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.”

patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn to

“Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re

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

importance to Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll

his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine.

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in

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

leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor.

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

apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has

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

“We’re ready,” I tell

circles us slowly, his gaze raking

in

I feel exposed,

crawl.

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.

chin, refusing to be cowed. “I’ve done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady

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

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

Ava: Life in

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 than a minute in a real fight.”

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

quite feel. “Show us

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 me with everything

won’t.”

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

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97 Ava: Life in

scarred lip twists in a sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready.