In His Eyes: Regrets
Zeke’s POV
The room is bathed in a soft, warm glow as the morning sun filters through the
window.
Indifferent as ever, Alina lies on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, the room filled with a sense of emptiness. We no longer sleep together in the same bed. The distance between us is palpable, a constant reminder of the fragments we’re trying to piece back together.
eat.”
“Hey, Alina,” I say softly, gently shaking her shoulder. “Breakfast is ready. Let’s
No matter what is said or done, her gaze remains steadfast, and she shows no signs of responding. It’s as if I’m a stranger in her world. I continue to persist, yearning for the moment when her eyes will once again hold the recognition I crave.
I prepare breakfast, a simple meal of fish that I caught earlier by the lake. As the fire crackles in the small pit, its warm sound fills the entire cabin, creating a comforting atmosphere. In the midst of cooking, I am occasionally distracted by brief glimpses of her movement from the corner of my eye. Lost in her thoughts, she sits on the edge of the bed, staring into the distance. It feels as if there is an unknown expanse separating us, a void that I long to fill.
“Alina, come on. Breakfast is ready,” I say, setting the plate of fish on the small table. “Do you want to have it there?”
“No… No, it’s fine. Just give me a minute.”
Moving at a snail’s pace, her body casts a shadow against the soft glow of the morning light. The hoodie drapes loosely over her shoulders, swaying with each step she takes. After she settles into the gound, I find myself sitting across from her, the air between us heavy with an unspoken quietness.
I watch her eat, her gaze fixed on the food as she methodically cuts and chews. The act of eating food for her became a monotonous routine, stripped of any pleasure or significance.
“Alina, do you need anything else?”
“I could use some water, I guess.”
Careful not to impose, I ask with a gentle tone, my voice barely audible. I can’t help but notice the shrug of her shoulders, a small gesture that speaks volumes. The vacant look in her eyes resonates in the void that separates us. Each passing day adds weight to the burden I carry, an ache that lingers within me.
I grab a cup, filling it with warm water that steams in the cool air, and offer it to
her.
“Here. Drink.”
“Uhh… thanks.”
Despite taking the cup, her gaze remains unresponsive, lacking any acknowledgement. I sit back, allowing her some room to breathe, while my plate of food remains untouched in front of me. Our shared silence cast a heavy shadow over the cabin, making it feel smaller and more constricting. Each passing moment feels like an eternity, a constant reminder of how far apart we’ve become. As I watch her, a wave of emotion swells in my chest, causing a lump to form in my
throat.
I watch with delight as Alina takes her time, relishing every last bite of her meal. My gaze remains fixed on her, my own plate forgotten and untouched. As she sets the empty plate down, her gaze distant, I feel compelled to break the silence.
“Do you want more? You can have this.” With a nod, I offer her my plate, which is piled high with mouthwatering fish. Alina’s gaze shifted from the plate to me, her face contorted with a peculiar expression. “I’m not that hungry.”
With a skeptical look in her eyes, she scoffs dismissively. She sees my offer, my attempt to care for her, as a complex puzzle that she can’t decipher. She lets out a
deep sigh, the sound reverberating in the stillness of the room, before finally breaking the silence with her words.
“Why are you doing this, Zeke?”
Her tone is sharp, cutting through the stillness.
Unsure of how to answer, I hesitated, my mind racing with possible responses.
“Doing what?”
“Treating me like some child who can’t take care of herself. I’m not helpless.”
With every word she utters, a sharp sting pierces through me, and a knot tightens in my chest, causing discomfort. The ache was all too familiar, a painful reminder of how distant we had become. I can’t bear to look at her, so I shift my gaze to my hands, trying to hide the remorse in my eyes.
“Look, this is weird to me, okay?” I can feel her anger lingering in the air, creating a palpable tension between us. I glance at the untouched plate in front of me, feeling my stomach grumble with hunger. “Zeke, I don’t need your help. I don’t need you to play the hero. Stop doing this for me. It’s weird.”
“Alina, I just… I want to get you what you need,” My voice trembled with a hint of desperation as I spoke, my words desperately trying to bridge the growing gap between us. My eyes instinctively wander to the mating mark on her neck, the mark that says she’s mine. Of course, she notices me staring, and her cheeks immediately turn a rosy shade. “I’m your mate-”
“Can you stop saying that?!” With anger blazing in her eyes, she forcefully slaps her hand against the mating mark on her neck. “It’s really weird! I already told you, I’m still trying to remember those things you say happened. Stop making things. tougher than they already are!”
“I didn’t mean… I didn’t want it to be like this. Sorry.” I murmur, my voice barely audible.
Frustration overwhelms her as she lets out a sigh, her fingers instinctively
reaching for the bridge of her nose. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have freaked out. But hey, you don’t have to share your food with me. You eat it. Your stomach is making noise, I can hear it.”
“Oh, but…”
“I’m serious. Eat.”
Alina stands and walks towards the bed again, her eyes fixed on me as she takes a seat on the edge, her presence palpable in the room. I grab the plate, trying to eat the food as rapidly and silently as possible, fully immersed in its flavors. She was right about me being hungry, but I would gladly give up my food if it means she
can eat more.
“Why are you doing all this?”
“What?”
“This.” With exasperation, Alina repeats her words, gesturing wildly with her hands. “Is this because you got stuck with me as a mate or something?”
“I’m doing this because I love you.”
Her gaze shifts, and she freezes. Her cheeks were flushed with a vivid red, a striking contrast to the bewildered expression in her eyes. It’s as if my confession has jolted her awake from a trance, pulling her into the present moment.
“Love?”
Her voice, barely above a whisper, echoed softly within the tranquil cabin as she repeated herself. Nodding, I can’t help but feel the weight of vulnerability settle
upon me.
“Yes. I love you.”
A sigh escapes her lips, carrying with it a blend of emotions.
“Before… before I lost my memories, did I love you back?”
The question dangles in the air, a tenuous connection between our past and the present, waiting to be answered. When my eyes met hers, they conveyed a sense of both uncertainty and longing.
“I don’t know. I never… I never confessed back then. I never knew how I felt, so I never knew how you felt.”
A blend of disappointment and realization washes over her, evident in her changing expression. Breaking the silence again, her voice slices through the stillness with a sharpness akin to a blade.
“You’re such a loser, Zeke. If you had confessed to me back then, maybe I wouldn’t have forgotten about you.”
My laughter was forced, but her words struck a nerve, causing a wave of pain to wash over me. As the accusation lingers in the air, a sense of missed opportunities weighs heavily on my shoulders.
“Yeah,” My reply escapes my lips, the sound of my voice betraying a combination of self–deprecating mockery and a touch of regret. “I guess I am a
loser.”
With a raised eyebrow, Alina fixes her gaze on the target, her expression unwavering.
“So, when did you figure out you loved me, huh?”
I quickly avert my gaze, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.
“Well, it’s not like I woke up one day and realized it…”
Leaning back and crossing her arms, she fixates her gaze on me, patiently waiting for my response. I noticed a mischievous sparkle in her eye, a sight I had never seen before. She tilts her head to the side, her eyes fixed on me, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.
As I clear my throat, I can feel her eyes boring into me, their intensity weighing heavily on me. “I guess… I finally got it when I couldn’t bear the idea of being
without you. When you not being there felt like something was missing.”
74%
As she stares at me, her eyes burn with such intensity that it sets my heart racing. Her laughter bubbles out when I clear my throat again, a beautiful sound. that holds me spellbound. If I could capture her in a photograph at this moment, the joyous sound of her laughter would be frozen in time.
“You’re blushing, Zeke. Is that really when you figured it out?”
I nod, my face flushing with embarrassment. “Yeah, I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I didn’t realize how much I needed you until you were gone.”
A short pause hung in the air, accompanied by the soothing crackling of the fire, heightening the unspoken emotions between us. The edges of Alina’s guard momentarily lift, and her face transforms with a softened expression.
“I don’t get it,” Finally, she says, her voice now softer and less accusatory. “If you felt that way, why didn’t you confess before I lost my memories?”
A sigh escapes my lips as I feel the weight of my own indecision pressing down
on me.
“I thought I had more time.”
“Huh.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
With the arrival of night, the cabin becomes eerily quiet, amplifying my unease as I brace myself for another night of restlessness. We have silently accepted the growing distance between us, finding solace in separate beds. The fire’s embers cast a dim glow, creating a dance of shadows on the walls.
As I lie down, the weight of our new normal settles upon me, a whirlwind of emotions that I can’t escape. The uncertainty hung in the air, mingling with a deep sense of longing and the fragments of what once was. Sleep feels like a distant
without you. When you not being there felt like something was missing.”
As she stares at me, her eyes burn with such intensity that it sets my heart. racing. Her laughter bubbles out when I clear my throat again, a beautiful sound that holds me spellbound. If I could capture her in a photograph at this moment, the joyous sound of her laughter would be frozen in time.
“You’re blushing, Zeke. Is that really when you figured it out?”
I nod, my face flushing with embarrassment. “Yeah, I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I didn’t realize how much I needed you until you were gone.”
A short pause hung in the air, accompanied by the soothing crackling of the fire, heightening the unspoken emotions between us. The edges of Alina’s guard momentarily lift, and her face transforms with a softened expression.
“I don’t get it,” Finally, she says, her voice now softer and less accusatory. “If you felt that way, why didn’t you confess before I lost my memories?”
A sigh escapes my lips as I feel the weight of my own indecision pressing down
on me.
“I thought I had more time.”
“Huh.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
With the arrival of night, the cabin becomes eerily quiet, amplifying my unease as I brace myself for another night of restlessness. We have silently accepted the growing distance between us, finding solace in separate beds. The fire’s embers cast a dim glow, creating a dance of shadows on the walls.
As I lie down, the weight of our new normal settles upon me, a whirlwind of emotions that I can’t escape. The uncertainty hung in the air, mingling with a deep sense of longing and the fragments of what once was. Sleep feels like a distant
dream, slipping away from me like a wisp of smoke.
“Goodnight, Alina.”
My voice escapes in a soft murmur, a blend of surrender and anticipation. A moment of silence hangs in the air, and just as I believe she has succumbed to the realm of dreams, her voice shatters the stillness.
“Zeke?”
As I turn to face her, the soft, dim light casts a gentle glow on her features.
“Yeah?”
There’s a hint of vulnerability in her gaze as she hesitates, and it instantly tugs at my heart.
“Can you… sleep beside me?”
Her unexpected request caught me off guard, and I could feel my cheeks growing warm. Her eyes reveal vulnerability, mirroring my own, as the unspoken implications of her words hang heavy in the air.
“I… I don’t think that’s a good idea, Alina,” My voice faltered as I stammered, torn between uncertainty and aching desire. “I want to, you have no idea, but…”
She looks frustrated, her gaze dropping to the bed. “I just thought it might help. Maybe being close to you will trigger something, make me remember.”
Her words were filled with such desperation that my heart ached. She’s searching for something she can’t quite grasp, and I want to help her find it.
“Alina, it’s not that I don’t want to be close to you,” I say, my words careful. “It’s just… I’m afraid it might complicate things. For both of us.”
She looks away, frustration etched on her face. “I don’t want to ask again, Zeke. I hate feeling this way, like I’m missing something important. But I thought maybe… maybe being close to you could bring it back-” “Okay.”
“Okay what?”
“I’m sleeping next to you.”
Standing up from my bed, I make my way over to hers. Surprisingly, she shifts in her bed, creating some space for me. She doesn’t say anything else, but the redness of her ears speaks volumes. The night wraps around us like a suffocating blanket, and I lay beside Alina, our distance a silent understanding measured by the arm’s length.
“Goodnight, Alina.”
“Goodnight, Zeke.”
I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of the bed enveloping me in a fragile
comfort.
…Then, abruptly, I’m jolted awake.
Struggling to breathe, my eyes bulge out of their sockets, reflecting my panic. With vacant eyes, Alina’s once serene expression is now gone as her hands wrap tightly around my throat.
“Alina!”
In His Eyes: Dreams
The words come out in a choked scream, the syllables stretched and strained.
But there’s no response. Her empty gaze seems to pierce through the darkness, detached and unfazed by the struggle beneath her hands. My chest tightens with fear, as if sharp claws are digging into my ribs, demanding to be set free from the crushing grip that looms over me. Desperation and confusion mingled in my eyes as I wrestled against her tight grip.
“Alina, please!” Struggling to speak, I managed to rasp out my words, my plea echoing in the void that separated us. “Let me go!”
And then, as if jolted awake from a dream, her eyes widen with recognition. In an instant, the vacant look on her face is replaced by a surge of realization, as she comprehends the magnitude of what she is doing. The tightness around my throat loosens, allowing me to take a gasping breath and feel the immediate relief of fresh oxygen entering my lungs.
“Zeke?”
As she speaks, her voice wavers, conveying a sense of confusion and deep remorse. Clutching my throat, I could still feel the lingering sensation of her hands, like a ghostly touch.
“What… What happened, Alina?”
Horror and guilt immediately wash over her face, causing her to recoil. Her hands tremble uncontrollably as she gazes at them, her entire body filled with a sense of unease.
“I don’t… I don’t know. I just… I thought I was dreaming.”
As I sit up, the bed feels even colder than it did moments ago.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she says, her voice a fragile apology in the quiet darkness. “I’m sorry.”
“Alina, it’s okay,” I murmur, my voice an attempt at reassurance. “It was… just a bad dream, right?”
As she looks at me, her eyes, clouded with remnants of the night’s confusion, well up with tears, revealing a blend of fear and sorrow on her face.
“I’m sorry, Zeke,” she whispers, her voice trembling, eyes never wavering from my neck. “I’m so sorry, sorry, so sorry…”
My hand reaches out, delicately cupping her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin.
fell.
“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t cry, come on.’
But her tears kept streaming down her face, leaving gentle pathways as they
I guide her to sit beside me on the bed, the cold reality of the night enveloping us in its presence. “Alina, you can’t blame yourself. We’re both trying to figure this out, and sometimes things get a little messy. It doesn’t change how I feel about
you.”
With a nod, her face, streaked with tears, remains a poignant display of sorrow. As I pull her into a comforting embrace, I can feel her body relax against mine, seeking solace in the safety of my arms.
“We’ll get through this, Alina. Together.”
“I hurt you, and I don’t want to hurt you anymore.”
Alina whispers, her words barely audible, revealing the fragile admission of the turmoil within.
“Alina, listen to me,” I say, my voice a gentle murmur. “We can’t predict what’ll happen, but we can face it together. And I’m not giving up on us.”
“Were you always like this?” She looks up, her gaze meeting mine with a mix of gratitude and longing. “I don’t think I deserve someone as patient and understanding as you, Zeke.”
“Don’t say that,” I reply, my thumb brushing away a stray tear from her cheek. “You’re worth every bit of patience and understanding. We’ll find a way through this, okay?”
Alina’s sudden gasp filled the air, her widened eyes reflecting pure horror, as her hands instinctively reached out to touch my neck. The moment her fingers make contact with my skin, a grimace forms on my face. I can then feel a wetness against my neck, and my fingers confirm it as they come away stained with blood.
“Zeke, you’re bleeding!”
My eyes shift downward, and I see a mark on my neck, a tiny wound left behind by the strength of her grip during the nightmare. Alina’s eyes welled up with tears at the sight of blood, her hands shaking as she comprehended the unintended consequence of her actions.
With a gentle touch, I guide Alina to sit beside me on the bed, feeling the warmth of her presence next to mine. As I reach for the first aid kit, I notice the glistening tears streaking down her face, revealing the depth of her inner turmoil. With a gentle smile, I offer her reassurance.
“Let’s get you calmed down, okay?”
I speak softly, my voice a calming murmur. With a bandage in hand, I carefully unravel it, feeling the soft fabric and seeing the adhesive side that will soon adhere to my neck, covering the scratches.
Alina nods, her hands trembling slightly, clearly still affected by what happened. Her eyes remain fixed on me, flickering between the bandage and my face, as if searching for answers. “I’m sorry, Zeke. I don’t know why I did that.”
With the bandage securely in place on my neck, I am relieved to feel the coolness providing some comfort.
“It’s okay, Alina. Don’t worry about it.”
Glancing at her, I could see a complex blend of gratitude and guilt reflecting in her eyes. As she tries to maintain her composure, there’s a lingering sense of vulnerability in the air.
“You’re hurt because of me,” she whispers, her voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the night. “I could have killed you.”
“You can’t kill me.” I reach out, gently brushing her hair away from her face. “Besides, it’s just a scratch, Alina.”
But her focus never wavers from the bandage, her fingertips gently caressing the fabric as if trying to unravel the secrets hidden within the plain white surface. “I could have really hurt you, Zeke. What if it happens again? What if I can’t control it?”
I pause, setting the first aid kit aside, taking a moment to listen to the birds chirping in the distance. “We’ll find a way to manage it, Alina. And I won’t let you push yourself away because of this. We face it together.”
The stillness in the air intensifies the weight of uncertainty, enveloping us in a shared vulnerability. My words, spoken with a quiet determination, act as an anchor, keeping us grounded in the midst of the unknown storm.
“Maybe,” Tentatively, she begins speaking, her voice trembling with a touch of hesitation. “Maybe it’s better if I sleep outside. That way, I won’t hurt you.”
I vigorously shake my head, adamant about not allowing her to bear the guilt
alone.
“No, Alina. If anything, I should be the one staying outside.”
“Are you serious right now?” Her eyes meet mine, a mixture of surprise and frustration flickering within. “Why aren’t you upset?!”
I reach for her hands, feeling their soft warmth in my grasp. “Alina, I can’t be angry at you. We’re navigating uncharted territory, and I won’t abandon you when you need support the most.”
I finish, I guide her down the bed, encouraging her to lie back. This time, there’s no distance between us. Instead, I pull her close, my arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. The warmth of the moment is both soothing and reassuring.
“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Alina,” I say, my fingers gently running through her hair. “We’ll figure this out, step by step.”
She lets out a shaky breath, the weight of the night’s events still pressing on her. “I don’t want to hurt you, Zeke.”
I hold her tighter, the words spoken in the quiet of the room. “You won’t, Alina. We’ll find a way through this, and I’m not going anywhere.”
But the traces of fear persist in her eyes, and I feel the need to lighten the atmosphere. “You know what we need? A distraction. How about a funny story?”
She gives a small scoff, a hesitant smile forming.
“I don’t think you can be funny, even if you try.”
“Don’t believe me?” I begin, “You know, when I was younger, I tried to cook dinner for the pack. Let’s just say, it ended up being more of a bonfire than a meal. The Alpha was so mad at me, he told me to run around the pack’s perimeter for two weeks.”
With each passing moment in the story, Alina’s laughter grows more genuine, erasing the lines of worry etched on her face. Her beautiful laugh fills the room, momentarily drowning out all other sounds.
She smiles, her eyes reflecting gratitude. “Thank you, Zeke. I needed that.”
“Alina,” I whisper, “try to get some rest. I’ll be right here with you.”
Her gaze meets mine, and there’s a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “I can’t,
Zeke. I don’t trust myself. What if something happens again?”
“Nothing’s going to happen.” I reach out, placing a reassuring hand on hers. “I
trust you.”
She looks hesitant but eventually lies back down. I settle beside her, my fingers tracing gentle circles on her back. The rhythm becomes a lullaby, an attempt to ease the tension etched into her very being.
“They said humming will help those who can’t sleep,” I murmur, the memories of nights spent together flooding back. “Do you want me to hum for you?”
A small nod from Alina, and I find myself humming a tune. The soft vibrations of the hum resonate through the room, wrapping around us like a comforting embrace.
With each circular motion on her back and the soothing hum escaping my lips, I sense her tense muscles gradually easing into relaxation. The weight of the night’s worries lifts, if only temporarily. I catch a glimpse of her, and her eyes slowly drift shut, succumbing to the soothing melody.
Just as I’m about to succumb to the embrace of sleep, Alina stirs.
Her voice, soft and trembling, breaks through the stillness.
“Do you still love me? Even after what I did?”
The unexpected question catches me off guard, but I respond to her nonetheless. My hand instinctively moves to her cheek, a gentle gesture of affection. Alina refuses to meet my eyes, her gaze fixed on the ground, clearly embarrassed.
“Always, Alina. Nothing can change that.’
“But what if I’m like this, uncontrollable, maybe even… more murderous?”
Each word she spoke seemed to carry the weight of her fear, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. Leaning in, I gently press my lips against her forehead, leaving a tender kiss.
“Even more, on days when you doubt yourself.”
Eventually, her breathing became rhythmic, a sign of fragile peace after the chaotic events. I steal glances at her, finding solace in the gentle, consistent rise and fall of her chest.
In the stillness, every now and then, I find myself abruptly awakening, as if driven to ensure her safety. With my arm wrapped around her, I pull her closer, a silent gesture of protection against the haunting nightmares that lurk in the depths of our thoughts.
Outside, the distant wails of sirens echo through the air, a chilling soundtrack to the silence that envelops the cabin. More lives lost, more pain inflicted. It’s a harsh reality.
I listen to her soft breaths again, each exhale a delicate reminder of her vulnerability, igniting a fierce determination within me. I want to whisk her away from this place, away from the Mating Run with its relentless violence and hopelessness. I can’t tear my eyes away from her face, bathed in the gentle glow of the moon, and I am filled with awe.
“I love you,” I murmur, more to myself than to her. “I really do.”
In these quiet moments, I listen to the distant chirping of birds and contemplate our escape. I dream of a future where it’s just Alina and me, the soundscape filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle whispers carried by the wind.
“I can’t wait to leave,” I whisper, my words carrying the weight of a dream yet to be realized. “To leave everything behind, to start anew with you.”
Zeke’s POV
In His Eyes: Warmth
Alina and I quietly move around the cramped cabin, feeling the tension in the air. We’re both dealing with the consequences of last night. Now, in the quiet moments that come after, we’re trying to figure out where our relationship is going.
I can sense Alina’s need for solitude, as if she longs for a moment of quiet to rediscover the pieces of her identity buried deep within the recesses of her mind. Her gaze, once a familiar map of emotions, now holds a hint of uncertainty, like someone cautiously exploring a puzzle they can’t solve. In response, I move cautiously, mindful of her need for space, a constant presence by her side, vigilant against the looming shadows that seek to consume her.
From a distance, I watch Alina as she gracefully arranges the few belongings scattered across the cabin, her movements flowing like a gentle dance. Each step she takes is deliberate, as if she’s tiptoeing through the uncharted territory of her own being, wary of the revelations that lie beneath the surface.
The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife as we avoid talking about the elephant in the room – that mark on her neck, a symbol of a connection that goes beyond memory. I can’t help but stare at it, silently acknowledging how important it is. It’s a reminder that our bond is still there, even if she can’t remember it.
Those quiet moments when our eyes meet bring me solace. Alina’s search for herself makes her so vulnerable, and it really resonates with me. I really want to help her and make her feel better, but I know I need to be patient.
Time flies by, like leaves rustling gently. We’re always finding the perfect balance between being close and having some space. Alina, determined to make this place more than just a refuge, starts moving things around with intention, being careful and focused.
Nesting, they call it.
1/7
In His Eyes: Warmth
I’m struggling with my own insecurities, worried that I might overshadow Alina’s journey of self–discovery. But, while I stay watchful from afar, I crave her
acknowledgement to confirm that our connection is still intact, even amidst fading memories. Does that make me a horrible person?
I don’t know. I don’t know if I want to know.
Night descends with a hushed intimacy, and I feel the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Alina senses me and looks at me with vulnerability, tearing my heart apart. Her eyes, like uncertain pools, reflect the flickering candle flame, casting soft shadows on her face.
I cautiously walk towards her, knowing how fragile everything is. When Alina looks at me, time stands still. I see a question in that look, asking for reassurance beyond words.
I reach out my hand, silently beckoning for a connection to bridge the distance
the between us. Alina, with a brief pause, gently laces her fingers with mine, warmth of her touch confirming the enduring bond that remains despite the fading of recollections. We’re just standing there, surrounded by the peaceful night, blending into a moment of vulnerability together.
That’s how a day normally goes for us. I don’t love it, but I don’t exactly hate it
either.
It was a seemingly ordinary morning, until everything suddenly changed
between us.
The clearing outside the cabin was bathed in a warm, golden glow from the morning sun, and the sound of the axe hitting wood reverberated through the air. With every swing of the axe and every log added to the pile, a sense of achievement welled up inside me. As I wipe the sweat off my forehead, preparing to swing the axe down once more, I suddenly hear Alina clearing her throat behind me.
As I turned, our eyes met, and I couldn’t help but notice the timid smile that appeared on her lips.
“Hey,” Her voice, soft and melodic, echoed through the quiet morning, creating
tatts Eyes Warmth
a peaceful atmosphere. As she tucks a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, can’t help but notice how much longer it had grown. “Uhm, good morning.”
I
“Morning, Alina,” I replied, setting the axe aside. “What brings you out here?”
I noticed Alina’s eyes briefly flicker towards the woodpile, and then, with a discreet look in my direction, she moved on. A rosy blush spread across her cheeks as she shifted her gaze and hesitantly asked.
“Have you… uh, taken a bath today?”
f
Her unexpected question made me pause, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the scent of wood and sweat clung to me after hours of chopping. With a self–conscious smile on my lips, I absentmindedly scratched the back of my head.
“Yeah, I mean… I was planning to,” As I admitted it, a blush of shyness tinged my cheeks with warmth. “Sorry, I must smell horrible.”
“That’s not it!” Alina’s sudden outburst of shouts caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily stunned. She clears her throat a second time, and then turns her attention to me. When our eyes met, I saw uncertainty reflected in hers. She briefly looked away before mustering the bravery to continue the conversation. “Well, um, if you’re going to take a bath, maybe… maybe we could take one together?”
The innocence in her suggestion was so touching that it tugged at my heart, instantly evoking a surge of warmth within me. The air between us shifted, the atmosphere charged with a mixture of shyness and genuine sweetness.
“You mean… together?”
My words came out in a stammer, revealing my own bashfulness in the exchange. Alina’s cheeks turned a slight shade of pink as she nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, I mean, if you’re okay with that. It just seems… nice, you know?”
“Yeah,” I couldn’t help but smile, a combination of amusement and affection bubbling up as I looked at the woman in front of me. “Yeah, I think that sounds nice.”
Glancing at the path that led to the tranquil lake, Alina hesitated for a moment before finally shifting her attention back to me.
“I’ll, uh,” Her words escaped her lips in a soft, delicate whisper, barely audible to anyone nearby. “Go first.”
I nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and excitement.
“Sure, I’ll be right behind you.”
With a nod and a gleaming smile, Alina hastened towards the lake, leaving me alone to reflect on the delightful awkwardness that had transpired between us. In that moment, as she opened up and shared such an intimate space, it became clear how much trust was blossoming between us.
Half–expecting an uncomfortable atmosphere, I cautiously approach the lake, hoping for a pleasant bathing experience. Alina was already in the water, her back bare and turned towards me, her hair cascading over one shoulder. Neatly folded on the closest rock, her clothes catch my eye. Inhaling deeply, I remove my clothes, carefully fold them, and set them down beside hers.
Sliding into the water was surprisingly easy, but as soon as Alina heard me, she tensed up. Slowly and attentively, I approach her in the water, ensuring there is a sufficient gap between us. Alina’s gaze met mine, and in her eyes, I found a
comforting reassurance, an unspoken confirmation that this moment held deeper meaning and connection.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
Alina and I sat shoulder to shoulder, the tranquility interrupted solely by the soft ripples of water and the occasional meaningful glance we shared, conveying unspoken emotions.
“So, um, how’s the water temperature?”
With a soft voice, Alina asked, her arms crossed protectively, most likely to
4/7
In His Eyes Warth
conceal her bare body from my sight. Even though I had already committed the texture of her skin and the contours of her body to memory, I made a conscious effort not to gaze at her.
“It’s perfect,” I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Thanks for suggesting this. It’s… nice.”
Alina mirrored my smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of contentment and shyness.
“Yeah, it is, isn’t it?”
While we were basking in the lake’s warmth, all the walls between us just melted away. The scars of our individual journeys were momentarily forgotten, replaced by the tenderness of a shared space, a space that held the promise of connection and understanding.
Just when we were in the middle of our bath, Alina pulls out a sponge and surprises me.
“Where’d you find that sponge?” I inquired, my voice carrying a note of
amusement.
Holding the sponge in her hands, Alina’s eyes gleamed with delight as she faced me.
“I found a robot with my name on it,” she explained, a small smile playing on her lips. “And inside was this sponge. A sponsor gave it, I think?”
With the sponge in her hand, Alina’s eyes lost their playful glint and took on a shy, subtle expression as she turned away from me. Her posture exuded a gentle vulnerability as she spoke, her words lingering in the air like a fragile melody.
“Zeke, could you… wash my back?” she asked, her voice a gentle whisper.
There was a brief pause in the air as the lake’s serene ambiance captivated all senses. The request, seemingly unassuming, carried a subtle intimacy that spoke to the desires we had left unexpressed. I was stuck, unsure if I should push the limits
or just reach out.
“Just… do as I asked, okay?” Alina added, her plea barely audible, as if she feared it would shatter. “I… I want you to touch me.”
Hor request lingered in the air, and I couldn’t help but notice the tension in her shoulders and the anticipation in her posture. The conflict I felt inside was mirrored in the vulnerability I saw in her eyes.
“Alright,” I finally conceded, my voice a mixture of uncertainty and determination. “I’ll wash your back.”
With careful and deliberate steps, I approached her and gently took the sponge from her hand. As we waded into the water, we could feel the coolness against our skin and see the gentle ripples forming around us. Her back, exposed and unadorned, beckoned for attention as Alina stood before me.
Deliberately, I placed the sponge against her skin, savoring the tender sensation that spoke volumes of our unspoken understanding. As my hand makes contact with her, a shiver runs down her spine, so I ensure my touch is delicate.
With each stroke of my hand on her back, I became aware of a subtle shift in the air, as if a storm was brewing. A subtle flush of red colored the tips of Alina’s ears, betraying her vulnerability without a word. We were acutely aware that we were teetering on the edge of a moment that defied the mundane, and it hung in the air between us.
“Zeke,” Alina murmured, her voice barely audible over the soft sounds of the lake. “Could you… could you wash my front too?”
Her request hung in the air, and for a brief moment, time seemed to pause.
“You can say no if you’re not comfortable,” I offered, my voice a gentle reassurance. “I want you to feel safe.”
Alina’s momentary pause was filled with uncertainty, her eyes alternating between the shimmering lake and my presence. But in the end, she turned around to face me. Her skin glistened with water droplets, while the gentle rays of the sun
accentuated her silhouette. Our eyes locked, a silent exchange that spoke volumes about the trust she had bestowed upon me.
I carefully wet the sponge once more, watching as the water trickled down its surface. Our eyes locked, and in that moment, a silent conversation unfolded between us. As I moved the sponge across her skin, I felt the warmth of the water seeping into my fingertips. Alina has always been beautiful, but now her beauty is enhanced by the trust and devotion in her eyes when she looks at me.
Her body quivered as my fingertips grazed against her sensitive nipples, causing an involuntary moan to escape her lips. Immediately, my body tenses with desire, but I make a conscious effort not to ogle her form too intently – that’s not what she expects of me. I catch her staring at me, her eyes hidden beneath the fringe of her lashes. When she wraps her arms around my neck, I can’t help but reciprocate, my hands instinctively finding their way to her waist, drawing her
closer to me.
There was a hint of hesitation in her eyes, as if she was torn between letting go and holding on. However, beneath the surface of uncertainty, there was an unmistakable yearning–a longing for connection. Closing the distance between us, I could feel the warmth of her breath against my skin as our lips finally touched in a gentle, lingering kiss.
In His Eyes: One
Zeke’s POV
Alina’s touch lingered on my chest, slowly descending towards my groin, each. second feeling more agonizing than the last.
Her eyes aren’t focused on me, instead, they’re captivated by the scars etched across my skin, her touch providing a comforting warmth. I feel a shiver course through me as she locks eyes with me, her lashes casting a mysterious veil, and I struggle to keep my hands to myself. She glides beneath the water’s surface with an allure that both captivates and terrifies me – a siren beckoning me towards my own demise.
My body felt strangely bound by invisible threads, making it nearly impossible to move. She’s the one who holds the reins, controlling every aspect of my being. I wanted to let her have her control, and I watched as she slowly wrapped her fingers around my erection, her gaze locked with mine from beneath her lowered lashes. My body was on the brink of ecstasy, but I chose to suppress it, emitting a guttural groan in a desperate attempt to make this longer.
My cock’s head throbbed with an unbearable tingling sensation, feeling both hot and swollen, a single drop forming at the tip. As I look, I can see my knot starting to form at the base, and I notice the way Alina licks her lips, anticipation written all over her face. Slowly, her hand began to stroke up and down my hardened cock, sending waves of pleasure through my body. I groan again, feeling the frustration build up inside me as I resist the urge to touch her. But eventually, I give in and passionately grab her by the neck, indulging in a ravenous kiss.
As Alina kisses me back, the sound of her moans and groans intensify, our teeth and tongues dancing together in a passionate tango. Her taste has always been divine, and my love for her has never wavered. Alina continued to stroke my cock, her touch growing bolder as she discovered my knot. Without any fear, she gently wrapped her fingers around it, feeling it, making me groan into her mouth.
Alina’s strong push sends me towards the river bank, her hands pressing firmly
1/6
In His Eyes One
against my chest as I am compelled to lie flat on my back. Ignoring the discomfort of the gravel and sand scraping against my skin, I reveled in the attention of Alina, her eyes radiating a sense of pure bliss that only I seemed capable of bestowing upon her. She lets out a soft, contented purr as she moves closer, her lips hovering near my cock. In a split second, I feel a surge of tension coursing through me, causing my hands to shoot out and grab her by the shoulder.
“W–wait,” I stammer like a bumbling idiot. Alina’s laughter filled the air, at beautiful and soft sound that made me unable to resist her. “You don’t have to do
that-”
“I want to.” Alina tells me, gently pushing my hands away from her shoulder and guiding them to run through her silky hair. She affectionately rubs her cheeks against my forearm, leaving a tender kiss in their wake. “I really, really, want to. Can I? Please?”
It was an offer that only a fool would refuse.
“I’m yours. You can do anything you want.”
“Perfect.”
I could tell exactly what Alina had in mind as she wet her lips with the tip of her tongue. Conflicting emotions battled within me as the desire to resist clashed with the longing for release. I sat there, my emotions torn, a mixture of arousal and anticipation building up inside me. Without wasting a second, she eagerly takes my cock into her mouth, as I firmly grip her hair. Her long, soft tongue gently coiled around me, caressing every inch.
“Fuuuuck,” I drawl, my mind scattered in every direction like a whirlwind. There is nothing else in my awareness now except for the sight of her, pleasuring me, and the sensation of her warm, velvety tongue. “Shit, that’s fucking good, baby.”
Alina’s lack of attention towards me is evident, but her purring intensifies as her fingers firmly grip my hips, completely engulfing me. Desperately, I lift my hips, trying to find a rhythm that matches hers, but I quickly realize that I am completely under her control. It’s not that I mind, because I really don’t, not even a tiny bit.
2/6
In His Eyes: One
The desire to close my eyes and surrender to the intense pleasures was strong, but I couldn’t resist watching her eagerly take me into her mouth, again and again. Alina’s mouth enveloped me, her tongue dancing skillfully around the tip of my cock, sending waves of pleasure throughout my body. In the moment before I was about to cum, she unexpectedly stops sucking me, eliciting a groan of anticipation as she settles herself on my body.
Alina climbed on top of me, using her hand to guide my cock into her. I let out a groan, my hands instinctively wrapping around her hips, drawing her closer to me. Being inside her always felt like being wrapped in a warm embrace, a comforting reminder of where I truly belong. Once she had me deep inside, her hips started to move in a slow and seductive rotation. With each step she took, her image flickered at the edges of my vision, etching her into my memory.
With each passing moment, my erection grew larger and more firm, heightening my pleasure. I felt an overwhelming surge of emotions, as if I was on the verge of bursting open, my heart pounding against the edges of my chest. Alina starts moving faster on top of me, widening her legs and thrusting herself onto my cock, over and over again. Her moans of approval mingle with the rhythmic sound of her body meeting mine, creating an intoxicating symphony of pleasure.
“Fuck, come here.”
My demand went completely over Alina’s head, but I managed to position her in a way that brought her breasts within close proximity to my face. Without hesitation, I let her stay on my lap, never wanting her to leave. I eagerly took her nipple into my mouth, causing her to arch her back and release a passionate cry.
I feel a surge of wetness between her legs as my fingers find their way to her clit, rubbing eagerly. To ensure her pleasure, I tilted my head and drew her other nipple into my mouth with a firm suction, simultaneously rolling and teasing the one my mouth had just left.
“I love you,” I whisper softly, my lips drawing her in as she sobbed and sobbed, bouncing on top of my cock. “Fucking god, baby, Ilove you.”
The heat was unlike anything I had ever felt, matched only by the overwhelming longing I had for her. I don’t know if Alina could feel the depth of my emotions or if
3/6
ths Eyes One
she reciprocates my love, but I was certain that my heart belonged to no one else, I Wanted Alina to have that same physical and emotional reassurance, to feel it deep within her being. I was willing to go to any lengths to make sure Alina knew she belonged to me, and I belonged to her.
Despite her protest, I loosened my hold on her breasts, eliciting a faint complaint. I then smoothly ran my hand through her hair, using it to guide Alina’s head towards me, allowing for a more passionate kiss. Our lips met, and I could feel the softness of hers as I pressed mine against them, craving the taste of her.
“Zeke, I’m almost–”
“Let me see you, don’t hide yourself from me.”
With a moan, Alina throws her head back and her legs begin to quiver as she reaches climax on top of me. Watching her, I can’t help but feel like I’m witnessing a slice of heaven on earth. My mouth waters, but I’m not done. As soon as she finishes, she collapses onto my chest, the weight of her body pressing against me. I press a light kiss to her forehead and then maneuver us so that I’m now in control. Her red face and blinking eyes make it clear that she’s overwhelmed.
“But I just-”
“Let me make you feel even better.”
Alina nods hesitantly, and without hesitation, I run my tongue along the side of her neck, tracing the contours of her mating mark. Instantly, a shiver runs down her spine, and she clings tightly to me, letting out a soft moan in my ear. I savor that moment, feeling the warmth and tightness as my cock remains deeply embedded in her. With a gentle rhythm, I sway against her, my cock gliding in and out as I passionately explore her neck with my tongue and teeth.
“Ah, ah, ah!”
“Beautiful,” I softly whisper against her ear, planting gentle kisses on every inch of her face while I move rhythmically inside her, my knot sliding in and out of her. “Absolutely beautiful.”
4/6
In tes Eyes One
With a gentle tilt of my head, I pressed my lips against hers, savoring the taste and the way our mouths moved together. The intense, pleasurable noises that escaped her lips matched the raw, primal energy between us as I pushed my knot deeper inside, releasing everything within her. It’s my wish for all our pups to bear a striking resemblance to both of us, every last one of them.
After reaching orgasm, I remain still for a moment, relishing the blissful aftermath, and then reposition us until we’re lying side by side. I’m still inside her, and I’m content staying right where I am. With Alina pressed against my chest, I gently rest my head on her shoulder, savoring the taste and sensation of licking and nipping her mating mark. It’s hard for me to comprehend that she’s actually mine; it’s a surreal feeling.
Exhausted and spent, Alina lets out a tired yawn following our lovemaking. As my thumb moves in circular motions across her exposed stomach, she nestles herself tighter against me. Turning slowly, her eyes meet mine, and she stares directly at me, unwavering and focused. Our eyes lock, and I see her staring at my lips, prompting me to lean forward and capture her mouth in a passionate embrace. Our tongues entwine, delicately exploring each other’s taste.
“I love you.” I whisper once more, gently releasing my hold on her so that I can embrace her even more tightly. “So much, Alina.”
Alina remains silent for a moment, but her contented sigh says it all.
Considering she was still in the process of figuring things out, I wasn’t really expecting her to speak up. Admittedly, it did hurt when she didn’t say it back, but I had envisioned a slow and steady development. Before she says those words back, I want her to trust me completely, with unwavering confidence. And judging by the way things are going, it seems like our relationship is headed in a positive direction.
“You okay?”
When she falls silent for a while, I can’t help but ask what’s been bothering her. There is an unspoken silence from Alina, yet I can perceive the quickening rhythm of her heartbeat, evidence of our closeness. Finally, she takes a deep breath, feeling the tension release from her body, and then speaks again softly. At first, her words didn’t register clearly in my ears, prompting me to give her hip a gentle squeeze for
5/6
In this Fors One
her to repeat herself.
“I think I’m starting to remember,” She says finally and for a brief moment, I think everything is okay. But then she corrects herself, leaving me feeling disappointed. “Not the memories, I don’t remember those. Zeke, I’m starting to remember how much I like you. My heart won’t calm down. Thank you for putting up with me, it was nice. This was… nice too.”
Behind her, I can’t help but chuckle and playfully nip at her cheek.
“Just nice?”
“Oh shut up,” Alina mutters, her voice muffled as she covers her face with her hands. “I liked you more when I was blowing you and you couldn’t say anything.”
With an eye roll, I roll her over once more and take my place on top of her. I meet Alina’s surprised gaze, a smirk forming on my lips as I confidently grasp both of her thighs, increasing the distance between them. Her silence speaks volumes as I continue to move inside her, both of us lost in the moment.
“One more?”
I can feel Alina grumbling beneath me, her face growing redder as she tries to cover it.
“Shut up and fuck me.”
In His Eyes: Mark
Zeke’s POV
The game’s almost over.
I can tell because the siren hasn’t stopped blaring, announcing the death of more contenders. Just in time too, considering we’ve been here longer than we intended. The contest must have been a hit with the audience this time around, considering how it went on for such a prolonged period.
Glancing over at Alina, I am greeted by the sight of the morning sun stretching across the sky, casting a vibrant palette of orange and pink. Her gaze remained fixed on the window as she sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. Her mind is still a mess of forgotten memories, but when our eyes meet, I feel a comforting
warmth – we’ve come so far.
“I’m heading out to catch some food,” I tell her, feeling the weight of my backpack on my shoulders. Alina looks up, her eyes filled with tenderness. “Anything you want me to find?”
“Nothing,” Her voice, gentle and soothing, resonates as she speaks. I nod, feeling a warm sense of appreciation for the genuine concern in her words. Our connection has deepened despite the difficulties posed by her memory loss, and there’s a gentle affection between us. “Just be careful, Zeke,”
The morning light illuminates her features as she gracefully steps closer, creating an ethereal aura around her. In her presence, I am suddenly overwhelmed by a surge of affection, feeling a warmth spread through my entire being. With a gentle touch, I wrap my hand around her neck and plant a swift kiss on her forehead. Stepping back, her smile meets mine, and she leans up on her tiptoes to plant a swift, tender kiss on my lips.
The touch lingers, leaving behind a lingering warmth and a sense of connection.
1/7
Her eyes meet mine again, and the unspunem…
unbroken, even if her memories fade. Every shared moment weaves a new tapestry, connecting the fragments of her memory.
–
a
“I’ll be back soon,” With my hand lightly brushing against hers, I reassure her, hoping to convey my sincerity. There’s an unspoken promise in that touch promise to return, to continue building a future together. “Don’t worry.”
Stepping outside, I am greeted by a refreshing gust of crisp air, invigorating my senses. The forest beckons with the melodic chirping of birds and the earthy scent of moss and pine. With each step I take deeper into the woods, the rustle of leaves grows louder, and the distant calls of birds echo through the trees, creating a serene ambiance.
As I make my way to the river, the sound of rushing water fills the air, heightening my senses and reminding me to stay alert with my knife in hand. As the Matin Run draws to a close, it’s always a smart move to anticipate what lies ahead. It’s during the final moments of the game that a wave of aggression takes over everyone. Making it to the river unscathed, I feel a sigh of relief escape my lips, bringing a momentary sense of peace.
Casting my net into the river, I feel the cool water slip between my fingers as I wait patiently. From my vantage point on a nearby rock, I observe the tranquil water flow, its gentle rhythm lulling me into a state of relaxation. As the sun ascends in the sky, it creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadow on the riverbank. With a satisfying catch secured, I make my way back to the cabin, a sense of
accomplishment and anticipation building as I think about sharing the meal with
Alina.
The twisting paths lead me deeper into the dense forest, where the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds surround me. Behind the towering trees, the setting sun creates a beautiful display of long shadows that stretch across my path. Each time the leaves rustle, a shiver runs down my spine, causing me to clutch my knife tighter.
An unsettling tension hangs in the thick air, and I can’t escape the sensation of unseen eyes scrutinizing my every step. With my senses heightened, I moved cautiously, acutely aware of the crunching sound of fallen leaves beneath my boots.
2/7
In the Everd Mark
Despite my countless journeys through this forest, tonight there is an indescribable sense of foreboding that I can’t quite shake.
The canopy above created a dim, eerie twilight on the forest floor as slivers of fading daylight struggled to filter through. My mind becomes a playground for shadows, fueling my paranola and constant feeling of being watched.
In the distance, a siren’s wail shatters the tranquility as I near a clearing.
“A whole lot today, huh?” Shaking my head, I mutter under my breath in frustration. “You really want this game to end now, don’t you?”
Ignoring the unsettling sound, I clenched my teeth in determination. I scan the surroundings, my eyes darting back and forth, alert for any signs of movement. Hearing the flicker of shadows and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot sends a thrill through my body. Each step I take through these woods reminds me of the potential threat that lies within, a reminder to stay vigilant and cautious.
My steps become faster, my knuckles turning white as my grip on the knife grows tighter. The sensation of being watched intensifies as I can almost feel the eyes on me, analyzing and evaluating my every move. The person watching me is incredibly patient, carefully waiting for the perfect moment to make their move.
In the darkness, a branch snaps with a loud echo, causing me to freeze. Stopping abruptly, I feel my hand involuntarily grip the hilt of the knife, ready for any danger. I’m not alone. As the realization settles, a tense atmosphere fills the air, and I steel myself for the inevitable confrontation.
“Who’s there?”
I call out, my voice reverberating across the vast stillness.
Nothing.
Huh.
I could see our cabin door looming before me, and the thought of returning inside filled me with relief. Alina catches my ove from the window
In His Eyes Mark
fixed on me. Her smile is so big and bright that it instantly lights up her face as she waves at me. I can’t help but smile back, raising my hand to wave in response.
Suddenly, the tranquil night air is shattered by a burst of chaos. In an instant, the peaceful atmosphere shattered, drowned out by the thunderous sound of feet pounding against the ground and a frantic, piercing shout. The tension in my muscles tightens, and I’m propelled forward by pure instinct, my heightened senses. scanning the surroundings. I steal a quick glance over my shoulder, but the danger had already caught up to me.
A figure, appearing suddenly from the shadows, ran with a frenzied and ominous energy. Something’s not right, and the cabin door feels like a million miles away. Before I have time to respond, something collides with great force against my back, jolting me forward. The force of the impact sends a wave of pain coursing through me, making it difficult to stay steady on my feet.
I feel a tightening grip around my throat, fingers pressing into my skin with an almost painful intensity. Each punch lands with a force that knocks the wind out of me, leaving me struggling to breathe. Panic claws at the edges of my consciousness, but the adrenaline rush sharpens my senses. With a surge of adrenaline, I summon a burst of desperate strength to pry myself loose from the suffocating grip.
Facing my assailant, the world around me becomes a blur, my focus solely on the threat in front of me. Only when I catch a glimpse of her eyes, wild and deranged, do I suddenly realize the horrifying truth.
I know her well – her striking blonde hair and captivating green eyes make her hard to forget. She quickly became the favorite, and I had a feeling right from the beginning that the majority of the screentime would revolve around her. But now Ettie’s face twists into a grotesque expression, contorting her features. The girl I once knew as Alina’s best friend now appears unrecognizable – a chaotic, ethereal incarnation of her former self. Her face is illuminated by the eerie glow of the moonlight, and her vacant, haunted eyes send a shiver down my spine.
With haste, I rise to my feet, the tightness of frustration gripping my chest. Fueled by a madness that defies explanation, Ettie lunges at me with a manic intensity, her movements quick and unpredictable. With a desperate rush of
adrenaline, I stumble backwards, my hands flailing in a futile effort to defend against the impending threat.
“Crazy bitch, I don’t want to hurt you!”
Desperation tinged my plea, as the words escaped my lips. But Ettie is beyond reason, a mere shadow of her former self. With a frenetic determination, she moved erratically, her body tense and ready to eliminate the perceived threat before her.
As we grapple in the moonlit forest, I catch a glimpse of the wound on Ettie’s neck – a grotesque gash that oozes with infection. The sight is enough to make me feel sick to my stomach, and the foul odor only adds to the revulsion I feel. It’s as if
omeone had tried to leave a mark on her, but she fought back with such intensity that she was left marked in a completely unexpected way.
“Where is she?!” With a voice that resembles that of a madwoman, the bitch lets out piercing screams while anxiously glancing in all directions. It suddenly dawns on me that she’s searching for Alina, likely able to detect her scent on me.“Where did you hide her? Give her back! She’s mine! MINE!”
“F**k off!”
With a surge of strength, I push myself further away from them, creating a safe distance. The pounding of my heart in my chest intensifies as I realize that the only way to stop Ettie is to render her immobile. As I scan the forest, my senses heightened, I can’t help but feel the weight of the imminent danger looming before me. My mind races, desperately seeking a makeshift weapon to defend myself.
“Crazy ass bitch, just listen to me!”
Filled with a mix of desperation and anger, I implored, my voice strained and urgent. Ettie’s response to my presence is to scream back, completely disregarding my existence.
“Give her back to me!”
And just when I thought the situation couldn’t deteriorate any further, it proceeded to do exactly that. Alina, with wild eyes and unwavering determination,
5/7
18:41 Mon, 11 Mar 20
In this Eyes Mark
bolts out of our cabin, her feet thundering against the forest floor. A surge of panic overwhelms me, my body instinctively reacting to the fear 1 feel for her safety.
“Alina, go back inside! It’s not safe!”
Alina, on the other hand, refuses to comply with my request, her unyielding gaze fixing upon me.
“Don’t tell me what to f**king do, Zeke!”
Her retort resonates with a defiance that matches the wild, untamed energy of the night. Her eyes hold a peculiar determination as she purposefully changes direction, heading towards Ettie. Instead of being angry, her retort ignited a different kind of desire within me, but now was not the appropriate moment for such feelings.
My heart races, a mix of fear and confusion pumping through my veins. Alina’s actions go against all rationality and common sense. Instead of retreating to safety, she boldly steps forward to confront the unpredictable force embodied by Ettie.
In the dim moonlight, Alina swiftly tears a strip of fabric from her top, the sound of the fabric ripping echoing through the stillness. With swift determination, Alina charges towards Ettie, the wind rushing past her as she moves. Without a moment’s hesitation, Alina applies pressure to the wound on Ettie’s neck with the improvised bandage.
As Ettie turns to Alina, her arms reach out, almost encircling her in a warm embrace. The crazy bitch’s eyes welled up with tears, but I refused to release my grip on the knife, despite the fish lying forgotten on the floor.
Without taking my eyes off Ettie’s, I made another attempt to call out for Alina.
“Alina-”
“Shut up, Zeke.” Alina’s words were punctuated by the sudden motion of her hand, striking Ettie with a resounding slap. In surprise, both Ettie and I widen our eyes simultaneously. “Stop moving, you’re bleeding!”
617
In His Eyes Mark
Ettie’s body quivers, and then she loses consciousness seconds after.
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.
“Zeke,” Alina’s voice breaks through the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind. “Hand me the rag, please.”
I hand her the rag, and I watch again as Alina moves closer 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 remained undisturbed.
“Thank you,” Alina says, breaking the quiet as she surveys our handiwork. “It feels better in here.”
“…Yeah.”
As I watch, Alina leisurely strolls over to her friend and takes a seat right next to 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 in the pit of my stomach.
Unable to ignore my mounting unease any longer, I finally gather the courage to break the fragile serenity of the moment with my words.
“What do we do with her when she wakes up?”
Alina glances at me, confusion etching lines across her forehead.
“What do you mean by that, Zeke?”
I can feel my frustration building up inside me, and eventually, I can’t help but speak my mind. I wish I didn’t sound so consumed by jealousy, the sound echoing in
my own ears.
“I mean, what’s the plan? Are we just going to act like nothing happened? Like she didn’t try to kill me?”
3/8
f
18:41 Mon, 11 Mar 7 O
In His Eyes Indifference
“She was just confused.” 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.”
I feel a sudden chill down my spine, which only adds to the growing heat of my anger. in disbelief, I shake my head while a forced chuckle of anger escapes from my lips.
“Alina, she tried to strangle me.”
“Ettie’s not herself right now. We can’t abandon her!”
“She might not be herself, but she’s dangerous. What if she attacks again?” I slam a hand over my chest, appalled by Alina’s reaction, as if I had physically punched her. “What if she decides to attack you instead of me the next time?”
With a glare, Alina locks eyes with me, her jaw visibly tense.
“I don’t know about you, but I don’t abandon the people I care about, no matter
what.”
I take a step closer to Alina, my frustration escalating into anger. “Alina, I care about you. I care about us. But I can’t just act like nothing happened.”
“Zeke, you’re not thinking straight. Ettie needs us.”
“I’m not thinking straight?!” Taking a step back, I let out a mocking laugh as if she had just cracked a joke. “What about us, Alina? What about our safety?”
“Our safety matters, but not 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 answer? Fine. We find a way to help Ettie without hurting her. That’s what we do.”
“I can’t believe you’re putting her needs above ours,” I.throw my hands up frustration. “She tried to kill me, Alina!”
in
“And I can’t believe you’re willing to abandon my friend in need!” Alina screams
4/8
MORE IT WICH
In His Eyes Indifference
back, her voice echoing through the cabin as her eyes burn 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 averts her eyes from me, pinching the bridge of her nose in discomfort. “She’s not herself, Zeke. We help her, and we do it together.”
Just as I’m about to speak, Alina beats me to it, her words filling the air before
mine can escape.
Alina’s focus shifts from me to Ettie, her eyes unwavering.
“I need some time alone, Zeke. Please. Get out.”
“I won’t.” I tell her, eyes on Ettie. “You can be mad at me all you want, but I won’t leave you alone with her.”
I could see in Alina’s eyes that she recognized the seriousness of my words. Without a 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 wants from me, as long as her well–being is not compromised.
Silence lingered in the air, thick and tangible, following the intense 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 in the air.
With her shoulders hunched, Alina’s tear–streaked cheeks are visible to me. The gap between us has grown wider, and I yearn to utter words, any words, to mend it. But I can’t find the right words to say because of all the tension between us.
As I contemplate the fractured space between us, 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, impossible to ignore and utterly tangible–the rumbling of her hungry stomach.
I turn my gaze 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 testament to her hunger, while I sit here
5/8
In His Eyes Indifference
like an unspoken observer.
In an attempt to break the heavy silence, I find myself drawn towards the table, where a basket of ripe fruits, generously provided by a sponsor days ago, beckons me. Apples. oranges, and a bunch of grapes. As I pluck a couple of fruits, I cautiously approach Alina, carefully offering them to her. I notice that she avoids making eye contact with me, her attention seemingly fixated on something in the distance. I clear my throat, shattering the stillness that hangs in the air.
“You should eat something.”
She remains silent, her attention solely focused on the enticing fruits in my outstretched hand. I worry for a moment that she might reject the offer, but then her stomach growls again, the sound echoing through the cabin, a clear indication of her hunger.
With a hesitant gesture, Alina accepts the fruits from my outstretched hand. It’s a wordless exchange, where our eyes do all the talking. She murmurs a quiet response, barely audible, as I slowly back away to allow her some space.
“Thank you.”
I nod, acknowledging her gratitude, and discreetly make my way to a corner of the room, granting her the solitude she appears to desire. The soft crunching sound of her biting into an apple punctuates the stillness. I watch her from a distance, the dance of shadows playing on her face as she consumes the fruit in silence.
Minutes pass by, and the only sounds that break the silence in the room are the occasional faint whispers of the forest outside. With the last bite of the apple, Alina looks up at me. Her eyes, once clouded with tears, now hold a flicker of something else–resignation, perhaps. I offer a slight smile, attempting to convey a silent understanding.
Silently, Alina stood up and gracefully settled beside me. I sensed her presence before I saw her, the subtle shift in the air telling me that she was approaching. My body remained motionless, but I could feel a slight tension in my muscles as she settled down and leaned her head against my shoulder.
6/8
I could feel her warmth seeping into my skin, comforting and soothing. Unsure of how to navigate this newfound closeness, I couldn’t help but feel a slight tension
Her voice, a gentle murmur, broke the silence of the tranquil cabin.
“Im sorry for everything. But I need you to understand. I can’t just leave Ettie like that. I would hate myself if I let her die when I have all the means to stop it.”
I wanted to be angry, to demand that she prioritize our relationship over Ettie’s well–being. Still, there was an undeniable sincerity in her plea that I couldn’t ignore. Lexhaled heavily, my breath becoming one with the heavy, uneasy atmosphere in
the room
me-”
“… just don’t want to see you hurt. The bitch- sorry. I mean, she tried to kill
She shifted beside me, the subtle rustling of fabric echoing her restlessness.
“Zeke, I get it. I do. But Ettie’s not herself. Something happened to her, and she’s not in control. I can’t abandon her now, not when she needs us the most.”
“…I can’t promise that I’ll be okay with this.”
For a brief moment, she said nothing, her gaze unwavering. Then, she took a deep breath, her words escaping her lips like a gentle whisper.
“I know it’s not easy, and I can’t ask you to accept it right away. But please, try to understand. Please?”
Initially, I choose to stay quiet, but eventually, I release a sigh and tenderly press my lips against the side of her head.
Then, I lie.
“Okay.”
In His Eyes: Equals
Zeke’s POV
“Hey, where you off to?”
Turning towards me, Alina raised an eyebrow, silently asking for an explanation. Her hair was neatly pulled back into a half ponytail, and she had her hoodie tied around her waist. Ettie has been unconscious for a few days now, and there are no signs of her waking up. Despite her best efforts to appear unfazed, Alina’s weary eyes reveal her exhaustion through the prominent bags beneath them.
To be honest, I’m kind of scared of letting her go anywhere without me. I worry about what could happen when she’s on her own. And I’m scared that her brain will make her go to that dark place again, where she becomes unreachable to me. I can tell that Alina is aware of my proximity, as she subtly glances in my direction. But every time, she instinctively reaches out to touch her mating mark, indicating her understanding of its meaning.
“Take it easy, Mr. Stalker.” With an exasperated sigh, Alina rolls her eyes and begins to make her way towards the door. “Look, I gotta go pee real quick. I don’t think I’ll need your help on that one, Zeke.”
“Can never be too careful.”
“Alright, Mr. Stalker. I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone.”
After she disappeared into the forest, I was left alone with only the flickering candlelight illuminating the room and the stillness of Ettie, lying unconscious on the makeshift bed. I busied myself with sharpening my tools, the sharp, metallic sound breaking the eerie silence of the cabin. With each stroke, the sharpening stone effortlessly glided across the blade, leaving a sharp, polished edge.
Throughout my work, I kept my senses heightened, ready to pick up on any subtle shifts in the environment. The forest outside seemed to hold its breath, and every rustle of leaves or distant snap of a twig was a potential threat.
Suddenly, the silence was broken by a faint, almost imperceptible creaking sound that barely registered in my ears. My instincts took over, causing me to spin around in one fluid motion, knife raised and prepared for whatever danger may come. Ettie came into view, and my eyes instantly widened. Her gaze lifted, connecting with mine, and the intensity in her eyes sent shivers coursing through
- me.
With her elbows as support, she lifted herself up, resembling a marionette controlled by unseen forces. As she looked at me, her eyes no longer held any trace of recognition or emotion, only a blank and empty stare. It was as though Ettie had become a conduit for an unknown power, her body a mere vessel, and the darkness that enveloped her was beyond anything she had ever encountered. The sight. strangely reminded me of Alina when I found her vulnerable and alone.
As I moved back cautiously, I could feel my muscles tightening with each step. Her eyes were distant and unfocused, leaving me unsure if she could comprehend or respond. There was no warmth in her gaze, no recognition. It was akin to gazing into the unfamiliar gaze of a stranger.
For a brief moment, she continued to be motionless, the silence growing more pronounced with each passing second.
Then, with an unsettling speed, she lunged forward. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I swung the knife in a swift and instinctive motion, warding her off. In the dim light, the gleaming blade caught my attention as I struggled to comprehend the unfolding situation.
“Hey, stop!” I let out a shout, my voice shaking with a mix of frustration and desperation. The deranged look in her eyes persisted, leaving no doubt that there was no use in trying to reason with whatever had taken control of her. “I mean it,
psycho!”
As she continued to advance, my heart raced and I instinctively took a step backward, desperately searching for a plan. The cramped cabin forced me to consider my limited options, and the weight of the situation bore heavily upon me. As I was about to knock her out with something, Alina bursts back into the cabin, her panicked breathing filling the room.
Without uttering a single word, I stood there and witnessed Alina’s joyful sprint towards Ettie, their embrace filled with warmth and affection. The room seemed to hold its breath as Alina clung to Ettie, her eyes closed as if savoring the reality of’s
presence.
Thank the heavens you’re finally awake,” Her voice barely above a whisper, Alina spoke with a heaviness of emotion. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, leaving her clothes moist and clinging to her skin. “You bitch, you had me worried!”
Frozen for a moment, Ettie hesitated before slowly reciprocating the embrace. As she looked at Alina, her eyes transformed from a vacant stare to a glimmer of recognition. A tear escaped her, tracing a path down her cheek as she, too, succumbed to the overwhelming wave of emotions. The next thing I know, they were both holding onto each other tightly, their tears flowing uncontrollably.
It was as if I had become invisible in that moment, fading into the background. The relief that Ettie no longer bore the murderous intent she had displayed moments ago was so overwhelming that any sense of exclusion faded away. Alinal and Ettie had been through something I could only attempt to understand, and their connection, forged through years of friendship, took precedence.
“I thought I lost you, Ettie,” Her voice trembled as Alina whispered, a blend of relief and lingering fear evident in her words. Her fingers traced invisible patterns on Ettie’s back, as if reassuring herself that the friend she had feared losing was indeed there. “Do you know how scary that was?”
There was a noticeable change in Ettie’s eyes – they had transitioned from a vacant stare to a glimmer of recognition. “I was lost after what happened to us… it was like I couldn’t find my way back.”
“I missed you so much,” Alina admitted, her voice barely audible, as she wore a confused expression while Ettie spoke into her ear. “I really did!”
Ettie pulled away slightly, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of unspoken
words.
“I missed you too, Alina.
In His Eyes Equals
Alina hesitated, but eventually broke free from the comforting embrace with Ettie. Their reunion, once a bittersweet symphony of shared memories, now faced an unexpected chord. Alina cleared her throat, and as she turned towards me, a sense of belonging washed over me, making me a part of the conversation finally.
“Zeke,” Alina began, her voice hesitant yet determined, “This is Ettie.”
Ettie’s eyes, which were previously clouded with confusion, locked onto me. The disappointment in her eyes cast a shadow over their reunion, dimming its once radiant glow. The cabin’s weathered walls seemed to constrict, burdened by the weight of unspoken emotions that filled the air.
Continuing on, Alina’s reluctant truth resonated in the weight of her words.
“Zeke is my mate, Ettie.”
With a flicker in her eyes, Ettie expressed a combination of surprise and disappointment, her gaze quickly shifting downward as if trying to make sense of the sudden change.
“I’m happy for you, Alina,” Ettie said, her voice filled with a forced cheerfulness that couldn’t hide her true emotions. “Really, I am.”
The bittersweetness of their reunion hinted at the complicated reality they were now facing. Although I couldn’t grasp the full story of what had happened between them, Ettie’s peculiar behavior compelled me to instinctively move closer to Alina. I refrain from touching her, aware that Alina would disapprove of any territorial gestures. However, I observe how Ettie subtly averts her gaze from Alina when I am in her presence.
Alina’s eyes were drawn to the bandaged wound at Ettie’s neck as she turned towards her with a mix of pity and concern.
“What happened to you, Ettie?”
Alina’s voice resonated with genuine concern, her unwavering gaze fixed on the wound. Ettie’s face betrayed a flicker of vulnerability as her gaze met Alina’s. Ettie’s hand hovers just above her bandaged wound, trembling slightly, before she
lets out a heavy sigh and averts her gaze, overcome with shame,
me-”
“… I don’t remember much. There was someone, and they… they tried to mark
Despite my best efforts to stay out of the conversation, I found myself unable to resist jumping in.
“You’re a Hunter.” Startled, both of them turn towards me as I say the words out loud. “You can’t be marked.”
Ettie gave me a condescending look, as if I were some dumb idiot.
“Yeah, no shit.” Ettie muttered under her breath, her eyes widening like she couldn’t believe she had actually said something like that. Clearing her throat, she absentmindedly scratches her cheek, trying to divert her attention. “My bad, I have no clue why I said that. I don’t even remember them, anyways. I caught a whiff of smoke and then, well, yeah. I think they thought I was a Hider or something. I think, that’s all I can remember anyway.”
When smoke was mentioned, both Alina and I exchanged wide–eyed glances. No words were exchanged, but the knowing glances between us spoke volumes about what Ettie was referring to. A strand of hair falls in front of Alina’s face, and as she tucks it behind her ear, a delicate blush spreads across her cheeks. I couldn’t resist, and my arm instinctively wrapped around her waist, giving her a gentle
squeeze.
Ettie’s face twisted in disgust as she couldn’t help but notice the display. She chooses to stay quiet, allowing us to be in our own thoughts. It’s not until Alina speaks up again that Ettie decides to speak.
“You fought back,” Alina concluded, her voice tinged with a hint of pride. “You didn’t let them mark you.”
Her nod was accompanied by a flicker of pain in her eyes, evidence of the silent battle she had been engaged in. “I fought back because I didn’t want some stranger marking me. You already know this. But your mate’s right, Hunter’s can’t be marked. That’s why this thing on my neck is all messed up. Whoever that Hider was, they
must have been super high too.”
With hesitation, Alina’s hand instinctively reached out to touch Ettie’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Ettie,” Alina’s whisper filled the cabin, her voice blending harmoniously with the darkened atmosphere. “I wish I could remember everything. I wish I could’ve been there for you.”
Ettie, with eyes reflecting the resilience that had defined her battle, mustered a weak smile.
“It’s not your fault, Alina. I… I should be the one apologizing too, after what happened between us back then.”
Once again, Alina’s eyes betrayed her confusion as she shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. It seemed that Ettie was oblivious to Alina’s confusion, but slowly, she began to understand it as well. Ettie, for the first time ever since Alina told her that I was her mate, finally acknowledged my presence
with a curious glance.
“Why… What’s happening with her?”
“Oh…“Alina mustered a weak smile once more, absentmindedly scratching her
cheek. “I uh-”
I interjected, positioning myself as a barrier between Alina and Ettie, determined to diffuse the tension. The lack of appreciation from Ettie and the snarl on my back from Alina made it clear that they didn’t appreciate what I did.
“Can we talk?”
I asked Ettie, and she gave me a wary look, as if she wasn’t sure if she could trust me. I felt a gentle shove on my back, and I turned to see Alina trying to get my attention. Glancing over my shoulder, I see her standing there, her eyes filled with
anger.
“Whatever you have to say to her, you can say with me here, Zeke.”
“Alina-”
“No, Alina, he’s right.” With a firm grasp on my arm, Ettie wasted no time in yanking me out of the cabin. I couldn’t help but let out a surprised grunt when Ettie grabbed me. Despite my initial reaction, I didn’t put up a fight. I wanted to have a conversation with the crazy woman too. “I think it’s time for a little chat between your mate and me.”
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.
“Because you crazy bitch, it’s not about the memories she lost,” As I replied, my
voice remained steady, but there was an underlying raw intensity to it. “Right now, we have to focus on who she is now. I’m here for her, no matter what she remembers or forgets. I hope the same goes for you.”
“Oh, I see.” Ettie’s chuckle is laced with mockery as she nonchalantly flips her blonde hair over her shoulder. If she had done the action after fully bathing and applying makeup, her appearance 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 only one who cares about her, Zeke? You think you’re the only one who’s been there for her?”
Moving one foot in front of the other, the mounting tension became almost
unbearable.
“I’m not claiming to be the only one. But what’s important now is helping her
remember-”
“And I don’t want her to remember anything!” With a sudden burst of terror, Ettie’s screams shattered the stillness, leaving me frozen in place. She seemed taken aback by her own words, as if even she 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 she forgot such things, right? So like… All I’m saying is, I don’t think it would be too bad if she doesn’t remember it anymore… Right? You get me, don’t you? Surely there’s some memories inside of her that you don’t want her to remember anymore-”
“Do you even hear yourself right now?” I ask, my voice unexpectedly amplifying to a level that surprised even myself. Despite her usual stubbornness, Ettie’s abrupt silence is a much–needed break from her ceaseless yapping, for which I am grateful. “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, ‘cause she wants that too. She’s working on getting them back. Why the hell do you want her to stop trying and be someone else? You’re a real piece of shit friend, huh?”
With a fierce intensity in her eyes, Ettie raised her arm, threatening to unleash a stinging slap on my cheek. I stood my ground, feeling the tension in my jaw as I clenched it with unwavering determination, unwilling to back down from the impending confrontation. And then, like a sudden storm breaking through the stifling air, Alina emerged from the cabin, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and frustration. Sprinting towards us, her face etched with desperation, she pleaded for
help.
“Stop! Both of you, just stop!”
Despite the urgency in her 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 sudden intervention caught Ettie off guard, and she responded with a glare that held both defiance and
frustration.
Ettie.
“Alina, this isn’t what it looks like ”
With a stern expression, Alina cut her off, her eyes shifting towards me and
“You’re both acting like children fighting over a toy, and I won’t have it. I lost my memories, but that doesn’t give you the right to treat me like some prize to be won
or lost.”
With a flicker of remorse, 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 their unspoken grievances, pressing down on me like an invisible burden. Her eyes, filled with disappointment; met mine as Alina turned towards me.
“Fighting with her, really?”
“She started it.”
As Ettie tried to speak, she was met 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 is not how you usually handle things. Starting a fight with someone? Seriously?”
Ettie, shifted uncomfortably under Alina’s scrutiny. Her eyes darted back and forth between Alina and me, desperately searching for a response that remained just out of reach.
“And you,” Alina turned her attention to me, her expression a mixture of disappointment and frustration. “I thought we could build something here, but if you’re going to let this tension fester and affect us, then maybe I was wrong.”
“You see?! Alina, 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 seeing you with someone like him-”
Alina’s gaze transformed from one of hurt to one of resolute determination, her eyes narrowing as she prepared to face the challenge of her best friend. With my arms crossed tightly, I sense my heart thumping in my chest, filled with admiration for the woman who seems poised to defend me.
“Ettie, you don’t get to decide who is right for me. Zeke is my mate, and 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 firmness in Alina’s voice left no room for debate. “No, Ettie. This is not up for discussion. I’ve lost my memories, and I’m trying to navigate this mess, but I won’t let the two people I care about the most tear each other apart.”
Ettie and I exchanged a glance, our eyes conveying the unspoken
understanding that we were about to face an inevitable confrontation. Alina’s voice had a captivating power, and whenever she spoke, we couldn’t help but listen.
“Apologize.”
Alina’s unwavering gaze locked onto Ettie as she confidently placed her order. Avoiding my gaze, Ettie shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting around the forest.
“I, uh, sorry.”
Alina’s eyes narrowed.
“That’s not an apology, Ettie. Look at Zeke and say it like you mean it.”
Her hesitation was palpable, but in that moment, her eyes fleetingly connected with mine as she mumbled, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.
“Sorry.”
He expression stern, Alina turned to me and crossed her arms.
“Your turn, Zeke.”
I let out a weary sigh, resigning myself to the fact that there was no point in resisting.
“Sorry.”
Alina’s eyes darted back and forth between us, her hand waving in the empty space between. “That was pathetic. You’re both acting like stubborn children. I want a proper apology, and I want you both to mean it.”
Another uneasy look passed between us, a silent acknowledgment that Alina was not going to back down without a fight.
“Sorry, Zeke.”
Ettie muttered again, her voice carrying a stronger sense of determination.
With a deep inhale, I exhaled slowly, the words reluctantly escaping my lips.
“I’m sorry too.”
Alina nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips, seemingly
satisfied.
“Now, was that so hard? You two are idiots, honestly.”
A moment of silence followed, the heavy apology lingering in the air. With a hint of skepticism, Alina’s gaze swept between us, as if trying to assess the honesty in our words. She couldn’t hold it in any longer. Finally, she sighed, the sound echoing in the stillness.
Good Now, we can move forward without this constant tension. Zeke, Ettie is aw best band, and I won’t let anything jeopardize that. Ettie, Zeke is my mate, and 1 won’t set anything jeopardize that either. You two need to figure out how to coexist, and I won’t accept anything less.”
And then, Alina clapped her hands.
“But before that, while you guys were arguing, I came up with a plan in the cabin that’s gonna get all three of us the help we need. Medicine, freedom, my memories. All Pm saying is, choose wisely.”
I raised my brow in surprise, my curiosity piqued.
“Choose?”
“Yeah. Choose. It’s simple,” Alina smirked at both of us, her mischievous grin instantly reminding me of the Alina from before, the one who hadn’t lost her memories. “Trust me or don’t. How about that for an easy choice?”
In His Eyes: Plan
Zeke’s POV
“Are you sure about this plan, Alina?”
Frustration washed over me as I let out a heavy sigh, my hand instinctively reaching up to run through my hair. Ettie’s reaction was immediate her hands. balled into fists as she bristled with irritation. As she stopped to organize her belongings, she cast me a withering glare, as if her eyes were daggers. It’s confusing why she’s giving me attention, considering that my question was meant for Alina, not her.
“Of course she’s sure. Why do you always have to doubt her?”
“I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page.” I let out an exasperated sigh and folded my arms tightly across my chest, my eyes rolling in annoyance. “And besides, I was just asking a question. There’s no need to get all defensive.”
From the other side of the cabin, a deep sigh of disappointment fills the air. I didn’t bother to turn my head towards the sound; I was certain of the person responsible. As if appearing out of nowhere, Alina stepped forward, her gaze shifting rapidly between us. Placing her hands on her hips, a combination of disappointment and frustration was evident in her expression.
“What’s the problem now?”
Ettie wasted no time in accusing me. “He started it by saying your plan is ridiculous, doubts it would even work.”
“Those words didn’t come out of my mouth,” Trying to keep my temper in check, I clenched my teeth, feeling the tension build in my jaw. “I’m not doubting her. I’m not, Alina. I just want to be prepared. If things go south, I need to know what to do.”
With a narrowed gaze, Ettie’s fists clenched tighter, ready for whatever was to
come. As she takes a step towards me, I can see the anger in her eyes, but Alina quickly intervenes, positioning herself between us and preventing any physical confrontation.
“Well, maybe you should trust Alina to come up with a plan that doesn’t involve you attacking anyone.”
As I took a step forward, I could feel the heat of my own anger simmering just beneath my skin. I smirked at her, the corners of my mouth curling up as I licked my teeth, revealing my menacingly sharp canines.
“I do trust her. She’s my mate. I love her. I’ll follow her to the ends of the earth if she asks. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to blindly follow along without questioning anything.”
It was clear from Ettie’s reaction that my words had struck a nerve, and Alina’s blushing face betrayed her embarrassment. But in an attempt to prevent the situation from worsening, Alina raised her hands in a peaceful gesture. She wedged herself between Ettie and me, forcefully pressing her hands against our chests to create distance. It wasn’t until that moment that I realized how closely we had been walking towards each other, ready to pounce.
“Okay, okay, calm down, both of you. Zeke, I appreciate your concern, but I’ve thought this through. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”
I let out a frustrated sigh, the weight of defeat settling upon me, knowing that arguing any further would only make things worse.
“Fine.”
Ettie let out a long breath, feeling the tension slowly dissipate as her shoulders
relaxed.
“Thank you,” Alina said, her voice taking on a gentle, subdued tone. With a stern expression, Alina shot us both a pointed look, her gaze intense. “Now, let’s focus on the task at hand. We need to be united if we’re going to get through this.”
“Look, Alina, I know you believe in this plan, but we can’t ignore the fact that
Victor is a wildcard. He’s not someone we can trust.”
Ettie couldn’t help but express her disbelief with a snort and an eye roll.
“Oh please, Zeke. You’re just saying that because you’re jealous. Victor was all over Alina before the Mating Run even started.”
The urge to strike out grew stronger within me, my fists clenched tightly at my sides, the tension building like a rising wave. However, I was aware that Ettie’s intention was simply to provoke a reaction from me, drawing our focus away from the true problem. Taking a deep breath, I focused on controlling my emotions and staying composed.
“That’s not the point. Victor’s motives are unclear, and we can’t afford to trust. someone who might betray us.”
“Beggars can’t be choosers,” Stepping forward, Alina’s voice carried a firmness as she addressed both of us. “Victor already betrayed me before, but this time, he’s not going to.”
With one eyebrow raised, I fixed my gaze on them, silently demanding an explanation. Alina smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief, before she waved her hands in front of me, as if hoping to conjure the answer I sought. I could see her impatience as she rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated groan, signaling her frustration with my lack of comprehension.
“I’ve got you, Zeke. You’re the one that’s going to make this plan work.”
The first signs of a migraine are creeping in, and I can feel the pressure building in my head. Neither Ettie nor Alina had any knowledge of my deep connection with the Alpha, which extended to the protection of his son. On the other hand, Alina’s plan doesn’t explicitly involve the death of the wretched bastard, although I couldn’t help but hope for it.
“Yeah, Zeke. You’re the muscle of this operation. If anyone can intimidate Victor, it’s you.” With her arms crossed, Ettie stood next to Alina, her tone filled with unmistakable disdain. “Besides, it’s time you put those muscles into good use, you
know?”
The last thing I wanted was to engage in another conversation with the bitch, especially considering the disapproving expression in Alina’s eyes, indicating she shared the same sentiment towards Ettie’s tirades,
With a look of incredulity, Ettie narrowed her eyes and shot me a withering glare that sent chills down my spine. She stared at me with a contemptuous look, as if i were nothing more than dirt beneath her shoe. “Well, if you’re not willing to do what it takes, then maybe you should step aside and let someone else handle things. Alina and I can do things on our own
A wave of anger washed over me, its intensity burning through my veins like a scorching fire. I couldn’t believe she had the audacity to doubt my absolute. commitment to keeping Alina safe, I couldn’t believe she had the audacity to imply that I wasn’t willing to go to any lengths to keep her safe.
Alina was not just my mate; she was the very essence of my existence.
“Okay, Ettie, that’s enough. Zeke would keep me safe no problem.”
Alina abruptly stopped speaking to her best friend and redirected her gaze towards me. Her arms wrapped tightly around my waist, and I could feel the gentle pressure of her embrace. Every word she utters is laced with a strong sense of self–assurance. “I know you can do it, Zeke. You’re the strongest person I know. If anyone can handle Victor, it’s you.”
I know she’s probably just saying these things to flatter me, but I can’t help but feel a boost to my ego. With her words, I felt a rush of warmth coursing through me and a swelling of pride in my chest.
“Thanks, Alina,” I said, my voice soft. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”
“I appreciate it, Zeke,” she said, her voice muffled against my chest. “You’re the
best.”
I couldn’t resist smiling at her infectious enthusiasm, and as I did, I felt a soothing sense of relief sweep over me. All the tension and anger vanished momentarily, replaced by an unwavering resolve to go to any lengths necessary to ensure Alina’s safety. While I hugged her back, I exchanged a knowing look with
Ettie, a mischievous smile tugging at my lips. With Alina oblivious, Ettie shot me a menacing glare, her eyes filled with rage. Her reaction was so amusing that I couldn’t help but chuckle, relishing in the satisfaction of knowing I had successfully. provoked her.
In just a matter of minutes, all of our belongings were carefully packed and ready to go. Along with the responsibility of bringing the weapons, Alina also entrusted me with the crucial task of carrying the first aid kit, emphasizing the importance of our safety. Ettie’s got the snacks, a decision I warned Alina against, but she has faith in her friend. Alina’s inventory is a diverse combination of various. items, as she understands the value of having a wide range of resources during difficult times. Being prepared is always a wise decision.
The three of us filed out of the cabin, with Ettie setting the pace at the front, Alina in the center, and me bringing up the rear. With just a few steps towards the forest, Ettie’s attention shifted to us, her cheeks lightly scratched in thought.
“Do you even know where to find Victor, Alina?”
In a display of concentration, Alina furrowed her brow, determined to find the answer by wracking her brain. It was a question that had been on my mind, but I
didn’t want to add to Alina’s stress.
“I… I think I used to have a map,” Her words came out slowly, her voice betraying a hint of embarrassment. “But I lost it… I… I don’t remember where Victor’s hideout is anymore.”
“Oh… So where should we start looking, then?”
Alina anxiously chewed on her lip, her eyes flickering around as she desperately searched for an answer. I could see the panic rising in her chest, her breath quickening as the weight of our mission pressed down on her like a heavy burden. Without waiting for her reply, I boldly stepped forward, my voice breaking through the tension with the force of a thunderclap.
“Just follow me,” I said, my tone firm and unwavering. “I know where to find
Victor.”
Ettie’s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze darting back and forth between Alina and me, a look of confusion on her face.
“You do?” Ettie asked, her voice laced with doubt and astonishment. “How?”
“Yeah,” My voice remained steady as I spoke. Alina’s silent gaze is fixed on me, her eyes filled with awe, causing my heart to race despite my efforts to remain composed. Her presence made me smile uncontrollably, and I leaned in for a quick kiss, causing Ettie to make a gagging noise in the background. “I’ve been keeping an eye on Victor ever since we got here.”
It was kind of the truth, if we’re being honest. The Alpha specifically requested that I keep an eye on the bastard, so I made sure to do just that. With a tight grip on her backpack straps, Alina nodded eagerly, her smile beaming at me.
“So you know where his hideout is, Victor?”
“Not exactly,” As I say the words sheepishly, Alina lets out a defeated sigh, while Ettie grins as if she has bested me. “But it’s easy, trust me. Cowards like that bastard only stay in one place. Tracking him is as easy as stealing candy from a
pup.”
“Don’t mention it,” With a determined tone, I gruffly ruffled her hair as I took the lead, my footsteps echoing ahead of her. I quickly glanced at Ettie, gesturing towards the direction behind Alina. “Stay in the back and keep her safe. Easy enough for ya?”
In a bold act of defiance, Ettie flipped me off, completely disregarding Alina’s watchful gaze. Alina didn’t express her anger by rolling her eyes this time, but instead, she threw her head back and let out a chuckle. Just as I began to take the lead, she couldn’t resist the urge to insult us again, referring to us as idiots. Her voice carried a fond tone, causing an involuntary smile to spread across my face.
“Thank you, Zeke,” Alina said softly, her voice filled with emotion. “I don’t know what we would do without you.”
“You’ll never find out, I promise.”
