Read MAXIM: A New Type of Human (Oddily Series #2) for Free Online

vantage point while Grayson wandered around searching through wardrobe cases. He was deciding on what to wear when a song began to blast over the speakers.
    Maxim was beginning to loose himself inside Grayson’s world. To think that he could be someone else in this elaborate game was exciting, and he couldn’t help but wonder what other pawns were available?
    “Be ready in two minutes!” a familiar voice warned the band members.
    Maxim couldn’t make Grayson turn to look at who had spoken, and his frustration mounted while waiting, but when it finally happened, Maxim saw who it was.
    “Kip!” Maxim unintentionally shouted the name out of Grayson’s mouth and immediately, a wave of shock went through Grayson before Maxim’s mind slipped back into his own body.
    Maxim’s dome-like prison had vanished, and he now stared up at Tinley who was somehow responsible for removing the shield. “How did you know I was here?”
    “I have been programmed to guard Nero’s laboratory while he is away. You must leave.”
    Maxim stared into Tinley’s eyes that he swore belonged to a real human. “But this place is incredible, Tinley. Why did my father want to keep this technology from me? I have never experienced a virtual game like that before.”
    “You did not encounter a virtual world.”
    “Then where did I go?”
    “You came into contact with a parallel universe.”
    Maxim blinked hard with disbelief. “What about Grayson. Does that name mean anything to you?”
    “Yes…Grayson is your alternate self.”
    Stunned, Maxim got to his feet and allowed Tinley to escort him from the lab.

 
 
 
 
     
    7
 
    As usual, Kip and Starla were standing by his truck when Nexa and Oddily drove up and parked in front of the school. After Oddily had climbed out of the car, she glanced at them and was surprised to see the expression on Kip’s face. It wasn’t his usual menacing sneer that had long since burned into her memory, but it was a look of eagerness as he stepped away from Starla and headed towards her.
    Oddily abruptly began to walk in the opposite direction at the same time Kip tried to catch up to her. She was just about to start running when Nexa stopped her with her hand and whispered, “Let’s find out what’s on his puny mind.”
    “Oddily, wait up!” Kip called to her.
    The alarm showing in Oddily’s sweet face made Nexa’s heart go out to her.
    “Hey, give me that!” Kip tried to grab Oddily’s backpack from her shoulder, but she dodged his attempt.
    “No, it’s mine,” she scowled at him.
    “Let me help you, damn it!” This time Kip succeeded and wedged Oddily’s bag under his arm like a football.
    While observing Kip’s antics, Nexa figured out Maxim’s little surprise. He had altered Kip’s mind, an ability her brother wasn’t supposed to have. It wasn’t until Oddily had tugged at her arm that her attention was brought back to the moment.
    “What should I do, Nexa?”
    “Remain quiet and enjoy the show,” she smiled.
    Just then, Starla stepped up to Kip and demanded, “What are you doing?”
    “What do you think? I’m helping out Oddily.”
    “Carrying this for her?!” Starla grabbed Oddily’s bag from him and tossed it on the ground—then pulled him off to the side. “Okay, what’s up, and why haven’t I been included?”
    “There’s nothing going on,” he glowered at her. “Can’t a guy be nice once in a while?”
    “We’re talking about Oddily here, you jerk.”
    Kip shrugged. “I know, but I like her now.”
    “Oh, give me a break!”
    “Do you have a problem with that?”
    “Hell yeah, I have a problem with it!”
    “Well get over yourself, because I’m not messing with her anymore.”
    “Read my lips,” Starla pointed to her mouth. “Do what you’re told, and quit giving me a bad time.”
    “Nope, I’m leaving her alone.”
    Starla put her hands on her hips and scowled. “Does this mean you’re going to be nice to everyone?”
    “No…I don’t