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

a harsh, derisive sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft.

make this clear,” he says, his voice low

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

a 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

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Ava: Life in

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

Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho

like you’ve seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you

seeing my own. apprehension reflected

squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from

meet Jericho’s gaze head–on, my chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him,

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over

Life in

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

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 with

chin, refusing to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the

a 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

“I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it

Ava: Life in Westwood

a cruel smirk. “Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or

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,

teach us,” I say, my voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to

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

won’t.”

up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now?

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Life

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 strike hard and fast, without warning.”