Page 33 of Obsessed

A warm sensation spreads from my stomach outward. My ankle tingles, and the pain begins to fade. Within seconds, the swelling visibly reduces.

"No way." I rotate my foot experimentally. No pain. "No fucking way."

I push back from my desk and stand up. My ankle holds steady. I take a few tentative steps, then more confident ones.

"This is incredible!"

I bounce on my toes, testing the limits. Nothing. Not even a twinge. The injury feels completely healed.

"Computer, note time and effects of direct consumption test." I can't keep the excitement from my voice as I document my completely unauthorized experiment. "Subject experienced complete relief from inflammation and associated pain within sixty seconds of ingestion. No apparent side effects."

I jump up and down, grinning like an idiot. The implications of this are staggering. And I found it. In a pit I literally fell into.

I rush around my lab, grabbing sample containers and scanning equipment. My hands shake with excitement as I document everything about the miracle plant - soil pH, mineral content, light exposure in the pit. The data floods my tablet screen as I cross-reference environmental factors.

My throat's dry from talking to myself while recording notes. I head to the kitchen for water, nearly colliding with the doorframe in my distraction.

"Navi! You won't believe what I found! This plant - it's incredible. The healing properties alone could revolutionize medicine across multiple species!"

Navi's interface pulses with a soft blue glow. "Your vital signs indicate extreme excitement, Dr. Watson. I take it your research is progressing well?"

"Better than well!" I lean against the counter, unable to keep still. "This could be the breakthrough of the century. Think about it - a naturally occurring compound that works across species barriers? The applications are endless!"

"Your enthusiasm is infectious. I predict a significant advancement in your career trajectory."

"You really think so?" I take a sip of water, my mind racing. "I mean, this could change everything."

"Indeed. Your dedication to science is admirable. Your future career seems very bright."

I trace the rim of my glass, hesitating. "What about... what about Davrik? Do you think there's a future there too?"

Navi's lights flicker briefly. "Dr. Watson, your scientific discoveries should be your primary focus at this juncture. Such opportunities are rare and should not be compromised."

My stomach sinks. "Right. Of course." I set down my half-empty glass, suddenly not thirsty anymore. "Thanks, Navi."

I leave the kitchen, my earlier excitement dampened by the weight of unspoken words. The AI's diplomatic response might as well have been a flat "no."

My head spins with exhaustion as I stumble into the common area. The station's lights have dimmed for night cycle, casting everything in a soft blue glow. Davrik sprawls across the couch, one arm draped over his eyes, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm.

I pause, drinking in the sight of him. His usual guard is down in sleep, making him look younger, softer somehow. A strand of dark hair falls across his face, and my fingers itch to brush it away.

"Just for a minute," I whisper to myself, carefully settling onto the edge of the couch beside him.

I curl up against his side, telling myself I'll move in a moment. His arm shifts, wrapping around me automatically. My eyes grow heavy as his steady heartbeat thrums against my ear.

"You're impossible," I murmur, tracing the pattern of his shirt with my fingertip.

He stirs, and I freeze. His green eyes blink open, focusing on me with sleepy confusion.

His hand slides up my back, sending tingles along my spine. "Alice..."

Maybe it's the exhaustion, or the lingering high from my discovery, or just the way he says my name - soft and rough all at once. The words slip out before I can stop them.

"I love you."

His entire body tenses beneath me. I hold my breath, waiting for him to pull away, to put that careful distance back between us.

CHAPTER 18

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