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. “You just need to train them. Help them learn to

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

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

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 does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the Alpha should have better priorities. A

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Ava: Life in

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

Lisa and I

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

finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her

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

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

slowly, his gaze raking over

Avs Life in

for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable

crawl.

myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine

to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my

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

voice only wavering slightly as she says, “I may not be a fighter, but I’m not

Ava: Life in

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

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

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

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 me with everything

won’t.”

looks at Jericho with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you?

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Life in

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