Chapter 0153 Chapter 0153 Alexander POV The soft growl that escaped Ellaâs chest was so quiet it was audible only to me, but there was no mistaking it. My instincts flared, and I couldnât help myselfâI pulled her a little closer, feeling her warmth pressed against me.
Without letting her go, I murmured, âIt seems your wolf might be awakening already.â
At my words, a wide, disbelieving grin spread across her face. âThatâs true,â she whispered, her eyes bright with wonder.
Her excitement was contagious, and I couldnât 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 couldnât 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 wolfâa part of her soul stolen and locked away.
My hatred for David grew every day, fueled by the sight of Elaâs happiness now. It struck me just how isolated she must have felt because of himâeverything he had taken from her. Whatever pieces I could help her reclaim, I would.
âThis is actually going to work,â Ella said, her voice alive with excitement. âI can really recover.â
âOf course you can,â I said, my tone steady, hoping to reassure her. âKeep putting in the effort, and youâll have your wolf back before you know it.â
âThen letâs get to it!â 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. Iâd learned enough by now to know she wasnât 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 Iâd agreed to help her see this through Ella POV Weight training with Alexander turned out to be far more fun than Iâd expected. Trevor, the broadâshouldered 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 couldnât 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 Alexanderâmost 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 Davidâs poison, nothing more. Heâd made it clear he wasnât interested in a relationship, and I didnât 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 âMaybe your challenge wasnât so foolhardy after all,â 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 couldnât resist glancing over at Alexander, who was standing nearby with that familiar smirk on his face.
âAre you teasing me?â I asked as I racked the weight and took a moment to rest while Trevor adjusted the load.
âOnly a little,â he admitted. âBut I truly am impressed with your strength. I thought you said you didnât work out much?â
âI donât,â I replied, rolling my eyes. âItâs not that much weight. Your flattery is appreciated, but unnecessary.â