The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 373

373 /400

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 373: Watch Teams**

**Judy’s POV**

There are few feelings as disheartening as the sting of being stood up. It gnawed at me, a relentless reminder of my wasted time, the minutes ticking by in agonizing slow motion. I had lingered there far too long, clinging to the hope that he might still show. But deep down, I knew it was futile. I shook off the dark thoughts swirling in my mind, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. I turned on my heel and made my way back to the gym area where we were all supposed to gather for watch duty tonight. This was not just an ordinary night; we had been assigned specific schedules and sectors of our territory to monitor, much like vigilant security guards on patrol.

The protocol required us to pair up with a Lycan, a fact that both excited and unnerved me.

As I entered the gym, I spotted Levi, the Lycan, standing confidently in the center of the room, awaiting our arrival. He exuded an air of authority, and I felt a mixture of admiration and apprehension. Jeremy and Mica flanked him, engrossed in their own lively discussion, oblivious to the tension in the air.

Tabby caught my eye and beamed at me as I approached. However, the moment she noticed the shadow of disappointment etched across my face, her smile faltered.

“What’s wrong?” she inquired, her brow furrowing with concern.

I hesitated, not wanting to burden her with my romantic woes, so I mustered a forced smile and shook my head.

“I didn’t get much rest today,” I confessed, the truth slipping out. I hadn’t rested at all, not after the whole Nan incident and then waiting in vain for Gavin for what felt like an eternity.

“Tell me about it! I was buzzing with adrenaline after winning that competition,” she replied, her laughter light and infectious. “How do they expect us to catch any sleep after that?” She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Will you be okay on Watch duty tonight?”

“Yeah, I’ll manage,” I reassured her, though I wasn’t entirely convinced.

“Maybe we’ll be on the same team again,” she suggested, her grin returning. “We can cover for each other.”

I chuckled, the camaraderie lifting my spirits slightly.

“Alright, looks like we’re all here,” Levi announced, surveying our small gathering. “A few of you will join me tonight.” His gaze lingered on me for a heartbeat longer than necessary before he continued. “Mica and Jeremy will choose their partners first.”

Mica stood beside Levi, and I noticed him whisper something to Levi, his eyes darting briefly in my direction. Then, with a nod, he selected a few competitors, and they departed without a backward glance.

Next, it was Jeremy’s turn. He also shot me a quick glance as Levi spoke to him, and I felt my cheeks flush, acutely aware that they were discussing me.

After Jeremy made his selections, they too moved on, leaving only a handful of us remaining, including Tabby, who had linked her arm through mine, grinning widely. I could sense her excitement about being on the same team, yet an unsettling feeling crept over me as I stole another glance at Alpha Levi.

“Okay, that leaves the rest of you,” Levi said, his grin widening as he regarded our small group. His eyes settled on me once more. “I look forward to working with you.” There was a shadow of something darker in his tone that sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.

Before anyone could respond, the door swung open with a force that drew all our attention. A familiar presence swept into the room, and my heart raced when I saw Gavin sauntering in as if he owned the place.

Levi’s expression hardened at the sight of him.

If looks could kill, Gavin would have been obliterated on the spot.

“You’re late,” Levi ground out through clenched teeth. “I can’t say I’m surprised, but the teams have already been formed.”

Gavin surveyed the room, his gaze landing on me, and I felt a surge of possessiveness radiating from him, making my heart race even faster.

“You don’t have a partner for watch duty, so you can just leave,” Levi continued, crossing his arms defiantly.

Gavin ignored him completely, weaving through the remaining team members until he reached me. My eyes widened in disbelief as he grasped my hand, pulling me along with him towards the exit.

I stumbled, my cheeks ablaze with embarrassment as I looked up at him. His shoulders were taut, and his focus was unwavering as we walked, completely disregarding Levi’s protests echoing behind us.

Once outside, I expected him to release my hand, but instead, he maintained his grip, guiding me deeper into the forest where our watch duties awaited.

“W…what are you doing?” I stammered, forcing the words out as confusion swirled in my mind.

He paused, turning to face me, his hand still wrapped around my wrist—not painfully, but firmly enough to convey his determination to keep me by his side.