The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 244

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 244: Proving His Skills**

**Judy’s POV**

I was no fool. The man lounging in the parlor with Irene and Ethan was undeniably striking. There was something about his features that felt oddly familiar, almost as if I had seen him before in a dream. His gaze was locked on me, as if I were the sole being in his universe, and I could feel a rush of warmth creeping up my cheeks.

I blinked a few times, trying to shake off the effect he had on me, and managed to muster a shy smile before I turned on my heel and fled the room. Outside, I found Matt, who was immersed in his training, throwing daggers with impressive precision at the dummies set up in the yard. His technique had clearly evolved, showcasing the dedication he had poured into honing his skills. As I approached, he paused his practice and accepted the water bottle I offered him with a grateful nod.

“Do you know if Irene was expecting any visitors today?” I inquired, settling down on the grass beside him, the blades cool against my skin.

He glanced over at the villa, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. After a moment, a flicker of recognition lit up his eyes.

“My cousin Walter is in town for the month,” Matt replied. “I only met him once, but I believe he’s supposed to arrive today.”

A frown creased my brow as I processed this new information, and then it hit me like a bolt of lightning—this was why he seemed so familiar.

“Walter Landry? The French journalist?” I asked, my eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

I had certainly heard of Walter Landry, but I had never connected the dots that he was related to Gavin. The coincidence of their last names had led me to believe it was merely a coincidence. But Matt nodded, glancing up at me with an amused expression.

“Yes, that’s him,” he confirmed. “You’ve heard of him?”

“Of course! His work is phenomenal,” I exclaimed, shaking my head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you’re actually related to him.”

“Well, his last name is Landry,” Matt teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Yeah, but I thought it was just a coincidence,” I admitted, curiosity bubbling within me. “What brings him here?”

Just as Matt opened his mouth to respond, a voice sliced through the air behind me, causing me to freeze in place.

“I’m after my next great story. Do you have any leads for me, Miss Montague?”

I spun around to find Walter striding toward us, the sun casting a halo around him, illuminating his features and making him appear almost ethereal. He was undeniably handsome, though I couldn’t help but think he paled in comparison to Gavin. Still, the resemblance was striking, and it was clear they shared the same lineage.

I blinked a few times, trying to regain my composure.

“Mr. Landry, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, extending my hand for a handshake.

He glanced at my outstretched hand for a heartbeat before a playful smirk appeared on his face. Instead of shaking it, he lifted it to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of my hand.

“No need for formalities. Just call me Walter,” he said smoothly.

“Then you can call me Judy,” I replied, my heart racing slightly.

“Judy…” he repeated, as if savoring my name, his voice low and melodic. “What a lovely name.”

“How long will you be visiting, Walter?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“I’m here for a month,” he replied, his gaze locking onto mine with a hint of something deeper. “Unless, of course, I find a reason to extend my stay.”

The implication in his words sent a shiver down my spine.

“Oh, Judy! I see you’ve met my cousin,” Irene’s voice chimed in, breaking the moment as she approached, Ethan trailing behind her, his expression dark and brooding.

“Yes,” I said, straightening my posture, feeling slightly flustered. “He’s quite charming.”

“That’s my cousin for you,” Irene chuckled, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “We were inseparable growing up. I’m thrilled to have him here; it’s his first visit to our country, and I was planning to show him around the pack. Would you like to join us?”

“I can’t, I still have some work to do with Matt,” I said, gesturing toward him, who had resumed his dagger practice.

Irene’s face fell, disappointment etched across her features.

“Then we should probably get going,” Ethan interjected, grabbing Irene’s arm with a sense of urgency. “We have places to be, don’t we, Walter?”

Walter’s eyes remained fixed on mine, a playful glint in them.

“Actually, I’d prefer to stay a bit longer. Perhaps I could lend a hand to Judy here.”

I raised an eyebrow at him, skepticism creeping in.

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