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.”

protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn

barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like

“Let me make this clear,” he says, his

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

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

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Ava: Life in

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

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

something like approval

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

has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing

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

his gaze raking over every

Life in Westwood (1)

exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that

crawl.

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

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

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

her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people I care

Life in Westwood

shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right

of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see

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

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

won’t.”

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

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready.