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 them learn to

pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the point? They’ll be dead

me make this clear,” he says, his voice low

anything happens to them under

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

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Life in Westwood (1)

with a sharp

on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes

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

at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in

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

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

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over every

Avs Life in Westwood

weak spots to exploit. I feel

crawl.

“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

to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice

instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.”

her hands trembling at her sides. But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not weak.

in Westwood (II)

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

the realities of this new world

a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show

“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 hell

won’t.”

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

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood

world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard