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.

my muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging

bastard after all. A sadistic,

him through the strands of hair plastered to my forehead. He meets my gaze, unflinching, a smirk playing at the corners

say you could stop? Keep going!" He

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

I won't give Jericho the satisfaction of seeing me

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

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

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

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

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

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

have no idea how

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

all the Westwood wolves go through this

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

the energy, I'd protest

don't have

I said, I'm basically dead

how she still has the energy to talk

I'm basically human

breath, just loud enough for us to hear. "Please. These are conditions for a human baby, and yet all

point falling to the ground to stare at the

walk until they're