I woke a little later, or so I thought was just a little while later.I opened my eyes to see Fang's face staring down at me. I
was lying on the ground now with my head across his lap, four other worried little faces looking on. I rubbed my head.
"Max?" It was Angel's sweet little voice, so full of worry and fear that it almost choked me up.
"Yeah sweetie."
"You okay?" She asked
"I'll be fine. Don't worry honey."
Just then I looked up into Fang's eyes, still staring at me, full of concern and fear. He made no effort to raise me up out of
his arms. Just sat there, holding me. It was like he was trying to look thru me, into my mind, to see just what was going on
in my head. I couldn't tell him. I was as confused as he was.Just as worried too. Of course I'd never tell him that.
"Angel, Nudge, go to the lake, bring back some water. Iggy, you and Gazzy find something to fix Max to eat." Fang ordered.
Then the flock members headed off into different directions.
"Headaches getting worse" he said after they were all out of earshot.
"Yeah, guess so. " I replied, looking around, beginning to take in our surroundings."Where are we How'd I get here?"
"About ten miles outside of Carver. And I carried you." Fang said as I tried to raise up, bringing a sharp pain into my side. I
took a deep breath as my hands went to support my ribs.
"Carver? How long have I been out" I said, half to myself.
"For over three hours, maybe four.The flock were really worried." he said.
"You flew almost three hours, carrying me? You must be exhausted Fang."
"Yeah, well. I knew you'd want to get here as soon as possible. The flock was so worried. I was worried" he said, his voice quieted to almost a whisper at the last part.
"Yeah, I am a little worried myself. seems like these headaches, and my reactions to them, are worse than before. It's like a recurring nightmare that you can't wake up from. And it gets worse everytime you have it" I looked around again. "What is this place?"
"It's an old cave that splits off into two more. Maybe tomorrow you'll feel better and we can do a little recon. Then go find this new lab of Itex's." he said.
"Yeah. Maybe if we find out what's goin on there, we can find out what's goin on inside my head." I replied as he got up and offered me his hand. I took it and he pulled me to my feet. I immediately leaned over, grabbing my ribs again at the sudden pain there.
"You alright?" Fang's voice came over my shoulder.
"Of course she is, she's invincible Max". It was Iggy's voice this time. He and the others gathering back around me, carrying various items.
"It's just some bruised ribs. Come on, let's eat a bite and get some rest. Tomorrow, we start the hunt for Itex, and some answers." I replied.I helped Iggy with the food, then played a few games of cards with the flock before making them all turn in. After all were asleep, I sat pondering what lay ahead, not really knowing whee to start. You're getting soft Max.The flyboy erasers got the best of you today.Not good Max. Not good. The voice was back. Oh yeah, well you could have warned a girl. I thought back at it. And why are they afterus again anyway? How did they know we were coming, unless you warned them. I was getting angry. I told you, I am not the enemy here Max. So you say. Then tell me, what are they up to? What do they want? And who is playing director these days? All in due time Max. All in due time. The answers will come. Now what just a damn minute here buddy. You send us all the way out here, getting us almost killed along the way, to God knows who and stop them from doing God knows what, and all you can say is all in good time? Just who the hell do you think you are? I was pissed now. I didn't realize that I was actually yelling the words out loud. Then I noticed Fang was up, looking at me. I glanced at him. He must think I have finally cracked up, lost it. i turned on my heels, started running and with one leap, was soaring across the night sky. The rush of flying at night never gets old. It is so peaceful. And I was flying at impossible sppeds well over 280. It felt amazing. I flew around for over an hour before returning to the cave. The flock was still asleep, except Fang of course. I landed softly and walked over to the side of the lake, staring into the still water.My head was spinning. Flyboys. Itex. Kids in cages. Needles. Screams. The smell. It all was rushing back into memory. The voice. The flock. Being on the run. Not knowing where our next meal would come from. Where we'd sleep. Fang. I was feeling over-whelmed. I mean, everything with Itex was supposed to be over with now. We had defeated them almost two years ago. Man, was I glad Angel couldn't read my thoughts right now. Me feeling out of control like this. It would just plain scare her to death. I trembled either from feeling this way ro from the dampness in the air. I didn't know which.
"The voice back?" it was Fang I heard this time. He had been waiting for me. I knew he would be. he walked up beside me
"No. It seems to have shut off again for the night anyway.
"And your headache?"
"Gone. It's just-" i had started, but was cut off by the look on Fang's face. He wa inches from me now.
"Shhh, don't think about it tonight.Just don't think"
"Don't think about it? How can I not think about it Fang?I've dragged you all out here. Nearly get you killed, again.On the
run , again.Am told by a voice inside my head that I must save the world, God knows from who or what. Put us all in
danger, again.Having headsches, again. " Then my voice lowered a bit." And if weren't for you today, with Rags, I am not
sure I could have even saved myself, much less the world.."
Fang grabbed my shoulders then."Oh yes you could have. You're invincible Max, remember?" He grinned slightly. "Besides,
you never would have let that lab experiment gone bad get the best of you in front of the flock. You would have gotten
pissed, and then kicked his over grown butt. And as for the rest of the world--" his voice trailed off. His eyes lowered, his
head leaning toward mine. "They can wait one more night" Then he kissed me.Soft at first, then harder, more demanding.
Fang had kissed me before, but never quite like this. I felt my breath catch in my throat. Asurge of electricity pulsed thru
me. Fang's lips were moving against mine, making me dizzy. He placed his hands on my back, pulling me against him.
Without realizing it, I had placed my hands in his hair, parting my lips under his. Fang immediately deepened then kiss.Oh
God he felt good, tasted good. So good. i love this. I love him. I entwined his hiar around my fingers, pulling him harder
against me. his hands were moving up and down my spine, causing tingling sensations to shoot thru every nreve in my
body.Then it hit me- I was kissing him back. Me. Max. Kissing Fang.Like this.But it felt so exhilirating. Magical. He pulled back
slightly, to look at me."Max" was all he said.
"Fang, i-" I had started, embarrassment turning my cheeks red. Too ate tho. His mouth was claiming mine again, even
hungrier thatn before.His fingers lightly tracing my wings. Time stood still at that moment. We finally seperated, the
surprise shone on both our faces. Our breathing was ragged, hard.Fang noticed I wa trembling again.I stared at him for a
second, then started to turn. To run. Take off again. But he stopped me, grabbing my hand, pulling me back."Max, don't."
I stopped in my steps. His voice seemed strange, strained somehow.Low and hoarse.i turned and looke dat him, at his
beautiful, deep, dark eyes. The look there took my breathe.
"Don't go Max.not this time." He said, pulling me to him again. He slowly lowered his lips to mine, never taking his eyes off
mine. And then he kissed me so softly, so tender, almost pleading, that I almost fell over in amazement. When the kiss
broke off, i looked into his eyes in shock, those eyes, his eyes, so full of what? Something I had never seen in them before.
Couldn't quite place it. And then i said the only thing I could say." No, not tonight". Then, shocking both of us, I leaned in
and kissed him again. My hands went around him, rubbing his back and shoulders. He pulled me tighter. Both of us panting
, gasping for air. Oh God, what was he doing to me? One kiss blended into another. Then another. We started to slide to
the ground. Then we heard a sound that made both of us jump and seperate, stilleyeing one another.Trying to catch our
breath.There was a strange look in Fang's eyes. They were darker than I had ever seen them, hazed over like on some
kind of drug. Yet shining in the moon light.
"Max? Fang?" We heard Iggy call as he came out of the cave. Thank God it was the blind one , I thought.
"Um, yeah Ig. Over here." Fang responded. I couldn't. I didn't trust my voice not to crack under the new feelings still
surging thru me as I looked at FAng. Our eyes still locked.
"There is something wrong with Gazzy. He's sick" Oh God. Here I am , making out with my best friend, feeling like this. All
while poor Gazzy is in there, sick, feeling terrible. Guilt washed over me for a second. Then leader mode kicked in.
I turned from Fang. "I'm coming Ig."and I was off. Fang was right behind me.i found Gazzy tossing and moaning, holding his
stomach.
"Gazzy, sweetie. it's ok. I am here." I said, running my hand across his hair, while placing my other hand on his shoulder.
"My stomach Max. It's killing me." Gaz moaned.
I knew he shouldn't have eaten that last squirrel. I tried to warn him then. "It's okay sweetie. Probably something you ate.
We'll get you something to make you fell better. Just hold on Sweetie." I said. I could feel Fang standing there behind me.
But i couldn't look at him. I had to stay focused on Gazzy.
"I'll go get some green willow bark, boil up some tea." Fang said I galnced up at him then. He gave me a 'this aint over yet'
look and walked out of the cave. I took a deep breath and returned to Gazzy.
"It'll be ok Gazzy. You'll be fine" I said, still brushing his hair with my fingers. "Here, try to sit up and drnink this" I said,
handing him the cup Fang had brought in.I sat with Gazzy's head in my lap, rubbing his back and shoulders, softly humming
his favorite songwhile he rid hisself of the poisonous gases and food he had eaten earlier . Finally, hours later, his body
relaxed and he drifted off to sleep. Fang had stood in the corner, back to the wall, arms crossed across his chest, watching
me with Gazzy the whole time. he had a strange look on his face, a kinda soft half grin. So unusual for Fang. I gently eased
GAzzy off my lap and down onto the floor, careful to place his head on the make shift pillow I had made him from my
sweatshirt. I stood and stretched the walked out of the cave into the darkness of the night to do a quick 360.
"You are so good with them." Fang's voicecame from behind me."Huh? I mumbled, turning to look at him.The softness in his
voice made me freeze.
"The flock. Those kids in there. You are so good with tihem.You treat them as if they were your own."
"They are mine Fang. i'm all they've got. And God knows they deserve a little caring and understanding. They don't exactly
live the easy life ya know."
"You dont just show them understanding Max. You give them love. You give them hope.A sense of belonging, of being
wanted, loved. " Where was all this coming from? I wondered.
"That's becaue I do love them. They are my family. You all are." I said, rubbing my head.
"And you are ours Max. You hold us together. Keep us going"
"Yeah, but going where? How could I be a good leader when I don't even know what it is I m leading them into." I said,
almost to myself.
"You are leading them into a better future. A chance to one day be happy, live a fairly normal life. One of hope. They need
that Max. They need you." he paused, then added "I need you"
I was speechless. i looked up then.Fang wa standing inches from me now. No. Don't let him kiss me. Not now. Not again. I
don't know if I could take it. But Fang's lips were already on mine, melting me. i took a deep breath and tried to remain in
control, a losing battle I soon realized. Fang's hands were at my waist, fingers lightly running up and down my sides. I
moaned and raised my arms up to circle his neck.He deepened the kiss, running his tongue over my bottom lip. Mine parted
to him. Oh God, what am I doing? This is Fang. Fang! The thoughts quickly left as Fang pulled me against him as he leaned
back against the outside cave wall. i had to grip his shoulders to keep my balance.
"Fang...we...shouldn't be...doing ...this..." muttered between kisses. Then Fang spread kisses down my throat to the nape
and across to the nape of my neck. A rush of energy spread thru me and I thought I was going to explode. 'Oh God, Fang"
I whispered grabbing his head with both hands.My head dipped back giving him full access to the sensitive skin he had
found."Max" I heard his soft husky voice. His mouth found mine again and took it with an almost violent need. My knees
went weak and buckled. I leaned into him and he gently slid us both to the ground.Then, while kissing my cheeks, neck,
jaw, he lowered me onto my back. He was above me now. I looked up into those glorious, dark, eyes, fickering with
passion. For me! Love and passion filled his eyes for me. And at this moment, I felt the same for him. A deep driving need to
be with him.I removed Fang's jacket as he undid my shirt., letting his fingertips gently caress the skin each button
revealed. His eyes widened as he removed my shirt and then he closed his eyes and began kissing my shoulders,
collarbone, chest.He traced the top of my breasts that were now straining against the fabric of my bra for his touch. He
quickly unhooked it, letting it fall as he took one mound into his warm, moist mouth. i couldn't help to inhale deeply. His
hand rubbing, aqueeing the other breast while his mouth worked its magic. Then, switched sides. My hands ran under his
shirt, feeling the taunt hard muscles of his chest. He raised, and while never taking his eyes off mine, pulled the shirt over
his head. All thought of running was gone. Replaced by aburning need to feel more of him, all of him. I realized then that I
wanted this, wanted him.'Fang" I whispered his name against his skin, kissing his neck and shoulders.My body was on fire
for him. I felt him tremble as I ran my hand across his chest and abdomen. His mouth came back to mine. I didn;t even
notice when or how he had removed the remainder of our clothing. I just knew how he made me feel, his skin on mine,
touching and rubbing together. He pread kisses down my stomach causing the tension to build in me. And then, he reached
a part of me so sensitive that I cried out at his touch. This only seemed to excite him. His hands and mouth moved
against me, firm and moist. He slipped a finger inside of me and I arched against him. His mouth continued its assault, his
tongue keeping rhthym with ihis finger, then two fingers. I began to twist, moan. Oh God. Just when I thought ai couldn't
stand andy more, he raised above me, his eyes looking into mine, asking, no pleading. i gripped his shoulders and ulled him
down to me. His mouth claimed mine as he entered me, muffling my cry of pain. He lay still, kissing me til the pain eased,
then began to move slowly at first.Then all conciousness was gone. There was only Fang. Here. Now. Nothing else
existed.His movements quickened as our kisses became more demanding. His hands touched, squeezed and carressed my
very being. I matched his rhythm as he thrust over and over into my very soul."I've wanted you for so long, dreamed of
you" he said in awild, husky voice as swet ran down his back. "Fang" was all i could manage. I clung to him as the relief we
both sought came violently. My nails digging into him, trying to hold on at the bring of abyss.Then we lay still, holding each
other. Neither daring to move. We held each other for a long time, exhausted and content.It was Fang that broke the
silence.
"Max, I -"
"Shh...don't It's ok." I raised up off his chest to look in hiseyes, afraid of what I would see. Fear? Regret? What I did see
brought tears to my eyes.I caressed his cheek. " I love you too" I said. He closed his eyes and held me tighter.A smile
formed on his lips, still swollen from our kisses. He pulled me back onto his chest and I fell asleep.