Chapter 7

Hello everyone! I hope you all are doing well. I also hope you're enjoying this story so far. Please enjoy the next chapter.

I kept my distance from the creature for a span of two days, consciously avoiding any close encounters. Even though I continued to observe him through the surveillance camera before retiring for the nights, I made a firm decision to refrain from approaching him once more. He was a master distractor. And it became clear to me that I needed a stronger motivation than mere curiosity before I would dare to approach him again.

For the majority of the time, he remained tucked away in his secluded corner, seeking solace and security. Occasionally, he would venture out into the confines of the cell, his tail gracefully swaying behind him as he surveyed his surroundings.

One particular morning, he positioned himself in the very spot where we had last conversed, almost as if he anticipated my presence. The inexplicable warmth that flooded my heart in that moment was indescribable. It was as if he was silently beckoning me, a gentle tug on my heartstrings urging me to approach him. However, despite this emotional pull, I resisted the temptation and restrained myself from reaching out to him. The fact that he lingered there for hours only intensified my internal struggle. Yet, I remained steadfast in my decision to keep my distance. Eventually, he rose from his spot and propelled himself back to his usual corner, curling up into a tight ball. From that point on, he remained motionless for the rest of the day. A wave of guilt washed over me, as if I had let him down in some way.

A part of my mind began to create excuses to spend time with him. I wanted to ensure he had enough to eat and drink. However, I couldn't ignore the uneasy feelings he stirred within me. He made me experience emotions that felt unnatural, almost unsettling. I mean, he wasn't exactly unattractive, especially with those captivating eyes of his.

Ugh, here I go again, it's truly disturbing. He's merely playing with my emotions.

Deep down, I knew he was dangerous, capable of causing harm. It wasn't normal for me to imagine him engaging in...inappropriate activities. Things that were far from natural! After all, he belonged to a different species altogether. It was impossible for us to be together. Not that I desired him either. But...I couldn't deny that he had a certain appeal...

Ugh, it felt strange to even acknowledge those thoughts. It was unsettling how my body reacted to him, responding in shameful ways whenever he was near me. Yet, I couldn't resist being in his presence. I had burning questions that needed answers. However, the cost of seeking such answers was that he ignited within me primal, unwanted desires. His discussions about mating and offspring awakened my innermost, instinctual yearnings as a woman.

It was true. I did want a mate. And children? Sure. Being a mother would be a great honor. But that wasn't in my deck of cards. I couldn't just abandon everything for my own personal needs.

Didn't he know that? He had to know that saving the human race was all that kept me from having a life. In fact, I was sure that was why he kept reminding me that he would kill me. He was not subtle at it either.

Rightfully so, I had dedicated my life to fighting a war, a war which, in his opinion, boiled down to having sex and procreating. To be honest, he wasn't entirely wrong, I just had never heard it put that way before.

I sighed.

I despised the fact that every single one of our conversations was meticulously recorded because we always seemed to veer off-topic during our discussions. The mere thought of replaying those conversations made me cringe, and I constantly had to make deals with myself to resist the temptation until I felt prepared to stay focused.

Instead of revisiting those conversations, I chose to confine myself to my laboratory, dedicating my time to developing a more potent serum. This new concoction would inflict excruciating pain upon the creature's body while simultaneously depriving its bloodstream of oxygen. Although it wasn't a painless method, it would effectively fulfill its purpose of terminating the creature's life. However, before proceeding, there was one final task at hand: testing the serum.

Yet, a lingering fear plagued my mind: what if it actually worked? What if the serum truly succeeded in killing the creature? Strangely enough, I found no solace in that thought. Instead, a conflicting concern arose: could I bear witness to the creature's agonizing cries and desperate gasps for air as it suffered the effects of the serum? Each time I envisioned conducting the test, my mind vehemently rejected the notion. These apprehensive thoughts hindered my progress and led me to continuously find excuses to delay the testing of the serum.

Even though Daren persistently inquired about the readiness of the serum for testing, I consistently responded with a negative answer, claiming that there were still additional tests to conduct. However, the truth that I was ashamed to admit was that I wasn't prepared to bid farewell to the creature just yet. My curiosity urged me to delve deeper into its mysteries, as it became apparent that it was far older and remarkably intelligent than I had initially presumed.

The predicament arose when I sensed that Daren, too, had begun to suspect my delay tactics. Though he attempted to respect my need for time and space, I could discern his growing restlessness. He refrained from directly questioning what tests remained, but his skepticism was palpable. This uneasy state of affairs persisted until one fateful evening, when rain poured relentlessly outside our laboratory. I informed him that I intended to go down to the hold that night while we were working in the lab.

"Why?" he asked, letting out a long-irritated sigh.

"Because I want to conduct further research before finalizing the serum."

"What kind of research? My God. We've already tested the serum multiple times. It seems like it would work. Why not just test it on the creature already? If it fails, we can make the necessary adjustments."

"Daren," I said, my frustration evident in my tone, "I...I just want to be certain. Just...let me do my work."

"Swan, you know I always have your back. You know that. And I would never do anything to harm you. But let's face it. This has become personal."

"Daren-"

He raised his hands in defense. "I'm just stating what I see. I'm not going to go blabbing to Lieutenant Black. I don't even like the guy. But...you need to be cautious. Okay? You can't let your personal research interfere with the main mission. We're here to save the human race."

I clenched my teeth tightly, unable to deny the truth in every word he uttered. Daren was right. My conversations with the creature had in fact shifted from mere exchanges to being centered around my own personal research.

Our primary objective remained clear: to rescue the human race. However, witnessing the creature's agonizing demise left an unsettling feeling in the depths of my soul. It was something I couldn't fathom, something I wasn't prepared for. Perhaps it was because, in my eyes, he had transcended his monstrous nature and appeared more human to me now.

Daren let out a weary sigh. "I think we should test the serum in a day or so. We can't predict when those monsters will strike again, and we need to be sure the serum works. We can't keep postponing this indefinitely. This goes beyond your mere curiosity. Can we agree on that? Tomorrow is the day."

He was absolutely right, and it pained me to admit it. There was no argument I could make. Saying yes was the only logical response. So, I nodded in agreement. "Yes, that seems like the right course of action. I'll make sure it things are in order to test the serum tomorrow and inform Lieutenant Black," I said with a smile. "Thank you, Daren. You've always been a true friend."

"You know I genuinely care about you," he replied, returning the smile. With a gentle touch, he laid his hand on my arm and caressed it in a comforting manner. "Isabella, you mean a lot to me," he expressed, attempting to create a tender atmosphere. However, his touch repulsed me, and I found it difficult to resist the urge to withdraw from his grasp. "I just don't want to see you get hurt. Ending this war would be a true blessing. And maybe then, I can take you out for a proper dinner. No more boxed soup," he joked.

I struggled to smile back. I could tell he was trying to be intimate, but I didn't feel anything for Daren. Not in that way at least. But I also didn't want to hurt his feelings. "I'd really like that," I replied.

"After this war, I hope that we can embrace a fresh world together" he expressed. "I believe that happiness awaits us, if we can overcome the challenges of this war. Together." Daren placed his hand on me and moved closer. As I fought the urge to retreat, my heart quickened its pace. Gradually, he drew me nearer to him, inching closer and closer to my lips. "Bella," he murmured softly. I shook my head slightly. "We can have a real shot at being together. Just one opportunity is all we need." His lips inched closer. A pair of vivid blue eyes penetrated deep into my mind's eye. His eyes. I started to breath rapidly as Daren approached me.

"No," I whispered as I swiftly I turned my head away, evading his lips and preventing his tender kiss from fully materializing.

Daren stopped, and his eyes grew wide in surprise disappointed that I turned down his advances. Which in turn caused an uncomfortable pause between us. The sight of the hurt in his eyes instantly filled me with guilt and remorse. However, I couldn't find it in myself to reciprocate his feelings, at least not at this stage of our relationship. I cherished our close friendship, but saw him as nothing more than that. Despite the complexity of emotions in that moment, I knew that honesty was the best approach for both of us.

"Daren. I-I can't. I'm sorry." He averted his gaze. "Daren," I begged, but he distanced himself slightly, clearly feeling embarrassed. "Oh," he uttered, his humiliation evident. "Daren, please. I don't want to cause you pain. I'm just..." I trailed off, unable to find the right words.

"You don't share the same feelings for me as I do for you," he finished.

"Daren," I whispered. "It's not like that. You are…you are my best friend."

He scoffed before he mumbled, "friend."

"Yes. You are. I would never want to hurt you. You know that. But, I don't feel that way about our relationship."

After a lengthy pause, he let out a sigh. "So, is there someone else then?"

I vigorously shook my head. "No, absolutely not."

"We've been collaborating for a considerable amount of time, Bella. I mean, we've been partners for years. And yes, I know, I haven't been up front about my feelings. But I thought…I believed we had something special."

"We do. We share an incredible friendship. And... I don't know. Perhaps in different circumstances, it could be something more. But with this war, this place, I'm simply not prepared for that kind of relationship. Not at this moment."

Daren acknowledged my words with a nod, expressing his understanding. "I understand. Bella, I apologize. I guess I allowed my emotions to get the best of me without considering the pressure you've been dealing with lately. It was selfish of me. I should have empathized with you first. Put myself in your shoes."

I reciprocated Daren's gesture by smiling back at him. "No need to apologize. I value your openness about your feelings, and while I'm not ruling out the possibility of a romantic relationship in the future, I need this war to be resolved before I can entertain such thoughts. Our current circumstances don't exactly scream romance," I chuckled.

Daren blushed slightly. "Isn't being covered in alien slime and facing the end of the world together considered romantic?" he joked.

I laughed, returning his smile. "Not exactly the kind of romance I'm seeking."

Daren gazed at me for a moment before breaking into a smile. "Well. At least I can still make you smile. It's nice to see you laugh and smile. I'm glad I could bring that out in you."

In order to avoid another uncomfortable silence, he shifted his focus to a blood sample. Without even glancing at me, he asked, "So, are you still planning on visiting the holding cells to observe that creature?"

"Well, for the sake of scientific inquiry, I believe I should. It's my final opportunity to conduct further research on him."

"Mmm."

"Why?"

"Just curious," he replied while swapping one blood sample with another. "When will I have the chance to listen to the recordings you've been making? I'd appreciate being updated on the information you've collected so far."

Out of nowhere, a wave of anxiety washed over me. The thought of sharing my recordings with the creature never even crossed my mind. Despite my best efforts to stay focused, our discussions always veered towards the topic of mating, something that could potentially be scrutinized by others. Still, Daren had every right to ask since he was my partner. I would have asked him the same thing of him.

"Uh, it won't be long now. I'm nearly finished, you know. Given that it's his final day, I should be able to wrap up my research and jot down my findings on him in the near future."

Daren diverted his eyes from the blood sample towards me and remarked, "I anticipate that your discoveries on it will prove captivating. Perhaps, once this ordeal concludes, you could utilize your research to devise military defense weapons, ensuring that history does not repeat itself."

I didn't miss Daren's explicit message of referring to the creature as an 'it', but I deliberately decided to disregard it. "That's the plan. With the invaluable information he has assisted me in obtaining, I am confident that we can not only avert any future assaults, but also develop weaponry that will render us impervious to any other potential adversaries."

Daren squinted his eyes a little. "It didn't assist you in any way. And why do you persistently refer to it as a male?"

I furrowed my brows. "Based on my research, I believe it is male. There's a small chance he could be deceiving us, but I highly doubt that."

"What evidence do you have?" he asked defensively. "Did you come across something that suggests it is male? Did you see anything that would confirm your theory?"

I opened and closed my mouth, not sure how to respond to his defensive tone.

"In the interest of research," he stated abruptly, "I believe we should address the creature as it truly is. A monstrosity. An entity devoid of humanity. Let's not make the mistake of humanizing that abomination. It never aided you. As far as Black and I are concerned, he manipulated and exploited you to fulfill his own desires. Granted, everything you have accomplished thus far has benefitted us in the war, so no one is complaining. But between you and me, let's not forget that it is not a human being. And I'll be relieved when we eradicate it."

I furrowed my brow in response to his tone and choice of words. When did Daren and Black become so closely aligned? And when did Daren start showing concern for my research methods?

Although his words angered me, I made sure not to reveal my true emotions. "I would be happy to kill the creature, but I am allowed to conduct research, Daren. That creature is unlike anything we have ever encountered before. You should witness his-"

"I don't want to witness it," he interrupted. "I don't even want to know anything about it. I simply want that thing to perish. And if you spent more time up here in the lab with me, we could have potentially put an end to this war already."

Was he actually accusing me as the one prolonging the war? "Excuse me? The war will end when it ends, Daren. I have worked night and day to make sure our serums are critiqued. Don't put this on me. And since when are you not interested in science? We finally have the opportunity to closely examine an extraterrestrial creature, and-"

"Not 'we.' You. You spend hours with that thing. Black claims you have some sort of bond or agreement with it. That's why it communicates with you and only you. But I believe it's manipulating you. I think it's stalling. And frankly, if you aren't cautious, you will be the first one to die when it gets tired of toying with you."

I fixed my gaze on Daren, my anger evident. "I am conducting research, and you have no right to pass judgment on me. And seriously, Black? Are you really taking his side against me? You know exactly what he was doing with my work before I stepped in. He was behaving just as monstrously as the creature himself! In fact, when I witnessed it, it was difficult to determine who the true monster was. But we are nothing, not even human, if we can't maintain civility. And I have proven that. I have managed to establish a civil relationship with the creature, but don't think for a second that I've forgotten what it truly is. So what if it has access to food and water? I have obtained groundbreaking research and information that will benefit our species for generations to come. And you're upset because I'm not spending more time in the labs? I have fulfilled my duties in the labs while also working on serums. Not once have I neglected my responsibilities. If you and Black are so close, why don't you both find a closet and get busy? It's clear that you spend enough time up each other's ass already." I seethed with anger.

A chilling stillness enveloped us as we locked eyes with unwavering intensity. After a long pause, Daren's laughter shattered the silence, causing both of us to envision the comical thought of Black and him going at it in a closet. He shook his head. "That big gun he lugs around has always been a turn on," he joked.

I chuckled softly while Daren let out a weary sigh, clearly drained from the intense battle. "Listen, I'm not sure why those words slipped out of my mouth. It's not about the creature at all. I've just been feeling your absence, especially in the labs. I understand the importance of what you're doing, and I truly didn't mean what I said earlier. I'm just acting like a jerk. The truth is, I miss our time together, and I suppose I let a hint of jealousy get the best of me. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me once again? I know it's a lot to ask, but I never intended for us to end up arguing like this."

I smiled. "Already forgotten." Daren nodded gratefully.

Daren rubbed the back of his neck. "You should leave now. I'm certain you want to fully enjoy the evening, considering he may not be here for much longer," he stated, his words burdening my heart. I smiled at his use of the word 'he' instead of 'it'.

Daren and I had been partners for a considerable period, which made it challenge to conceal my emotions from him. Deep inside, it was true, I harbored doubts about ending the creature's life. These doubts were mine alone, haunting me relentlessly. I couldn't help but feel like I was betraying my own kind. While it was undeniable that the creature and I shared a connection, I questioned if it had evolved into something deeper. After all, he had made it clear that given the opportunity, he would not hesitate to take my life. Shouldn't my resolve mirror his? So why did I hesitate? Perhaps Daren was onto something. Maybe the creature was manipulating me. And the only way to break free from this spell was to eliminate him.

"Thank you, Daren. I'll be back soon," I said, placing my hand on his arm. "Don't overwork yourself. Make sure to get some rest."

"Understood, Boss," he responded. "By the way, have you had anything to eat?"

"I'll grab my lunch. I didn't have a chance to eat it earlier," I replied.

With a smile, he cautioned, "Be careful down there. I know you probably don't want me to stay up for you, but I will regardless. I always wait for you. I just want to ensure your safety. So, if you want me to get some rest, please return soon." I returned his smile, causing a slight blush to creep onto his face before he swiftly returned his attention to his work, leaving me to ponder on my own. The idea that this might be the last time I ever see the creature.

I rushed out of the lab, driven by the desire to see him. I yearned to witness him alive and well, even if it was just for a brief moment before the dreaded day arrived. He had only one day left, and that was the only time I could spare for him.

I felt an overwhelming need for more time, but it was evident that this would be our final night together. The next time he laid eyes on me, it would be to experience nothing but agony and death. How could our time together have been so abruptly cut short? It felt as if we had just met, but perhaps it was because we were caught in the midst of a life-or-death battle. Is that why?

Yes, that's right. That had to be it. However, killing him still didn't seem like the solution. At least, not the solution I desired. I didn't even know his name.

I contacted Lieutenant Black and instructed him to ensure the creature was fed and given water before my arrival for the last phase of my research. Lieutenant Black wasn't thrilled about having to track down another rabbit, but his demeanor changed when I informed him that we could test the serum in just one day.

Upon my arrival, I observed that the creature had not made any attempt to eat its food. Instead, the skinned and bloody rabbit lay untouched in the center of the room, while the creature remained curled up in his usual comfortable corner. I lightly tapped on the glass, hoping to catch its attention, but it remained motionless. As I increased the intensity of my knocks, he growled in response.

"Hey," I called out. "Are you not coming down? I... um... thought we could have a conversation again." Still no response. In fact, he wrapped his tail around his body even tighter. "Come on. I had food brought for you... so that we could talk. You know... our agreement?" I continued tapping on the glass, aware of how irritated he seemed by the way he snarled at me. Suddenly, Lieutenant Black's voice echoed through the loudspeaker, "Perhaps not tonight, Swan. It seems like it's in a different mood. If I were you, I'd get some rest and be prepared for tomorrow's important day."

No. It had to be tonight. I pressed my lips together, feeling the sting of rejection, but the thought of ending his life the following night hurt even more. I placed my palm on the cool thick glass.

"Could you please come down?" I whispered, pleadingly. "Please?" I waited anxiously, but the only movement I could perceive was the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed steadily. Perhaps he was too exhausted, but this was our final night together.

"Bella!" I jumped and quickly turned around to find Daren approaching from behind.

"Daren, what... what are you doing here?" I asked, surprised.

"I know, I know," he replied, gasping for breath. "Call me crazy, but I wanted to bring you your dinner. You left you lunch on the counter in the lab. I know how irritable you get when you're hungry, or rather, how you always try to avoid eating. So, I didn't want you to go hungry. And... don't be mad, but I also wanted to check on you. I still feel bad about our argument."

I chuckled softly. "You didn't have to do that. And you definitely didn't have to rush down here with my dinner. Seriously." I took the container from Daren and placed it on my chair.

"I just wanted to ensure your well-being. You seemed a bit...unsettled. And I realized my previous words to you lacked tact. I genuinely care about you, as a friend. I wanted to make sure you're alright," he gently rubbed my shoulder.

"I'm perfectly fine," I replied with a smile.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, thank you. Thanks for bringing my food. I guess it just slipped my mind." I reciprocated by touching his arm and offering a warm smile.

"Well, I...Oh my God!" His eyes darted upwards, causing him to step back. "What the hell?"

"What?" I quickly turned to look behind me, and there stood the creature, towering and practically frothing at the mouth, its hot breath leaving steam on the glass. But its gaze was not on me. It was fixated on Daren, sizing him up. Daren grabbed my arm and pulled me away. "Come on. It's not safe." The creature's eyes flickered to Daren's hand on my arm. His gaze darkened, and his lowered its head, growling as if accepting a challenge. I watched as he paced the cell, scales raised, and his tail twisted behind it.

"Bella, let's go." Daren began to drag me.

"Daren, no. Stop! It's alright."

"No, it's not! Can't you see what I see? That thing looks ready to attack. This is too much. I won't leave you here."

"Daren-" I freed my arm from his grip, only for him to grab me again. His hold was so tight that I let out a yelp. "Daren, stop!"

The creature narrowed his eyes and assumed a defensive stance. He arched its neck, tilted his head back, and let out a deafening roar that caused both Daren and me to cover our ears.

The creature aggressively approached the glass, fixing a menacing glare directly at Daren. In response, I overheard Lieutenant Black commanding for him to be immediately shocked and injected. A shower of sparks erupted as the cell walls became electrified. He stayed near the glass, seemingly unaffected by the shocks, growling loudly. It was only when I distanced myself from Daren and approached the creature's cell that it showed a slight decrease in agitation.

He let out a load roar which only resulted in a higher electroshock to his neck. He must have been on the verge of being electrocuted to death. He glanced at me briefly before a surge of high voltage surged through his body, causing its neck veins to throb as it let out a painful growl.

"Stop!" I shouted at the creature. "Cease this fight! I beg you." Finally succumbing to the effects of the injections, the creature collapsed to the ground, writhing, and contorting as the burning sensations spread throughout its body, depriving him of some of his breath. Despite the agony, he bared its teeth menacingly at Daren. His tail coiled like a venomous snake, poised to strike, while he continued to growl and hiss.

"Stop!" I shouted up to Lieutenant Black. Overwhelmed by another surge of sadness, I hastily fled from the vicinity. The creature's gaze trailed me, and when I glanced back, its eyes were filled with what appeared to be profound disappointment. Daren pursued me, embracing me tightly.

"Hey. It's alright, Bella. Shhh. I'm here."

I shook my head. "No," I wriggled out of his embrace. "Don't touch me! Leave me be."

"Bella-"

"You shouldn't have come here, Daren. I had everything under control!"

"I wanted to make sure you were alright. And I'm glad I came. You shouldn't be anywhere near that thing."

He reached out to grab me but I pushed him away. "Daren. I am fine! This is a delicate situation. And I had things under control. You need to leave. Now."

"Come with me."

"No. I'm staying. I appreciate your concern, Daren, but you need to go. Right now."

He seemed hurt, but after a moment, he turned and walked away. I regretted my words the instant they left my mouth. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to retract them or chase after him to apologize.
Ashamedly, my attention was elsewhere. How could I have betrayed my own kind for the validation of an extraterrestrial killing machine?

I should have departed the scene with Daren. I should have. I shouldn't have lingered. I should have pursued Daren and expressed my remorse. I should have never turned around and retraced my steps towards the murderous creature.

But I did.

I settled into my chair, wiping away tears that had welled up in my eyes. Today had been a disaster thus far. A roller coaster of emotions. In my lap lay the small food box that Daren had brought to me. I regretted my words so much. But why did he have to show up with no notice? Was he just curious about the creature and what my work really entailed?

Why did I push him away like I did?

The jolts had finally subsided, and the creature now lay peacefully on the floor, its gaze fixed on me without wavering. I longed to communicate with him, but I lacked the strength to do so. I was simply too overwhelmed. Tears rolled down my face as I avoided the creature's gaze.

With a curious gaze, he examined my face, his eyes lingering on the trails of tears that stained my cheeks. Intrigued by the emotions etched on my features, he seemed to be searching for answers within the depths of my sorrow.

After a prolonged silence, the creature let out a groan as he struggled to lift itself up. However, he didn't manage to stand to its full height. Instead, he dragged itself towards the lifeless rabbit. After inspecting it, the creature began to devour the animal. I turned my gaze away, unable to bear the nauseating feeling in my stomach as he tore chunks of bloody flesh from the rabbit's bones.

Once he had finished his meal, he cleaned himself as he usually did, and then slowly approached me. When I refused to meet its gaze, he paced back and forth along the glass enclosure. Still ignoring its presence, he finally settled down in the same spot where we had first conversed.

But this time, he was the creature who sought to break the silence. "Why does human not eat? You should eat. You look weak," he uttered as he looked at the lunchbox in my lap.

I scoffed, glancing down at the container holding some strawberries and a ham sandwich. All I could think about were my horrid actions and words toward Daren. Poor Daren. All he wanted was to check on me and bring me food. And yet, I had been so impolite to him. "Not hungry," I replied dismissively.

"No inquiries, then? No games? Why are you here if you prefer silence? Why did the human even come tonight?"

Because this is my final opportunity...before...

"Why is the human feeling sorrowful? Human is so sad."

It was far more dreadful. The most agonizing kind of remorse.

"I...I have inquiries. I mean I did. That's why I arrived. I-I just…"

He scrutinized my eyes, as if seeking the ultimate truth. However, I averted my gaze again. I couldn't bear to look into his azure eyes. Not when I knew what awaited him. Not when I knew that I would be the one to end his life. I had harbored a hidden desire to somehow save him and demonstrate that he wasn't as menacing as we believed. However, his blatant exhibition of aggressive conduct shattered any possibility of that.

"Why did you do that?" I murmured. "Why did you behave in that manner? Why did you threaten Daren like that?" Slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet his. "You know that when you act that way, it will only worsen things for you."

His eyes narrowed. "Daren. The male human who try to pull you with him?"

"Yes. Why did you threaten him in such a manner?"

His gaze darkened once again. "He tried to claim a mate who doesn't desire him."

"That's not your decision to make! I genuinely like him. A lot. Who knows? He might be my mate. And he wasn't making any claims. He simply brought me my dinner. He was being kind. Considerate."

"Do you perceive him as your mate?"

"It's...complicated."

"It's not complicated. Mates recognize each other. There's an invisible force that pulls them together. Either they are mates or they are not."

I let out a heavy sigh. "Could you please, just for a moment, stop talking to me about mates?" I pleaded, frustration evident in my voice. He tilted his head to the side, attempting to decipher my new mood and tone.

Narrowing his eyes and lifting his chin, he inquired, "Why did the human visit today? Did she come to gather more information on how to end my life?" His question hit me like a punch, filling me with a wave of guilt.

"No," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "That's already been confirmed. Your death is already scheduled. Tomorrow," I confessed, finally meeting his piercing blue gaze. "Tomorrow, they will execute you... using the serum I created. Isn't that ironic?" I let out a bitter laugh. "I thought we had more time, but now, it seems we don't." I rubbed my eyes. "Why is everything so messed up?" Absolutely nothing was going my way.

His eyes flickered with anger, yet he remained motionless. "So... why did the human come? To bid farewell?" A slow wicked smiled spread across his lips.

"Didn't you hear what I said? They want to kill you tomorrow. It will be excruciating. Far worse than what you endured tonight. It will be a slow and agonizing death. And yet, you sit there calmly. You should threaten me. Or attempt to break free."

He let out a weary sigh. "Why do you say 'they' as if you aren't included in the effort to kill me?"

Why did I exclude myself? I put my head down. "Well. Yes. I mean, of course I'm included."

He smirked. "Is that all then? Is that why human cry? Because I will die tomorrow, that is what makes human sad?" I started to shake my head as he scoffed. "Female human really is not bred for war. But. I'll admit. I, too, believed we had more time. However... if death is inevitable, then so be it. It's good for you. Perhaps it will bring victory in this war for you."

I whispered, my voice barely audible, "How can you simply give up? I thought you had the will to survive. Are you just going to surrender and accept death?" I fought back the tears that threatened to spill over again. God I hated how emotional I was being. That wasn't like me.

"Do I have a choice?" he replied. "Besides, why should female human care? We are enemies. If given the chance, I would kill you, so it would be normal for you to try to kill me first. I take not offense to this. That is war."

Strangely, I couldn't bring myself to believe that he would actually kill me. Despite his repeated assertions, I didn't want to accept it. It felt like a lie, a lie to ease my guilt and convince myself that I was making the right decision by ending his life.

"Can we please stop discussing death? Just stop," I silently mocked myself for bringing up the topic, not him.

Clearly irritated, he huffed, "Human is acting very strange tonight. No talk of mates, no talk of war. You won't eat and cry randomly. Tell me, why did human come tonight? You said you had questions, but you haven't asked any. You bring up topics and then say you don't want to talk about those topics. So what is it? Why are you here?"

"I... I guess... I just wanted really did want to bid you a farewell. And to sincerely apologize for what you'll endure tomorrow."

He raised an eyebrow, "Then you shouldn't have come. You're feeling sad, but you shouldn't. Human and I cannot coexist. One of us must die. You or me. You should eat and be happy. Celebrate."

"Aren't you scared?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Fear is more human. A warrior of my kind does not fear death. If I die, then so be it.'"

Why did everything have to be so final between us? "Why can't we peacefully coexist?"

He snarled. "Because we simply can't. You see me as a friend, but I am nothing to you. Not a friend nor a mate. I will kill you and devour your flesh if I ever find you. Do you understand? Don't cry for me human. Don't show me mercy and seek none from me. I will hunt you down and end your life, treating you like mere meat," he emphasized, gesturing towards the lifeless bunny carcass.

Was I unknowingly treating him like a mate? Why did he perceive it that way? Perhaps it was because of my regret for having harmed him. Maybe he mistook it for love? But it wasn't love. I just didn't want to witness the demise of the creature I had conversed with so soon.

"I realize that you're not my mate. I didn't mean to give you the impression that I thought otherwise. I'm just...hurt because...ugh. Forget it. It's not your concern."

"Then, are we done with conversation for today? I'm tired. I want to rest."

"Why are you like this? You keep insisting that there's no room for compromise and that you're willing to accept death. But have you ever considered our conversations?"

He tilted his head to the side. "I haven't lied to you. I always speak the truth in our conversations. You're upset because you don't like the truth. You'd rather live in a fantasy."

"But that's exactly what I'm trying to say. Look at us. Here. Right now. You and I are capable of having a normal conversation. Which means we're also capable of establishing peace. Even if that peace is based on trade. We can both agree to certain arrangements and create peace instead of war."

His teeth sparkled in the light as he assessed me. "Enemies are always civil before the battle begins. What we're doing here, our conversations, doesn't mean I won't kill you when the time comes. You should leave this place."

"So, if it came down to it, you would really...kill me? You would forget all that we have done here. You would have no remorse."

He lowered his head, his eyes narrowing. "All we have done is have conversations. We did not bond. And for the final time, yes. That's why I'm here. I'm not asking for human mercy because I wouldn't show any to a human."

"Maybe that's just where we differ. Our species. I don't understand why you only desire war and death. I believe we're both intelligent species capable of peace. I don't understand why-"

"You may feel that way, but you're just one human. You don't speak for the entire race. The man up there with a gun," he gestured towards Black's office, "doesn't feel the way you do. He doesn't want peace. Only death. He wants war."

"Then help me. Help me show them that you are civil and that trade is possible. We can show them all. Your species and mine. My race has only acted the way it has because they have never found a reason to trust you. However, you have the power to change that. You can prove to the human race that you are not a threat. By doing so, you will debunk people's fears and eliminate misunderstandings that stem from fear."

He scoffed. "As if I would bow to a human. I refuse to submit to humans. My species does not require human presence. I will not put on a show to appease humans and boost their ego. I am a threat! I will hunt humans, asserting the dominance of my superior race and putting them in their rightful place - dead."

It felt as though I was attempting the impossible, like trying to move an immovable stone wall.

I hung my head in defeat, directing my gaze towards the floor. "How unfortunate. I believed that our actions here had the potential to positively alter the course of the war."

"I don't know why you still think that way. I attempted to caution you. It simply cannot be done. I am perplexed as to why you allowed yourself to be hopeful."

At that moment, I realized everything was settled. There was no swaying him. Tomorrow could mark the potential end of his life, if the serum worked. The serum, which held the key to his demise, would then be duplicated, leaving me to face a future without ever catching a glimpse of him again. It was a harsh reality that I had no choice but to embrace. I had to let go of my futile attempts to seek peace and come to terms with his words.

"Alright then, before we go our separate ways. Before we subject you to the serum tomorrow. Before we..."

"End my life," he willingly finished, "Yes. Go on."

"Yes. Before we put an end to your life, there is one thing I want to know. One final question."

His tail swayed back and forth, his eyes burning like twin flames, as he stared at me with a chilling, unwavering gaze. "Ask your question then."

"What is your name?" I inquired.

In response he slowly paced alongside the window, his tail barely swishing, as he contemplated my request. Finally, he spoke. "My name is, Enzuk."

"En-Enzuk."

As I attempted to utter his name, his eyes locked onto my lips, while his ear twitched attentively. "Yes. That is correct. And while we are doing introductions at the end of our story, may I ask you the same question? Unless your name is Swan. Or... perhaps what weak man called you earlier. Bella."

I couldn't help but smile faintly. I thought I just might miss his curt humor. "Actually, Swan is my surname. Humans usually have two names. A first name and a surname."

"Yes. I am aware. Which is your first name?"

"Isabella. Or Bella, for short. Swan is my last name. So, Isabella Swan."

He silently mouthed the name. I smiled.

"It's nice to formally meet you Enzuk." He glanced at me.

"Hmm. Yes. So, now we have the name of our adversary. I am familiar with you, and you are familiar with me," he said with a smile. I didn't reciprocate the smile. Instead, I grabbed the container holding my meal and began eating the strawberries. He glanced at my food, sniffing the air curiously. Then, with a disgusted expression, he asked, "What is god's name is that?"

"It's my food," I replied sarcastically. He caught on to my tone, but chose not to address it.

"It smells bad."

"Yeah well, so does yours. I'm sure raw meat smells way worse than fruit."

"I disagree," he grinned.

"Don't talk bad about my food. Strawberries are my favorite. Also, my go-to comfort food when I'm stressed."

"Stressed..."

"Meaning feeling nervous or anxious."

"You mean scared. Scared of the unknown." he corrected, another small grin forming on his face.

"No," I shot him an irritated look, "exactly what I said. Stressed." He looked down at the food again, examining it as if he was committing it to memory.

"Strawberries," he muttered in a low voice, "have a calming effect you? Interesting."

"Don't you have something that calms you down?"

"Calms me down?" He pondered for a moment before replying, "Maybe, Liknoi."

"Is that a type of food on your planet?"

"No. It's a drink. It helps me relax."

I chuckled. "Like alcohol on our planet."

He tilted his head to the side. "Sort of. But I think Liknoi is much stronger."

"Seems like one of us will need a lot of Liknoi when this is all done and over."

His ears perked up as I pronounced the word in his language. He seemed unexpectedly intrigued by it, a small hint of amusement playing on his lips. "Yes. Very good. You pronounce it well." I half-smiled as I took a bite of the strawberry, allowing some of the juice to trickle down my chin. Enzuk's eyes followed the droplet, his tongue quickly darting out to lick his lips.

"Sorry, I'm making a mess." I hurriedly raised my hand to catch the juice, but some still stained my shirt. Thank goodness it was black.

He let out a chuckle. "Why do you apologize?"

"Well, I was just a little embarrassed, is all. Well...not like extremely embarrassed. Um..." how to put it, "Just about being messy in front of you."

A frown appeared on his face. "Why? For what? The way you eat? I do not care what human thinks of my eating habits. Enjoy your messy food. So why does human care what I think?"

I smirked. "I don't know. That's a good question. I don't have an answer. Would you like to try it?" I held it up for him to examine.

"I don't think I like human food. So, no."

"It's sweet. Don't you have anything similar to strawberries on your planet? No sweet things like this?"

"Mmmm. Perhaps, nekzids. A plant with round buds. The flesh is soft, sweet, and has lots of juice that makes a mess," he smiled wider, revealing his teeth, "you would like it."

I chewed on my lip.

Maybe I should stop apologizing all the time.

"Are you sure you don't want to try? It's my favorite fruit. It's really delicious." I playfully waved it in front of him like a treat. However, he didn't find it amusing.

"I'm not a goma," he sneered. "I said no."

"Goma? Like a..."

"Dog in your language. You can offer, but don't treat me like a dog." It was just a joke, but his eyes still narrowed at me.

"You're no fun."

"What?"

"Never mind. I apologize."

"You should. No one treats me, Traknie, like a fool."

"Oh my. Come on. It was just a playful remark."

"A joke?"

"Yes. Like a humorous comment. To make you laugh."

"Not amusing," his expression turned stern.

"Okay. Fine. Let's forget it. A misunderstanding, I suppose."

"No. I understand," he clenched his teeth. "It's just not funny."

"I already said I'm sorry..."

"Apologies don't always suffice on my planet. Feeling regret is good. Losing a hand is even better. That's how we learn our lessons."

"Well, here on Earth, apologies are accepted."

"That's why humans are so weak," he mocked, a slight smirk on his face.

"No. It's about forgiveness. You know? It's accepted. And forgiven."

"That's not what I have seen. First, humans are disrespectful. Humans say sorry. Then they're forgiven. But humans don't actually learn their lessons. Because they repeat their disrespectful behavior. But if a human is disrespectful on my planet, they may say sorry. But they also lose a hand. Then they're forgiven. And humans don't repeat their mistakes," he grinned. "You wouldn't survive long on my planet."

"You don't know that. Maybe I could. Maybe I'll have a mate to protect me," I taunted.

His nostrils flared, and he scoffed. "Your mate would die from exhaustion. Protecting you every time you apologize. They would give up."

"I thought a mate's role is to protect, no matter what." He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, but didn't fully turn his head. "Didn't you say that? Unless that was a lie."

"It was a joke," he said. "Like, ha ha." I smiled sarcastically in response. His gaze briefly dropped to my lips before he licked his own and then looked up at the ceiling, muttering something under his breath.

"So, a mate will always protect their other mate. Right?" I asked.

He let out a sigh and nodded in agreement. "Yes, a male mate is always obligated to protect his female mate. There is no choice in the matter, especially once the bond is formed. A mate cannot help but be willing to sacrifice their life for their female counterpart."

"I have another question. How do you know when you've found your mate? You just mentioned bonding, what does that mean exactly?"

A slow smile appeared on his face. "You just know. It's difficult to explain, but you feel it. There's a strong yearning to claim your mate and fulfill their deepest desires, including engaging in sexual intimacy. Your favorite past time," he smirked.

I rolled my eyes once again, ignoring his statement. "And… what happens if one mate is attracted to the other, but the feeling isn't mutual?"

With a frown, he pondered for a brief moment. "Hmm, what a sorrowful predicament. It would be incredibly unfortunate. The rejected partner could make attempts to win their mate back, but if all else fails, they may end up alone for eternity. They would have to keep their distance from their former mate, unable to witness their chosen one being cherished and pleasured by someone else. The agony of enduring such pain might make nonexistence seem preferable."

I was taken aback as my eyes grew wide. "Oh, really? Does this mean there's no chance of discovering a new partner?"

"Human does not understand," he replied.

"No, I do. I do understand. It just seems so final. How can you be certain that you'll love that one mate forever and never desire another? Especially if you are rejected. Can you not find another?"

"That's the human way, not the Omna way. Omna are my people. That's why humans and Omna don't mix. Omna stick to their word and follow through. Humans often say one thing and do another."

"Not all humans are like that. I'm just questioning because it feels so absolute. There's no room for changing your mind," I defended.

"No. One mate, no others," he responded with a serious tone.

I smirked. "Ok. Well. What if your mate doesn't belong to the Omna? How can you be certain that your one true mate is in your vicinity? What if your mate comes from a different planet?" I subtly hinted at the possibility that humans and his people could establish harmonious relationships by finding potential mates from each other's race. He shook his head dismissively.

"No come on. Think about it. What if it actually happened? What if someone from your race chose a partner from my race and they formed a bond?" He gave me a patronizing look, as if he was weary of answering the same question repeatedly. His gaze then swept over me once, and then he let out a laugh that felt more like mockery. It was as if he found my words absurd and childish. With just one glance at the smirk on his face, I knew what he was about to say. And true to my expectations, he did.

"In my culture, being human automatically disqualifies you from being considered a potential mate. Instead, humans are viewed more as a source of sustenance rather than romantic partners. Unlike humans, an Omna possesses the ability to sense their true mate and share the same emotions with them. The intensity of their bond strengthens as they grow closer in proximity. I suppose it can be said that mates are typically found among those who are nearby, but once the bond is formed, no other potential mate holds any significance."

"So, that means you aren't entirely restricted. On your planet, you are surrounded by the Omna people, you will naturally find a mate from the Omna people to bond with at some point. But if you were in the presence of others on a different planet, you could still form a bond. Right?" I asked curiously.

He let out a sigh. "I suppose so. But, not for me. I am a Traknie."

"What does that mean?" I inquired.

"It means, I embody the essence of a formidable warrior who is not yet prepared for mating. Within Omna culture, the signs of readiness for mating are unmistakable. It's difficult to put into words, I don't expect you understand. But, in simple terms, I refrain from intimately engaging with others or letting myself experience any tender emotions until I am fully prepared for mating."

"But that's silly. You can't always control who you are attracted to. It just happens, right?" I pressed further.

"I guess it's common for humans to do that. But not my people. And certainly not me. Conversely, I would never develop any romantic feelings towards a human. My purpose is to harm humans, not charm them," he hissed with a malicious tone. "And I will successfully complete that mission."

I shook my head. "You are like a broken record. I understand that bringing humans harm is your objective, but the likelihood of your success remains uncertain. I discreetly mentioned our plans for tomorrow to you already, and I specifically came here to convey this information." After a brief pause, he pondered my words, allowing them to sink in until their significance gradually became clear to him.

"Ah, now I understand," he chuckled, a glimmer of realization in his eyes. "The purpose of your visit was to forewarn me. How sweet. Now I thoroughly believe in my theory. Females are not suited for the brutality of war. Your inclination is to preserve lives rather than extinguish them. You possess a heightened sense of remorse. However..." he paused, deep in thought, carefully considering his next words.

"What?" I pressed.

He turned his head towards me, his intense blue eyes locking onto mine with a brewing anger. "Female human is so fixated on one thing. You are so focused on me, that you forget to consider what might happen to you tomorrow."

What?

Was he... trying to warn me too?

"You want to warn me, save me. But are you prepared to save yourself? Tell me, did you ever think about what your enemies on the other side might be doing?"

My mouth opened slightly, and he turned away. "You're saying... something is coming for us tomorrow?"

"I'm not saying anything. I'm only widening your perspective. Maybe. Maybe you should test the serum sooner or perhaps flee this place in case it doesn't work."

"You are saying that there will be an attack tomorrow. You know something, don't you?"

He focused on me again. "Bella. You should leave. You can't stop what's soon coming. You make serums and spend your time in conversation with me…but do you really think you can save the human race? You're no match for me. If you stay, you will experience far worse pain than you could ever imagine. You," he pointed at me, "will long for death, but it will not be granted easily. You, the scientist, are despised above all among my people. They will take their time in killing you. Your apologies won't work this time."

My eyes widened, my mouth went dry, and my shoulders began to tremble. The strawberry slipped from my hand, rolling off my lap and onto the cold cement floor. He watched as it came to a stop before turning back to me, a hint of concern in his eyes.

So, they were after me specifically? Was he also after specially after me? He had said I was his mission. But I never thought it was me specifically. Did he plan to deliver me to them? Suddenly, the urge to run overwhelmed me. I felt like a frightened rabbit, my breath shallow, my heart pounding in my chest. The sound of my heartbeat echoed in my ears as I sat frozen in terror. I had an entire army of his kind after me?

"Ah. There it is. Now, as I gaze into your eyes, I can see that you finally understand," he stated, his intense gaze fixed on me. "And your fear is natural."

My face jerked upwards, my eyes widening. He wasn't just hunting humans, he was hunting me! Suddenly, he appeared incredibly predatory. And he was right, it was finally sinking in. The realization that he was specially hunting me.

"Don't look at me like that. I informed you, Bella. I told you, there is no negotiation. Only death. You are the sole focus of my mission."

"W-what..." I struggled to swallow. It was even difficult to breathe.

"My mission includes ensuring your demise, whether it be on this Earth or my own planet. However, it would be kinder if I were to carry out your death here on Earth, sparing you the agony of begging for death on my planet."

"You say...there's no escape." I took a deep breath, feeling my chest constrict, as if my heart might burst. He seemed slightly concerned, as if he anticipated me exploding and fragments of me scattering. "Then..." another deep breath, "...why do you tell me to run?"

"There is no escaping my grasp. Your scent is imprinted on me now, making it effortless for me to track you down anywhere. However, my kind do not possess the ability to detect your unique scent. Yet. If you choose to flee now, then when war begins you may prolong your life until I find you again. Ultimately, you will only have to face me. A swifter demise would await you. Although my people would probably want you brought back alive."

"So then… why not take me to your planet? By granting me a quick death, wouldn't you contradict their mission? Why would you choose to end my life so swiftly?" The transport to his planet might give me extra time, I reasoned.

A smile formed on his face, leaving me perplexed. How could he find joy in discussing my impending doom so calmly? "That's not an option you want to explore. Trust me. I have your best interest on this one. If I were to deliver you to my planet, your death would be significantly prolonged. My people would not only subject you to long days and nights of torture, but also humiliate and shame you. You would be on display, and no pity would be given. However, I don't always adhere strictly to the Omna way. Sometimes, I choose to follow Enzuk's path instead of the other way around."

I whispered quietly, "In that case, why not just set me free?"

He let out a sigh and replied, "I can't. You are still my objective. I did give you fair warning, and I'm giving it to you again. Listen to me this time. There's something to learn from the feeble man wielding a gun. Despite his weakness, he thinks like a warrior, trying to inflict pain on me while he still can. On the contrary, you offer gifts and sustenance to an adversary who will ultimately bring about your demise. Be smarter. You will have to kill or be killed."

I glared at him. "I believed we could maintain a sense of civility! I believed that if I showed you a different aspect of humanity, I could change your perspective."

"No. You revealed your vulnerability to me. You sought appeasement, making me stronger in exchange for mere conversation. A poor bargain on your part. You are nothing more than a spoil of war, not a warrior"

"No! I provided you with food because I didn't want to treat you like an animal. Like... like a captive!"

He smirked in response. "I am a captive, Bella. You should have treated me as such."

"Well, I was civil with you. And why are you smiling? Is this amusing to you?"

"I am your enemy. How many countless humans have my kind killed already? Do you really think I came here to be civil with you?" Because it was endearing."

"Endearing?"

"Yes."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, growing flustered.

He paused and then spoke in a low voice. "Human-Bella, I think it is time for me to reveal what you've failed to notice. Perhaps all this time you've felt sorry for me, but you shouldn't have. Unlike humans, Omna doesn't have the same urgent need for food and water. We can endure for quite a while before weakening. And contrary to popular belief, we don't even require air," his smirk transformed into a wide grin. "Would you like to hear something else? Humans believe they can inflict pain with shock and light, but little do they know that Omna warriors are far stronger than they realize."

Was he implying that the serum had no impact on him? That the shock collar and light didn't genuinely cause him pain? Then why did he display signs of agony when shocked? Was it all a performance? Did this mean the new serum would also be ineffective? Did he intentionally act in a certain way to deceive me into working on something he knew wouldn't work?
He was deliberately stalling...? Could he have escaped from the cell whenever he wanted? Was his capture a calculated strategy to get closer to me? Was everything... a lie? These questions overwhelmed my thoughts, leaving me speechless and bewildered.

"As I said. You should leave this place."

But that meant…

Everything I had worked on, all my research, amounted to nothing. I couldn't understand why it had been successful with the animal-like creatures but not with him. We had his blood, we conducted extensive research, we studied him thoroughly. The serum was supposed to work, so why was he claiming otherwise? Was he truly suggesting that? Or was he deliberately trying to mislead me, knowing the serum's dangers and wanting me to believe it was ineffective?

Struggling to stand on my unsteady legs, the world seemed to spin around me. In my disorientation, the container of food slipped from my lap, leaving a disheveled ham sandwich on the floor. As I attempted to take a step, the surroundings appeared to waver, as if I were trapped in a gelatinous substance.

I needed to make my way to the laboratory urgently. I had to warn others, I had to conduct the tests tonight. But as I tried to articulate my thoughts, I found myself gasping for air, unable to breathe properly.

My body gave way, and the next thing I knew, I was sprawled on the floor, struggling to take shallow, rapid breaths, overcome by a wave of panic-induced hyperventilation.

I strained to hear Enzuk's voice, barely audible through the muffled surroundings. The sound of his tail hitting the glass and his menacing growls sent shivers down my spine, causing my breaths to quicken, if that were even possible. And then, he said my name, 'Isabella'. Yet, strangely, I couldn't snap myself back to reality no matter how hard I tried.

Suddenly, alarms blared, piercing through the chaos. Lieutenant Black's urgent shouts of "Lock down!" echoed in the air. Was the long-dreaded attack finally commencing? The weight of responsibility crushed me as I felt like I had single-handedly doomed the entire human race. It was my fault, my foolish hesitation that had led to this. I should have eliminated the creature without delay. Instead, I had foolishly wasted time with him, unknowingly granting him exactly what he desired – time. It became painfully clear all at once that he had allowed himself to be captured, all the while studying me instead of the other way around.

I had believed I had him trapped, but in reality, I had blindly walked into his trap. My body was suddenly lifted, and all sounds became distant and muffled. Before I closed my eyes, I caught a glimpse of his piercing blue eyes glaring down at me, his scales bristling like an enraged lion as he emitted a deafening growl.

Soon, I found myself restrained on a gurney, unable to utter the multitude of thoughts racing through my mind. I desperately tried to speak, turning my throbbing head, but my words failed to materialize. "No," I managed to slur out, my feeble attempt to resist futile as my arms remained firmly secured.

Another violent thrash against the glass of Enzuk's cell reverberated through the room. As I was wheeled away, surrounded by a cacophony of panicked voices, the last sound that reached my ears was a distant yet ferocious roar of pure fury.

In that moment, the grim realization settled upon me – we were all condemned, destined for an impending doom.

Hi there! I would really appreciate your feedback. I'm really curious to hear what you all think about this story. If you're following along, please leave your comments so I can gauge the level of interest people have in this story.