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.”

his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train

“Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue.

a step forward, his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is of the

anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer

argue, his scarred face twisting with disdain. But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing

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in Westwood

sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me.

Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes

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

seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever

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

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

his gaze raking over

Avs Life in

spots to exploit. I

crawl.

ones the Alpha thinks are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes

refusing to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the

being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to

she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it

Life in

“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

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,

teach us,” I say, my voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us

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

won’t.”

her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You

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97 Ava: Life in

lip twists in a sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you