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.”

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

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.

this clear,” he

If anything happens to them under

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

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Ava: Life in

him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me.

leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor.

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

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

been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength

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

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over every

in Westwood

he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes my skin

crawl.

say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front

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

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

she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people I care

Ava: Life in

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

gone 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 let him think he’s won before we’ve

“Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid

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 as

won’t.”

up, her confusion clear.

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97 Ava: Life

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