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.

and decide who

do. Just try not to pass out” He said, again while looking at

but my mind was focused on the words that left

by a sly smile. “Just a friendly competition, Callahan.

We won’t kill each other.”

were kept. Sliding two

his muscles first and loosened his body before going forward

definitely not something I would be

both

was so damn hard to tear my

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

pressed a button on my treadmill, increasing the pace just enough to throw me off.

felt a little

had a wolf and I did not, so I would have to work hard if I wanted to awaken my wolf by the next full moon.

me as my heart pounded in rhythm with my footsteps.

Just a silly challenge. But it’s for standing up for myself… maybe this

said to

beginning to feel the heat in my body due to the running and sweat was trickling down my forehead but beside me, Cynthia was having

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

lust.

her thoughts about her crush

did not answer and neither did look his

finished his set of bench presses and got up from his bench. The moment he did, Cynthia’s wicked whisper cut through my thoughts, aimed like a dagger at my

Zenovia. Is that the best you’ve got?”

and my legs were beginning to give

go. She will probably pass out in the next five minutes”

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

night along

not

life had never been

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

grin stretched a little wider, a predator reveling in its prey’s struggle. My legs were turning