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.”

Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help

derisive sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits

me make this clear,” he

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

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

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Ava: Life in

mouth to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll

on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze lingering on my still–healing wounds.

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

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

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

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

slowly, his gaze raking over every inch of

in Westwood (1)

exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes my

crawl.

say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity

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

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

says, “I may not be a

Ava: Life in

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

unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear,

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

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

won’t.”

at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear.

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood

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