Part 19

Max's jaw was tight with anger as he drove the four of them down the mountain in the borrowed pick-up truck.

Michael continued to look behind them. "No one is following us. We got away Max." he sighed.

Max nodded. His focus only on getting to Liz before the stalker did. Isabel and Alex also breathed a sigh of relief after the four had secretly snuck off in the middle of the night without telling Jordan.

Isabel felt only a little bad for taking Jordan's truck and going back on their promise not to go after the alien. After all, what did Jordan expect Max and Michael to do? Sit and wait while that maniac went after Liz and Maria. And with his powers they wouldn't stand a chance of getting away from him! And they would never suspect him either, if he came up to them.

"Alex. You never did tell us why Liz and Maria left? I mean, and why didn't stop them? Or go with them if it was that important?" Isabel turned to Alex in the back seat next to her.

Both Max and Michael's attention also focused on Alex.

Alex swallowed. He had been hoping that they could find Liz and Maria first, and then she could tell Max herself.

"Alex. What aren't you telling us?" Max asked in a very low, worried voice, as he glanced in the rearview mirror to see Alex's discomfort. The cold lump of fear in his stomach was growing larger the more Alex hesitated. My God, what had happened? Max wondered.

"You know, it's probably nothing. Maria got something in her head, and before you know it she had Liz convinced, and I don't think it's true, only they believe it and I couldn't argue with them." Alex started.

"He's rambling." Michael said looking from Max to Isabel and then to Alex, with a waiting expression.

"Alex!?" Isabel demanded, knowing that Max was going to lose it soon if Alex didn't tell them.

"What? Oh, they think Liz might be pregnant. Isn't that ridiculous." Alex shrugged. The more he thought about it, the more ridiculous it sounded to him.

Alex felt the car jerk, as Max turned to study Alex's face. Michael grabbed the wheel and kept the car on the road as Max tried to recover from the shock of the statement.

"Max buddy, pull over." Michael said softly. He could only imagine how shook up Max must be. Whether it was true or not, it was a lot to take in.

*********************

Jordan and Matthew watched as the four teens snuck away. When the taillights of the pickup were gone, Matthew turned to Jordan.

"Why did you let them go?" he asked with a frown.

"Because, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep them here, and if they go back to Roswell to look for their friend, it will give us time to find this evil one."

"How?"

Jordan turned from the window and looked at his friend. "Because I FEEL him. His evil is strong right now. I think he is so intent on going after the Max's girl that he has forgotten to block us out. Or he just is so angry that his whole energy and focus is on finding the girls." Jordan said. "Come, we must find the evil one. His anger will lead us to him."

*************************

When the car was stopped by the side of the empty road, Michael looked at Max whose hands were shaking.

"Liz doesn't panic easily Alex. What reason did she give for thinking she was pregnant?" Max asked very quietly, looking straight ahead out at the darkness, and waited.

Alex swallowed. It didn't seem like any of the three thought it sounded too crazy. He began to think again about the crazy story Maria and Liz had told him.

"You mean it's possible?" Alex asked now starting to seriously worry himself. Then he looked from Max's still figure in the driver's seat, to Michael and Isabel's waiting faces.

"Maria said Liz had been acting weird lately, which didn't seem hard to believe was normal under the circumstances. Then yesterday in the Crashdown when they were working."

Alex explained the following events and saw Michael raise an eyebrow at Liz putting Tabasco sauce on her ice cream, and then he gave a quick little smile when Alex mentioned how Maria had freaked out and gone into hysterics. Then Alex told them about the accident Maria had with the knife.

"Healed? What do you mean healed?" Isabel asked with wide eyes.

All this time, Max sat motionless in the front seat, looking straight ahead, his hands gripping the steering wheel and his jaw tight as he stared out into the night.

"Liz reached for a Maria's hand, and it just healed itself under Liz's touch." Alex explained and then sighed. He had been hoping that the two had just overreacted and it had just been their overactive imagination and all it had been was a paper cut or something. But now he realized he had tried to convince himself of all that, so as not to worry as much about letting the two go off alone.

The car was silent then. Everyone looked at Max and frowned, waiting for him to say something.

"Max?" Isabel finally asked.

Max shook his head.

"Max! It's going to be okay. Don't you remember what Jordan said? It won't happen unless it's going to be okay." She tried to reassure him with a smile.

"Don't you understand? Liz is out there somewhere, running for her life and and our baby's, afraid the FBI or Sheriff Valenti will find her first, and not even knowing that she will be okay carrying an alien child." Max swallowed his voice rising in anger at himself. "And they don't even know that a killer is after them now too! God! What have I done to her!?" Max finished by slamming his hand against the steering wheel.

************************

"Liz, babe." Maria said gently shaking Liz awake.

They had been driving all day, and Liz had slept most of it. Maria pulled into the bus stop and shook Liz awake.

"Maria?" Liz asked in a small voice.

"Yeah, we're at the bus station. Let's go in and get you something to eat before we like go purchase the tickets."

Liz nodded and they took their belongs out of the old clunker, and went into the bus station.

"Sit down here and I'll go get us something to eat." Maria suggested and pointed to a long wooden bench.

"Maria I'm not crippled." Liz tried to smile.

Maria laughed for a second and then dumped her own bag on the seat. "Still, someone has to stay and watch our stuff. What do you want? Do you want me to get you some Tabasco sauce?" Maria whispered the last part.

Liz smiled and rolled her eyes. "Maria!"

Maria started away with her own smile and then Liz called to her. "Yeah, would you please." She said with wide worried eyes.

Maria swallowed and nodded as she turned back around toward the food counter.

The bus ride was long, considering they had gone a round about way to get to the bus station, and it took the rest of the night for them to get reach Albuquerque. The sun was just coming up when they reached the motel Liz directed them to.

"Are you sure that if when the others come back, Max will know where to find us?" Maria asked as she looked around the small motel room that was right off the highway. Then out at the giant dinosaur across on the other side of the highway, which held a sign stating Dino's Mini Golf."

"Yeah. I'm sure. I just hope, that we don't have to leave here before then." Liz bit her lip.

Maria turned around as she threw her bag on one of the double beds, and came over to Liz. "Of course we'll be here!" she tried to smile as she hugged Liz. "Why wouldn't we be?" Maria asked trying to keep a positive attitude.

Liz turned toward the window and looked out over the highway. Maria was right. No one suspected anything. They were probably safe for now. She didn't want to think about too far into the future though. She put her hand over her flat stomach and sighed. "Talk to me baby. If you're in there, let me know." She whispered.

*************

"Are you sure they're heading to Albuquerque?" Alex asked Max as they were once again headed down the highway.

"Yeah. Positive. She told you it was the place I mentioned right before we had the car accident on the old highway right?" he said quietly.

"Yeah. And she said something about once you got there, that your dad had laughed at you over something."

Max nodded. "The first time dad took us to Albuquerque Is, do you remember what I said when we pulled into that motel off the highway?" Max asked.

"Not really wait! Something about the big monster across the way right? I remember mom laughing about it years later when we passed by it once, that mini golf place with the big dinosaur out front." Isabel laughed.

Max smiled lightly. "Yeah. I told Liz about that once. So my guess is she's there."

"Max how are you doing?" Isabel asked. Max had been quiet for most of the continued trip after he had hit the steering wheel, and then started them back on the road. But now Isabel could see that Max seemed less tense, less in shock.

Max sighed and smiled lightly then frowned. "I don't know. I mean, I've made a mess of things for Liz. She's scared and doesn't know if I'll be there for her, or what's going to happen to her. But then, on the other hand Liz carrying my child." Max's voice cracked a little. "I never thought we'd ever be able to have families of our own, you know? And with Liz" He turned to Michael and then Isabel, who both nodded, and Isabel smiled.

"At least we know Liz will be okay." Alex sighed. Isabel had taken up some of the ride filling Alex in on what Jordan had told them about themselves.

"If we get to them before that psycho does." Michael said and gritted his teeth. He wanted to find Maria before anything happened to her. He wanted to tell her about what he had found out, and he wanted to someday know what it felt like to be told Maria was carrying his child.

"Who is this guy? I mean you say he's an alien, but he goes to Roswell? He's been among us like you guys, for years??" Alex asked. "Is he someone we know?"

The three looked at each other with grim expressions.

Part 20

Sheriff Valenti frowned as he followed his son's car. Where was he going? The sheriff wondered. He had sensed something was bothering Kyle lately, but had blamed it on all the events and Vicki being in the hospital.

But in the past few days, Kyle had been getting angrier and angrier, and then yesterday, he had just gotten very quiet. Jim was worried about his son, and when he'd asked him about it, Kyle had avoided looking at him, and had told him it was nothing, and he had left the house.

Now Jim needed to know what was wrong with his son. So he had been following him since yesterday, and as the miles between Roswell and them grew, the more afraid Jim Valenti got. Something was very wrong. He could feel it in his gut.

************************

The stalker could feel he was getting closer to Liz Parker with every mile. It seemed as if her vibes were getting stronger. Almost as if she was putting out a signal herself. Impossible, he thought. But he focused on the pleasure he was going to have in getting Liz Parker> In letting her know it was him, and then getting that spitfire, annoying but sexy friend of hers as well. He smiled, but it never reached his cold, black eyes.

*************************

Liz pushed aside her fast food dinner, finally full. Maria had frowned as she'd watched Liz put Tabasco Sauce in her soda, on her French fries and ketchup, and in her sundae they had picked up as well.

Maria sighed. She was frightened but was trying to keep up a brave front for her friend. She knew how terrified Liz must feel. Could she carry an alien baby? Was it going to kill her? What was going to happen to her?

"Maria?" Liz pulled herself out of her daze as she finished eating and got up to throw their trash in the hotel room garbage.

"Yeah?" Maria answered. She figured Liz had been doing a lot of thinking lately, and she knew that sooner or later Liz would share her thoughts.

Liz went and sat on one of the beds and hugged her knees to her chest. Maria thought she looked defensive and vulnerable, as if trying to protect herself and the baby.

"If if something does happen to me. Um and if Max doesn't get to come back, will you if my baby survives" she choked on the last.

Maria's eyes filled with tears and she came and sat down next to her friend and hugged her close.

"Liz, nothing is going to happen to you." Maria tried to reassure her.

"Maria. Please. Just promise that if."

"Okay Liz, of course I would." Maria said rubbing Liz's back in comfort. She could feel all the fear and doubts running through her friend by her tenseness.

"And if Max does come back and I'm you know, gone, will you tell him about our baby?" Liz asked in a small voice, tears filling up her eyes, but not falling. She met Maria's eyes with determination, so that Maria would know she was serious.

"Of course babe. But nothing is going to happen to you. I won't let it happen and I KNOW Max won't let it happen." Maria smiled at her to reassure her. Her own eyes filling once again.

Liz nodded. "What about you Maria? Have you ever thought about, you know, you and Michael and if you could have a future together? I mean, beyond high school. Like in forever? Babies and everything?"

Maria swallowed and wiped a lone tear, and cleared her throat. "Yeah. It scares me sometimes Liz, how totally Michael has taken over my life. How these aliens have totally taken over all of our lives. I want to say that when Michael goes home, that I will be okay, and move on and marry someone else and love them intensely and have lots of kids and be happy. But I'm afraid I won't be able to. And I don't want anyone to ever mean that much to me." Maria admitted and wiped a tear away impatiently.

Maria's own fear was obvious. Liz nodded; glad she had gotten Maria to talk about her and Michael. The I'm Teflon babe." -statement had not cut it for Liz.

"I don't think I could ever give up hope on Max." Liz admitted quietly, still hugging her knees to her.

Maria nodded, knowing that no matter what happened, the bond between Liz and Max would always be there. She didn't know if she wanted that with Michael or not. She believed it could be possible, if her and Michael let it, but they were both fighting it, and too afraid to get as close as Max and Liz were mentally.

"Do you love Michael, Maria?" Liz asked. She was sure Maria did, but wanted Maria to admit it. She knew that Maria would need Michael if something were to happen to her.

Maria met Liz's waiting look and finally sighed, giving in to what she had been fighting. "Yeah. With all my heart. That guy just did something to me. He slowly just crept into my heart. The big lug." Maria smiled gently.

Liz nodded and smiled back. She reached out and took Maria's hand. "I know. And for some reason Maria, I feel that you will be okay. That you and Michael will work out."

Maria wondered if it was an alien premonition Liz was feeling, or just her positive spirit coming through.

"We'd better get some sleep.” Maria sighed. Liz looked exhausted. She hoped it was only from worry and strain, and not something to do with the baby. Maria was terrified that something would happen to Liz and she wouldn't be able to help her. Or save her.

Later, as Liz laid in bed dozing, she felt Max. He's coming! She thought to herself. She could feel his presence and his determination. She smiled.

*Where are you Max? Hurry. Please hurry.* she thought aloud. She had a bad feeling something was going to happen, and soon.

*****************************

*Hang on Liz, I'm coming baby.* Max thought to himself, as he drove through the night.. The closer he got the more he felt Liz. She was okay for now. Terrified, but safe. And he knew she felt him too, he could feel her hope. He just had to get there before, the fourth alien, their classmate, did.

*******************************

Jordan and Matthew were close too. Suddenly Jordan turned to Matthew, who was driving. "Hurry. I just felt a surge of pure evil. He's found them."

*******************************

Standing outside the motel room door, the alien could feel Liz just on the other side. He felt the surge of power and excitement. Finally. He looked at the lock and it unlocked for him. He opened the door with his mind as well, and stepped into the quiet dark room.

The surge of power and excitement made it hard from the alien to concentrate on anything except that he was here, and these two girls were going to pay.

Maria heard a slight noise and then saw someone moving about. She thought Liz was sick or something and she threw open the light to help her.

"Liz?" she started and then just stared. There, standing in the middle of their room was Kyle's friend Paulie Warren.

"What?" Maria asked and rubbed her eyes. She had to be dreaming.

Liz sat up now as well, and just stared at Paulie. He grinned at her and knew she knew who he was.

"You" she choked out.

Paulie laughed, enjoying the fear and surprise he felt from the girls, who were totally at his mercy.

Maria looked from the fear and knowledge on Liz's face, to the evil smile on Paulie's as he stared back at Liz.

Maria's eyes widened and she couldn't breathe. The stalker!

"Yes Liz, it's me. And I'm very disappointed in you. I thought you were different. Always so nice to everyone. The perfect student, hard working, and sweet and pure. Until Evans got to you.” He spit out angrily.

Liz's eyes widened. He hated Max. But why? She could see the unnatural gleam in Paulie's eyes and knew he was not sane.

"You let Max touch you. You are just like all the other girls after all!" Paulie continued as he moved closer to Liz.

Maria finally moved. She leaped out of bed and started toward Liz.

“You stay back spitfire! I'm going to take care of you too! You are another alien whore!" he growled.

Both Maria and Liz's eyes widened in shock. Paulie saw this and laughed. "What, you're surprised I know your boyfriends secret? Well don't be little girls. For my power is so much stronger than their pitiful attempts." He sneered.

Both girls gasped. "You're an alien? You're the fourth alien?!" Maria asked in a hoarse whisper. She was now paralyzed with fear. She could see Liz was quietly watching Paulie, but she couldn't tell what Liz was thinking or feeling.

Paulie didn't like the look from Liz either. She didn't look or act afraid and he didn't like that. She should fear him. She was nothing. She was a huge disappointment. And she was just like all the others afterall.

He suddenly reached for Liz and as Liz flinched back against the headboard, Maria lunged for the psycho. It was instinctive.

Paulie just laughed and flicked Maria away. Maria went flying and landed against the wall, dazed and out of breath. Her head hurt, but she tried to stay focused. Oh My God, she thought. They didn't stand a chance.

Liz screamed Maria's name and tried to go to her, but Paulie grabbed Liz by her hair and yanked her to him.

When he felt Liz bite his arm, he growled in anger.

"BITCH!" he shouted and slapped Liz across the face, but continued to hold her against him, his arm wrapped around her throat tighter.

Just then the door flew open and Paulie was surprised to have been caught off guard. He had never sensed he was being followed. So intent had he been on his prey.

Kyle came though the door and jumped on Paulie. The anger on his face made Paulie laugh.

He shrugged Kyle away like nothing as well, and continued to hold Liz in his grip.

Kyle shook himself and he tried to sit up from where he had been thrown against a wall.

"My God Paulie. It was you! All this time it was YOU." Kyle said in amazement. Even though he had started to suspect, he hadn't really wanted to believe it.

Paulie just laughed. “Ah, yes, the sheriff's son. The other stupid fool who fell for this whore's charms. I told you she wasn't worth it Kyle. You wouldn't listen. I told you she was used goods, that Evans had touched her. She's no good Kyle. She's no good for you and definitely not good enough for me anymore."

Kyle saw the insanity in Paulie's eyes and he too felt fear beyond his worst nightmares. But he was also angry. Angry that Paulie had fooled him. And angry as he watched Paulie tighten his grip on Liz's throat.

"Why Paulie? What made you decide to start stalking the girls of Roswell? What happened to you?" Kyle asked. He still couldn't quite believe it was possible. That a friend of his all these years had been able to hide this side of him.

Paulie laughed. "You think it started with the town of Roswell? I was tired of the poor competition the others towns proved to be. But Roswell was much more fun. Until this BITCH started trying to convince others it wasn't Evans. Hell she even decided to try to flush me out!" He said and tightened his grip again on Liz's throat.

Then he sensed something and stiffened. He turned as Max, Michael, Isabel and Alex came through the open door.

He had felt Max's wave of pure fury, right before he had seen him. He couldn't believe how he was slipping. He hadn't sensed the trio before this. Liz Parker was much too much of a danger to him. She had to die.

"Don't even think of it Evans. I can kill her so easily with one move." Paulie threatened.

Part 21

Max looked from Paulie to Liz. His soulful eyes searched her face and then met her eyes with a burning intensity. She could see the concern, love and anger in his eyes, as he looked her over to make sure she was all right.

Liz smiled to reassure him. He was here! She knew he'd come! She had felt him right before she had fallen asleep. Max!

Max felt Michael move next to him and knew what Michael was thinking.

Paulie laughed as well. "Ah Gurien. You are so easy to read. You act on your emotions. As does Max. You are so weak Max Evans. And Liz Parker only weakens you even more. Look at you. Even now, you are more worried about how she is, then about what I am going to do to you. To all of you."

Paulie had felt that connection between Max and Liz and it angered him all over again. It had always made him crazy.

Max, Michael and Alex saw Kyle shift a little and the four of them exchanged looks and moved as one.

But even distracted with his own thoughts, Paulie laughed and threw them all off of him, sending them all against different walls, without even releasing Liz.

Isabel just gasped and leaned back against the open door, as she watched all four of the guys get tossed like rag dolls.

Michael recovered enough to find Maria not far from him, and he crawled over to her and took her in his arms. He ran his hands over her; to make sure she was okay. Then he held her and glared at the fourth alien. They had to do something.

"What can we do?" Maria asked, as if reading his thoughts.

Michael held her tighter and shook his head. He didn't know yet, but he was not going to let that psycho kill any of them.

"Now, first I will kill Liz. Sweet, innocent, little WHORE Liz!" Paulie spit out and started to tighten his arm around her neck. And you all get to watch. Especially you Evans."

"Hold it! Let the girl go, Paulie."

They all turned to see the sheriff in the doorway.

Paulie just laughed again. "Ah sheriff. Welcome. It took you long enough to figure all this out. But you can't stop me either. None of you can." He just eyed the sheriff and the gun the sheriff held on him, with disgust.

Max's head was spinning. He knew they couldn't beat Paulie's power, but if they could distract him enough, maybe the sheriff could get a shot. God, if only we could distract him. Max thought.

He saw Liz turn to him and realized she had heard his thoughts. His eyes widened in surprise, then softened as they looked at her. Then they both closed their eyes and concentrated.

Michael and Isabel also heard the plea and closed their eyes as well. Maria saw Michael close his eyes and saw the others do the same, and she placed her hand gently on Michael's arm and gave him her strength as well. She felt a slight vibration, and at first she wanted to pull away in surprise, but Michael grabbed her hand and held on tighter.

Paulie suddenly felt the combined power. As if Liz was being pulled from him, and he tightened his grasp on her even more. "No!" he growled in anger. He knew what they were trying to do. But he was stronger. "Bastards!" he laughed. "You think you can beat me!" But it took all of his concentration to hold on to Liz.

When he saw the sheriff out of the side of his vision, move forward, his concentration broke enough and Liz fell back on the bed. As he reached for her again, the sheriff fired.

Paulie was surprised, and his hand came up to hold his shoulder where the bullet had pierced, and then he grinned at Jim Valenti. "You can't stop me Sheriff. And I'll kill you too. And it will all be blamed on Evans here." Paulie laughed as he let them know his plans.

Jim Valenti knew he could only do one thing. He looked at the teen and fired. This time with the aim to kill.

Jim Valenti saw Paulie look up at him, as he stood over him. The surprise on Paulie's face was gone almost before he saw it. Then he saw Paulie glance at Max Evans, smile, and then Paulie closed his eyes and let the life leave his body.

Max saw something move behind Sheriff Valenti and saw Jordan outside in the shadows. Jordan nodded, and Max gave him a smile, and he watched Jordan disappear again, into the night.

Liz swallowed, then moved. She got up and ran to Max. Max met her half way across the room and they embraced. Max and Liz didn't notice the commotion going on around them as Isabel ran to Alex and helped him up, and Kyle went over to his dad.

Michael turned to Maria and before she could say anything, he was kissing her wildly.

Max leaned away from Liz enough to let his hands gently touch her face and ease the pain of the bruise he couldn't heal with the sheriff right there. Then he let his hand run down Liz's body, checking for any other signs of injury.

All the while Liz continued to hold Max's eyes and she kissed the one hand that still cupped her cheek. He saw the love blazing in her eyes, and the total trust she had had in him.

Max gently covered her mouth with his for a gentle but possessive kiss. "God I love you, Liz." He said in a choked whisper.

"I love you too Max." she whispered on a sob.

Then Max smiled, his own eyes full of unshed tears, as he placed his hand gently down to rest against Liz's stomach. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled. "I know." He tried to swallow around the lump in his throat.

Liz could feel Max's hand shaking, and saw the wonder, awe, and most of all the love that crossed Max's face, as he reverently caressed his hand over where their baby was nestled. Liz started to reassure him that she was okay, that she would be okay, but Max put a finger over her lips and smiled.

"It's okay Liz. Trust me, you and the baby will be fine." He whispered in his deep voice.

And Liz could tell from the look in his eyes, that he knew this to be true. And trusting him completely, she relaxed for the first time since finding out she was carrying Max's child.

Then Max groaned and took Liz's mouth with a hunger he hadn't known he was capable of. It wasn't a sexual hunger, but more a hunger to be close to her again, to hold her, touch her and taste her all around him. He didn't ever want to let her go again.

***************************

Liz had finished packing when there was a knock on the motel room door. She looked up and called out that it was unlocked.

Kyle peaked his head in. "My dad said you wanted to see me?" he asked quietly. Liz smiled brightly and nodded.

Kyle came in and left the door open as he walked to the middle of the room. They had moved Liz to a different room, since the other room was now a crime scene. "You okay Liz?" Kyle asked with concern.

Liz wiped her hands down her jeans and smiled as she came to stand before him."Yeah. How are you doing?" she asked with concern.

Kyle shrugged and sighed. "Okay, I guess."

"Kyle. I just I wanted to thank you. You risked your life when you came in to help Maria and I."

Kyle shrugged again but smiled a little. “Obviously I didn't do much Liz, except get thrown across the room once again." He teased.

Liz smiled at his teasing look and nodded again. Then she stepped closer and took his hands. "You're a sweet guy Kyle, and I hope we can start to become friends again. And I really hope Vicki gets better soon."

Kyle's face turned sober again and she saw the brief flash of pain in his eyes. "I don't know, it's been so long." Kyle swallowed.

"I know Kyle. But I have a feeling she's going to be okay." Liz said and put her arms around Kyle and gave him a reassuring hug.

Kyle hugged her back and smiled as he released her.

"Max Evan had better know what a lucky guy he is." Kyle said softly.

"He does." Max said in his rough, low voice from the doorway.

Kyle saw Liz's eyes light up when she saw Max and he just shook his head. Amazing. And Max's eyes were only for Liz. They always had been.

"Take care of her, you hear Evans." Kyle said and quietly left, closing the door behind him.

Max swallowed as he tried to contain all he was feeling as he looked at Liz. She was so beautiful to him. So sweet, so warm, so loving, and his. And carrying his child! God, the thought made his knees weak, and his heart to beat overtime.

Liz was mesmerized by the look in Max’s eyes. As usual, that soulful look drew her in, until she didn't see or hear anything but Max. As Max came closer Liz held her breath. Max's eyes were so intent.

All Max could think about was kissing Liz. Loving her until they both passed out from exhaustion. But he stopped himself when he saw the deep circles under her eyes, and remembered all she had been through, and that she was indeed pregnant, and he didn't know exactly what tolls this would take on her body. He had to talk to Jordan again soon. He wanted to bring Liz to meet him anyways.

Liz saw the fire bank in Max's eyes and she looked disappointed. It was still there, but she could see he was holding it at bay. He was worried about her as usual.

Liz smiled and slid into Max's waiting arms. "Max" she whispered, looking up at him with all the love and passion she was feeling. She wanted him.

Max swallowed and gently caressed her tired looking face. Then he took her hand and led her to the bathroom.

"Take a hot shower Liz and then I'll hold you all night okay?" he said softly. He wanted her so much; he was afraid of what would happen if he lost his control.

Liz sighed but turned to the shower. She could use a nice hot one since they were heading back to Roswell tomorrow, and she would be on the road again all day. And she also wanted to take the feel of Paulie off of her.

But she still had plans for Max before the night was over. After this they would be back in Roswell, and they would have so much to explain to their parents, and to the authorities, and Max still needed to explain what he had learned. There would be little time for just them. And she was NOT going to waste that time tonight.

Liz turned on the shower and stepped in. She purposely didn't close the door to the bathroom. She smiled as she let the heat of the spray wash over her. Relaxing her and cleansing her to her soul. And she made plans on how to seduce Max. Max the noble, who was trying to be careful with her. She smiled and loved him all the more, but she was going to have him tonight.

Liz reached for the soap but noticed it was only the motel room soap. She grinned and bit her lip. "Max?"

Max was pacing the outer room. He had wanted to go over and close the bathroom door, but had been afraid to get even that close to the bathroom, and Liz. He froze when he heard her calling to him.

"Max, I packed my soap and shampoo, could you hand them to me please." She asked softly.

Max swore, spun around, grabbed the items out of her open suitcase, and clenching his teeth he entered the torture chamber. The heat and mist was all around him, and he could see the slim shadow of Liz behind the plastic white curtain.

He could do this, he told himself. He held out one hand and slid it just inside the curtain. He didn't even trust himself to speak.

"Thanks." He heard and felt Liz's hand touch his to take the objects he offered.

Pure electricity. Max snatched his hand back and started to bolt.

"Max." Liz called once more. She saw him starting out of the bathroom and wouldn't let him. She was going to have him so ready, that by the time she was done, Max would not have the will to fight her or himself, when they snuggled together in bed.

"Max." Liz said again when she saw him hovering near the door. "Could you just hand me my razor on the sink please?" she asked and bit her lip not to laugh. She could feel the struggle Max was having with himself.

Taking a deep breath, and gritting his teeth once again, he extended the razor as well. But he was unprepared for Liz's next move.

She flung back the curtain, and smiled her thanks and lifting a leg onto the tub wall, she started to run the razor down one leg.

Max could only stare. His blood was pounding through every once of him. He could hear it in his ears, as if his blood was going to boil over and explode.

Part 22

Max stared at Liz's wet, sleek body, as she gently ran the razor up her leg, and he gave up the fight.

Liz was taken by surprise when Max took the razor out of her hand, tossed it in the sink behind him, and lifted Liz up under the arms, as he stepped into the shower with her, fully dressed.

Liz laughed as she saw Max even had his sneakers still on. He gently placed her against the tile behind her and held her up high enough so he could be eye to eye with her.

"Max?" Liz smiled waiting.

"Yeah." He said hoarsely, just letting his eyes soak in her face, hair, neck and body as he held her up.

"You're in the shower all dressed." She laughed. And could feel her whole body heating everywhere Max's eyes touched.

"You got a problem with that?" he asked as he leaned in closer for a kiss. She saw his long lashes as his eyes half closed and focused on her lips as his own approached hers.

"No not at all." She whispered and as Max captured her mouth, she wrapped her arms and legs around him and held on.

Liz sighed into Max mouth. She loved just kissing him.

Max leaned back slightly and rested his forehead against hers as they both tried to catch their breath. His breath was raging in and out of his lungs. The stream of water from the shower pouring down his face only accented the passionate darkness of his eyes.

She was sleek and wet. The feel of her wrapped around him was intoxicating. He could feel the heat of her though his wet closed. Their faces were close, their eyes locked. Each had forgotten the shower pouring over them as the passion within took over. Heart pounded against heart. Need pounded against need.

Then Liz's eyes lowered to his mouth once more and he lost the rest of his control.

His mouth took hers wildly, and she answered. Unleashed, the passion drove them far past sanity, beyond the civilized and into the dark tunnel of their need and desire for one another. His lips sped across her face, seeking to devour all that could be consumed and more. When his teeth scraped over the cord of her neck, Liz moaned and drew him closer to her.

Max could feel every line and curve of Liz as though there were no clothes between them. Her heart pounded. It seemed as if it had worked its way inside his chest to merge with his. Her body felt like a furnace. He hadn't known there could be such heat from a living thing. But alive she was, moving, hands seeking, mouth greedy. The water sluicing over them, now losing it's heat, should have cooled the fire, yet it stroked it higher so that the water might have sizzled on contact.

He knew only greed, only ageless need and primitive urges. She'd bewitched him from the first instant he'd seen her years ago, and now, tonight she had asked for the fire. Her hands were in his hair; bringing his mouth back to hers again and again so that her lips could leave him breathless, arouse more hunger.

In frenzy, Liz dragged at his shirt, yanking and tugging until it was over his head and discarded. With a long, low moan, she ran her hands over him. Max's shuttered at her touch

His hands slid over her wet skin, kneading, possessing, and hurrying in his greed for more. And when she arched against him, agile and demanding, he buried his mouth at her breast and lost himself.

He sucked hard and long. Then nibbled and licked her breasts until not an inch wasn't burned by the passion of his tongue.

He tasted the water from the shower on her, and it was laced with her own scent. Like a drowning man he clung to her as he sank beneath the depths. He knew what it was to want a woman, this woman, but not like this. Desire could be controlled, channeled, guided. But love was more powerful than desire, as Max had always known.

Loosening her legs from around his waist, he gently eased her down until she was standing on her own. Then he was on his knees in front of her. His teeth scraped over her hip, down her thigh to the inside of her knee, and then back up again to the inside of her thigh.

Liz could only throw her head back against the cool tiles and hold on to Max's sleek wet shoulders as he gently nibbled his way up to her aching needing heat.

Mindlessly, he plunged his tongue into her and heard her cry out. Heat suffused him. The water pelted on his back unfelt, ran from his hair onto her hands, that gripped his strong shoulders, but did nothing to wash away the passion that drover them both closer and closer to the peak.

Just like the first time, the taste of Liz intoxicated Max until his head was spinning. He loved tasting her and feeling her whole body shudder while little cries and gasps of pleasure tore from her throat.

Then Max stood and they were both fighting with his jeans, hands tangling together while their lips fused again. The sounds coming low from Liz's throat might have been his name or some new spell she was weaving over him. He no longer cared.

While he unbuttoned the top button on his jeans, Liz slid the zipper down his very large arousal, her hands shaking with anticipation. Finally, she pealed his jeans down along with his boxers, not an easy job as wet as they were, and ran her hands back up his muscular legs, and then slid between his spread legs, to take hold of his passion which was proudly throbbing before her. Max let Liz explore and caress him for only a minute, knowing he couldn't hold out much longer. Then he lifted Liz up again, holding her against the tiles once more, as he plunged his tongue into her mouth, and his flesh deep into hers. Liz sobbed at the sudden pleasure of Max filling her, completing her, and once again wrapped her legs around Max's waist to ride out the storm she had provoked.

When Liz stiffened, arched further into him, and cried out, Max struggled to find both his sanity and his reason. But then he felt her spasms of pleasure drawing him into the satin-darkness, and he threw back his head and unleashed the passion he'd been controlling forever.

He pounded into Liz and she held him tighter, holding his neck and face, and kissing his hair and jaw as if she couldn't get enough. She felt the power of Max as he gave her all he had and she thrilled in his total lack of control.

Max leaned them both against the tile, his head cradled in Liz's neck, as he tried to catch his breath. He reached one hand out to shut off the now cold water, and eased away from Liz. Gently easing her off of him, and putting her feet back on solid ground.

The burning look in his eyes couldn't hide the concern he now had for the control he had lost.

Liz smiled brightly up at him, all the passion and love she felt, in her eyes. He knew she was okay, and sighed. He hadn't hurt her with his total unleashed passion.

The love he felt for Liz couldn't even be described or put into words. She completed him. She was his other half, and he had never known what that meant until now.

He dropped a kiss on her lips, soft, more like a whisper, then lifter her into the cradle of his arms.

Liz's laugh was deep and husky from her cries of pleasure and she was giddy from the feeling of weightlessness and ease with which he lifted her.

Somewhere in the midst of all that passion, Max had managed to get his sneakers and socks off, but didn't even notice as he carried Liz out of the shower.

Max gently placed Liz on one of the double beds and followed her down, until they were skin to skin, touching everywhere. Max sighed and just held her. Just loving having Liz in his arms again.

She nuzzled against him when he ran his hands down her back. Strong hands, toughened in contrast to hers. There were no others she could ever imagine touching her.

With the scent and feel of Liz all around him, Max felt himself hardened again. He wasn't surprised anymore that Liz had this affect on him so quickly.

Liz snuggled closer to his arousal and purred her pleasure at the feel of it. Max felt the rushing heat of passion building again. His muscles contracted with it, tightening, preparing.

Not this time he told himself as he pressed his mouth to her throat. This time he would remember her fragility and all she'd been through recently. And at that thought, he lifted his head from her neck and met her passion filled smiling eyes.

Max sucked in his breath and pulled away a little to slide a hand to Liz's stomach. Then, not taking his eyes from the still flat surface his hand covered, he slid down until his head was at her tummy.

Liz held her own breath as she watched Max reverently caress and brush his cheek over where their baby lay.

“Hi baby. It's daddy. Hope I didn't scare you before. It's just me." He whispered huskily, then smiled and kissed her tummy.

Liz at first felt tears of overwhelming feeling as she watched Max caress their child. Then she couldn't help but laugh at his last statement.

Max lifted his head and their eyes met. His were bright with unshed tears and blazing with love. And also a smile hovered around his cute mouth as he listened to the beautiful sound of Liz's laugh as she caught his meaning about introducing himself to their baby earlier.

Then his mouth was on hers again, gently this time, tasting and nibbling and just enjoying the taste of the slow building passion.

He knew that tomorrow they would have so much to do. He still needed to explain to Liz what he had found out about himself, and he needed to talk to Jordan again, about what the pregnancy would be like for Liz. And then, he knew that they had to go back to Roswell and face their parents. But tonight tonight he let all that float away as he concentrated on Liz. Only Liz.

Part 23

As Max came out of the motel room and put Liz's suitcase in the back of the pick-up, Maria and Liz stood next to the passenger's side of the truck.

"I'm so happy for you Liz! You'll be okay physically, being pregnant! Michael told me last night." Maria smiled and hugged Liz.

"So, did you and Michael?" Liz grinned teasingly.

Maria hit her arm lightly and laughed. “No, as I'm sure you figured. Michael and I definitely want to see what Jordan says about what can be used to prevent your little surprise bundle from happening to us." She winked.

"But, Michael did tell me," Maria started, and leaned in closer to Liz, a sparkle in her eyes that Liz had never seen before. "That when he heard about you being pregnant, and that it would be okay, I'm the first person he thought of. Liz, he wants a future together now that he knows where his future can be!" Maria finished in an excited whisper.

Liz hugged Maria and smiled brightly so happy for her best friend. Michael had really come a long way when it came to expressing his feelings to Maria. She knew he wasn't totally comfortable with everyone else, and he probably would never be completely comfortable opening up, but as long as he was open with Maria, she knew it would work out for them.

As Max reached them Michael, Isabel and Alex came out from the two rooms next to Liz and Max's.

Liz put her arm around Max and snuggled in next to him. He smiled and kissed the top of her head.

"So, we go to Jordan's first to return the pick-up, then we'll all head to Roswell tomorrow, in Maria's car." Isabel confirmed their plans.

Valenti had finished up the report and his investigation and questions for them last night, and had left for Roswell with Kyle. He had told them that he would let their parents know that they would be along in the next day or two, and that he would assure Mr. and Mrs. Evans that Max was no longer a suspect.

Max nodded. "Yeah, we need to return the pick up, and we need to find out more from Jordan, about Liz and the baby and what to expect, before we go tell our parents." Max winced as he said it.

Liz hugged him tighter and felt the same way. She was deathly afraid to tell her parents, and Max's. Mrs. Evans had just started to like her, to feel closer to her. Now how would she feel? Knowing that Liz was making her son grow up faster than he should.

"Hey. Don't." Max whispered and hugged her closer.

Liz forgot that when they were touching, they didn't have any secrets. She smiled into his chest and kissed it. She loved the strength of Max under her, and the smell of him. She took a deep breath. Just breathing in Max made her calmer.

Isabel could only imagine how scared Max and Liz must be to tell their folks. To relieve the tension and make them focus on something else, Isabel smiled at Liz. "I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt!"

Liz laughed at that. It all seemed too strange. "And Michael an Uncle." Liz smiled at him.

Michael tried to look only mildly pleased as his friends acknowledged his real status as brother to Max and Isabel. He looked down trying to pretend to kick a stone, but the smile was on his face.

Maria's eyes warmed and she took Michael's hand in hers. She knew how much it meant to him. To finally know he not only had family, but that Max and Isabel really were his family. He had actually choked up last night when he had held Maria in their room and told her the whole story.

"I'm starving can we eat first?" Alex asked as he came up next to Isabel and she reached for his hand.

Isabel rolled her eyes and they all laughed. Alex was always hungry.

"Of course we'll feed you first, Alex. I wouldn't want you as a cranky passenger all the way." Maria teased.

*****************

As they neared the ranch towards dusk, Max took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He looked down at where Liz was asleep, her head on his one thigh, and he smoothed back her hair gently.

God, what and how were they going to tell their parents? What would they do now? Liz was still legally a minor, and so was he. Their parents could easily forbid them to see each other. And just what would Liz's symptoms be during her pregnancy? Would they be so different, that it would be hard to explain away as normal?

Max had been churning about these things for the last hour, and hadn't come to any conclusions. All he knew was they needed to at least talk to Jordan before they did anything else.

He pulled up in front of the ranch and watched Maria's car pull up beside his. He shut of the engine and gently shook Liz awake.

The front door opened as Max was helping Liz out of the tall truck. Jordan stood in the doorway and waited.

"You think he's mad?" Alex swallowed. He didn't know Jordan very well, but another pissed off alien was not what he would want to face right now.

"Only one way to find out." Michael murmured as he took Maria's hand and they all headed toward the house.

***************************

Jordan pushed back his chair after dinner and walked over to get some coffee. He poured some for his wife, Nadi, as well, and then sat again.

Max exchanged looks with Michael and Isabel. He knew Jordan had waited until after dinner was over to have their talk. Max also had seen Jordan's eyes narrow a little as he had seen Liz reach for the Tabasco sauce and literally pour it on her potatoes and in her milk.

He had ushered them in, introduced his wife to Liz, Maria and Alex, and then had told them they would all eat first, and talk after.

Now it was after. Liz's hand reached for Max's under the table, where she sat next to him, and he wrapped his around her much smaller one.

"Jordan" Max started. But Jordan held up a hand and looked from Max to Liz. His eyes went from cool when he looked at Max, to much warmer when they lit on Liz.

"Are you pregnant little one?" Jordan asked Liz softly. Liz sucked in her breath in surprise at the question from Jordan, but Max had known Jordan had figured it out.

"Yes." Liz answered calmly, meeting Jordan's eyes and waiting for his wrath. He was after all, Max's Uncle.

Jordan nodded and looked back at Max. Max waited for the ax to fall. He knew he deserved it. Liz squeezed his hand tighter.

"Wait Jordan, it was my fault." Liz jumped in as Jordan started to speak.

Jordan raised and eyebrow in amusement. "It usually takes two, Liz." He explained.

Liz blushed and Michael chuckled, but stopped when Jordan's cool eyes fell on him.

"What about you? Did you get your girl there pregnant too?" he asked.

Michael met Jordan's eyes and narrowed his own. He wasn't used to answering to anyone, especially an adult. No matter who it was.

"No." was all he said, realizing he'd be better off answering and not arguing.

"Not that I didn't try to persuade him." Maria said softly, and took Michael's hand and exchanged looks with him. Michael's eyes lit with warmth and surprise. Maria was actually defending him. His own mouth tugged up at one end and he gave her hand a squeeze.

As Jordan's eyes went around the table, Alex piped up before Jordan even asked. "I didn't do anything to your niece. I swear." Alex said holding up his hands.

Isabel put her head in her hands in embarrassment.

Jordan's lips twitched. He liked these three humans his niece and nephew's had chosen. But he did not want to lose the seriousness of the matter.

He turned back to Max and Liz. "What you two did was foolish for any two teens. But Max, with the added equation of you two being from different species, and not knowing what that could mean."

Max nodded. "I know." He said quietly, knowing Jordan was right. There was no excuse.

Liz didn't want Max taking all the blame, when she knew she was just as much if not more at fault. "It's not all Max's fault, Jordan. I told him I was on the pill. He was going to stop. And I am on the pill…we just didn't."

"Didn't think." Jordan finished for her.

Liz swallowed and nodded.

Jordan sighed. He thought he had gotten past this stage in his life when his own children had grown and married. But he wouldn't trade having found his sister's children for anything.

"Well, it's done now. But what are you planning on doing about it Max?" Jordan asked the young man. Max reminded him so much of himself growing up. Max was the leader, the one everyone turned to in crisis, and he was hardest on himself. Jordan knew Max was punishing himself more than Jordan ever could.

"We're going to tell our parents tomorrow." Max said and exchanged reassuring looks with Liz, still holding her hand.

"But, we wanted to know what you could tell us first about what to expect for Liz." Max finished.

Jordan nodded. These teens all knew so little about themselves still. They had so much to learn about who they were and about their genetics.

"Do you know when Liz became pregnant?" he asked.

Liz and Max both blushed, but nodded. "Yeah. About six weeks ago." Max answered.

Jordan nodded and stood. He exchanged looks with his wife and then looked around at the teens before him.

They certainly had a lot to learn about alien/human relationships, and this pregnancy in particular.

Part 24

"There are some significant differences between an alien/human pregnancy and a regular human pregnancy." Jordan started.

The six exchanged looks, all trying not to worry.

"But the biggest difference is the gestational period." Jordan continued, looking around the table at the anxious faces.

"It takes 24 months to have a child." He told them.

"What!" the three girls cried in unison. The guys were just stunned.

Jordan smiled, and Nadi laughed. "You don't start to show until you are about 18 months into the pregnancy." Nadi assured the girls. "And it is no more uncomfortable than a regular pregnancy and birth." She nodded to ease their worry.

"Jordan? Is it like that for two aliens? Or is it just because of the alien/human factor?" Alex asked.

"Aliens have longer gestational periods. It takes 18 months for our race's gestational period. And since we've been here on this planet, it has routinely been 24 months for any alien/human couple.

Max slowly let out his breath. "No more pain than normal though, right?" Max asked again. He wanted to make sure.

"Positive." Nadi answered. "I had a child with one of my own race before I met Jordan. So I know what a regular human birth is like." Nadi smiled at the young man who reminded her so much of Jordan at that age.

He met Liz's eyes and then smiled. Liz too was relieved. At least she and the baby would be okay. Then she turned to Jordan.

"What about the baby? Will it be okay? Will it have powers like Max, Michael and Isabel?"

"The baby could have powers or not. The odds are equal. Or the baby could have some powers but not a lot."

"And will it look like a normal looking baby right from the first?" Maria couldn't help but ask.

Michael had forgotten to tell Maria about that. He laughed at her question and she punched him in the arm.

"We always looked like humans. It is one of the many reasons why we chose this planet to migrate to. The government made up the small, green looking shaped people with the large head and eyes, so that if people did believe they had experimented and killed another life form, that at least if it looked different, people wouldn't be as upset." Jordan explained and watched Michael and Maria. They had a lot of feistiness in them. They would have a fun and interesting life together, he thought.

"I am sure you have a lot of questions about alien/human relationships and your genetics overall. Come into the living room where we can be comfortable and we will talk more." Jordan said and stood up once again. He knew he would be seeing them quite a bit from now on, to answer their many questions. But at least he could give them the basics tonight.

When the girls started to pick up the dishes to clean away the table Jordan stopped them. He waved a hand over the plates and they were clean. Then he looked at the dishes and they stacked themselves.

The six teens were amazed. Nadi just smiled.

Maria turned to Michael. "You are SO doing all the cleaning if we get married. If I have to be pregnant for 2 years, you are doing the cleaning!" she said.

Michael rolled his eyes, but grinned.

The others all laughed.

******************

Liz finished brushing her teeth, and grabbed her cream and started her nightly ritual of creaming her face arms and legs after her shower.

She turned as she felt Max's presence.

He grinned as he leaned in the doorway. She looked so clean and fresh and Liz. She was wearing a pair of cotton flannel bottoms, and a tank top, and she couldn't have looked sexier to him. "I don't know if I will ever get used to you doing that." He said in a husky voice.

"What?" Liz asked with a smile, as she continued rubbing cream on her arms. She just loved being with Max.

"Getting ready for bed. Everything." He swallowed and came closer to her. He took the creame out of her hands and held her.

"And I don't want to have to go back to the way things were before in Roswell."

Liz eased away from Max, closed the creame, shut the light in the bathroom and walked to the bed and held out her hand.

Max sat on the end of it with her. "Max. We can't tell anyone I'm pregnant yet anyways. It's too soon. At least this way, you and I will get to finish high school before we have to be too grown up." She said softly and cupped a hand on his cheek.

"But we have to go back and just be dating. You go home to your house at night and I have to go back to mine. I want to hold you at night. Watch the baby grow. Be there for you every minute." He swallowed.

He looked dejected, with his hands leaning on his thighs and his head lowered to look at the floor between his legs.

Liz turned his face towards her. "We will be together. We will see each other every day at school, and we can see each other after work up until we have to go home at night." She tried to cheer him up.

"It's not the same. Liz, you're carrying my baby. I think of you as mine to take care of now." He tried to explain.

Liz's heart melted at his words. She knew what he meant. "Max, don't you see. Our parents aren't going to be happy even to hear about me being pregnant in a year, but at least we have a little bit more time. Time for you to still be a teenager, and to do teenage things. And me too." She tried to explain.

Max knew she was worried about the responsibility she would be on him, and she blamed herself that he would have to grow up faster than normal.

"Liz. I've always been different. Remember? I've never been your basic just have a good time teen." He reminded her.

"I know! You have been taking care of Michael and Isabel since you were six! You need to try to have a little fun Max, enjoy being a teen. They are old enough to take care of themselves now. You can lighten up a little on them, and on yourself. And now here I am, going to be filling you with even more responsibilities soon. So let's not rush it okay?" she swallowed, trying to hold back her tears.

"Liz." Max said softly and cupped her face with both his hands. "You and the baby will never be a responsibility that I feel smothered by. You are my life, and always will be. I think it was meant from the day I met you all those years ago." He smiled. "And I think I knew it even then."

Liz's eyes filled with tears at his words, and he gently kissed her.

"I'll go back tomorrow, and we'll date, and wait to tell our parents, but whenever I can, we will spend the night together, even if it's just so I can hold you." He promised.

Liz chuckled. "I guess our windows are going to see a lot of activity." Then she straightened up and smiled.

"And at least you are no longer a suspect, and the killer is gone. We will deal with Valenti and the FBI as we have been. They have no proof and we won't give them any. By the time I start to show in my pregnancy, we can be gone from Roswell since we will have graduated by then. So, we will be okay Max."

Max nodded but Liz saw a shadow cross his eyes. "Max? What is it? What aren't you telling me? What did Jordan tell you when he asked you to stay and talk to him after we all left?" Liz swallowed, her eyes widening.

"It's probably nothing." Max sighed and pulled back the covers to wrap the blankets around them. He had to go take a shower, but he wanted to hold Liz until she fell asleep in his arms.

Liz looked up from the curve of his arm. "Max?" She wouldn't let it go.

"Jordan just asked me if Paulie mentioned anything else before he was killed."

"Anything else?"

"Yeah, or anyone else." He said meeting her eyes.

Liz's eyes widened. "Max? Are there more?"

Max shook his head. "I don't think so. Jordan just wanted to make sure. Since there were five of us in pods when our spaceship crashed. Three from his sister and two from another couple. But he is sure that the other pod must have been recovered a long time ago and experimented on as well. Paulie was probably the last." Max said nodding.

Liz met Max's eyes and nodded too. Each could feel that the other wasn't so positive, but neither wanted to voice it.

They had enough to deal with over the next few years, until they could leave Roswell. They would let lying dogs lie.

~*~*~*~*~The End~*~*~*~*~