The Mating Run by Leeka

Zeke’s POV

In His Eyes: Indifference

With Ettie unconscious on her shoulder, Alina moves urgently, her footsteps echoing in the silence. With blood flowing from the wound on Ettie’s neck, I keep a vigilant eye and my hands poised, ensuring they remain steady and upright. The air feels heavy with tension as I trail behind them, my senses on edge, alert to any potential danger.

“Alina, what do you need?”

As I ask, my words seem to dissipate in the stillness, unnoticed by her. All her attention is devoted to the critical mission of rescuing Ettie.

Alina guides Ettie to the makeshift bed in our dimly lit cabin, her movements gentle and deliberate. My eyes nervously flickered back and forth between the two women, uncertainty creeping into my thoughts. While I remain skeptical of the blonde woman, the intensity in Alina’s eyes is undeniable. I know that if I tell her to stop right now, she’s going to respond in a way that feels like she’s biting my head off, both figuratively and literally.

Alina’s face was cast in shadows by the dim light, her features taking on a more serious and intense expression. I can tell that the task requires her complete concentration by the deep lines etched on her forehead. The rawness of her commitment is undeniably beautiful.

With each passing moment, Alina’s focus intensifies, her determination growing stronger. With steady hands, she carefully tends to the gruesome wound, never wavering. The tension in the air was palpable, and the only sound that could be heard was the irregular breaths escaping Ettie’s unconscious body. With precision, Alina’s hands swiftly retrieve a nearby first aid kit. She starts working on the wound, meticulously cleaning it to prevent infection.

Time seems to stretch endlessly as Alina works tirelessly. Every gesture she makes is filled with purpose and fueled by an invisible, inner strength. The air is

IVIL

In His Eyes: Indifference

heavy with the distinct metallic scent of blood. Finally, Alina steps back, her sweat–drenched face showing a mix of exhaustion and determination as her eyes finally meet mine. I see a myriad of emotions reflected in her eyes – relief, exhaustion, and an unwavering determination. The makeshift bandage on Ettie’s neck, though rough, was tightly wrapped to stop the bleeding.

“I think she’ll be okay, for now,” Alina says, her voice hoarse, and I realize the toll this improvised operation has taken on her. “But we have to get her out of here or she’s going to die.”

No matter how much I desire to give her a reassuring and accurate answer, I am unable to do so. And from the sorrowful expression on Alina’s face, it is evident that she is aware of my inability to do the same.

“You know we can’t leave until the game is over or until Ettie finds a mate.”

A soft sigh escapes Alina’s lips, a silent admission of the seriousness of our situation. With care, she reaches Ettie’s side, where she lies unconscious on the bed, and softly runs her hand along her face. It was a gesture that stirred a sense of familiarity, evoking a history that eluded my understanding.

“We’ll get you out of here,” Alina assures her, her gaze shifting from Ettie to meet mine. “We will, won’t we?”

The unspoken emotions hang thickly in the air, and I can feel the dryness of my lips as I prepare to speak. “We’ll do our best.”

A quiet request follows.

“Help me clean up.”

Together, we set to work, the task at hand offering a temporary escape from the feral, unconscious woman lying on the bed, who was once her closest companion. As we painstakingly scrub away the remnants of Ettie’s blood on the ground, I steal occasional glances at Alina, trying to gauge her emotions. I observe Alina’s unwavering commitment to the task as she stands with her back turned to me. However, her subtle glances towards Ettie evoke a confusing blend of bitter resentment and almost jealousy in me.

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18:41 Mon, 11 Mar

In His Eyes Indifference

Alina’s dedication to Ettie remains steadfast, even after she lost her memories, mirroring their bond from the past. A stark contrast to the uncertain ground on which our relationship now stands.

the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my

to the bed, wiping the blood that got on Ettie’s legs. The tenderness in her actions was undeniable as she went about her tasks, taking extra care to ensure Ettie

says, breaking the quiet as she surveys our handiwork. “It feels better

“…Yeah.”

to run her fingers through her friend’s hair, as if it were second nature to her. The act was so intimate that I wondered if she had forgotten I was even in the same room. My attention is fixated on Alina’s graceful movements, the way her eyes delicately caress Ettie’s calm features,

any longer, I finally gather the courage to break the fragile serenity of the moment with my

with her when she wakes up?”

etching lines across her

mean by that,

speak my mind. I wish I didn’t sound so consumed by jealousy,

my own ears.

just going to act like

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f

11 Mar 7

Eyes Indifference

Alina’s eyes narrow, a spark of anger flickering within them. “This shouldn’t even be up for discussion. We take care of her. She’s my best friend.”

adds to the growing heat of my anger. in disbelief, I shake my head while a forced chuckle

to strangle

right now. We can’t abandon her!”

dangerous. What if she attacks again?” I slam a hand over my chest, appalled by Alina’s reaction, as if I had

a glare, Alina locks eyes with me, her jaw visibly

about you, but I don’t abandon the people I care

what.”

anger. “Alina, I care about

not thinking straight.

step back, I let out a mocking laugh as if she had just cracked a joke. “What about

at the cost of abandoning someone I care about,” Alina takes a deep breath, her anger dissipating as a strong determination takes its place. “You want an

can’t believe you’re putting her needs above ours,” I.throw my hands up frustration. “She tried to kill me,

in

can’t believe you’re willing to abandon

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MORE IT WICH

Eyes

an instant, my anger vanishes, and all I can think about is approaching her and pleading for her forgiveness. Alina’s throat clears, and she averts her eyes from me, pinching the bridge of her nose in discomfort. “She’s not herself, Zeke. We help her,

Alina beats me to it, her words filling the air before

mine can escape.

shifts from me to

some time alone, Zeke. Please.

her, eyes on Ettie. “You can be mad at me all

word, she turns away from me and begins to sob. As much as I want to comfort her, I don’t want her to think that I’m agreeing with what she wants. She can have anything she

in the air, thick and tangible, following the intense exchange of emotions between Alina and me. Her tears fell softly,

I yearn to utter words, any words, to mend it. But I can’t find the right

a sound breaks the oppressive quiet–a soft rumbling, like distant thunder. At first, I mistook it for the low growl of an animal just outside the cabin. But then it returns,

glimpse of her downcast eyes, intentionally avoiding mine, and a wave of guilt washes over me. She must be upset, her growling stomach