Page 8 of Obsessed

A few minutes later, we break through the foliage into a small clearing. A squat, utilitarian building sits in the center, surrounded by various pieces of scientific equipment I can't begin to identify.

"Home sweet home," Alice says, gesturing towards the structure. "It's not much, but it's got everything we need."

I follow her inside, grateful for the blast of cool air that hits me as we enter. The interior's cramped but organized, with computer terminals and lab equipment lining the walls.

"The comm system's over there," Alice points to a console in the corner.

"Thanks," I say. She continues standing there, staring. "A little privacy please?"

"Oh! Yes, of course. Would you like some tea while you make your call?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Tea?"

She shrugs. "It's soothing. Thought you might need it after your ordeal."

"Sure," I say, surprising myself. "Tea would be... nice."

As Alice bustles off to another room, I make my way to the comm system. My fingers hover over the keypad for a moment before I punch in Freynal's secure channel.

The screen flickers to life, revealing Freynal's scowling face. His eyes narrow as he takes in my disheveled appearance.

"Davrik," he growls. "You'd better have a damn good explanation for why you're calling from an unsecured line."

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "There were... complications. Pirates. They?—"

"Pirates?" Freynal interrupts, his voice dripping with disdain. "I expected better of you, Davrik. You're supposed to be the best."

"I am the best," I snap, my pride stinging. "But even the best can't predict everything. I've crash-landed on some backwater planet called Meltor IV. The ship's damaged, but the cargo's intact."

Freynal's scowl deepens. "I don't care about your excuses. You've got a job to do, and I expect it done. Figure something out, and quick. I'm not a patient man, Davrik. You know what happens to those who disappoint me."

The threat hangs in the air for a moment before Freynal cuts the connection, leaving me staring at a blank screen.

"Tea's ready!" Alice calls from the other room, her cheerful voice a stark contrast to the knot forming in my stomach.

I lean back in the chair, running a hand through my hair. I've got to find a way off this planet, and fast. But how?

It feels almost impossible, and the realization manifests a rage in me I can't control. I slam my fist down on the counter as Alice steps in.

"Oh. Not good, I guess. Well…"

I sigh, trying to pull myself together. "No. Not good at all. I'm stranded."

"Well, you can stay here if you want. While things get figured out."

She looks at me so strangely. Like she's hoping I'll say yes. And then, what choice do I have?

"Sure," I say gruffly. "Why not?"

CHAPTER 5

ALICE

Iwake up with a jolt, my heart racing. For a moment, I forget why I'm so on edge. Then it hits me—Davrik. The blue-skinned stranger crashed into my solitary world yesterday.

Padding to the kitchen, I nearly jump out of my skin when I see him sitting at the table, sipping what looks like coffee from my favorite mug.

"Morning," he grunts, not looking up.

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