Chapter 5: Punishment

Kylie’s POV

I reached the pack grounds and made a quick stop at my house.

There was no way I could train in my current dress. I was already late, and the last thing I wanted was to be singled out for dressing like I was attending a ball.

I sprinted to my room, got out of the dress, and reached for my usual training wear. But my hand paused halfway to the drawer.

Suddenly, I had another idea.

My eyes lit up as I turned towards my closet. I dug through the hangers and pulled out the black biker shorts I bought months ago when I went to the human city.

I planned to wear it with a cream BBL jacket, the same combo that made Cole get a nosebleed the first time he saw me in it. He had practically begged me not to wear it again, saying something about it being 'too tight,' and 'showing too much skin'. In the end, I had conceded.

Well, where is he now, anyway?

This happened just a month ago. A part of me couldn't help but wonder when he had started screwing Lucy.

I pulled on the biker shorts, zipped up the jacket, and wore my sneakers.

I knew very well I was already late, so I couldn't be later, could I?

Taking one final glance at myself in the mirror, I tied my hair into a high ponytail and even struck some poses. I was happy with my reflection. I didn't look like someone who had gone through rejection the day before. If anything, I looked sexier and bolder.

Carrying my backpack, I darted out of my room.

The training field was only a minute away. I jogged the short distance, my heartbeat racing faster than usual from anticipation.

Everyone was already gathered on the open field, mid-warmup. At first glance, I saw the broad back of our trainer and my steps slowed instinctively.

Then.... “Ky! Here!”

I turned to see my friend waving me over with a bright smile, her eyes curving into crescents. I lifted my hand to return it, but the trainer’s cold voice cut through the air.

“Well, if it isn’t the early bird herself, Miss Kylie.”

A shiver crawled up my spine as my hand dropped.

“Mr. Barkov...” I murmured.

Alpha-ranked, giant girth and absolutely terrifying, Barkov had his piercing violet eyes locked onto me. A deep scar ran from his temple down to his ear, making him appear even more intimidating. Cubs never failed to cry at the sight of him.

“Must be nice to have the whole pack waiting on you,” he said casually, the sarcasm evident in his voice.

I swallowed hard, staring at my feet. “I’m sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”

He waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, no rush. Take your time next time too. But while you’re here, you can start your warm-up, two hundred squats. The barbell is over there. Start now.”

“Weighted squats? Two… Two hundred?” My head snapped up.

Even when I had my wolf, I could barely do a hundred with weight without my legs wobbling like jelly, not to mention now.

I looked pleadingly at him, wishing he would take back his words, but his expression made it clear he didn't even want to repeat himself.

I bit my lip. Maybe I should’ve just stayed home. I would knew I deserved every punishment I got for being absent.

“Join the others. I’ll be counting yours separately.”

I clenched my jaw and slowly nodded, dragging myself toward my friend, who was doing some jumps with others.

“You should’ve lied,” she whispered.

“Lied?”

“Yeah.” She paused and leaned closer to my ear. “Tell him you were rejected, and you felt weak. You know he would've let you off.”

She's quite right. But I shook my head firmly. I wouldn’t show weakness, not in front of them. I wouldn’t give those two bastards the satisfaction.

“I’ll survive. Maybe he would stop when I collapse,” I whispered back, forcing my knees into a bend.

“You’re so stubborn.” She rolled her eyes, changing the topic. “Where were you last night, anyway? I called like five times. You didn’t answer any of my messages. I was freaking out.”

Her voice was full of worry, and guilt prickled at my skin. “I just needed some time to breathe and clear my head. I'm sorry."

She frowned. "You know you could’ve texted to inform me, right? Instead of leaving me worried and making me think you might have been kidnapped or something."

I sighed. "I'm sorry for making you worry. Really. But I’m back now, aren’t I?”

Her brows were still locked together, her lips pursed. Clearly, she wasn't appeased yet. I reached out to poke her cheek. “Next time—”

“No next time,” she said sternly.

A small smile appeared on my lips. “Got it. It won’t happen again.”

But even as we talked, I felt it... someone's burning stare on me like they wanted to drill a hole on my face, and I couldn't ignore it anymore.

I turned slightly, our gaze colliding.

And there he was.

The bastard himself.

His eyes blazed with fury, jaw clenched so tight as he glared daggers at me. Lucy stood beside him, glued to his side, her arms around his waist like he was some trophy. The taunting in her eyes almost tangible.

I smiled.

Yes. Smiled.

Then turned away without giving them another second of my attention.

And by the sixty-first squat, my legs were already beginning to burn. That's when Mr. Barkov started walking toward me.