The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 100

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 100: The Aphrodisiac**

[Evelyn’s POV]

The realization that Michael had seen straight through Alexander’s clever ruse left me utterly bewildered. How had he even tracked me down to this secluded spot? It felt as though I was being cornered, with no escape in sight. The weight of my worries pressed down on me like a heavy shroud. I was already on high alert, constantly keeping an eye out for Isabella, and now I had to contend with Michael’s presence as well.

“Why must fate conspire against me?” I thought bitterly. At least Michael’s inappropriate comments had given me a reason to excuse myself from the dining room earlier than planned. I couldn’t risk my father or Isabella misinterpreting my relationship with Alexander any further.

With a sense of urgency, I rose from my seat and led Michael through the winding path toward the back gardens. I kept my eyes fixed ahead, deliberately avoiding any direct contact with him as I spoke.

“Michael, you mentioned earlier that you’re here because you believe I need support,” I stated, my voice brisk and clipped. “But is that truly the reason?”

He kept pace with me, his footsteps echoing in the silence. “You doubt my intentions?” he replied, a hint of challenge lacing his words.

For a fleeting moment, my stride faltered. “If I’m being honest… Yes,” I admitted, my heart racing. “Wendy told me that Alexander entrusted you with the responsibility of overseeing the pack. What changed? Why would you abandon everything to come here of all places?”

I hoped to play the innocent card, presenting myself as unaware. To Michael, it appeared that Alexander and I were at odds, a façade meant to deflect any suspicions he might harbor about my involvement in the deception.

The last thing I needed was another person to keep track of.

Michael leaned casually against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes darkened, reflecting a predatory glint that sent shivers down my spine. “It seems my dear brother had no genuine intention of leaving me in charge of the pack,” he stated, his tone rigid.

His gaze pierced through me, as if he were searching for hidden truths in my expression. I furrowed my brows, shaking my head in confusion. “Why would Alexander do that?”

“Who knows?” he shrugged, his indifference palpable. “Perhaps he wanted to distract me from something more significant.”

My heart raced with anxiety. I exhaled slowly, trying to regain my composure. “If that’s the case, I’m truly sorry for what you’ve experienced,” I said, my voice softening. “But I must be clear: my entire focus is on helping my brother through his recovery. I don’t have the luxury of time to engage in idle conversation. I may not be the best company.”

A knowing grin crept onto his face, one that sent a chill down my spine. “No worries, Evelyn. You won’t even notice I’m here.”

Later that evening, I summoned the courage to step out of my brother’s room and make my way to the kitchen. My head throbbed, a painful reminder of the stress that had been my constant companion. After my conversation with Michael, I spoke with some of the staff and arranged for him to stay in one of the spare rooms on the opposite side of the house.

As long as he was far from me, I could breathe a little easier.

Yet, my primary concern remained Isabella. I recalled how her eyes had darted between Michael and me when he first arrived. I could already sense the malicious rumors brewing in her mind, eager to take flight.

Desperate for a cup of tea to soothe my frayed nerves, I entered the kitchen, hoping for a moment of peace.

To my dismay, most of the staff had already retired for the night. Wasting no time, I set about preparing my tea, my mind racing with thoughts that refused to quiet.

Suddenly, an unsettling sensation crept over me, as though I were being scrutinized from the shadows of the dimly lit room. My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage, as I cautiously turned to glance over my shoulder. Squinting into the darkness, I was met with a chilling sight: Isabella.

Suppressing a grimace, I continued with my task, but I knew she wouldn’t remain silent for long.

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