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.”

clearly fraying. “You

derisive sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits

“Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and

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

face twisting with disdain. But then he shrugs, a casual roll of his shoulders that

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Life in Westwood (1)

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

I alone with our new

like you’ve seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might

my own. apprehension

life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing

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

his gaze raking over

Life in Westwood (1)

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

crawl.

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 me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath. “You

do to survive,” I say, my

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 you’d faint at the sight of

her 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 I’m not weak. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect

Life in Westwood

shifter’s lips 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 lasting more

this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to

teach us,” I say, my voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive.

long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nods, a single, sharp jerk 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 at

won’t.”

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

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in a sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t