The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 97

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 97: Feeling Deceived**

Michael felt as if he had just struck gold.

On the morning he was set to make his way to Kingston Manor, a surge of exhilaration coursed through him, invigorating his spirit like a jolt of electricity. It had been months since he had felt such vitality, and the anticipation of stepping into the role of Alpha made his heart race.

Even if it was only for a brief period, he sensed a flicker of potential that could change everything. Deep down, Michael was convinced of his own persuasive abilities.

He envisioned himself engaging with a few of Alexander’s top guards and esteemed soldiers, weaving a narrative that would entice them to abandon Alexander’s pack in favor of his own. With the right allies by his side, he believed that the impossible could become a reality.

Yet, there was a cloud hovering over his excitement: Evelyn wouldn’t be there. She was another piece of the puzzle he was eager to claim for himself.

But that was a minor setback. Michael refused to dwell on the absence of Evelyn, especially since he was acutely aware of the turmoil brewing in her relationship with Alexander.

Back in Alexander’s office, he had to stifle a grin, reveling in the spectacle of his stepbrother’s marriage unraveling once more. It was almost surreal to witness someone as stoic and composed as Alexander lose his temper so publicly.

It was a triumph he relished, a sweet victory that left him feeling buoyant.

Upon his arrival at the manor, however, his enthusiasm quickly waned. The silence that greeted him was disconcerting; there was no one to welcome him, not even the housekeeper.

A frown creased his brow as indignation bubbled within him. This was hardly the treatment an Alpha should receive.

Did they not grasp the significance of his presence? He was to be the future Alpha of the Kingston family, after all!

He attempted to brush off his irritation as he navigated the vast halls of the manor, his destination set on Alexander’s office. But when he reached for the door handle, he found it locked.

What the hell?

Michael should have anticipated this. Alexander had always been secretive, a trait that only fueled Michael’s curiosity about what lay behind that closed door.

Was Alexander scheming some clandestine plan? Was he plotting to expand his pack even further?

It was no surprise that the Alpha King regarded Alexander as a formidable rival. Michael’s stepbrother had an uncanny ability to grow his pack and enhance his forces. He would never dare voice such thoughts in front of the royal family, but deep down, he suspected that Alexander commanded a larger army than the king himself.

From an outsider’s perspective, it was easy to see why the royal family harbored a silent fear of Alexander. His ambition was boundless. All Michael wanted was to uncover the secrets behind his success.

How did someone so ruthless manage to earn the loyalty and devotion of so many?

There had to be some trick, some skill that he possessed…

Regrettably, as much as he yearned to break into Alexander’s office, he knew the repercussions would be dire. Instead, he devised a different plan that held promise.

Choosing to forgo his attempts at the office, he set his sights on the camps. What better way to unearth the secrets of Alexander’s success than to speak directly with his own pack members?

The trek, though somewhat lengthy, offered Michael a vivid glimpse into the scale and achievements of his brother’s pack. The campgrounds sprawled endlessly, bustling with activity.

As he strode down the main path, only a handful of individuals glanced up, offering him a curt nod. Yet, none extended their courtesy further.

Michael struggled to suppress a sneer of contempt. Surely they were aware of his temporary role as Alexander’s stand-in. Why, then, were they not displaying the respect due to an Alpha?

Clearly, the first order of business would be to instill some proper manners in these pack members regarding how to address their superiors.

Soon, he stumbled upon a small cluster of guards deeply engrossed in their own conversation. He approached them, his tone firm and commanding, demanding their immediate attention.

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