The Mating Run by Leeka

Ask anyone around here, and they’ll tell all they know about Victor Craft.

Considering all that he has done, it’s a mystery why he isn’t better known.

Not only is he the Alpha’s son, but he’s also the only one who can talk back to him without consequences. With his broad shoulders and towering height, Alpha Craft could easily snap a person in half if he wanted to.

Upon reflection, it becomes clear to me that I did, in fact, witness him doing it.

Victor is notorious for the wild parties he throws in City Hall, where booze flows freely, drugs are passed around, and s**ual escapades are the norm.

I am never extended an invitation to those events, of course.

Even though Ettie has received a few invitations, she disregards them because I’m not part of the guest list.

She has permission to invite me as her plus one, but she won’t because she believes the place is teeming with the wrong crowd. The pack can get pretty wild when the Alpha’s son supervises the parties, so I don’t disagree with her.

The Alpha’s generally stern, but he shows a softer side when it comes to his son. He makes it his mission to make up for the loss of our Luna by showering Victor with all the love and affection he can muster. The bastard seems to be enjoying it immensely.

It’s clear that his father’s influence has granted him special treatment, as he’s 26 and shouldn’t have been allowed to register in the Mating Run in the first place.

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Despite knowing all these things, Victor refuses to move away from me, which makes me uncomfortable.

The man’s hold on me is so tight that I can barely breathe, his body pressed tightly against mine.

Victor’s arrogant demeanor is on full display as he greets people, expecting them to be just as enthralled with him as he is with himself. Although I could talk to them, I choose not to, and Miles advises me to concentrate on the crucial sponsors.

There is no need for me to draw attention to myself amongst the other contenders.

With us only knowing each other for a few minutes, Victor introduces me to others as if we’ve been in a relationship for years.

“Yeah! Check out Alina. She’s gorgeous, huh?”

With our cheeks pressed together, I can feel the heat emanating from Victor’s body as he downs more vodka from the bottle. While the woman glares at Victor’s arm around my shoulder, I attempt to smile and make the situation less uncomfortable.

“I’m already head over heels for her, even though we just met today. I’m gonna chase her down as soon as the game starts.”

His comment makes my skin crawl as the woman in front of us erupts in laughter.

“Alina?”

Hearing the voice I know so well, I turn to look over my shoulder, away from Victor.

A smile has already formed on my face when I see Ettie, but it instantly vanishes when I see the clothes she has on. As I look at her attire, confusion washes over me, and I can’t help but furrow my brow.

house, she can’t stop complaining about the strapless dress and bright colors her designers had chosen for

stare at her, I can’t help but notice how identical

face to be fully exposed, revealing her natural beauty. The light make-up she wears highlights her stunning features, making

a stranger to me,

the chick,

drifts off until Victor’s question jolts me back

such high heels, and make my way over to Ettie. A smile spreads across Ettie’s face as she

look absolutely

speaks to

loose strand of hair behind my ear, I force a smile on my face, willing

throat, preventing me from meeting her eyes. Maybe it’s the few drinks I had earlier that are to

his arms on either side of my shoulders and his chin

Victor’s smirking from the way he drawls his words, even though I’m not looking at him.

of hair around her finger while scratching the

friend, and then we start talking more about you, and your outfit for tonight comes up. I don’t really

words, I reassure myself that it’s okay as I stammer through my words. My confidence wanes as I realize that Ettie’s beauty outshines mine, now that we’re wearing the same dress. Everyone knows that Victor is a liar, so his words are anything but true. “Wow, Ettie… You look

her eyes

bad for not approaching you sooner. I got held

Victor affectionately presses his cheek against the top of my head. My irritation towards him is slowly dissipating, and I can’t deny that the alcohol is playing a role in that. “You were talking to the mall owners, aren’t you? Oh yeah, I know them, they’re loaded. Get them to sponsor you,

grins again, clearly uncomfortable.

to the bar. His purring is so close to my ear, I can feel the vibrations,

do you say we make this night

mutual understanding, but I can’t help feeling relieved by Victor’s presence, which alleviates

mean, a couple of shots won’t hurt, right,

options before acting. Without even glancing at Victor,

know, Alina. Drinking isn’t really

wave of his hand, Victor brushes off her

Tonight’s a party, and Alina needs to relax

gleam as he nuzzles the side of my head, his cheek brushing against mine. Even though I don’t know why he’s standing so close, it feels like he’s a lifeline, keeping me from drowning in my

the serious face, Alina? Come on, you’re way too

shut up, we’re already coming

and fucking smart,

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uncomfortable as it is, I can’t deny the thrill of being the center of Victor’s

of glasses continues throughout the evening, and my happiness grows. With every passing moment, I’m increasingly aware that registering now is the best choice. Each time I down a shot, Ettie’s

take it easy. You’re going to overdo

me. He lifts a bottle of vodka to my lips, and I accept it eagerly. Ettie’s eyes bore into me, but my thoughts are muddled, leaving me uncertain

be a party pooper, Ettie. Let

through my veins. With each sip, I feel my inhibitions slip

and decide that I won’t let my insecurities

gifts for the Mating