The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 376

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 376: Judy’s Secret**

**Gavin’s POV**

The task was complete.

With a mix of relief and tension, I submitted my report to the judges, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. The other Lycans were gathered, each recounting their experiences with the competitors from the previous night, their voices a blend of urgency and camaraderie. The judges listened intently, their expressions betraying nothing as they absorbed the information. When my turn arrived, I handed over my meticulously crafted report, uttering a terse, “She passed,” before turning on my heel and exiting the room.

As I made my way back to the hotel suite, a faint murmur of conversation reached my ears. Irene and Matt were likely in there; it was still early, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were wide awake. Yet, as soon as I stepped through the door, a chill swept over me. Judy’s voice pierced through the air, and my blood ran cold at the words spilling from her lips.

“Because my father couldn’t pay back the rest of the loan, he was put in jail. Ethan is the reason my father is in jail, and he could get him out if he wanted, but he’s holding him against me. Getting him beaten on a daily… my father is being tortured in prison, and Ethan is the reason it’s happening. He wanted me to live in a home that he purchased and be his mistress while he was married to you, Irene. I refused, and it’s been driving him crazy. He’s the reason I started to work with your father as your brother’s tutor. I needed the money so I can help out my family and try to pay off the rest of my father’s debt so I can get him out of jail.”

The weight of her confession hung heavily in the air. I could hear Irene’s voice, laced with concern, asking, “Why hasn’t my father done something? He can easily pay off that debt for your father so you can get him out of prison and then he can do something about Ethan…” Her words were shaky, as if she had been crying. I knew there was more to the story, a darkness that had driven her to flee from the pack, but I could only imagine the horrors that had unfolded.

“I didn’t tell him what Ethan was doing to me,” Judy murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is my problem… I don’t want to involve your father. Plus, my father has a lot of pride and would never accept help from anyone, especially a Lycan. But mostly, I’m just ashamed and embarrassed…”

“That’s ridiculous, Judy,” Irene replied, her voice rising with frustration. “Your father is in danger. You should have told my dad so he can help you. You have to get him out of jail.”

“I also don’t think your father would help me if I tried,” I interjected, my voice sharp, the anger boiling within me.

Stepping around the corner, I made my presence known, my gaze locked on Judy, who stared back at me, her expression a mix of shock and fear. I could sense the rapid thumping of her heart, the panic radiating from her. She had kept this from me, and the realization cut deeper than I expected. Her desperation for money when we first met now made a painful kind of sense, and I felt like a fool for missing the signs. My fury was palpable, not just at her secrecy, but at the fact that she hadn’t planned to confide in me at all. “Afterwards… we are having a serious conversation,” I warned, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Without another word, I stormed out, my mind racing. I needed to escape the suffocating atmosphere, to gather my thoughts before I completely lost control. The realization that this monster had been living under my roof, potentially poised to marry my daughter, ignited a fire within me.

Ethan Cash was a dead man walking.

I pulled out my phone, dialing Beta Taylor’s number, my heart pounding with urgency as I paced the hallway.

“Alpha,” Taylor answered, his voice thick with sleep. “What time is it?”

“Does it matter? When your Alpha calls, you stand to attention,” I snapped, my patience wearing thin.

He understood the gravity of the situation; this was no casual call.

“Sorry, Alpha,” he replied, his tone shifting to one of alertness. “What can I do for you?”

“I want Ethan Cash found, and I want him in custody until I get back,” I ordered, my voice low and menacing. “I don’t care what it takes, but he’s not going anywhere until I can confront him.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Taylor acknowledged, his tone serious.

“Also, I want the debt paid off for Richard Montague. All of it. I want him out of prison by the end of the day today. The sooner, the better,” I pressed, my anger fueling my demands.

“Yes, Alpha. Do we know how much he owes?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I replied, my voice firm. “I want it all paid off. No questions asked.”

“On it,” Taylor confirmed. “I’ll let you know when he’s released and when Ethan is in custody.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify