The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 345

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 345: Wild Animals**

**Judy’s POV**

B

Finisher

It was never part of my plan to sneak away for a quick rendezvous in the backseat of our rental car. Yet here I was, emerging from the cramped space, hastily trying to adjust my clothes that felt as if they had been ripped from me by the jaws of a ravenous wolf. I glanced back and caught Gavin’s gaze from the backseat; he had insisted I go first to avoid raising any eyebrows.

He was still in the process of putting on his shirt, his eyes following my every move as I walked away. A swirl of emotions churned within me; I felt a mix of confusion and exhilaration. What had just happened? I wrapped my arms tightly around myself, hurrying toward the arena, eager to escape the moment and the questions it raised before the next round began.

Today’s competition had one final match left for us, and the second segment of this week’s events would kick off the day after tomorrow. With so many competitors, we had been divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. I would have been in Group A had it not been for the unfortunate injury I sustained, causing me to miss yesterday’s match. Tomorrow, Group A would face their second round, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of being left behind.

Anxiety gnawed at me as I approached the arena. I hadn’t shifted into my wolf form in ages. In our combat and shifting classes, we would occasionally practice, but it had been far too long since my wolf had shown any inclination to emerge. Ever since my breakup with Ethan, she had been distant, almost resentful. Recently, though, she had begun to stir, her presence growing more vocal in my mind. Yet, the fear of her rejection loomed large, paralyzing me from even attempting to shift.

I knew I should have at least tried to practice fighting in my wolf form, but an invisible barrier seemed to hold me back, trapping me in my own hesitation.

“Judy!” A familiar voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see Nan rushing toward me, her face alight with enthusiasm and a water bottle clutched in her hand. “I thought you might be thirsty, so I came to find you!”

She handed me the water bottle, and I accepted it eagerly, my throat parched from both the heat of the day and the whirlwind of emotions.

“Thank you,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You’re doing amazing, by the way. You really kick ass out there!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug before releasing me to turn towards a couple of girls and a boy standing just behind her. “I want you to meet my friends. They’ve been such a support for me while I’ve been here all alone.”

“You’re not alone, Nan. I’m right here,” I reminded her, rolling my eyes playfully.

“Yeah, but you’re so busy with all this,” she replied, waving her hand dismissively. “Anyway, this is Kelsey, Mac, and Tyler.”

I offered each of them a warm smile, and they nodded back, acknowledging my presence.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said, trying to mask my unease with a friendly demeanor.

“Mac and Tyler are cousins,” Nan continued, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at Tyler, who flashed her a charming grin. My heart tightened at the sight of their exchanged glances; there was something peculiar about the way they looked at each other. “And Kelsey is Mac’s best friend. Her older brother competes, so she’s here to cheer him on.”

Tyler stepped closer to Nan, exuding a confident charm that made it clear he was aware of his good looks. I noticed the subtle way he placed his hand on the small of her back. Nan tensed slightly at his touch, yet she looked up at him with a smile that seemed to brighten her whole face.

“I’ll check to see if our seats are still available,” he said to her, his voice low and inviting.

She nodded, biting her lower lip, her gaze flitting nervously to the others.

“Why don’t you girls go with him? I’ll catch up in a bit,” Nan suggested, her voice laced with excitement.

They both agreed without hesitation.

“It was great meeting you, Judy!” Kelsey called as she turned to follow Tyler.

“Yeah, good luck out there!” Mac added, waving over her shoulder as she joined them.

Nan shook her head, chuckling softly at her friends’ antics before turning back to me, her smile wide and reassuring.

“You’ve got this. Don’t let nerves get the best of you. Your wolf will come to you when you need her,” she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. It was moments like these that solidified why Nan was my best friend; she understood me in ways that made the weight of my worries feel a little lighter. She knew I was scared my wolf wouldn’t respond, even without me having to voice it.

I nodded, my gaze locked onto her face, noticing how she was avoiding my eyes.

“Nan…” I began, my voice steady but laced with concern. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

She bit her lower lip, her eyes darting to the ground as if searching for the right words.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

“My wolf,” I admitted, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “I wanted her to know that we’re in this together and it’s going to be okay.”

“Do you often talk to your wolf?” she asked, her brows raised in curiosity. “I mean, it’s not like she can really comprehend you.”

I stared at her for a moment, taken aback.

“What makes you think they can’t understand us?” I replied, raising my own brows in challenge.

She burst out laughing, shaking her head as she ran her fingers through her pixie-cut hair.

“Because they’re animals! When we shift, we become those animals. This part of the competition is based on their skills, so hopefully your wolf knows what she’s doing,” she said, studying my expression intently.

Did she really think our wolves were like pets? Wild and uncontrolled?

That was absurd. I had always felt a deep connection and control when I shifted into my wolf. We were one and the same; it was a bond that transcended the physical.

Was Tabby suggesting she didn’t have control when she transformed?

I glanced around the arena at the other competitors who had already shed their clothes, ready to shift and fight. I wondered if any of them struggled with their humanity during the transformation, or if it was just Tabby who felt that way.

I met her gaze, and I could see she was scrutinizing me just as I was her. Her pale green eyes, speckled with blue, were captivating, framed by long lashes that accentuated her beauty. I could sense her fierce determination; it radiated from her, and I couldn’t help but admire her passion.

“Welcome to round two,” the announcer’s voice echoed through the arena. I looked up to see drones hovering above, capturing every moment for the world to see. Though the announcer remained unseen, it was clear he was positioned to observe everything. “As in the previous round, killing is strictly prohibited; any such act will result in disqualification. This week’s events are designed to showcase your abilities to the judges and the Lycans who will make the final decisions. They will be assessing your precision, technique, skills, shifting abilities, control, and much more. In this match, you are expected to fight in both your wolf and human forms. Good luck.”

With those words, everyone positioned themselves within the arena. I caught Tabby’s eye, and she gave me a curt nod before, like everyone else, starting to strip off her clothes.

I stood there, still fully clothed.

“3… 2… 1…” the announcer and the crowd chanted in unison. “Begin!!!”