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

more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the

his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Ava and Lisa’s wellbeing is of the

If anything happens to them under your watch, you’ll

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 real leader doesn’t

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Life in Westwood (1)

sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave

a last warning look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us

you’ve seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his

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

life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll get through this

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

gaze raking over every inch

Avs Life in

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

crawl.

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

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

“I may not be a fighter, but I’m

in Westwood (II)

but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And

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

feel. “Show us how to survive.

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 you’ve got. And don’t hold back,

won’t.”

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

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5/7

97 Ava: Life in Westwood

In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to