The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 358

358 /400

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 358: Recovering**

**Judy’s POV**

“You should give it a day or so, and your wolf will work its magic to heal you,” the doctor said, his voice warm and reassuring as he flashed me a comforting smile. “If it weren’t for your Alpha, we might not have reached you in time. You sustained the most severe injury today.”

I raised my eyebrows in surprise at his words.

My Alpha?

The Redmoon pack didn’t have an Alpha yet… was he referring to Gavin?

I chose not to press the issue, letting it linger in my mind as he wrapped up his tasks and exited the room, leaving me alone with a whirlwind of thoughts.

To my astonishment, I found myself in a private room. I had anticipated being placed in a shared space with the other injured fighters. The weight of the battle pressed heavily on my chest; had I completely messed up? The doctor had assured me that I would be healed within a day, which meant I would be cleared for the next round. But would they even want me to continue?

Was all of this effort in vain? Had I truly ruined everything?

As I wrestled with these thoughts, the door swung open, and I turned to find Gavin stepping into the room. A wave of surprise washed over me; I had expected him to still be at the arena, watching the rest of the battles unfold. Then again, perhaps the matches were over. I had lost track of time, unaware of how long I had been lying there.

Gavin’s expression was unreadable as he closed the door behind him. When he turned to face me, the look in his eyes darkened, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

“Are you going to ridicule me?” I finally broke the silence, my voice tinged with frustration. “Tell me I was reckless and foolish?”

He remained silent, his gaze locked onto my face, as if he were trying to decipher the emotions swirling within me.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, returning his stare with equal intensity. My heart raced, pounding against my ribcage as the silence stretched on, thick and suffocating. I feared he might not say anything at all.

But then, to my utter astonishment, he moved toward me in a swift motion, cupping my face with his hands. His lips descended onto mine, and in that moment, the world outside faded away. The warmth of his kiss enveloped me, soothing my worries like a balm.

He teased my bottom lip, nibbling gently, urging me closer with his hands. Sparks ignited on my skin, sending my heart racing even faster. He traced the contours of my lips with his tongue, silently begging me to part them. Without hesitation, I complied, allowing him to deepen the kiss. He drew my tongue into his mouth, and a soft moan escaped my lips as I pressed myself against him, craving his closeness.

His fingers tangled in my hair, massaging my scalp, sending delightful tingles coursing through my body.

He pulled back slightly, leaving us both breathless, our eyes locked as desire hung thick in the air. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his lips, still tinged with the remnants of our kiss.

“Someone’s coming,” he murmured, his voice low and edged with irritation.

Just as he spoke, I heard the door creaking open. Gavin withdrew from me, a smug expression on his face as he took what he wanted, leaving me yearning for more. I barely had a moment to regain my composure before Alpha Jeremy stepped into the room.

I had limited interactions with him, so his appearance surprised me. Like the other Lycans, he exuded a commanding presence that made it difficult to meet his gaze. Gavin was the only one I could look at without feeling my wolf cower or submit completely.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I was acutely aware of my swollen lips. I hoped Jeremy hadn’t noticed.

Fortunately, his attention was focused on Gavin, allowing me a moment to wipe the moisture from my lips and smooth my hair.

“Gavin,” Alpha Jeremy greeted, his tone casual. “How are things here? You dashed off so quickly that we didn’t get a chance to chat.”

“She’s recovering,” Gavin replied coolly, as if he hadn’t just turned my world upside down with that kiss.

How was he able to act so nonchalant?

Jeremy’s gaze shifted toward me, as if he were just realizing my presence.

“I just spoke with your doctor,” he continued, “and they say you’ll be healed in time for the next round on Tuesday.” He smiled, and my heart leaped. “Congratulations on being cleared. You fought valiantly out there, and I’m eager to see what else you have in store.”

My eyes widened in disbelief. Did Jeremy just confirm that I made it to the next round?

Did that mean I passed?

How was that even possible?

I felt like I had lost this round… I was in the infirmary.

“I… I don’t understand. Did I really make it to next week?” I stammered, my voice hoarse from dryness.

I suddenly realized I hadn’t had anything to drink since before the match; it must have been hours.

Jeremy offered me a small smile and a nod.

“Despite your injury, your techniques, weapon use, and control were exceptional. You impressed not only the judges but also the Lycans. Congratulations! You’ll receive an email with your weekend schedule by tomorrow, along with your official notice about moving on to the next round.”

My heart swelled with joy.

I actually made it!!

I turned to Gavin, expecting to see a smile on his face, but instead, his expression was dark, his jaw clenched tightly as if he were suppressing a tempest of emotions. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, his eyes fixed on Alpha Jeremy, a silent storm brewing within him.

I shifted my gaze back to Jeremy, who seemed oblivious to the tension radiating from Gavin.

“Thank you so much. I promise I won’t let you down,” I said, trying to diffuse the palpable tension that hung in the air.

“Next week is crucial, so you better bring your A-game,” he warned, his tone serious. “I don’t want to see you back here. I have a feeling you’ll go far, Miss Montague.”

The praise from a Lycan sent a thrill through me, filling my chest with pride.

Jeremy finally glanced at Gavin, his expression shifting to one of concern.

“Gavin,” he said dismissively as he turned toward the door, “we’re holding a meeting tomorrow morning in the conference room before the match. I’ll see you there.”

Gavin didn’t respond; he maintained a stoic expression, arms crossed tightly over his chest. Jeremy offered me a polite smile before exiting the room, leaving me alone with Gavin once more.