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 need to train them. Help

harsh, 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

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

under your watch, you’ll answer to him directly. Do you

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

13:31

Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

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

on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I alone with our new mentor. Jericho eyes

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

and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her

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

head–on, my chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him, my voice steady despite the

gaze raking over

Avs Life in

looking for weak spots to exploit. I

crawl.

but orders are orders.” He stops in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity

had to do to survive,” I say, my voice

harsh and mocking. “Fighting ain’t 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

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

in Westwood

“Pretty words, but they don’t mean shit out there. In the real world, it’s kill or

dry. He’s right, of course. For all my bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse

feel. “Show

girl. Let’s see what you’re made of.” He takes a step back, his posture shifting into a loose, ready

won’t.”

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

10.31

5/7

97 Ava: Life in Westwood

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