Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 105 Ava: Training (II)

Halfway around the track, Jericho pops up again.

There's never been a person I've love-hated as much as him, and I have a fucked up family that inspires all kinds of hate to go with the love a family shares.

"What," I grunt as I lunge forward, stretching my legs and dipping down with my wildly weak arms. They're beyond trembling. They're like jello, and I can barely raise the dumbbells from my sides.

But I don't stop.

"Straighten your back," Jericho growls, eyeing my pose critically. "Keep your core tight."

I adjust my stance, trying to maintain balance as my leg muscles quiver. Jericho grunts, apparently finding my form acceptable, before shoving something at me.

"Here. Two pound dumbbells. Never had to start someone so low before."

I glance down at the weights, surprised to see they're a cute, bright pink color. They look pristine, like they've never been touched.

"Did you have someone buy these for me?" The question slips out before I can stop myself.

Jericho's eyes narrow. "None of your business," he barks, turning on his heel and storming off towards Lisa, who's struggling through her own set of lunges.

I can't help but giggle—in my head, because I have no breath to spare—as I continue the exercise, the small weights clutched in my hands. Despite Jericho's gruff demeanor, the fact that he went out of his way to get these for me sends a unexpected wave of warmth through my chest.

It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. Beneath his tough exterior, maybe Jericho isn't quite as cold as he seems.

"Lift those arms higher, Grey! You think this is a game?" Jericho's voice cuts through my momentary warmth like a knife.

muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes. The weights feel like

Jericho is a heartless bastard after all. A sadistic, merciless drill sergeant

meets my gaze, unflinching, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. He's

you could stop? Keep going!" He barks, folding his

of these pretty pink dumbbells at his head. Barely. Instead, I force myself to continue, each lift sending fresh

I won't give Jericho the satisfaction of seeing me quit. I'll finish this set if

this!" Lisa calls out from somewhere to my

Poor

words like a lifeline, drawing strength from her support. We're in this together,

a few more reps. I can do this. I have to do this. For myself, for Lisa, and maybe just a

every ounce of determination I possess, pushing through the pain, the exhaustion, the

a battle, a war waged against my own limitations. But I keep going, fueled by sheer stubbornness

the track. I have no idea

the weights to the ground, I lose all control over my shaking arms. I'm panting, my heart racing, my

go

answering my unintentionally spoken question. "Not a

I had the energy,

don't

said, I'm basically

energy to talk after everything. "Hey, this isn't fair!

I'm basically

us to hear. "Please. These are conditions for a human baby, and

to the ground

until they're toddlers," Lisa