The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 378

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 378: House Arrest**

**Judy’s POV**

Finished.

As I lay there, the cool sheets clinging to my skin, I felt a mixture of satisfaction and longing. Naked and vulnerable, I watched Gavin as he dressed with an ease that seemed almost effortless. The clock on the nightstand ticked away the minutes of the night, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that our third round of intimacy had only intensified my desire for him. My heart felt heavy in my chest as I observed him, each movement he made igniting a fresh wave of yearning within me. My legs still felt weak, as though they were made of jelly, and every part of me craved his touch again, wishing he would linger a little longer. It felt safer to remain in the bed, cocooned in the remnants of our passion.

He glanced back at me, a hint of smug satisfaction playing on his lips. I hated that he could sense my lingering arousal; it was one of the many frustrating quirks of being involved with a werewolf. They could smell everything—fear, excitement, and yes, even desire. After pulling his shirt over his head, he turned fully towards me, his expression shifting to something more serious.

“The Ethan situation will be handled accordingly,” he stated, his tone businesslike, as if we had just concluded a negotiation rather than an intimate encounter. “He won’t pose a threat to you or your family anymore.”

I nodded, struggling to find the right words to respond. What could I possibly say? I was grateful, yet the weight of his words lingered in the air between us. He moved closer, crossing the room in just a few strides, and I was taken aback when he leaned down to kiss me softly. It was unexpected and left my mind reeling with questions about what it all meant.

His words echoed in my mind like a mantra.

“You are mine… and I always protect what is mine.”

What did that even mean? I was his…?

I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. It was a comment made in the heat of passion, a lust-driven assertion that didn’t hold any real significance. He just wanted to elicit a reaction from me, and I refused to give him the satisfaction of one.

His kiss was sweet yet left me feeling hollow when he pulled away, as if a part of me had been taken with him. He stepped back, clearing his throat, running a hand through his tousled hair—an uncharacteristic gesture for him, even after our passionate encounter.

“I need to go,” he said, his voice devoid of any emotion as he turned to exit the suite.

With that, he walked out, leaving me behind, naked and utterly confused, staring at the closed door as if it held the answers to my turmoil.

Sleep evaded me, and I only managed a few restless hours before the sound of voices broke through the haze of my thoughts. Nan and Chester entered the suite, their hushed whispers filling the air. I opened my eyes, squinting against the light, and took in the sight of them. Nan still appeared a bit uncomfortable around Chester, while he seemed to tread carefully, almost as if he were walking on eggshells.

“Hey,” I mumbled, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I propped myself up on my elbows. “Where did you guys go?”

A smirk crept onto Nan’s face as she met my gaze.

“Well, your lover Lycan barged in like a caveman, woke us up, and told us to get lost for the night. He even booked us another hotel room,” she explained, her tone teasing.

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

“Together?” I asked, glancing between the two of them, trying to decipher the dynamics.

“We slept separately,” Nan clarified, her expression lightening. “He took the couch, and I claimed the bed.”

“Did you talk at all?” I pressed, eager to know more.

“Barely,” Chester replied with a hint of reluctance, his tone making it clear that he didn’t want to elaborate.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Nan asked, shifting the focus away from Chester. “Do you have more training?”

I shook my head, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

“They gave us the day off,” I informed her. “But I was thinking maybe we could have some fun today—get our minds off things.” I needed a distraction from all the chaos that seemed to swirl around me.

Nan’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm.

“Yes, I agree,” she said, settling onto the bed beside me. “What if we find Sammy and invite her out? A girl’s night to forget about guys for a while sounds perfect!”

Chester tensed at her words, and I felt a pang of guilt. I hated that they were at odds; both were my friends, and I wanted them to get along.

“Actually, I was thinking it might be nice for all of us to go out together,” I suggested, hoping to ease the tension. “Chester could use a distraction too.”

Nan raised her eyebrows, giving me a look that clearly said, “You can’t be serious.”

I smiled, nudging her shoulder playfully.

“Can’t you put your differences aside for one day?” I asked, my voice light but earnest. “You’re both my friends, and you’re both in a tough spot. Just for today, let’s pretend you don’t know each other and are simply two people who need a break.”

Nan hesitated, her gaze flickering between Chester and me, but eventually, she nodded slowly. Chester, too, seemed to come around, giving a reluctant nod of agreement.

A wave of relief washed over me.

“Good,” I said, my smile growing wider. “Then let’s see if Sammy’s available, and maybe we can invite Tabby too?”

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