Tangled

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

“Ava, Lisa, this is Jericho. He’s one of our most

experienced enforcers and will be overseeing your training.”

Kellan’s introduction hangs in the air as I take in the man before me. Jericho’s weathered face is a tapestry of scars, each one a story etched into his skin. His

eyes, a piercing blue, seem to see right through me, assessing and calculating in equal measure, his scarred lip curling in disdain.

I force myself to stand tall, to meet his stare head–on.

“These are the whelps I’m meant to train? They look like they’d snap in a stiff breeze.”

Kellan’s jaw tightens. “Jericho, mind your tongue. Ava and Lisa are under the Alpha’s protection. You will treat them with respect.”

Jericho snorts, a harsh sound in the tense air between

1. us.

The shifter’s lip curls, exposing yellowed teeth.

“Respect is earned, not given. They live or die by their

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<97 Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

own strength, not mine. If they can’t handle it, that’s

not my problem.”

Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them

more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the point?

clear,” he says,

importance to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your

shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the Alpha should have better priorities. A real leader doesn’t

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in

him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip them into shape.”

last warning look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze lingering

he grunts, something like approval in

finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes.

Lisa’s hand back, drawing

gaze head–on, my chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over

Avs Life in

I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that

crawl.

“You’re the ones the Alpha thinks are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me,

chin, refusing to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I

instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze

only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever

Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you lasting more than a minute in a

gone dry. He’s right, of course. For all my bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I

us,” I say, my voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to

single, sharp jerk of his chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready

won’t.”

looks at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just…

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97 Ava: Life

engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll