Chapter 0153
Chapter 0153
Alexander POV
The soft growl that escaped Ella’s chest was so quiet it was audible only to me, but there was no mistaking it. My instincts flared, and I couldn’t help myself–I pulled her a little closer, feeling her warmth pressed against me.
Without letting her go, I murmured, “It seems your wolf might be awakening already.”
At my words, a wide, disbelieving grin spread across her face. “That’s true,” she whispered, her eyes bright with wonder.
Her excitement was contagious, and I couldn’t help returning her smile. Slowly, I loosened my hold, the tension between us melting away as her excitement took over. When she finally stepped out of my arms, the cold air rushed in, and I felt an odd emptiness without her near.
I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched Ella take in this new part of herself. I could only imagine the loneliness and fear she must have endured all this time without her wolf–a part of her soul stolen and locked away.
My hatred for David grew every day, fueled by the sight of Ela’s happiness now. It struck me just how isolated she must have felt because of him–everything he had taken from her. Whatever pieces I could help her reclaim, I would.
“This is actually going to work,” Ella said, her voice alive with excitement. “I can really recover.”
“Of course you can,” I said, my tone steady, hoping to reassure her. “Keep putting in the effort, and you’ll have your wolf back before you know it.”
“Then let’s get to it!” She hopped back onto the treadmill without hesitation, increasing the speed with a determined glint in her eyes.
I watched her run for a moment, admiring her steady form and realizing that Ella was far stronger than she appeared at first glance. I’d learned enough by now to know she wasn’t someone to underestimate.
With a smile, I stepped back onto my treadmill to join her, running at her side.
David, I thought, had made a powerful enemy in betraying Ella. And as I took my place beside her, I realized that I had gained a more valuable ally than I could have ever expected when I’d agreed to help her see this through
Ella POV
Weight training with Alexander turned out to be far more fun than I’d expected. Trevor, the broad–shouldered trainer with a booming voice, cheered me on as I pushed myself to lift the heaviest weights possible.
He took notes of the heaviest weights I could manage while Alexander watched, his expression unreadable. I couldn’t tell if he was impressed or simply lost in thought
I forced myself not to focus too much on him, though I was having a hard time shaking the memory of being in his arms. I scolded myself as I concentrated on the weights.
It was only natural to be drawn to Alexander–most people were. But I knew better than to let my emotions get the best of me. That night meant nothing, I reminded myself.
Alexander had been helping me through the effects of David’s poison, nothing more. He’d made it clear he wasn’t interested in a relationship, and I didn’t want one either hot now, and maybe never again.
And yet, no matter how many times I told myself that, my feelings for him slipped through the cracks. I trusted him, and that trust made it harder to ignore the way my heart raced every time he was near,
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0153
“Maybe your challenge wasn’t so foolhardy after all,” Alexander remarked, watching me bench press the weight Trevor had just loaded.
My arms trembled slightly under the weight, and I focused on steadying my breathing. But I couldn’t resist glancing over at Alexander, who was standing nearby with that familiar smirk on his face.
“Are you teasing me?” I asked as I racked the weight and took a moment to rest while Trevor adjusted the load.
“Only a little,” he admitted. “But I truly am impressed with your strength. I thought you said you didn’t work out much?”
“I don’t,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “It’s not that much weight. Your flattery is appreciated, but unnecessary.”
