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.”

his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn to

more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s

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

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

roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But

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Life in Westwood

a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip them

leaving Lisa and I

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

I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes.

lately. I squeeze Lisa’s

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

slowly, his gaze

Life in

looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable

crawl.

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 with an intensity that steals my breath. “You ever

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

girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa,

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

in Westwood (II)

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

for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But

voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to do whatever

of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come at me with everything you’ve

won’t.”

her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, 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 and fast,