Tangled

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.

105 Ava Training (1)

“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.

grit my teeth, forcing my arms up despite the burn radiating through my muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes. The weights

Jericho is a

15:23

Training

merciless drill sergeant determined to

break me.

hair plastered to my forehead. He meets my gaze, unflinching, a smirk

forward! Did I say you could stop? Keep going!” He barks, folding his arms across his chest. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and

Barely. Instead, I force myself to continue, each lift sending fresh shockwaves of agony through my

trembling uncontrollably. I’m pretty sure this is what dying feels like. But I won’t give Jericho the

it kills me.

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

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

cling to her words like a lifeline drawing

15:23

Ava: Training (II)

together, suffering under Jericho’s tyrannical rule.

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

Jericho.

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

Three. Each lift is a battle, a war waged against my own limitations. But

Jericho break me.

mercifully, I make it around the track. I have no idea how long it’s

over my shaking

the Westwood wolves go through this level of

Jericho scoffs, answering

question. “Not a single Westwood wolf is

energy, I’d protest his cruel words.

don’t have any.

I said, I’m basically dead now.

to talk. after everything. “Hey, this isn’t fair! You’re putting me through shifter–level training, and

basically human

his breath, just loud enough for us to hear. “Please. These are conditions for a human baby, and yet all you two do is squawk about it.”