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.”

our Alpha’s protection,” Kellan grits out again, his patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them.

edge. “Defend themselves? Look at them, barely more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his

his posture radiating menace. “Let me make this clear,” he

anything happens to them under your watch,

casual roll of his shoulders that does nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. “Fine. But the Alpha should have better priorities.

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in Westwood (1)

sharp gesture.

and I

something like approval in his tone. “Good.

apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training

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

I tell him, my voice steady despite the fear coiling in my gut. “Teach

gaze raking over every inch of

Life in

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

crawl.

Can’t say I see it myself, but orders are orders.” He stops in

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

about throwing fists, girl. It’s about instinct, about being willing to do whatever it takes to come

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

Ava: Life in Westwood (II)

don’t mean shit out 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 a minute in a

woefully unprepared 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

us,” 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 do

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

won’t.”

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

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97 Ava: Life in Westwood

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