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.”

again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them

barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He

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

to them under

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

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Life in Westwood (1)

off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls

last warning look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone

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

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

nothing about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back,

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

gaze raking over

Life in

exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes

crawl.

rough rasp. “You’re the ones the Alpha thinks are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of

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

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 gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d

only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak.

Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

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 real

this new world I’ve found myself in. But

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

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

won’t.”

face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean,

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Ava: Life in

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