The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 350

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 350: Nan’s Distraction**

Nan found herself adrift, uncertain of her own actions. For days, she had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now, she felt as if she were teetering on the edge of chaos.

Just yesterday, during lunch, Mac had leaned in with a conspiratorial grin and said, “My cousin really likes you.” The words echoed in her mind, stirring a mix of curiosity and anxiety. “He thought you were really cute and funny and wanted me to find out if you were seeing anyone.”

It was a whirlwind of new experiences; Nan and Judy had touched down in this foreign land only the day before. That evening, she had met Mac and Tyler, and now, at lunch, she was observing Kelsey and Tyler interact. Their conversation unfolded like a lively match of volleyball, her eyes darting back and forth as they exchanged playful banter.

Seeing anyone? Nan mused, grappling with the implications of Mac’s question. Was she truly seeing anyone? The situation with Chester was murky at best. He was her fated mate, yet it seemed he had no interest in her. Instead, he was preoccupied with fleeting encounters with anyone who crossed his path. Would it even matter to Chester if she went out with someone else while abroad?

Doubt gnawed at her. She was convinced that upon her return, Chester would ultimately reject her, rendering her current predicament irrelevant. Perhaps it was the effect of the third martini she had indulged in, but she shook her head firmly, trying to dismiss the tangled thoughts.

“I’m not seeing anyone,” she replied softly, lifting her glass and savoring another sip of her drink.

Mac’s face brightened, illuminating the entire space with her infectious enthusiasm. “He’s going to be so happy,” she exclaimed, clapping her hands together in delight. “Do you want to get together tonight? Tyler wants to go to dinner, and he thought it would be fun for all of us to go together.”

Nan felt a flutter of hesitation but nodded, biting her lower lip in contemplation. “Yeah, that sounds great,” she agreed, though uncertainty lingered in her heart.

An entire day had passed since that lively conversation, and as they gathered for dinner the night before, Tyler had been nothing short of charming. He positioned himself close, engaging her in conversation, but her mind was a turbulent sea, constantly drifting back to thoughts of Chester. She found herself cursing her own inability to focus.

But today, Tyler’s demeanor had shifted, taking on an almost possessive tone. He kept touching her, wrapping his arms around her waist, whispering sweet nothings in her ear, and stealing kisses that left her breathless. Though they had shared a kiss the previous night, she had halted it before it could escalate. The thought of being with someone else while having a mate—regardless of how distant he felt—was too much to bear. Yet, Tyler seemed oblivious to her discomfort, his hands roaming freely as if he had some unspoken claim over her. And then there was the incident with Judy, where he had answered for her and dismissed her invitation.

Nan understood the situation was last minute, and that securing tickets might be challenging, but it was not Tyler’s place to decide for her. It was her invitation to her best friend, and she felt a surge of frustration at his presumption. She could sense Judy’s annoyance brewing beneath the surface, and she wished to address it, but she held her tongue, unsure if her friend was waiting for her to break the silence.

How had everything spiraled so quickly into chaos?

“What are you thinking about?” Tyler’s voice broke through her reverie as he draped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. They were nestled in one of the resort’s cozy parlors, which overlooked a breathtaking water fountain. The setting provided a rare moment of tranquility, with flowers framing the expansive windows, and in the distance, the ocean shimmered under the sun. This was the only place in the resort that felt serene, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle, a perfect spot for lounging and reflecting.

Before Tyler had joined her, Nan had been curled up on the loveseat, a book in hand, desperately trying to distract herself from thoughts of Chester. Yet, her mind seemed stubbornly fixated on him, refusing to let go.

“I’m just nervous for Judy,” she lied, knowing full well that her friend was more than capable of handling herself. But the truth was, she was upset with Tyler for his disrespectful behavior towards Judy. She felt trapped, unsure of whether she even wanted to pursue anything with him, yet he was always there, looming like a shadow.

“I’m sure she’ll do great,” Tyler said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, an action that felt oddly intimate. “How about we go back to my room and—”

“Actually, I promised Judy I would help her with something,” Nan interrupted, tucking her book back into her purse that rested at her feet. She grabbed the strap and stood up, feeling a mix of guilt and resolve.

Tyler’s expression fell, disappointment etched on his features. What had he expected?

“Oh, okay,” he replied, his eyes pleading with her to reconsider. A knot twisted in her stomach; guilt flooded her senses. She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her decision.

“But I’ll still see you tonight, right? The concert and all…” she reminded him, trying to inject a note of reassurance into her voice.

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