The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 218

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 218: First Day**

**Judy’s POV**

The agony coursing through my body was unbearable, a relentless tide of suffering that left me breathless. I cried out, my voice echoing in the silence, praying desperately that my mother could hear me and somehow alleviate my torment. Yet, the hallway outside my room remained eerily still, the only sounds punctuating the quiet being those of my own anguish. My wolf whimpered alongside me, the shared pain drowning out any rational thought. Until now, I had only experienced fleeting discomfort when Ethan kissed Irene, but this was an entirely different beast—an unbearable torment that clawed at my very being.

This was the torment of knowing he was with her. I could almost hear the intimate sounds of their shared moments—the soft gasps, the low murmurs—as if I were a ghost haunting the very room where their passion unfolded. Every detail was etched in my mind, a cruel reminder of what I had lost, and it felt like a dagger twisting deeper into my heart. Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I gritted my teeth, my heart pleading with the Moon Goddess for a reprieve from this unending pain.

What had I done to deserve such a heart-wrenching punishment?

My gaze fell upon the shirt that had been carelessly tossed over the edge of my laundry basket. Gavin’s shirt—the one I had forgotten to wash and return. The memory of it sparked a flicker of curiosity within me. Did it still carry his scent?

With a great effort, I pushed through the heavy waves of pain and stretched my arm just enough to grasp the fabric, pulling it toward me. The moment my fingers brushed against the soft material, his familiar scent enveloped me, wrapping around me like a warm embrace, soothing my frayed nerves. Even my wolf seemed to calm, a soft whimper escaping her as I hugged the shirt tightly to my chest. Gradually, the pain began to ebb, and I found myself able to block out the sounds of Ethan’s lovemaking.

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply, letting his scent wash over me.

It wasn’t long before the exhaustion took hold, and I drifted into a restless sleep, my thoughts consumed by memories of Gavin. I was instantly transported back to that unforgettable night in his VIP suite. The moment his lips met mine, it ignited a fire within me. My heart raced as I pressed myself against him, losing myself in his warmth and intoxicating scent, yearning for more as our kiss deepened. His tongue playfully danced with mine, and our lips moved in a rhythm that felt both familiar and exhilarating.

He was bare-chested, and my fingers roamed over the expanse of his broad chest, tracing the contours of his well-defined abs, each muscle a testament to his strength.

His hands explored my body too, and it was then that I realized I was completely naked. But there was no room for shyness; a part of me understood that this was a mere figment of my imagination, a world crafted by my own desires, where I didn’t need to hold back from the man before me.

He lifted me effortlessly, pinning me against the wall, his body a solid support as I wrapped my legs around his waist. His lips traveled down to my neck, kissing the spot where Ethan’s mark had once been, a mark that no longer existed in this fantasy.

Just before I could fully succumb to the bliss of the moment, I heard a low growl rumble from Gavin, followed by the possessive whisper of “Mine…”

Suddenly, I jolted awake, sitting upright in bed, my heart pounding and sweat trickling down my face. I swallowed hard, my mind racing as I took in my surroundings.

Had I really just dreamt about Gavin Landry in such a heated manner? My hands instinctively moved to my face, and I noted the heat radiating from my cheeks. I took a deep, shaky breath, trying to ground myself.

I couldn’t allow myself to entertain thoughts like that about Gavin. I needed to clear my head before heading to his house later that day. I had promised to start my tutoring job this afternoon, and I couldn’t walk into his home with a muddled mind.

Determined to shake off the remnants of my dream, I swung my legs out of bed and hurried to the bathroom. As I stood before the mirror, I was struck by how disheveled I looked. My hair was a chaotic mess, my complexion pale, and dark circles marred my eyes. But it wasn’t just my appearance that caught my attention; a gasp escaped my lips as I caught sight of the significant hickey on my neck—Ethan’s mark.

A scowl creased my forehead as I glared at my reflection. There was no way I could go out like this! I needed to hide this embarrassing reminder of him.

A scarf, I decided. That would do the trick.

After a quick shower, I dressed hastily, choosing a scarf that complemented my blouse and jeans. I tied it securely around my neck, taking a deep breath to steady myself before stepping out of my room.

As I made my way downstairs, my mother’s discontent was palpable. She had made it abundantly clear that she was displeased with my decision to defy our future Alpha. I had stood my ground, insisting that I would not comply with Ethan’s demands and that we could find another way to earn money.

“Honestly, Judy. Just do what he’s asking. It can’t be that hard. Your father’s life is at stake,” she had pleaded, tears welling in her eyes.

I remained silent, unwilling to delve deeper into the conversation. Later that afternoon, I took an Uber to Gavin’s house, a wave of relief washing over me when I discovered that only Adam and Matt were home. This spared me from any awkward encounters.

Adam graciously offered to show me around the house, guiding me through the various rooms I could use and those I needed to avoid, including Gavin’s study and the entire upstairs floor.

“The interview was just the first hurdle,” Adam stated, turning to face me with a serious expression. “You may have impressed Master Matthew, but now you need to prove yourself to me. None of the previous tutors have succeeded in getting him to complete his tasks. Your job is to ensure he does. Understood?”

“I will give it my all,” I replied, trying to sound confident.

Adam smirked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“No offense, Miss Judy, but I genuinely doubt you have what it takes to manage this boy. Even those who passed the interview failed. He’s a complicated child, and it will require more than just a pretty face and combat skills to earn his cooperation.”

Judy felt a jolt at Adam’s words, and deep down, she knew he spoke the truth. Just that morning, he had been conversing with Ethan while Miss Irene prepared for the day. Ethan had expressed his concerns, revealing that Judy had little experience with children and lacked the knowledge to handle them effectively. He had confided that he had known Judy for quite some time and doubted her capability for this role.

At one point, Judy had confided in Ethan about a serious condition she claimed to manage, which affected her intelligence in certain subjects. Upon learning this from Ethan, Adam felt somewhat deceived.

He made a mental note to keep a watchful eye on Miss Judy and report anything that seemed amiss.

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