Chapter 279

**Chapter 279**

“That’s not for you to worry about,” I nearly growled. “Just let me work without you breathing down my neck.”

I turned away and hobbled off once again. This time, though, I felt a mix of frustration and determination.

I decided to work out with weights. This way, I could sit down while still getting a good workout.

I started with the lighter weights. I sat on the bench and began my routine.

I picked up a 30-pound dumbbell and started my workout. After a few sets, I grabbed a heavier weight and began another set. As I looked around, I noticed many strong men and a few muscular women exercising their arms with huge weights. They were all focused and working hard.

It was quite intimidating to watch. I shook my head and focused on my own workout. I continued my sets, picking up heavier weights as I progressed. I wasn’t using my leg at all, but as time passed, it was getting harder.

to ignore the pain in my ankle.

A voice called out from a nearby bench, “You competing?”

I looked over to see a woman preparing for her workout. She was adding heavy weights to the bar, getting ready to do some bench press. She glanced in my direction, waiting for my answer.

I realized she was talking to me, so I nodded in response.

“Uh, yeah,” I said.

“What pack are you from?” she asked.

“Redmoon,” I replied.

She nodded, her eyes scanning me as if she was trying to figure something out.

I could feel her eyes on me as she sized me up.

“Come spot for me,” she insisted. Her voice was firm, leaving no room for refusal. I was surprised by how demanding she sounded; it was clear she wasn’t giving me a choice.

I wanted to explain that I could barely manage it, but the look on her face told me that wouldn’t matter.

I felt weak and didn’t want anyone to see me like that. I decided I had to push through the pain.

I stood up, trying hard not to show how much I was hurting. I quickly made my way over to the others, hoping they wouldn’t notice my struggle.

I didn’t want to limp because then she would notice.

I stood behind her, ready to help if she needed it.

She lay down on the bench and took hold of the weights on either side.

She lifted the weight with ease, her muscles flexing and showing just how strong she was. I realized then that she was much tougher than she seemed at first.

“Are you competing too?” I asked, trying to distract myself from the pain I was feeling.

“Yup,” she murmured. “I’m Tabitha, but most call me Tabby.” As she said her name, she grunted from the weight pressing down on her. She pushed it back up with another loud grunt. “I’m…”

to the ground, she dropped it.

“They’re known to be quite strong,” she said.

I nodded, thinking about the Lakewood pack. I had heard stories about them being big and tough.

“I’m Judy,” I said. 

She grunted again as she picked up the weight. This time, when she lowered it, she let it fall to the ground with a thud.

It all happened so quickly. She lost control, and I heard her gasp. I’ve always been good at reacting fast in situations like this. The moment I saw she was struggling and the weights were crashing down on her, I sprang into action.

She grabbed the weights just in time, stopping them from crushing her. It was a close call.

But in the process, I felt my ankle snap. Pain shot up my leg, almost paralyzing me. Tears filled my eyes as I struggled to regain my balance.

I carefully put the weight back on the hook.

Tabby sat up, resting her hand on her chest as she caught her breath.

“You’re really good at this,” she said, still panting.

“Thanks,” I replied with a smile.

I nodded, feeling a bit shy as I bit my lower lip.

I tasted blood.

“Yeah, no worries,” I squeaked out. “I need to run. I’ll see you later. It was nice meeting you.”

I began to hobble away. Each step hurt more than the last.

I couldn’t believe how badly I had hurt my ankle. Now, I was worried that I might not be able to finish what I had started because of it.

As I began to walk towards the exit, I suddenly felt a warm coat being placed over my shoulders. Before I could react,

I knew what was happening. I was in the air.