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

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

this clear,” he says, his voice

to them under your watch, you’ll

his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the Alpha should have better priorities. A real

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Life in

but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the

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

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

apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training

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

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

gaze raking over

Life in

to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable

crawl.

it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine

I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through

willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d faint at the sight of

But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may

in

a 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 you lasting more than a minute in a

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 refuse to let him see my fear, to

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

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 shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come at me with everything you’ve got. And don’t hold back, because I sure

won’t.”

with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now?

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood

In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard and fast, without warning.”