The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 220

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 220: Hickey**

**Judy’s POV**

“I told you,” Adam declared, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as if he was trying to shield himself from the very words he was about to unleash. “Not only did she completely fail to get him to do any of his schoolwork, but she’s also encouraging his distractions. She should be fired immediately, and I’ll repost the job on the werewolf job board without hesitation.”

His words struck me like a thunderbolt, leaving me momentarily speechless. When I first met Adam, I had perceived him as a kind-hearted individual who genuinely wanted my presence in his life. But now, standing before me, he seemed intent on orchestrating my dismissal. I couldn’t fathom what I had done to earn such animosity, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t deeply hurt by his accusations.

“Is this true?” Gavin interjected, his gaze piercing through the tension in the room and locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

I met his gaze, my lips forming a thin, tight line as I fought to maintain my composure. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a telltale sign of my embarrassment, but I chose to ignore it, redirecting my focus to the table where Matt’s schoolwork lay scattered.

“See for yourself,” I said, my voice steady as I gathered the papers and handed them to Gavin, hoping to prove my worth.

He took the papers, his brows furrowing in surprise as he flipped through them.

“This is Matt’s handwriting,” he remarked thoughtfully, processing the evidence before him. “He actually did all of this?”

I nodded, crossing my arms defiantly as I glared at Adam, whose face had drained of color.

“Yes,” I affirmed, my eyes locked onto Adam’s, refusing to back down. “Matt completed all his assignments and even managed to squeeze in some studying. I believe it’s crucial for a young boy to have balance in his life. All work and no play can lead to burnout and distraction. Matt did his work, and I rewarded him with some gameplay, just as I promised.”

As I shifted my gaze away from Adam, I caught Gavin watching me with a look of confusion mixed with intrigue.

“Matt lacks companionship, Alpha Gavin. This is what fuels his rebellious behavior. When you spend time with him, you’ll see that he’s actually a sweet and caring young boy.”

Gavin raised his brows, placing the schoolwork back on the table with a hint of skepticism.

“Are you trying to instruct me on how to raise my son?” he questioned, a hint of challenge in his tone.

“Of course not,” I replied quickly, my heart pounding. “But perhaps punishing him without understanding the reasons behind his actions is counterproductive. Even for you, Alpha.”

He opened his mouth, seemingly ready to retort, but then I felt my scarf slipping down my shoulders, a sudden rush of panic coursing through me. I fumbled to reclaim it, but it was too late; Gavin’s gaze was fixated on my neck, where the hickey was all too visible. His eyes darkened, and I could see his nostrils flare in irritation.

“It’s not what it seems,” I stammered, hastily wrapping the scarf back around my neck. I longed to explain the situation, to clarify the misunderstanding, but the full truth was too complex to share. Gavin had already made it clear he wanted me to distance myself from Ethan, who was set to marry Irene. If I revealed that Ethan was responsible for the hickey, Gavin would never believe me. He would think I had pursued Ethan, seduced him even, and he would never understand my perspective.

“It doesn’t matter,” Gavin muttered, his irritation palpable. I could see the frustration etched on his face, and it left me feeling unsettled. “Just make sure you manage your personal life better. I don’t want that around my son. Understood?”

I nodded, biting my lower lip, a swirl of emotions churning within me.

“Understood,” I replied softly, trying to mask the hurt in my voice.

He turned his ire towards Adam, who stood awkwardly by, clearly on edge.

“You told me that Judy failed to complete her mission for the day, but from what I see, she’s accomplished her tasks and more. How dare you spread such falsehoods, Adam?” Gavin’s voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife, and I watched as Adam flinched visibly.

“I…uh…” Adam stuttered, caught off guard, struggling to find the right words.

“You are not to speak in my presence for a month,” Gavin sneered, his authority unmistakable. “Now get out of my sight.”

“Y…yes Alpha,” Adam replied shakily, retreating from the room with his head hung low, defeated.

I tightened my scarf around my neck, ensuring it wouldn’t slip again, and straightened my posture, forcing myself to meet Gavin’s gaze.

“I should probably head home; it’s getting late, and my mother is likely worried about me,” I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

He nodded, his expression softening slightly.

“My driver, Leroy, is waiting outside. Let him take you home,” he offered, his tone more accommodating than before.

I shook my head, unwilling to impose.

“It’s alright, I’ll just grab an Uber,” I said, pulling my phone from my bag, eager to distance myself from the situation.

But before I could tap the screen, Gavin placed his hand over my phone, stopping me in my tracks.

“Don’t waste your money on a ride when I’m offering you one for free,” he said calmly, a hint of insistence in his voice. “Leroy remembers your address from yesterday. Let him take you home.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify