CHAPTER 40

Alph strode forward, each movement commanding attention. The boys crowded around Maxine parted like the Red Sea and wordlessly stepped aside. He didn't push them away from her; it was simply that they shifted, acknowledging his presence and silent authority that he carried with him. His eyes never strayed from where Maxine still sat in dumbfounded shock over her transformation.

"Maxine," he said, his voice low, even, but unwavering. "When did you get here?"

At the mention of her name, Martin's eyes did a double take. "Maxine?" he echoed, in obvious disbelief. He blinked then, rubbing his eyes as if in expectation of some altering vision on opening them again. "That. That's Maxine? The nerdy fa—”

Before Martin could get the sentence out, Trevor's fist connected with his shoulder in a rather sharp punch that made Martin wince. "Shut your mouth, Martin," Trevor grumbled, full of irritation. He gave Martin a firm look, as if to warn him to keep his thoughts to himself.

"Ow! Damn you, that