The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 211

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 211: Tutoring Job**

In a world where personal boundaries were sacred, Gavin leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed intently on the passing scenery outside the window. The rhythmic blur of trees and buildings mirrored the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind. “I don’t mix personal relationships with other matters,” he stated firmly, his voice devoid of any warmth. The conversation was one he had no desire to continue; he had resolved that he would not see Judy Montague again.

Taylor, his ever-irreverent Beta, couldn’t resist poking the bear. “Or are you just afraid?” he teased, a playful smirk dancing across his lips, clearly enjoying the tension in the air.

Gavin shot him a scowl, the corners of his mouth tightening in irritation.

“Taylor, you’re fired,” he muttered under his breath, but the words lacked any real weight.

Taylor erupted into laughter, the sound echoing in the car.

“And how many times have you fired me?” he asked, still chuckling, shaking his head in disbelief.

“This week? More times than I can count. One of these days, I’m going to mean it,” Gavin replied, rolling his eyes dramatically, though a hint of amusement flickered in his expression.

Taylor leaned into the banter, undeterred. “And you think that’s going to stop me from sharing my thoughts? Come on, Alpha. We’ve known each other for ages. What makes you think I’ll just zip it?”

“Just focus on driving, Beta,” Gavin replied through clenched teeth, trying to ward off the playful jabs with a touch of seriousness.

Before Taylor could retort, his phone rang, slicing through the air and halting their exchange. He fished the device from his pocket, swiping to answer. A familiar voice crackled through the Bluetooth speaker.

“Butler Adam, you are on speaker phone. I have Alpha Gavin with me,” Taylor announced, his tone shifting to one of professional respect.

Adam had been a loyal part of Gavin’s family for years, a steadfast butler who had earned Gavin’s complete trust. Gavin had entrusted him with the care of his son, Matt, while he was away, and calls like this were rare—usually reserved for matters concerning the boy. As soon as Gavin recognized Adam’s voice, a knot of concern tightened in his stomach.

“Oh, good Alpha. I must speak with you about your son. Another tutor quit this evening,” Adam said, his tone tinged with frustration.

“Another one?” Gavin echoed, pressing his lips into a thin line, his heart sinking.

That made it number forty-nine. Tutors seemed to vanish from Matt’s life as quickly as they arrived. Gavin knew his son wasn’t a bad kid, but he also understood that Matt was wrestling with his own demons.

“Yes, sir. Master Matthew scared her off just like he has with the others. I’m at a loss for what to do. I’ve tried to talk to him, but he just lashes out at me, Alpha,” Adam continued, his voice heavy with exasperation.

“Widen the recruitment scope and increase the salary offers,” Gavin instructed, his tone firm. “Perhaps a little more money will entice someone to stick around longer.”

Adam sighed deeply, the sound crackling through the line.

“Yes, Alpha. I’ll see what I can do,” he murmured before the call ended, leaving a silence that felt charged with unspoken worries.

Beta Taylor glanced at Gavin in the rearview mirror, the tension palpable. “Do you suppose he’s developing issues concerning his mother?” he ventured cautiously after a moment of thought.

Gavin’s glare shot through the mirror like a sharp arrow. “He doesn’t speak to his mother,” he replied bitterly, the weight of his words heavy with unresolved pain. “Nor will he for quite a while if I have anything to say about it.”

—

**Judy’s POV**

The past few days had been a crushing disappointment, a series of rejections that chipped away at my resolve. Each job application I submitted seemed to vanish into a void, never to be acknowledged.

I couldn’t fathom why I was being turned away. My application was impeccable; I boasted a wealth of experience from previous positions, complemented by a solid educational background. I was young, fit, and eager to work. Yet, rejection letters continued to flood in, each one more disheartening than the last.

With a sigh, I pulled out my phone and began scrolling through the job boards once more. I had already applied to several positions, most of which had gone unanswered. But then, something new caught my eye, and I felt a flicker of hope.

It had been posted just over an hour ago—a tutoring job for a 7-year-old boy. The subjects included not only academics but also basic combat skills and defense. The listing specified that applicants must be knowledgeable and experienced.

Biting my lower lip in anticipation, I sent in my resume. A tutoring position could be just what I needed, especially since I could work around my school schedule. The listing was on a werewolf job board, and the location was within the Silver Crescent pack—relatively close to my own pack, Redmoon.

Rather than waiting idly for a callback, I decided to take the initiative and dial the number listed on the board.

“Adam Conners speaking,” came a deep, authoritative voice on the other end.

“Hello, Mr. Conners. My name is Judy Montague. I came across your advertisement for a tutor for a 7-year-old boy. I just submitted my resume and would love the chance to meet with you,” I said, my heart racing as I spoke.

Silence hung in the air, and a wave of anxiety washed over me. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I awaited his response.

“This job isn’t for the weak, madam. May I ask if you’ve ever tutored before?” he inquired, his tone serious.

“I’ve assisted my peers with their schoolwork throughout high school. Currently, I’m a student at Royal Academy, focusing on combat and shifting. I excel in most subjects and graduated at the top of my class in high school, aiming to replicate that success in college,” I explained, trying to project confidence.

“I see,” he mused thoughtfully. “That’s quite impressive. However, Master Matthew is a bit troubled and may require someone strong enough to handle him,” he added hesitantly.

“My goal after college is to become a Gamma warrior. If I can’t manage a troubled 7-year-old, then I have larger issues to contend with, Mr. Conners,” I replied, my voice steady and unwavering.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, returning his smile, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

“I am Adam Conners. You may call me Adam. I serve as the butler here and have been personally assigned to care for Master Matthew when his father is away.”

“What about his mother?” I found myself asking, curiosity getting the better of me.

“It’s… a complicated situation,” Adam replied, his expression turning serious. “She isn’t in the picture at all. Master Matthew is currently out back practicing his archery with another potential tutor.”

My stomach sank at the realization; there was competition for the position I sought. I would have to prove myself worthy.

Following Adam outside, we crossed the lush green field, and in the distance, I spotted the archery setup. A young woman—perhaps slightly older than me—was attempting to teach Matthew. However, it was clear he was not cooperating; his attitude was evident as he yelled at her. By the time we reached them, she was in tears, backing away from the boy.

“I can’t do this,” she sobbed, retreating without another word, her cries echoing in the air.

Adam sighed, his expression weary as he watched her leave. Matthew, however, seemed unfazed; his brows furrowed in frustration as he struggled to hit the target. I could sense his irritation growing as he grunted and groaned, pulling back the bowstring only to watch the arrow land disappointingly short.

“Can I give it a try?” I asked, hoping to break the tension.

He shot me a skeptical glance over his shoulder, sizing me up with a critical eye. I felt exposed under his scrutiny, as if I were being judged by a tiny tyrant. Yet, I maintained a calm demeanor and offered him a soft smile.

Eventually, he relented and handed me the bow and arrow.

With little effort, I pulled back the string and released the arrow, watching it soar through the air and strike the bullseye with a satisfying thud.

Matthew gasped, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Woah…” he breathed, clearly taken aback.

I grinned, grabbing another arrow from the quiver and repeating the motion even faster, hitting the target right next to my previous shot.

His mouth hung open, and I could see Adam’s astonishment mirrored in his expression.

Matthew turned to Adam, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“What is her name?”