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.”

our Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help

that sets my teeth 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 dead within a

menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

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

like he might argue, his scarred face twisting with disdain. But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that

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in Westwood (1)

him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me.

a 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

you’ve seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you

beside me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension

lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through

my chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite the

slowly, his gaze raking over every inch of

Avs Life in Westwood

exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in

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 ever even thrown a

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

out 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, dismissive. “And

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

in

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

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

quite feel. “Show us how

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, because

won’t.”

her confusion clear. “You

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97 Ava: Life

twists in a sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your