The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 66

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
By Sophia Reed
**Chapter 66**

**Michael**

[Third-Person’s POV]

Why on earth did I let her slip away? Why did I not stop her?

Michael stood frozen in place, his gaze locked onto Evelyn as she gracefully made her way toward the parking lot. Each step she took was a dance in itself, and he found himself utterly mesmerized. He took in every single detail of her—how the sunlight seemed to weave through her hair like golden threads, and how her hips moved with a natural rhythm that was both alluring and enchanting.

It was as if she was blissfully unaware of the magnetic charm she exuded, captivating everyone around her without even trying.

In that moment, it felt as though the very fabric of his world had shifted, leaving him slightly unbalanced. He was rooted to the ground, an invisible weight anchoring him in place. He knew that if he took even a single step forward, the urge to chase after her would become overwhelming—a temptation he had never before entertained.

But I can’t do that. We’ve only known each other for a handful of hours…

Yet, deep down, a fierce longing stirred within him.

He wanted to run after her, a thought that was foreign to him. Michael had always prided himself on his restraint and composure, never allowing himself to be swept away by impulse. But Evelyn was different; she seemed to call to something deep inside him, something worth bending his usual principles for.

This was not a typical encounter.

Some inexplicable force finally compelled him to break free from his stupor and head toward his own car. The chaotic throng of people milling about the parking lot felt suffocating, and he craved the solace of his own space. Yet, even as he made his way through the crowd, Evelyn lingered in his thoughts, a persistent echo that refused to fade.

Was meeting someone like her a blessing or a curse? The question haunted him. One detail that gnawed at him was the wedding ring she wore—a small piece of jewelry that felt like a heavy stone lodged in his chest.

He masked his disappointment with practiced ease, but inside, he was devastated. It was no surprise that someone as perceptive and caring as Evelyn would already be committed to another.

Michael could easily envision her as a magnificent Luna, a guiding light for her pack. Her thoughtful purchases and the stories she shared about her current pack made it evident that she held a deep affection for her people.

Evelyn was the kind of woman who thrived on natural pursuits, finding ways to uplift and support others through her passions.

There was no doubt in his mind that she was striving to be the ideal Luna for her pack. This realization stirred a complex mix of yearning and frustration within him.

For months now, his mother had been relentless in her insistence that he begin searching for a ‘suitable’ woman to marry. The term ‘suitable,’ however, had vastly different meanings for the two of them.

To his mother, any woman who understood her role in the family and could bear children was considered suitable. But for Michael, the criteria were far more rigorous.

He envisioned a partner who was well-educated, knowledgeable about the intricate workings of a pack, and capable of engaging with others meaningfully. She would need to grasp the significance of sustainable agricultural practices and possess the ability to forge connections. A suitable woman for him would have to be nurturing, reliable, and a steadfast support for the Alpha, adept at navigating conflicts and fostering compromise.

He knew these were lofty expectations.

The sight of that ring on her finger felt like a punch to the gut.

Whoever had won her heart had better recognize her worth and cherish her as she deserved.

Michael craved a strong, intelligent woman who wasn’t afraid to voice her thoughts and opinions. How could anyone hope to grow if surrounded by mindless agreement?

There was a fine line between loyalty and blind following, and he was desperately searching for the former.

He was confident in his capabilities as an Alpha, perhaps even the best in the region. He considered himself a strategic thinker and a formidable planner. But there were obstacles in his path—namely, his siblings.

No matter how hard he strived to carve out his own identity, he felt overshadowed by them at every turn. Nothing he did seemed to garner the recognition or attention he craved.

He was fed up with it all. Today had been a revelation; he had encountered a woman who was not only intriguing but utterly spellbinding. He was determined to turn this encounter to his advantage.

Though he wasn’t sure how just yet, he planned to find a way to make Evelyn reconsider her current marriage. He had sensed how she hung on his every word, how she seemed to yearn for something more in her life.

Perhaps it was passion she lacked. Maybe it was simply the attention and acknowledgment she deserved. Michael knew he could offer her those things.

I could win her heart and prove to her that I am far better than the man she settled for.