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.”

clearly fraying. “You just need

my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like

clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava

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

argue, his scarred face twisting with 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 leader

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Life in Westwood

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

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

already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might

I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension

been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand

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

his gaze raking over

Avs Life in Westwood (1)

weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed,

crawl.

see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into

to do to survive,” I say, my

throwing fists, girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes

meets his stare 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

in Westwood (II)

smirk. “Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed.

new world I’ve found myself in. But

voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us

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

won’t.”

up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack

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97 Ava: Life

scarred lip twists in 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 and fast, without warning.”