The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 322

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 322: Ethan’s New Ally**

Ethan stood there, simmering with a mix of anger and disbelief as he watched Judy’s car vanish into the distance. The air around him felt charged, almost electric, as frustration coursed through his veins. How could she treat him this way? After everything they had endured together over the past two years, it felt like a betrayal so deep that it cut to the core. To think that she believed she could simply walk away, leaving him in the dust, was infuriating.

And then there was Gavin Landry, that insufferable man. Ethan’s mind raced with thoughts of the cunning plan Gavin had concocted, marrying Irene solely to ingratiate himself with her father. It made Ethan’s blood boil. He had once admired Gavin, but now, resentment bubbled up within him like a storm ready to break.

Suddenly, a strong presence caught Ethan’s attention, pulling him from his dark thoughts. He turned sharply to see a group of Elite Gamma warriors striding toward him, their uniforms crisp and their physiques imposing. His heart raced as he recognized the significance of their arrival. The Elites were known for their strength and prowess, and he had anticipated their presence in town, but not today.

Among them, he sensed a powerful aura that sent a shiver down his spine. As they drew closer, Ethan’s eyes locked onto the figure at the forefront. It was Levi Churchill, the formidable Lycan Chairman. Although not as powerful as Gavin, Levi was a force to be reckoned with and, more importantly, Gavin’s sworn enemy.

Levi’s gaze pinned Ethan in place, his sharp eyes narrowing as they took in the bloodstains that marred Ethan’s clothing.

“Alpha Levi,” Ethan said, instinctively bowing his head in respect. “It is a true honor to meet you.”

“You seem familiar,” Levi replied, his voice deep and commanding, radiating authority. “Have we crossed paths before?”

“No, sir,” Ethan replied, his heart pounding. “But you have met my father.”

“And who might that be?” Levi inquired, his tone a curious blend of disinterest and intrigue.

“Raymond Cash,” Ethan stated, his pride swelling at the mention of his lineage.

“You are part of the Cash family?” Levi asked, his brows knitting together as he scrutinized Ethan’s face.

“Yes, sir. I am Ethan Cash,” he affirmed, a sense of pride lacing his voice.

Levi paused, contemplating this revelation before nodding slowly.

“I see,” he murmured. “And what happened to your face?”

Ethan’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he remembered the blood smeared across his skin.

“I had a minor accident,” he mumbled, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.

Levi’s expression sharpened, and he turned to one of his Gammas, giving a subtle nod. The Gamma stepped forward, and Ethan flinched, fearing an attack, but was instead surprised when he was assisted to his feet.

“Thank you,” Ethan said, bowing his head slightly, still shaken.

“What kind of accident?” Levi pressed, his curiosity evident.

Ethan hesitated, caught off guard by the intensity of the question. He met Levi’s gaze, swallowing hard.

“I’m sorry?” he stammered.

“I asked what kind of accident,” Levi repeated, his impatience growing palpable. “Don’t make me use my Alpha command to extract the truth from you.”

“Not necessary, sir,” Ethan replied hastily. “I got into a scuffle with Beta Taylor from the Silver Crescent pack.”

Levi’s eyes darkened, and Ethan could see the recognition flash across his face.

“The Silver Crescent pack?” Levi asked, his interest visibly piqued.

A flicker of inspiration sparked within Ethan, and a sly smile crept onto his lips.

“Yes, sir. Alpha Gavin Landry’s pack,” he said, feigning shock at his own words as he covered his mouth. “I apologize, Alpha. I shouldn’t have been so crude.”

Levi raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“You aren’t fond of Alpha Gavin?” he inquired, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Not since he took what rightfully belonged to me,” Ethan muttered, crossing his arms defiantly.

“And what exactly did he take?”

“My mate,” Ethan stated, watching as Levi’s surprise registered on his face.

“He took your mate?” Levi echoed, his brows shooting up in disbelief.

“Yes,” Ethan confirmed, the pain evident in his voice. “We were together for two years, and now he’s with her. I was just telling her she still belonged to me and that I wouldn’t give up, but then Beta Taylor blindsided me with a punch. It was a cheap shot; I could have handled it if I had been prepared.”

“You talk a big game… but can you back it up?” Levi challenged, his gaze piercing.

“Of course,” Ethan replied quickly, brushing dirt off his pants. “I would do anything to reclaim Judy and put Gavin in his place.”

“Judy? Montague?” Levi asked, his tone shifting.

Ethan was taken aback that this Alpha knew Judy’s name.

“Y… yes,” he stammered, suddenly feeling unsure.

“Yes, please,” I replied before I could think twice. A knot of fear twisted in my stomach; I dreaded what I might find inside. If something was wrong with her, I would need backup.

He nodded and parked the car, turning off the engine before stepping out to join me. His reassuring presence helped calm my racing heart. I walked over to the keypad, entered Nan’s code, and heard the satisfying click of the door unlocking. Taylor opened it for me, and I stepped inside, his presence a comforting shadow behind me.

Nan lived on the second floor, just a few doors down. Her apartment was the only one with a potted plant outside the door. I had often teased her about it, insisting it was obvious she was hiding something there, but she always insisted that no one would think to look for a hidden key.

I dug through the plant until my fingers brushed against a small golden key. I pulled it free, glancing back at Beta Taylor, who was observing me closely.

“I’m scared,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m right here,” he assured me, his tone steady and comforting.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded, grateful for his support. I inserted the key into the door, listening intently for the click that would signal it was unlocked.

As I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open, a wave of unease washed over me. The sight that greeted me inside was shocking. Nan’s apartment was a chaotic mess, a stark contrast to her usual pristine living space. Pizza boxes and beer bottles littered the floor and tables, and the TV blared some mindless reality show. The refrigerator stood ajar, a pool of water forming on the floor, indicating it had been left open for far too long.

Taylor’s expression mirrored my concern as he frowned at the disarray. He picked up the remote and switched off the TV, the sudden silence amplifying the tension in the air.

My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage.

“Nan??” I called out, desperation creeping into my voice, but silence answered me.

I turned to Taylor, panic rising within me.

“Maybe she’s in her room?” he suggested gently.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and walked down the narrow hallway toward her bedroom door.

“Nan?” I called out again, my voice trembling. Taylor stayed close behind me, waiting as I grasped the handle and pushed the door open.

As I stepped inside, time seemed to freeze.

Nan lay face down on the floor, surrounded by a pool of her own vomit.

“N… Nan?!” I screamed, rushing toward her, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Holy hell,” Taylor breathed, pulling out his phone with urgency. “I’m calling 911. I’ll make sure my mate meets us at the hospital.”

“Nan…” I sobbed, barely registering Taylor’s words. I turned her over, my heart sinking as I saw her pale face. I grabbed her wrist, desperately checking for a pulse, relief flooding through me when I felt it. “Nan… hold on…” I cried, my voice thick with emotion. “It’s going to be okay. We’re going to get you some help.”