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.

of confusion descend upon my mind, causing

holes sent a wave of nausea through me, as it pooled and spread across my skin. Waves of panic surge through me, overpowering

what did you-

fixed upon me, her claws stained crimson with my blood. A vacant look settled in her eyes, as if she were watching the

Eyes:

shadows dancing on the periphery of my vision. I take a step back from her, my hand instinctively clutching the wound, my face betraying the desperation I can’t hide. She lifts her hands, and her sharp claws are aimed directly at me. She stares at them

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

vacant eyes as she unexpectedly swipes at me with a fierce intensity. Her claws graze my cheeks, causing a sharp sting as I

out, the desperation in my voice escalating. “Snap

of her own mind, the feral glint in her eyes undiminished. Her claws flash, and in a split second, I duck, narrowly escaping the

if it’s in self–defense, I can’t bring myself

scream, my voice hoarse. “What did they

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

jerks backward, my heart thumping

stronger than this! Fucking fight it!”

remains unresponsive, her eyes vacant and distant,

once knew.

heck am I supposed to do? It breaks my heart to see her like this.

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no role to play. There’s no more room to evade her, and I can’t keep finding ways to avoid her. The inevitable clash draws near, and I can feel the tension

S x x

of 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 of the

my

darkness.

“Alina!”

moment, I see a spark of familiarity before

a surge of desperation, I deftly dodged her next swipe, narrowly escaping her grasp. With a swift motion, I grab her wrist, my fingers closing around

of

eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, a glimmer 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 emerge from the shadows with a newfound strength and resilience. But the vacant look returns, and the weight of disappointment settles in my chest. Holding

the weight of the situation bearing down on me. “You can’t

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control you. Remember who you

of getting a response from her, she twists forcefully in my hold and slashes her sharp claws in my direction. I stumbled backward, taken aback by

“Fuck!”

cry of anguish and desperation. My breathing becomes erratic as I clutch both the gaping wound in my stomach and my shoulder. As blood continues to pour from my wounds, my vision becomes increasingly blurred. I am left with no other option

no way I can save

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 her injuring herself

scrape against my face, leaving behind stinging pain. I steal a glance over my shoulder, my eyes barely catching a glimpse of her fleeting figure. With an ethereal grace,

me, she’s never looked more