Lucky

Jeb had really come through for us. The house was on a secluded island with two floors that overlooked the shore. The only way to get here was by flying or by boat, so over all, it was a pretty good set up for our safety. There were enough rooms for everyone to have our own but, Fang and I decided to share a room and use the extra-room in case of guests (there were others out there like us, and if they needed help, we would give it to them).

I stood on the porch that overlooked the shore. All of the flock was down there playing, happily enjoying themselves. To my surprise, there was plenty of clothes prepared for us (plus with Nudge's help, we could make almost anything fit us). Food wasn't hard to come by, it was well stocked and only an hour fly away from shore. The place had back up money for us to get groceries once we started running low.

The house behind me had large glass windows, the living room was filled with books, a television, video game systems, board games, and more to keep a flock of bird kids entertained. There was internet (to Fang's relief) and even a phone (so I could call my mom or Iggy could call Ella). I was still alert and ready to fight, in case my luck wore thin.

She's beautiful, in the sunlight, standing there with her wings catching the breeze. I just need to hold her- Warm hands wrap around my waist, he placed his chin on my shoulder to observe the flock as I did. "Max," he murmured, speaking aloud this time. "Don't worry," he too could hear my thoughts. One might think of it as an invading of privacy but Fang already knew me inside and out and vice versa.

"For now, I'll try not to." He kissed my neck. I felt the tingles of not just my own skin but the way it felt for him. It was amazing, feeling both excited emotions at the same time. If I wanted to, I could probably break it off, but the connection was unbelievable. I turned to face him, his arms still tight around my waist. I lifted my arms around his neck.

Fang's eyes searched mine. I gave him a small smile, "We're safe." It was true, we had been here two months and we hadn't been bothered. But then again, the flock had gone a year before Brigid showed up again. Abraham was still technically alive and-

Fang pressed his lips against mine. He always knew how to make me stop thinking. Warmth flooded through me, there was nothing like this. I saw what Fang saw in the back of my mind. He was remembering the two of us together, taking in the particular details of my body. I blushed at the way he saw me- he thought I was flawless and beautiful. I was adorable when I was angry.

I bit his lip as excitement rushed through us. We backed off for a moment, to catch our breath. We couldn't live more in sync than anyone else. The flock and I were creations, made by man. I'd like to believe then, that Fang and I were made to be together. That's why we were so perfectly in love.

Fang smiled as I leaned against the railing of the porch. I heard a few whistles and cheers. I peered over my shoulder to see the flock staring at us. A deep blush crept over my skin as I pulled Fang closer to me so I could placed my face against his chest. We were laughing as well. His laugh was a deep rich sound that I held on to like a bee holds on to honey.

Embarrassed about us? Fang asked lightly in my head, teasing. He was a lot more talkative in his mind than out loud. Now I heard everything I needed to hear when he was too afraid to say it.

No, but PDA is not something I'm a fan of. He laughed again as I reached my hands up to intertwine my fingers within his soft, black hair. His own hands were pressing tightly against the small of my back. I like the idea of the stranded island a lot you know.

I figured, you can barely keep your hands off of me. Fang kissed my cheek, my neck, and then my lips again. He was teasing me all over again. I liked when he did that. His breath was warm on my cheek, smelling of mint. His chest pressed hard against mine. I like it too though.

I know, you're hands are worse than mine, I joked back. His fingers traced as usual underneath the hem of my shirt, touching bare skin. His eyes lit up with amusement as he listened in on my own thoughts.

"Max! I'm hungry," Nudge's voice reached me as the entire flock came trampling up the stairs. I felt Fang reluctantly let me go as I stepped into full on leader/mom mode.

You're not a mother, Max. Fang reminded me.

"All right, sandwiches today guys." We stepped into the home, the kitchen was larger than the one at my mom's home. Everyone had a place to sit, even Total, around a large counter island as I started to toss bread and sandwich fillings onto the center of the table. "All right, here you go."

"At least you didn't cook it," Iggy replied. He was having trouble reaching for items. He was slowly losing his eyesight all over again. My heart ached when he reached for the mayonnaise and he missed it by a few inches. Nudge reached over and handed it to him. Since we've been here, Nudge had gotten more control over her visions of the future. Now, she could look when she wanted or stop any from coming. Unless they were really strong. Just like now.

Nudge's eyes grew wide as she began to see the image. There was a white glaze over her eyes, as she grew blind to reality. "Max, she's coming again! The woman!" Iggy instinctively grabbed Nudge's hand and held it for her. Angel stared wide with shock. Gazzy leaned forward waiting for an answer. I grabbed Fang's hand.

"Who's coming Nudge?" I asked her, her head turned towards the sound of my voice. "Tell me what's going on, sweetie. What do you see?"

"She's coming to warn us, but I can't reall hear what she's saying," Nudge continued. Then, her eyes fluttered and grew limp. Nudge fell into Iggy's arms. Angel and Gazzy rushed up to her. Total stared from his chair at the counter, whimpering like a dog.

"Who was she talking about?" I asked Fang. He shook his head.

"Me," a woman stepped forward. The flock, minus Iggy who was holding the unconscious Nudge, entered fighting mode. I held up my fists as I took my first real glimpse of her. She had thick, caramel colored hair and dark, rich skin. Her brown eyes were kind as they glimpsed at all of us slowly. "Hello 000001, Phoenix, Subject 11, F-03, Organism 09, and you Canine 276." Then her eyes went to Nudge and I saw her eyes soften.

"Who are you? What did you call us?"

I stepped forward so the woman would look at me.

She smiled, "I called you by your proper names. There are reasons for everything 000001, which is why I always opposed Jeb letting you name yourself Maximum Ride." She shook her head. "Phoenix isn't the only one with powers, which is why I've come to warn you. Your powers are done yet. Some may threaten your lives if you don't learn to control them. Dwyer knows of them now and she'll use them against you."

"Why tell us all of this?" Iggy asked, Nudge still in his arms. He held her protectively, her curly caramel hair under his chin. He stroked her hair as she shivered. One of the side effects to her visions was she passed out and grew extremely weak. It was similar to my healing power.

"It is in my best interest that all of you survive especially you, 000001. You take care of G-47." Again the woman stared at Nudge, observing the way Nudge's breathing slowly calmed down. In her sleep, Nudge cuddled up to Iggy, a small smile on her face.

I stared at the woman closely, "I take care of my flock, I love them all. They are my family. What importance do they have to you? We aren't freaks here for your amusement." Her eyes lifted to stare at me. "Why do you care so much about Nudge?"

The woman smiled, "She's my daughter."

I felt the entire world stop in shock.

"You're ride isn't over just yet Maximum."