The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 149

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed

**Chapter 149: His Weakness**

In the dim light of the room, the air was thick with tension and unspoken fears. Evelyn, despite the layers of her face wrap, bore the marks of her ordeal. Ian’s careful hands tended to her, revealing a tapestry of small lacerations that marred her upper and lower chest, along with a sprained wrist and fractured fingers. Each injury was a stark reminder of the violence she had endured, and Alexander watched with a heavy heart as Ian meticulously cleaned and bandaged her wounds.

Yet, what lay beneath the surface of her shirt was a different story altogether. When Ian gently pulled it away, revealing a series of dark, angry bruises that spread across her torso, Alexander felt his breath hitch in his throat.

“Some of her ribs have been broken,” Ian assessed, his voice steady but laced with concern.

A surge of curses bubbled up within Alexander, but he swallowed them down, forcing himself to maintain composure. He would not allow tears to spill until he was alone, hidden from prying eyes. It wasn’t that he feared showing weakness; it was the unpredictability of his emotions that he dreaded. If he allowed the floodgates to open, there was no telling what chaos might ensue—Silverwood Manor could be left in ruins, both physically and emotionally.

Now was not the time for impulsive actions; he needed to be the anchor for Evelyn. Yet the dread that had gripped him upon his arrival had only intensified. Each new injury Ian uncovered felt like another nail in the coffin of his resolve. It became painfully clear to him: Evelyn was his greatest weakness.

*It’s my fault. None of this would have happened if I had just learned to suppress my own foolish feelings.*

As much as he wished he could mend her broken ribs with a wave of his hand, he knew better. Ian had already informed him that there was little that could be done aside from applying a soothing gel to alleviate the swelling.

“Once you bring her back home, just keep applying ice packs to the bruised areas,” Ian instructed, his tone practical.

Alexander nodded, his expression grim but resolute.

He had requested one of the soldiers to lend him a jacket, and now he carefully draped it over Evelyn’s upper body, ensuring she was covered and warm. The blood transfusion was nearing completion, and he could see her vitals slowly returning to normal. For the first time since he had left their home, a flicker of hope ignited within him.

But they were far from being in the clear.

Evelyn had only just begun her arduous journey towards recovery, and he was determined to do everything within his power to aid her. When Oliver returned, he was briefed on her condition and the necessary treatments.

“I understand,” Oliver replied, his voice steady. “Sir, both Nina and your grandmother have been informed about Evelyn’s current state, and they’re already preparing one of the spare rooms for her.”

A frown creased Alexander’s brow, confusion clouding his thoughts.

*Why on earth would they prepare a guestroom for her? I intend to have her treated in our shared bedroom.*

“No,” he asserted firmly. “She’s staying with me.”

Ian cleared his throat, his demeanor professional yet firm. “I’m afraid I cannot condone that idea,” he said, his eyes meeting Alexander’s with an unwavering gaze.

Alexander turned sharply to glare at his long-time friend, frustration bubbling to the surface. “This isn’t up for debate. She will be in our room where I can monitor her condition.”

The older man shook his head, his expression unyielding. “I’m sorry, Alexander. My answer remains unchanged.”

“I’m her husband,” Alexander insisted, his voice rising slightly.

“And I’m her doctor,” Ian countered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

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