Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 100

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**
**Chapter 100**

“You really should have called me,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with concern.

I met his gaze, my heart heavy with the weight of the night’s events. “You’re still recovering, Devon,” I reminded him gently, trying to shield him from any further worry.

His expression hardened, a flicker of determination igniting in his eyes. “I’m well enough to handle anyone who dares to hurt you,” he declared, his tone resolute.

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54

After several minutes of applying ice to my cheek, Devon insisted that I take a shower while he busied himself in the kitchen. I protested, feeling the chill of the night air seep into my bones. “But it’s the middle of the night!” I argued, my voice a mix of fatigue and disbelief.

Yet, he was unyielding. “You need to take care of yourself, Evelyn. Just trust me.”

When I finally emerged from the bathroom, snugly wrapped in my fluffy robe, the aroma of something delicious wafted through the air. Devon had laid out a plate of fresh fruit and an assortment of cheeses, alongside a steaming cup of herbal tea that seemed to promise warmth and comfort.

“Special herbs,” he explained with a hint of pride in his voice. “They’ll help with the swelling and ease the pain.”

I took a cautious sip and nearly recoiled. “This tastes like pond water!” I exclaimed, grimacing at the bitterness that coated my tongue.

A flicker of amusement danced across his lips. “Drink it anyway. It’s good for you,” he urged, a playful challenge in his eyes.

With a resigned sigh, I forced down the foul concoction, each swallow a test of my will. As I struggled, Devon settled beside me, his presence a calming force. “I’ve arranged for some of my people to be stationed at the hospital. William will have round-the-clock protection,” he informed me, his voice steady.

“Devon, you can’t—” I began, but he cut me off.

“I already have,” he stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument. “The Gray family situation is my responsibility now.”

Feeling too weary to continue the conversation, I leaned against him, the warmth of his body providing a sense of safety. His arms encircled me, strong and reassuring, and before I knew it, I had slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.

When I awoke, sunlight streamed through unfamiliar curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Blinking in confusion, I realized I was nestled in Devon’s bed. Someone—most likely Devon—had carried me here in the dead of night.

The rich scent of coffee wafted through the air, guiding me to the kitchen, where Mrs. Whitmore was bustling about, preparing breakfast with her usual efficiency.

“Good morning, dear,” she greeted me, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of my face, but she quickly masked her concern with a warm smile. “Mr. Hall said to let you sleep in. He had some business to attend to.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Whitmore,” I replied, my mind still foggy. “I should probably—”

Just then, my phone buzzed insistently on the counter. The screen lit up with Marcus’s name, and my heart raced.

“Marcus? Is Grandfather okay?” I asked, anxiety creeping into my voice.

“Evelyn!” Lily exclaimed, throwing her arms around me with such enthusiasm that I nearly stumbled. “I’ve been dying to see you! Did you bring me a present from Vancouver like you promised?”

As she pulled back, her smile faltered when she caught sight of my bruised cheek. “What happened to your face?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.

“Just a little accident,” I said quickly, not wanting to delve into the details. “Nothing serious.”

Lily eyed me skeptically but chose not to press further. “So, my present?” she prompted, her excitement palpable.

I laughed, grateful for the distraction she provided. “It’s in my bag. Let me grab it for you.”

I retrieved a small box and handed it to her. Inside lay a moonlight pearl—rare and luminescent, a perfect addition to Lily’s collection of unique treasures.

“It’s beautiful!” she gasped, holding it up to catch the light. “We should celebrate with a shopping trip! I need new boots, and you need… well, everything,” she declared, her enthusiasm infectious.

Devon chuckled from the doorway, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Be careful out there. I’ll have someone keeping an eye on you both.”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Devon…”

“Non-negotiable,” he said firmly, a hint of authority in his voice. “I need to head to Hall Enterprises. Enjoy your day, ladies.”

As Devon departed, Lily grabbed my arm, her excitement bubbling over as she began to plan our outing. I smiled, pushing the troubling thoughts of my family’s chaos to the back of my mind, if only for a little while.