Tangled

S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

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

12.31 O

<97 Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

own strength, not mine. If they can’t handle it, that’s

not my problem.”

Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them.

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

“Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and

anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to

shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the Alpha should have better priorities. A real

13:31

in Westwood (1)

off with a sharp gesture. “Enough.

away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze

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

beside me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected

my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through this together.

“We’re ready,” I tell

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over every

in Westwood

spots to exploit. I

crawl.

but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his

do to survive,” I say,

just 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? You look like you’d faint

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

in

shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you lasting more than a minute in a real

dry. He’s right, of course. For all my bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself

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

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

won’t.”

her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right

10.31

5/7

97 Ava: Life in

lip twists in a sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait