The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 239

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 239: A Favor**

**Judy’s POV**

I had imagined that Gavin would drop me off at home first before heading back with the others, so I was taken aback when he chose to take Irene, Matt, and Ethan to the villa first. As soon as they exited the car, the sound of the door clicking shut reverberated in the silence, and I felt the sudden barrier of the window sliding up, isolating me from the world outside.

Furrowing my brows, I glanced sideways at Gavin. He was staring straight ahead, pointedly avoiding my gaze.

“Did you really invite me to dinner just to flaunt Ethan’s relationship in my face?” I found myself questioning, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

“You needed to see them together,” Gavin replied, his tone devoid of any warmth. “Nothing you do will tear them apart.”

“And you think I even want to tear them apart?” I shot back, feeling a mix of indignation and frustration. “I have no interest in Ethan—”

“Good. So, keeping your distance should be a piece of cake for you, right?” He turned his head to finally meet my eyes, his gaze penetrating, as if he were trying to see the very depths of my soul.

I felt a strange paralysis wash over me as I held his gaze, caught in a web of emotions I couldn’t quite name.

“Right,” I managed to whisper, my voice barely escaping my lips, breathless and shaky.

Before I could process what was happening, Gavin’s hand was at the back of my head, holding me steady as he leaned in closer, lowering himself to my eye level. The closeness was electric; I could feel the warmth of his breath brushing against my lips, sending shivers down my spine. My eyes fluttered, fighting the urge to close, desperately trying to resist the intoxicating pull he had on me. But Gavin Landry had a way of making it almost impossible to think straight. My heart raced violently, as if it might leap from my chest at any moment.

“Let’s clarify something, Miss Montague,” he said, his voice low and commanding, causing my knees to weaken. “If my daughter gets hurt because of your antics with her fiancé, I will hold you responsible. I won’t take it easy on you. My family comes first, above all else.”

“You don’t even like Ethan,” I retorted, my voice dropping to a whisper, almost hesitant. “Why are you so adamant about him being with her?” I knew it was a risky question, one that painted me in a less-than-flattering light, but the curiosity bubbled over.

From my interactions with Gavin and Ethan, it was evident that Gavin held a deep disdain for him. I recalled the earlier incident when Gavin nearly lost control; if I hadn’t reminded him that Irene would be heartbroken if anything happened to Ethan, he might have gone through with it. It baffled me—why would a father want his daughter to be with someone he couldn’t stand?

As soon as the words left my mouth, I noticed a dark shadow cross Gavin’s features, and he released his grip on me, creating a sudden distance that felt both relieving and unsettling.

“That’s not your business,” he murmured, his voice low, carrying an edge that sent a shiver down my spine. “Stay out of other people’s affairs.”

I looked down at my hands, fiddling nervously with my fingers, feeling the weight of his words.

“You’re right; I’m sorry,” I replied quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.

The car soon came to a halt, and I realized we were parked outside my house. I unbuckled my seatbelt and glanced over at Gavin. He appeared lost in thought, his expression distant, and I felt a sudden urge to ask him what was on his mind. But I bit my tongue, reminding myself that it wasn’t my place to pry.

“Thank you for the ride, Alpha Landry,” I said, pushing the door open and stepping out into the cool night air.

I could feel his gaze lingering on me as I exited the car and shut the door behind me. The chill of the evening wrapped around me like a shroud, and I shivered, realizing that the dress Irene had lent me left little to the imagination. There was more skin exposed than fabric, and it was hardly suitable for the brisk weather. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ward off the cold as I approached my front door.

Just as I was about to take another step, a sudden warmth enveloped my shoulders, freezing me in place. I looked down to see a familiar jacket draped around me. Slowly, I turned to find Gavin standing just behind me, having removed his coat to offer me some comfort. My cheeks flushed as I met his gaze.

“You should have dressed more appropriately for the weather,” he said, his tone indifferent, but I could sense a hint of concern beneath it.

I frowned, feeling a mixture of gratitude and irritation.

“I didn’t plan on wearing a dress tonight,” I replied, my voice laced with exasperation. “Especially not one so revealing.”

His eyes flicked down to my attire briefly before returning to my face.

“Don’t let this become a habit,” he muttered before turning on his heel and making his way back to his car.

“A habit? Seriously?” I called after him, my voice rising in disbelief. “Maybe don’t drag me to a fancy restaurant with your family if you’re concerned about my attire! I didn’t exactly have a say in what I wore!”

He didn’t respond, sliding back into the backseat of the car and slamming the door shut behind him. I scowled, marching to my front door with a sense of indignation. Digging into my bag, I retrieved my keys, unlocking the door and peering into the darkened interior of my house. A heavy sigh escaped my lips.

Turning back, I noticed the car still idling in front of my house; he hadn’t driven off yet, waiting until I was safely inside. It was a small gesture, but one I appreciated. It made me wonder if perhaps he cared more than he let on.

As soon as I stepped inside, the car drove away, and I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. My body trembled, and I clutched his coat tightly around me, inhaling deeply.

It smelled just like him.

**The Next Day**

“What are we going to practice today?” Matt asked eagerly as we stepped outside. We had just wrapped up his homework, and I had promised him some extra training in the fresh air.

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