The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 271

**Title: Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 271: Family Dynamics**

**Judy’s POV**

“You are such trash, Judy Montague. What on earth are you doing at my family’s barbeque?” Kelsey spat, her arms crossed tightly over her ample chest, her pink lips forming a tight line that spoke volumes of her disdain as she glared at me.

I felt my heart race, but I steadied myself, refusing to be intimidated. “If memory serves me right, the entire pack is invited, Kelsey. So, what exactly is the issue?” I shot back, narrowing my eyes defiantly. I had no intention of being her target today, especially since I was only here to support Irene, my friend. I didn’t want to waste my energy dealing with Kelsey’s drama.

“That doesn’t include you, Slut,” she retorted sharply, her voice dripping with venom.

Was she really calling me a slut when Ethan was the one who had left me for someone else? It seemed absurd to me, but Kelsey had always had a knack for twisting the narrative in her favor.

“It’s truly pathetic that you dared to show your face here. Are you seriously trying to beg Ethan to come back to you? Can’t you just let him go and allow him to find happiness? He’s with someone who actually deserves his time and affection. Irene fits in with our family so perfectly. We’ve known her for only a short while, but she’s already the ideal sister-in-law,” she continued, her voice laced with superiority.

I took a deep breath, trying to maintain my composure. “I’m not here to beg for Ethan,” I murmured, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “I’m just here to support my friend.”

“Yeah, right,” Kelsey scoffed, her tone mocking. “I highly doubt you’re here for anyone but yourself. You’re just pathetic, Judy.”

At that moment, Ethan appeared at Kelsey’s side, concern etched on his handsome face. “What’s going on here?” he asked, his voice low and authoritative. “You aren’t causing trouble again, are you, Kels?”

Kelsey frowned up at him, her icy blue eyes narrowing.

“Of course not, Ethan. I’m merely looking out for you. I won’t let this bitch worm her way back into your life when you’ve clearly moved on,” she replied, her tone sour and defensive.

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair, a gesture that always made my heart flutter despite the situation. “I don’t need you to look out for me. I can take care of myself,” he assured her, his voice firm but not unkind.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “I’m your sister; it’s my job to protect you,” she insisted, her tone full of indignation.

“You are my little sister,” he reminded her gently. “Please, don’t make any more trouble for either of us.”

Kelsey scowled, her lips pressed into a thin line, but before she could respond, Irene stepped in.

“Kelsey was just doing what she thought was right,” Irene said softly, surprising me. Was she truly defending Kelsey after the way she had spoken to me? I had thought Irene wanted me here as her friend, but her loyalty to Kelsey was making me question our friendship.

Ethan wrapped an arm around Irene’s shoulder, pulling her close, and she nestled against him, a picture of comfort and intimacy. He pressed a soft kiss to the side of her face, his gaze flickering over to me for a brief moment, and I felt a chill run down my spine. I shifted awkwardly in my shoes, trying to avoid his piercing gaze, which felt like it was burning a hole in my side.

“I want to introduce you to some friends,” he murmured to Irene, his voice low and inviting.

She nodded, then glanced back at me. “I’ll see you in a moment,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

I nodded, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace as she walked away, Ethan’s hand firmly in hers. He cast me one last look before turning his attention to a group of friends gathered across the yard, laughter and chatter filling the air.

“Judy?” A familiar voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see Meredith Cash striding toward me, her expression a mix of surprise and disapproval. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here this evening.”

“Kelsey thinks she’s here to get back with Ethan,” Kelsey interjected with a scowl, her tone dripping with disdain.

“Is that so?” Meredith asked, her gaze never leaving mine, as if she were sizing me up. “Well, I’m afraid that’s not going to happen. My Ethan is much happier with his fiancée. Irene is such a sweetheart, and she fits into our family far better than you ever did.”

“That’s exactly what I’ve been telling her,” Kelsey chimed in, a smirk playing on her lips. “In comparison to Irene, Judy is nothing.”

I opened my mouth, ready to defend myself, but the words caught in my throat. They had always treated me this way, and I couldn’t comprehend why. It felt like they had been waiting for my family to falter so they could rise above us. And now, with their newfound status, they felt entitled to belittle us as if we were nothing but dirt beneath their feet.

My heart twisted painfully; Ethan was my fated mate, and I had been the one wronged by their son. Yet, they seemed blind to that truth. It was a harsh reminder to both me and my wolf that we didn’t belong in this family, and perhaps we never would. Even if Ethan accepted me as his mate, the shadow of their disdain would always linger.

“Irene is incredibly wealthy, and her father is exceptionally famous,” Meredith continued, her voice laced with pride. “I can hardly believe my Ethan is marrying into the Landry family. Our families are now intertwined. This couldn’t have worked out more perfectly.”

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