AN: I really hope that I finish this in time! AHHH! Stress!!!
I jumped as big buff guys in muscle shirts busted through the door, each holding a struggling flock member in their arms.
Fury rose within me as I looked at them. They were cold; they showed no emotion in their faces. They almost seemed robotic.
Remember, Max….
I listened to the Voice. Remember what?
Who have you fought that looks human, but isn't?
I thought hard. Erasers? No, that wasn't it.
I saw a flash-back to when I was fighting Omega. He had no facial expressions, his eyes gave away nothing. He was purely trained to fight and follow orders.
I looked back at the men. Could it really be? If they were like Omega, there was no way we could stand a chance, especially if they upgraded them.
I met Fang's eyes, and they didn't look hopeful. He seemed like he was trying to take me in, as if we would never see each other again.
Max, Angel said frantically in my head. Don't listen to him. Whatever he says, don't—
She stopped when Danny gave her a sharp look and then she started to shake. My baby, my Angel, was silently shrieking, as if someone was killing her from the inside out.
"Stop!" I cried. "Leave her alone!" I tried to run to Angel, but Danny pushed her arm toward me and I flew back and hit the wall. I collapsed and watched in horror as Angel finally passed out.
Then, Mr. Ackerson walked in. Next to him, was Dylan.
"No," I growled.
I jumped to my feet and started shrieking, "Traitor!"
Dylan looked at me apologetically. "I didn't mean for it to happen this way," he croaked. "It would have been so much easier if you had just…." He looked away as if this were painful for him to do.
Danny stepped toward Dylan and hugged his leg. "It's alright, Dylan. She was stubborn with Fang, too. She claimed she would never love him, and now she claims she will never stop. She can change her mind easily. All she needs is… time." Her eyes lit up as she announced the last sentence.
I got angry.
"Who the heck do you think you are? You can't tell me who to love! I'm Maximum Ride! I make my own decisions! I will not be threatened by a little brat and her stalker big brother!" I stomped my foot and balled my fists.
"Max, I know this isn't what you wanted," Mr. Ackerson started. "But my son has been waiting for you for a long time. You two were meant to be together--"
I shook my head. "Says who?" I hissed. "Says stupid scientists who rely completely on genetics and formulas? How would they know anything about who is or isn't perfect for me?"
They were quiet. I felt Fang's eyes boring into me, but I refused to look at him. "Someone who loves me wouldn't lie to me," I said directly to Dylan. "Someone who loves me would want the best for me. Someone who loves me would laugh with me, would cry with me, would take care of me, would understand me."
Dylan's eyes grew sad and he looked at me intensely. He didn't say anything.
"You can't do these things, Dylan. I can't make you happy and you can't make me happy. Fight against fate. Find your own love. Finding love is much better than being forced into it. I promise you. You don't want me, you just think you do." Wow, I was really starting to sound like a cheesey psychiatrist.
He smiled half-heartedly. "I love you, Max. I couldn't bare to be parted from you. I know we are supposed to be together, I really do. I can't let you go."
Geez, he's stubborn.
"And I can't stay," I said back sternly.
"Well, that's not true," Danny piped up. "Either you stay and the flock goes, or you go and the flock stays."
She knew me too well.
Well that chapter's a little bit longer… and don't worry. Answers will be revealed!