Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 111

Chapter 111

Evelyn

–

After weeks of renovation, Lydia’s restaurant was finally back in business. We slipped in through the back door, and immediately the rich aroma of grilled meat and herbs hit us warm and inviting, a sharp contrast to the cool night air outside. Devon held the door for me, his hand briefly lingering on the small of my back as I stepped inside.

“Lydia!” Lily called out cheerfully, dragging Jack by the hand. “I brought someone who wants to meet you!”

Lydia, her silver hair pulled back in a neat bun, looked up from the pot she was stirring. Her weathered hands paused their rhythmic movement as she sized Jack up with a critical gaze.

“This is Jack,” Lily continued, practically bouncing with excitement. “Remember him? He’s decided he wants to learn how to cook. I told him you’re the best teacher in Seattle.”

Lydia wiped her hands on her apron and crossed her arms. “Being a cook isn’t just about following recipes, young man. It’s hard work- long hours, burns, cuts. Not exactly suitable for someone who looks like they’ve never done a day’s hard labor.”

I bit back a smile. Lydia’s blunt honesty was one of the things I loved most about her. She never sugarcoated anything.

Jack stepped forward, his shoulders squared. “Ma’am. I grew up on a farm. Been working since I could walk. I have my own vegetable garden, and I can field dress a deer in under thirty minutes. I also can handle the basics of prepping game and vegetables, but I’ve never learned how to actually ‘cook‘ them properly.”

Lily beamed proudly at his response while Devon raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.

Lydia’s stern expression softened slightly. “We’ll see about that. Roll up your sleeves–dinner rush starts in twenty minutes.”

I immediately moved to help, grabbing an apron from the hook by the door. “What do you need me to do, Lydia?”

“Chop those onions and peppers,” she instructed, pointing to a pile of vegetables. “Lily, you’re on salad duty. Jack, show me what you can

do with those potatoes.”

Devon stood awkwardly in the corner, looking entirely out of place in his expensive dress shirt and slacks. When Lydia handed him an

apron, he stared at it like it might bite him.

“I’m not sure this is my area of expertise,” he said, reluctantly taking the cloth.

I couldn’t help but laugh as he fumbled with the ties. “The great Alpha Devon Hall, defeated by an apron,”

He shot me a mock glare. “I have other talents.”

1/4

Chapter 111

“Like what? Making phone calls and signing papers?” I teased, expertly dicing an onion.

Twenty minutes later, Devon was putting on quite the performance. He’d “accidentally” burned the garlic, knocked over a container of flour, and somehow managed to get tomato sauce on the ceiling–all while shooting subtle glances at Jack to make sure the younger man was gaining confidence.

“Lydia,” Lily giggled, watching Devon struggle with a whisk, “Looks like we found someone who makes Jack look graceful.”

I caught the barely perceptible smirk that flashed across Devon’s face before he resumed his helpless expression. Devon’s sheepish grin was so endearing, but I was beginning to suspect this wasn’t entirely genuine. There was something almost too deliberate about his clumsiness.

“Maybe you should go sit down,” I suggested gently, playing along. “Order something to eat. We’ve got this covered.”

“Are you kicking me out of the kitchen, Ms. Gray?” His eyes sparkled with amusement–and just a hint of mischief.

“For everyone’s safety, yes.”

As Devon headed toward the dining area, I noticed Jack’s shoulders had relaxed considerably. He was chopping vegetables with newfound confidence, no longer the nervous newcomer who’d walked in twenty minutes ago.

Clever, I thought, watching Devon settle at a table. Very clever.

After finishing a batch of special herb–seasoned potatoes, I grabbed a tray of food to take out to the dining area. As I pushed through the swinging door, I caught sight of Devon sitting at a table–and he wasn’t alone. A familiar figure sat across from him, their postures tense.

I narrowed my eyes, recognizing Samuel’s broad shoulders and the distinctive way he leaned forward when speaking.

‘What the hell was Samuel doing here?‘ Was he following me now?

The two men were clearly having an unpleasant conversation. Devon’s jaw was clenched, his hands flat on the table, while Samuel wore a

smug expression that made my skin crawl.

I set down the tray at a nearby table and approached them. Devon noticed me immediately, his expression softening.

“Samuel,” I said coldly, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Devon stood. ‘I’ll leave you two to talk.” His eyes met mine, silently asking if I was okay with this. I gave him a slight nod, and he

reluctantly moved toward the counter, still within eyesight.

“Evelyn,” Samuel’s accent seemed thicker than usual. “What a pleasant surprise. I was just enjoying this wonderful establishment.”

I glanced at his table, laden with enough food for three people. “Seems like a lot for one person.”

“I was hoping someone might join me.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “You, perhaps?”

2/4

Chapter 111

“Not interested,” I replied flatly. “Let me guess you’re not exactly Lydia’s favorite customer? She hates it when people order way too

much and leave it all.”

Samuel’s expression darkened briefly before he regained his composure. “I was planning to share with a companion, but she declined my

invitation.”

“Well, enjoy your meal alone.” I turned away, heading back toward the kitchen.

“Your wolf is closer than you think, Evelyn,” Samuel whispered, just loud enough for me to hear. “It recognizes me, even if you don’t yet.”

A chill ran down my spine, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of a response.

Back in the kitchen, the atmosphere had shifted. Jack was grinning from ear to ear, while Lydia looked grudgingly impressed.

“She’s going to teach me!” Jack announced as I entered. “Lydia’s going to show me how to make dishes that can help injured wolves heal

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify