Author: X_tremeroswellian

Email: X_tremeroswellian@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Not mine. Don't sue. The song that Liz and Max dance to is "Take My Hand" by Dido. It is not mine either. It is on her album, "No Angel."

Rating: R for language, adult situations, and sexual content

Spoilers: Up through "Blood Brothers" and some for the book series

Author's Note: Well, after writing the first nine parts of this, I needed to do something a bit lighter to keep me from getting depressed, so this part (or chapter) is a bit less intense than the last nine. Until the end, anyway....

Matters of Trust (Part Ten)

"So what do we do about Liz's uncle?" Maria asked, reaching across the table and taking her friend's hand.

"We could kill him," Isabel suggested, smiling slightly.

Maria smiled back. "Doesn't sound like a bad idea to me."

Alex looked over at Liz. Max had his arm wrapped around her shoulders, and was playing with her hair while Liz leaned her head against his shoulder. She looked more peaceful than Alex had ever seen her.

Michael smiled across the table at Maria. "We don't have to kill him, although that would be fun, too. All we have to do is mess with his head a little."

Alex frowned. "What do you mean?"

"A few terrifying nightmares with some negative reinforcement," Isabel said, grinning broadly. "I'm up for some dream stalking."

"That makes two of us," Max spoke up, pulling Liz a bit closer to him.

"I'm in," Michael said, smiling at Liz.

"Man, I wish I was an alien," Maria said in frustration.

Michael and Isabel exchanged a look. "We might be able to draw you guys into the dream. I've never tried it before, but after that connection, it's feasible," Isabel said, glancing at Maria, Alex, and Liz.

"I don't know if I should be part of this," Liz said quietly.

"It's totally up to you, Liz. Is this whole thing okay with you? Do you want to approach this differently?" Isabel asked.

Liz met her gaze. Isabel was handing her back the control she had lost so long ago. Liz felt a lot stronger than she had in years. She thanked Isabel with her eyes.

"Whatever you want to do, Liz," Alex agreed. He and Isabel exchanged a smile.

"It's your choice," Michael said, gazing into her eyes.

"Totally," Maria agreed.

"We'll stand behind you with whatever you decide," Max said, squeezing her lightly.

She met his eyes. "I don't know what I want to do," she admitted.

Max kissed her forehead. "That's okay. We'll just figure out a way to keep you safe until you do decide."

"Thank you," she whispered, laying her head on his shoulder again.

Maria and Alex smiled as they watched Max and Liz.

"Do you want to spend the night here?" Isabel offered.

Liz smiled. "Yeah. I just have to call and tell my parents."

Isabel smiled back, unable to hide her happiness. It was hard for Isabel to let anyone in. She had lots of popular friends, but nobody that knew who she really was.

And the truth was, Isabel liked Liz and Maria. They knew her. She knew beyond a doubt she could trust them now. She had ached for a companion to talk to.

She loved Max and Michael, but there was something about having a female friend, someone to discuss girl things with, things that guys could never understand. Now she had two female friends. She couldn't be more thrilled.

"But, Mom, Isabel and I need to study for history." She looked back at Isabel and covered the mouthpiece. "I can't stay."

"I could come over to your house," Isabel offered quickly.

Liz bit her lip. She didn't want to possibly place Isabel in danger.

Isabel knew what she was thinking. "Don't worry, Liz," she said, her eyes twinkling.

Liz grinned. "Mom, would it be okay if Isabel came over to our house?" She listened. "Okay, thanks." She hung up the phone and turned to Isabel. "She said okay." An idea suddenly occurred to her. "Maria, why don't you come over, too?"

"Okay," Maria agreed.

"Well, then, tonight we're all right. Liz, do you work tomorrow?" Alex asked.

"9 to 5."

"I work 7 to 3," Maria said.

"I'll be there around 2," Max said.

"Me too," Alex said quickly.

"I'll camp out on your roof tomorrow," Michael said volunteered.

"I'll be there with you," Max said, gazing at Liz.

"Great," Michael said, smiling.

"I don't work Monday," Liz told them.

"You can come over here after school," Max said. "You're welcome to stay the night." He blinked. "Speaking of which, it's Saturday night and my parents aren't home. Alex, Michael, you guys want to hang here tonight?"

"Sure," Alex agreed.

"Hey, any time I can avoid Hank is fine by me."

Isabel stood up. "I'm going to pack a bag. Liz, did you drive?"

"Yeah."

"Maria?"

"Yeah."

"I'll pick you up in the morning, okay, Izzy?" Max offered.

She nodded and hurried up the stairs.

"I'm going to go grab some stuff from my house," Alex said. "Michael, do you want to come with me?"

"Sure." Michael stood up.

"I'm going to head to my house, too," Maria told Liz. "See you in an hour?"

Liz nodded and watched as the three of them left.

Max stood up and walked over to Liz. "You're amazing, you know that?" he whispered. He touched her face. "I have a question."

"Yeah?"

"Why wolves?"

She smiled softly. "Because once a wolf finds a mate, they stay together for life."

His heart nearly melted from those few words from Liz Parker. "Liz?"

"Yes?"

"Can I kiss you?"

"Please," she whispered. He caressed her face in his hands, his eyes locked with hers. Then he lowered his face to hers and touched her lips with his own, very gently.

Liz's eyes drifted shut as Max lowered one of his hands to the small of her back to support her. He was so gentle, so careful with her. Liz felt a wave of pure love flowing between them. God, this feels so right, she thought. She wrapped her arms around his neck as the kiss deepened.

Isabel came down the stairs and saw her brother and Liz wrapped in a gentle embrace. She smiled. "It's about time," she said softly.

Isabel glanced at Liz and Maria as the three of them walked up to Liz's apartment. Liz took a deep breath and turned the handle. Much to their surprise, someone swung open the door from the other side.

Liz jumped back.

"Hello, Lizzie," Charlie said, smiling. He glanced over at Maria and Isabel, smiling at them. "You must be friends of Lizzie's."

Liz swallowed hard. "This is Maria DeLuca and Isabel Evans."

"Nice to meet you," he said.

Maria took an involuntary step backwards, but Isabel remained standing where she was. She stared at him icily. "Wish I could say I returned the pleasure."

Charlie blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Sorry, I don't think I can do that," she replied, her eyes flashing. "Liz, we really need to study for geometry."

"I thought you were studying for history," he said, staring at Liz.

"You thought wrong," Liz said sharply, surprised by the tone of her voice.

Isabel smiled as Charlie's face fell. She linked her arm through Liz's and Maria followed them to Liz's room. They closed the door behind them.

Maria burst out laughing. "Did you guys see his face?"

Isabel grinned.

"I can't believe I just said that!" Liz exclaimed, sinking onto her bed.

"You have a lot more inner strength than you give yourself credit for," Isabel told her.

Liz met her gaze. "Well, I wouldn't have found it if it weren't for you guys."

"Hey, I'm going to go grab some more sodas and popcorn," Michael said, standing up and leaving the room.

"Okay," Max said.

Alex glanced over at him. "Hey, Max," he said.

"Yeah?"

"I just-want to say I'm sorry about all the things I said to you before. About staying away from Liz and everything."

"You were just worried about her."

"So were you," Alex pointed out. "I was just-angry, you know?"

Max nodded. "It's okay."

"Do you love her?"

"Yes," he answered immediatly.

"Good. I don't want her getting hurt. She's one of my best friends in the world." He looked at Max. "She loves you, too, you know."

Max stared at him in surprise. Then he lowered his eyes. "I'm kind of afraid it won't work," he admitted.

"Why?" Alex asked, unable to hide his own surprise.

"Well, because she's a...and I'm an..."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Why is it that you guys are more worried about that then us humans?"

"What are we more worried about than you humans?" Michael asked, coming back into the room.

"That was some fast popping popcorn," Alex commented.

Michael grinned. "And it didn't even require a microwave."

Alex shook his head in amazement.

"So, what are we discussing?" Michael asked again, plopping down onto the couch.

"Uh...Girls," Alex answered.

"Liz or Isabel?"

Alex turned red and looked away.

Max looked over at him. "You and Isabel?"

Alex shook his head. "I don't think she sees me that way."

"Have you ever asked her?"

"Did you ever ask Liz?"

"Uh, well, no. Not exactly. But Liz and I-we-we're different."

"Yeah, you just look at each other and know what you're thinking," Alex answered. "You don't need to ask."

"Isabel's just--she's not as tough as she acts. Just talk to her," Max advised.

"You guys are really pathetic," Michael said with a laugh as he threw a piece of popcorn in the air and caught it in his mouth.

Alex and Max focused their attention on him. "Oh, and what about you and Ms. DeLuca?" Alex teased.

"Completely different."

"How so?" Max demanded.

"We don't try to analyze everything that happens. It's not complicated."

"Michael and I--well, actually, I don't know if there is a Michael and I," Maria said, sipping a cherry pepsi. "It's really complicated."

"Neither of use expects anything from each other. It's great not knowing from one minute to the next what's going to happen between us."

"I mean, I have no idea what Michael expects from me, and I hate not knowing how he feels or what's going to happen between us."

"We have the perfect relationship," Michael said, leaning back against the couch cushions.

"Our whole relationship is a weird disaster."

"Michael, are you sure Maria feels the same way?" Alex asked.

"I have no idea how Michael feels about us, Isabel. That's the whole point."

"I really think you should talk to her, Michael," Alex urged. "I've known Maria for a long time and she's not as flighty as she seems. She's--well, she's vulnerable."

"I really think you should talk to him, Maria," Isabel said, painting her fingernails bright pink. "I've known Michael forever and he's not as tough as he acts. He's just--well, he's scared."

"She's a really great person, though, Michael," Alex said. "Liz is, too," he added, looking at Max, who was staring at the phone.

"He's got a good heart, Maria. And so does Max," Isabel said, shooting a look at Liz, who was staring at the telephone.

"So, what's up with you and Liz anyway?" Alex asked curiously.

Liz looked up at Isabel, surprised by the question. "Max is a great guy. The best I've ever known."

"She's perfect. She's completly different from all the other girls I've ever met."

"His eyes are so--I can look into them and just get completly lost. But the weird thing is, when I look into his eyes, I never feel lost. I feel...like I've found home."

"When I look into her eyes, I feel like I've found home."

"Max has been head over heels for you since third grade," Isabel announced.

"Max here has been in love with Liz since the third grade," Michael told Alex.

"Oh, wow. That is like, so romantic," Maria squealed. "But why didn't he say something before?"

Alex stared at Max. "And you never said anything to her about it?"

"Maria, he couldn't. It was too dangerous," Isabel said, rolling her eyes.

"Well, at least he didn't say anything for the right reasons," Maria said thoughtfully.

"It was too dangerous. I didn't want Liz to get dragged into the whole mess," Max said, staring at the floor.

"He did it for the right reasons," Michael said, tossing more popcorn into the air and catching it in his mouth.

Maria tossed a piece of popcorn in the air and caught it in her mouth. Then she grinned. "I've kinda had this crush on Michael since the fifth grade."

"I've kinda had this thing for Maria since the fifth grade. It's just something about her..."

"There's just something about him," Maria said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Yeah, he's a vibrator, right?" Liz asked teasingly.

"Yeah, Maria's a 'real vibrator,' right, Michael?" Max asked with a grin.

"So, what about Alex?" Maria asked Isabel casually.

"I don't know. He seems sweet."

"Isabel is great. You should go for it," Michael advised.

"Oh, Alex is great. You should definitely, definitely, definitely go for it," Maria told her. She looked at Liz. "Right?"

Liz had been staring at the phone again. "Right."

"Would you just call him already?" Isabel demanded, rolling her eyes.

"Would you just call her already? Obviously you're worried, so just call her," Alex said, rolling his eyes.

Max nodded and picked up the phone. He hit speed dial. The line was busy.

Liz hung up the phone and sighed. "Busy signal."

A second later, her phone rang and she snatched it up. "Hello?"

"Hey, it's me."

"Hey," she said with a soft smile. "I just tried to call you."

"Yeah, me too, but the line was busy," he told her.

"That's because I was trying to call you," she said. They both laughed.

"Now that is scary," Maria commented to Isabel, who grinned.

"Are you sure Liz isn't an alien?" Michael asked Alex, who laughed.

"So, is everything okay?" Max asked softly.

"Yeah. I mean, we're just sitting here talking."

"Same here. So he hasn't tried anything?"

"No. No, we're okay."

"If anything happens--"

"--I'll call you."

"Promise," he said at the same time Liz said, "I promise."

"Liz?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you really okay?"

Liz dropped her voice. "Well, I'd be better if you dropped by tonight," she said softly.

"You mean--?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure?" he whispered.

"Positive. I mean, if it's okay with you," she added shyly.

"I'd love to," he replied, just as shyly.

Liz smiled. "Thanks."

"So, um, I'll see you soon, then."

"Yeah, soon," she echoed.

"Good night, Liz."

"Good night," she answered softly. She hung up the phone, relieved that Maria and Isabel didn't seem to have listened to her conversation.

She didn't want them to think she didn't feel safe with them. She did. But she had this darkness inside of her, this scary void that had ached and hurt for as long as Liz could remember.

Until the day that Max saved her.

And for that brief moment when she gazed up at him and saw the concern and the fear in his eyes--concern and fear over her--the aching had stopped. But as soon as Max had run from the Crashdown, it started aching worse than before.

Then Max had reversed the connection between the two of them. And for the first time ever, not only did the aching stop, but she felt like a whole person. And that's how she felt every time she was with Max now.

It wasn't a physical thing. Of course, she was attracted to him. How could she not be? His dark hair and broad shoulders and smile were enough to melt any girl's heart.

But Liz loved his eyes. God, she could just look into his eyes and forget everything else in the world.

And his hands.

The hands that had healed her, saved her from death. The hands that had comforted her when she thought she couldn't go on. The hands that kept her safe from harm. The hands that had formed the connection between her and Max that was so strong, they knew what the other was feeling, and thinking.

What Liz felt for Max went way beyond what anything physcial possibly could.

She needed him. She needed him to be with her. Liz loved Maria and Alex, and after the connection the six of them had formed, she was beginning to feel the same way towards Isabel and Michael. But the connection she shared with the four of them still paled in comparison to the connection she shared with Max Evans.

She suddenly couldn't wait to go to sleep. "Guys, I'm really tired," Liz announced, climbing into bed. "You don't mind, do you?"

"No, go ahead," Maria assured her. "We'll keep it down."

"Liz, do you have a yearbook?" Isabel asked suddenly.

"Yeah, it's on the desk," Liz said with a yawn. She crawled under the covers and closed her eyes.

Maria looked over at Isabel curiously as Isabel grabbed the yearbook and joined her on the floor again. "What are you doing?"

"I thought you might like to visit Michael," Isabel said, flipping through the pages until she found a picture. She looked at Maria. "Interested?"

"In dream walking?" Maria asked, eyes widening.

Isabel nodded. "I'm not sure if it will work, but we can try if you'd like."

Maria nodded eagerly. "Okay, great!"

Isabel had to smile at Maria's enthusiasm. Sure, she'd dreamwalked more times than she could remember. But it was still excited. She grasped Maria's hand in one of her own and then touched Michael's picture.

"Just close your eyes and relax," Isabel advised.

Maria did as told and laid down on the sleeping bag.

"Now, just clear your head and close your eyes," Michael instructed as he gripped onto Alex's arm. "I don't know if this will work."

Maria followed Isabel through the dense fog. "Where are we?"

"We're following Michael's dream orb," she answered.

Maria looked around and suddenly Isabel shrieked and Maria jumped and ran to her side. She found herself face to face with Michael and Alex. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Same thing you are," Michael said, smirking.

She stuck her tongue out at him and he grinned. He grabbed her hand. "Come with me. I want to show you something." He looked at Isabel and Alex. "You guys okay here?"

Isabel looked at Alex and smiled. "I think we'll be just fine." She reached out her hand and Alex took it, smiling back at her.

Liz stood on the beach, her long blue silk dress trailing the sand. Her long dark hair was gently tusseled from the light breeze.

She could hear music playing, but she didn't know where it was coming from. It was then that she saw him. He was walking towards her slowly, his eyes locked with hers. He was dressed in a tuxedo and he was carrying a long-stemmed yellow rose.

"Touch my skin and tell me what you're thinking

Take my hand and show me where we're going

Lie down next to me, look into my eyes..."

Liz smiled as Max handed her the rose. They gazed at one another for a few seconds. Then he reached out and touched her cheek, caressing it with his thumb.

"And tell me, oh, tell me what you're seeing..."

Max held his hand out to her. "May I have this dance?"

Liz smiled and allowed him to lead her into a slow dance.

"So sit on top of the world and tell me how you're feeling

What you feel is what I feel for you

Take my hand and if I'm lying to you

I'll always be alone, if I'm lying to you..."

He touched her cheek again, gently tracing a circular pattern on her cheekbone with his thumb. She watched his eyes, fascinated by the look of love she saw there.

"See my eyes, they carry your reflection

Watch my lips, and hear the words I'm telling you

Give your trust to me, look into my heart

And show me, oh, show me what you're doing..."

Liz reached up and touched his face just as gently, her eyes closing as he lowered his head to kiss her lips.

"So sit on top of the world and tell me how you're feeling

What you feel is what I feel for you..."

"Where are we, Michael?" Maria asked.

"Close your eyes," he told her.

Maria closed her eyes and allowed him to lead her a few steps.

"Okay, open them."

Maria's eyes flew open and she gasped. She and Michael stood in an open field, a herd of wild horses were galloping across the rolling plains. It was the mirror image of what Maria had sent him in the connection.

"Michael, this is beautiful," she whispered, lacing her fingers through his.

"You're beautiful," he answered. They both stood and stared at one another for several long moments, stunned by what he'd said.

Then slowly, they reached towards one another. Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss.

Isabel held onto Alex's hand as they walked side-by-side in the forest. "So, now that you know about us...I mean, how do you feel?" Isabel asked, hoping her voice didn't sound as nervous as she felt.

Alex stopped walking and she turned to face him. "Well, you just proved my point. You are the most beautiful girl in the galaxy."

The breath caught in the back of her throat. "Thank you for saying that. You're special, Alex. I've always known it."

"You have?" he asked doubtfully.

She nodded. "I've noticed you since the fourth grade. You've always watched me. Why?"

"Because I always knew there was more to you than you ever let on, Isabel. I've wanted to know you for a long time now."

"Really?"

Alex nodded. He touched her face gently.

Liz rested her head on Max's shoulder and he rested his chin on the top of her head.

She suddenly began feeling weak and she held onto his arm tightly.

"Liz?" he questioned, taking a step back to look at her.

"Max, I don't feel so good," she said weakly. The wind began to blow and the sky darkened. Liz's knees buckled and Max lowered her gently to the sand.

"Stay with me," he pleaded.

"What's happening, Max?" she whispered.

"I don't know. This is your dream, Liz."

"I don't think I'm dreaming," she said, moaning as lightning flashed through the black sky.

Max watched in horror as Liz's breath shortened. He put his hands on her face. "Liz? Liz, can you hear me?"

"I need you, Max. Please help me," she whispered.

And then to Max's horror, she disappeared. "Liz!" he screamed.

"This is nice," Maria whispered, sitting in front of Michael as he massaged her shoulders gently.

"Yeah," he agreed.

"Why can't things between us be like this all the time?"

Michael grinned. "Because we're both smart asses."

She smiled. "Do you think this can work out?"

"I hope so." Michael touched her face.

They were about to kiss again when a terrified scream filled the air. "Liz!"

"That was Max!" he said, on his feet immediately. He pulled her up. "We have to leave the orb!"

Michael sat up in horror at the same time Alex and Max sat up, all of them gasping for breath. "What happened?" Michael demanded.

"Liz is in trouble!" And with those words, Max leapt to his feet, grabbed his car keys and raced outside with Alex and Michael right behind him.

Max scaled the fire escape to Liz's roof in record time. Isabel and Maria were already standing there, the panic and fear frozen on both of their faces.

And just by one look at them, Max knew.

"She's gone," Isabel whispered, tears filling her eyes.

"But how could he take her with you guys there?" Alex asked in dismay.

"When we dreamwalk, our physical senses are deadened until we leave the orb," Michael said. He rushed forward to gather Maria in his arms when she collapsed onto the ground sobbing.

Alex took Isabel's hand.

Max stared up into the sky. "Where are you?" he whispered.

Go to Part 11 (The Conclusion)