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.”

clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn

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

me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is

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

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.

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Life in

Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture.

and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze

action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his

her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension

squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll

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

slowly, his gaze raking over every

Avs Life in

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

crawl.

worth protecting. 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

had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m not afraid to

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

flushes, her hands trembling at her sides. But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it

Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

cruel smirk. “Pretty words, but they 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

of course. For all my bravado, 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

voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive.

at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nods, a single, sharp jerk of his chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his posture

won’t.”

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

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Ava: Life in

In the real world, your enemies