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

Soft. Weak.”

step forward, his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and

happens to them under your watch, you’ll

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

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in

Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture.

heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I

already,” he grunts, something like approval

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 for us, it’s not going to be pleasant.

about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll

tell him, my voice steady despite

us slowly, his gaze

Life in Westwood

I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes

crawl.

finally, his voice a rough rasp. “You’re the ones the Alpha thinks are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He

survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the

willing to do whatever it takes to come out on

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 takes to protect

Life in Westwood (II)

don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill

world I’ve found myself in. But I

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

“Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes

won’t.”

confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now? Just

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5/7

Ava: Life in Westwood

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