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.”

patience clearly fraying. “You

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

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

Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under

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

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in Westwood (1)

but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough.

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

like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might just survive

my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us, it’s not going to

I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing

tell him, my

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over

Life in Westwood

bodies like he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I

crawl.

Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He

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 my veins. “I’m

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? You look like you’d faint at

his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may

Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

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

of this new world

conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how

at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nods, a single, sharp jerk of his chin. “Alright then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step

won’t.”

up, her confusion clear. “You

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Life in Westwood

real world, your enemies won’t wait for