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.”

patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train

than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like

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

happens to them under your watch,

the 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 tension crackling in the

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in

a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the

Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly,

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

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

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

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

us slowly, his gaze raking over every inch of

Life in Westwood

he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I

crawl.

orders are orders.”

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

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

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

Life in Westwood

real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on

mouth gone 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 in. But I refuse to let

don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive.

at me for a 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

won’t.”

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

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Ava: Life in Westwood

invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you