Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Evelyn

A dull ache throbbed through my body as consciousness slowly returned. I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through my shoulder, forcing a gasp from my lips.

“Take it easy. You’ve been unconscious for a full day. Try not to move too fast.”

That voice. I blinked several times, trying to clear my vision. The hospital room came into focus, and sitting beside my bed was a face I hadn’t expected to

see.

Dr. Bennett? My voice came out as a rasp.

“I leave you alone for a few months, and you manage to get shot with a silver bullet,” he said, shaking his head. “You return to Seattle and still don’t know how to take care of yourself.”

I winced as he gently helped me adjust my position on the bed. “What are you doing here?”

“What do you think? I came to see you.” His hands moved to my legs, methodically massaging them to improve circulation. “How are you feeling? And don’t

lie to me. I can see your vitals on the monitor.”

“Like I’ve been shot and poisoned,” I admitted. “But I’ll live.”

Dr. Bennett’s eyes narrowed as he examined the bandage on my shoulder. “The silver extraction was done properly. Your friend Felix has decent skills,

though his technique could use refinement.”

Before I could respond, the door burst open, and Lily rushed in. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she moved toward me with such speed I thought she might

knock over the IV stand.

“Evie!” she cried, carefully wrapping her arms around me in a gentle embrace. “I was so worried! They wouldn’t let me see you yesterday, and nobody would

tell me anything, and-”

“Breathe, Lily,” I said softly, patting her back with my good arm.

She pulled back, wiping tears from her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I just… when I heard what happened…”

Dr. Bennett watched our interaction with interest. “I see Seattle still has some kind people after all,” he remarked. “It’s nice to know Evelyn has at least one

true friend here.”

Lily looked at him curiously. “Are you Evelyn’s doctor?”

“I’m her mentor,” he replied. “I taught her most of what she knows about medicine.”

Lily’s eyes widened. “You must be amazing then! Evelyn saved Devon’s life when no one else could.”

A hint of pride flickered across Dr. Bennett’s face. “She was always my best student.”

Our conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. A woman in a dark suit entered, flashing an FBI badge.

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Chapter 120

Ms. Gray, I’m Agent Cooper. I need to ask you some questions about the explosion at the chemical plant.”

Dr. Bennett stood protectively. “My patient needs rest.”

“It’s okay,” I assured him, then turned to the agent. “I’ll answer what I can.”

Agent Cooper was efficient and direct. She informed me that the explosion had killed fourteen men, all foreign mercenaries with extensive criminal records. Austin White was still missing, but the information I’d provided about the silver weapons trade network was proving invaluable to their investigation.

“We’ll need you to make a formal statement when you’re stronger,” she said, closing her notebook. “For now, rest and recover.”

As she left, exhaustion washed over me. Lily squeezed my hand.

I’ll let you rest,” she whispered. “I’ll come back later with some decent food.”

After they left, I drifted into a fitful sleep, haunted by memories of explosions and silver dust clouds.

Devon

After handling some business matters at the company, I was about to check on Evelyn.

As I turned the corner, I spotted William Gray… and his ever–present assistant, Marcus, stood beside him.

“Devon, he called out, his voice still commanding despite his years. “I need to speak with you.”

I approached cautiously. Our last meeting hadn’t been pleasant, and I wasn’t in the mood for another confrontation.

“Make it quick,” I said coldly. “I want to check on Evelyn.”

William’s expression was grave. “It’s about Ethan. I know you have influence with the authorities. Whatever he’s done, he’s still Gray blood. I’m asking for your help to keep him from facing the worst penalties.”

Something inside me snapped. After everything Evelyn had endured because of her family, William had the audacity to ask this?

‘Your grandson kidnapped Evelyn, conspired with Austin White to use her for their schemes, and nearly got her killed,” I growled, struggling to keep my voice low. ‘He’s lucky he’s still breathing at all.”

William’s face paled. “There must be some explanation—”

“Like there was an explanation when you all cast Evelyn out?” My control slipped as years of rage on Evelyn’s behalf boiled to the surface. “You abandoned her, left her to face dangers alone while you protected the ones who hurt her.”

“I never-”

“You did. You all did.” I stepped closer, my voice dropping dangerously. “You drove her away, and when she finally found a place where she might belong, your family tried to destroy that too.”

William’s grip tightened on his cane. “I’ve always loved Evelyn. She’s my-*

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