The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 50

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 50: A Trip Back Home**

Evelyn’s heart plummeted for a fleeting moment, a sudden wave of anxiety washing over her as she questioned whether she had crossed an invisible boundary. It was as if an uncharted impulse had taken hold of her, one that she had never recognized before. She had always known she held a deep affection for Alexander, but only to the extent that he would permit.

After all, they had just returned from their very first evening out together, a momentous occasion that felt both exhilarating and fragile.

The conversations they had shared had illuminated so much about each other, yet uncertainty lingered in her mind. Had she gone too far? Regardless of their marital status, she felt a twinge of doubt about expressing such overt affection.

Just as she began to withdraw, she felt the unmistakable warmth of Alexander’s hand gently curling around the nape of her neck. With a tender yet assertive pull, he drew her back down, capturing her lips in a kiss that ignited a fire within her. The sensation sent sparks coursing through her veins, igniting her skin with an intoxicating warmth.

His fingers tangled deeper in her hair, urging her closer, and Evelyn found herself nearly gasping as his tongue brushed against the seam of her lips.

Instinctively, she clutched at his shirt, seeking stability as her knees threatened to give way beneath her. Holy moly. For a man who often kept his emotions tightly locked away, he certainly knew how to kiss with an intensity that left her breathless.

Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, Alexander’s lips began a tantalizing journey down her jawline and over her neck. She felt herself teetering on the brink of losing her balance, but he quickly steadied her with his other hand at her waist. Oh God. Was she truly going to return to her family home after experiencing something so electrifying?

It felt utterly unfair.

After what seemed like an eternity of exquisite torment, with Alexander kissing and teasing her neck and lips, he finally pulled back. His eyes were darkened with desire, a feral look that sent a shiver racing down her spine. His voice, rough and rugged, dripped with an intensity that made her heart race.

“Have a good trip back home,” he murmured, his tone both commanding and tender. “I’ll be waiting for your return. Now, go and get some rest.”

—

Evelyn couldn’t shake the feeling of reluctance as she prepared to leave Kingston Hall. It was hard to believe that there had once been a time when she had felt suffocated by the very walls of that place. Yet now, with recent developments and a certain Alpha who was becoming increasingly open with her, she felt an unexpected pang of regret at leaving.

This was a significant milestone for them, and here she was, about to depart!

But she reminded herself that checking in on her brother was essential. The staff at home were diligent and knew to keep a watchful eye on Edward and the medications he was receiving. Not to mention, she simply missed him terribly.

So much had transpired since the last time she had the chance to sit down and talk with him.

There was no doubt in her mind that Isabella would try to orchestrate something to complicate her visit. Yet strangely, the thought didn’t fill her with dread. Since that passionate kiss with Alexander, it felt as if they had crossed into a new realm of their relationship.

Rather than feeling anxious, a sense of hope bloomed within her, and she looked forward to seeing her brother before returning to Alexander.

Of course, things remained delicate between them. She knew better than to assume anything had drastically changed. Yet still… that kiss had sparked a flicker of optimism about what lay ahead.

As the car pulled up to her family home, she was taken aback to be greeted by a small army of staff members, all wearing identical, welcoming smiles. The absence of Isabella and her father at the entrance didn’t even faze her.

The moment she stepped out of the car, she was enveloped by a flurry of cheerful faces and a barrage of questions.

“How are you?”

“How is your husband?”

“How is your new pack?”

She even donned the heels Alexander had insisted she practice walking in. To her surprise, she received numerous compliments on her ensemble. Meanwhile, she made a conscious effort to keep Samantha and Isabella in her peripheral vision, wary of their every move.

When it was time to sit down for dinner, she found herself positioned to the left of her father, with Isabella directly across from her. A surprise awaited her in the form of Liam’s presence, who seemed disinterested in Samantha, barely casting her a glance.

A flicker of sympathy crossed her mind for the pair, but it was quickly extinguished by the memory of how willingly they had both hurt her for their own gain.

She could feel their eyes boring into her, scrutinizing her every move. As each course was served, she navigated the layout of silverware with practiced ease. A smile crept onto her lips as she thought of Alexander and their delightful evening at the restaurant.

“You realize that you went through the entire meal and used each piece of silverware at the appropriate time?” she could almost hear his teasing tone, that glimmer of pride in his eyes making her cheeks warm.

When the final course was cleared away, she glanced over at Samantha and Isabella, only to find their expressions twisted into bitter sneers.

“Is everything alright?” she inquired calmly, feigning innocence.

Isabella’s response was laced with venom. “Just fine.”

Evelyn suppressed the urge to shoot back a mocking grin. No, she decided to maintain her composure, honoring Alexander’s memory, wishing he were by her side that evening.

Her father turned to her, his voice dripping with a tone of genuine admiration that sent a chill racing down her spine.

“So, Evelyn, it’s wonderful to see that you’ve finally come into your own,” he remarked. “I take it that you and Alexander have been making your marriage work.”

A dark, venomous feeling slithered into her mind. She wasn’t sure what had prompted this line of questioning, but she sensed it was about to take a sinister turn.