Tangled

S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

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

12.31 O

<97 Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

own strength, not mine. If they can’t handle it, that’s

not my problem.”

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

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

Alpha Lucas. If anything happens to them under your watch,

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. A real leader doesn’t waste time coddling

13:31

Life in Westwood

with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave

away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor.

some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his

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

been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand

my chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell

his gaze raking over

in Westwood

spots to exploit. I feel exposed,

crawl.

Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his

had to do to survive,” I say, my

willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top.” His gaze flicks to Lisa, dismissive. “And

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

in Westwood (II)

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

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 even begun.

say, my voice ringing with a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to do

me for a 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

won’t.”

her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean,

10.31

5/7

Life in Westwood (1)

expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world,