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.”

clearly fraying. “You just need

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

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

anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to

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 waste time

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

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

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

action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might just survive what’s

seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us, it’s not going to be pleasant.

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

meet Jericho’s gaze head–on, my chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice

his gaze raking over every

Avs Life in Westwood (1)

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

crawl.

ones the Alpha thinks are 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

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

girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do 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 blood.”

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 not weak. I’ll do

in Westwood (II)

it’s kill or be killed.

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

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

a 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 stance. “Come at me with everything you’ve got. And don’t hold back, because I sure as hell

won’t.”

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

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Life in Westwood (1)

expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard