Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 140

Chapter 140

Evelyn

After leaving the study, I caught the enticing aroma drifting from the kitchen. I found Olivia working on some pastries, so I offered to help.

I carefully pinched the edges of the pastry dough, forming delicate flower patterns around the rim. Beside me, Olivia nodded approvingly as she mixed a

bowl of filling.

“These look beautiful, Evelyn,” Olivia said, gesturing to the row of perfectly formed pastries. “Your handiwork is so precise. Devon really is a lucky man.”

I felt my cheeks warm slightly. “I’m just following your instructions.”

Devon approached, inspecting the delicate flower designs I had created. “Were you two talking about me behind my back again?”

“Only good things,” Olivia assured him with a wink. “I was telling Evelyn what good taste you have.”

Devon’s lips quirked into a half–smile as he reached for a piece of apple from the cutting board, only to have his hand swatted away by his sister.

The kitchen’s atmosphere shifted as a powerful presence entered the room. Richard strode in, his Alpha energy immediately filling the space. Despite his age, his commanding aura remained undimmed, though his eyes crinkled with unusual warmth today.”

“Something smells wonderful,” he commented, nodding appreciatively at us.

“Dad, you’re back early,” Devon remarked, straightening slightly in his father’s presence.

Richard’s lips curved into a rare smile. “Good news deserves to be shared promptly. Joe is returning home tomorrow.”

“Joe?” I repeated, but I didn’t think much of it.

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“My grandson,” Richard clarified, noticing my questioning look. “Owen’s boy. It’s time he settled down, found a proper mate. I’ve arranged several introductions with daughters from respectable bloodlines.”

Devon ran a hand through his dark hair, sighing. “Poor kid. He’s probably spending twelve hours a day meeting potential mates and the other twelve trying to escape from the ones looking to climb our pack’s social ladder.”

Richard frowned, his gaze shifting to me. His eyes narrowed as he noticed me standing at the counter. ‘Why is she in the kitchen? She’s still recovering from silver poisoning.‘ His tone carried unmistakable concern beneath the gruffness.

I could feel Devon tensing beside me, but Olivia stepped in smoothly. “Dad, she insisted. I tried to stop her.”

I straightened, meeting the Alpha King’s gaze directly. “With all due respect, sir, the wound is healing well. Everyone’s care has made a significant

difference.”

Richard’s expression remained stern, but he didn’t press the issue. Instead, he turned to his son. “Make sure she rests properly afterward.”

Then, the Hall family dining room buzzed with conversation as we gathered for lunch. I sat beside Devon, still getting used to being included in family meals. Emma, Owen’s wife, passed a basket of bread while discussing pack matters with her husband.

‘Where’s Lily today?” Richard asked, noticing the empty chair.

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Chapter 140

Olivia rolled her eyes affectionately. Off with Jack again. That girl spends more time in his greenhouse than in her classes.”

Her grades are slipping, Olivia continued with concern. Evelyn, could you help her with her studies?

I nodded, somewhat surprised by the request. “I’d be happy to help her.‘

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Later that afternoon, I sat cross–legged on the floor of Devon’s private study, surrounded by three laptops. I’d created a secure virtual workspace for the Moonlight Organization, using multiple layers of encryption to protect our communications. On the screens, Taylor, Edward, and Aiden’s faces appeared in separate windows as we worked remotely on our upcoming competition preparations.

Taylor, we need that code sequence completed by tomorrow,” I instructed, my fingers flying across the keyboard. “The competition is in three weeks, and we still have major vulnerabilities in the eastern firewall.”

Taylor groaned. “I’m working as fast as I can, Aurora. Not all of us have your superhuman coding abilities.”

“I’ve arranged for Erin to help for the next three months,” I announced, causing Taylor to protest immediately.

“My sister? Are you serious? She’ll just slow me down with her questions!”

Erin’s face lit up on another screen. “I won’t! I promise I’ll be helpful!”

Edward’s authoritative voice cut through the debate. “Enough. Erin stays on the team.” His blue eyes focused on me through the camera. “And you need to rest. You’ve been working for an hour.”

I reluctantly agreed, knowing there was no point in arguing. I stretched out on Devon’s leather couch, intending to rest for just a few minutes.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been asleep when the door burst open, startling me awake. Lily bounded in, full of energy, then froze when she spotted Devon sitting quietly in an armchair beside the couch, reading reports.

‘Oh! I’m so sorry!” Lily exclaimed, her eyes wide with embarrassment. “I didn’t know you were—

‘What part of ‘Evelyn needs rest‘ was unclear to you?” Devon’s voice was low but sharp with irritation. “She’s recovering from silver poisoning, Lily.”

Lily’s expression fell. “I just wanted to-”

“It’s okay,” I intervened, sitting up slowly, I could feel Devon’s protective energy filling the room, his wolf clearly displeased at the disturbance. ‘I was just napping, Lily,”

Devon’s hand gently steadied my shoulder, his touch contrasting with his stern expression. “You should’ve knocked. You startled her.`

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