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.

teeth, forcing my arms up despite the burn radiating through my muscles. Sweat

bastard after all.

glare at him through the strands of hair plastered to my forehead. He meets my gaze, unflinching, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. He's enjoying

forward! Did I say you could stop? Keep going!"

to throw one of these pretty pink dumbbells at his head. Barely. Instead, I force

fire, trembling uncontrollably. I'm pretty sure this is what dying feels like. But I won't give Jericho the satisfaction

calls out from somewhere

at her, too. Poor Lisa. She's struggling as much

her support. We're in

this. For myself, for Lisa, and maybe just a

every ounce of determination I possess, pushing through the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelming desire to collapse on the ground

own limitations.

the track. I have no idea how long

shaking arms. I'm

Westwood wolves go through this level

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

the energy, I'd

I don't

said, I'm basically

has the energy to talk after everything. "Hey, this isn't fair! You're putting me through shifter-level training,

I'm basically human

"Please. These are

I point out weakly, having at some point falling to the ground to stare at

can't even walk until