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.

muscles. Sweat pours

it back. Jericho is a

15:23

Ava: Training (II)

merciless drill sergeant determined

break me.

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

arms across his chest. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website

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

is what dying feels like. But I won’t give

if it

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

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

I cling to her words like

15:23

Training (II)

her support. We’re in this together, suffering under Jericho’s

I have to do this. For

Jericho.

the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelming desire to collapse on the ground

a battle, a war waged against my own limitations. But

Jericho break me.

the track. I have no idea how long it’s been.

the ground, I lose all control over my shaking arms.

go through this level of

close” Jericho scoffs, answering

Westwood wolf is born

I’d

I don’t have any.

I’m basically dead now.

own exercises, pipes up. It’s amazing how she still has the energy to talk.

basically

loud enough for us to hear. “Please. These are conditions for a human baby, and yet all you two do is