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.”

out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn

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

posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his

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

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 waste time coddling weaklings.”

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Ava: Life in

to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll

I alone

something like approval in his tone. “Good.

squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes.

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

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

gaze raking over every inch

Life in Westwood (1)

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

crawl.

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

survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my

whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa,

at her sides. But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not

in Westwood (II)

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

woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse

teach us,” I say, my voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid

chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his

won’t.”

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

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97 Ava: Life

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