Chapter 0197 Chapter 0197 Ella POV Alexander continued lifting weights , but every time I glanced his way , I found him looking at me .
I couldnt exactly complain , considering I was staring at him just as much .
Still , it made me uneasy .
We were supposed to be keeping our distance , not giving in to our mutual attraction .
It was difficult to stick to that plan when I let myself indulge in moments like this .
Feeling flustered , I stepped off the treadmill and made my way to the other side of the gym , putting as much distance between us as I could without actually leaving .
Hows your workout going ? a cheerful female voice called , pulling my attention away from Alexander .
I turned to see Stephanie , the petite , pale blonde trainer I had met during my first visit .
We hadnt worked much together yet , but she was always friendly and encouraging whenever I saw her .
Its going okay , I said , catching my breath .
I started with a warm up on the treadmill and sort of lost track of time .
Ive been running for a while now .
I can see that youve worked up quite a sweat , she commented with a smile .
Maybe itd be a good idea to go for a dip in the pool .
You could get an extra workout by swimming laps .
Thats my favorite way to end a cardio session .
That sounds nice , I said , but Im not really ready to finish my workout just yet .
Of course not , she replied with an easy smile .
But maybe I can teach you some lap drills ? We havent really had a chance to work together yet , and this is my specialty .
I laughed softly , catching the real reason behind her approach .
Of course , I said , feigning innocence .
I havent been avoiding you .
Ive just been- Focused , she finished for me with a knowing look .
Dont worry , Im not offended .
So , shall we head to the pool ? Sure , I said , glancing toward the locker room .
Let me just get changed , and Ill meet you there .
She nodded , looking genuinely excited , before heading off toward the pool .
As I walked to the locker room , I couldnt shake the feeling of Alexanders gaze following me .
I resisted the urge to look back , knowing all hed see was my blush giving me away .
Once inside , I showered quickly and changed into my swimsuit .
When I stepped into the pool room , the sharp scent of chlorine greeted me .
To my relief , the space was mostly empty , save for Stephanie , already in the water and waving at me with enthusiastic energy .
I waved back and approached the edge of the pool .
Jump right in , she called , grinning .
The waters heated .
I obeyed , slipping in as she instructed .
Warmth enveloped me immediately , the tension in my muscles melting away .
A sigh of relief escaped me , and I couldnt help but smile as the water soothed my body .

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This is incredible , I said , meeting her gaze , my grin mirrored in hers .
Stephanie grinned , treading water effortlessly .
Told you ! Theres nothing better after a long run .
Ready for some drills ? 1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0197 Absolutely , I replied , already feeling more relaxed .
She demonstrated the first drill , showing me how to alternate strokes for a full body workout .
I followed her lead , starting with freestyle and transitioning into backstroke .
The rhythm of the movements and the soothing warmth of the water made it easy to lose myself in the exercise .
Nice form ! Stephanie called after a few laps .
Youre a natural .
Thanks , I said , pausing at the edge of the pool to catch my breath .
This is definitely a change from my usual workout .
Variation in your exercises is important , she said as she adjusted her goggles .
You want to make sure youre working all your muscle groups your heart , your lungs .
Your overall health is what really matters .
Thats true , I agreed .
I want to become stronger overall so I can reconnect with my wolf .
Stephanie nodded thoughtfully .
And this is the best way to do it , I think .
Though I know there are other techniques as well .