The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 277

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 277: He’s With Someone**

**Judy’s POV**

The ache was relentless, a constant companion that had taken residence in my nights. For a few days now, it seemed to retreat only as dawn approached, but the darkness would always bring it back with a vengeance. Yet, somehow, Gavin’s arms around me made the torment bearable, a soothing balm against the sharp edges of my pain. I could endure it, just barely, but it didn’t make any sense. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss, especially with Irene. She was a ghost in the mansion, drifting through the halls like a shadow. Each time I attempted to greet her, she would look right through me or turn away as if I were invisible. It was painful to witness, and my heart ached for her solitude, especially since Ethan hadn’t even bothered to check in on her.

As the nights wore on, the pain escalated. My visit to the pack doctor confirmed my worst fears. He echoed what Gavin and I had speculated—my fated mate was entangled with another woman, and the effects were wreaking havoc on my body and my wolf.

By the third day of this torment, Gavin took action. He had someone fetch Ethan, and I could feel the tension crackling in the air. He needed to be held accountable for his betrayal. It was so painfully clear that he was cheating on Irene, and the only person oblivious to the truth was, ironically, Irene herself. Or perhaps she was aware and had chosen to retreat into her room to shield herself from the reality of it all.

“We found him,” Taylor announced as he strode into the villa, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He gestured behind him, and I felt my stomach twist at the sight of Ethan being dragged in by two guards. He looked completely out of sorts, his face a mask of confusion and disarray. It was a grotesque sight, and I recoiled instinctively. How had I ever loved this man? “He was passed out at the pub.”

Gavin’s expression twisted into one of disgust as he glared down at Ethan. “So, this is how you spend your nights? At the pub? And then what? You pick up a woman and bring her home?” His voice was a low growl, filled with a fury I had never witnessed before.

Ethan lifted his head, his gaze unfocused, as if he were struggling to comprehend his surroundings. “Why am I here?” he mumbled, his words slurred. “Where’s Daphnee?”

Taylor raked a hand through his hair, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. “There was a woman with him, a prostitute. It looked like she was about to take him out of the bar before we intervened,” he explained, his tone heavy with disapproval.

I raised my eyebrows, disbelief washing over me. “A prostitute, Ethan?” I couldn’t help but voice my shock. “Seriously? You’re better than that…” At least, I had thought so. But now, doubt gnawed at me. He had sunk to a new low, and the thought of him cheating on Irene with a prostitute was repulsive. I shook my head, unable to bear the sight of him any longer.

“How could you do this to her?” My voice trembled as fresh tears threatened to spill over. I could only imagine the heartbreak Irene would feel if she ever discovered the truth.

Gavin’s voice was a low hiss, filled with paternal rage. “How dare you hurt my daughter, Ethan. I gave you more chances than you deserved.”

Taylor jumped in, trying to mitigate the situation. “He might not even realize what he’s done,” he said, glancing at Ethan, who was slumped against the floor, his eyes fluttering closed. “He’s in a bad state, and the woman didn’t seem to care, even though she was sober. It looks like he’s been spending a lot of money lately—probably on them. He’s clearly not okay.”

Gavin’s gaze bore into Ethan, studying him with a mixture of anger and disappointment. “If he wants to continue seeing my daughter, he needs to step up and treat her right. He must sort himself out and quit this drinking nonsense.”

“I think it would be wise to wait until he’s sober to have this conversation,” Taylor suggested, watching Ethan, who was now nearly unconscious.

Gavin sighed, frustration evident in his posture. “Get him cleaned up and let him sleep it off in one of the guest rooms. Irene doesn’t need to know he’s here right now. It’s for the best,” he murmured, his voice softer but still firm.

“Yes, Alpha,” Taylor replied with a nod, signaling to the guards to haul Ethan away. They complied immediately, dragging him up the stairs toward the guest rooms. As he was led away, I caught a faint murmur escape his lips, “They looked so much like her…”

My brows knitted in confusion. Who was he talking about? But my thoughts were interrupted as Gavin turned to me, his hands gently gripping my shoulders. “The pain should fade after tonight,” he said softly. “Once he officially mates and marks Irene, it’ll all be over.”

I nodded, forcing a smile, though uncertainty churned within me. “How can you still want him to be with your daughter?” I questioned, shaking my head in disbelief. “He’s been cheating on her for days. He’s clearly unwell, Gavin. Do you genuinely trust him with her?”

He exhaled deeply, shaking his head as if trying to dispel his own doubts. “Not even a little… but Irene is fragile,” he admitted, his voice laced with concern. “Taking Ethan away from her would shatter her, and I fear for what she might do if that happens. She is my daughter, and her happiness is all that matters to me. I just hope Ethan gets his act together before the wedding, so he never hurts her again.”

His words hung in the air, and I fell silent, contemplating the weight of his concerns. Gavin’s expression softened as he continued, “Besides, Irene is an adult now. I can’t just dictate her choices, no matter how much I want to.”

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