The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 298

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 298: Wrong Idea**

**Gavin’s POV**

The moment her lips met mine, I recoiled, instinctively wiping her saliva from my mouth as if it were poison. What the hell just transpired? Skyla’s face transformed into a deep crimson, her embarrassment palpable as she registered my rejection. I shot a cold, piercing glare at the paparazzi who had been capturing our moment, their cameras suddenly lowering as they sensed the shift in my demeanor.

“Get the hell out of here before I make you regret it,” I growled through clenched teeth, allowing a hint of my wolf to seep through, enhancing my threat. I could feel my eyes flicker, transforming into a glowing yellow that must have sent shivers down their spines. The once bold reporters began to tremble, murmuring their apologies as they hastily retreated from the scene.

Even after they had vanished, the anger simmered within me, leaving me rooted to the spot. I reached out to Beta Taylor through our mind link, instructing him to come pick us up. My intention was clear: drop Skyla off at the villa and then head straight to the mansion to check on Judy.

Just then, I felt Skyla’s hand tentatively rest on my back, shattering the silence that hung heavily between us. Instantly, my body tensed, my wolf growling in protest, urging me to lash out. I fought back the urge, desperate to keep her safe from the storm brewing inside me.

“Don’t touch me,” I spat, stepping away from her, my voice laced with venom.

“Gavin—”

“It’s Alpha,” I interjected sharply, my eyes narrowing as I directed my fiery gaze at her, flaring my nostrils in frustration. “You crossed a line tonight, Skyla. That was completely out of line!”

“I… I’m sorry,” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. “I just wanted to get them off my back. They wouldn’t stop until we gave them something they wanted.”

“I managed to silence them just fine without resorting to deceit,” I retorted, my anger boiling over.

“Do you really think that stopped them?” Skyla laughed, shaking her head dismissively. “They’re not done with us yet…”

“We’re finished here,” I declared, just as Taylor’s car pulled up. “Get in the car, and don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”

She paused for a moment, a sly smile creeping across her face. “Of course,” she replied, brushing past me with an air of nonchalance. “I won’t have to say anything. They’ll be buzzing about this by tomorrow.”

Her words confused me, but I chose to ignore them. I slid into the front seat beside Taylor, grateful for the distance from Skyla. My mind was solely focused on getting to Judy.

—

**Judy’s POV**

“Maybe it doesn’t mean anything,” Nan’s voice echoed through the phone, her tone filled with concern. I curled up in my bed, tears streaming down my cheeks. Why was I reacting this way? I didn’t even have the whole story yet. I had no justification for feeling like my world was crumbling. Chester had flirted with me, but that didn’t mean I was ready to jump into bed with him. Perhaps Gavin and Skyla’s situation was similar…

But then why did it feel as though my heart had been mercilessly ripped from my chest and trampled upon? Why was my wolf howling in despair, as if she had lost something precious too? These emotions swirled within me, leaving me utterly bewildered about how to navigate them.

“I don’t know,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I’m so exhausted, and seeing them together earlier… it was like a knife to my heart, Nan.”

“Why would Irene show you that?” Nan asked, bitterness lacing her words. “She knew you had feelings for him, didn’t she?”

“I can’t say for certain if she did… but I thought she at least suspected,” I replied softly, more tears threatening to spill. I blinked them away, unwilling to let my vulnerability show. “She’s been acting strangely lately. I can’t shake the feeling that she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore.”

“Good,” Nan stated firmly. “You shouldn’t be friends with your ex’s mistress anyway.”

“She didn’t know she was a mistress! I can’t hold that against her for Ethan’s betrayal. We’re both victims in this mess. The only difference is that I recognize my victimhood, while Irene remains oblivious. I feel sorry for her… I want to keep being her friend, but she’s been avoiding me and acting distant.”

“Don’t stress over her too much; she’s not worth it. If Gavin truly cares for you, he won’t pursue this girl. Trust me,” she reassured me gently.

“That’s the issue, Nan,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I don’t know if he genuinely likes me, or if this is merely physical.”

A heavy silence fell on the other end of the line.

“Maybe you should talk to him about it?” she suggested. “You seem to have a lot of confusion swirling around, and it would be wise to clear things up, especially since you’re living in his mansion.”

I was about to respond when the door creaked open, revealing Gavin standing in the entryway. The evening light cast shadows across his tired face, making my heart race at the unexpected sight of him. I hadn’t anticipated his arrival tonight, and I felt a flush of embarrassment as I realized I must look a mess with my tear-streaked cheeks.

“Nan, I’ll call you back tomorrow,” I murmured hastily, lowering my voice to a whisper.

“Did he just walk in?” she asked, a knowing tone in her voice.

“Yes,” I whispered hoarsely, feeling a mix of dread and anticipation.

“Good luck! Remember to breathe and don’t jump to conclusions. Let him explain before you react. Update me on everything tomorrow!”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify