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.”

his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to

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.

menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is of

them under

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 better priorities. A real leader doesn’t

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Life in

off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the

heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho

like approval in

and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us, it’s not

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

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

his gaze raking over every inch of

in

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

crawl.

I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath.

to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the

do whatever it

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

in Westwood

the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you lasting more than a minute in a real

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 found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear, to let him think he’s won before we’ve even

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

at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nods, a single, sharp jerk of his chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his

won’t.”

at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just…

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard and fast, without warning.”