Page 16 of Obsessed

"Wow," I breathe, momentarily forgetting my unease.

Alice beams at me. "Right? It's incredible. Now, let's get to work before our friend decides to check out the neighborhood."

"What can I do?" I ask, feeling oddly eager to help.

She hands me a small container and a trowel. "Soil samples. We need to analyze the fungal network's impact on the surrounding ecosystem."

I raise an eyebrow. "So... you want me to collect dirt?"

"Not just dirt," Alice corrects, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's a complex microbiome that could revolutionize our understanding of interplanetary terraforming!"

I can't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll get your fancy dirt."

As I kneel down to start collecting samples, I shake my head in disbelief. How did I end up here, on my knees in alien mud, helping my fated mate - who happens to be a human scientist - collect soil samples?

But watching Alice work, her face lit up with joy and wonder, I can't help but feel a warmth spreading through my chest. She's so passionate, so alive. It's... intoxicating.

"Hey, Davrik?" Alice calls out. "Can you grab a sample from that darker patch over there?"

I nod, moving to the spot she indicated. "You got it, boss. Anything else you need while I'm playing in the dirt?"

She laughs, the sound echoing through the clearing. "Just your charming company. And maybe a few more samples from the areas with denser fungal growth."

"Charming, huh?" I smirk, scooping up another sample. "I'll have you know I'm usually much more charming when I'm not covered in alien mud."

"Oh really?" Alice teases back. "I'll believe it when I see it."

As we continue working, I find myself relaxing, even enjoying the task. Alice's enthusiasm is contagious, and I start to see the beauty in the intricate patterns of fungal growth.

Maybe being fated to a dirt-loving scientist isn't so bad after all.

CHAPTER 9

ALICE

The sun beats down on us as Davrik and I study the gnarled bark of an ancient tree. Its twisted branches reach towards the sky like grasping fingers, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

"This species seems to thrive in harsh conditions," I explain, running my hand along a rough patch. "See how the bark's developed these intricate patterns? It's a defense mechanism against?—"

A low growl cuts through the air, sending chills down my spine. Davrik's head snaps up, his eyes scanning the surrounding foliage.

"Alice," he whispers, voice tense. "Don't move."

My heart pounds as I follow his gaze. There, emerging from the undergrowth, is the beast I've only glimpsed in fleeting moments before. It's massive, easily twice my size, with mottled gray fur and gleaming yellow eyes. Saliva drips from its razor-sharp teeth as it stalks towards us.

"Oh god," I breathe, fear paralyzing me.

The beast's muscles bunch, and it launches itself at me with frightening speed. I can't even scream.

Suddenly, Davrik shoves me aside. "Run!" he yells, positioning himself between me and the creature.

I stumble backward, watching in horror as the beast collides with Davrik. They go down in a tangle of limbs and snarls. Davrik grunts in pain as razor-sharp claws rake across his chest, but he doesn't yield.

"Davrik!" I cry out, torn between fleeing and trying to help.

He manages to land a solid punch to the beast's snout, momentarily stunning it. "I said run, dammit!"

The beast shakes its head, refocusing on Davrik with a menacing growl. They circle each other, neither willing to back down.

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