Chapter 34

As the rumors and gossip continued to swirl around us, Lucas and I chose to ignore the noise. We poured all our energy into our training, finding solace and strength within its confines.

I never thought I would say this, but I was starting to love training.

It had become an outlet for my pain and suffering, a place where I could release my emotions and channel my aggression. The physical exertion allowed me to numb some of the pain, and I found release in hitting, punching, and kicking with fierce determination.

Lucas couldn't help but notice the intensity behind my sudden bursts of aggression.

His wide eyes and raised brows mirrored his astonishment. "You're scary when you look at me like that," he once remarked, his voice tinged with both amusement and awe. "Your eyes are all glossy and... feisty."

I couldn't resist teasing him, pointing to the dummy bag next to me. "You should see how I look at the dummy," I joked, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

Our training sessions became a delightful mix of camaraderie and laughter when James joined us.

The three of us together were a force to be reckoned with, but it was almost impossible to focus on serious work.

James's constant stream of jokes and antics had me laughing uncontrollably, much to Lucas's annoyance. His attempts to maintain a serious training atmosphere only made me laugh even harder.

Amidst the laughter and the bonds we were forming, I found myself forgetting about the drama that had once consumed me. It was refreshing to have friends who genuinely cared for me, who saw beyond the surface and accepted me for who I was.

But as I walked into school this morning, I realized that I had a training session in my upcoming class. While I loved training with Lucas, training in the formal class setting was an entirely different experience.

Despite Lucas's encouragement for me to partner with others and work on my skills, I couldn't shake off my hesitance.

The stares and whispers from my classmates, fueled by their curiosity and wariness of my wolflessness, made it challenging for me to fully engage in class.

I couldn't help but feel like an outsider, uncertain of how my potential strength would be perceived.

The only person who paid attention to me in class was Coach, who had been extremely supportive. His words of encouragement and praise served as a reminder of the progress I had made.

It felt rewarding to know that someone outside my small circle of friends recognized my growth. Their validation only fueled my determination and made me even prouder of my achievements.

However, amidst the positive attention, Jessica remained a constant thorn in my side.

Those who are already used to being horrible bullies, will ruthlessly suppress anyone who dares to resist them.

I knew better than to let my guard down around her or her followers, fearing her potential backlash. I had been successful in keeping my distance, avoiding any unnecessary confrontation with her.

Just like Lucas said, Jessica and her followers all have wolves. If they use their wolves against me, the consequences are unimaginable.

Lucas wasn't at school today. All the city's teams are together receiving guidance from a well-known international hockey coach.

I'm alone at school, occasionally texting him to keep myself updated on his training progress.

The whole afternoon today is training class.

As I entered the training room, I heard Jessica's voice call out my name. My heart sank as I turned to face her. Standing at the back of the room, arms crossed, a familiar smirk played on her lips.

The anticipation of her next move sent a shiver down my spine.

"Partner with me," she demanded, her tone leaving no room for refusal.

I hesitated, ready to decline and walk away, but one of her followers stepped in my path, blocking my escape.

Frustration surged within me as I glared at him, “Get out of my way.”

However, he shook his head, a condescending "tsk" escaping his lips. "No can do, Shana. If Jessica wants you to be her partner, I must follow her commands."

My anger simmered beneath the surface as I resisted the urge to lash out at him. Instead, I held my ground, refusing to let their attempts at control deter me. I was not a dog to be commanded.

Before I could respond, Jessica intervened, her voice dripping with superiority. "Leave my friends alone, Shana, and let's get to work," she taunted. "There are a few new tricks I've learned that I'd love to show you."

Her words carried a hidden threat, a clear indication that this partnership would not be a peaceful one. Fear mingled with boldness as I locked eyes with her, determined to stand my ground.

"Why?" I asked, my voice steady despite the unease swirling within me.

"Because you showed great talent last time, Shana," Jessica said, "so I thought I could share some new skills with you."

"Didn't you hit me in the eye?" She prodded me, beckoning me to step forward. "What are you afraid of now?"

A surge of defiance coursed through my veins, pushing aside the fear that threatened to hold me back. I met her gaze with unwavering determination.

"Scared? Not in the slightest," I declared, my voice steady and resolute.

With those words, I took a step forward, ready to embrace the challenge before me. I couldn't allow her intimidation tactics to shake my resolve.

Whether she would use her wolf against me or not, I had no choice now.

I know that bowing to the bully won't make the situation better or prevent the fight.

From the experience of those three omega girls, I realized that a bully does not only bully one person, nor just bully others because of one thing…

They make it a habit to bully anyone they can.

Nobody has a choice in the matter.

The training room seemed to hold its breath as I took a step closer to Jessica, ready to confront the impending clash. A flicker of surprise crossed her face, momentarily betraying her confidence. But it was quickly replaced by a defiant smirk.

"Let's see if you can back up those words," she taunted, her voice dripping with arrogance.

I tightened my fists, my muscles coiling with anticipation. "I don't need empty words to prove myself," I shot back, my voice laced with determination. "I let my actions speak for me."

As the training room watched, our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The air crackled with tension, each of us daring the other to make the first move.

Finally, Jessica lunged forward, her speed surprising but not unexpected. I dodged her attack with a swift sidestep. My instincts honed through weeks of training kicking in.

I countered with a lightning-fast jab, aiming for her exposed side. But she was equally light on her feet, evading my strike and retaliating with a series of quick punches.

Our movements became a dance of aggression and defense, each of us pushing the other to the limit.

Blow after blow, we exchanged strikes, the sound of fists connecting filling the room. Sweat dripped down my brow, mingling with the determination that burned within me.

Amidst the flurry of punches and kicks, I couldn't help but notice the astonishment on the faces of our classmates.

They had expected a one-sided contest, Jessica overpowering me effortlessly.

But as the fight unfolded, it became clear that I was not to be underestimated.