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.”

fraying. “You just need to

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

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

happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to

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

sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to

away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes

some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone.

own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for

then, nothing about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through this together.

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

circles us slowly, his gaze

Avs Life in Westwood

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

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

chin, refusing to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m not afraid to fight.”

whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And you? You look like you’d faint

at 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

Ava: Life in

In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you lasting more

of this new world I’ve found myself in. But

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

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 got. And don’t hold back,

won’t.”

with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now? Just like that?”

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97 Ava: Life in

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