The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 216

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 216: Signing The Contract**

**Judy’s POV**

The moment felt heavy, like the air before a storm. I glanced at Ethan, my heart racing, but I quickly averted my gaze. “I should probably get going,” I said hastily, the words tumbling out before I could second-guess myself. “Thank you for the opportunity, Alpha. Perhaps we can exchange numbers so we can discuss my schedule. I can sign the contract when I return.”

Gavin’s expression was inscrutable as he regarded me, his eyes narrowing slightly. It was as if he were weighing my words, searching for hidden meanings.

“Adam has your number. I’ll be in touch,” he replied, his tone final.

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. Just as I was about to step around him, Irene’s voice rang out, halting me in my tracks.

“Dad, why don’t you take Judy home? I didn’t see her car here,” Irene suggested, her gaze shifting between me and her father, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“It’s okay,” I interjected quickly, not wanting to impose. “I’ll just call for an Uber—”

“Yes, I’ll have my driver take her,” Gavin interrupted, his voice cutting through my protest. I met his gaze, surprise flickering in my chest at the unexpected offer. “I’ll accompany you. It’ll give us a chance to talk in the car.”

I wanted to argue, to insist that I could manage on my own, but the look he gave me was almost challenging. It was as if he were daring me to refuse. I swallowed my words, sealing my lips and nodding curtly, murmuring my thanks.

“Then it’s decided,” Irene chimed, her smile bright as she clapped her hands together. “It was very nice to meet you, Judy. I hope we can get to know one another soon. I could use some girlfriends.”

I forced a smile back at her, trying to mask my discomfort. The last thing I wanted was to forge a friendship with her, but her kindness was disarming, and I didn’t want to come across as rude, especially in front of my new boss.

Turning away, I followed Gavin into the house, my thoughts swirling. As we navigated through the expansive Villa, I caught sight of Adam descending the grand spiral staircase. His expression was tight, a clear sign of the stress he was under, likely due to an irate Matt who had just been grounded.

He paused mid-step as we walked by.

“Adam, is the driver still out front?” Gavin asked, his tone casual yet authoritative, not bothering to look at him.

“Yes, sir,” Adam replied, his voice clipped.

“I’ll be taking Judy back to her home. I’ll be back later this evening,” Gavin informed him, his words leaving no room for debate.

Just as we approached the front door, a voice called out from nearby.

“Alpha,” it said, and I turned to see the driver from yesterday rounding the corner, a small stack of papers in his hands.

“I got the contract you requested,” he said, handing the documents to Gavin. The driver’s smile was warm as he glanced at me. “Good evening, Mam. I’m Beta Taylor.”

Oh! So he was the Beta of the pack. Now that I was paying closer attention, I could see the strong, commanding presence he exuded, fitting of his title.

I offered him a polite smile, feeling a mix of respect and awe. “It’s an honor to meet you, Beta,” I said, lowering my head slightly in acknowledgment.

“We need to go,” Gavin said abruptly, his tone sharp.

I fought the urge to scowl at him; there was no need for such rudeness, I thought, but I kept my thoughts to myself, unwilling to stir the pot. I refrained from saying anything further to Taylor, who simply observed as Gavin ushered me out of the villa and toward the waiting car.

The driver jumped out, bowing his head respectfully to Gavin before opening the back door.

Gavin gestured for me to enter first, and I smiled gratefully at the driver before sliding into the car. Gavin followed suit, and the driver promptly closed the door, moving to the front seat.

“Where to, Alpha?” the driver inquired, his voice steady.

“Take us to the Carter Resort,” Gavin instructed, and I felt my heart drop.

“I thought you were taking me home,” I said, my brows knitting together in confusion.

“I need to speak with you alone,” he replied, his tone resolute. “Also, I heard your stomach growl earlier and assumed you were hungry.”

The drive to the restaurant resort was swift, and I followed Gavin inside, my heart racing with anticipation. As we entered, the hostess greeted him with a bright smile, and I recognized her from my brief stint working there and from the engagement party. Thankfully, Nan was off today, sparing me from her probing questions about why I was with Gavin.

“Good evening, Mr. Landry,” she said, her smile wide and welcoming. “A table for two? Your favorite booth is available.”

“Yes, thank you,” Gavin replied with a nod, his demeanor relaxed.

We followed her through the bustling restaurant, the aroma of delicious food wafting around us, until we reached a cozy booth nestled in the back, right next to a large window that offered a stunning view of the harbor. The city’s nightlife sparkled off the water, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

The hostess handed us menus and then departed, leaving me to wonder when Gavin would finally speak. I expected him to break the silence, but he remained absorbed in the menu, his brow furrowed in thought. A few minutes later, a waitress approached, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Gavin while barely acknowledging my presence.

“What would you like to eat?” Gavin asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

At that moment, the waitress finally turned her attention to me, her disdain palpable.

“I’ll just take the Cobb salad,” I said, handing her the menu, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Bring us a bottle of wine as well,” he ordered, his tone firm.

“Right away,” she murmured, her eyes lingering on him before she walked away.

“Just answer the question, Gavin. Are you seeing her?” she pressed, hurt evident in her tone.

Gavin’s eyes flicked toward me, as if sensing my presence, but he didn’t answer her. Instead, he walked over to me, and my heart raced as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

I was instantly enveloped by his warmth and the intoxicating scent that clung to him, sending shivers down my spine. Daisy’s eyes narrowed in disbelief as she watched us.

“And if I am?” Gavin asked, his breath brushing against my cheek, making my heart hammer wildly.

“You’ll soon tire of her,” Daisy scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly. “You always do, and then you come crawling back to me.”

“How long do you plan on being the third wheel on our date?” Gavin shot back, his words causing my breath to hitch.

Daisy scowled, her frustration palpable.

“This isn’t over,” she muttered, casting me a venomous look before storming off.

Once she was out of sight, Gavin released me, and I nearly stumbled, my legs feeling weak beneath me. I struggled to find my voice as he returned to the table, resuming his meal as if nothing had transpired.

“W…what was that?” I stammered, my heart racing and hating how vulnerable I sounded.

Gavin glanced at me, his expression calm.

“That was Daisy,” he murmured. “She’s a noble Lycan and my late wife’s sister.” The revelation stunned me into silence.

“Oh,” I managed to say, my mind racing to process this new information.

“My mother has been wanting to pair us together as a second chance for me,” he continued, his voice steady. “I didn’t want to reject her too bluntly. I’m sorry for using you like that.”

Heat flooded my cheeks, and I was certain he noticed, but he chose not to comment on it. I nodded, my mind swirling with his words, unsure of how to respond.

We finished our meals in relative silence, and Gavin settled the bill, a sense of finality hanging in the air. He instructed the driver to take us back to my house, and as I stepped out of the car, I thanked him for the meal and the opportunity he had given me.

The car remained parked until I was safely inside my home, and only then did I hear the engine roar to life as it drove away.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, feeling a mix of relief and unease.

But my moment of respite was short-lived as I heard my mother’s voice drifting from the living room, engaged in conversation with someone. The second I stepped into the entryway, my heart plummeted when I saw who was sitting on the couch, chatting animatedly with my mother.