The Mating Run by Leeka

Safe

So, here I am, watching Victor scratch his head in confusion, wondering out loud why his claiming bite didn’t work.

“Something’s not right.”

And honestly, I can’t help but laugh. It’s like watching a magician who messed up a trick, and now everyone is left wondering what went wrong. But in this case, the trick was supposed to be some mystical bond, and all I got was a painful reminder of my naivety.

He mutters something about it not working as expected, and Zeke, always the voice of reason, asks if Victor even bothered to read the pamphlet. I can’t contain my laughter at this point. The pamphlet, the one that probably no one reads until things go south.

Classic.

But then Zeke drops a bombshell. The trackers inside us aren’t just trackers- they’re pheromone inducers. And apparently, every single thing in the field was a pheromone inducer. I try to wrap my head around it.

I can’t decide whether to be relieved that there’s no mystical bond or irritated that Victor literally took a bite out of me. It’s absurd, and I find myself laughing again. Maybe it’s the sheer ridiculousness of the situation or the fact that life has a way of turning expectations into a chaotic mess.

Victor looks like he’s about to say something, but Zeke beats him to it.

“You’re a f**king idiot, that’s what you are.”

Zeke declares, and for a moment, I appreciate the simplicity of his words.

No sugarcoating, just a straightforward assessment of the situation.

Safe

I look at Zeke, and we share a moment of understanding. The absurdity of it all hangs in the air like a punchline to an inside joke.

Victor finally speaks, his voice a mixture of frustration and confusion.

“But the claiming bite is supposed to create a bond!”

He protests, as if the universe owes him an explanation. I roll my eyes. The universe doesn’t owe anyone anything, especially not an explanation for failed magical bonds.

Zeke shakes his head, a bemused smile on his face.

“Did you even read the pamphlet?”

He asks, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. It’s a rhetorical question at this point. Who reads the pamphlet until everything falls apart?

Zeke explains the intricacies of Hunters and Hiders, and how Victor’s claim was nothing more than a physical act with no mystical repercussions. I feel a strange mix of relief and irritation.

me, his expression a mix

he protests again, as if the act of biting should have automatically triggered a cosmic connection. I can’t help but shake my head. The simplicity of his

of her flesh, Victor. That’s all you did. Congratulations,

absurdity. Victor’s face contorts with a mix of embarrassment and anger. It’s a priceless reaction, and I revel

away tears of laughter, realizing that in this moment, I’ve found

Liberated from the weight of Victor’s failed attempt at claiming. It’s

Zeke tears a piece

says, his voice steady. “But not

etched

seems hazy, the edges blurred by the persistent pain and the growing sense of faintness. But Zeke doesn’t

sounds of impact echo in the air, sharp and jarring. Victor stumbles backward, his hand flying to his nose, blood trickling between his fingers. I blink, trying to make sense of the scene unfolding before me. Zeke, the usually calm and composed one, is unleashing his fury on Victor.

and

care of her

that adds another

mix of gratitude

me, his eyes softening as he sees my bewildered expression. “I’m

intensifies, but Zeke’s presence is a reassuring constant. I steal a glance at Victor,

care.

Safe

feel a twinge of vulnerability. But then he returns with a water bottle, offering it to me. “Drink.” he instructs, and I obey, the cool liquid soothing my

mix of concern and determination. “We

blurs, edges fading into a fog of confusion. Zeke’s voice cuts

keep your eyes open.” he says, his words a lifeline in the disorienting swirl of sensations. “Come on, I need you to do this

pain in my neck throbs, a persistent reminder of Victor’s reckless actions. Zeke’s hand is on my shoulder, a steadying presence in the midst of chaos. I want to ask him what’s happening, why there

a lifeline in the growing storm. I blink,

growls intensify. It’s a cacophony that mirrors the chaos within

hear Victor scoff, his voice a

callous. “Just f**k off and leave me

eyes locking onto mine. “Ignore him, Alina. Focus on staying awake.” His words guide me through the disorientation. I try to nod, but it feels like a heavy effort. The sirens, the growls, Victor’s dismissive words–they all swirl around me, a chaotic dance that threatens

matches the ominous sounds in the distance. The world is dimming, the edges of consciousness slipping away like

i cling to Zeke’s voice, the anchor that keeps me from

each note playing a part in the disorienting melody that surrounds us. I want to ask Zeke what’s happening, why everything feels like it’s spiraling out of control, but the words remain trapped in

attracted to it, drawn to the metallic tang that

scan the surroundings like a hunter on high alert. We’re not alone. I know it. The forest seems to hold its

like moths to a flame. In those stories, the protagonist is warned not to bleed, not to become prey to the unseen dangers that