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.

up despite the burn radiating through my muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes. The weights feel like boulders

back. Jericho is a heartless

15:23

Training (II)

A sadistic, merciless drill sergeant determined

break me.

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

you could stop? Keep going!” He barks, folding his arms across his chest.

at his head. Barely. Instead, I force myself to continue, each lift sending fresh shockwaves of

what dying feels like. But I

if it

Lisa calls out from somewhere to

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

I cling to her words like

15:23

Training (II)

support. We’re in this together, suffering under Jericho’s tyrannical rule. United in our

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

Jericho.

I possess, pushing through the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelming desire

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

Jericho break me.

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

the weights to the ground, I lose all control over my shaking arms. I’m panting, my

the Westwood wolves go through

close” Jericho scoffs, answering mv

wolf is born as weak as you

energy, I’d protest his cruel words.

don’t have any.

I said, I’m basically

has the energy to talk.

basically

just loud enough for us to hear. “Please. These are conditions for