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.”

patience clearly fraying. “You just

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 his tongue. “What’s the point? They’ll be dead within a week out

posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice

to them under your watch, you’ll

a moment, the shifter looks like he might argue, his scarred 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 should have better priorities. A real leader doesn’t waste time coddling weaklings.”

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Ava: Life in Westwood

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

and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho

some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone.

me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store

pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through

silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him,

his gaze

in

bodies like he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I

crawl.

say I see it myself, but orders are orders.”

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

it takes to come

“I may

Life in

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 you lasting more than a

my bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found

a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to do whatever it

you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come at me with everything

won’t.”

her face scrunched up, her confusion clear.

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97 Ava: Life

girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard and fast,