The Mating Run by Leeka

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“Ettie,” With a measured but firm voice, I start to say, capturing her attention. “We both signed up for the Mating Run to find ourselves a mate. You can’t just–Jay claim to me like that.”

Frustration and urgency etch across her face, her brows furrow deeply.

“Alina, you just don’t get it. This isn’t about the Run anymore. It’s all about staying alive. Getting back to how things used to be.”

I shake my head, my hands instinctively curl into tight fists, ready to defend myself.

“We don’t have to forget everything we’ve been through to survive, Ettie. All I want is to find someone to be with; I don’t ask to be treated like your possession.”

Ettie’s narrowed gaze transforms from desperation to a determined resolve.

“This isn’t about… ownership, Alina! We’re talking about keeping you safe. If I mark you, we can leave this madness behind. We don’t have to keep running anymore.”

“But at what cost?” I retort, my words laced with anger as I jab her on the chest. A hint of hurt flashes across Ettie’s face, but I choose to ignore it. “If you do that to me, Ettie, there’s no turning back. You’re not even bothering to ask if I want that; it’s all about you.”

The silence that follows is punctuated by the lingering echoes of our contrasting perspectives. Ettie’s eyes, once pleading, now glisten with a determined fierceness.

“Alina, you’re missing the point. This is how we’ll get out. An opportunity to take back control of our lives.”

I breathe out a sigh, feeling stuck between two things. Disappointment washes

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“I won’t let fear make me do something that I’ll regret in the end.”

Ettie’s piercing gaze tells me everything I need to know – her frustration is reaching its boiling point. In frustration, she throws her hand up in the air and lets out a low growl.

“What do you even want, Alina? Wanna keep running, keep fighting until one of us goes down to this crazy shit?”

“I want to find a mate, Ettie,” I assert, my voice unwavering. “And I won’t compromise on that goal. We can navigate the challenges without you claiming me.”

Ettie’s fists clench at her sides, a visible struggle within her as the clash of desires wages war on her resolve. “You’re being stubborn, Alina. This is a chance for us to be free.”

“I won’t exchange one form of captivity for another.”

Right now, as I stand, my mind goes crazy, picking apart every little thing about her expression and where she’s looking.

I know Ettie really well, maybe even better than I know myself. We go through so much together, face our demons, and come out stronger, connected by the language of shared struggles.

Ettie’s eyes tell a different story than her words. She’s always an open book to me; you can see how she feels just by looking at her. But today, today is different. Her gaze has this sneaky little dance, like she’s hiding something.

She says it’s for my own

better. I think I know what Ettie really means, the things she’s not

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be selfless when she’s actually up to something? We go through some rough times together the Hunters, the unforgiving Mating Run – and now Ettie wants to

–

together, from when we first meet to all the challenges we face as a team. In the struggle

all twisted up, it’s a clear sign that I’m

unspoken motivations hang heavy around us, creating

intentions.

frustration and a touch of annoyance. “Why are you so fixated on claiming me? There has to be more to it than just keeping me

soft, deliberate whisper. “Yeah, you’re right, it’s not

my features as my brows furrow.

“What?”

I can see a torrent of emotions churning in their

claimed by someone, it might as well be me.”

༈༙

eerie chill to run down my back. As I take a step back, my mind

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unsaid things hangs over us.

Don’t say

whisper, my voice barely making a sound in the awkward silence. Her eyes hold secrets,

shows how much she’s going through. She’s falling apart right in

so fed up, I

with a hint of irritation rather than a well–thought–out expression. “This isn’t you, Ettie. Claiming me? What are you

forceful hold on my arm startles me, causing me to momentarily lose my train of thought. The air crackles with her desperation, creating an

pleaded as she refused to let go, her grip unyielding. I watch in terror as her eyes transform, shifting from a tranquil blue to an ominous black. “Don’t walk away from me, Alina. It’s the wrong decision. I can’t control myself right now, and

what to do; I have mixed emotions. Ettie’s desperation is intense, and I can feel the weight of responsibility

all I receive In return is a fierce growl from Ettie. “You’re freaking me out. I have no idea what’s going on. This claim and talk about safety,

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of understanding. It’s as though she’s trapped in a battle

the horizon, pondering if I have the strength to guide us

typically fierce and unyielding Ettie I’ve known. “I can’t lose you. I can’t let anyone else claim you. It’s dangerous out there, and I need to keep you safe. You’re mine, Alina.

in the air, a turbulent confession that sends

Mine.

down my spine, and I sense a creeping unease nibbling away at my determination.

my head in disbelief. “I can’t stay if you’re not yourself. If you’re gonna keep acting like this desperate, possessive – I can’t stay. I won’t. I need the