I can’t remember ever having a family dinner before; even when my mom was alive it was always just her, Max, and me. My father was working all the time so we barely saw him. He always favored work over us, always favored work over my mom. I could see how bad it was hurting her but she was so strong and that’s what I admired about her. When Jesse gave me that contract, signing over the rest of my life to her was easy. I really had nothing to live for and I wanted that training and control so badly, and it was easier since Max was with me. Sometimes I feel like maybe I’ve forced some of this on her. Maybe she’d be better off just hiding her abilities and trying to live a normal life.

“Are you ready?” I turn away from the window I was staring out of and glance at her. I frown at what she’s wearing.

“You can’t go over there wearing sweats, what’s wrong with you?” She’s wearing that same ratty old hoody also.

“It’s just some stupid dinner, why can’t I go like this?” I massage my temples; I already feel a headache coming on. Why does everything have to be an argument with her?

“You just can’t, it’s not courteous. Go change into some jeans and get a nice shirt on.” She scoffs and crosses her arms defiantly.

“No, just because you’re dressed like you’re trying to get Spencer’s attention doesn’t mean I have to.” She replies snidely. I don’t know what’s been going on with her. Ever since we got here she’s been acting like a brat. She obviously doesn’t like it here so I guess I should’ve just taken this mission solo and left Max at the camp. I sigh and silently regret my thoughts. I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt because I know it takes a lot to tame the fire within her.

“Go change Maxine.” I order. I watch her frown and march up to me. She stabs a finger into my chest and I tense at the heat emitting from her.

“Stop trying to act like my parent and just be my fucking sister.” She all buts snarls at me. I punch her in the stomach, hard enough to drop her to her knees. If Jesse were here she would have done a lot more. She was the only one Max would never think to defy.