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.”

Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them.

that sets my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re

me make this clear,” he says,

importance to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer

face twisting with disdain. But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the Alpha

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Life in Westwood

cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip

warning look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone

like you’ve seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might

I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever

Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through this

lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite the fear coiling in my gut. “Teach

gaze

Avs Life in Westwood (1)

for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that

crawl.

Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath. “You ever even thrown a

to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m

out a laugh, harsh and mocking. “Fighting ain’t just about throwing fists, girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks

her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be

in Westwood

but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And

I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear, to let him think he’s won before we’ve even begun.

quite feel. “Show us

you’re made of.” He

won’t.”

her face scrunched up, her confusion clear.

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5/7

Life

an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be