Enzuk POV

As I walked away from Isabella's enclosure, a faint smile tugged at the corners of my lips. It was undeniable that she didn't trust me, and truth be told, I hadn't given her any reason to. Her skepticism was justified. After all, I had attempted to end her life, driven by my mission. But what caught me off guard were the unexpected emotions that stirred within me.

Still, I adamantly refused to entertain the notion that she could be my mate. But, why did I feel anything for her anyway? She was a human. It remained an enigma, one that I was determined to unravel. There was no denying the sheer intensity of my emotions when I was around her. Almost as if an invisible force connected us on a deeper level. Whenever I was around her, my instincts always kicked in, urging me to shield her from any harm that may come her way. It was a primal urge, an innate need to safeguard her from the dangers of the world. No logical explanation could justify my overwhelming desire to protect her, yet it was an undeniable truth that resonated within me. They were all feelings and actions that screamed: mate.

But she was merely a fragile human, and I couldn't fathom why such a connection would be there. Melxa, with a mischievous grin, jokingly suggested one day that it could be some peculiar Earth affliction that would eventually fade away. And although I knew it was a ludicrous notion, I clung to it desperately. I was grasping at straws, searching for any explanation other than the undeniable truth that Isabella and I were destined to be together. It's not that she wasn't attractive, or worthy of a mate. But to be my mate? I had always pictured my mate to be a strong Omna woman. And Isabella was strong…but she was human.

Melxa found great amusement in my futile attempts, particularly when I would surreptitiously observe Isabella from behind the opaque glass in the laboratories or even during her slumber at night. I hung around the labs like a lost puppy. It was demeaning. My actions felt foolish, but I couldn't help but be near her. Yes, I knew she was angry with me, but still, being near her was better than staying away.

Every time I caught a glimpse of her, my heart would skip a beat. And I inwardly kick myself for being so weak. The way her brown hair cascaded down her shoulders, the way her eyes sparkled with a mix of emotions, it was all too captivating to resist. I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the magnetic pull she had on me.

But it wasn't just the physical attraction that kept me coming back. It was the fear of losing her, the thought of her slipping away from my grasp forever. The fear the one day I would go to the labs, and she would be gone. I could still remember holding her limp body in my arms. It was in that moment that I felt something inside me come alive. The moment that I thought I would actually lose Isabella; a rush of possessive feelings had overwhelmed me. It was as if a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins for the first time, propelling me to do whatever was necessary to save her.

Despite all rational thought, I couldn't bear the thought of her slipping away. So, despite how foolish my actions looked to Melxa, I continued to be near her. Even if it meant enduring her anger and disappointment, I was willing to do it, because the thought of losing Isabella was far more unbearable than any temporary discomfort.

"You know, we can't keep this charade up forever," Melxa's voice interrupted my thoughts, his tone laced with concern and urgency. It was true. We had been carrying the weight of this secret for far too long. The charade of keeping Isabella's existence secret was a delicate dance we had been performing to keep her hidden from the prying eyes of the high courts.

"We can't keep her presence a secret for eternity," he repeated, his voice firm and resolute. "Sooner or later, this will need to be revealed to the high courts."

His words hit me like a punch in the gut, and I couldn't help but cringe at the thought of exposing her to the scrutiny and judgment of the courts. The consequences could be dire.

"I know," I whispered, my voice barely audible. The weight of responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders, the burden of deciding her fate becoming increasingly unbearable.

But Melxa, ever the pragmatist, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. "I might be able to help make a case for her survival," he suggested, his voice tinged with a hint of optimism. "But, then again, the courts tend to view my testimonies as bias since I work with humans often."

His admission was a bitter pill to swallow. Melxa's dedication to bridging the gap between our worlds had made him an invaluable ally, but it had also made him a target of skepticism and prejudice. The high courts, steeped in tradition and suspicion, were unlikely to easily accept his testimony in her defense. As I pondered the precarious path that lay ahead, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to navigate this treacherous terrain. Melxa's determination to fight for her survival ignited a flicker of hope within me, a belief that perhaps, against all odds, we could find a way to protect her from the harsh judgment of the high courts. The charade we had meticulously crafted was teetering on the edge of collapse, and the consequences of its unraveling were too dire to fathom. The road ahead was treacherous.

"That's very considerate of you, Melxa. However, I believe it's my responsibility to handle this situation on my own. I don't want you to be implicated in any way. Your best course of action is to feign ignorance. Although I may face consequences, there's a chance that once they witness Isabella's civilized behavior, they might allow her to remain under your care. But, if they discover your involvement in hiding her, they might decide to take her into custody."

Melxa smiled confidently, his eyes shining with determination. "The high court may hold power, but they don't intimidate me," he declared. His voice was filled with a sense of defiance and resilience. "You know very well how many times I have had to defend my work in front of them," he reminded me.

Melxa's conviction grew stronger as he spoke. "Without my efforts, all humans would have perished," he stated boldly. I knew his work had been crucial in ensuring the survival of the human race. But he didn't stop there. "On our planet, we have learned to coexist with humans. My work has shown that that humans can be tamed, domesticated," he continued, his words full of compassion and triumph.

Looking directly into my eyes he gave me a tight smile, "I believe you will need my expertise in this matter," he stated firmly. It was true. His knowledge and research would be instrumental in presenting a convincing case to the high court. If we succeeded, there was a chance that the harsh sentence could be lessened. "She may serve as a slave, but at least she will be granted the gift of life," Melxa proposed, his voice tinged with a hint of mercy.

"Maybe," I said in a low voice.

"You will need my findings to demonstrate that she is capable of change and growth," he asserted. Melxa's research had uncovered the transformative power within certain humans, even those who had committed grave mistakes.

"I suppose if you are willing to testify for her, it wouldn't hurt to report your findings. They might see that she is not a threat. That she has seen the error of her ways and has abandoned all desire to harm us, and rather seeks to serve now. It could work."

"Yes. And I have more than enough evidence to present that she could be used as an asset. I haven't finished recording it all, but I believe with her potential, I could use an assistant."

Hmmm. "They might not like the idea of Isabella being in a highly powerful lab. If she could do what she did before using earthly facilities, imagine what she could do in our labs."

"Well, that's my point. Those desires will have been weeded out of her. There would be no need to fear her. She would be docile. I have notes that document her submissive behavior."

I nodded. "It might be beneficial to share your observations with the court. I want them to see that she poses no danger."

"Right," Melxa added, "They could understand that she has genuinely recognized her past mistakes and has completely renounced any intention to cause harm. Instead, she now strives to contribute positively. This approach could potentially yield positive results and lead to a favorable outcome."

As I observed his confident smile, it became evident that there was more to his involvement in saving Isabella than met the eye. Curiosity piqued, I leaned in slightly, my eyes locked with his. "Not that I don't appreciate your help Melxa, but why are you doing this?"

"She's valuable. A good test subject," he said simply.

"Test subject?" I repeated, my voice laced with intrigue. The mention of Isabella being a part of his experiments raised a multitude of questions in my mind. What kind of experiments were they conducting outside my knowledge anyway?

Melxa's response only deepened the enigma surrounding his intentions. With a glint of amusement in his eyes, he continued, "Yes. I believe she is. But, beyond that, there's something captivating about her defiance toward you."

"Toward me?" He nodded, "Well, I'm glad you find it amusing."

"Yes, I do. It's rare to see a female reject your advances. Especially one that you're so invested in."

I sighed, my frustration mounting as I reflected on the absurdity of the situation. Was it that obvious? How could I, a renowned and accomplished warrior, find myself transformed into a hopeless romantic? It seemed inconceivable, a cruel twist of fate that had upended my purpose and mission.

I was revered for my unparalleled skills on the battlefield, and entrusted with important quests that required strength, cunning, and unwavering determination. I had honed my body and mind, dedicating countless hours to perfecting my combat techniques and strategizing for victory. My identity was defined by my prowess as a warrior. But now, here I stood, caught in the bewildering grip of lov-well, something. It was as if a spell had been cast upon me, transforming my once razor-sharp focus into a haze of longing and desire. Battles and conquests that once consumed my thoughts were now replaced by thoughts of Isabella.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of betrayal toward myself. How had I allowed this vulnerability to seep into my being? I had always thought that love was a distraction, a weakness that could be exploited by those who sought to undermine my purpose. Oh, I knew sooner or later I would find the right female and settle down. Just not so soon. Isabella clouded my judgment, making me question my priorities and diverting my attention from the path I had sworn to follow.

Yet, despite my frustration, I couldn't deny the power of these newfound emotions. Yes, they tugged at my heartstrings, but they also awakened a side of me I had never felt before. Like I had tapped into a secret power within me that had the authority to make me fight anything that stood between me and her. Like I could kill anything that tried to harm her. A blind sacrifice of my life for hers without thought. It was as if my feelings for Isabella had unlocked a dormant part of my soul, revealing a depth of feeling and compassion I never knew existed. Sure, I knew one day I would bond with someone, but I never expected it to be a human.

"I think she is good for you," Melxa said as he gently placed his hand on my shoulder.

His words stunned me. "What?" I said with distaste.

"I have seen the way you look at her. It's a look that speaks volumes, even if you try to deny it. But I know that look. It's a look of longing. A look that one holds only for a…" God, don't say it. "A mate."

My jaw tensed. His words resonated deep within me, causing me to pause and reflect on the truth behind them. Melxa's hand remained on my shoulder, a silent show of support, as I shook my head.

"Melxa, this is completely unprecedented. How can you possibly approve of this? How can you even look at me? You should be advising me to eliminate these emotions. You should tell me what an idiot I am. You should be emphasizing that such feelings are neither healthy nor typical."

Melxa chuckled softly, his amusement evident. "I suppose I could offer that advice, but it wouldn't alter your genuine sentiments, now, would it? In my opinion, it would be healthier for you to embrace and acknowledge your emotions."

As I ran my fingers through my long silver locks, a wave of unexpected emotions washed over me. Feelings for Isabella were ever supposed to happen. I had deliberately suppressed any hint of sentimentality, reserving it for my return to our home planet. "This was not part of the plan. I never expected to feel such sentiments, especially toward a human. I always envisioned myself with a formidable partner."

"Isabella possesses strength," Melxa argued.

"Not Omna strength. I thought I would have a strong Omna female. Like…" I pondered.

"Like Tanya?" Melxa raised a brow.

I let out a heavy sigh, feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. Tanya had always been a constant presence in my life, but deep down, I knew that my interest in her was not as strong as others believed. However, I had hoped that the time away on my mission would provide some clarity, allowing me to explore and understand my true feelings toward her.

It seemed like everyone around us had already decided that we were the perfect couple, the inevitable match made in heaven. Their unwavering belief in our compatibility only added to the pressure and expectations that weighed heavily on my shoulders. Tanya, in particular, seemed convinced that our connection was undeniable. She even promised to wait for me while I embarked on my mission to Earth.

She had never been shy about expressing her desire for me, making her feelings abundantly clear. She had confidently stated that upon my return, I would undoubtedly reciprocate her love. While her conviction was admirable, it also added to the complexity of my emotions. I couldn't help but wonder if her certainty stemmed from genuine intuition or simply wishful thinking.

When I embarked on my mission, I couldn't help but carry a sliver of hope that perhaps Tanya's predictions would come true. Deep down, I yearned for the same level of passion and affection that she seemed to possess for me. However, I knew that finding a mate could not be forced or manufactured. It had to be a genuine connection, a mutual understanding that transcended mere expectations. And I did find it…it just wasn't where I expected it to be.

As Melxa tidied up his science tools, he noticed my silence and decided to offer some advice. "Why not give Tanya a chance?" he suggested. "She has been patiently waiting for you for a long time. Maybe there's a special connection waiting to be formed between you two. After all, you did promise her that you would pursue a relationship upon your return from Earth. You mentioned it was your final mission and that you were ready to settle down. And Tanya, well, she does seem like the perfect match for you. She's strong. Determined. Beautifull. And ready for children. It's no wonder she has managed to outshine all her competitors," Melxa added with a smirk. He was right of course. I had expressed my intention to pursue a serious relationship upon my return, as it was my final mission and I desired to settle down. On the outside, Tanya was the perfect match for me.

Maybe I owed it to Tanya to explore the possibility of a relationship with her. Perhaps it was a chance to truly evaluate the depth of my feelings for Isabella. By embarking on a relationship with Tanya, I could gauge whether my connection with Isabella was merely infatuation or something more profound. It could serve as a litmus test, revealing the authenticity and sincerity of my emotions toward Isabella.

Moreover, giving Tanya a chance would demonstrate my commitment to being open-minded and fair. It would show that I valued her as an individual and respected her feelings, rather than using her as a mere placeholder while I figured out my true desires.

Although it was a difficult decision, I believed that exploring a relationship with Tanya could bring clarity and provide valuable insights into my own heart. It was a way to honor both Tanya and Isabella, ensuring that my choices were based on genuine emotions and not fleeting whims.

"Yes. I would deal with Tanya. But we will ensure Isabella's safety first," I declared firmly, my determination evident in my voice. Melxa nodded in agreement as I stormed out of his lab, my mind racing with thoughts and plans.

As I walked briskly, I couldn't help but ponder on the best approach to present Isabella to the high court, particularly to Aro, the leader of the Omna people, who held the ultimate power in making decisions. Aro's judgment was known to be strict and unforgiving, making it a daunting task to appeal to his sense of compassion.

However, with Melxa's assistance, we might have a chance. Melxa's brilliance and resourcefulness were unmatched, and his help could potentially pique Aro's curiosity enough to keep Isabella alive. This would provide me with the precious time I needed to strategize and find a way to protect her.

Aro and I had always been in sync, understanding each other's thoughts and decisions. Especially when it came to humans. I was aware that he relied on my discernment and valued my opinions. However, I couldn't bear the thought of revealing my genuine emotions for a human to him. Doing so would not only shatter his trust in me but also potentially lead him to harm her. It was crucial to handle this delicate situation with care. I would have to rid myself of any affection for Isabella when facing the high court, where my actions would no doubt be scrutinized. I would have to remain impassive, unable to display any emotion toward her.

Something brushed my shoulder as it passed by, abruptly pulling me out of my trance. The interruption ignited a spark of irritation within me, causing my eyes to narrow as I searched for the audacious culprit who had crashed into me without a hint of remorse.

"Parden, Enzuk. I didn't see you there. Apologies," a familiar voice muttered, breaking through the haze of annoyance. Vorro. A fellow warrior in my unit and under my command. I tilted my head to the side, sizing him up as I contemplated his audacity.

"Don't let it happen again. Or I might think you are looking for a challenge," I growled, my voice laced with authority. I expected him to cower under my gaze, to show some semblance of regret for his carelessness. But, to my surprise, Vorro's lips curled into a sinister smile, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. His response dripped with sarcasm, yet carried an underlying tone of defiance.

"Sorry, Commander. I would never dare to challenge you," he retorted, his words held a hint of mockery. His insolence only fueled the fire within me, igniting a desire to put him in his place. But as I stared into his eyes, I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to his defiance than met the eye. However, I really didn't have the time or patience to delve into the intricate labyrinth of his thoughts and ideas.

"Good. You will watch where you are going. Next time I won't be so lenient," I snarled, my voice dripping with disdain and impatience. He bowed, his eyes never leaving me, as if he were studying me. I kept a close watch on him, my gaze unwavering, as he glanced in the direction I had just come from.

"Something amusing?" I asked, my tone laced with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

"No. No, commander," he replied, his voice respectful but tinged with a hint of intrigue. "I just have this slight curiosity about the humans we hunted on Earth."

"What about them?" I questioned, my voice sharp and commanding.

"Well, I heard that a select few were preserved...for research," he explained, his words hesitant.

"That has nothing to do with you."

"I'm just curious," he continued, his voice full of defiance. "I figured I could make a visit to Melxa. He would know."

My patience waned as I replied, my voice stern and authoritative, "I have already spoken with Melxa about the humans who were preserved."

"Of course. I'm sure you have," he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You are always on top of everything. I hope to be like you one day. But…there is just one human I was curious about. The female scientist."

My eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into my voice. "She was taken care of."

"Yes, that's what I thought," he replied. "But on the day of our attack, I caught her scent. And for some strange reason, I caught it again the other day. In fact, I smell it now. I'm wondering, if she somehow survived and proceeded to be some sort of stowaway on our ship."

What was he implying? "Are you implying that my way of handling the human is not to your liking?"

"No. No! I know you always do what is best. My curiosity is merely…" he tapped his chin, "academic. Unless you think there is a particular reason why I shouldn't visit Melxa. I've noticed that you've been going there quite frequently lately."

Why was he watching my actions? I stepped closer to him, baring my teeth.

He held up his hands and put lowered his head, "I simply want to have a conversation with Melxa," he continued.

I bit the inside of my mouth, feeling both frustration and anxiety. There was no way I could deny Vorro's visit to Melxa, as anyone was allowed to see him. And the last thing I needed to do was arouse any suspicion by forbidding him. Besides, Vorro would find a way to see Melxa anyway. Thankfully, Isabella was already asleep.

I knew that Melxa would know what to do if Vorro caused any trouble. He had a way of handling difficult situations with ease, while Vorro had a reputation for openly expressing his contempt for humans, making it clear that he considered them beneath him.

Trying to maintain a sense of authority, I spoke firmly to Vorro, "Don't stay long. We need to secure our perimeter before nightfall."

Vorro flashed a smug smile, his arrogance evident. "Yes, Commander," he replied, his tone dripping with disdain. As he pressed forward on his journey to Melxa, a surge of frustration and anger welled up within me. I had to restrain myself from impulsively confronting him, realizing the importance of maintaining a composed demeanor. It would be foolish to incite any more suspicion before I had the chance to build a solid defense for Isabella.

The urgency to speak with Aro intensified, as the risks of concealing Isabella grew increasingly perilous. The shadows of danger loomed closer, urging me to seek Aro's counsel and guidance. The time for caution had arrived, and I needed to find a way to protect Isabella without drawing unwanted attention.