Chapter 5

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 dress. I was already late; 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 joggers and sweatshirt. But my hand froze halfway to the drawer.

Suddenly, I had another idea.

Smirking, my eyes drifted toward the back of my closet. I dug through the hangers and pulled out the black biker shorts I’d bought months ago on a trip to the human city. I'd planned to wear them with a cream BBL jacket, the same combo that made Cole get a nosebleed the first time he saw me in it. He’d practically begged me not to wear it again, muttering something about it being "too tight," “too hot,” and “too tempting.” In the end, I conceded.

Where is he now, anyway?

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

I pulled on the biker shorts, zipped up the jacket, and laced up my sneakers. I knew very well I was already late, I couldn't be later, could I? So I took one final glance in the mirror, tying my hair into a high ponytail and even posed. I was happy with what I saw. I didn't look like someone who had gone through rejection the day before. If anything, I looked sexier, bolder and unfazed.

Backpack slung over my shoulder, I darted out.

The training field was only a minute away. I jogged the short distance, my heartbeat racing faster than usual, not from exertion, but anticipation.

Everyone was already gathered on the open field, mid-warmup. I spotted the broad back of our trainer and slowed my steps, inhaling sharply.

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 voice cut through the air like a blade.

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

A shiver crawled up my spine, my hand dropping.

“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. His huge beard shadowed his jaw, and his lips pressed together in a thin line.

“Must be nice to have the whole pack waiting on you,” he casually voiced, the sarcasm evident.

I swallowed hard, my gaze dropping to 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 stomach dropped.

Even in wolf form, I barely managed a hundred with weight without my legs wobbling like jelly. I looked pleadingly at him, wishing he would change his order, 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 know I deserved every punishment I got for being absent.

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

I clenched my jaw and 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. “Tell him you were rejected. Say you felt weak. 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’ll stop when I collapse,” I whispered back, forcing my knees into a bend.

“You’re so stubborn.” She sighed, switching to another 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, full of worry, made guilt prickle at my skin. “I just needed some time to breathe. Clear my head.”

“You could’ve texted to inform me. I thought something happened to you.”

“I know, right. I’m sorry. Really. But I’m back now, aren’t I?”

Her brows were still drawn together, her lips pursed. Clearly, she was still concerned. I reached out and poked her cheek. “Next time—”

“No next time,” she snapped, eyes stern.

A small smile tugged at my lips, blinking. “Got it. It won’t happen again.”

But even as we talked, I felt it... that burning stare.

It drilled into the side of 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 it could’ve cracked teeth. Lucy stood beside him, glued to his side, her arms around his waist like some smug trophy. The taunting in her eyes was visible.

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, my jaws trembling.

And that’s when Mr. Barkov started walking toward me.