Never Underestimate Destiny

Part 10

Max leapt over the edge of the balcony, fury boiling inside him. "What the fuck is going on?" He roared.

Liz jumped away from Zan like she'd been burned, putting a hand to her mouth. She stared horrified at Max, not believing he'd seen her kissing Zan. Max would hate her for sure now. He had proof she was nothing but a slut.

She hadn't meant to kiss Zan. She was going to turn him down politely, and explain about her relationship with Max, but she hadn't gotten the chance. Zan had kissed her so sweetly, and it was like she'd had no control over her body. She knew it was no excuse, but she'd been so surprised, and she couldn't seem to stop herself from responding.

Holding her breath, she waited for Max to tear into her. She'd never seen him so angry, and tears started in her eyes. But as his gaze raked over her, she could see his fury wasn't directed at her.

Max didn't blame Liz at all, and he wheeled angrily to Zan. "What are you doing to Liz?" He demanded of his double. "She's mine."

Liz felt a thrill rush through her that Max had such strong feelings for her, along with the alarm and guilt she was feeling. She gasped. "Max."

Max took a step closer to Zan, pointing a finger at his chest. He was so angry, and he saw Zan as the cause of it all.

"Ever since you came into town it's like you want to replace me," Max roared. "You know everything about us, and our powers, and you have this big plan to fight our enemies. Michael loves you, follows you around like a puppy, always telling me what a great leader you are, while all he ever does is criticize me. You and Michael hang out way more than he and I do, and he's my best friend. It's like your trying to take over everything that's mine."

Max took a deep breath. "And I haven't said a word," he said, laughing harshly. "I was even glad you were here to help us, glad that someone knew what was going on, and for once it looked like we might get the upper hand."

Max's scowl deepened. "But now you're trying to take Liz too, and she's where I draw the line." He pointed at his own chest. "Liz and I have been through hell together, she loves me, and I'll be damned if I'll let you come in here and try to take her away from me."

Liz was shocked by Max's words. He hadn't said a word to her about any of his feelings of inadequacy, and she hadn't realized what he was going through. But he was so angry that he looked ready to fight and she was worried he might attack Zan. She gripped his arm. "Max, please," she begged.

She turned her gaze to Zan, hoping he wasn't looking for a fight too, but he held up a placating hand and spoke. "I'm sorry, Max."

Zan had been so surprised to see a furious Max coming at him but now everything made sense. He'd had no idea Max and Liz were together. They didn't act like any couple he'd ever seen, they didn't touch, or kiss, and as far as he could tell, hardly spent time together.

It also explained why Liz had drawn away from him when he started to get close, and why she'd been so reluctant to respond to him. But, he reminded himself, she had responded.

Zan continued. "I'm really sorry," he said softly. "I like you, Max, I like all of you, and I like living in Roswell. It's almost like having a family. I was just glad I was fitting in, and I never meant to cause any trouble."

"I brought Ava here because I do need your help," he continued. "I can't beat Lonnie, Rath and Kivar on my own. I never meant to try and take over, and I couldn't replace you," he said. "You're the real King and I could never take your place. I don't even want to. I just want to help keep us all safe. And if you don't think my plan's going to work, we can come up with a new one together."