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 them. Help them learn to

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

clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is

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

a moment, the shifter looks like 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

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in Westwood

off with a sharp

away, leaving Lisa and I alone with

already,” he grunts, something like approval

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

about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence.

in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite the fear coiling in my gut. “Teach us how.”

us slowly, his gaze raking over every inch

Life in Westwood (1)

for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way

crawl.

finally, his 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 intensity that steals my breath. “You

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

it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You

her hands trembling at her sides. 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 to protect the people I care

Ava: Life in

a cruel smirk. “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 a

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 even begun.

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

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.

won’t.”

Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now?

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Life in

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