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

them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re

takes a step forward, his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he says, his voice low

them under your

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

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in Westwood (1)

Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture. “Enough. Leave the girls to

look, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving Lisa and I

action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you

at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us, it’s not

about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s hand back, drawing strength from

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

his gaze raking over

Life in

I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way that makes

crawl.

voice 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

to survive,” I say, my voice

it takes to

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 Westwood (II)

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

swallow hard, my mouth gone 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

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

shifter stares at 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

won’t.”

with her face scrunched up, her confusion clear. “You mean, just… attack you? Right now? Just

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Life

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