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.

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

take it back. Jericho is a heartless bastard

15:23

Ava: Training

drill sergeant determined to

break me.

plastered to my forehead. He meets my gaze, unflinching, a smirk playing at the corners of

Keep going!” He barks, folding his arms across his chest. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet

these pretty pink dumbbells at his head. Barely. Instead, I force myself to continue, each lift sending fresh

arms are on fire, trembling uncontrollably. I’m pretty sure this is what dying feels like. But I won’t give Jericho the satisfaction of seeing me quit.

if it

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

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

her words

15:23

Ava: Training (II)

this together, suffering under Jericho’s tyrannical

have to do this. For myself, for Lisa, and maybe just a little bit

Jericho.

the pain, the exhaustion, the overwhelming desire to collapse on the ground and never move

battle, a war waged against my own limitations. But I keep going, fueled by sheer

Jericho break me.

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

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

the Westwood wolves go through

Jericho scoffs,

is born as weak as you are

I had the energy, I’d protest his cruel words.

don’t have any.

said, I’m

to talk.

I’m basically human too…

hear. “Please. These are conditions