The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 276

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 276: Look-a-like**

As the night deepened, Ethan slipped into the quiet confines of his room after bidding his family goodnight. He had intended to escort Irene home, but the absence of her presence sent a frown etching across his brow. The room felt hollow, devoid of the warmth he had hoped for. He fished his phone from his pocket, fingers trembling slightly as he checked for messages. A single notification blinked back at him, and his heart sank as he read Irene’s text.

*Irene: I went home. Enjoy your time with your family. I’ll see you soon. Love you.*

A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and he shoved the phone back into his pocket, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Was he upset? No, not really. There was a sense of relief washing over him, a reprieve from the façade of happiness he had been forced to wear. The memory of Judy walking away with Gavin Landry sent a shiver through him, a reminder of the heartache that lay just beneath the surface. He recalled how he had stood up for her, the way she had looked at him with such admiration, as if he were the sun itself. The thought of her in the arms of another man ignited a furious fire within him.

Had Judy truly moved on? They were fated mates, bound by a connection that was supposed to be unbreakable. The mark on her neck—a symbol of their bond—was still there, yet it felt like a cruel joke. How could she feel nothing for him? The very notion twisted his stomach into knots.

He didn’t want to lose her. The idea of marrying Irene was merely a strategic move, a way to elevate his status as the son-in-law of Gavin Landry, the man who could single-handedly crown him the new Alpha of the Redmoon pack. But in the depths of his heart, he still wanted Judy, even if it meant keeping her in the shadows while he played the part of the dutiful fiancé. The thought of her with someone else was a bitter pill to swallow.

In a fit of frustration, he chose to forgo the comforts of home and headed to the local pub instead. He needed a drink to drown out the images of Judy and Gavin, to silence the gnawing ache in his chest. The crisp autumn air greeted him as he walked, the leaves crunching underfoot, the stars twinkling like scattered diamonds in the night sky.

Upon entering the bar, he noted the sparse crowd, a few familiar faces from the pack mingling in the dim light. They nodded in acknowledgment, and he reciprocated, though his mind was elsewhere.

“What can I get for you?” Charlie, the bartender, asked, his tone casual yet attentive.

“A whiskey,” Ethan replied, his voice low as he slid his credit card across the counter. “And keep them coming.”

“Rough night?” Charlie inquired, raising an eyebrow as he processed the order.

“Something like that,” Ethan admitted, running a hand through his disheveled hair, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on him.

Charlie chuckled, pouring the drink and sliding it toward Ethan, who caught it deftly. Without hesitation, he downed the amber liquid in one swift motion, surprising even the seasoned bartender.

Without prompting, Charlie poured another drink, and Ethan didn’t hesitate to chug it down as well, the glass hitting the counter with a satisfying thud.

After his sixth drink, the room began to sway, stars dancing in his vision. He was lost in a haze, the worries of the world fading into the background.

A presence settled beside him on the barstool, but he was too far gone to register it.

“A classic martini,” a sultry voice chimed in, pulling him from his stupor.

“Sure thing,” Charlie replied, moving to prepare the drink.

Ethan glanced sideways, and his breath caught in his throat. There, sitting next to him, was a stunning girl clad in a revealing outfit. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and when she turned to him, a small, inviting smile graced her lips.

To his astonishment, she bore an uncanny resemblance to Judy!

“Judy…” he murmured, the name slipping from his lips as the alcohol blurred his senses.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

“My name is Hazel,” she said softly, her voice laced with intrigue.

At that moment, Ethan couldn’t care less about her name; all that mattered was the striking similarity she shared with his mate.

“Are you okay?” Hazel asked, her tone shifting to one of concern as she sipped her martini. “Wait… I know you. You’re Ethan Cash, right?”

“Yes,” he replied, his gaze locked on her. “Has anyone ever told you how breathtaking you are?”

She laughed lightly, taking another sip.

“On a daily basis,” she admitted, a playful glint in her eyes. After a brief pause, she shifted in her seat, her demeanor growing more flirtatious. “Buy me another one of these, and I might just let you take me home,” she teased, her voice dripping with mischief.

Ethan glanced at the bartender, raising his brows in silent agreement.

“Get the lady another drink,” he slurred, the words tumbling out.

Charlie chuckled, exchanging a look with Hazel, as if seeking her approval.

“He’s a rich boy, right? Make it two, and I want all my drinks on his tab,” she declared, a smirk playing on her lips.

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