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.”

under our Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just

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

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

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

that does nothing to dispel

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in

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

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

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

at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for

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

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

Avs Life in Westwood

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

crawl.

says finally, his voice a rough 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

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

whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you?

“I may not

Ava: Life in

into 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 bet on either

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

a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show

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

won’t.”

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

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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