Chapter 1

Alec watched her from the corner of his eye. He saw her hand interlocked with his and felt a stab of pain in his heart.

So they're 'on' again are they? He thought to himself.

So what if they are? Another voice responded. Means you're off the hook as her 'boyfriend' doesn't it?

Yeah but…. He was cut off his trail of thought by a heavy paw landing on his injured shoulder.

He winced, "Hey big fella." He said to Josh. Since Annie, Alec had gotten a lot closer to Joshua. Saw him as kind of his family.

"Hey medium fella. Shoulder hurting?" The dog man asked his friend with genuine concern. Something Alec didn't hear very often. Especially from her.

"Nah, 's alright." Alec answered in his usual 'I'm always alright' attitude.

Joshua smiled at Alec's attempt to hide his 'weaknesses' as Manticore would call them. He knew that even though Manticore was gone, most of the transgenics still used their training, not only to help them survive, but also afraid of the punishment they might receive if they didn't.

Joshua looked up at his flag blowing in the wind. Alec followed his gaze and smiled at the look of happiness on his friend's face.

"Joshua proud. Flag our symbol." Joshua said still staring at his flag. Not only his artwork proudly on display, but also transgenics.

Most of the transgenics had gone in, some scared of what would happen next, others tired after the Jam Pony siege. All wondering what their 'proud to be a freak' leader Max would do next.

Chapter 2

Max felt Logan shiver even through the latex glove and leather glove they were each wearing.

"Maybe, you should go in," Max told Logan without taking her eyes off the police crowded around Terminal City's gates below.

"I'm not leaving you Max. Not now, not ever. Especially now I know you and Alec were never really together." Logan said matter-of-factly.

"Who said me and Alec weren't really together?" Max responded angrily assuming Alec had once again screwed up for her.

"Max, come on," Logan said. "How possessive Alec is, he would have marched over half an hour ago when he saw us holding hands. It's okay Max, I understand why you did it, you had to push me away. But we'll find the cure, there's no need to." Logan said using his latex gloved hand to run a finger down Max's cheek.

Max stepped back three spaces. "No, Logan I didn't lie. Alec just understands that we're still friends and you were comforting me. Hell, I hold Joshua and Original Cindy's hands all the time."

"Max," Logan began as if talking to a child. "Joshua's not in love with you, he's family. And OC, well she's…."

"Original Cindy's what boo?" OC came up behind the couple receiving a thank you look from Max.

"Nothing OC. I was just saying that when you hold Max's hand and when I hold Max's hand, it's two completely different things." Logan answered.

"Really? 'Cuz OC don't see no difference. We both Max's friends so why would it be? Anyways bounce so I can talk to my boo in private for a sec." OC told Logan pointing over to the door leading back into the Command Centre.

'Thank you' Max mouthed to OC as Logan walked in.

"Hey boo. Hell of a day today, ain't it?" OC sad trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, listen OC. I'm so sorry to get you and Sketch dragged into this. I never meant for anyone to get hurt. I know Alec knew CeCe longer than me and I know he's more hurt than he's letting on. I just… I don't know whether he'd accept comforting from me." Max rambled. "And then there's Logan, so determined to get back together. And I'm like why? I shouldn't be thinking that OC. I'm supposed to be in love with him. He's back to going on about the cure and all I can think about is, what TC needs; in food, medicine, housing, if we're going to survive. That's normal to care about that more right?"

"Wow, for a minute there OC was wondering if you were going to take a moment to breath." OC said wrapping an arm around her boo. "Now OC thinks it's perfectly normal for you to be more…. focused on sorting TC out before you go looking for yours and Roller Boy's cure. But it's not normal to say you're supposed to be in love with him. I'm sorry boo, it just ain't. And if you're worried about Pretty Boy I suggest you go over there and see for yourself if he's okay."

OC walked over to Joshua, whispered something in his ear which made him smile then dragged him off into the Command Centre, giving Max a 'well go on then' glare.

Max watched Alec, watch the flag blow for a second, then walked over to him.

Chapter 3

"Hey," She said.

Well done Max. Great start. She thought lamely to herself.

How can I ask him without him hiding behind his Manticore soldier mask?

"Hey Max," Alec responded with a lot more venom than intended.

Shit, what's the matter with you? He thought. So she's back with Logan, you don't care, remember? It's got nothing to do with you.

Whoa Max thought. What did I say?

"You alright?" She asked waiting for the almost certain remark of 'I'm always alright'.

"I'm always…" He paused at the roll of her eyes. "I'm fine, you know, long day. Everyone finding out we're transgenics. Getting shot. Fighting familiars that just don't want to die. Losing soldiers."

Having your heart broken in two. Hey what? He thought.

"Yeah, I'm sorry about CeCe. I know you two went way back." Max said noticing the guilt and pain wash through his eyes at the sound of her name. Quickly masked as usually.

"Yeah," he sighed. "So I see you and Roller Boy are back together. Can't say I'm surprised. You just never learn do you Maxie?" He said with his cocky grin in place.

Best to have her angry than caring. Then I won't…won't what?

"What?" Max said shocked. "Me and Logan aren't back together and even if we were it would be none of your damn business."

She punched him full force in his injured shoulder. But noticing his wince instantly regretted it.

"Oh my god. Alec I'm so s…" She started.

"You know what Max? Forget it. Fuck you. I've had a fucking enough of this." He interrupted her before turning and walking into the Command Centre.

"Alec!" She shouted after him.

Shit why do I always hit him? Why can't he just not wind me up? She thought.

Oh come on Maxie. You know why I do it. A voice which sounded awfully like Alec's responded in her head.

Oh really Alec. Well I can't seem to figure it out. So why don't you enlighten me.

Why don't you just go ask me?

Yes why didn't she just.

Chapter 4

Shit, shit, shit! Alec thought whilst marching through the Command Centre. Looks from the other Transgenics were being easily ignored.

Why the fuck didn't you keep your mouth shut? You know Max, she'll either go defensive and attack you or try and get you to 'talk about it'. So what if she hit you, she always fucking hits you.

Yeah but this time you were injured and she knew that. The second voice answered.

Yeah but…Alec thought.

"You have to stop taking crap from her, Princess," Mole said from behind Alec.

Alec jumped but tried to hide it. After all you're not supposed to be able to sneak up on an X5, especially an alpha.

"What you going on about?" Alec asked acting casual.

"You know who. Little Miss, who's going to come marching through that door screaming your name, right…about...now." Mole answered.

"ALEC!" Max screamed walking into the Command Centre causing Luke and Dix to look up from their computers. "What the fuck? We're having a conversation and you just storm off?"

"What's wrong with doing that Max? You do it all the time. Besides I don't have to stand around whilst you abuse me." Alec replied more calmly than he felt.

Alec then noticed Logan smirking next to Dix, obviously enjoying what looked to him, like a lover's tiff.

"You know what Maxie baby." Alec said walking over to her. "Let's just forget the argument and go to bed. You can spare us for say an hour or so right?" Alec placed an arm around Max's waist and watched with pleasure as she squirmed.

Noticing she was about to resist, Alec leant over and whispered into Max's ear, "Now, now Maxie. Wouldn't want to prove little Logie right, now would we?"

Max only response was placing a hand on top of his, which was now placed on her ass, and pinching the skin between her nails.

Alec slowly led Max out of the Command Centre and into his office.

"Who'd a thought it? Pretty Boy and Miss Need-A-Lay," Mole smirked to himself.

Chapter 5

"You fucking jerk!" Max shouted when they had entered his office and he'd locked the door.

"Now, now Max." Alec responded child-like. "You started this whole me-and-you together thing. I'm only playing along for you… whilst helping TC gossip."

Alec smirked.

Max had begun to shout some other comment when she remembered the reason she came to find him to begin with.

"Whatever." She smirked in a mock of Alec's smirk. "What the hell was the roof about?"

Oh Shit Alec thought. Lie, lie, lie, lie, LIE!

"Nothing, okay. My shoulder still hurts, that's all." Alec lied.

He's lying. Max thought. But why?

"That's all?" Max repeated. "So the Logan and me comment was also because your shoulder hurt, no doubt right?"

SHIT! Alec thought.

"Uh…yeah?" Alec answered. "Look, you're right. You and Logan are none of my business. Just don't make me out to look a joke in front of the others okay? Because unlike you, they actually respect me."

Alec began walking to the door, when Max grabbed his arm and pinned him to the wall.

"Did I say this conversation was over?" Max said close up to his face.

Alec pushed her back.

"Did I say I give a shit whether or not you think this conversation is over?" He said reversing their positions and pinning her against the wall.

She tried to push him away but for the first time he didn't hold back. In the end she gave up and waited for him to speak.

"We have some things to sort out around here," Alec began. "For starters your attitude towards me and constant need to used me as a punch bag. But since it doesn't look like you're gonna willingly change, you're gonna tell me exactly why you feel the need to do it. And I'll tell you whether I'm gonna keep taking it from you. And I swear to God if you say it's because I'm a screw-up, I will break your neck here and now."

Alec waited for an answer.

"Well?"

"Did you know you pout when you're angry?" Max answered.

Alec gave her a confused look.

Oh god! Tell me I didn't just say that out loud. Max screamed silently.

"What?" Alec answered confused.

"Umm…never mind." Max mumbled pushing harder.

Alec thought for a moment about what she had just said and reacted by kissing her on the lips.

He pressed his lips against hers waiting for a response, be it bad or good. After a few seconds Max opened her mouth allowing Alec entry and Alec kissed her with all the passion that had built up since the moment they met. Max returned his passion and for a while neither moved apart from Max hands in Alec hair, and Alec hands on the base of her back. They continued kissing until a knock at the door sprung them apart.

"It never happened." Max said suddenly, and ignoring the look of hurt in Alec's eyes stormed out of the room, allowing Mole in.

"Shit," Mole said. "What did the bitch do now?"

Alec remained silent for a few seconds until he replied almost silently, "I have to leave."

Chapter 6

Alec was packing his bag when he sensed her coming up the corridor.

What the fuck does she want now?

He picked his bag up from his bed and threw it under the bed just as his front door burst open.

'Max, for once you wanna try knocking? Hell I'd settle for not ripping my door of its hinges.' Alec smirked.

'Now's not the time Alec.' Max said in her typical I'm-a-bitch tone. 'Mole told me you're leaving. Things start to get tough and you just bail is that it?'

So much for don't tell her 'til I'm gone. Thanks a lot Mole.

'No, Max. Bailing is your deal.' Alec responded angrily.

Max thought for a second before asking the true thing, which was bothering her.

'So why you leaving then?'

' TC's gonna need some connections so I thought I'd go and work on getting some. You know outside of Seattle.' Alec partly lied.

Terminal City did need the connections but he could get them from Seattle, he just couldn't be around her any more.

'Oh,' Max replied feeling guilty for once again assuming Alec couldn't be sensible. He was the screw-up and she fixed things that were their roles. Now he was growing up and becoming the level headed sensible one.

'What?' Alec asked as if peering into her thoughts.

'Nothing.' Max paused. 'So you planning on saying goodbye to me and Josh or were you just…' Max stopped at the strange look Alec was giving her. She watched as he sniffed the air.

'What?' She repeated his earlier question.

'Max,' Alec said walking towards her. ' You need to get out of TC NOW!'

Chapter 7

'Why the hell should I do that?' Max asked angrily as Alec continued to walk towards her. She copied his step backwards towards the wall.

Alec continued to come towards her watching her like she was his prey. No not his prey his…

Mate! His mind and all other senses screamed.

Alec backed her to the wall. When he had her successfully pinned he took a strong sniff, rubbing his nose in Max's neck. Max arched into his chest without realising. Alec then pushed her to the left just as he opened the front door.

'Alec,' Max moaned seductively from outside his door.

'Max, you're in heat.' Alec said pausing to sniff the now slightly clearer air. 'Get out of TC and Seattle before another Transgenic smells you. They won't push you away like I did and then you'll be stuck with a mate you don't want and pinning over Logan. Well, more than usual.'

'Alec, come on.' Max said. 'I'm in full control. We can 'get busy' and not be mated. Come on Alec help me scratch my itch.'

Alec wondered how she could have gone from not even in the first hours of heat to full-blown heat in a matter of minutes.

Wait a minute her scent was stronger when she came down the corridor. Alec thought. Oh, god. The kiss was just heat. She'd been dumping pheromones all day. How had no one else noticed it?

Coz you got my scent memorised baby. Of course you'd notice first. Now let me back in. Max voiced seductively in his head.

How can she sound like that even in my head. God I want her so much.

'Max?' Alec asked wondered if she was still there.

After a moment of what he thought was fidgeting on her part she responded.

'Hey Alec.' She sounded surprisingly normal.

'You okay?' Alec asked.

'Yeah…I…just it's never been this bad before. I didn't even know I was in heat 'til you started backing me into the wall then all I could smell was you and I…. oh baby let me in.'

Alec smelt the fresh load of pheromones she dumped.

'Max you're gonna get outta of TC and you're gonna stay there 'til this is over. Are you listening Max?' Alec commanded.

'Uh huh. I'll only leave baby if you come with me.' Max purred.

Just then Alec caught a scent of some one.

Male…Transgenic…Matt…Threat! Alec thought as he opened the door and pulled Max back in.

'That's better baby.' Max said wrapping her arms around Alec neck whilst licking her lips. Alec took a moment to regain his breath. Then, just as Max jumped and wrapped her legs around his waist he injected her with an injection he didn't remember going to get from his room. As Max eyes fluttered for a moment Alec carried her over to the sofa, feeling the haze of the heat and affect of the smell start to calm within him .

'Alec?' Max asked weakly.

'Ssssh, just sleep baby.' Alec whispered as Max fell asleep.

Chapter 8

Max awoke to see Alec sitting on the edge of the sofa biting his nails. For once she sat back and admired the beauty that was Alec.

Alec felt her awaken and waited. For what exactly, he didn't know. Would she be angry at him for put her to sleep or had the heat suppressant even worked and would she still be trying to jump him? He couldn't smell as many pheromones; though he could still smell them causing him to take deep, slow breaths and making them last as long as possible.

'Alec?' Max asked. 'What did you inject in me?'

Alec was shocked to hear there was no venom or anger in her voice only vulnerability.

'Heat Suppressant. Stole them from Manticore when I was in there.' Alec explained defensively. At her confused look he continued. 'Sometimes the guards didn't get there as soon as a female would go into heat so I made a note to always carry them on me. Males who fought over a mate or an um.. potential mate were often punished. I was fed up of my unit getting punished for the scientists' mistakes.'

'Oh,' Max said sadly. 'Does TC have any?'

'Yeah I gave them a few a couple a weeks back. Dix had been making more since. Don't worry one shot is enough to last throughout your entire heat.'

Max was surprised to find herself not as relieved as she'd thought she'd be.

'So I'm not in heat anymore?' Max asked.

'No, unfortunately. You're still in heat and you're still gonna want to um.. copulate. But you won't be desperate like usual and should be able to ignore it.'

Max inwardly smiled at Alec's nervousness about talking about sex. This wasn't the Alec she knew. But she knew he was right ,she still wanted him but unlike usual, only him, no other male would do.

Yeah but you've always wanted me Max. The Alec voice whispered in her head.

'So, did you not want to… um.. copulate with me?' Max asked wondering why that hurt so much.

At Max's shocking question, Alec's head spun around to finally look at her.

'Huh?' Alec asked. 'You wanted to? With me, I mean?'

'Duh Alec.' Max said realising the suppressant was helping to give her the ability to finally talk about what she wanted, without having the desperation of heat.

Alec thought for a moment.

Heat. Of course she wanted you genius. Well not you just a certain part of your body. Hah! Did you honestly think she wanted you?

'Yeah.' Alec laughed unhappily.

'I'm really tired. Is that normal?' Max asked.

'Yeah,' Alec responded robotically as if he had had this conversation many times before and had grown bored of it. 'You'll probably sleep through the rest of your heat. Don't worry about any transgenics bugging you. Your smell is weaker now. Unless they have known you for a long time or have often focused solely on you scent they won't register the change. But its best you stay here anyway.'

'So you can have your wicked way with me?' Max asked in a joking yet still seductive voice.

'Yeah definitely Max.' Alec replied glad to fall into their usual banter. 'So get some sleep it'll do you and your shark DNA good.'

'Okay,' Max responded and Alec was surprised at how much trust he could here in her voice. 'Will you hold me whilst I sleep? I feel cold.'

Max hoped it sounded innocent enough.

'Oh I'll go get you a blanket.' Alec replied but before she could respond he was up and out the door.

As the door opened she saw Matt, one of the X5s, outside on the floor lying unconscious. Max made a mental note to ask Alec about it later as she fell asleep.

Chapter 9

Max awoke about 18 hours later surprised at how long she slept. She kicked off the blankets that were wrapped tightly around her.

Alec's really not that clueless is he? Max thought getting up to look around the apartment for him. As her foot swung off the sofa she heard a crumple on the floor below.

Max looked down and saw a piece of paper. Curiosity beating her, being part cat and all, she picked up the piece of paper, reading whilst tears formed in her eyes.

Max

Hope you enjoyed your sleep you looked comfy enough when I left you.

I've left TC to start on those contacts.

Don't worry I told Josh and Cindy where you were and said goodbye to everyone before leaving before you try to yell at me for not doing that and this is me saying goodbye to you.

It sounds stupid saying goodbye since I'll probably be back though not for a while.

I send all the information, contacts and anything else I get to the email account Dix set up for TC.

I think you'll like my email address.

While I'm around I'll look for some help with the virus as well and send it on.

Thought I should help considering it was all my fault and all.

I'm gonna miss you Maxie.

Love

Alec

P.S. My email address, if any things comes up, Dix has it but I thought you'd like it too:

And don't worry about exposure no one knows it but you and Dix.

P.S.S. If I get my ass busted, I'll be sending for you! Just joking…well kind of.

I'll be back

'And I'll be waiting.' Max said to an empty apartment. 'However long it takes.'

End of Part One