Fang was standing by a front window, gazing out from behind a privacy curtain.

“Anything going on out there?” I asked.

He flicked a glance at me, shook his head, then took a longer look. “What happened to your tan?”

“It was dirt.”

He grinned, one of his rare grins that make the world spin a little faster. As if he didn’t know what he was doing, he reached out and touched my hair where it lay on my shoulders. “You look… like a girl.” His voice held bemusement.

“There’s a reason for that,” I said seriously.

“No, I mean like a real-” He seemed to catch himself, shook his head, and looked back out the window.

I crossed my arms. “Like a real what?”Watch your step here, Fang, I thought,or I’ll flatten you.

While he hesitated, Nudge came up. “Ooh, Max, you look great!” she said, admiring my clothes. “That top is totally hot! You look like you’re at least sixteen!”

“Thanks,” I muttered, now feeling embarrassed. Since my usual attire is ancient and usually bloodstained T-shirts and jeans, I guess I did look a little different.

Okay, Max.

My eyes flickered when I heard the Voice inside my head. (You mean you don’t have one? You can get ’emat Target.)

This meeting is very important, so no funny business. Just remember your mission, keep your mind open, and listen to what they have to say.

Yeah, whatever,Jeb,I thought.Save the world,yada,yada,yada. You can go now.

I’m notJeb, said the Voice.You were wrong about that.

Huh? I thought blankly.

You have part of the picture, Max,said the Voice.Not all of the picture. Sometimes when you’re at your most certain, that’s when everything you know is wrong.

Oh, God, not again. I wanted to scream. My whole life was taking two steps forward and one step back. Would I ever just get ahead?