The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 323

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 323: Alcohol Poisoning**

**Judy’s POV**

The moment Taylor arrived, the ambulance seemed to materialize from thin air, its sirens wailing like a banshee. My heart raced as I accompanied Nan to the hospital, my fingers tightly clutching her frail hand. I settled into the waiting room, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling my lungs while Taylor made a series of urgent phone calls. My body quaked with anxiety, and tears streamed down my cheeks, unbidden. A wave of guilt washed over me; if only I had come to check on her sooner.

As I glanced at Nan, I noticed her pallor, the way her skin seemed almost translucent, and the dark circles that framed her eyes like bruises. There were no visible wounds, yet the sight of her in such a state terrified me. The room was littered with beer bottles and various liquor containers, remnants of a night gone horribly wrong. I felt a knot of dread tighten in my stomach—what could possibly be wrong?

When I spotted Elizabeth entering the hospital, relief surged through me like a warm blanket. She approached with a calm assurance that made my heart feel a little lighter. “I’ll take care of her,” she promised, her voice steady and comforting. After a brief kiss to Taylor, she hurried off with the EMTs, leading Nan into the emergency room.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as I sat in the waiting room, lost in my spiraling thoughts. Eventually, Taylor rejoined me, his presence a steady anchor amidst the chaos.

“You don’t have to stay,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sure you have more important things to do.”

He shrugged nonchalantly and leaned back, his eyes fixed on me. “Actually, part of my job right now is to look after you. So, I’m not going anywhere,” he replied, his tone serious and unwavering.

I raised an eyebrow, confusion knitting my brow. “Why would you need to look after me?”

“Gavin is tied up at work. He’s been swamped with responsibilities since he’s been caring for his daughter. With Alpha Levi in the pack, there’s a lot on his plate,” Taylor explained, his gaze focused on the floor, avoiding my eyes.

His words sent a jolt through me, stirring up questions I wasn’t ready to confront. Did he know about my relationship with Gavin? Had Gavin confided in him about our secret? The thought made my heart race, but Taylor’s gaze remained fixed ahead, lost in his own thoughts.

“I didn’t really expect Gavin to be here,” I admitted, my voice faltering.

“He wanted to be,” Taylor replied, a hint of frustration in his tone. “But he asked me to stay with you and keep him updated.”

I nodded slowly, chewing on my bottom lip. My relationship with Gavin felt precarious lately; he seemed to vanish whenever I needed him. When he was around, he barely acknowledged me. The idea that he might care, even a little, was both comforting and confusing. Maybe he was just putting on a show for Taylor’s benefit.

Suddenly, the emergency room door swung open, and Eliza stepped into the waiting room. She looked weary, her eyes clouded with worry, but her expression softened when she spotted Taylor. A flicker of relief crossed her face, and she hurried into his arms.

Watching them embrace sent a pang of longing through me. That was what true love looked like—unconditional, unwavering support. Someone who would stand by you in your darkest moments, no matter how busy life got.

Eliza’s gaze turned to me, and I caught a glimpse of sadness in her eyes. It twisted the knot in my stomach even tighter.

“She has alcohol poisoning,” Eliza said, her voice steady yet filled with concern. The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I inhaled sharply. “One or more of the drinks she had were expired. I’ve booked an OR, and I’m going to personally pump her stomach. Thankfully, you got her here in time. She has a 90% chance of pulling through.”

A wave of relief washed over me, and I exhaled slowly. “Thank Goddess…” I whispered, the weight of fear lifting slightly from my shoulders.

“I’m heading in for surgery shortly. I just wanted to keep you updated. I’ll let you know how she’s doing in a couple of hours,” Eliza said, her voice resolute.

I nodded, leaning back in my seat, taking a moment to breathe deeply. Taylor leaned over and kissed Eliza softly, whispering something that made her smile. She chuckled, her eyes sparkling for a moment before they parted. Taylor returned to my side, settling back into his seat.

“Would you like to stay here, or should I take you home?” he asked, his tone gentle but firm.

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