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.”

grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just

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

he says, his voice low and dangerous.

to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly. Do you understand?”

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

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Life in Westwood (1)

Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to

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

he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might just survive

own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us,

Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence.

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

his gaze raking over every inch of

Avs Life in Westwood

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

crawl.

but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals

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

willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you?

her hands trembling at her sides. But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m

Life in Westwood (II)

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 you lasting

of course. For all my bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I

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

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

won’t.”

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

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Ava: Life in Westwood

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