The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 214

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 214: Grounded**

Judy’s POV

I couldn’t help but notice the subtle movement of Gavin’s Adam’s apple as he spoke. It was a small gesture, but it caught my attention in a way I hadn’t anticipated.

As I stood there, I suddenly became acutely aware of just how close I was to him. When he straightened up and tilted his head in my direction, I felt a rush of warmth flood my cheeks. The lump lodged in my throat was a constant reminder of the turmoil swirling within me, and I fought the inexplicable urge to reach out and touch him.

What was happening to me lately?

It had to be the aftermath of Ethan’s betrayal that was still so raw, the wound fresh enough that my wolf had retreated into silence. Yet, whenever Gavin was near, I could sense her stirring, awakening from her slumber. It was clear she had taken a liking to him, but the echoes of pain from our mate’s betrayal were still very much alive within me. The mark Ethan had left on my neck was a constant reminder of our shattered bond, and every time he shared an intimate moment with Irene, it felt like a dagger twisting in my heart.

No wonder I found myself clinging to the first attractive man who crossed my path.

A smile danced on the corners of Gavin’s lips, and it was disarming.

“I’m someone who believes in keeping work and personal matters distinctly separate,” he said, his voice deep and resonant, sending a wave of warmth coursing through me, making my cheeks flush even more. “I don’t want the rest of the household thinking I harass my teammates or subordinates. I prefer my staff to wear something tasteful, not overly suggestive.”

His words nearly knocked the breath out of me. I crossed my arms defensively over my chest, glaring at him, momentarily forgetting that he was a Lycan and that looking directly into his eyes could be perceived as a challenge. Most Alphas would consider it disrespectful, especially a Lycan Alpha like him.

“This kind of clothing is pretty standard for college students,” I shot back, unable to suppress my irritation. “Do you really have to be so old-fashioned?”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

“Are you seriously going to question me? Did you forget that I’m your boss now?” he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I opened my mouth to fire back with something equally sharp, but the reality hit me like a cold splash of water: he was absolutely right. Gavin Landry was now my superior, and that meant I had to adhere to his rules. He was the one signing my paycheck, and my parents were counting on this job. It was a lifeline, and I couldn’t afford to jeopardize it before I even got started.

Perhaps it would be wiser to simply accept his rules and keep my opinions to myself.

“I apologize,” I said, forcing the words out. “I shouldn’t have been disrespectful. I’ll make sure to wear something less revealing next time I come here.”

He regarded me for a moment longer, and then nodded once, his expression softening slightly.

“Come inside. We can go over your schedule, and I’ll have my Beta draft a contract,” he said, turning away from me and heading toward his house.

I trailed behind him, but froze in my tracks when I heard a rustling sound from a nearby bush. Before I could process what was happening, Matt leaped out, brandishing a water gun like it was a weapon!

I was wearing a white crop top, and the thought of it getting soaked and becoming see-through sent a jolt of panic through me. Just as I was about to scream, Gavin moved with astonishing speed, positioning himself in front of me, his arms wrapping protectively around my body.

The warmth radiating from him enveloped me, creating a cocoon of safety that felt both comforting and exhilarating. I could hear Matt’s laughter as the water drenched Gavin’s shirt, and a low growl rumbled from his throat, a sound that made it clear he was far from amused by his son’s antics.

Gavin’s cologne enveloped me, and my heart raced at the closeness of our bodies. I leaned into him instinctively, feeling the solid muscles of his back beneath my fingertips, his strong arms tightening around me. My cheeks flushed, warmth pooling in my lower abdomen as I became acutely aware of every sensation.

Another growl rumbled from Gavin, and I felt his hot breath on the back of my neck, sending shivers cascading down my spine. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if he could sense my sudden arousal.

But just as quickly as he had wrapped me in his embrace, he released me, leaving me feeling cold and exposed. He turned sharply to glare at Matt, who was still chuckling, clearly oblivious to the storm brewing in his father’s eyes.

“What have I told you about playing tricks like that, Matthew?” Gavin growled, his frustration palpable.

Matt’s laughter faded, and when I glanced at him, I noticed his face had gone pale, the humor draining from his features.

“I just wanted to see what she would do,” he shrugged, a hint of defiance in his voice.

Gavin quickly adjusted his shirt, clearing his throat as he turned away from me, snatching the towel from my hands. My arms fell limply to my sides, and I focused on the ground, willing my cheeks to cool.

“Dad grounded me,” Matt said to the newcomer, his voice filled with a mix of indignation and sadness.

“What did you do now, Mattie?” the woman asked, her tone laced with concern.

“I just wanted to have some fun and squirted them with water,” Matt admitted, looking somewhat sheepish.

“I was just taking him to his room. If you’ll excuse us, Madam Irene,” Adam interjected, ushering Matt inside.

At the sound of her name, I looked up, and there she was—Irene, standing before us with a concerned expression etched on her beautiful face. A pang of jealousy twisted in my chest at the thought of Ethan being with her.

She wore a casual pink dress that hugged her figure perfectly, her long blond hair cascading down her back in a single braid. With just a hint of makeup, she radiated a natural beauty that only served to heighten my irritation.

I watched as Adam led Matt away, and Irene’s frown deepened as she turned her gaze to her father.

“What was that about?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

“Just your brother and his tricks,” Gavin muttered, his tone heavy with disapproval. “That boy needs more discipline.”

And as if the universe had conspired against me, Ethan appeared around the corner, blissfully unaware of the tension that hung in the air. The moment Irene noticed me, her brow furrowed, tilting her head as she exchanged a questioning glance with her father. But my focus was solely on Ethan, who had frozen in place upon seeing me standing beside Gavin, his expression darkening with irritation.

I bit my lower lip, holding his gaze as I felt a low growl escape his throat, drawing Irene’s attention back to him. Her frown deepened as she looked between us, her arms crossing defensively over her chest.

“Who is this woman?” she asked Ethan, her voice sharp. “Do you know her?”