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.

a man standing next to him emanating an air

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, but no, his piercing glare is directed at

a nod, Alpha Craft acknowledges my greeting, his voice rough but

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

I give a nervous nod, determined to

gonna give it my all during the

Alpha

even bother introducing whoever he

Alpha Craft’s piercing gaze as he turns to him once again. Each time he opens his mouth, I’m left breathless, my jaw dropping in shock. Victor winces at every

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

flared. Just as the tension is about to reach its peak, I step in, heading

I don’t think we’ve been

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

is beaming with pride as he slaps

the imposing figure, his smile unnaturally wide 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 and is also a contender in the Mating

acknowledgment and his hands clasped tightly behind his back. With a chuckle, Alpha Craft shows no signs of being done yet, his eyes fixated on Zeke with a glint

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 hands together and fixes a stern gaze on Victor. “Nevertheless,

find a mate that