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.

through my muscles. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes. The weights

back. Jericho is a heartless

15:23

Ava: Training (II)

A sadistic, merciless drill sergeant determined to

break me.

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

his chest. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website

resist 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 of agony through my body.

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. I’ll finish this

it kills me.

on, Ava! You got this!” Lisa calls out from

too. Poor Lisa. She’s struggling as much as

to her words like a lifeline drawing

15:23

Training (II)

this together, suffering under Jericho’s tyrannical rule.

do this. For myself, for Lisa, and maybe just

Jericho.

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

my own limitations. But I keep

Jericho break me.

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

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

all the Westwood wolves go through this

even close” Jericho scoffs, answering mv

is born as weak as you

had the energy, I’d protest his

don’t

said, I’m basically

how she still has the energy to talk. after

basically human too…

under 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.”