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.”

patience clearly fraying. “You just

barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He

takes a step forward, his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his

anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly. Do

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

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Life in Westwood (1)

off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip them into

his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho

already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you

apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us, it’s not going to

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 voice

circles us slowly, his gaze

Avs Life in

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

crawl.

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 stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an

chin, refusing to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m

a laugh, harsh 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 gaze flicks to Lisa,

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

Life in

“Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill

realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him

with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to

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,

won’t.”

looks at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

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