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

shifter snorts, a harsh, derisive sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the

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

under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly. Do

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 leader doesn’t waste time coddling

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Ava: Life in

his mouth to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp

leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze lingering on my

already,” he grunts, something like approval in

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

then, nothing about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength

I tell him,

us slowly, his gaze raking over

Life in

I feel

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

“I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m not afraid

do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d faint

wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m

Ava: Life in

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

hard, my mouth gone 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

teach us,” I say, my voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how

he nods, a single, sharp jerk of his chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.”

won’t.”

looks at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just…

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5/7

Life in

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