The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

“What were you doing?” Alexander’s voice was low and gruff, tinged with irritation.

I stammered, “S-sorry. It’s just… your mask. I noticed it was slipping down your face.”

Without a word, he reached up and adjusted the mask, pulling it firmly back into place. The sudden quiet between us felt heavy, thick with unspoken tension. I struggled to break the silence, desperate to ease the awkward atmosphere.

“I, uh… sorry if you didn’t sleep well,” I offered tentatively.

Alexander didn’t turn to look at me. His voice was calm but distant. “What makes you say that?”

Biting my lip, I shrugged uncertainly. “You just seem like you could use a few more hours of rest. And, well, I was practically on top of you most of the night.”

He snorted, a sound half amused, half annoyed. “You’re not wrong there. But that’s not really why I’m feeling off right now.”

My eyes widened, curiosity and concern mixing inside me. Just as I was about to ask him to explain, a gentle knock came at the door.

Nina stepped in, her usual warm smile lighting up her face. “Good morning. Breakfast is ready and will be served in the dining room.”

Alexander nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you, Nina. Also, starting today, I want the two beds in this room to be kept separate.”

Nina’s smile faltered as she glanced at me, surprise flickering in her eyes. A sharp pang hit my chest at his words, a mixture of embarrassment and confusion swirling inside me. I wasn’t sure what to make of his request, but I knew I couldn’t bear the awkwardness any longer.

Without another word, I slid out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. “I’m going to wash up first,” I said, my voice cool and distant. “I’ll be done soon.”

Breakfast passed in near silence after the tense moment in the bedroom. I wasn’t sure if I should be grateful for the quiet or if it made everything feel even more uncomfortable.

Part of me was unsettled by Alexander’s demand to separate the beds. Was I really that unwelcome? Was I such a problem to be around?

I wanted to confront him, to ask why, but my thoughts were soon pulled elsewhere.

I remembered hearing that Grandma Wendy enjoyed gardening, so I had deliberately chosen a modest, comfortable outfit for the meeting.

“I see. I think I’ll stick with what I’m wearing,” I said firmly.

Alexander and I made our way to the far wing of the house where Wendy lived. I quietly followed behind him, gently pushing his wheelchair forward, careful not to draw too much attention.

It was reassuring to see that everyone we passed treated Alexander with great respect, despite his wheelchair. Their deference spoke volumes about his position within the pack.

When we finally reached Wendy’s rooms, we were greeted immediately by a young-looking woman. Though she wore a white lab coat, her luxurious dress underneath and the expertly applied makeup suggested she was more than just medical staff.

There was something oddly familiar about her, but I couldn’t quite place where I’d seen her before. Before I could think further, she spoke, her voice sharp and questioning.

“How come it’s you?”