked.

“Just cake and the throwing of the bouquet.” Maria said, impishly touching her tongue to his skin. Michael’s low groan brought a smile of satisfaction to her lips.

“Let’s get this show on the road.”

****************


Everyone clapped as Liz caught the bouquet and Maria ran to her friend to hug her.

“As if we didn’t know you were destined to be next.”

Liz smiled and glanced to where Max was standing with Michael.

Her plan was working beautifully so far. The tension between them was heavy with need and she knew Max was wondering what was going on with her, but she was only letting him see what she wanted him to see. During their dancing, she’d surreptitiously rubbed herself against him, reveling in his hard body so close to hers. She’d allowed him to see bits and pieces of her thoughts, letting him know some of the things she was planning to do to him when they were alone. It was driving her crazy too, but it wouldn’t be long until she could finally tell him…and show him everything.

Maria and Michael thanked their guests, then went to get ready to leave for their honeymoon. They were spending the night in a hotel in Albuquerque, then taking a plane out in the morning for California to spend a week on the beach.

Liz went with Maria to help her get changed and get her bags, while Max went with Michael to wait for him to change so he could get his tux. He was taking both of them back to the store while Michael and Maria were on their honeymoon. As he waited, Max’s thoughts were on Liz. His body felt like it was ready to explode. During their dance, he’d seen glimpses of her thoughts…. and they were all about the two of them making love.

What had gotten into her? Okay, bad choice of words. Max almost groaned out loud. She was driving him crazy.

Trying to get a hold of himself, he took a deep breath. Where was his control? So what if it had been a few days since they had made love? This wasn’t the first time that had happened in the last four months.

But it was the first time that Liz seemed to be deliberately provoking him. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy being teased, but this was more…..purposeful….intense. It was all he could do to keep from embarrassing himself. As it was, his body actually ached from him suppressing his need.

The dressing room door opened.

“Here,” Michael said, handing Max the shirt and pants he’d been wearing.

“I’m going to go put this in my car,” Max said.

Michael acknowledged his words before closing the door, and Max put the shirt and pants on the hanger with the tie, jacket and cumber bund before heading out.

As he walked a little ways up the hallway, Liz suddenly appeared from another room and closed the door. His body reacted instantly and he couldn’t stop it this time. His feet carried him toward her as his eyes devoured her, primitive emotions swamping him.

She was his.

“Hey,” Liz said when she saw him. She took in the way his eyes roved over her and her body went liquid, readying for him. She could only stare helplessly, her dark eyes watching as he came close, invading her space, breathing her in.

“Maria’s almost ready,” she managed, her voice a husky croak, but her eyelids lowered suddenly as Max leaned down to whisper his lips over her neck.

“Liz….” Max couldn’t keep from touching her. Her scent, her body, her very essence drew him in.

Glancing up the hallway, Liz almost moaned out loud as Max sucked at the hollow of her neck. Letting out a breath, she grabbed his hand and practically dragged him to a door up the hall. Opening it, she pulled him inside.

It was a small room, but neither of them noticed as Max dropped the hanger in his hand and pulled Liz against him.

“What are you doing to me?” His voice was a hoarse whisper, right before he took her lips in a blistering kiss.

Liz’s moan was swallowed as his lips devoured hers. Her hands buried in his hair as she clutched him, her toes barely touching the ground where he had lifted her against him to gain more access to her mouth. Their lips slanted across each other’s again and again, unable to get enough. Max’s tongue in her mouth made her want to whimper and Liz wondered blindly for a moment if she might not come just from his harsh kisses.

All Max could think about was wanting her, being inside her, taking her again and again until she was screaming his name in utter abandon. Then he realized that he was crushing her against him, roughly plundering her mouth with his tongue, his lips, letting his thoughts get out of control.

Pulling back slightly, Max lay his forehead against hers, fighting for breath.

“Liz… ….”

Liz shushed him with a shake of her head, deciding it was time to come clean. Pulling his head back down toward hers, she whispered, “Kiss me, Max.”

With a groan, Max complied with her request, knowing he couldn’t have stopped if the building came down around their heads.

Liz finally allowed their connection to roar to life. Opening her mouth under his, she gave herself up to him selflessly, letting him see everything she wanted him to know.

Max reeled with the things Liz was showing him. Even as his mouth claimed hers, less harshly this time, more hungrily, needy, his brain struggled to process Liz’s revelations.

Finally tearing his mouth away from hers, Max held her face in his hands for a moment, his breath panting from his lips as she caressed his hair, his cheeks, her love now coming through, overwhelming the burning passion of a moment ago.

“Liz…..

He hadn’t known. Of course, he hadn’t known. But she did. Liz always knew because even though he could hide the truth from himself, he couldn’t hide from Liz. Not anymore.

Max knew he had more strength, and had found out in the last four months, more stamina, then regular humans. He’d even asked Michael if he worried about hurting Maria and Michael had told him that, at first, yes, he’d worried. But as they had grown more comfortable with each other, he just went with his natural instincts and Maria didn’t have any complaints.

Max admitted to himself, it frightened him, this feeling….this need inside him sometimes just to take what he wanted….but Liz was showing him that she wanted him, no… she needed him to do it….to allow himself to let go….and give her everything.

“I wasn’t trying….to hurt you,” Max said finally, gazing at her.

“I know that. I always know that,” Liz said, feeling a lump in her throat at the open vulnerability in his eyes. “And I wasn’t trying to trick you. You know that too, don’t you?”

At Max’s nod, Liz rested her forehead against his. “You always give me everything, Max. Always make sure that I’m so loved and cherished…..it’s incredible.” She lifted her gaze to his. “But I want to do the same for you. I want you to let me pleasure you….let me give you what you give me.” Her cheeks grew rosy. “And I want you to take…..whatever you want….don’t be afraid to show me.” Her eyes caressed his, and Max felt the heat of her gaze scorch him. “I can take it.”

Staring into her eyes for a long moment, Max felt a loosening in his chest, a tiny weight lifted from his shoulders that he hadn’t even known was there.

Liz gave a mental hoorah at the look of smoldering heat that took over his gaze right before he lifted her up against the wall and started kissing her again without an ounce of restraint, the devastating feel of his tongue stroking hers making her quake with need.

Oh, God.

“Max….” Liz panted, trying to get his attention. “Max….we have to….Michael…Maria….leaving…..”

Max heard her breathless words and closed his eyes, fighting for control, letting Liz slip down the wall. He almost lost it again when he opened his eyes to see her kiss swollen lips and mussed hair, but with monumental restraint, he stepped back from her, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

“You…you go. I need….a minute….” Max gestured somewhat unnecessarily to the obvious cause of his discomfort straining against the zipper of his pants.

“Okay,” Liz said, trying to pat her hair into place with shaking fingers. She went to the door and opened it, peering outside before stepping through and closing it. Once out of sight of Max, she squeezed her eyes shut, mentally pumping her fist in the air in excitement.

Yes! Tonight was hers!


**************

“Have a great time,” Liz said as she hugged Maria goodbye. They were all standing outside one the sidewalk, their new car----- well new, used car-----, a wedding gift from all the parents and Jim Valenti, waiting for them at the curb. It was decorated with shaving cream and streamers now, courtesy of Kyle and Jesse.

“We will. I’ll tell you all about it when we get back,” Maria said, then she smiled. “Well, not all about it.”

Liz laughed and hugged her again. “I’m so happy for you. I love you.”

“Me too,” Maria said.

After everyone else had gotten in their hugs and well wishes and Amy Deluca had admonished Michael one last time to be careful on the road, the couple dashed to the car through a torrent of rice and sped off toward Albuquerque.

Max had taken Liz’s hand and they stood watching as their friends drove away, the underlying tension between them sizzling. They’d stayed away from each other while Michael and Maria got ready to leave, but now, it was time for their own evening of pleasure.

They separated just long enough to say goodbye to their families, then headed over to the Chevelle. Once out of range of their parent’s eyesight, Max pushed Liz against the door of the car, his lips finding hers hotly for several long minutes as their bodies strained together.

“Max…..hotel….” Liz breathed once they came up for air.

Max let out a breath, opening the door for her and moving around quickly to the other side.

The car was hot after sitting in the sun, even though it was getting on to late evening and Liz lifted her dark hair off of her neck before reaching down to lift her skirt up above her knees to let the air conditioner cool her legs. She saw Max darting glances at her, her legs, her breasts where they strained against the filmy fabric of her dress. And she could also see the effect it was having on him as he shifted in his seat to try and ease the strain on his lower regions.

Liz resisted the urge to reach over and undo his pants and free him from his bind, so to speak, knowing that it would be dangerous to tease him that much while they were driving. She contented herself with teasing him with her body, rubbing her thighs a little as the air billowed her skirt, and letting her thoughts do the seducing.

“Liz….” Max groaned as he caught the wave of her thoughts, a particularly graphic one of her going down on him in the car making him squirm as his traitorous flesh tried to grow within the confines of his pants.

“What?” Liz asked in husky innocence.

“Are you trying to kill me?”

“That would sort of thwart my plans for you,” Liz answered, boldly sliding her fingers up his thigh. “And I have really good plans for you.”

Max fought the urge to close his eyes. “Then you need to stop or we might not make it.”

“Okay,” Liz said, moving back to her side of the car. Max reached over and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. Liz smiled and rubbed his against her cheek.

The trip luckily only last a couple more minutes. Liz was already unfastening her seatbelt as they pulled into the parking space and before Max could even get the keys out of the ignition, she was straddling him, on the seat.

“Now…..I’m through keeping my hands to myself,” Liz whispered right before settling her mouth over his. She ground her hips down on his lap, wrenching a moan from Max’s chest as her hot center cradled him. He could tell by her thoughts that she was already wet and ready for him and the thought that all he had to do was move a little of their clothing and he would be inside that tight, slickness, made him tremble with need. But just as his hands reached under her dress to make his thought a reality, Liz stopped him.

“Let’s go inside so I can do this properly,” Liz said against his lips. His body screamed “No!” but Max forced himself to comply, wanting desperately whatever Liz had planned for him.

By the time they made it to their room, Max wasn’t sure how he was still on his feet. Liz had never been shy about her sexuality, in fact, she had more times than not, been the aggressor in their relationship, but tonight, she put a whole new meaning to the words “pulling out all the stops”. The fact that through their connection, he could feel how much teasing him and pleasuring him was turning her on was almost too much.

As she shut the door behind her, Liz leaned against it, gazing at him lustfully for a moment, her eyes roaming his body with hunger. She lifted them to his face, smiling at what she saw in his expression.

“What do you want, Max?” Liz’s husky voice, sent shivers down his spine and for a moment, Max was rooted to the floor, his mind going crazy with a thousand different ways to answer that question. But as he took her in, her breasts rising and falling with her rapid breathing, her legs slightly parted as she leaned back against the door….as though offering herself to him…. Max’s scattered thoughts suddenly clarified into one purpose.

Before Liz could take another breath, Max was on his knees in front of her, lifting her skirt. A split second later, her panties were ripped away and his tongue was inside her. Liz moaned in surprised shock, her body going slack, but Max held her there against the wall, groaning out his pleasure at her taste as he feasted on her. Her hands reached out blindly to grasp his hair as she felt herself already quaking in the beginning throws of her orgasm. A moment later, her head thumped against the wall as her body seized, her center contracting wildly around Max’s tongue. A vague part of her felt Max’s pleasure at what he was doing through their connection, but it only added to hers as she gave herself to him shamelessly…as she wanted him to do with her.

When finally the sensations quieted somewhat, Max lifted his head, wiping a glowing hand over his mouth. Liz still trembled in the aftermath, but she took several breaths and stood away from the wall. Reaching up to kiss him in thankfulness, she pushed him toward the bed until the back of his knees hit it.

“My turn,” she said. “Take off everything but your pants, Max. Leave those for me.”

Her low voiced request made him shiver and Max quickly complied, shedding his clothes in haste.

“Now lie down against the headboard.”

When he did as she asked, Liz slowly stepped out of her shoes, and reached behind her to pull the zipper down on her dress, the material falling away to reveal a lacy strapless bra and half slip. Max swallowed as she crawled over him on the bed and straddled his waist. Her breasts threatened to spill over the top of her bra and he stared lustfully at the beautiful sight.

Then he was lost as she lowered her mouth to his neck, her warm breath making him shiver, her kisses branding him as she sucked at his skin. As she moved down to his chest, her hair slid over him, making him groan at the erotic sight of her breasts spilling from her bra and her hair splayed over his flesh.

Mindful of his thoughts, Liz sat up, lifting a hand to release the clip in her hair, the curls cascading around her shoulders. She gloried in Max’s hungry stare as she reached back to unhook her bra, letting it fall away over the side of the bed. Her erect nipples peaked out through the silky fall of her hair, and Liz shifted her shoulders slightly, loving the feel of it against her naked breasts. Max caught her feelings and groaned, pushing the hair out of the way to cover one of the tempting peaks with his mouth. His arms snaked around her to hold her tightly against him as he suckled and laved her with his tongue, moving back and forth between the two mounds in abject pleasure.

Liz clutched his shoulders for a moment, her eyes closed in pleasure at the feel of his talented mouth on her needy flesh, but she slowly extracted herself from him, pushing to lie back once again.

“I love what you do to me,” she said huskily, “but this is still my turn.” She kissed his lips then lowered her mouth to his abdomen.

Smiling to herself at the harsh moan Max let out as her tongue touched him, Liz reflected that she could spend hours just worshiping his stomach. The contours of his rippled muscles…the thin line of coarse hair that led to his groin…the muscled curve of his lower belly. Her tongue traced the small vein the pushed up against the skin near his hipbone, hearing his moan above her. She loved looking at him…..touching him…tasting him……

And he was all hers.

Max’s hands fisted in the sheets as Liz let her thoughts and her mouth seduced him. His penis strained, painfully hard against his pants, and he wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t just come before she even made it down that far.

Finally, Liz lifted her mouth from his tightly coiled belly and gazed up at him her hands reaching for his belt. Max’s breath caught as her knuckles grazed his erection and he ground his teeth as she slid his zipper down, his breath sighing from his throat in relief as the pressure eased. He lifted his hips at her silent request, allowing her to remove the last of his clothing. Liz’s slip joined his pants on the floor.

Sliding backward a little, Liz encircled his straining flesh with her hand, stroking and teasing before leaning over to take the rigid length into her mouth. Max arched, his eyes closing in an agony of pleasure, his breath panting harshly from his chest. Liz swirled her tongue over the liquid leaking from the tip, wrenching a groan from him, and she smiled to herself in satisfaction.

He was ready.

She lifted her mouth from his arousal to stare into his burning eyes. Liz asked again, “What do you want Max?”

Staring into her flushed face, Max felt like he could explode any moment, her eyes telling him what she wanted, her mind painting pictures of all the things he could do to her….what she wanted him to do to her.

“I need….I need……” Was that his voice? Max couldn’t even think in full sentences much less get one out of his mouth.

“What do you need? Is it this?” Liz bent her head once again to his quivering stomach muscles, her tongue dancing across the rippling skin.

“Or is it this?” Her mouth moved back to the pulsing thickness of his erection, straining hotly against his stomach, begging for her attention. She licked the swollen tip before engulfing it in her mouth to suck, tightening her lips as she took in more of him.

A strangled sound escaped Max’s throat right before Liz suddenly found herself lifted up, straddling his thighs.

“It’s this,” Max whispered, covering her mouth with his as he brought her forcefully down on his erection.

Liz gasped, pulling away from his lips, at the sudden fullness, stretching her completely, filling her to capacity.

Even through the haze of the lust tearing through him, Max took a split second to make sure she wasn’t in pain before he began to move. His hands tightened on her hips as he bucked, holding her down for his invasion, making her feel every inch of his arousal.

Liz moaned as he filled her, feeling him deeper and stronger than ever before, but better yet, feeling his unleashed passion taking over their connection. She felt his need for her to take all of him, his need for them to do this again and again until he was satisfied and above all, she felt his complete trust in her willingness to have him like this.

As always, it wasn’t just the physical feelings of Max’s perfect body, stroking her inner walls, touching her most needy places, it was his feelings of lust and love intermingled with hers that made their love making so powerful, so fulfilling. But suddenly, her own impending orgasm overrode all else as her body stiffened, striving for her climax, the quivering in her belly spiraling outward until her whole body convulsed, spasms of sexual pleasure and release causing her to throw her head back, unmindful and unhearing of the whimpers and moans coming from her throat.

Her mind occupied with the lights and stars flickering behind her eyelids, Liz’s body shook with frissons of alien release. Then she was brought back to earth by Max’s arms crushing her against him as he let out a hoarse sound of pleasure at his own powerful climax, his body buried deeply in hers as he pulsed again and again, his spasms of pleasure and the release of his seed into her making her own body quake with renewed pleasure. They clung to each other as their bodies continued to move against one another, unable to stop, the friction causing small tremors of aftershocks through both of them.

Max remained hard inside her as though he hadn’t just experienced one of the most profound, powerful orgasms of his life and as he felt the slickness of Liz’s passage caressing his still erect member, he felt his body readying itself all over again.

Liz gasped as she was suddenly on her back, Max hovering above her, his body still deeply buried inside hers. Seeing and feeling his questioning need, Liz’s only reply was to wrap her legs around him, arching to bring him closer. With a low groan of grateful surrender, Max began to move, letting his body take over once again.

Deep, powerful, unbelievably erotic…..Max surged against her, his brow covered with sweat, his hair hanging over his eyes as he took her again with long, deep stokes, groaning as he slid an arm under her leg to arch her even more to the thrust of his hips. It wasn’t long before Liz was moaning uncontrollably under him, her eyes closed, neck arched as tension coiled in her belly, experiencing mini spasms of release building to a greater one.

Max could feel the small tremors rippling through her saturated core even as he felt her soul intertwined with his, rejoicing in his unbridled lust…glorying in the release of the last of his inhibitions, and it only made him wilder….more untamed. He lifted the leg hooked over his arm against her to shove deep, drawing a strangled scream from Liz’s throat as at long last the tension broke, her inner muscles contracting wildly around the thick shaft buried so deeply inside her. Max followed her a moment later, dropping his head against her breast, shuddering in almost painful pleasure, as he came in thick, liquid bursts. Then the alien energy surged through them again, and it seemed to go on and on this time, making them gasp and cling to each other. Finally, it ebbed slowly to a simmer, their bodies trembling with the last spasms. Arms giving out, Max collapsed on top of her, his body giving one last ripple of pleasure before going still.

Many long moments later, still trying to catch his breath, Max lifted his head to look down at his mate. Liz’s eyes were closed, a small smile of repletion curving her reddened lips. Sensing his stare, she slowly opened her eyes to gaze up at him, tracing the beautiful features with a loving, possessive look of satisfaction that made Max’s heart contract.

“I think I got what I wanted,” Liz said, her voice a little hoarse from its exertions.

“Was it everything you were hoping for?” Max asked.

“So far,” Liz said, rolling her eyes innocently toward the ceiling. She let out a gasp as she felt Max twitch to life inside her, at her words.

“Wow,” she laughed in surprised delight. Her heart flipped over at the lust and love radiating from his gaze, moaning as she felt him growing steadily fuller with every passing second.

“My thoughts exactly.” Max’s voice was a hoarse whisper as he flipped over onto his back, pulling Liz on top of him…….


*********************

They lay quietly in the dim light of the room, Liz with her head on Max’s chest. Max had healed her soreness and aches, and there had been quite a few after the night they’d just had, but now she felt pleasantly drowsy and content, ready to drop off.

Shifting under her slightly, Max sighed, his own body feeling heavy with tired satisfaction. “I don’t think I ever told you thank you. For breaking up with me…way back when.”

Liz’s eyes opened and she was suddenly more alert at the sound of Max’s voice. She knew the “way back when” that he was talking about. It was when he got back from LA.

“If you hadn’t broken up with me, we might not have ended up here. We were on a bad road…..”

A bad road indeed. A narrow, twisted path that they had almost gotten lost on. An image of Tess flashed in her mind, but Liz quickly suppressed it, not wanting Max to see it. If Tess had gotten her way, she and Max would never have known the joy they’d shared tonight. Even Tess couldn’t have known the profound consequences of her actions; how, in taking Max’s innocence, she’d almost destroyed who he was, making him suppress the natural sensuality that was so much a part of him. He had gotten that back tonight.

To Liz’s utter pleasure and profound thankfulness.

Liz smiled. “The best path is not always the easiest path….or something like that.”

“Is that a famous quote from someone?” Max asked.

“I think…Yoda actually.” Liz huffed out a small laugh, feeling Max’s chest rumble as well.

“Appropriate, I guess.” Max stated. He rolled until Liz was on her back, and leaned over to kiss her. The kiss was soft and sweet, but no less consuming than the fierce, hungry ones they’d shared earlier. He lifted his head to gaze down at her for a moment, his hand sifting her hair back lovingly.

“I love you.”

“I love you.”

Max lay back down again and Liz resumed her place….in his arms. He waved his hand at the light, bathing the room in darkness before pulling her closer.

Wrapped together, the two soulmates slept.


The End

"That's All" Alan Brandt/Bob Haymes

[Kath7]

Title: Everything Else
Author: Sylvia P.
Category: Max/Liz
Rating: Adult
Disclaimer: I don’t own Roswell or any of it's characters, but I’d like to borrow them for a while just to fix things.

Synopsis: Tag to "Everything to You" You don't have to have read ETY, but it would help to understand this better. Don't want to give anything away, just know that it's been just about a year since Michael and Maria got married.

Just a quick note to all my friends. Thanks again for making ETY such a joy to write and for all or your support and congratulations. Hope you like this glimpse into the future. There will be another one soon. Love you all.



Everything Else


“Who brings this woman to marry this man?”

“Her mother and I do,” Jeff Parker answered the minister. He kissed his daughter’s cheek before sitting in the pew next to his ex-wife.

Liz and Max joined hands as the minister smiled upon them. Everyone smiled. They couldn’t help it. This day was a long time coming and they made such a gorgeous couple.

“This is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you both every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, marriage.....”

As she listened to the minister speak, Liz glanced at Max with a smile, which he returned, squeezing the hand he held in his. Through their connection, she could feel his nervousness, his happiness...and his amusement. For some reason, they were both having a hard time keeping a straight face as the minister kept talking about love and commitment.

“....the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship.”

A deep and lasting relationship. Liz pressed her lips together to keep from grinning widely. Maybe that was the problem. Both she and Max knew that this ceremony was just icing on the cake of a bond that could never be broken....and it had nothing to do with the piece of paper they would soon sign, saying they were husband and wife.

Not that Liz hadn’t wanted this to be a beautiful and joyous occasion. The night Max asked her to marry him some seven months ago was one of the most profound moments of her life. She’d come home from work on a Friday, finding that Max had started dinner for them. He had learned to cook a little, and it was just a simple meal, but they’d set it up outside on their little balcony, eating out under the stars, talking about their week, planning their weekend.

It was that same night that Max told her he’d decided on sociology as his major.

“I think it’s a great idea, but that’s a really hard career.” Liz was sitting on his lap now, their dinner over with.

Max idly played with her hair, sitting in contentment with her as he answered. “I know but I think.....I mean, I’ve thought a lot about it and.....I just feel like I’ve had no path, you know? My life’s been so wrapped up with just getting through each day since Tess.....”

Liz ran her fingers soothingly through his hair before leaning over to kiss him softly in comfort, feeling his pain when talking about Tess. It was a pain that would never completely go away, but at least now, he could talk about it without most of the guilt and fear that usually accompanied it. Everyday became a little bit easier.

“Maybe... maybe that's why I've been put here... to help people.”

“I know you’ll be wonderful at whatever you choose,” Liz said, kissing his cheek again.

Max looked up at her, sifting a silky lock of hair, his eyes suddenly shining at her in the semi-darkness. “The thing is....I can’t do it without you.”

Liz looked at him in surprise when he suddenly got up, setting her on her feet to move away from her. “You have me, Max. You always have and you always will.”

“I know,” Max answered her, moving to the little grill in the corner of their balcony and leaning over to pick something up from inside it. “But I think it’s time to make it official. At least.....by human standards.”

Liz watched in curious awe as he closed his fist around the charcoal he’d picked up, squeezing it tightly. A white light emanated from his hand. She could see the extreme effort he put into it as he trembled, his breathing erratic for a second. A moment later, he finally stopped, opening his fist and turning away, using his shirt to wipe away at the dust still clinging to whatever was in his hand.

Turning back to her, Liz felt tears gathering and a lump forming in her throat as Max suddenly knelt in front of her, holding out his hand to show her the perfectly formed diamond in his palm.

“Liz, before the shooting, I used to dream about what it would be like to be able to be normal....to be loved by someone....and be able to love them in return.” Max gazed up at her, his expression serious, but so loving Liz had to bite her lip to keep from sobbing. “I used to dream about you.” He swallowed as his voice thickened. “But my dreams were just that. Dreams. I never thought they would be a reality. I never thought....that you would love me. And now.....now when I look into your eyes....and you look at me the way you’re looking at me right now.....with so much love that it blinds me.....I can’t....there aren’t words to tell you how ....how much it fills me up inside.”

Liz knelt in front of him, her heart aching with the love and joy his words provoked. She cupped her hands under his, gazing up into his beautiful face, seeing the tears poised on his lower lids as he stared at her.

“You’ve been the only light when my life was full of darkness, believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself and helping me to go on when I was sure I couldn’t make it another step. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy.” The tears in his eyes slipped silently down his cheeks. “Please let me spend the rest of my life making you happy.” Max placed the diamond in her palm and closed her fist around it. “Liz Parker, will you marry me?”

Liz smiled through her tears, and Max felt his own trembling lips curve with joy at the look on her face.

“Yes.” Liz leaned forward to kiss his lips, her closed fist resting against Max’s heart. “Yes I will marry you.”

His arms wrapped around her as their lips fused together with tenderness and love.....


Definitely a profound moment in her life. They hadn’t wanted to wait to get married and decided to have a simple ceremony with just their friends and family during summer break.

Of course, at the time they hadn’t known Maria was pregnant.

Now as the ceremony continued, Liz could feel Maria shifting her weight back and forth as they stood together and she glanced quickly at her friend to see her grimacing slightly. Liz smiled to herself. She probably had to go to the bathroom again.

When Maria had told her she was pregnant, they had already started planning the wedding, and Liz decided she didn’t want to wait until after the baby was born since they weren’t sure just how long Maria’s pregnancy would last. At first, they were afraid the gestation period would be much shorter, more like an alien pregnancy, but as the weeks went by, it appeared to be progressing more like a human one. Maria was now seven months along....and somewhat moody....or as Michael liked to put it, they were “riding the hormonal highway to hell.” Not in Maria’s hearing, of course.

“I swear if I have to pee one more time before this ceremony is over, I’m going to scream.” Maria came back into the little dressing room, her face set in an annoyed frown.

“Just so long as you don’t have to go during the ceremony,” Liz answered her, capping the tube of lipstick in her hand. She gazed at her reflection, making sure her makeup and hair looked like she had envisioned. She smiled, pleased that they did.

“No guarantees,” Maria said, lowering herself carefully into a chair. “And I feel like a cow. Are you sure you don’t want to postpone this?”

Liz laughed. “It’s a little late for that, don’t you think? I mean....now that I have the dress on and all.”

“I suppose,” Maria answered with a mock sigh before smiling at her friend.

“And you don’t look like a cow,” Liz continued. “You look beautiful.”

“Oh right. I look like a beached whale in chiffon.”

“No, you look like a beautiful, glowing, pregnant woman...in chiffon.”

Maria got up from her chair to join Liz at the mirror, gazing at her rose, pink dress critically. It had small, spaghetti straps holding it up and the bodice fit snuggly at her breasts before falling gracefully over her rounded figure in an uneven hemline. Her hair was held up on the sides by two rhinestone encrusted clips high on her head, allowing her curls to cascade freely over her shoulders.

She was a radiant mother-to-be.....accept for the look on her face.

“I really hadn’t planned on being pregnant for this,” Maria said, looking at her friend apologetically for the umpteenth time. She and Michael had talked about children, but she hadn’t exactly been expecting it to happen so soon after they got married. It had only been a few months.

“I told you, it’s okay,” Liz said. “I could have postponed it if I wanted to....”

“But you shouldn’t have to,” Maria said, tears starting to gather in her eyes and Liz sighed inwardly as her friend succumbed to yet another bout of pregnancy hormones.

“Maria....please, okay? This is my wedding day. Please don’t cry....at least not until it’s time.”

“You’re right. God, I’m such a .....I’m the worst friend ever.” Maria grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes. “Okay...okay...enough about me. I’m gorgeous, we both agree. And so are you. Max won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”

Liz’s dress was a strapless gown of satin, pale pink rather than white, that set off her skin beautifully. The bodice was embroidered with flowers and tiny beads and the skirt fell to the floor, gathered at the snug waistline, then flaring on the way down. Her hair was held in a tight bun on the crown of her head, surrounded by a jeweled band that had her veil attached, flowing down her back

As she gazed at her reflection, Liz smoothed the gown nervously, hoping Maria’s prediction would come true..........


“Before you, Max and Elizabeth, are joined in marriage in the presence of these your family, friends and witnesses, I am to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter.”

“I shall now ask you to make your marriage vows.”

“Max, will you take Elizabeth to be your lawful wife, will you love her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep only unto her so long as you both shall live.”

Max looked over at Liz, his eyes, his heart, his mind telling her how much he loved her. When he’d seen her enter the back of the church on her father’s arm, it was all he could do to breathe. She looked like a princess.

Maria’s prediction had definitely come true. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her.

“I will,” Max said in a slightly trembling voice.

“Elizabeth, will you take Max to be your lawful husband, will you love him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others keep only unto him so long as you both shall live.”

Liz smiled, finally feeling the profundity of the moment as tears gathered in her eyes and she gazed at Max in awe that she was finally becoming his wife.

“I will.”

“Do you wish to exchange rings as a token?”

The two young people nodded.

Max turned to Michael who handed him Liz’s ring.

“Liz, with this ring, I thee wed, with faith and abiding love.” Max slipped the ring on Liz’s slim finger and looked at her, a trembling half smile curving his lips at the beautiful picture she made as she took his ring on her finger.

Liz turned to Maria who appeared even more uncomfortable than she had a moment ago. Liz was concerned, but Maria gave a small shake of her head and attempted to smile as she handed Liz Max’s ring.

“Max, with this ring, I thee wed, with faith and abiding love.”

“As you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage. You have made special promises to each other, which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows and by the giving and receiving of rings. By the authority vested in me, according to the laws of New Mexico, I now pronounce you to be husband and wife. Now that the ceremony is over and the experience of living day by day is about to begin, go and meet it gladly.”

“You may kiss......”

A loud groan from Maria cut the minister’s words off and Liz and Max both turned toward her to see her doubling over, dropping the flowers she was holding on the ground.

“Maria!” Michael bounded across the alter to where she stood panting.

“Oh God. I’m sorry....I’m sorry......I tried to.....” Maria bent over again as she grimaced in pain.

“Oh my God, you’re in labor!” Amy Deluca had jumped up from her seat in the congregation and was now helping Michael hold Maria up.

Liz looked at Max, feeling his sudden fear through their connection.

Both he and Isabel had read and studied everything they could get their hands on about pregnancy and birth to get ready for this day, but they couldn’t plan for all the unknowns.
It was going to be trial by fire.

The parents were all crowding around now while the rest of their friends in the congregation murmured and watched.

“Oh.....ow.....God, Liz......Max....I’m so .....sorry...” Maria panted as pain radiated through her belly.

“Maria, stop apologizing.....” Liz shook her head, her face etched with concern for her friend. This seemed to be happening really fast.

“What do we do?” Michael asked, his own face pale as he gazed at his pregnant wife, panting in pain.

“We need to get her somewhere where she can lay down,” Isabel said, having also come up to the altar.

“Your apartment is closest,” Max said to Michael. “Isabel, you ride with her and Liz and I will come in my car.

Liz turned to her parents who were waiting anxiously. “Mom, Dad, will you just....take everyone to the reception? Don’t wait to serve the food, just tell them we’ll be there as soon as we can.”

“But Liz....Honey....why are they taking Maria home? Why isn’t she going to the hospital?” Nancy Parker asked.

Liz glanced at her father, before answering. “Um....Maria wanted a home birth and Isabel is her midwife, Mom.”

“But why do you and Max have to be there? I mean....this is your wedding day.....”

“This is Isabel’s first delivery, Mom. Max has medical training so he agreed to be there. We just.....didn’t know it was going to happen today, obviously.”

“Come on, Nancy. Let’s let them get going.” Jeff Parker kissed his daughter’s cheek. “Good luck, Honey. We’ll take care of things until you get there.” He looked at her anxious face, framed by her veil. “You’re a beautiful bride, Lizzie.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” Liz said tearfully, hugging him.

“Tell Max I know he’ll do fine,” Jeff whispered in her ear as she hugged him and Liz smiled at him gratefully.

She was so glad that she had decided to tell him the truth about Max and Isabel and Michael before she and Max got married. When they’d sat him down, much like they’d done Amy Deluca, it had been rough going. He was shocked, angry and hurt that Liz had chosen to keep such an important secret from him, especially in light of the fact that she and Max had been living together for months and were now engaged. It took several days before he calmed down enough to listen to Liz’s explanations and allowed Max back into his home. Even afterward, he hadn’t been happy, but over time, with the help of the other parents, he had come to accept Max’s otherworldliness and be thankful that it saved his daughter’s life. He and his future son-in-law were friends again.

Nancy was a different story. They’d decided against telling her mostly because she lived away from them and they didn’t interact with her very much. She and Liz had come to a truce, but they were never going to be close. Liz was closer to Diane Evans than she was to her own mother.

“Liz?”

Liz turned to see Megan and her boyfriend Trevor standing behind her.

“Is Maria going to be okay?”

Liz looked back to where Michael and Amy Deluca were helping Maria down the steps to the church doors.

“I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Liz fervently hoped what she was saying was true.

She looked back at her friends. “I’m so glad you were able to come. I’m sorry we didn’t get to spend more time together. Max and I will be at the reception as soon as we can.”

“Don’t worry about us, Sweetie.” Megan said, hugging her friend.

Max walked up from where he’d been convincing his parents to go to the reception instead of coming to Michael’s. There were going to be enough people there already, what with Kyle and Jenna and Amy and Jim already on their way.

“We have to go,” Max said to Liz.

“I know,” Liz answered.

Max shook Trevor’s hand and let Megan give him a hug before they left. He and Trevor had become friends in the last few months along with several of Trevor’s other friends.

Max making friends....or lack thereof....had caused the first and only really major argument between the two of them since they’d been living together.

When Liz, Maria and Alex had become Max’s friends in tenth grade, they were the first friends...the only friends... he’d ever had. He was used to being alone except for Isabel and Michael. It was what he knew.

Liz, on the other hand, had never lacked for friends. She might not have been the most popular girl in school, but she always had people that she and Maria had been social with...at least up until they’d both been swallowed up in the Alien Abyss. Then their social live sort of went by the way side in the ensuing chaos.

But since Liz had been in college, her natural exuberance and outgoing personality had helped her to make new friends, including Megan and some of hers. She wasn’t a party girl by any means, but she liked to socialize and go shopping and have fun with other people occasionally. And as much as she loved Max and coveted their time together after so much angst in their lives.....that didn’t change after they moved in together.

Unfortunately, what Liz discovered after a few months of cohabitation, was that Max didn’t feel the same way. He was perfectly content to spend all of his time either with her alone or by himself. He didn’t seem to need anyone else.

That didn’t mean that he wanted her to stay home with him all the time. In fact, he encouraged her to go out with her girlfriends to shop or have dinner. He even went with her occasionally, sitting quietly while everyone around him joked and laughed, only usually speaking when spoken to. He might have been invisible, except for the fact that his good looks made him stand out somewhat.

But Liz felt guilty when she left him alone at home while she went out. She didn’t like that he was going to be by himself while she had fun. So she encouraged him go out too. Trevor had asked him more than once to meet him and his friends for basketball at the gym, but Max always found an excuse to decline. She also knew that others in his classes and work had made overtures, because he’d told her, but he declined those too.

Finally after what seemed like the tenth time they’d had the same discussion....Liz telling Max to call Trevor.....Max telling Liz that he had homework or some other nonsensical thing to do.....Liz got angry. Not really very, just frustrated because she knew the real reason he wasn’t willing to put himself out there.

Max had found his safe place. After all of the trauma in his life and after finally facing most of his demons, he felt safe.....and safety meant not having to face the rest of his issues.

So Liz confronted him. Unfortunately, Max didn’t agree with her assessment. He insisted that he was fine the way he was and that he had no need to go out and make friends and spend time with people who would never know what he really was. In fact, it was safer that way.

Obviously, their opinions differed. Liz didn’t like him calling himself a “what” and Max didn’t like being confronted with something he didn’t think was a problem, especially when he was just getting to a point where he felt happy and safe.....and the argument escalated from there.

It hadn’t been pretty. During the course of their argument, they’d closed off their connection to each other so by the time they were really good and mad, neither one was open to what the other was feeling. And Max, feeling cornered and suddenly attacked by the one person he thought he could trust....the only person in his life at the moment.... closed off completely....and left.

Needless to say, Liz was royally pissed. But when an hour went by, then two and he hadn’t reappeared, she got worried instead. By the time he did show back up, she’d come up with all kinds of worst-case scenarios to torture herself with, working herself into a tizzy. When she heard his key in the lock, Liz barely gave him time to get in the door before throwing herself at him, knocking the flowers he had in his hand onto the floor.

Many tears and apologies later, they finally sat down to talk reasonably, if somewhat emotionally, and Max admitted that he was comfortable hiding from the world. It was safety...it was a crutch. Liz told him she understood that, but that eventually, he was going to have to face things. She couldn’t be the only person in his life. It was too much for anyone person to bear, even her. She would be his anchor.... his comfort.... his home.... but he had to go out and face the world.

And he did. He made one small step, agreeing to meet Trevor and his friends for basketball.... and found that he had a reasonably good time. After that it was easier and easier until, to Liz’s happiness and relief, he finally suggested that they call their friends to come over for dinner one night. He had truly come out of his shell. He was still reserved...still the same Max.... but he was now able to share himself with others without being afraid of what they would find out or just plain being afraid. Another demon vanquished.

Finally making their way to the Chevelle, Liz waited until Max waved a hand over the car seat to make sure it was clean before settling herself as best she could in her wedding dress. She felt a little ridiculous sitting with her voluminous skirt bunched up around her, but there was no help for it. Max got in the other side and they left.

Feeling Max’s worry inundating their connection, Liz reached out and took his hand and he immediately turned to smile at her.

“I’m sorry...” he began, ready to apologize for practically ignoring her, but Liz shook her head.

“It’s okay, I’m worried too.”

Max lifted her hand to his lips, the look in his eyes warming her. “You look beautiful, by the way. I haven’t had a chance to tell you that.”

“Thank you,” Liz answered, smiling at him before he turned his eyes back to the road.

“We’re Mr. and Mrs. Evans now,” Liz said, not quite able to believe it. Not exactly how she pictured her wedding day.

“Almost,” Max said. “I didn’t get to kiss the bride so technically.....” he turned to look at her one more time. “I promise to make up for that later.”

“I can’t wait,” Liz answered. She could still feel his fear of what was about to happen and was moved that he was able to tease her even in the midst of it. She tried to be calm and focus it for him, projecting as much confidence and support as she could. She knew in her heart that he would keep Maria and her baby safe.

When they arrived at the apartment, things were a little tense, to say the least. Michael had stripped off his tuxedo jacket and shirt and replaced it with a t-shirt. Mrs. Deluca was with Maria who was in bed now, lying on her side as Michael attempted to rub her back, Isabel hovering nearby. Kyle and Jenna and Jim Valenti were also there, milling around, trying to come up with something to help.

Max took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves as he went into the bedroom, Liz following him.

“Oh God.....this sucks so bad.....” Maria was moaning as she lay resting after a contraction. She looked up as Liz and Max came in. “You....guys....” Tears gathered and ran down her cheeks as she looked at Liz in her wedding dress. “I’m so.....Oh.....shit!” A pain ripped through her abdomen.

“Max, this is happening really fast. She’s already dilated quite a bit,” Isabel told her brother quietly.

“Does it seem like its normal otherwise?” Max asked worriedly as she gazed at Maria trying to breathe through a contraction.

“I guess so. The baby seems fine. Michael checked on her a minute ago. The contractions are about three minutes apart. I think she’s in transition.”

“Okay, then we may have some time and we might not.” Max said. “I’ll just....stay out of the way until it’s time.” Max knew it was embarrassing for Maria to know that he might have to assist if something went wrong, and he didn’t think she needed him around with Michael and her Mother and Liz and Isabel all in the bedroom to give her moral support.

Liz approached the bed, trying to smile at Michael who was trying not to look worried, but his pale face and tight lips gave him away.

“Why don’t you let me take over for a bit, okay? Go get Maria some ice chips and get yourself a drink.”

Michael glanced at Maria who had her eyes closed, breathing rapidly.

“Go on Spaceboy. You’ve already done enough damage. You can come back when I’m ready to ......” Maria moaned as another contraction came on, “....push.....” she panted through her teeth. Michael hovered for a moment uncertainly, but as the contraction eased, he went into the kitchen.

“I’m never letting Michael fucking touch me again,” Maria said hoarsely when he left.

Liz smiled a little at that statement, picking up a nearby washcloth to bath Maria’s sweaty face. “Uh huh.”

“I mean it. Celibacy is underrated, Liz. Trust me, you don’t want to go through this. Tell Max to keep his hands off you.”

At the look on Liz’s face, Maria managed to smile. “Oh God, that’s right. I forgot. Max is the master fisherman.” At Liz’s choking laugh at her reference to their “harpoon” discussion, Maria smiled a little, but it quickly turned into a grimace as another pain started coming on.” Just....just make sure you....you....take your...damn pills.”

Maria knew she’d only forgotten one time to take her birth control pill, but of course, once was all it took. When she told Liz about her pregnancy, she swore that aliens must have some kind of super sperm or something.

But even if Maria and Michael hadn’t served as a warning, Liz and Max were extremely careful about birth control. Neither one of them was ready for a baby or the demands of parenthood at this stage in their lives. They had even briefly used condoms along with Liz’s pills just to be sure, but they found that it dulled the intensity of their lovemaking, skin to skin contact apparently needed to achieve the profound connection they were so used to....addicted to. They decided it was worth the risk not to give that up.

Isabel came over to check Maria’s dilation progress again, as Amy came in with ice chips for her daughter. With glove-covered hands, Isabel carefully checked Maria’s cervix.

“I think you’re fully dilated, Maria.” Isabel told her. “You might start feeling like....”

“Pushing,” Maria groaned, feeling the pressure to do just that.

“I’ll get Max and Michael,” Isabel said hurriedly, getting up.

Liz got up from her chair as Michael raced into the room. Max came in, looking calm, if a little tense. Liz moved out of the way, but Max could feel her steady support through their connection.

In the end, Isabel did the actual delivery. Once the second stage of labor had started, it rapidly escalated with fortunately no unforeseen problems needing Max’s assistance. Maria delivered her baby girl in record time, cursing a blue streak and practically grinding the bones in Michael’s hand to dust.

While Isabel delivered the placenta, Max and Liz cleaned the baby and wrapped her. Liz smiled as Max’s large hands cradled Michael and Maria’s precious little girl while Liz wrapped her in a pink cloth. Max saw her tearful smile and gave her a soft, awed smile of his own, only slightly tinged with sadness. Liz knew he couldn’t help but think about little Zan today and her heart ached with his. They both went to take the baby to her parents.

Isabel had used her powers to clean up after the birth, making sure Maria was comfortable. Max carefully handed the baby to her mother who couldn’t keep the tears back as she gazed at her daughter, Marissa Elizabeth.

While Amy cooed and goggled over her first grandchild, Michael sat gazing at his daughter in Maria’s arms with a completely dumbstruck look on his face, as though he couldn’t believe he’d made anything so wonderful and precious.

Maria looked up from her child’s scrunched little face to smile at her husband. “Take her, Michael. Marissa wants her Daddy.”

Liz had to swallow back tears at the look on Michael’s face at the word, “Daddy”. He shakily held out his arms for the little bundle, his eyes glued to his daughter’s wide eyes. As he took her, the blanket wrapped around her shifted a little causing her head to be uncovered, showing her dark blond hair, now dry....and standing straight up.

No one said a word. Liz bit her lip as Max’s lips twitched, and she glared at him for his thoughts even as she fought her own mirth. She saw Jenna shushing Kyle as he covered his mouth and even Amy looked ready to choke on something.

Michael, completely enthralled already, was oblivious to the other people in the room as he held his daughter for the first time. And the others could tell in spite of their amusement, that he was going to be wrapped around the baby’s finger for the rest of her life.

As she began to fuss a little, his eyes widened in panic, but Maria intervened. “Here Michael, let me have her.”

Michael handed the baby back to Maria who rocked her, softly murmuring to her. “Why don’t you go and call the Evans and let them know everything’s okay.”

Michael got up in a daze, not even questioning why someone else hadn’t been asked to make the call. Waiting until he was out of the room, Maria gazed at the tufts of hair standing straight up on the baby’s head, then carefully attempted to smooth them down. They sprang up under her fingertips, defying gravity. Maria sighed.

“I’m sorry baby. Maybe we can get Auntie Isabel to fix it when you’re older.”

Liz was the first to crack, choking on the laughter bubbling up in her throat while Max just stared at the floor grinning.

Isabel was next and then they all let go, having held onto their laughter as long as they could.

“Well at least there’s no mistaking whose kid she is,” Kyle said, grinning at the little spikes on the baby’s head.

“No, really Maria. She’s beautiful,” Liz said as she leaned over to hug her friend, even as she still smiled at the adorable sight.

“She is.” Maria looked up at Isabel and Max in grateful exhaustion. “Thank you guys so much.”

“She’s perfect, Maria,” Isabel said, leaning down to kiss her little niece’s head.

When Michael came back in, they talked about taking a sample of the baby’s blood, but decided it could wait until Liz and Max got back from their honeymoon, and Maria reminded them all that they had a reception waiting for them.

As Liz leaned down to give her one more hug, Maria said, “I wish this hadn’t happened on your wedding day, but I’m so glad you guys were here.”

“Me too. I love you.”

Maria returned the sentiment, grimacing as the baby began to fuss in earnest. Amy suggested that Maria try to feed her and Liz watched in curious awe as Maria attempted to get the baby to suckle for the first time.

In the meantime Max and Isabel said goodbye to Michael.

“Thanks,” Michael said as Isabel hugged him goodbye.

“She’s beautiful, Michael,” Max said, meaning it, as he put an affectionate hand on his shoulder, smiling at the proud, still dazed look on Michael’s face. “We’ll see you in a few days.” He and Liz were going to spend their honeymoon in a cabin in the Colorado mountains, but first they were going to spend the night in the same bed and breakfast in Artesia where Max had taken Liz to for their date before she left for college.

As they headed out to the car, Isabel called Jesse on her cell phone to give him the news. She knew he was disappointed that he couldn’t make it to Roswell for the wedding because of pressing work. After saying goodbye, Isabel sat back in tiredness.

“You did great, Isabel,” Max told her and Liz echoed his sentiment. Isabel smiled.

“I just hope it goes as easily for the rest of us when the time comes.” She smiled a secret little smile, laying a hand on her abdomen. She hadn’t told her family her news yet because she’d only just begun to suspect she was pregnant since she’d been in Roswell and wanted to wait until she was home with Jesse to tell him. This was too important to share over the phone.

Starting the car, Max turned to Liz with a small smile. “I guess it’s back to the party, then?”

“I think they’re expecting us,” Liz answered with her own smile, but she took his hand in hers, letting him know in her heart that she was as ready to be alone with him as he was with her.

It was several hours later that that finally happened. Max and Liz ran out of the reception hall in a flurry of rice and into a limousine that was waiting to take them to Santa Fe. They waved goodbye to their family and friends, then shut the door to the outside world, making sure that Liz’s dress was safely tucked in. There was a window between them and the driver and after assuring them they would be at their destination in a little over an hour, they took off.

Almost immediately after the car started moving, Max leaned over to pull Liz into a passionate kiss. Liz responded in kind, wrapping her arms around his neck as he pushed her back against the seat, his mouth exploring hers with devastating thoroughness. When he pulled back after several long moments, Liz could only think of dragging him back down for more.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” Max said, his lips now running over her cheek to her neck.

“You kissed me during the reception,” Liz reminded him breathlessly, moaning a little as he sucked lightly on the sensitive skin above the neckline of her dress.

“Not like I wanted to,” Max answered, coming back up to take her lips again in another bone melting kiss. “I love this dress,” Max breathed between kisses, his hands roaming over her bare arms and shoulders.

Liz pulled her mouth away to stare up into his darkened eyes for a moment before moving out from under him to straddle him on the seat, pulling her skirt up with her.

“Liz.....”

“I saw what you want, Max.” Liz leaned down to kiss him, showing him in her mind what she was going to do, mimicking the flash she’d just gotten. Max felt his whole body respond to the erotic image, and he couldn’t hold back the groan in his throat as she settled herself more firmly on his rapidly growing erection.

“You don’t have.....” Max closed his eyes at the feel of her lips on his neck as she unbuttoned some of the buttons on his shirt and his hands came up to span her waist.. “You don’t have to do this,” he continued hoarsely.

“I want to,” she answered, her hands caressing his solid abdomen, eliciting another low groan. She could feel him, hard and ready beneath her now and felt her own body responding urgently. “I want to give you your fantasy.”

Not only had she seen the picture in his mind of her riding him in the back of the limousine, Liz had felt what he felt.... what it did to him at the thought of taking her in her beautiful wedding dress.

“You’re always my fantasy,” Max said seriously, gazing at her with such love that she felt a lump come to her throat.

“Then let me do my job,” Liz teased seductively, reaching down to stroke him through his straining pants. “I want you inside me,” she whispered in his ear, sucking his earlobe into her mouth.

That did it. Liz held back her gasp, not sure how much the limo driver could hear them, as Max reached up to cup the back of her head, dragging her mouth down to his, working his other hand between them to undo his pants. A few precious moments later, Liz found herself lifted up, her panties disintegrating with a swipe of his hand right before he impaled her.

Oh God. It was unbelievably erotic to be doing this in the back of a limousine still wearing their wedding clothes. Pure, hot, sex. No extended foreplay, no loving words or slow building caresses. Just unbridled lust and the desperate quest to come, driven by Max’s urgent need to brand her as his in the most primal of ways.

Liz bit her lip to hold back her cries as Max bucked his hips in rhythm to her downward motion, holding her at the waist with his large hands, making her take him as deeply as possible as low sounds of pleasure emanated from deep in his throat. He arched her backward over his arm to get at her breasts, parting the zipper on the back of her dress with a wave of his hand to torment her with his teeth and tongue, making her whimper.

“M..Max.....oh.....” Liz whispered in a moan. Max’s answer was to nip harder and thrust deeper.

Clutching at his head, Liz fought to keep silent at the unbelievable feeling, the muscles in her core already twitching at the outset of her orgasm. But it was a losing battle, a moan bubbling up in her throat as she felt Max starting to tense with her, his thick shaft swelling and hardening even more.

Right before she could let it out, Max covered her mouth with his. He swallowed her sounds as she shattered around him, biting back his own agonized groan of pleasure as he emptied into her with jarring, uneven thrusts, the impact of which set Liz off again. Her muscles spasmed wildly, coaxing the last of Max’s seed even as the alien energy swept through them both, rippling along their nerve endings in what seemed like never ending tendrils, until finally it dissipated to a soft hum. Slumping against Max’s hard frame, Liz tried to catch her breath.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Max croaked in concern, unable to believe he’d gotten so carried away.

“No,” Liz whispered against his neck, still panting in exertion. “I definitely like fulfilling your fantasies.”

Max’s chest rumbled beneath her, even as it still heaved with his own uneven breathing. “Well please feel free to act on my urges any time you see fit.

Liz giggled breathlessly, finally lifting her head to look down at him gazing up at her with adoring eyes. She leaned down to kiss him, softly and sweetly, allowing him to help her fix her dress before climbing off of his lap to sit next to him on the seat. She smoothed her skirt down properly around her legs and sat back sedately, assuming an innocent expression as though they hadn’t just had an erotic sexual interlude in the back of a chauffeured limousine. Max grinned at her playfulness and pulled her against him for the rest of the ride.

**************************

They had been going for hours now. Despite his willingness to have his fantasy fulfilled in the limo, Max still felt guilty for being so rough with her, especially on their wedding night. So he’d taken it upon himself to make it up to her the best way he knew how, by pleasuring her slowly...worshipfully...until Liz was practically mindless with fulfillment.

She didn’t know how long he’d been stroking inside her this time. Hours it seemed.... before that, using his wonderful, perfect mouth..... his incredibly sensual hands. She only knew that she was his to do with as he pleased, playing her body to his tune, bringing her to the brink of release...and sending her over again and again.

Max had come too, more than once, but he remained hard inside her, his stamina undiminished, his only goal to make their wedding night as memorable as possible.

Finally, nearing exhaustion, their movements were slow now, bodies slick with sweat and sex, wrapped together as closely as possible. They faced each other on their sides, Liz’s leg wrapped around Max’s hip as he continued to thrust slowly into her extremely wet center.

Breath growing shallower as her orgasm approached, Liz moaned at the pleasure/pain of it as Max once again took one of her swollen, ultra sensitive nipples into his mouth, suckling and laving the aching tip, unable to get enough. Sensing her end, Max pulled her hips into him, making her gasp at the deep penetration.

“Come for me,” he whispered hoarsely, watching in primitive satisfaction as she did just that, convulsing uncontrollably around his thickening shaft, her flushed face an arousing picture of erotic gratification.

And that along with the tight contractions of her muscles claiming him caused Max to join her. Dropping his head to her breast in completion and surrender, he filled her one last time, shuddering helplessly in Liz’s arms as the alien frissions of energy quaked through their exhausted bodies.

Liz couldn’t move. She lay in a sated, boneless daze as Max tucked her into the bed more comfortably, cleaning them both with his powers, before settling himself down next to her and pulling her into his arms.

Her whispered words came a few moments later. “Max?”

“Hmmmm?” he murmured sleepily, surprised to hear her speak when he knew that she was already half asleep herself.

“Thank you for marrying me.”

Max’s heart contracted at the sweet, sleepy words. How could she possibly be thanking him for something that had been his dream for as long as he could remember?

Liz’s husky voice answered the unvoiced question before he could utter it. “Because reality with you is better than any fantasy I’ve ever had.”

Arms tightening around her, Max blinked back the sudden moisture in his eyes, his throat too full to speak.

Liz sighed as she felt his heart speak for him, intertwining with hers, telling her how much her words meant to him and how much he loved her. In sleepy satisfaction, Liz held Max close, thanking God once again that he could now accept that he was loved unconditionally and that he would never have cause to doubt it again as long as she lived.

As she shifted slightly in her now sleeping husband’s arms, Liz amended her last thought, feeling the tenderness and aching in her very thoroughly loved body.

That is if she managed to survive the rest of her honeymoon. Liz smiled as she joined Max in exhausted slumber.


~The End~

[Kath7]

Title: Everything and More
Author: Sylvia P.
Category: Max/Liz
Rating: Adult
Disclaimer: I don’t own Roswell or any of it's characters, but I’d like to borrow them for a while just to fix things.

Synopsis: Second Tag to "Everything to You" You probably really wont get this if you haven't read it. A little jump into the future for our couple.

Here are the links if you'd like to read:

Everything Else

Everything To You

Note: I'm posting this one in more than one part because I've split Max and Liz's thoughts up. Also, I'm issuing an angst warning now, so no throwing stuff. You know you love it.

And just another note to say how much I appreciate all of you and love hearing from you. My old friends and my new ones. And all you lurkers out there. So on with the show.

Note added to thank Liz once again for helping me get my sentences straight. I can't believe I forgot. Forgive me?



Everything and More Part 1


Max pulled the car up into the driveway of his and Liz’s little house and turned off the engine. But instead of getting right out of the car, he sat, staring at the house unmoving.

Her little face, pale and delicate lying against the cold, white sheets…….

Max tried to banish the image from his mind, running his hands through his hair for what seemed like the hundredth time that day, He had to get a hold of himself and somehow stop this before he went inside; these feelings that felt like they were going to rip him in two.

Staring at the front door, he sensed Liz inside despite the tight reign he’d put on their connection. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but the feelings of anger and utter helplessness still seethed in his gut, as they had all day.

The sound of sobbing as the doctor told her mother that she hadn’t made it….the damage to her brain too severe……..

Liz was going to know. She already did, he reminded himself, remembering her concerned voice on the phone when she’d called him earlier in the day, knowing something was wrong. But Max had brushed it off, telling her he’d talk to her about it when he got home. He hadn’t meant to project his feelings to her, but the day’s events had left him raw and obviously, his pain had broken through his defenses.

Defenses that he had built and fortified between them these last three months….the three months since their daughter had been born.

Closing his eyes, Max’s heart clenched in his chest as he thought about his precious baby girl. His little Lilliana Marie.

Lilly for short.

They had waited five years before trying to have a baby. He and Liz had wanted to finish school and settle into jobs and careers before starting a family. Especially after seeing and hearing about the constant day to day work a baby was from Maria and later on Isabel. Little Marissa was a sweet child, if a bit of a handful while Isabel and Jesse’s son Esteban had inherited his father’s easy-going disposition. But both mother’s stories of diaper changes and four o’clock feedings and seemingly endless colic had cooled any longing that Liz might have had to have a baby right away after they got married.

After graduating, they’d moved to Boston to be closer to Isabel and Jesse and almost right away, Liz had been able to get a job doing research at a pharmaceutical company. After a few months of searching, Max had also gotten a job at social services doing a variety of things, mostly involving children. It was rewarding, yet often heartbreaking work, but he found that he had an affinity for children, especially the ones who reminded him of himself when he was younger, isolated, lonely and just needing a friend to listen.

When they finally did decide to try for a baby, it seemed as though Max had barely looked at Liz when she got pregnant after going off of her birth control pills. Of course, Maria blamed it on alien super sperm, much to Max’s embarrassment, but he knew that it was really just the inevitable result of his and Liz’s insatiable need for each other that hadn’t diminished over the years.

The thought caused a tightening in Max’s groin, a familiar feeling of late, but even as the thought flickered through his mind, he reminded himself that it was no one’s fault but his own. No one else’s fault that he hadn’t made love to his wife since before their baby girl was born.

He could still remember so clearly how he’d felt in those days leading up to Lilly’s birth, how excited and nervous he and Liz had been. And so happy, despite the lingering sadness over Zan’s death that never quite went away. He’d tried not to let it put a pall on that time for them. His grief over the years had tempered somewhat as grief does, but his son would always hold a special place in his heart, a small painful place.

They had no reason to think that the pregnancy would be anything but normal. And it was. Just like Maria and Isabel, Liz carried the baby for a little over seven months and aside from craving some strange things and a bout with morning sickness, it had gone like clockwork.

Until the birth.

Liz had woken up in the middle of the night, her back aching. She’d gotten up to walk around when her water broke. After waking Max, Maria and Michael, the two had come to stay in anticipation of the moment, they’d called Isabel and Jesse who had rushed right over. Things were going smoothly, and then…..

The blood…..

Max clenched his fists against the images that wouldn’t go away no matter how hard he tried to banish them.

God, there had been so much of it. He and Isabel had worked frantically to try and figure out what was wrong, but all they could determine was that Liz was hemorrhaging profusely and that the baby’s heartbeat had dropped badly.

Making a split second decision, Max made an incision in Liz’s belly and pulled the baby out, her tiny face almost blue. He’d had to clear her airway and get her lungs working, all the time knowing that Liz could be bleeding to death while he worked to save their child. Once he finally made sure the baby could breathe on her own, Max worked rapidly to heal Liz. He stopped the bleeding from where he discovered the placenta had detached prematurely from her uterus. Then he healed the incision he’d made to deliver their daughter. Finally, they had to set up a transfusion for her, something that they’d been prepared for, but hoped never to use.

Closing his eyes, Max was suddenly transported back to that night, standing in their bedroom, covered in Liz’s blood, clutching the baby to his chest and watching Isabel and Maria finally get Liz cleaned up and under the covers of their bed.

She was unconscious and deathly pale. He suddenly started shaking as he watched his wife’s shallow breathing and felt his daughter’s tiny body against his.

He could have lost his wife and baby girl. He could have lost the most precious things in the world to him…..

Soon he was shoving Lilly into Isabel’s arms, barely managing to make it to the bathroom before heaving up everything in his stomach. It felt like he retched for hours, pain lancing through his gut as bile kept coming up. When he finally stopped, all he could do was lie on the floor trembling and gasping for air. Then there were hands helping him to his feet and Maria’s voice urging him to change clothes and rest after nearly draining his powers completely to save Liz and Lilly.

A little while later, after Michael had helped him clean up, he sat in their bedroom next to the bed, watching Liz sleep, their beautiful, little daughter lying in the bassinet next to him. Isabel had tried to get him to lie down but he refused to leave them so she’d left him with his family, promising to come back later. Maria and Michael went back to the guest bedroom to try and sleep.

While he stared at Liz, all Max could see and feel was himself back in that horrible, cold room where Zan lay helpless while he tried to heal him. He remembered the pain of seeing his little boy for the first time, his small body, lying pale and fragile on the gurney, tubes coming from all directions. He remembered feeling his insides on fire as he drained every drop of his power into Zan trying to fix what was broken, knowing it was futile, but willing to die trying. And he remembered waking up to the horror of Doctor Hardwell coldly telling him that it was shame that Zan wouldn’t make it, but that he’d simply have to make another child from Max’s sperm and Tess’s egg.

And he especially remembered the agony of feeling his connection to Zan slip away, the ache of the hole in his heart where his son should have been, safe and secure…..if only Max had saved him.

Opening his eyes, Max took a deep breath, trying to dispel that same ache now at the thought of his son, reminding himself again that he had worked hard to let this go a long time ago, forgiving himself for not being able to save Zan.

The problem was that even though he’d managed to save Lilly and Liz, he couldn’t stop seeing the blood and feeling Liz’s life draining away, even as his little girl lay, motionless in his hands, not breathing. Those few moments of utter helplessness, as both of them were dying right in front of him….

Push it away…..

Max took another deep breath, consciously pushing the thought down to the dark place inside him that still dwelled there. It would never fully go away, and now he had filled it back up again with his inadequacy and despair. He knew it was wrong….he knew that he was hurting Liz with his inability to let the pain out and let her help him deal with it, but the thought of letting her in….of letting her see and feel what happened while she lay unconscious…..

Sighing in disgust at his thoughts, Max rubbed a hand over his face. He was a fucking coward. All of that time and effort he’d spent healing after what Tess had done to him….all of the pain and shit that he’d put Liz through waiting for him to finally deal with his mess of a life and now look at him.

If only it didn’t hurt so much. Liz had so much to deal with, what with taking care of Lilly and her job and dealing with the parents…..how could he lay this on her too? How could he open up and let her see inside him….see all of the old ugliness that suddenly seemed to have resurfaced since that night?

So he pushed it down and kept his connection to Liz a bare minimum….and died a little every day.

But today….today it had come back full force.

Swallowing heavily at the lump in his throat, Max finally forced himself to get out of the car, schooling his expression, pushing away the guilt that ate at him for what he was doing to Liz. She was better off…..he cringed inwardly as his conscience jeered at him in scorn,….reaching for the doorknob, he entered.

Walking into the kitchen, Max stopped for a moment, savoring the sight of his family, his petite wife standing at the stove, stirring something in a pot, and his baby girl sitting in her electric swing, her hands delving into the toys on the tray, trying unsuccessfully to pick up everything she saw at once.

They were both so beautiful, so necessary to him…….

“Max?” Liz questioned as she saw him just standing in the doorway staring.

“Hi,” Max said, coming forward to kiss her on the cheek, looking down into the pot on the stove. “Mrs. Leaves?” he questioned, gesturing to the bubbling concoction.

“Her famous chili,” Liz answered with a small smile.

Mrs. Leaves was their neighbor, a sweet, practical person whom they would never have guessed was almost seventy years old. She biked, worked on her yard and had twinkling blue eyes that sparkled with intelligence….. and she treated Max and Liz like family, especially Max. She made no secret that she credited him for saving her Granddaughter’s life and would do just about anything for him. That included watching Lilly for them while Liz worked, only part time now, since her return from maternity leave.

Max worked at the local shelter and through them, at the day camp run by the local United Way. That’s where he met Mrs. Leaves’ granddaughter, Laurel, who she had custody of at the time, along with her much younger siblings, while their mother was in rehab for drug abuse.

When she showed up at the camp at the beginning of summer, Laurel was a bitter, neglected eleven- year- old, having dealt with a father who left their family when she was only six, and a mother who spent the latter years of her life strung out. She refused to interact with the other children and spent most of her time alone, not participating in any of the activities, watching from the sidelines with a blank look of boredom that masked a deep sense of isolation and mistrust.

However, by the time she left the camp that fall, she was a semi-normal twelve-year-old, with a young girl’s adoring crush on the handsome, quiet, dark haired man who had befriended her despite her attempts to push him away and who had made it his mission that summer to bring her out of her shell.

Laurel was now, once again, living with her mother and her brother and sisters. Max and Liz still saw her occasionally when the other children were dropped off at their grandmother’s house and Liz always had to smile at the shy, adoring looks Laurel gave Max and the perpetually confused look Max gave her when she mentioned it. She understood Laurel’s feelings one hundred percent.

Max turned to Lilly who squealed excitedly at her father, giving him a toothless smile that always warmed his soul. Getting down on one knee, he smiled back at her as she reached out to touch him, and he let her wrap her small fingers around his pinky, amazed at how tiny her hand looked next to his much larger one.

“Soup’s ready. Are you ready to eat?” Liz asked and Max got up to help her put their plates on the kitchen table. Liz set down a pot of rice and some cheese to go with their chili while Max got their drinks.

As they sat down to eat, Max felt Liz’s eyes on him and forced himself to look at her, knowing he would see the hurt she tried so hard to hide from him. Their gazes locked for a moment before Max had to look away, but not before he saw the searching look on her face.

“I talked to Maria today.” Liz said a moment later.

Max swallowed the spoonful of chili in his mouth, grateful for the safe topic. “How is she feeling?”

“Okay. The usual morning sickness and tiredness.” Maria was pregnant with her and Michael’s second child, a boy this time.

Max didn’t want to dwell on the fact that he would have to be present at another birth in a few month’s time. “How are the moving plans?” he asked instead.

“Good. They close on the house next week and then they’ll pack up and be on their way here.”

Michael and Maria had decided a while back that they were going to move to Boston to be closer to them and Isabel’s family. Now that they all had children, they wanted to be near each other, not just so the kids could grow up together, but for safety purposes as well. They’d found a house while visiting a few months ago in anticipation of Lilly’s birth.

“How’s her Mom taking it?”

Liz grinned a little thinking of Maria’s response to that question. “She said that her Mom was freaking out, but that it didn’t matter because Maria told her that, and I quote ‘as long as you’re going to be living in sin with that country singing sheriff, your grandchildren are not going to be allowed at your house anyway.’”

Max’s mouth quirked up at the corner at that. “She has a lot of room to talk.”

“She knows. She’s just giving her Mom a hard time because she and Jim still won’t set a date.” The former sheriff and Amy Deluca had supposedly been “engaged” for the last two years, but neither one on them seemed in a hurry to make it official. They were both wary of relationships since both of their previous ones had ended in disaster. Maria had gone from being grossed out by her mother’s involvement with Jim Valenti to being exasperated that the two of them wouldn’t just go ahead and get married already.

“Oh and she heard from Jenna. She and Kyle have finally set a date for next May.” Jenna and Kyle were living in California where Jenna was finishing her degree at UCLA and Kyle was working in an auto parts store and fixing up cars. He’d found his calling in the restoration of old, classic cars into pristine condition and was making quite a bit of money from it. The two were planning to marry as soon as Jenna graduated.

“Did you ask Maria about Marissa?” Max asked when Liz grew silent, lifting his eyes for a moment. She was staring at him again, a sad look on her face and he quickly dropped his gaze.

Liz sighed. “Yes, nothing yet, thank goodness.”

Marissa’s blood, and for that matter, Esteban’s blood was mostly human, but it was a little different and neither child had ever suffered from a childhood illness aside from colic. They hadn’t had so much as the sniffles. So far neither child had exhibited any powers either, aside from having a slight mental connection to their alien parent, but Liz always asked. She hoped Lilly never developed any powers either, but then with the change to her own body since Max healed her, it was more likely in her children than the others.

It had worried them, at first, to leave Lilly with a stranger when they weren’t sure how her “alieness” might manifest itself, but much to their surprise, Mrs. Leaves had told Liz privately, when she sensed their hesitation, that she knew that Max was special somehow, and not just because of how he had helped Laurel. She told her that she had always been “sensitive” to other people and that she could tell if a person was good or bad just by being around them for a while.

“Max is different, but I can’t put my finger on how.” Her blue eyes had pierced Liz’s keenly and Liz felt as though she was looking into her soul. “But it doesn’t matter because I can sense that boy’s soul and it’s as pure as the driven snow. He has nothing to fear from me and I wouldn’t let anything or anyone hurt that little angel while she was in my care. You can tell him that for me.”

After that conversation, Liz had told Max that she trusted Mrs. Leaves to keep Lilly safe and Max had hesitantly acquiesced, especially because he wasn’t willing to ask Liz to give up her job completely to care for their daughter and they needed both of their paychecks. And an added bonus was that Mrs. Leaves refused payment for watching Lilly, though they finally settled on a small wage.

Lilly began to mewl and cry in her chair and Liz got up to retrieve her, sitting back down at the table, holding her on her lap as she gazed at Max picking at his mostly uneaten meal.

“Are you going to tell me what happened today that upset you so much?”

Her soft inquiry pierced the bubble of hope that Liz would let what had happened earlier go, and Max froze for a moment before setting his spoon down. He stared at his plate before taking a deep breath and lifting his gaze. His eyes focused on Lilly, sitting in her Mother’s lap, her hands reaching ineptly for the silverware and napkin in her line of vision, but being kept carefully out of reach by Liz. Unaware of the naked expression on his face, Max stared at his child, her baby cheeks flushed pink, her hazel eyes the mirror image of his own and felt his heart breaking into little pieces.

“Max…..tell me.” Liz’s voice broke through his thoughts and Max lifted his gaze to find her staring at him, her own gaze pleading with him to let her in, to let her comfort him and share his burdens.

He almost did it. Max’s whole body…his whole being fought to reach out for the solace she was offering, for the connection of their souls. But even as his body and soul screamed for her, his mind shied away from the pain hovering just below the surface, waiting to inundate both of them and he abruptly pulled away, mentally as well as physically, getting to his feet and turning his back to her.

Grasping the counter, Max heard the gasp Liz let out at his abrupt disconnection and he immediately turned back around to say…something…anything…, but Lilly began to cry and Liz got up from her chair, cradling her….but not before Max saw the tears in her eyes.

Oh God, he was such a….

“I know….what’s happening Max.” Liz said, cuddling their daughter to her chest, attempting to sooth her. “I know why you’re doing this. But I don’t know how much longer I can…..” Liz’s voice cracked and Max felt the hurt like needles in his skin as she finally lifted her dark eyes to his, the unshed tears making them shimmer.

“I want….I need my husband back.”

She watched him for a moment longer, then lifted Lilly to her shoulder.

“When you’re ready to be my husband again…..when you’re ready to be mine again……you know where to find me.”

Without waiting to see if he had anything to say, Liz walked out of the kitchen and a moment later, Max heard the door to their bedroom close, Lilly’s cries abruptly muffled.

Sitting down at the kitchen table, Max put his head in his hands.

TBC...