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.”

grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train

derisive sound 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

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

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

a casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the

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Life in Westwood (1)

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

I alone with our new

like you’ve seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might just survive what’s coming.”

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

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

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

slowly, his gaze raking over every inch of

in Westwood (1)

to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes my skin

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.”

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

“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

only wavering slightly as she says, “I

Ava: Life in

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

For all my bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him

“Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to do whatever it

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.”

looks at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now? Just like

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

In the real world,