The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 389

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 389: Reward**

**Judy’s POV**

“My wolf will heal on its own; a medic isn’t necessary,” I reassured the others as we stepped into the bustling health clinic of the resort. The atmosphere was thick with tension as competitors filled the space, some visibly injured, others merely seeking comfort. “Let’s save the medical staff for those who truly need them.”

Alpha Levi, seemingly indifferent, continued to scroll through his phone, his eyes glued to the screen as if the world around him faded away. I perched on the edge of the medical bed, staring up at the sterile ceiling tiles, feeling more vulnerable than I cared to admit. A blanket was draped over my shoulders, providing a semblance of modesty, but I still felt exposed without proper clothing. It was ironic; as shifters, we were supposed to embrace our natural state, yet I couldn’t shake off the discomfort.

Modesty was still a part of me.

“You’ll be sought after by several packs,” Levi remarked, his voice casual, his gaze unwavering from his phone. “Choose wisely; you’ve now joined the Elite Force.”

“Must I decide right this moment?” I asked, my teeth nervously nibbling at my lip. “I still have half a year of school left, and I’d prefer to finish it.”

He nodded, his attention still captured by the glowing screen. It felt as though my words were falling on deaf ears. I pressed my lips together, a wave of frustration washing over me.

“Yes, of course. Complete your education, and when you’re ready to make a choice about your future, reach out to me.”

“You?” I raised an eyebrow, skepticism lacing my tone.

No offense to him, but while he was a Lycan, I had direct access to Gavin Landry, the most powerful of the Lycan chairmen. Seeking Levi’s guidance felt redundant.

Finally, he glanced up, his expression shifting as his eyes narrowed.

“When it comes to the Gamma Elite Force, I am in charge,” he stated, his voice low and intense. There was an unsettling darkness in his gaze that made my heart race. I wanted to challenge him, to remind him that being appointed as the overseer of this competition didn’t equate to having ultimate authority over the Gamma Elite Force.

Before I could voice my thoughts, the door swung open, and relief washed over me as I spotted Nan and Irene returning. They had gone off to find me some clothes, and when I caught sight of the shorts and tank top in Irene’s hands, I exhaled a sigh of relief.

“I got clothes!” she sang, a bright smile illuminating her face as she approached my bedside.

Nan’s brow furrowed as she took in the scene, her eyes landing on Alpha Levi.

“I hope we aren’t interrupting anything,” she said, her voice laced with concern.

“Not at all,” I replied, snatching the clothes from Irene and sliding off the bed. “I’ll just change in the bathroom.”

I made my way to the bathroom at the far end of the room, quickly shedding the blanket and slipping into the fresh clothes. As I caught my reflection in the mirror, a heavy sigh escaped my lips. My face bore scratches and bite marks, remnants of the recent fight. They weren’t mating marks; they were battle scars, evidence of a struggle. I winced as I touched the tender spots, realization dawning on me.

Some of the weapons had been laced with wolfbane, a fact that sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn’t help but wonder how many competitors had used such treacherous methods and what their motives were.

Emerging from the bathroom, I found Levi still ensconced in the corner, his attention absorbed by his phone. Nan and Irene were waiting patiently by my bed, concern etched on their faces.

“How are you feeling?” Nan inquired as I settled back onto the medical bed.

“My face hurts,” I admitted, grimacing. “I think some of the weapons had wolfsbane on them.”

Levi looked up, a smirk dancing on his lips.

“Not everyone noticed,” he remarked casually. “Some competitors had claws laced with wolfbane as well.”

“What?” I gasped, the weight of his words sinking in.

He nodded, a light chuckle escaping him.

“There were no rules this round,” he reminded me, his tone almost mocking. “They could do whatever they wanted. So could you.”

The danger of that realization made my stomach churn, but perhaps that was the intent behind the competition. Just then, a medic entered the room to assess my injuries. He applied a healing cream to my cuts and scratches, ensuring I was well enough to leave.

As I stepped out of the health clinic, I was immediately swarmed by an army of paparazzi, their cameras flashing like a strobe light. Thankfully, Levi was there to navigate the chaos, shielding me from their relentless questions. He led me to a private area where several men awaited, including the other Lycans, and I spotted Gavin among them.

“Judy Montague,” one of the unfamiliar men said as he stepped forward, extending his hand. I took it, shaking firmly. “You are quite impressive. I’ve been following your progress, and from day one, I knew you were destined for greatness.”

“Thank you,” I replied, forcing a smile despite the whirlwind of emotions churning inside me.

“We are the top commanders of various Elite forces worldwide,” he continued, his demeanor professional. “We’ve gathered here to scout for recruits and to meet the victor of this competition. With that in mind, we are interested in bringing you on as one of our Elite Gammas. You can only select one of us, of course. We have prepared a packet detailing each of our forces for you to review at your leisure. I just wanted to introduce myself formally.”

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