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.

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 be dead within a week out there.”

forward, his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava

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

shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the

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Ava: Life in Westwood

opens his mouth to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture.

stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone

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

glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes.

pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through

“We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite the fear coiling in my

gaze raking over every inch of

Life in

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

crawl.

the ones the Alpha thinks are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.”

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

about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa,

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

Ava: Life in Westwood

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 either of

new world I’ve found

I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn,

nods, a single, sharp jerk of his chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes

won’t.”

scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack

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Ava: Life in

world, your enemies won’t wait for