The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 369

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 369: A Thousand Word Kiss**

**Gavin’s POV**

As I made my way toward the arena, a voice called out from behind me, breaking the rhythm of my thoughts. “Alpha Gavin…?”

I halted, turning to see Megan approaching. She was a striking figure, tall and slender, with long, flowing blonde hair that cascaded down her back and ocean-blue eyes that sparkled with a mix of curiosity and something else—something I couldn’t quite place. Her attire was always elegant, a reflection of her affluent background, as her father owned this lavish resort. In the past, I had frequented this area for business, and it was during those visits that our paths had crossed.

It had been over five years since I last set foot here, and I still remembered the day I ended things with her before leaving.

Megan’s gaze locked onto mine as she walked closer, delicately tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her naturally plump, rosy lips pressed into a thin line, betraying her underlying emotions.

“When I heard you were back, I had to see you for myself,” she stated, folding her arms across her chest, a defensive posture that only added to the tension in the air.

“I’ve been here for over a week,” I replied, raising my brows in surprise. “I’m shocked you’re just now hearing about my arrival.”

“I just returned from a work trip myself,” she explained, falling into step beside me as we headed toward the arena. “When I learned the competition had begun, I rushed back. I knew you’d be here with the other Lycans.”

I nodded, my attention drifting toward the throngs of people eagerly gathering to celebrate the winners. News had spread quickly that a team was already on their way back. The fact that they returned early was a promising sign, even though there were still hours left in the competition.

“Do you think we could talk for a moment?” Megan asked, her hand reaching out to grasp my arm, trying to halt my progress just before we reached the bustling arched doorway that led into the arena.

I glanced down at her hand on my arm, then back into her eyes, narrowing mine slightly.

“There’s really not much to discuss, Megan,” I replied firmly, pulling my arm free from her grasp. “We ended things years ago.”

Her cheeks flushed with color, and she bit her lower lip, a nervous gesture that didn’t escape my notice.

“You might not think there’s anything left to say, but I have a lot on my mind,” she murmured, her voice low but intense. “Things I’ve wanted to express ever since you walked away from me.”

Walked away?

1/6

It had been a fling, a brief moment in time, and she was well aware of that fact.

Ignoring her, I turned and stepped into the arena, making my way to my seat among the other Lycans. I had no intention of getting tangled up in that mess right now.

Mica was the first to acknowledge my presence with a nod of his head, followed by Jeremy, who offered a brief wave. As usual, Levi was lost in his own world, engrossed in a private conversation with his Beta, oblivious to anyone else around them.

I still felt a simmering resentment toward Levi for being in the same territory as me. He had been eyeing my business for years, driven by envy over its success.

Unfortunately for him, my business was solid as concrete, and all his attempts at a takeover had been thwarted.

Suddenly, I felt a hand rest on my shoulder, and I tensed instinctively, recognizing the familiar touch.

“Please, let’s just talk,” Megan whispered, her tone pleading.

Before I could respond, a wave of cheers erupted around us. The crowd was reacting to something, and I knew what it meant—another team had returned. Just then, the highlights of the returning team began to play on the large screen above us.

I held my breath, my heart racing as I saw the team that had won… the blue team. That was Judy’s team.

As the camera panned to show her teammates, there was Judy, her radiant smile lighting up the screen. They were making their way into the arena, but I noticed her fall to her knees, clearly exhausted. My heart lurched at the sight, and the instinct to rush to her side surged within me. She had a bandage wrapped around her arm, undoubtedly a remnant from the bear she had fought the day before. I found myself wanting to check beneath that bandage, to ensure she was healing correctly, but I quickly chastised myself internally.

Judy wasn’t mine to protect or care for, so why did I feel such a strong pull toward her well-being?

“Looks like we have our winners,” Megan whispered from behind me, breaking my reverie. “Any of them from your pack?”

My eyes remained glued to Judy, unwilling to engage in conversation with Megan. I merely wanted to shake her off, thinking that if I played nice, she would tire of me sooner rather than later.

“Yes,” I replied, pointing toward Judy. Although she wasn’t officially part of the Silver Crescent pack, I still considered her one of us. She was the only member of the surrounding packs who had qualified for this competition. She belonged to my region… she was my wolf. “She’s a fighter,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I continued to watch her highlights on the big screen.

“I’ve always been a fighter, too,” Megan purred, her voice dripping with nostalgia. “Remember those times we used to spar when you were here? Just because I’m a model doesn’t mean I can’t kick your butt.”

“That was the past,” I replied flatly. “It was meant to be forgotten.”

“How can I forget something that means so much to me, Gavin?” she said, her hand reaching out to touch my shoulder as she leaned in closer, her breath grazing the nape of my neck. “We were really good together. All those late nights…”

“We were never a couple,” I interjected, my voice firm.

“That’s not how it felt for me,” she insisted, her eyes narrowing as she nibbled on her lower lip. “I fell for you, Gavin. I wanted to be yours, but then you left without giving me a real reason why.”

“Because I wasn’t looking for a monogamous relationship,” I replied through clenched teeth. “You knew this when we started.”

“I thought you might change your mind,” she said, a hint of desperation creeping into her voice.

“I didn’t.”

“What about now? Is anything different? Are you open to a relationship?” she asked eagerly, her tone revealing her vulnerability.

My gaze flickered back to Judy, who was now chatting with some of her teammates. She wore a workout bra and high-waisted, skintight black yoga pants that accentuated her form beautifully. Sweat glistened on her skin, and her hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail. I found myself staring a moment too long, completely oblivious to Megan inching closer to me.

“I’m not hearing a no…” she whispered, misreading my silence.

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