Found by the Lycan King by Natalie Winter

Chapter 73

Cynthia’s mischievous grin was barely detectable as she leaned in close to me, her voice a low murmur that dripped with challenge. “Hey, Zenovia, bet you can’t outlast me on the treadmill.”

I arched an eyebrow, locking my eyes with Cynthia. Seriously this girl was being super weird today.

“Lagree” I replied and hopped on the treadmill. Though in my head I said, ‘Go wag your tail in front of your stupid lycan king instead of talking to me

And, though it hurt to admit it, that was the truth. She had a wolf, I didn’t.

She was supposed to be stronger and tougher than me.

Cynthia might have said something but I did not hear the words as the sound of the music system turning on distracted me. And I was thankful for that.

While I fumbled with the numerous buttons and figured out how to get the treadmill working, she walked around merrily and turned the music system on.

My gaze drifted to Callahan while trying to turn on the stupid machine, I think he noticed I was having troubles but he did. not try to help. In fact, he looked away when our gazes met.

“Oh come on, girl. I will not use my wolf strength, I promise. Just want to give you some motivation”

Cynthia came near me and pushed a few buttons, making the machine come to life. She cocked her head to the side, looking eagerly at me.

We never spoke about the ball and her friends’ ganging up against me because I had faced such bullies all my life. Sid used to be one so I had learned to ignore them.

She lowered her voice and added, “Didn’t you hear him say he doesn’t want weaklings in lus pack? I am trying to help you.”

Though I had no doubt Callahan could hear her despite being a few feet away from us. Had I not been annoyed at him, my gaze would have wanted to admire the grace with which he moved and the way his posture never slumped as he began to

exercise.

He had just called me weak and I wanted to show him I was not. More than to him, I wanted to show it to myself.

I had been called weak all my life so the word hurt even more coming from him. And even if I lost, the worst would happen is they would laugh at me, which I thought they did anyway. I did not mind that.

“You’re on,” I retorted, a fire flickering in my eyes..

“Oh nice, you got back your motivation” Cynthia chirped as she got on the treadmill beside me.

you watch over us and decide who did the best?” She asked but Callahan

to do. Just try not to pass out” He said,

at his gaze but my mind was focused on the

accompanied by a sly smile. “Just a

won’t

were kept. Sliding two big ones across a rod

first and loosened his body before going forward and beginning

be able

buttons on both our treadmill screens and said, “Watch

it was so damn hard to tear my gaze off that handsome man.

of me, “Focus,” She said a little sternly and

opportunity to finally shatter Cynthia’s perception

and it was slow and leisurely at first but soon Cynthia subtly pressed a

my head, trying to focus on the task at hand. My legs felt a little sore after I had run almost

have to work hard if I wanted to awaken my wolf

wolf and shift completely fueled me as my heart pounded

this. It’s just running. Just a silly challenge. But it’s for standing up for myself… maybe this will show him I’m not some delicate flower.

said to myself.

the running and sweat was trickling down my

at Callahan and I could clearly see the way she gawked at him as her

lust.

is working out?” She giggled as if sharing her thoughts about her crush with her close friend. When did I become her

neither did look

bench. The moment he did, Cynthia’s wicked whisper cut through my thoughts, aimed like a dagger

on, Zenovia. Is that the

literally wheezing and my legs were beginning to give up.

pass

I saw the way Cynthia tried suppressing a chuckle. What did he think

for years, working out day and night along with fighting rogues and

was not

then life had never been

beading at my hairline. With each step, I felt Cynthia’s challenge like a weight on my shoulders, pushing

reveling in its prey’s struggle. My legs were