The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 102

**TITLE: Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 102: Taking The Edge Off**

[Third-Person’s POV]

With utmost care, Alexander cradled Evelyn’s delicate form, lifting her gently from the cold ground and drawing her closer to his chest. A wave of concern washed over him as he noticed her unconscious state. He wished fervently that she hadn’t succumbed to the shock of seeing him upright, unconfined by the wheelchair that had been his prison for so long.

As he held her, a deep sense of dread settled in his stomach. He could sense something was gravely amiss with his Luna. A thin film of perspiration glistened on her skin, and her labored breathing echoed in his ears, reminiscent of the time she had been poisoned by the Belladonna.

Evelyn was drifting in and out of consciousness, her body trembling as if caught in the throes of a fever. The way her limbs strained against him only heightened his anxiety.

“It’s alright,” he murmured softly, his voice a low, soothing balm. “I have you.”

Alexander’s mind raced with questions. What had happened to her? Had she been poisoned again? Or perhaps drugged? The thought of someone slipping something into her drink made his blood boil.

“Evelyn, can you hear me?” he asked, desperate for any sign of awareness. She responded with a faint hum, barely audible. “Can you tell me what’s happened? Did someone give you something?”

When her eyes fluttered open, a jolt of panic surged through him. Her pupils were unnaturally dilated, sending alarm bells ringing in his mind. The heat radiating from her body seeped through the fabric of his shirt, and a strangely familiar scent wafted into his nostrils.

Sweet and intoxicating.

He had only encountered that scent in the most intimate moments with her, when desire hung thick in the air…

His breath caught in his throat. “Oh my God,” he muttered under his breath, realization crashing over him like a tidal wave. “Someone gave you an aphrodisiac.”

A myriad of emotions flooded his mind, relief mingling with anger. At least it wasn’t another poisoning, but this revelation opened a Pandora’s box of complications for both of them.

He turned his gaze toward Michael, who looked as if he might collapse at any moment. Blood dripped from his lips as he shook his head defiantly.

“I didn’t drug her, asshole,” he spat, his voice hoarse.

“No, you just couldn’t resist playing the hero, could you?” Alexander growled, disdain dripping from his words. “It doesn’t matter. You’ll never get the chance to be near her again.”

Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss to the crown of Evelyn’s head, feeling her grasp at the fabric of his shirt, as if anchoring herself to him. Her cheeks were flushed with fever, and her lips parted slightly, revealing her small pink tongue, a sight that made his heart race.

“Come on, I’m going to get you out of here,” he said, determination lacing his tone.

Evelyn’s struggle to speak coherently was palpable. “G-Can’t leave m-my br-brother,” she gasped, her voice barely more than a whisper, laced with desperation.

Oliver stepped forward, his expression resolute. “I’ll stay behind until we can get someone else here to guard the room properly.”

Gratitude welled up in Alexander’s chest. “Thank you, Oliver. While you’re at it, call for more soldiers. I want Michael detained.”

He caught a muttered insult from his stepbrother, but his focus remained on Evelyn, the woman who had captured his heart. Cradling her against him, he made his way toward the car, instructing the driver to hurry back to the manor.

As he attempted to place Evelyn in her seat, it became clear she wouldn’t have it. She clung to him fiercely, refusing to be separated. Most aphrodisiacs acted quickly, and he knew she needed his touch to stave off the overwhelming sensations threatening to consume her.

With a resigned sigh, he settled her back onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her protectively. Evelyn nestled her head into the crook of his neck, her breath warm against his skin.

“Alexander… It’s so warm,” she murmured, her voice a mixture of longing and confusion. “I can’t… I can’t take it.”

His heart raced as he watched her struggle, her hands moving restlessly as if seeking release. He instinctively reached out to stop her, his mind racing as he urged the driver to accelerate.

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