The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 265

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 265: Walter’s Anger**

**Judy’s POV**

The kiss we shared felt unlike any other; my heart thundered wildly in my chest, each beat echoing my disbelief. I had never imagined Walter capable of such a passionate embrace, yet there I was, nearly weightless in his arms, as his lips claimed mine with an intensity that left me breathless. But there was something oddly familiar about it… it was as if I were kissing Gavin.

Why did Gavin’s name keep resurfacing in my thoughts? It was as though he had woven himself into the very fabric of my mind, refusing to let go. As we parted, I gasped for air, my cheeks aflame, my pulse racing like a runaway train.

I opened my mouth, desperate to say something, anything, but before I could utter a word, he stepped back, his eyes filled with a dark, smoldering desire.

“Walter—”

My voice trailed off as he vanished into the throng of people, leaving me standing there, breathless and flushed, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. I was stunned that he could just walk away after such an electrifying kiss. I gingerly touched my lips with my fingers, feeling their fullness, and I was sure they had turned a bright shade of red.

“Are you okay?” Irene’s voice cut through my thoughts as she paused beside me, her gaze following the same path Walter had taken.

“I… uh…” I stammered, grappling with my thoughts. “Do you know where Walter is going?”

“Walter?” she echoed, a frown creasing her forehead as she glanced back at the table. “He just returned to the table.”

A chill ran through me; what did she just say?

With a slow turn, I spotted Walter, engaged in conversation with Ethan as he slid back into his seat. His eyes roamed the room until they landed on me, and a radiant smile broke across his face as he waved me over. I was utterly bewildered. If that was Walter, then who had just kissed me?

I searched the crowd for the man who had ignited that spark, but he had disappeared into the sea of faces. My heart raced, and my palms grew clammy. A stranger had just bestowed upon me one of the most exhilarating kisses of my life, filled with a yearning I had never experienced before… well, that wasn’t entirely true. I felt it every time Gavin kissed me…

But surely, that couldn’t have been Gavin. He would never risk such a public display of affection. He had far too much restraint, and we had both agreed that our night of passion was a mistake that should remain buried in the past. So if that wasn’t Walter and it wasn’t Gavin, then who was it?

“Your face is all red,” Walter remarked, a frown etching his features as I approached the table. “Is everything alright?”

I couldn’t bring myself to share what had transpired, so I simply nodded.

“Yes,” I replied, forcing a small smile. “I think I’m just a little tired.”

After a couple of hours at the gala, I was indeed feeling the weight of exhaustion. The excitement had been delightful, but I wasn’t accustomed to such lively affairs, and the alcohol was beginning to cloud my thoughts.

“Here, have a sip of water,” Walter offered, handing me a glass.

I grinned appreciatively at him and took a few generous gulps, sighing in relief as the cold liquid soothed my parched throat.

“Thank you,” I said sweetly, feeling a warmth spread through me.

He stood, wrapping an arm around my waist and planting a soft kiss on my cheek. Even his scent was different from the man I had just been kissing on the dance floor. My mind spun with confusion, and my wolf stirred restlessly within me. She wanted to chase after that mysterious man, yet she was also tormented by the presence of our mate, who was here with another woman. The turmoil was maddening, and it was driving me to the brink of insanity.

“How about we step outside?” he suggested, his voice low and inviting. “There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”

I nodded, allowing him to take my hand; we bid farewell to Irene and completely ignored Ethan, who was glaring at me with a look that could burn. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him at that moment. Walter led me toward the back door, and we stepped out onto the patio of the Gala Hall. The night was stunning; the crescent moon hung high in the sky, surrounded by a blanket of stars that twinkled like diamonds. The air was crisp, prompting me to wrap my arms around myself for warmth.

I regretted not bringing a coat, my mind too preoccupied with thoughts of the evening to consider the chill. Walter, seemingly attuned to my discomfort, slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

“Thanks,” I murmured, touched by his thoughtfulness.

“Of course,” he replied, keeping his arm around me, pulling me closer to his side.

“It’s a beautiful night,” I remarked, attempting to fill the silence that had settled between us, hoping to ease the tension.

“Not as beautiful as you,” he purred, his voice rich with admiration.

Feeling the heat rise in my cheeks, I cleared my throat and gently extricated myself from his embrace. I turned to face him, noticing the small frown that tugged at his lips.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” I inquired, trying to steer the conversation away from the awkwardness that lingered.

He lifted his mask, revealing his face more clearly, and I suddenly remembered that I had mine on as well. I quickly removed it, holding it in my hands as I gazed up at him. He appeared nervous, as if wrestling with his thoughts, and I could sense the internal struggle he was facing.

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