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

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

“Let me make this clear,” he says, his

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

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

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in Westwood (1)

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

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

already,” he grunts, something like approval in his

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

then, nothing about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back,

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

us slowly, his gaze

Avs Life in Westwood (1)

bodies like he’s looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a

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

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

just about throwing fists, 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

she says, “I may not be a fighter, but

Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t

for the realities of 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

don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to

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, because I sure

won’t.”

her confusion clear.

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Ava: Life in

world, your enemies won’t wait