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.

2/8

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.

Alina’s voice breaks through the tumultuous thoughts swirling in

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

Alina says, breaking the quiet as she surveys our handiwork. “It feels better in here.”

“…Yeah.”

her. Without hesitation, Alina begins 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, causing a knot to form

mounting unease any longer, I finally gather the courage to break the fragile serenity

do we do with her

glances at me, confusion etching lines across her

you mean

I can’t help but speak my mind.

my own ears.

what’s the plan? Are we just going to act like nothing happened? Like she

3/8

f

Mar 7 O

His Eyes

confused.” Alina’s eyes narrow, a spark of anger flickering within them. “This shouldn’t even be up for discussion. We

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

to

not herself right now. We can’t abandon her!”

over my chest, appalled by Alina’s reaction, as if I had physically punched

a glare, Alina locks eyes with

I don’t abandon the people I care

what.”

frustration escalating into anger. “Alina, I care about you. I care

not thinking straight. Ettie needs us.”

step back, I let out a mocking laugh as if she had just cracked a

dissipating as a strong determination takes its place. “You

needs above ours,” I.throw my hands up frustration. “She tried to kill me,

in

to abandon my friend in need!” Alina screams

4/8

MORE IT WICH

Eyes Indifference

with unshed tears out of anger. In 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

me to it, her words filling the air before

mine can escape.

me to Ettie, her

some time alone,

Ettie. “You can be mad at me all you want, but I won’t leave you

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 wants from me, as long as her well–being is not compromised.

exchange of emotions between Alina and me. Her tears fell softly, filling the room with our conflicting feelings. It’s been intense, but now there’s this weird calmness

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

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, impossible to ignore and

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