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.”

patience clearly fraying. “You just need to train them. Help them learn to defend

pups. Soft. Weak.” He spits the words. like they’re poison on his tongue. “What’s the point? They’ll be dead within a

this clear,” he says, his voice low and

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

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 should have better priorities. A real

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in Westwood

but Jericho cuts him off with a sharp gesture.

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

seen some action already,” he grunts, something like approval in his tone. “Good. Means you might just survive what’s coming.”

apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Jericho has in store for us, it’s

pleasant lately. I squeeze Lisa’s

silent challenge. “We’re ready,” I tell him,

gaze raking over every

in Westwood

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

crawl.

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 my breath.

had to do to survive,” I say, my voice steady despite the fear thrumming through my veins. “I’m

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

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

in Westwood

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

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 to let him see

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

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 I sure

won’t.”

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

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5/7

Life in

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