The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 266

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 266: I’m Yours**

**Judy’s POV**

M

Finished.

The sharp sting on my cheek was a reminder of the force behind his blow, the cut on my lip a crimson testament to the chaos that had just unfolded. I could feel the swelling begin to rise, a painful reminder of his anger. The moment he caught sight of the blood trickling from my lip, I witnessed the horror wash over his face, a mixture of shock and regret. He instantly released me, stepping back with his hands raised as if to ward off the gravity of what had just happened.

Yet, that very gesture made me flinch, a reaction that didn’t escape him. I could see the hurt flicker in his eyes, and it twisted something deep within me.

“Judy… I’m—”

“Don’t touch me,” I spat through clenched teeth, my voice sounding foreign, even to my own ears.

“I’m… I’m so sorry…” His hands flew to cover his face, as if he could shield himself from the reality of his actions. “I didn’t mean to hurt you…”

“Just leave…” I managed to choke out, my heart racing as I fought to keep the tears at bay, desperately wanting to hold it together until he was gone.

He didn’t linger; silence hung heavy in the air as he turned and dashed away from me. The moment he disappeared from sight, I let the dam break. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop stinging the fresh wound on my lip. I gingerly touched my swollen cheek, wincing at the pain. Thankfully, the night was quiet, and there were no witnesses to my humiliation, but I had no intention of sticking around long enough for anyone to come outside and see me in this state.

I hurriedly fled from the back patio, bypassing the entrance to the house entirely. I briefly considered saying goodbye to Irene, but the thought of her questioning gaze made my stomach twist. I couldn’t face those questions right now; my entire being trembled as I navigated my way around the front of the building.

Walter was supposed to be my ride, but there was no way in hell I was going to seek him out, not after everything. I fished my phone out of my purse, my fingers trembling as I prepared to call an Uber. But before I could hit dial, I heard my name—my entire body froze in place.

“Judy?”

That voice was unmistakable, and dread pooled in my stomach at the thought of facing him in this vulnerable state. I could feel the tears still cascading down my cheeks, and I turned my back to him, unwilling to show my weakness. I heard the unmistakable sound of a car door opening and closing, and then I was enveloped in that familiar scent, his hands resting gently on my shoulders.

A jolt of electricity coursed through my body at his touch, and I hated that I still felt this magnetic pull toward him.

“What happened?” Gavin’s voice was low, the tension palpable. He didn’t need to see my face to know that I was upset; how could he possibly know?

When my only response was a small sniffle, he turned me around with a firm yet gentle grip. Shock replaced concern in his eyes as they took in the damage to my face. His gaze darkened, fury bubbling just beneath the surface.

“Who did this to you?” he demanded, his voice like gravel.

“It doesn’t matter,” I murmured, hastily wiping the tears from my cheeks. “I just want to go home.”

“Was it my nephew?” His question cut through the air, ignoring my plea for escape.

I remained silent, and he let out a low growl—a sound that made my heart race. He already knew the answer, and I felt a mix of fear and relief at his anger. He gently lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.

“I will never let him hurt you again,” he said, each word deliberate and heavy with promise. I stared into his eyes, searching for any hint of insincerity, but all I found was a fierce determination. After what felt like an eternity, I nodded.

Then, with an agonizing slowness, he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, tentative kiss. My heart raced, and I felt my wolf stir within me, eager and alive. His kiss was everything I had longed for and yet so achingly familiar. In that moment, I realized he was the man I had kissed inside, the one who had haunted my dreams. If he had still been wearing his mask, he would have resembled Walter; the family resemblance was undeniable, and I felt foolish for not recognizing it sooner.

As his tongue flicked out, teasing my bottom lip, I parted my lips, granting him the permission he sought. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer, kissing me with a fervor that felt as if his very life depended on it. The pain in my cheek and lip began to fade, and I couldn’t tell if it was him healing me or my wolf, but I didn’t care—I just wanted him to keep kissing me.

I craved more… no, I needed more of him.

**Gavin’s POV**

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