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 to train them. Help them learn

than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the point? They’ll be dead within

me make this clear,” he

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

shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the

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in Westwood (1)

sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip them into shape.”

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

something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means

beside me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training

about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through this together.

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

us slowly, his gaze raking

Avs Life in

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

crawl.

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 that

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

fists, girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it

stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but

in

kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you lasting more than

swallow hard, my mouth gone dry. He’s right, of course. For all my bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve

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

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.”

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

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97 Ava: Life

sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to