The Mating Run by Leeka

Affection

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“Alina, this is why you’re such an easy target,” Ettie says, her voice bearing a weight that seems foreign. “That’s why you always end up in these life–threatening situations. You’re too kind, and not everyone out there deserves that kindness.”

The words hit me like a sudden punch, taking me by surprise. Trust too easily? In a world where survival often demands a hardened exterior, is kindness. considered a liability?

“You said it was okay to trust him!” With each word I utter, I can sense the ache of hurt growing, making me aware of how my own nature could be a vulnerability in this unforgiving place.

Before I can find the words to reply, Ettie continues speaking, her voice becoming softer as if she can sense the inner turmoil I’m experiencing.

“I know what I said. That’s why I kept saying sorry, that’s why I fixed my mistake. Look, I’m not saying this to hurt you, Alina. I’m saying it because I’ve seen what happens when people let their guard down. I’ve seen it way too many times in

this run.”

She pauses, allowing me to take in the weight of her words.

“I know you mean well, Alina,” Ettie says, her eyes locked in a steady, unwavering stare. “Your kindness is one of the things I really like about you. But in this place, being nice won’t do the trick. It won’t guarantee your safety. You have to be more discerning, more cautious.”

I bite my lip, her words hurting and making me even more confused. Is it a mistake to believe in the goodness of others? In a world where everyone’s out for themselves, does being kind just lead to getting stabbed in the back?

“I’m not asking you to become like them,” Ettie adds, her voice filled with a comforting tenderness. “I just want you to be aware. There are those who will take advantage of your trust. You can’t afford to be naive here.”

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Affection

Ettie places her hands on her hips, her eyes locked onto me.

“And if someone is of no use, you should get rid of them.”

Ettie says, her tone matter–of–fact, devoid of any remorse, her words cutting through the silence. Those words sink deep into my consciousness, anchoring, themselves like a ship in turbulent waters.

Elijah’s fate serves as a stark reminder, a tangible embodiment of Ettie’s merciless practicality. Yes, he had served a purpose in their survival, but the moment he crossed a line, the trust Ettie had for him shattered. Now, all that remains is a gruesome testament to the consequences of being discarded in her

ruthless evaluation of worth.

As her words sink in, a subtle feeling of unease begins to wash over me.

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Our little shack isn’t feeling too safe these days. It’s like the walls know something sketchy about our secret hideaway. Ettie used to be comforting, but now she’s all over the place, doing whatever it takes to stay alive.

The gap between us is widening on its own, as I instinctively protect myself from the unknown emotions stirring in Ettie. My feet tremble as I take a step back from her, propelled by raw instinct. Our trust is slowly fading away because of her

indifferent heart.

“Alina, why are you moving away from me?” Ettie’s gaze sharpens, a

disconcerting intensity emanating from her eyes. “I’m just giving it to you straight. In this run, you gotta make some hard decisions to stay alive. Holding onto dead weight just brings you down.”

–

Her words are cold and logical, no room for feelings. I’m struggling with conflicting emotions trying to balance self–preservation and compassion in this harsh place.

“But he was a person, Ettie,” My voice stammers, barely audible, as a hesitant. protest escapes my lips. “He helped us. He was… he was alive, and now he’s not.”

There’s no hint of remorse in Ettie’s response, her expression remaining

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Affection

steadfast.

matter if they’re a threat. And Elijah, the moment. he touched

slapped in the

slightly as I take a deep breath. “You should’ve cut me loose when you laid eyes on me again. I didn’t offer anything at all. I just ate your food, took space in your home. So, if that’s how you determine usefulness, am I also

eyes narrow, and a flicker of discomfort passes over her face, revealing her unease. The question lingers, its

Ettie replies, her tone defensive but with

to assuage my concerns only adds

the distinction between ally and adversary becomes hazy, leaving me unsettled by the idea that my survival depends on someone’s subjective assessment of my worth..

dead weight?” With genuine concern weighing on my voice, I press further, seeking answers. “What if, in your

presence that taints our delicate conversation. Ettie’s response carries a hesitant undertone, as if acknowledging such a possibility is a

undeniable sense of unease. “I did what

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Affection

is written all over her face,

to figure it out. I need you to help

understand.”

my voice resonates in the air. However, Ettie’s silence acts as a fortress, guarding against the vulnerability that lurks beneath her exterior.

to talk about it anymore, Alina.”

cut through the air as she retorts, her tone sharp and final. I

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at its peak. The air is

have a conversation about it. This confusion is driving me crazy, Ettie. I thought we were friends.”

a reminder of what we used to be, a stark contrast to the strained dynamics that have taken root in the aftermath of Elijah’s

demise.

turns to snap at me, her words piercing through the air with a harsh and unyielding tone. The sheer

I’m a Hunter. We have different roles and different instincts!”

mean

torn between the desire to keep hidden and the realization that avoiding the truth will only widen the rift. “Hiders need protectors, Alina. It’s always been like that, you know? That’s the way it should

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Affection

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frustration is written all over

I’ve never noticed.

we need to discuss this. I need to figure it out. I need you to help

air. However, Ettie’s silence acts as a

talk about it anymore, Alina.”

her tone sharp and final. I

1. US.

back down, not now, when my determination is at its peak. The air is heavy with uncertainty,

conversation about it. This confusion is driving me crazy, Ettie. I thought

be, a stark contrast to the strained dynamics that have

demise.

burdened exhale. She then turns to snap at me, her words piercing through the air with a harsh and unyielding tone. The sheer volume of her voice is enough to make me

friends, Alina. But you’re a Hider, and I’m a

you mean

that avoiding the truth will only widen the rift. “Hiders need protectors, Alina. It’s always been like that, you know? That’s the way

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Affection

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of dread washes over me, making my stomach churn. The heaviness of Ettie’s words fills the air with an unspoken meaning. “Are you saying….

affirmation doing little to quell the rising tide of my apprehension.

Hunter, a protector. It’s what

from Ettie’s perspective, unravels before me, opening my eyes to a reality I never considered. Yet, the innate dread of being bound, of yielding to the eternal

you want to

as the

so deep and introspective, sends shivers down my spine. As I ask myself whether she desires

as I repeat, barely audible, in the face of the unknown that looms ahead. “I ask you a question.”

into her eyes, usually an open book, but now they hold a secret battle that eludes my understanding. It feels like our connection is hanging by a thread in this important

Ettie’s past words, a haunting chorus of promises and declarations that have weaved