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.”

Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them

shifter snorts, a harsh, derisive sound that sets my teeth 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 step forward, his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is of the

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

shifter looks like he might argue, his scarred face twisting with disdain. But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the

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in Westwood

off with a sharp gesture. “Enough.

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

something like approval in his tone. “Good.

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

nothing about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from

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

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over

Avs Life in Westwood

bodies like he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way

crawl.

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

I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through

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 at the sight

her sides. But she 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

in Westwood (II)

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

new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear,

ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to

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

won’t.”

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

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5/7

Life in Westwood

In the real world,