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.”

his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn

them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the point? They’ll

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

importance to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll

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 doesn’t waste time coddling

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in

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

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

squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her

squeeze Lisa’s

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

slowly, his gaze

Life in Westwood (1)

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

crawl.

protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of

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

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

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 protect the

Life in

it’s kill or be killed. And right now,

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 him see my

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

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. “Come at me with everything you’ve

won’t.”

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

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5/7

Life

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