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.

until a few moments later that I realize there is a man standing next to him

like gold in the sun. Scars 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

a nod, Alpha Craft acknowledges my greeting,

you are fully equipped to face

a nervous nod,

I’m gonna give it

fixated on the imposing figure next to Alpha Craft. He stands still, watching over the Alpha without uttering a word. He has an air of superiority as he stands there, arms behind his back, and gives me a disdainful

even bother introducing

breathless, my

to speak, 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

jaw tensed and nostrils flared. Just as the tension is about to reach its peak, I step in, heading straight for the man who has been

me, but I don’t think we’ve

my question, but the man remains unresponsive, as if I’m not even there. Alpha

pride as he slaps

and forced, unlike the one he reserves for his son. “Allow me to introduce Zeke Duncke, who happens to be the nephew of one of the High Council Elders. He is poised to assume the role of head of security

his back. With a chuckle, Alpha

you know, he’s also a potential candidate for the role of Alpha,” Zeke stiffens, and I hear Victor scoffing behind me simultaneously. Alpha Craft’s laughter echoes through the room, but his smile quickly fades as he clasps his

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