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.”

clearly fraying.

more than pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like

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

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

the shifter looks like he 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

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Life in Westwood

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

Lisa and I alone with our new mentor.

he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good.

glance at her, seeing my own. apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has

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

Jericho’s gaze head–on, my chin lifting in silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him,

slowly, his gaze raking

Life in

weak spots to exploit. I feel exposed, vulnerable in a way

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 front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals

had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m not afraid

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

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

Life in

there. In the real world, it’s kill or be killed. And right now, I wouldn’t bet on either of you

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

conviction I don’t quite feel. “Show us how to survive. We’re not afraid to learn, to do whatever it takes.”

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 everything you’ve got. And

won’t.”

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

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Life

world, your enemies won’t wait for you to be ready. They’ll strike hard