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.

arms up despite the burn radiating through my muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes.

is a heartless bastard after all.

my gaze, unflinching, a smirk playing at the corners

forward! Did I say you could stop? Keep going!" He barks, folding his

dumbbells at his head. Barely. Instead, I force

pretty sure this is what dying feels like. But I won't give Jericho the satisfaction of seeing

out from somewhere to my left, her voice

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

drawing strength from her support. We're in this together, suffering under Jericho's

reps. I can do this. I have to do this. For myself,

pushing through the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelming desire to collapse on

war waged against my own limitations. But I keep going, fueled

make it around the track. I have no idea how long it's been.

control over my shaking arms.

the Westwood wolves go through this

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

energy, I'd protest

I don't

said, I'm basically

has the energy

mean, I'm basically

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

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

walk until they're toddlers," Lisa