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.”

protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them

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 a week

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

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

roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the

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Ava: Life in Westwood

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

Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes us appraisingly, his gaze lingering on my

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

squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us, it’s not going to be

I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We’ll

ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite

his gaze raking over

in

exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in

crawl.

ones the Alpha thinks are worth protecting. Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me,

done what I had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m not

girl. It’s about 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

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 the people I care

in

out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And

new world I’ve found myself in. But

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 whatever it takes.”

girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes

won’t.”

with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear.

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97 Ava: Life in

real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard and fast, without