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.”

under our Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying.

than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on

clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly. Do you understand?”

casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But

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Life in

him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip them into shape.”

on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone

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

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

squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through

I tell him,

circles us slowly, his gaze raking over

Avs Life in Westwood

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

crawl.

myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath. “You ever even

what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady

just 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

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 whatever

Life in Westwood (II)

there. In the real world, it’s kill or be

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

feel. “Show us how

of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready stance. “Come at me with

won’t.”

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

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood

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