The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 337

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 337: Gym Day**

**Judy’s POV**

Gavin stood before me, his torso bare, clad only in a pair of sweatpants that clung to his athletic frame. My gaze lingered, almost entranced, on the sculpted lines of his body, each muscle defined and glistening with a sheen of sweat. It was evident he had been at this for quite some time, pushing himself to the limits. The towel draped around his shoulders caught the droplets cascading down his neck, a testament to his rigorous workout. When our eyes met, I noticed a storm brewing in his expression—confusion intertwined with a flicker of anger that sent a shiver down my spine.

“What are you doing in here?” he questioned, his voice low, almost menacing. There was an intensity in his tone that could have easily intimidated anyone else, but somehow, I felt a strange sense of calm. I knew that beneath the surface of his fury, there was something deeper, something that made me feel less afraid and more curious. Yet, I couldn’t shake the realization that my presence had stirred this anger within him, and that knowledge stung more than I cared to admit.

“I… I was going to work out,” I stammered, my eyes dropping to the floor, unable to hold his piercing gaze. The weight of the past few weeks crashed over me like a tidal wave, dragging me down into a sea of pain and isolation. In that moment, I felt smaller than I had in a long time, a mere shadow of the confident person I aspired to be.

What was wrong with me?

His expression suggested disbelief; annoyance etched across his features as he glanced at the gym bag resting on the floor. He pressed his lips into a thin line, a clear sign that he was not pleased.

“Why isn’t that in a locker?” he asked sharply. “It could get stolen.”

“Uh…” I replied, casting a quick glance toward the locker room. “There are no lockers left.”

With a scowl, he scooped up my bag and strode toward the men’s locker room, determination radiating from him.

“W… what are you doing?” I called after him, my voice tinged with confusion.

“Putting it in my locker,” he muttered without looking back, disappearing into the room.

Minutes felt like hours as I stood there, anxiously waiting for his return. When he finally emerged, he had my bag in hand, a triumphant look on his face.

“There, now it won’t get stolen,” he said, his eyes narrowing at me, like a hawk assessing its prey. “You shouldn’t have come here.”

“I just wanted to get some working out in,” I defended, gesturing toward the array of workout equipment that beckoned me.

He scrutinized me for a moment longer, his gaze weighing my intentions before he stepped aside, granting me passage.

As I maneuvered through the crowded gym, I kept my head down, trying to avoid the gazes of a few familiar gammas. Climbing the stairs to the second floor, I was relieved to find several treadmills available. I selected one that offered a view of the gym below, the thought of being seen fueling my resolve. I wanted my fellow competitors to notice me, to recognize that I was not someone to be underestimated.

I hopped onto the treadmill, starting off with a light jog, my heart racing with anticipation.

It wasn’t long before I noticed someone had taken the treadmill next to mine. I hadn’t registered who it was until I heard the machine beep to life and saw Gavin sprinting beside me.

Had he followed me?

A wave of annoyance washed over me at this uninvited competition. He glanced at me, his expression dark and challenging, as if daring me to back down. I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me.

With determination, I increased my speed, matching his pace before pushing myself even further. I was no stranger to hard work; this was a mere warm-up for me.

A smirk danced on his lips as we ran side by side, the tension palpable in the air. I could hear his treadmill beeping again, and soon he was running even faster. I scowled, refusing to let him get the upper hand, and cranked my speed up a notch.

Sweat trickled down my neck as we pushed ourselves, both of us locked in this silent battle of wills. I had trained hard for this, and I was not about to give in. Gavin’s eyes locked onto mine, unwavering, as he pressed another button, sending him into an even faster sprint.

In a blur of motion, we were both running at a pace that seemed almost impossible for an ordinary person. My lungs screamed for air, yet I refused to relent. I had trained for moments like this, and I was determined to show him that I was just as capable.

But just as I was finding my rhythm, disaster struck. In an instant, I lost my balance and was thrown off the treadmill, crashing onto the floor with a painful thud that echoed through the gym.

Gavin halted both our machines, his instincts kicking in as he rushed toward me.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern etched on his face as he knelt beside me, assessing the damage to my ankle.

I swatted his hands away, the throbbing pain radiating from my ankle igniting a fire of frustration within me. I couldn’t let this setback define me; I had too much to prepare for.

“It’s sprained,” he said, frowning as he examined my swollen ankle. “What were you thinking, competing with me? You should have been more careful.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify