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

derisive sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the point? They’ll be dead within a week

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

happens to them under your watch,

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

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Ava: Life in

him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls

on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with

approval in his tone.

beside me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in

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

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

slowly, his gaze

in Westwood (1)

looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel

crawl.

are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity

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

about throwing fists, girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you?

head–on, her voice only 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 care about.”

Life in Westwood (II)

the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And

world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear, to let him think he’s won before

“Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to

made of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come

won’t.”

clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now? Just like that?”

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Ava: 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 strike hard and fast, without