The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 269

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 269: Lies**

**Judy’s POV**

“Hey, Dad! Are you planning to watch us practice again today?” Matt’s voice rang out with youthful enthusiasm as Gavin entered the parlor, his presence instantly brightening the room.

It had been a few weeks since our arrangement had taken shape, and honestly, everything was unfolding far better than I had ever anticipated. There were moments when Ethan nearly caught us in the act, and we had to remind ourselves to be more discreet around the house. We agreed that keeping our displays of affection to a minimum during daylight hours was wise. Yet, even with the precautions, he still picked me up from college, whisking me away to his villa. At least twice a week, I found myself sleeping in Gavin’s bed, and he always ensured I was home early in the morning, so no one would raise an eyebrow.

The most noticeable change in our lives was Gavin’s newfound involvement in Matt’s activities. He had started joining us during our outdoor training sessions and sometimes even sat in with us during our academic tutoring in the parlor. Matt absolutely thrived on this, and seeing that joy radiate from his face filled me with happiness. Since Gavin began to take a more active role in his life, Matt hadn’t gotten into trouble at school, and I could sense his spirits lifting.

“Would that be alright?” Gavin inquired, settling into one of the nearby chairs, his gaze shifting between Matt and me.

“Absolutely!” Matt exclaimed, his face lighting up with pure delight.

Gavin’s smile widened as he looked at Matt, but then his eyes met mine, sending my heart racing.

“Would that be okay with you?” he teased, raising his brows in a playful manner. I could see the satisfaction in his expression, knowing he was making me blush. “I wouldn’t want to intrude or anything.”

“I have no objections, Mr. Landry. But I might just put you to work,” I replied, a mischievous wink escaping as I stood up. Turning to Matt, whose grin was infectious, I asked, “Are you ready to practice what I taught you the other day?”

In an instant, he leaped to his feet, laughter bubbling out of him.

“Yes!” he shouted. He grabbed my hand and then Gavin’s, tugging them both to his feet. “Let’s go!”

We followed Matt outside, his excitement palpable as he pulled us along. I glanced at Gavin, who wore a smile that warmed my heart; it was a sight I never wanted to take for granted.

Upon reaching the training grounds, Matt released our hands and dashed toward the weapon chest, eager to grab some gear.

“So, what exactly did you teach him?” Gavin asked, curiosity evident in his tone as he stood beside me.

I shot him a sly smile, crossing my arms over my chest.

“You’ll see,” I replied, stepping away from him, a playful challenge hanging in the air.

Matt picked up a few daggers, positioning himself in front of a towering tree. I admired the tree’s grandeur, and Gavin followed my gaze, both of us momentarily lost in its majesty. One by one, Matt hurled the daggers at the tree, causing a rain of pinecones and acorns to tumble down around us. Gavin instinctively dodged, a look of confusion crossing his face as the debris fell.

Then, in a swift motion, Matt lunged at Gavin, delivering a punch to his stomach and stepping on his throat, aiming an arrow at his face. Gavin’s eyes widened in shock, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“I taught him the art of surprise distraction,” I explained, grinning. “And the perfect spot to punch someone—no matter how tough they are. It brings them to their knees every time.”

Gavin raised his eyebrows, a grin breaking across his face as he took in my words. Without hesitation, he grabbed Matt’s leg, pulling him down to the ground in a playful tackle. He was gentle enough not to hurt Matt but firm enough to assert his strength, ensuring Matt understood who was in charge. Matt gasped, laughter bubbling up as Gavin easily disarmed him, and just as he had him pinned, Matt erupted into giggles.

The two of them rolled around, wrestling like boys, and my heart swelled at the sight of this father-son bond. I was so engrossed in their playful antics that I didn’t notice Ethan standing nearby until he seized my arm and yanked me away.

“Ethan, what the hell are you doing?” I gasped, stumbling as he pulled me further away from Gavin and Matt.

He halted in a more secluded, wooded area, trapping me against a tree with his arms.

“What am I doing? What do you think you’re doing? What’s going on between you and Gavin?” His voice was low, laced with anger.

I stared at him, shock etched across my features.

“Are you out of your mind?” I retorted, my voice rising. “What right do you have to question me? You’re engaged to another woman!”

I tried to push him away, but he stood his ground, too strong for me to budge. He closed the distance between us, his body pressing against mine, pinning me to the tree. In the past, such proximity would have sent shivers of excitement through me; now, it made me feel trapped and uncomfortable.

“And weren’t you just dating another man not too long ago?” he pressed, a hint of accusation in his tone. “What happened there? Did you drive him away because you couldn’t get enough of Gavin Landry?”

“Let me go, Ethan,” I demanded, squirming against him. “You have no right to question me! Go be with your fiancée!”

“I never thought you were such a slut!” he spat, his words like daggers.

“You are shameless, Mr. Cash,” I hissed back, anger boiling within me. “Leave me alone. My relationship with Gavin is none of your business. We are done!”

“You are still mine, Judy Montague. Don’t you ever forget that!” he growled, his voice low and menacing.

“In your dreams,” I shot back, my tone cold and cruel.

Just as he opened his mouth to respond, he was yanked away from me, gasping as he turned to face an infuriated Gavin. Without a moment’s hesitation, Gavin landed a punch to Ethan’s stomach, sending him sprawling to the ground.

My heart raced as Gavin seized Ethan by the shirt, yanking him to his feet and shoving him against the tree.

“Why can’t you behave?” Gavin growled, his voice a low rumble. “Every time I turn around, you’re causing trouble for Judy! You’re engaged to my daughter; should I be worried about your commitment to her?”

“N-no, Alpha. Of course not! I love your daughter. I mean no disrespect,” Ethan stammered, his face paling. “W-we were just having an innocent conversation.”

“It didn’t look so innocent to me. You had her pressed against a tree! The next time I see you pestering Judy, I will make your life a living hell, and you can forget about ever becoming an Alpha. Do I make myself clear, Ethan Cash?”

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