The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 264

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 264: Masquerade Gala**

**Judy’s POV**

The Gala unfolded before me in a dazzling spectacle, every bit as enchanting as I had envisioned. Yet, the sheer volume of people was overwhelming. As our sleek limousine rolled to a halt at the entrance, the throng of eager attendees lined up to gain entry, the paparazzi descended upon us like a swarm of bees. Blinding flashes erupted all around, momentarily disorienting me. I felt Walter’s firm grip on my hand, guiding me through the doorway, a protective gesture that both comforted and excited me. The press was relentless, peppering us with questions about Irene’s stunning outfit. Just as one of them turned their attention to me, recognizing the signature style of Ella Venuti, I instinctively opened my mouth to respond, but Irene leaned in close, her voice a hushed warning.

“You really don’t want to engage with them,” she advised, her tone urgent yet calm. “They twist your words and turn them into something ugly.”

I bit my lip, the weight of her words settling in. I nodded, suppressing the urge to speak.

We approached the security guards stationed at the entrance. Ethan confidently produced their invitations, the guard scrutinizing them for a beat before nodding and stepping aside.

Walter followed suit, presenting our tickets. The guard examined them with a practiced eye, then granted us passage with a curt nod. Walter extended his arm to me, and I accepted it with a soft smile, feeling a flutter of anticipation.

The atmosphere inside was electric, the music pulsing through the air like a heartbeat. Everywhere I looked, guests adorned in shimmering gowns and tailored suits swirled around, their identities obscured by elaborate masks. Yet, even without the masks, I doubted I would recognize many faces.

“This place is absolutely breathtaking,” I breathed, my gaze drawn upwards to the cascade of light streamers that danced gracefully across the ceiling. “It’s like a dream.”

“Is this your first Gala?” Walter inquired, his eyes searching mine for an answer.

I nodded, feeling a blush creep across my cheeks under his attentive gaze.

“Is it that obvious?” I teased, trying to deflect the attention.

He chuckled softly. “I suppose it’s a fresh experience for both of us.”

Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never attended one before?”

He shrugged, a casual gesture that belied the deeper truth. “Not an American one, no. I’ve been to a few in France, but this… this is something different. Work keeps me busy, so I rarely go out.”

“What are we supposed to do at these events besides stand here and look pretty?” I asked, a playful lilt in my voice.

He smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “We drink and mingle with the affluent,” he replied. My laughter bubbled up at his cheekiness. “Can I fetch you a drink?”

“That would be wonderful,” I replied, feeling a sense of ease wash over me. “Just anything but champagne.”

“Not a fan?” he asked, curiosity piquing his interest.

“Not really,” I admitted, shaking my head.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said, winking before he turned to navigate through the crowd toward the bar.

“There you are!” Irene’s voice broke through the noise as she slipped her arm through mine. “Come on; we have a table reserved over here.”

I glanced past her shoulder and spotted Ethan already seated, a sinking feeling settling in my stomach. I swallowed hard, willing my legs to move toward the table, the weight of the night ahead pressing down on me. This was going to be a long, arduous evening.

**Gavin’s POV**

“Mr. Landry, how much are you donating for the Gala this year?”

“Mr. Landry, who designed your suit?”

“Are you here with anyone special tonight?”

I brushed past the paparazzi, their questions falling on deaf ears. As I reached the security guard, he nodded at me, granting me entry without needing to see my invitation. I stepped past him, pausing only to retrieve my mask from my pocket. I slipped it over my face, an act that felt both liberating and constraining, and continued my way inside.

Truth be told, I was never particularly fond of these extravagant gatherings. However, as the primary sponsor, my presence was expected. The staff darted around, hustling to serve the throngs of elegantly dressed guests. Everywhere I turned, women were preening, puffing out their chests and batting their lashes in my direction. I ignored them, just as I did the paparazzi.

My first stop was the bar. As I approached, I noticed Walter placing an order for drinks. If he was here, then Judy must be as well. Instinctively, my gaze sought her out. She was seated at a table with Ethan and Irene, looking somewhat uneasy. I noticed Irene animatedly chatting while Ethan’s attention was fixated on Judy. A surge of anger coursed through me; Ethan’s gaze should be reserved solely for my daughter.

Was I really going to have to confront him about this again?

And what was Judy thinking? Wearing a dress like that, knowing the kind of men that would be around, especially with her ex-mate in attendance? It was as if she craved his attention.

“Uncle?” Walter’s voice pulled me from my thoughts as he strolled past, drinks in hand.

I turned my scrutiny onto him, nodding curtly, my silence speaking volumes.

“I’m glad you came,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. “I hope it’s alright that I brought Judy. I know you had reservations about me dating someone from your staff, but Judy is different. I genuinely like her. I might even be in love with her.”

I was about to decline when my gaze caught Judy on the dance floor, wrapped in Walter’s arms. She looked utterly at ease, her body pressed against his. My jaw clenched as I turned back to Daisy, nodding reluctantly.

I took her hand, leading her to the dance floor, where she eagerly wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing herself against me. As we swayed to the music, my eyes were drawn back to Judy. How could she allow this man to touch her after what we had shared just nights ago? She had no shame.

Daisy chattered on about something, but I barely registered her words. I offered generic responses, feigning interest while my mind was elsewhere.

Once more, I glanced at Judy and saw Walter lean in, kissing her cheek before pressing his lips to hers. She allowed it, closing her eyes as she relaxed into the kiss. But there was no passion in it; it felt like she was merely fulfilling an obligation. It was nothing compared to the fiery kisses we had shared. My body reacted instinctively at the memory, reminding me that I was not with Judy right now.

She was with someone else.

Walter whispered something in her ear, and she nodded, a smile gracing her lips. He kissed her one last time before striding away toward the bathroom. Judy, looking somewhat lost, returned to the now-empty table, as Irene had taken to the dance floor with Ethan.

“Gavin?” Daisy called, trying to draw my attention back to her.

I turned my head, giving her a brief nod.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I said, not bothering to fabricate an excuse. She looked taken aback as I released her and walked away, her voice fading into the background.

I approached the table where Judy sat, and her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing me.

“I thought you were going to the bathroom?” she asked, confusion etched on her features.

She had mistaken me for Walter, and I wasn’t about to correct her just yet. Without uttering a word, I took her hand, pulling her to her feet. The electric connection between us ignited, sending my wolf into a frenzy, and I fought to keep him in check. She inhaled sharply, feeling the spark as well. I led her onto the dance floor, drawing her into my arms.

As I wrapped my arms around her, the intoxicating scent of her enveloped me, calming my racing heart. We moved in sync, the world around us fading away. I couldn’t tear my gaze from her, and she seemed just as entranced by me. Her breathing quickened, and I felt a tremor run through her as my fingers grazed the seams of her dress.

She looked absolutely breathtaking tonight. Her lips were plump and pink, begging for a kiss that was worthy of her. She deserved a real kiss, not that fleeting peck Walter had given her.

Her lips parted slightly, her tongue darting out to moisten her bottom lip.

“Walter, I—”

Before she could finish that thought, I closed the distance between us, capturing her lips in a kiss that was fervent and consuming, a kiss that set my very soul ablaze.