The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 313

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 313: Irene’s Accident**

**Judy’s POV**

As the final notes of our training session echoed away, the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling grounds. I felt utterly drained, my body yearning for rest, yet my mind was alight with thoughts of Gavin. The memory of his fingers brushing against my arm earlier that day ignited a fire within me that I hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. My cheeks flushed at the recollection, and a soft, involuntary smile crept onto my lips.

“What’s got you smiling like that?” Gavin’s voice broke through my reverie as I rounded the corner, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight of him leaning casually against the corridor wall, arms crossed over his chest in that effortlessly charming way of his.

“Just lost in thought,” I teased, attempting to sidestep him, my mind still fixated on the bathroom, where I could collect myself. But before I could slip past, his hand encircled my wrist, halting me in my tracks. I found myself spinning around to face him, just as he pulled me closer and pressed me against the wall. The proximity sent sparks coursing through me, and I could barely catch my breath.

Thank goodness we were alone; the last thing I needed was for anyone to witness this moment and fuel the already rampant gossip.

“What were you thinking about?” he inquired, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. My heart raced, thudding in my chest as I gazed up at him, lost in the depths of his eyes.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I replied, winking playfully. I tried to maneuver away from him, but he held me firmly against him, a teasing glint in his eyes. Before I could utter another word, his lips descended upon mine, igniting a rush of warmth that enveloped my entire being.

His kiss was unexpectedly sweet, tender, and gentle, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. I melted against him, feeling his tongue softly brush against my bottom lip, seeking entry. I welcomed him, letting out a soft moan as I savored the taste of him. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, fingers threading through his hair as I lost myself in the moment, massaging his scalp with affection.

Skyla’s words echoed in my mind—he deserves someone who will stand by him through thick and thin, someone who would never let him go.

But was I that person? Could I truly commit to another man after the pain Ethan had caused me? How could I trust that Gavin wouldn’t inflict the same wounds?

Did he even want me in that way? Was he looking for something real with me?

Questions swirled in my head like a tempest, but all I truly craved at that moment was the warmth of his lips against mine. He lifted me effortlessly, and my legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. His fingers slid up my bare back beneath my shirt, and I felt an intoxicating thrill as he began to move us toward the bathroom. But suddenly, the sounds of a crash followed by a piercing scream shattered the intimacy of our moment, dousing the flames of passion with icy reality.

Gavin dropped me to the ground before I could fully process what had just happened. The impact jolted through my body, and I winced at the sudden pain, cursing under my breath as he sprinted away, heading toward the main foyer.

I knew I would feel the sting of my tailbone for days to come. Struggling to regain my footing, I hadn’t realized until I attempted to walk that my leg was also injured from the fall. A sharp pain shot up my spine, and I hissed, grasping the wall for support to keep myself upright.

“Miss Judy?” Beta Taylor’s voice cut through the haze of pain as he appeared around the corner, concern etched on his features. “Are you alright?”

He rushed to my side, offering his arm to help me stand.

“Yeah, just a little mishap,” I murmured, trying to downplay my discomfort. “What happened? Who screamed?”

“Irene fell down the stairs,” he replied, and I felt a jolt of surprise. “Gavin is with her now. He wants me to take you home.”

“What about the paparazzi?” I asked, my voice laced with worry.

“Gavin has already dealt with them. The stories have been pulled, and they won’t dare cross him again after his threats,” Taylor said, chuckling softly as he shook his head. “Come on, let me help you to the car.”

With an arm around my waist, he guided me into the main foyer. There, I spotted Gavin, cradling a sobbing Irene in his arms, his expression fierce as he glared at Taylor.

“Where have you been?” he demanded, his voice sharp.

Taylor frowned, confusion flickering across his face. “I thought you wanted me to take Judy home,” he said, clearly taken aback.

“Leroy can manage that. This is more pressing,” Gavin growled, urgency lacing his tone. “We need to get to the hospital right now.”

A pang of hurt shot through me at his words. Of course, I understood that his daughter took precedence over me, but hearing him state it so bluntly, without even a glance in my direction, stung more than I expected.

Taylor glanced at me, concern etched on his brow. “Are you going to be okay?”

I nodded, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.

“Let’s go!” Gavin barked at Taylor, his impatience palpable.

Taylor nodded, releasing me, and I nearly toppled over, grateful for the wall beside me that I could lean against for support. Gavin didn’t spare me another glance as he rushed after his Beta, Irene still sobbing in his arms.

My gaze met Irene’s, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I caught a glimmer of a smirk on her lips before it vanished.

Had she orchestrated this?

**Third Person POV**

“Your tutoring session is over already?” Irene queried, peeking out from her bedroom door as Matt strolled past.

He nodded, a hint of fatigue in his voice. “Yeah, it’s getting late. We’ve been at it all day.”

“Is Judy still around?”

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