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 down my face, stinging

I take it back. Jericho

15:23

Ava: Training

A sadistic, merciless drill

break me.

to my forehead. He meets my gaze, unflinching, a smirk playing

could stop? Keep going!” He barks, folding his arms across his chest. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of

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

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

if it

got this!” Lisa calls out from

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

cling to her words

15:23

Ava: Training (II)

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

this. I have to do this.

Jericho.

the exhaustion, the overwhelming

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

Jericho break me.

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

over my shaking arms. I’m panting, my heart racing, my entire

all the Westwood wolves go through this level

even close” Jericho scoffs, answering mv

wolf is born as weak

the energy, I’d

I don’t

said, I’m basically

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

mean, I’m basically human too…

These are conditions for a human baby,