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 them. Help them

pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the point? They’ll

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

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

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 leader doesn’t

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Ava: 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 with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze lingering on my still–healing wounds.

something like approval in his

mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has

life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get

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

slowly, his gaze

Life in Westwood

he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way

crawl.

he says 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

I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m not afraid

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, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d faint at the

voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be

in Westwood (II)

In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And

of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I

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

me for a long moment, his 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 a step back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come at

won’t.”

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

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood

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