The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 270

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 270: Cash Family Barbeque**

**Judy’s POV**

“You did what??” Gavin’s voice was incredulous, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he shot me a piercing glare. I sat on his bed, my gaze fixed on the floor, feeling the weight of his disapproval. “Why on earth would you agree to attend that barbeque?”

“Because Irene asked me to,” I replied softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “She’s my friend, Gavin. She needed my support… so I’m going.”

He let out a frustrated sigh, running his fingers through his tousled hair, a gesture that always made my heart flutter.

“Let me come with you,” he insisted after a brief pause, his tone shifting to one of concern.

I rose from the bed, closing the distance between us, and wrapped my arms around his neck, savoring the warmth of his embrace. I appreciated his desire to protect me, but I knew that bringing him along would only cause complications. It would create a scene, drawing attention to our unique bond.

“And how would we explain that?” I questioned him, tilting my head slightly to meet his gaze. “We’d have to come up with some elaborate excuse as to why you’re there defending me, Gavin. I really don’t think it’s a wise decision.”

He sighed deeply, pulling me closer, his arms encircling my waist.

“I get invited every year, you know. But I never actually go,” he murmured, almost as if he were revealing a secret.

His admission caught me off guard. I looked up at him, surprise etched on my face.

“If you feel compelled to attend, then go ahead,” I said gently. “But I need to prove to myself that I can handle this on my own without your intervention. Besides, I doubt Irene would want you there. This is her moment, and your presence might overshadow her.”

He nodded slowly, pressing his forehead against mine in a tender gesture.

“You’re right. I don’t like it, but you’re right. Just promise me, if he gives you any trouble—”

“I’ll call you,” I promised, standing on my toes to plant a soft kiss on his lips. “Mr. Protective.”

He rolled his eyes playfully, but I could see the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile.

“That’s me,” he replied softly. “Always the protector.”

He deepened the kiss, and soon we found ourselves tangled together in his bed, losing ourselves in each other for the rest of the night until sleep finally claimed us.

As morning light seeped through the curtains, I found myself descending the stairs of my house, still basking in the warmth of the previous night. My mother was waiting at the bottom, her brow furrowed in concern.

“Where have you been?” she asked, her voice sharp with curiosity. It was late morning, and I had just returned home a few hours earlier from Gavin’s villa. I had hoped to sneak in unnoticed, but clearly, my mother had been keeping tabs on my whereabouts.

“I just woke up,” I replied, rubbing the remnants of sleep from my eyes, trying to feign innocence.

“You weren’t home all night,” she said, her arms crossing over her chest like a protective barrier. “Don’t think I didn’t hear you slip in early this morning. This has been going on for weeks, Judy. You stay out all night and come back at dawn.”

A flush crept up my cheeks at her words, realizing she had indeed noticed my late-night escapades. I bit my lower lip, glancing down at the floor as she scrutinized me. Her expression shifted, eyes widening with realization.

“Are you seeing someone?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

“What? No, of course not,” I replied quickly, trying to dismiss her suspicions.

“Is it Ethan?” she pressed, her tone shifting to something more serious, sending a chill down my spine. Hope danced in her eyes, and I could feel my heart race. “Did you two reconcile?”

“No, Mom,” I said firmly, bursting her bubble. “Ethan’s engaged to someone else… remember?”

I braided my hair neatly, applying just enough makeup to enhance my features without overdoing it. By the time I was ready, it was time to leave. My mother drove us in her car, and the ride to the Cash family manor was quick. The estate loomed large, with guest houses dotting the expansive grounds.

If they truly wanted to, they could easily pay off my father’s debt and restore my family’s peace. But they were greedy, and I doubted they would help us without expecting something in return. I just hoped my mother would tread carefully with whatever she offered.

As we entered the manor, my mother walked with an air of confidence, her head held high. I admired her poise; she didn’t look like someone who had spent a month bedridden. Dressed in a stunning designer dress, her hair was pulled into a neat ponytail, cascading down her back. The heels she wore accentuated her legs, and her makeup made her look polished and striking.

We made our way to the back patio, where the barbeque was in full swing. The Cash family’s sprawling yard was filled with laughter, and I spotted a garden that I knew Ethan’s mother adored, along with a pool area where his sister, Kelsey, often mingled.

They typically invited most of the pack to their annual barbeque, showcasing their wealth and status. They also extended invitations to the affluent members of other packs, including Gavin, it seemed. Part of me hoped he would show up, but another part dreaded it. His sudden appearance would feel too conspicuous, especially now that his daughter was marrying into the family. I wanted this to be a good experience for Irene; it was her first meeting with Ethan’s family, and I hoped they wouldn’t treat her as they had treated me.

“Judy! You made it!” I heard Irene’s familiar voice call out as she rushed toward me, her face lighting up with a smile. She enveloped me in a warm hug before stepping back to take me in. “You look lovely.”

“You look amazing too,” I replied, my heart sinking a little as I spoke the truth. Irene was stunning in her black backless dress that highlighted her figure perfectly, her long blonde hair flowing gracefully around her shoulders. She needed little makeup to enhance her features, and her smile was brighter than the sun itself.

A twist of jealousy curled in my stomach, and I could sense my wolf retreating, her head bowed in submission. This was the woman our mate had chosen over me; in my haste with Gavin, I had almost forgotten that painful fact. I shouldn’t let it affect me, but the truth was, it still stung. Whenever I saw them together, kissing or being intimate, the mark on my neck burned with jealousy, robbing me of sleep at night. I couldn’t even fathom how much it would hurt once they consummated their relationship.

“I’ve been here for a couple of hours, and I’ve gotten to know his family,” Irene said, linking her arm through mine as we walked toward the throng of guests. My mother had already vanished into the crowd, and I caught sight of Ethan chatting with a group of men, including his father.

“What do you think of them?” I asked, bracing myself for her to reveal their true nature.

“Oh, they were so wonderful! I can’t imagine them being mean to anyone,” she gushed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “Especially his sister. I can’t wait to marry into this family.”

A frown creased my forehead. Kelsey, Ethan’s eighteen-year-old sister, was the worst of them all. I was relieved they hadn’t treated Irene poorly, likely because of her status as a Landry, but it still stung knowing she fit in better than I ever did. I bit the inside of my cheek, choosing to remain silent rather than voice my doubts.

“Well, look what the wet dog dragged in,” a crude voice sneered from nearby. “You have a lot of nerve showing your face here.”