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 to train them. Help them learn

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. “What’s the point? They’ll be dead within

radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice

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

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 waste time coddling weaklings.”

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Ava: Life in Westwood

him off with a sharp

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

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

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

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 in my gut. “Teach us how.”

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over every

in

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

crawl.

it myself, but orders are orders.”

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

about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa,

slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but

Life in Westwood

it’s kill

unprepared for the realities of this new world

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

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 posture shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come at me with everything you’ve got. And don’t hold back, because

won’t.”

clear.

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood

an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard and fast, without