Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 136

Chapter 136

Evelyn

I woke up disoriented, my hand instinctively reaching across the empty space beside me. Devon’s scent lingered on the sheets, but the bed was cold. A small pang of disappointment shot through me as my silver–gray eyes scanned the vacant pillow where his head should have been.

The door creaked open, and Lily’s head poked through. Her usual bright smile was there, but I could see the concern in her eyes.

“Morning, sleepyhead!” She bounced into the room with forced cheerfulness. “Devon had some emergency business thing in Boston.”

I pushed myself up against the headboard, wincing slightly at the dull throb in my shoulder. “Did he say when he’d be back?”

“No timeline, but he made Jason triple the security around the mansion.” She plopped down on the edge of the bed. ‘Don’t worry, we’re all going to protect you. Between me, Olivia, and the half–dozen werewolves patrolling outside, you’re safer than the president.”

‘I can protect myself,” I mumbled, more out of habit than conviction.

Lily rolled her eyes. “Sure you can, but humor us anyway.”

I nodded.

So, she continued, fiddling with the edge of my blanket, “you remember what I told you about Kate and Samuel?”

“The unholy alliance?” I raised an eyebrow.

“They’ve been inseparable at school. I saw them yesterday, huddled in the corner of the cafeteria, whispering like they’re plotting world domination.”

Before I could respond, Olivia appeared at the door carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Her elegant posture and natural authority filled the

room instantly.

‘Lily, dear, I thought we agreed to let Evelyn rest?” Her tone was gentle but firm.

“Sorry, Lily ducked her head but winked at me. “Just keeping her updated.”

Olivia set the tray across my lap. “I added extra honey and berries. You need to rebuild your strength.”

The oatmeal smelled divine, reminding me how hungry I was. Olivia reached for the spoon. Your shoulder is still healing. Let me help you.”

“No, thank you.” I quickly picked up the spoon with my good hand. “I can manage. I appreciate the thought, though.”

Olivia’s eyes softened. “Of course. There’s more downstairs if you want it. And tea whenever you’re ready.”

After she left, I savored each bite, trying not to think about the day ahead. Just as finished, my phone vibrated on the nightstand.

Devon’s name flashed on the screen, sending a flutter through my chest that I wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

“Hey, I answered, trying to sound casual.

“Good morning.” His deep voice came through, a hint of exhaustion edging his words. “Feeling better?”

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Chapter 136

“Yes, they’re treating me like I’m made of glass.”

A low chuckle rumbled through the phone.

“Nothing I wouldn’t drop in a heartbeat if you needed me. The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten. “How’s your shoulder?

“Getting better. The pain’s mostly gone. I didn’t mention the occasional sharp stabs or the way it ached when I moved too quickly.

“Make sure you’re eating properly.”

I laughed. “Olivia just brought me enough oatmeal to feed an army.”

“You don’t need to worry so much. Olivia and Lily are taking good care of me. Focus on your business and don’t wear yourself out.”

“I know my limits,” he said firmly. “And you need to stay put. No wandering outside, proper meals, plenty of-”

“Alright, alright,” I interrupted, smiling despite myself. “I’ll be good. I promise.”

Devon

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I ended the call with Evelyn, tucking my phone away as the sleek black SUV navigated through Boston’s crowded streets. Beside me, Eric shifted uncomfortably under my scrutiny.

“You let Sebastian walk all over you in those territory negotiations,” I said, my voice cold and precise. “The agreement was that Stone Pack would maintain the eastern ridge as neutral ground. Now Sebastian’s building there.”

Eric’s jaw tightened. “He said it was temporary-”

And you believed him?” My laugh held no humor. “Sebastian’s not just in your pack territories now. He’s wormed his way into becoming your father’s vice Alpha. How long before he challenges for full Alpha status?”

“He wouldn’t dare-”

“He already dares,” I cut him off. “You’re too soft, Eric. When it comes to power, there are only two positions: you either submit or you fight. My eyes flashed with Alpha intensity, making Eric look away.

Eric swallowed hard. “That’s why I asked you to come, Sebastian’s finalizing a deal with a tech firm. They’re supplying components for tracking devices–the ones he wants to deploy along the territory borders.”

My eyes narrowed. “Tracking werewolves on their own land?”

‘He claims it’s for security. Identifying rogue wolves or humans who wander in.”

‘Bullshit. It’s surveillance, pure and simple.” My fist clenched. “Who’s the supplier?”

“We’re meeting them now.”

When we arrived at the modern glass building housing Stone Industries‘ Boston office, I followed Eric through security and up to the executive floor. As we approached the conference room, a familiar voice drifted through the open door.

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Chapter 136

I stopped cold, signaling Eric to wait. The voice belonged to Edward. What the hell was he doing making deals with Sebastian?

‘Eric, give me a minute.” My tone left no room for argument.

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Once Eric retreated down the hall, I entered the conference room. Edward turned, surprise briefly crossing his aristocratic features before his professional

mask returned.

‘Mr. Hall. What an unexpected pleasure.”

‘Mr. Luna.” I closed the door behind me. Quite the coincidence.”

‘I don’t believe in coincidences,” Edward said smoothly. “Perhaps we should speak privately?”

Once alone, I wasted no time. “You’re selling tracking components to Sebastian Stone?”

“Business is business,” Edward replied coolly. “I wasn’t aware of your interest in Stone Industries‘ security systems.”

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