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.”

clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn to

a harsh, 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.

he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is of the

Lucas. If anything happens to them under

his scarred face twisting with disdain. But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me.

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

something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might

her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever

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

ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite the fear

gaze raking over every

in

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

crawl.

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 front of me, his eyes boring into mine

to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m

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 out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d faint at the sight of blood.”

“I may not be a fighter,

in

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

world I’ve found myself in.

“Show us how to

shifter stares at 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 loose, ready stance. “Come at me with everything you’ve got. And don’t hold back, because I sure as

won’t.”

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

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Ava: Life

twists in a sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll