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.”

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

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

make this clear,” he

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

roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the Alpha

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave

his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his

he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good.

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 from

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

his gaze raking over every inch of

Life in Westwood

he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel

crawl.

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.” He stops in

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

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

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

in Westwood (II)

don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you lasting more than a minute

this new world I’ve found myself in.

don’t quite feel. “Show us

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 loose, ready stance. “Come at me with everything you’ve got. And don’t hold back,

won’t.”

scrunched up, her confusion clear.

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Ava: Life in

real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard and fast, without