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.

would you watch over us and decide who did

Just try not to pass out” He

his gaze but my mind was focused on the words

response was casual, a dismissive shrug accompanied by a sly smile. “Just

endurance. We won’t

dumbbells were kept. Sliding two big ones across a rod he got it over

his muscles first and loosened his body before going

not something I would be able to pull off

on both our

it was so damn hard

She waved her hand in front of me, “Focus,” She said a little sternly

was an opportunity, a risky one, but an opportunity to finally shatter Cynthia’s perception of

but soon Cynthia subtly pressed a button on my treadmill, increasing the pace just enough to throw

to focus on the task at hand. My legs felt a little sore after I had run almost two

so I would have to work hard if I wanted to awaken my wolf by

shift completely fueled me as my

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

said to myself.

to feel the heat in my body due to the running and sweat was trickling down

look at Callahan and I could clearly see the way she gawked

lust.

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

not answer and neither

he did, Cynthia’s wicked whisper cut through my thoughts, aimed like a dagger at

Zenovia. Is that the

my legs

go. She will probably pass out in the

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

and night along

was not

life had

gritted against the effort, sweat beading at my hairline. With each step, I felt Cynthia’s challenge like a weight on

a predator reveling in its prey’s struggle. My legs were turning to lead, but I clenched my fists, vowing