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.”

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

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

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

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 air. “Fine. But

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in Westwood (1)

retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls

leaving Lisa and I

approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might just survive what’s

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

I squeeze Lisa’s

tell him, my voice steady despite the fear coiling in my gut.

his gaze raking over every inch

Avs Life in

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

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

to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m not afraid to fight.”

It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive.

her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a

in Westwood (II)

twist into a cruel smirk. “Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you

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 fear, to let him think he’s won

conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how

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

won’t.”

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

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Life in Westwood

engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies