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.”

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

than pups. Soft. Weak.”

posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is of

happens to them under

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

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Ava: Life in

with a sharp gesture. “Enough.

leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes

approval in his tone. “Good.

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

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

in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my

gaze raking over every

Life in Westwood

bodies like he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes my skin

crawl.

are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me,

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

to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And

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

in Westwood (II)

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

dry. He’s right, of 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

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

won’t.”

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

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Ava: Life in Westwood

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