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.

forcing my arms up despite the burn radiating through my muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes. The weights feel like boulders dragging me

bastard after all. A sadistic, merciless drill sergeant

meets my gaze, unflinching, a

could stop? Keep

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

dying feels like. But I won't give Jericho the satisfaction

got this!" Lisa calls out from somewhere to my left, her voice

yells at her, too. Poor Lisa.

words like a lifeline, drawing strength from her support. We're in this together, suffering under Jericho's tyrannical rule.

do this. I have to do this. For myself, for Lisa, and maybe just a

possess, pushing through the pain, the exhaustion,

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

mercifully, I make it around the track. I have no idea

my shaking arms. I'm panting, my heart racing, my entire body drenched

Westwood wolves go through

even close," Jericho scoffs, answering my unintentionally spoken question. "Not a single Westwood wolf is born

had the energy,

I don't

I said, I'm basically dead

has the energy to

mean, I'm

These are conditions for a human baby,

at some point falling to the ground to stare at the sky and wonder when

even walk until they're toddlers,"