The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 221

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 221: Mean Girl**

**Judy’s POV**

After the grueling ordeal of my morning class, I made my way to the student lounge, my mind still swirling with thoughts of the exam I had just completed. The mental exhaustion weighed heavily on me, and I felt as if I had run a marathon. To my relief, I spotted Nan cozily settled by the window, a pop tart in one hand and a textbook in the other. Her presence was a comforting sight. As I approached, she looked up, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

“Hey,” she greeted, sliding a chilled iced coffee across the table toward me. “I thought you might need this little pick-me-up.”

“You are an absolute lifesaver,” I replied, gratefully accepting the coffee and plopping down in the chair opposite her. I took a generous sip, the cool liquid washing over my senses, and I sighed in pure contentment.

“What happened last night? I was expecting a call from you,” she inquired, closing her book and giving me her full attention.

I groaned softly, taking another sip of the coffee, savoring the moment.

“Sorry, I got caught up with things. By the time I got home, I just crashed,” I explained, trying to keep my tone light.

Nan raised her eyebrows, her curiosity piqued. “Caught up with what? You looked like you were ready to fall asleep right there in class.”

I knew I had to tread carefully with my words. The contract Gavin had me sign was strict about confidentiality—no mentioning his name or the identity of the person I was tutoring. Gavin and his family were well-known figures in the werewolf community, and if anyone found out I was working for him, it could stir up a hornet’s nest of trouble. I trusted Nan, but I couldn’t afford to jeopardize this lucrative opportunity.

“I got a job,” I finally said, opting for vagueness.

“A job?” she echoed, her interest clearly piqued. “What kind of job?”

“As a tutor,” I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. “I’m tutoring a boy from the neighboring pack. The pay is really good, and it’ll help my family a lot.”

“That’s amazing, Judy!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. “Tutoring is totally your thing. There’s nothing you can’t do!”

I chuckled at her exuberance. “You’re being a little dramatic,” I teased.

She rolled her eyes playfully, but I could see the mischief in her expression. “As if! Name one thing you can’t do.”

I paused for a moment, genuinely pondering her challenge. “Well, I’m not exactly a knitting prodigy,” I admitted with a sheepish grin.

Her laughter rang out, bright and genuine. “But you can still do it even if you aren’t great at it!” she shot back, shaking her head in amusement.

I joined in her laughter, feeling the warmth of our friendship wrap around me like a cozy blanket. Goddess, it felt wonderful to share a moment of normalcy with my best friend.

But our laughter was short-lived, as the familiar figure of Carol, accompanied by her entourage, soon appeared, disrupting our bubble of happiness.

I had known Carol since middle school; we had once been friends, but that changed the moment I bested her in the spelling bee. From that day on, she became my fiercest rival. Our competition had only intensified over the years, and now, in college, it was as fierce as ever.

Carol was the epitome of beauty; she possessed a model’s physique and an intellect that could rival a rocket scientist. Her long, curly blonde hair framed her face, and her ocean-blue eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. Her glossy pink lips were always perfectly painted, and her mother, Natasha Declaire, a renowned fashion designer, ensured she donned the latest in designer wear.

To the world, she was the complete package, but beneath that flawless exterior lay a heart of ice.

“Hey, Judy,” she sneered, halting in front of our table, her friends flanking her like a pack of wolves ready to pounce. They regarded us with disdain, as though we were mere insects crushed beneath their heels.

“Carol,” I replied, my voice flat, devoid of any warmth.

“I heard you got rejected by your fated mate. What did you do to make him dump you?” she taunted, hands perched on her hips.

Her friends erupted into laughter, the sound sharp and mocking.

“Werewolves never reject their fated mates unless something serious happens,” one of them cackled.

“Judy must have done something really awful to scare Ethan away,” another chimed in, their laughter ringing in my ears like a taunt.

“That’s none of your business, Carol,” I snapped, my teeth gritted.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” Nan interjected, her arms crossed defiantly. “Aren’t we a bit too old for this mean girl act?”

“And if it isn’t Nan, the invisible sidekick,” Carol muttered, rolling her eyes before turning back to me. “I also heard your father is in prison because he owes a lot of money. How embarrassing for your family! How are you ever going to pay for your next semester with your family going bankrupt?”

“Are you just trying to distract from the fact that I’ve beaten you for the top student spot again this year by attacking my personal life?” I shot back, narrowing my eyes, a surge of adrenaline rushing through me.

Her expression faltered, surprise evident on her face as I struck at the heart of her insecurities. Her friends fell silent, their laughter dying in the air.

Nan sat back, a look of pride on her face, clearly impressed by my comeback.

“It won’t last,” Carol muttered, her bravado slipping. “Soon enough, I’ll knock you off your high horse. Come on, girls.”

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