The Mating Run by Leeka

Victor’s eyes flicker with barely-contained anger, his jaw taut as if holding back a scream.

I stand there awkwardly, feeling the warmth of Victor’s embrace and the rise and fall of his chest. The party is in full swing around us, and despite the tension boiling between father and son, the music blares on. As Alpha Craft addresses his son, his voice is low and commanding, leaving no room for argument.

“Victor, I am interested in knowing about your plans for the future.” I feel the fear creeping up my spine just from the sound of Alpha Craft’s voice. “Living in this manner and discarding all that I’ve sacrificed for you is not a viable option. As you are no longer a child, it’s time for you to grow up.”

Defiance drips from Victor’s voice as his arrogance flares.

“The thing is, I’m living my life on my own terms. I’m not obligated to live the way you want me to.”

Tension hangs in the air like a thick fog, and I can feel it pressing down on me. As Victor seethes with anger, I struggle to find the right words to calm him down. I press my ear against Victor’s chest and can hear the deafening sound of his heart pounding.

Watching the tense standoff, I make the decision to intervene before things escalate any further.

Victor’s arms reluctantly release me, and I turn to face Alpha Craft, my heart racing with a mix of fear and respect. He looks at me blankly, not giving away any emotion. Alpha Craft’s appearance mirrors Victor’s in many ways, though the thick, wild beard on his face accompanied by the dozen wrinkles on his forehead is a noticeable difference.

The beard on his face does not hide the fact that he’s frowning at me.

“Alpha Craft,” I speak up, keeping my voice respectful and unwavering. “I am so sorry. Allow me to introduce myself. My name’s Alina Mockett, and I’m in the running for the Mating Run as well.”

Alpha Craft’s eyes flick from Victor to me, and I feel a shiver climb up my spine.

I realize there is a man standing next to him emanating an air of strength and

adorn both of his powerful arms. I can feel his penetrating stare on me as he observes me, his presence exuding authority. I blink and turn around to see if someone is behind me,

my

Alina. I hope that you are fully equipped to face the challenges that await you when the Mating Run

a nervous nod, determined

right, Alpha Craft. I’m gonna give it

over the Alpha without uttering a word. He

Craft doesn’t even bother introducing

time he opens his mouth, I’m left breathless, my jaw dropping in shock. Victor winces at every word, feeling the calculated edges of his father’s words slice through

his measured but stern voice commanding attention. “You have consistently been impulsive and shown little inclination towards responsibility. Your belief in your own intelligence and dependability may be overstated. If you could emulate the gentleman beside

anger, Victor keeps his mouth shut, his jaw tensed and nostrils flared. Just as the tension is about to reach

me, but I don’t think we’ve been introduced. Who are

man remains unresponsive, as if I’m not even there. Alpha Craft chuckles beside him, breaking the silence that would have otherwise

Craft’s face is beaming with pride as he

for his son. “Allow me to introduce Zeke Duncke, who happens to be the nephew of one of the High Council Elders.

back. With a chuckle, Alpha Craft shows no signs of being done yet, his eyes fixated

behind me simultaneously. Alpha Craft’s laughter echoes through the room, but his smile quickly fades as he clasps his hands together and fixes a stern gaze on Victor. “Nevertheless, if Victor is successful in finding an ideal mate, he will assume the Alpha position with

find a mate that meets your standards? Right,