The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 274

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 274: Almost Just Marked Her!**

**Gavin’s POV**

The fury that surged through me as I witnessed Ethan’s family tormenting Judy was a tempest unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was a raw, primal rage that bubbled just beneath the surface, threatening to erupt at any moment. I was genuinely astonished at my ability to rein it in. Being at this barbecue was not my choice; I would have much preferred to be anywhere else, yet Judy’s pleading eyes anchored me to the moment. I couldn’t abandon her, not when she needed me.

As I glanced around, I spotted her mingling with a few girls her age, and my heart sank at the sight. She looked out of place, her discomfort palpable. The bright pink hue spreading across her cheeks was unmistakable. I tuned my Lycan hearing into their conversation, completely tuning out Raymond Cash’s drone of words on the other side of me.

“It must be really embarrassing for you to watch your fated mate with another she-wolf,” one of the girls remarked, her tone dripping with malice.

“I’m surprised you even bothered to show up,” the other chimed in, her voice laced with disdain.

A low growl escaped my lips, startling the group at the table. The sudden attention turned toward me, and I quickly cleared my throat, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.

“I apologize,” I said, rising to my feet with determination. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment.”

What I intended to do was unclear, but I knew I couldn’t remain seated and let Judy endure the embarrassment these insipid girls were inflicting upon her. With purposeful strides, I approached them, my presence commanding attention. Without a second thought, I draped my arm around Judy’s shoulders, pulling her close.

“Ladies,” I addressed them, watching their jaws drop in shock. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to steal Miss Montague.”

“A… Alpha Gavin Landry?” One of them stammered, her eyes widening as she gazed up at me in awe. “I… it’s an honor…”

I met her gaze with an indifferent stare, refusing to indulge her with a response.

The other girl flicked her gaze between Judy and me, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.

“I wasn’t aware you and Judy knew each other,” she remarked, her brows arching in disbelief.

Judy opened her mouth to speak, but I swiftly intervened.

“My relationship with Miss Montague is none of your concern,” I stated firmly. “If you’ll excuse us.”

I didn’t wait for Judy to voice any objections; I simply pulled her along with me back to the table where I had been seated. Her eyes were wide, and I could see the flush of embarrassment still coloring her cheeks.

“I could have handled that,” she insisted, her gaze fixed on the ground as we walked.

“You shouldn’t have to,” I murmured softly, wishing to reassure her.

Once we were seated, I slid a plate of food in her direction, and she began to nibble at it in silence, lost in her thoughts.

“Is everything okay?” Raymond inquired, glancing between Judy and me, his concern evident.

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral.

“As a Lycan, I’m attuned to everything happening around me,” I explained, my voice steady. “I overheard those girls being disrespectful, so I felt it necessary to intervene.”

“I apologize, Alpha. This is not the impression I wanted you to have during your first visit to my home. I assure you, it’s not always like this,” he replied, his tone apologetic.

I took a sip of my wine, considering his words.

“If my daughter is going to be married into this family, I need to establish a foundation of trust,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him. “If I can’t rely on you with my packmates, how can I trust you with my daughter?”

“You can trust us,” he promised earnestly. “I will prove that to you, Alpha.”

“I’d like to see you try,” I replied, my skepticism evident.

“We won’t let you down,” Raymond asserted confidently.

I nodded, the tension slightly easing as we continued to converse for the next hour. Gradually, guests began to filter out, signaling the end of the gathering.

“I’m going to take off,” Judy’s mother announced, turning to her. “Are you coming home with me?”

Judy briefly glanced in my direction before meeting her mother’s gaze.

“I have to work tonight. I’ll just catch an Uber,” she replied, her voice steady yet lacking enthusiasm.

Her mother nodded, pulling her into a warm embrace.

“Think about what we discussed earlier,” she whispered, her tone low and serious. “We’ll talk more about it later.”

Curiosity gnawed at me about their conversation, but I quickly reminded myself it wasn’t my place to pry.

Judy’s unease was evident as she watched her mother leave. I could sense the weight of the moment pressing down on her, and I knew it was time to get her out of there; she had endured enough for one day.

“I should be going too,” I stated, rising from my seat. I turned to Judy, my voice softening. “Let me give you a ride.”

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