The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

There was no denying it—Evelyn’s remark had clearly caught Alexander off guard.

Swiftly, the alpha adjusted his wheelchair, pivoting until he faced her squarely. His eyebrows lifted in surprise, yet his eyes remained fixed intently on her. He struggled to keep his expression neutral as he spoke, his voice calm but probing.

“Why would you think something like that?” he asked cautiously. “What exactly do you mean by ‘plans’?”

Evelyn exhaled with a weary sigh, shaking her head slightly and shrugging as if to dismiss the weight of her own feelings.

“I’m not sure,” she admitted softly. “It just feels like ever since I arrived here, I’ve been nothing more than a burden to you.”

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his mind turning over her words carefully. Just as he was about to respond, Evelyn cut him off abruptly.

“I know having me here isn’t exactly ideal for you,” she said firmly, her voice edged with frustration. “But I never intended to cause any trouble.”

His brows furrowed again, curiosity and concern mingling in his gaze.

“What makes you think you’ve caused me problems?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Because from the moment I stepped into this house, it feels like you’ve been testing me at every turn,” Evelyn replied sharply.

Alexander felt a sudden tightening in his chest, his heartbeat quickening unexpectedly. He was surprised—and a little unsettled—that she had figured out his suspicions so quickly. Forcing calm back onto his face, he tried to maintain his usual composed demeanor.

“I don’t—”

“Stop,” she interrupted sharply. “Don’t deny it. I saw through it from the start—the intense questioning, the bath, the confrontation with your family just now. All of it felt like tests. And the gun pressed against my back? That was a pretty clear sign you didn’t trust me.”

Alexander wasn’t sure whether to be impressed by her insight or more worried about how well she’d pieced everything together.

He studied her carefully. Her eyes looked tired, her expression a mix of hurt and exhaustion. A sharp pang struck him in the chest—was it guilt?

“So, what are you saying? Should I just pack up my things and leave?” she asked quietly.

That question hit Alexander like a blow, stirring a strange ache deep inside.

Logically, sending her away might have been the simplest solution—no more doubts, no more tension. Yet, despite the reasoning, an unfamiliar feeling was growing inside him, refusing to be ignored.

He didn’t want her to leave.

Instead of making the decision for her, he gently placed it in her hands. “Do you want to leave?” he asked slowly, searching her face.

Evelyn shook her head firmly. “No. But if you’re worried I’ll interfere too much in your life or your plans, I promise I’ll find something else to keep myself busy.”

Alexander’s guilt seemed to gnaw at him still, compelling him to soothe her worries. His voice softened.

“No matter what, you and I are married. Even if there are no feelings between us now or ever, I hope you’ll accept your role as Luna of this pack,” he explained. “For example, you could help share some of the responsibilities with my grandmother. If not you, Caroline will certainly try to step in and take control.”

Evelyn nodded resolutely. “I’ll do my best to fulfill my role.”

There was so much more they needed to discuss, but before they could continue, Nina arrived unexpectedly.

No. I’d had enough.

After just one outfit, my patience was already wearing thin. My fingers began undoing the buttons on the side of the dress, eager to slip back into my own clothes.

“No, I don’t think so,” I said bluntly. “If this one fits, the rest probably will too.”

I could tell Nina was disappointed by my lack of enthusiasm. I didn’t want to seem ungrateful, but my mind was elsewhere, my priorities tangled in thoughts of Alexander and everything between us.

Once I changed back into my own clothes, I left the living room and headed to my room. But my mind kept drifting back to the earlier conversation with Alexander.

I knew I couldn’t leave—not with Edward still recovering at home. My place was here with Alexander, whether I liked it or not. Still, I appreciated how he’d spoken to me about it. He hadn’t demanded I go; he’d asked if I wanted to.

Maybe I’d earned a little trust from him after all.

As I reached my door, a sudden realization hit me like a brick wall: tonight, I was technically supposed to sleep with Alexander. Good God. After everything we’d both been through today, I wasn’t sure either of us was ready for that.

But I’d promised both him and myself that I would make this marriage work.

Without overthinking it, I turned toward Alexander’s room, twisted the knob, and stepped inside.

My nerves made me forget to knock. My heart leapt into my throat when I saw him—already in his pajamas, leaning against the bed, standing upright.

He looked as though he was just about to remove his mask but stopped, eyes locking onto mine with a questioning look.

“Oh my God…”