Chapter 22

The sun rose high in the sky as another day of training beckoned. Except this time, I was heading toward my school training session with a mix of conflicting emotions.

Training with Lucas was one thing, but training in front of all my peers who judged me was something entirely different.

Last time, Jessica slammed me to the floor in front of all my classmates, and I retreated to the hockey rink. I hoped that wouldn't happen again today.

But at my last training session with Lucas, he encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in the group training sessions.

"But you know how much I hate them," I told him with a pout.

"I know you don't like it, but it'll be good for you to practice there too. Everyone's strength level is different. Everyone fights differently. It's an excellent way for you to work with different techniques and skills."

“For you it's just practice, but I don’t have my wolf—”

“Shana, you should trust me,” Lucas interrupted. “I have been through countless training sessions with all kinds of coaches introduced by my father. I’ve seen your progress, and I know you’re ready for the challenge.”

As much as I was dreading it, I couldn't argue with Lucas. He was right. I needed to step out of my routine and try something new—something I'd never done before.

Today, I would put my newfound strength and skills to the test in front of my peers.

As I entered the training area, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Athletes of all shapes and sizes were engaged in warm-up exercises, preparing their bodies for the rigorous session ahead.

Among them stood Jessica, her loyal followers surrounding her as if she was the self-proclaimed queen of the pack. I knew they were whispering about me because all their heads turned toward me. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension.

My eyes collided with Jessica's, and she sneered at me.

Lucas's voice appeared in my head, a source of calm and reassurance. "Remember, Shana, this is your chance to showcase your progress and prove yourself. Embrace the challenges and let your abilities shine."

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I was determined to prove that I had what it took to excel, regardless of anyone's skepticism.

The training session commenced with a series of intense drills designed to test our agility and endurance. I threw myself wholeheartedly into each exercise, pushing my limits and surpassing my own expectations. The doubts that lingered in the back of my mind began to dissipate as I focused on the task at hand.

I couldn’t remember the last time that I felt this calm and composed in a training class.

Throughout the session, I noticed Jessica's dismissive glances and whispered remarks directed my way. It was evident that she didn't believe in my abilities or the progress I had made. But rather than letting her negativity deter me, it fueled a fire within me, igniting my determination to prove her wrong.

"What's this?" I heard Jessica call out to me as I passed her. "Is Shana actually training for once?"

"And why is she actually keeping up with us?" one of her followers glared at me.

"Are you taking supplements?" another one remarked. "Yeah, wolfless can't keep up with our kind."

I ignored them, keeping all my focus on my training. I let their comments fuel my energy, only making me stronger.

“Are you ignoring us now?” Jessica smile was evil as she almost ran into me. “What happened to you?”

“Nothing happened to me.” I finally acknowledged her. “Haven’t you ever heard the saying, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all?”

Jessica and her followers burst into laughter, eyeing me as if I was insane.

“That’s real cute, Shana.” Jessica smirked. “But c’mon. Bite the bullet. I know there’s something you want to say to me.”

“Actually, I have nothing to say to you.” I looked at her followers. “Or any of you.”

I turned, marching off to stay as far away from them as I could.

It was clear that Jessica only wanted a reaction out of me, and I wasn’t going to succumb to her level. I didn’t find any pleasure in making other people’s lives miserable like she did.

During a brief break, the coach approached me as I caught my breath and wiped the sweat from my brow. His eyes reflected a blend of shock and... was that pride?

"Shana, I've been observing you. You've made incredible progress. I can see the resilience and growth in comparison to our previous sessions. I've also heard the whispers from other students. Don't let the doubts of others hold you back. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll continue to soar to new heights."

His words resonated deep within me, strengthening my resolve and reminding me of the progress I had made.

I realized that my journey was not about seeking validation from Jessica or anyone else. It was about self-discovery, self-improvement, and embracing the challenges that lay before me.

"Thank you, Coach," I said, unable to hide my smile. "I've been training really hard outside of school."

"Well, it's noticeable. Keep up the good work." He nodded. "Okay, I won't keep you anymore. Carry on with your training."

My confidence soared after my coach's words. His opinion seemed to be the only one that mattered. My classmates’ comments meant nothing to me anymore.

However, as I immersed myself in another demanding workout, I couldn't help but notice Jessica and her followers observing me from a distance.

I wondered if it was because they saw the coach talking to me. But when I saw them pointing to the heavy weight I was using, I knew it was because of my newfound strength.

Although I wasn’t as strong as them, I wasn’t the same weak girl who could barely lift fifty pounds a week or two ago.

Their expressions were inscrutable, and I couldn't figure out what they were saying about me.

A flicker of insecurity passed through me, but I quickly reminded myself of the progress I had made and the belief I had in my own abilities.

Don't let them bring you down, Shana. Ignore them. You know your own capabilities. Let them stare.

And as I continued training, I observed a subtle shift in Jessica's demeanor. She seemed more intrigued than dismissive, her eyes lingering on me longer than usual.

It was strange—an emotion I had never seen on her face before.

She was curious about me.

Perhaps she was beginning to see me in a different light, realizing that I was a force to be reckoned with.

Good, I thought. I hope she sees I'm not just some weak wolfless freak anymore.

When I added extra weight to my bar and glanced over my shoulder, I caught a glimpse of Jessica and her followers watching me again. A sense of pride swelled within me.

Although Jessica and I remained on different paths, the divide between us no longer held the same weight. I had discovered my own sense of worth and found confidence in the knowledge that my progress and achievements were not determined by the opinions of others.

The journey was far from over, but with each step forward, I grew closer to realizing my true potential.

And I knew that Lucas would be proud of me as well.

With a smile on my face and determination in my heart, I continued to train, ready to embrace the next challenge that awaited me.