The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 391

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 391: The Truth**

**Gavin’s POV**

“Alpha Landry, how does it feel to have the winner of the Gamma competition be a part of your territory?”

“Will you be recruiting Judy Montague for your Elite Force?”

“What is your personal relationship with the winner of the competition?”

The incessant barrage of questions from the paparazzi felt like a swarm of relentless bees buzzing around me. No matter how many times I turned my back on them, they continued to hound me, their cameras flashing like lightning in a storm. A low, primal growl rumbled in my throat, the air thick with my Alpha energy, a clear warning that I was not in the mood for idle chatter. Their faces paled, the color draining as they caught a glimpse of my agitated wolf, a creature that could easily turn the tide of any encounter if provoked further.

They instinctively stepped aside, allowing me to pass without uttering a single word. My gaze fell upon Judy, who was seated at a table with Nan and Sammy. She looked stunning in a low-cut black dress that left little to the imagination; her curves were accentuated perfectly, and the fabric clung to her body as if it were molded to her. Her hair cascaded down her back, framing her face beautifully, and the light makeup she wore enhanced her natural beauty. She didn’t need the makeup, but when she chose to wear it, it made her features shine even brighter.

I swallowed hard, my heart racing as I took in the sight of her. The smile that lit up her face as she chatted with her friends was a radiant beacon, a smile I hadn’t seen directed at me in what felt like an eternity. Whatever had transpired to cause her distress the other night had clearly taken a toll on our fragile relationship.

I had believed we shared a mutual understanding, but it seemed I had misjudged the situation entirely.

“You’re acting like a lovesick puppy,” Irene sighed beside me, her voice laced with exasperation. She followed my gaze and narrowed her eyes when they landed on Judy. “Why don’t you just admit you have feelings for her?”

My jaw clenched at her words. Feelings? No, I didn’t have feelings for her—not those kinds of feelings, at least. I couldn’t afford to. She was merely a means to an end, a way to keep my mother and Daisy off my back for a while. But now, it seemed Daisy was back and ready to stir up trouble again.

The thought of Daisy’s return irritated me more than I cared to admit.

Judy was using me, too; she was seeking revenge on her ex, and that was all there was to it. Yet, here she was, upset over a simple dinner I had shared with another woman.

“Dad, I know you…” Irene said softly, her tone shifting to something more sincere. “I know you have feelings for her. Why can’t you just admit that to yourself… or to me?”

“Because you’re mistaken,” I said, tearing my gaze away from Judy to focus on my daughter, who seemed to be blissfully unaware of the complexities of adult emotions. “There’s nothing happening between me and Judy.”

Irene rolled her eyes, a gesture that spoke volumes.

“Yeah, that’s what Judy said too,” she muttered, the underlying hurt in her voice striking a chord in my chest. The thought of Judy denying any feelings for me, or our relationship, stung more than I anticipated.

“Then maybe you should listen to us,” I told her, attempting to walk away from the conversation.

“I will when you stop staring at her like you’re lost without her,” Irene shot back, crossing her arms defiantly.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, choosing silence over further debate.

“So, you’re going to be going to school with us?” Judy asked Sammy, who nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips.

“Yes; all thanks to Alpha Landry,” Sammy replied, her gratitude evident.

It was true; I had played a pivotal role in Sammy’s acceptance into the Shifter Academy, located near the Redmoon pack. She was in her second year of college, and this transfer would allow her to be closer to Judy and Nan, giving her the chance to forge friendships that could help her move on from her ex-boyfriend, who had betrayed her trust.

Earlier, I had found Sammy in one of the lounges, tears streaming down her face as she recounted her heartbreak. She had expressed her desire to leave her old life behind, to escape the pain that seemed to cling to her like a shadow. I had opened the doors to my territory for her, hoping to provide her with a fresh start.

As I watched Judy, her expression grew contemplative, her eyes searching for mine. I wasn’t sure if her gaze was intentional or simply a reflex, but when she met my eyes, I noticed a flicker of pain cross her features, as if she were haunted by a memory that cut deep. My heart tightened painfully at the sight.

“Because you didn’t tell me!” she snapped, tears welling in her eyes as she stared into mine. “You let me find out in the worst way possible. You could have told me the truth, Gavin.”

“The truth?” I echoed, my brows furrowing in confusion. “Look, I don’t know what Irene told you, but—”

“She didn’t tell me anything,” Judy interjected, wrapping her arms around herself as if trying to shield her heart from further pain.

Unable to help myself, I reached up and brushed away a stray tear that had escaped her eye, allowing my fingers to linger on her cheek for a moment longer than necessary before pulling back, giving her space to breathe.

“What do you mean she didn’t tell you anything?” I asked, bewildered. “Then how the hell did you find out about any of this?”

“Because I saw her…” Judy said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “In your suite. I went to your suite that night, and she was there… practically naked, just wearing a robe. You were in the shower when she answered the door…”

In that instant, Judy appeared so fragile, so vulnerable, that something inside me snapped. I had sensed something was off when I returned to my suite that night. Even Matt had noticed a change in the air, but we had all been too exhausted to delve deeper into the matter.

“Judy, what the hell are you talking about?” I demanded, my tone sharp and filled with anger.

“Don’t deny it, Gavin,” she shot back, her arms still wrapped tightly around herself as if bracing for impact. “You slept with Daisy Baldwin the other night, and the evidence was in your suite, in a bathrobe.”

Rage coursed through me, a fiery tide that threatened to consume everything in its path.

My wolf surged forward, and I felt its presence flash in my eyes, a low growl escaping my throat as Judy’s eyes widened in shock. I pushed off the wall, my anger threatening to break free as I stormed away, unable to process the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

“Fuck!!” I roared in the empty hallway, my voice echoing, causing Judy to suck in a sharp breath. Without another word, I took off, leaving her standing there, stunned and alone, as I grappled with the chaos of my feelings.