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.”

Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need

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 be dead within a

this clear,” he says, his voice

importance to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your

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

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in Westwood (1)

to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip them into shape.”

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

grunts, something like approval in his tone.

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

has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand

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

gaze raking

Life in Westwood

looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes my

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.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity

survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the

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

she says, “I may not be a fighter, but

Life in Westwood

twist into a cruel smirk. “Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on

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 let him see my fear, to let him

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

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.”

face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You

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Ava: Life in

the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to