“No?” I ask, my face and tone mirroring the incredulity I'm feeling.

“No” he repeats his low voice edged with finality and tinged with menace.

“Take her back to the main building, and keep her there, I'll be with you shortly”

My body locks up.

“You wouldn't dare,” I say to him defiance lining my body. Everything goes silent and the small space between us goes taut with tension that could be cut with a butter knife. His blue eyes flash with anger before emotion drains out of it.

Somehow I know that the Max standing before me is more dangerous than when he is angry. This Max looks like...