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.”

out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need

on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.”

radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and

to them under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly. Do

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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in Westwood (1)

opens his mouth to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave

warning look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone

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

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

been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back,

silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice

gaze raking over every inch

Avs Life in

to exploit. I

crawl.

he says finally, his voice 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

had to do to survive,” I say,

instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His

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

Life in Westwood (II)

out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed.

new world

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

girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting into a

won’t.”

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

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5/7

Ava: Life in Westwood

“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.”