I'm sooooooooooo sorry!!!! Seriously, for some reason whenever I tried to open word document it shut my entire computer off! I don't know why, but I had this chapter mostly written and it died on me and I lost almost everything. So that's why I haven't been able to update so don't yell at me! Also I've had way too much homework for my own good. For anyone's own good. The only reason I've even had time to retype this is cause I stayed home sick and now I'm gonna be even more behind than I was so be happy. I'm gonna shut up now and get to the story.

Chapter 24

Max pov.

"How about we all stay here for a while?" He looks at me, for approval. "If that's okay with you." He adds, turning to look at Airla

She nods. "We'd be delighted to have you guys here."

I think about that for a moment. We'd have a chance to have a bed to sleep in, real food. But then what about the Tunnel Guards? Well, I guess they'd be fine without us for a while anyways. I nod in reply. "Only for a while." I knew this was probably Fang's way of stalling from making the decision but I'm letting it slide.

And so now here we are, in an actual house, in an actual living room. It felt strange. Instantly I think of Dr. Martinez and Ella. We really should go back and visit them, but some part of me wants to hold off on that trip. I don't know why, but for some reason I just do. We'll end up going back eventually though; I know I couldn't stand to not go back ever. It would definitely be nice to feel like I have a family again. But what about Jeb?

What about me? He says suddenly.

I jump when I hear his voice. Why does he always come at the moments I lease expect most? Why couldn't he come when I actually want him to come (well, that wouldn't work because I NEVER want him to come) and not come when I didn't want him to come?

Maximum, when will you learn to trust me? I hear him sigh.

Umm, I think, how about never?

You're only hurting yourself.

"And how would I be doing that?" I snarl.

Everyone stares at me and that's when I realize I'd spoken out loud. Dominick raises an eyebrow, Airla stares worriedly at me.

"Uh," I try to come up with an excuse, "I was just umm . . ."

"Mommy!" Emalyne comes running into the room. "Come look outside! There's a bunch of big dogs running around on two feet! They're huge! Come see, come see!"

Fang and I exchange glances. "Huge dogs . . .?"

Emalyne nods excitedly as if this is the best thing that's ever happened to her. "Huge! Almost eight feet tall!"

"Aww man!" Iggy sighs and puts his head in his hands.

"And there's a bunch of men in black out there too! They're holding guns!" William runs in too.

"Everyone go to the basement now!" I order the family. They stay put, completely clueless and confuse. I groan. "Look, they will kill you! We'll explain everything later. Just everyone go in the basement now before it's too late!"

They all follow my orders to my great relief and run down in the basement and lock the doors.

Almost as soon as the door is closed and we hear the click of the lock almost half the wall bursts open and a bunch of erasers coming piling in. But these weren't the erasers who were on our side. I could tell by their evil, vicious and hungry smiles. These erasers were out for blood; these were still loyal to Itex.

Would anyone like to beta a new story I'm coming up with? I am still really sorry about the wait. And about the length. I know it's short. Please forgive me. Blame my computer. I do. Review!!!! -Kristen