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.”

fraying. “You just need to train

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 out there.”

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

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

argue, his scarred face twisting with disdain. But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that

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Ava: Life in Westwood

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

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

grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good.

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

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

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

us slowly, his gaze raking over every inch

Life in Westwood

for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a

crawl.

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

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

do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d faint at

her sides. But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not

in

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 right now, I

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

I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to do whatever it takes.”

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 back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready stance.

won’t.”

looks at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now? Just like that?”

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Ava: Life in

an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait