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.”

fraying. “You just need to train

Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.”

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

to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to him

But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to

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Ava: Life in Westwood

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

warning look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze

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

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 be pleasant.

lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand

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

his gaze raking over every

Avs Life in

like he’s looking for weak spots to 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 me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath. “You ever even thrown a

cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I

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.

But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it takes

Ava: Life in Westwood

the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on

of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear, to

I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to

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

won’t.”

her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now?

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Ava: Life in Westwood

expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to