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.”

our Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, 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

clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing

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

the shifter 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 waste

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in Westwood

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

warning look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with

already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone.

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

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

tell him, my voice steady despite

gaze raking

Life in Westwood

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

crawl.

are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are

done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through

do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d

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

in Westwood

don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill

world

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 whatever it

he nods, a single, sharp jerk of his chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes

won’t.”

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

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Life in Westwood

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