The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 249

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 249: Threat**

**Gavin’s POV**

As we navigated the winding roads back to the villa, the tension in the car was palpable. “Alpha, I need to tell you something,” Beta Taylor announced from the front seat, his tone heavy with an urgency that made my stomach churn. After a long, grueling day at the office, the last thing I wanted was to hear bad news. My mind was still reeling from the image of my nephew, Walter, tangled with Judy in broad daylight just the day before. I hadn’t uttered a word to either of them since that shocking moment, and the anger simmered just beneath the surface.

I was aware that my reaction had been excessive; Walter was a decent kid, smart and ambitious, much like his father, with whom I shared a cordial relationship. Yet, the thought of him with Judy twisted my insides. I couldn’t shake the gnawing discomfort that accompanied the idea of them together.

I forced the troubling thoughts aside and glanced at Taylor, whose gaze was fixed intently out the front window, as if bracing himself for the storm that was about to unfold.

“Well, spit it out,” I urged, my patience wearing thin.

“It’s about Judy and Walter,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of reluctance.

A chill ran down my spine. “What about them?” I barked, my teeth clenched tightly.

“They were spotted last night on a date,” he blurted out, his tone sheepish yet urgent. “They went to a luxurious restaurant and were seen holding hands.”

In that moment, a wave of fury washed over me. I had explicitly told Walter to steer clear of Judy, and yet here he was, disregarding my warning. Judy, too, had chosen to ignore the boundaries I had set. Did she truly believe she could risk her position, knowing I could terminate her employment at any moment? Or was it the allure of Walter’s wealth that drew her in, the promise that he could alleviate her father’s debts?

She was cunning, and I refused to let her get away with this reckless behavior.

“Floor it!” I growled, my voice low and dangerous. “I need to get home immediately.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Taylor replied, pressing the accelerator with a sense of urgency. He understood the gravity of the moment and knew better than to engage in idle chatter.

As we sped back to the villa, the world outside blurred into a haze. I didn’t waste a breath on small talk with Taylor; my mind was racing, consumed by the chaos I was about to confront.

Upon arriving, I stormed out of the car, barely acknowledging Adam, who bowed in greeting, still silent as per my orders. I rushed into the parlor, expecting to find Judy diligently tutoring Matthew. Instead, I was met with a scene that sent my blood boiling.

Walter had Ethan pinned against the wall, gripping him by the collar, rage emanating from him like a palpable force.

“Get your hands off me,” Ethan snarled, his voice low and defiant.

“Why would you break up with your fated mate for my cousin?” Walter demanded, his tone laced with venom.

“Because I fell in love,” Ethan shot back, struggling against Walter’s hold. “I love Irene.”

“Bullshit,” Walter spat, his anger only intensifying.

“Think what you want, but I’m speaking the truth,” Ethan retorted, his eyes narrowing.

“She was your fated mate!” Walter growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Your wolf wouldn’t have given up on her so easily.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about! You’ve never had a fated mate! I didn’t want the goddess dictating my life,” Ethan explained, desperation creeping into his voice. “I love Irene, and I’d do anything for her, even leave my fated mate. She doesn’t know that Judy and I were mates, and I’d like it to stay that way.”

“And she won’t,” I interrupted, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Both young men froze, their eyes snapping to me. Walter swallowed hard, releasing Ethan and stepping back, running his fingers through his tousled blond curls in a nervous gesture.

“I’m sorry, Uncle. I got carried away,” Walter murmured, his gaze fixed on the floor. “I just didn’t want to see anyone get hurt because of this asshole.”

“I agree with you,” I said, surprising them both. “I don’t want either of you getting hurt.”

I turned my gaze to Ethan, narrowing my eyes. “If you’re not genuinely interested in my daughter, you need to step away from her before it’s too late. I won’t allow her to marry someone who isn’t wholeheartedly committed.” I knew it would break her heart if Ethan walked away now, but it would be far worse if they wed and he ended up causing her pain. I had to protect her, and if Ethan hurt her, I would not hesitate to exact my own form of justice.

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