The Mating Run by Leeka

In His Eyes: Choice

Zeke’s POV

“She’s lost her memories.”

“Oh.”

The cabin loomed just a meter away from us. Alina is far enough away that she can’t hear us, but I can still keep a watchful eye on her to ensure her safety. Shock and understanding were both evident in Ettie’s eyes. She seemed to already be aware of the information I shared with her; she simply needed some reassurance.

What surprised me was the audible exhale of relief that escaped her lips as she ran her hand down her face, a content smile spreading across her lips.

“You can’t be serious.” My actions spoke volumes as I spat and crossed my arms, staring her down with intensity. She barely spared me a glance, her eyes filled with a chilling indifference. She went from being frustrated and confused to brimming with delight. “Are you seriously happy about her memory loss?”

“Of course I’m not!” Even as Ettie defended herself, a wide smile remained on her lips. With another chuckle, she nodded to herself, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she absentmindedly curled a strand of her blonde hair around her index finger. “How much memory did she lose?”

I lack any substantial information about Ettie, and I don’t feel any inclination to uncover more about her. Despite my initial instincts, I haven’t left her to perish or taken her far away from our cabin because of Alina’s compassion towards her. Leaving her best friend out here to fend for herself would undoubtedly upset my mate, and I couldn’t bear to do that. The thought of her eternal resentment haunted me, and I questioned whether I could go through that pain again.

Even I, who grew up mainly alone, understand that a genuine friend wouldn’t wear a smile upon hearing such heartbreaking news. Ettie showed no curiosity about the origin of Alina’s memory loss, her recovery, or the impact it had on her.

With a smile on her face, Ettie’s main curiosity was the amount of memory she had lost. It was easy for me to realize that there was an ulterior motive behind the bitch’s smile – it carried a hidden agenda, as if Ettie wanted Alina to forget a certain memory desperately.

“I don’t think that’s important to know.”

“Come on, don’t be such an asshole,” Ettie let out a frustrated groan before giving me a hard shove. It wasn’t hard enough for me to take a step back and stumble, but the force would have sent any other Hunter crashing into the nearest tree. One thing’s for certain: Ettie is not to be taken lightly. “I just want to know so that I know where we stand.”

“You’re her best friend,” I remind her, as she seems to have overlooked that particular detail. It was almost instantaneous – Ettie’s eye started to twitch with irritation, indicating that my tone or the specific word I used had clearly bothered her. I couldn’t give a shit what she thinks, anyway. “Shouldn’t you already have a sense of where you stand without needing to ask her?”

“What memories did she lose, Zeke?” Ettie’s voice sliced through the thick silence, like a sharp knife, demanding answers that lurked in the shadows, skillfully shifting the focus of the conversation. Glaring at me with sharp intensity, her lips twisted into a snarl. “It’s not like it’s such a difficult question!”

Hesitation seized me, and my words became entangled in my throat like thorny

vines.

“What does it matter?” I retorted, a flicker of frustration coloring my words. “She lost her memories. Isn’t that enough? You should just be there for her!”

Ettie’s eyes narrowed, a spark of defiance igniting within her. “It’s not like I’m asking for something huge, you’re so f**king frustrating. I’m just curious about how much she remembers, that’s it. It’s not rocket science!”

I felt my jaw tighten as I fought against the overwhelming anger threatening to

consume me.

about the memories she

we have to focus on who she is now. I’m here for

would have been stunning. But right now, she just looks unhinged, especially with the massive bandage wrapped around her neck. “You think you’re

the

unbearable.

claiming to be the only one. But what’s important

remember-”

couldn’t believe what she had just said. Frustration fills her as she mutters curses under her breath, pinches the bridge of her nose, and paces back and forth. “That’s not what I- UGH! Look, there must be a reason why

“I want her to remember me, not act like we’ve never met. Like I’m some f**king stranger she picked up from some dirty street. Yeah, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but I never want her to forget that. She needs to know how much I messed up, and how hard I’ll try to make it right. How much I would crawl on the floor, lapping at the path she walked, begging for her forgiveness, because she f**king deserves that and more. I want her to go back to her old self,

unwavering determination, unwilling to back down from the impending confrontation. And then, like a sudden storm

help.

Both of you,

raised voice, Alina’s fragile tone resonated and intensified the growing tension. Just in time, she reached Ettie and caught her raised arm before it could come crashing down. Alina’s

frustration.

Ettie.

what it looks

cut her off, her eyes shifting towards

won’t have it. I lost my memories, but that doesn’t

or lost.”

Ettie let her arm fall, the anger that had consumed her fading away. Caught between the gaze of the two women, I could sense the weight of

with her,

“She started it.”

with a stern gaze from Alina that shut her down before she could say anything. “Ettie, I know you’ve been my best friend for as long as I can remember, but this

and forth between Alina and me, desperately searching for a response that

disappointment and frustration. “I thought we could build something here,

don’t you see he’s not good for you? He’s making us fight!” Ettie finally spoke, her voice softer than before. “I’ve known you for so long, and I can’t stand

friend. With my arms crossed tightly, I sense my heart

whether you like him or not, he’s staying.” Alina stated, her voice devoid of emotion, eyebrows raised in a challenge, daring Ettie to oppose her. Ettie hesitated before speaking, but the

I exchanged a glance, our eyes

Alina’s voice had

“Apologize.”

order. Avoiding

“I, uh, sorry.”

Alina’s eyes narrowed.

apology, Ettie. Look at Zeke and