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 train them. Help

barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.”

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

them under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly.

a moment, 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

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Life in Westwood

cuts him off with a sharp gesture.

and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze lingering

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

shifts uneasily beside me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her

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

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

slowly, his gaze

Life in Westwood (1)

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

crawl.

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.

chin, refusing to be 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 not afraid to fight.”

mocking. “Fighting ain’t just about throwing fists, girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to

wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people I

Ava: Life in

a cruel smirk. “Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t

new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear, to let

conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to

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

won’t.”

up, her confusion clear.

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Life in

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