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.”

fraying. “You just need to

on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the

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

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

that does nothing to dispel the

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in Westwood

off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me.

away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly,

like you’ve seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might

finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in

then, nothing about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through

chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my

slowly, his gaze

Avs Life in Westwood (1)

bodies like he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I

crawl.

rasp. “You’re the 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 an intensity that steals my breath.

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

a laugh, harsh and mocking. “Fighting ain’t just about throwing fists, 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

her sides. But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a

in Westwood

lips twist into a cruel smirk. “Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or

new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse

teach us,” I 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

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 posture shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come

won’t.”

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

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

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