The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 13

Chapter 13

If there was one thing I was genuinely grateful for after everything that had unfolded in the last few hours, it was how quickly Nina and I had formed a genuine friendship. Having someone willing to talk to me on a normal level—someone who even took the time to share important details—felt like an unexpected blessing. I considered myself incredibly fortunate.

Nina had seen me rush out of Alexander’s bathroom earlier, but she hadn’t pressed me with questions. I caught a glimpse of a pleased expression flicker across her face, though, which made me wonder what she was thinking.

“What exactly am I walking into?” I asked, my voice tinged with nervousness as we made our way to the living room.

As we walked, Nina began to unravel some of the complicated layers of Alexander’s family situation—details I never would have guessed on my own.

“Alexander’s parents are here visiting,” she explained. “His father, Henry, and his stepmother, Caroline. Neither one really holds much sway in the pack.”

I tried to steady my nerves, telling myself that if I could just get through this meeting, things would be okay. I hoped that was true.

Glancing sideways at Nina, curiosity got the better of me. “Wait—if neither of Alexander’s parents has any real influence in the pack, then who manages the household finances?”

“That would be Wendy, his grandmother,” Nina replied without hesitation. “Wendy doesn’t trust Caroline with anything personal related to the Moonstone Pack because of some past mistakes. If you want to earn Alexander’s approval and truly be accepted in the pack, you’ll need to find a way to gain Wendy’s favor.”

I simply nodded, though the idea of winning over a woman I’d never even met felt daunting. My heart pounded harder at the thought of the day becoming even more nerve-wracking.

“Is there anyone else I should know about?” I asked.

“Yes,” Nina said. “Alexander has a stepbrother named Michael. He’s Caroline’s son, but he’s away at school right now, so you don’t need to worry about him.”

I was genuinely touched by Nina’s thoughtfulness in filling me in on Alexander’s family dynamics. Before this, Alexander had always brushed me off so easily, and without Nina’s help, I might never have learned any of these details. She was the first person who had made me feel truly welcomed and at home here.

“You’re probably aware of the others who were matched with him before you,” Caroline added, her voice sharp. “Alexander can be difficult to handle.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, fighting back the sting of anger rising in my chest. “I’m sure he and I will be just fine,” I replied, my tone tight but resolute.

A surge of indignation rose within me as I silently cursed Alexander for putting me in such an awkward and hostile position.

My God. No matter what, it felt like he was deliberately making my life more complicated.

Lost in these thoughts about Alexander, my eyes drifted upstairs, where a shadow lingered at the corner of the hallway. I shifted my weight back on my heels, catching sight of the corner of a wheelchair just barely visible in the dim light.

Was Alexander sitting up there, listening to this entire conversation?