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.”

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

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

his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says,

to them under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly. Do

then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the

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in Westwood

Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me.

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

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

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

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

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

his gaze raking over every inch

Life in Westwood

weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way

crawl.

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

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

barks out a laugh, harsh and mocking. “Fighting ain’t just about throwing fists, girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze

hands trembling 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

Life in

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

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

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

then, girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes

won’t.”

confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now? Just like that?”

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97 Ava: Life

sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard and