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.”

protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just

derisive sound that sets my 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 within a week out

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

to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly.

shifter looks like he might 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 the Alpha should have better priorities.

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Life in Westwood

mouth to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to me. I’ll whip

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

like approval

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

has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence.

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

gaze raking over

Avs Life in

I feel exposed, vulnerable in

crawl.

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 mine with an intensity that steals my

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

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 flicks to Lisa, dismissive.

hands trembling at her sides. But she meets his stare head–on, her voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may

Life in

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 lasting more than a minute in

the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my

with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to do whatever it

girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting

won’t.”

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

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5/7

Life in

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