The Mating Run by Leeka

In His Eyes: Karma

Zeke’s POV

My heart raced as I followed the sound, the pounding echoing in my ears.

As the trees part, a small clearing is revealed, and in its center stands a figure, concealed in darkness.

“Alina!”

I gasp, feeling a rush of relief wash over me like a tidal wave. I rush towards her, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my veins with each clumsy step. There is a distant look in her eyes as she stands there, lost in her own thoughts. My hands shook uncontrollably as they made contact with her face, desperately searching for any evidence of bruising. Luckily, there’s none.

“Alina, are you okay? What happened?”

She keeps quiet, her focus unwavering as she looks past me. I can’t help but notice the feverish heat that engulfs her skin as I run my fingers over it, sending shivers down my spine.

“Alina, talk to me.” I pleaded, my voice trembling with desperation. Her lips part, but no sound emerges from her mouth. A heavy silence fills the space between us, making it unbearable. “Are you hurt anywhere?”

I wrap my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.

“It’s okay, Alina. I’m here. You’re safe.”

The memory of losing her resurfaces in my mind, the raw fear flooding back. I press my lips to her forehead, feeling the warmth of her skin and the softness of her hair against my face.

“I thought I lost you again,” I admit, my voice breaking. “I can’t bear it, Alina. I

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can’t lose you. Why don’t we go back to the cabin? You have to rest to let the fever subside.”

Her eyes flicker with a glimmer of recognition, giving me a surge of hope. Without saying a word, her body eases into mine, offering a sense of solace that I desperately grasp onto. I feel her head resting gently on my shoulder, and with that simple touch, my panic begins to dissipate. Her scent reminds me of home, and it’s where I long to be.

“…-Ke-”

Just as quickly as the calmness spreads through me, I hear her voice, soft and melodic.

I stiffen, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as my lips twitch into a smile.

“Alina?”

“…get…away from…me-”

Suddenly, a searing pain shot through my stomach, blinding me momentarily.

I stumble back, the pain causing a sharp groan to escape my lips.

feel a cloud of confusion descend upon my mind, causing my eyes

my skin. Waves of panic surge through me, overpowering my senses and threatening to drown out reason. Glancing at Alina, I could feel the warmth of my own blood

did

blood. A vacant look settled in her eyes, as if she were watching the scene

His Eyes:

the wound, my face betraying the desperation I can’t hide. She lifts her hands, and her sharp claws are aimed directly at

towards me, her body moving in an uncoordinated manner. The claws on her hands glint ominously, a stark contrast to the gentleness they once held. I raise one of my hands, palms out, feeling

Her claws graze my cheeks, causing a sharp sting as I stagger back. Ignoring the blossoming pain, my focus remains fixed on the turmoil

call out, the desperation in my voice escalating. “Snap

own mind, the feral glint in her eyes undiminished. Her claws flash, and in

in self–defense, I can’t bring myself to hurt

scream, my voice hoarse. “What did they do to you?!”

fleeting moment, a spark of recognition dances in their eyes, before disappearing

my heart thumping

than this! Fucking fight it!”

her eyes vacant and distant, a mere shell of

I once knew.

to do? It breaks my

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I take back, the forest transforms into a battlefield, where reason has no role to play. There’s no more

x x

frustration crashes over me as she charges forward. Anguish and helplessness collide, causing me to stagger backwards as my vision blurs. I fall. The sensation

push myself up, my muscles straining as I strive to

darkness.

“Alina!”

a powerful roar, my voice pierces through the stillness of the air. Our eyes meet, and in that fleeting moment, I see a spark of familiarity before it disappears.

a swift motion,

out of

recognition flickers within them, reminding me of the Alina I love. In her eyes, the turmoil within is evident, a silent war being waged. I cling to the hope that she’ll break free, that the woman I adore will

I bég, the weight of the situation bearing down

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it control you. Remember who you are. Remember

taken aback by the unexpectedness of her attack and I let her

“Fuck!”

from my wounds, my vision becomes increasingly blurred. I am left with no other option but to evade, to distance myself from

there’s no way I

her footsteps reverberates in my ears, a clear indication of her determined pursuit. My chest tightens as panic takes hold. I can’t keep running from her indefinitely, and the mere idea of

shoulder, my eyes barely catching a glimpse of her fleeting figure. With

to kill me, she’s never looked