Chapter 17

(Max's P.O.V)

I was running from some people. Erasers, a voice in my head whispered. Running, Running. Faster, Max, I pushed myself.

I had placed a good distance between the erasers and myself. I heard a few growls behind me, and knew without a doubt that they were morphing, from man into what?

Dogs, the voice in my head whispered again.

Crap! I swore in my head. I had just pinwheel to avoid catapulting off of the looming cliff I was standing on.

It was either turn around and give myself up to the Erasers, or jump off of the cliff. To me the latter seemed more appealing.

As I backed up a few paces, there was a part that thought what I was about to do was crazy. But, for the most part, I knew I could do it.

The dogs burst through the clearing as I ran towards the edge of the cliff. I lauched myself off the cliff and after traveling a few meters down, I unfurled my wings hard and fast. I heard the dogs skid to a stop above me. I flapped my wings rocketing upwards in an instant. The dogs leaped upwards, snapping at me. Eventually the dogs retreated.

"Max," I heard behind me. "Are you okay?"

It was Fang. His midnight purple wings, stroked in perfect harmony with my white ones.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Good," he smiled, or almost I think it was a smile. It was so fleeting, I couldn't be completely sure. "Time to wake up. Wake up. Max, Max. wake up?"

"Mmm," I groaned. I pulled the covers further over my head.

"Max, C'mon," I heard Fang say.

"Fang, leave me alone. Let me…," I trailed off, sitting up quickly. "What the- What are you doing in my room? never mind that! What are you doing in my house?!"

"May I remind you," Fang began, "that this is not your room."

"Whaaat?" I was confused. I looked around quickly, and realized that Fang was right. This wasn't my room. So who's room was it?

"You're in my room," Fang said simply.

"How did I-," I trailed off again, as I remembered what happened the night before. "Right. So it's nine o' clock. I think we have a couple seconds before-"

I was cut off by my ringing phone. I glanced at the caller ID and winced.

"Hey, Mom," I answered, holding the phone a couple inches away from my ear.

"Maximum Arianna Ride, where have been?! Do you know how worried I am, not to mention your sister?! Do you know the heart attack I almost had when I didn't see you in your bed this morning and Ella didn't know where you were?! I expected you to stay out a bit late, but not until late the next morning! Explain yourself!"

"Mom, calm down. I'm fine and I'll be home in yen. I'll explain myself then." I hung up the phone.

"My mom wants me home," I told Fang.

"No problem. I already showered. So let's go."

I got up and stretched.

"Angel," Fang shouted. "I'll be back soon."

"You gonna drop Max home?" Angel shouted back. She knew I was here.

"Yup."

"Kk."