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.”

out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need

shifter snorts, a harsh, derisive sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.”

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

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

casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling

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in Westwood

his mouth to retort, but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture.

I alone with our new mentor.

approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might just survive what’s coming.”

shifts uneasily beside me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store

lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand

tell him, my voice steady despite the

us slowly, his gaze raking over every inch

Life in Westwood

looking for weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes my

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 boring into mine with

do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my

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

flushes, her hands trembling at her sides. But she meets his 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

Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

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

bravado, I’m woefully unprepared for the realities of this new world I’ve found myself in. But I refuse to let him see my fear, to

a conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how

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 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

won’t.”

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

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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)

twists in a sneer. “You expecting an engraved invitation, girl? In the real world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready.