Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143

Evelyn

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After spending a few hours at the university finalizing arrangements for the upcoming coding competition, I finally stepped outside, mentally drained.

“How did the preparations go?” Jason asked, waiting for me beside the car.

All set for the competition,” I replied with a sigh.

Jason shifted uncomfortably. “There’s something you should know. Devon’s in a mood today. None of the Betas will go near his office. He’s been growling at anyone who knocks.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess–he’s arranged the hotel accommodations already?”

“Yes,” Jason nodded. “Everything’s ready.”

I rolled my eyes. So much for our argument.

“Change of plans,” I told Jason. “We’re going to Lydia’s first. I want to pick up some food.”

About an hour later, Jason pulled up to Devon’s building, a sleek glass tower dominating the Seattle skyline. In the passenger seat beside me sat a carefully packed container of Lydia’s homemade beef stew–Devon’s favorite.

The executive floor was eerily quiet. Two assistants huddled near the reception desk, whispering frantically as they stared at a folder like it contained a

bomb.

“Who’s taking these in?” one whispered.

“Not me. He nearly bit off my head when I brought coffee.”

I approached them, clearing my throat. “I’ll take those.”

Relief flooded their faces as they handed me the documents. I knocked on Devon’s door once, waited two seconds, then walked in.

‘Get out! I’m not in the mood to deal with paperwork right now,” Devon growled without looking up from his desk.

‘Is that so?” I asked coolly. “Do I need to leave too?”

Devon’s head snapped up, his expression transforming from fury to surprise. “Evelyn.” My name was a caress on his lips. ‘I didn’t—”

“Know it was me?” I lifted the container. “I brought lunch. Even angry Alphas need to eat.”

Devon’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “I’m not angry.”

“Right.” I unpacked the food, the rich aroma of Lydia’s stew filling the office. “That’s why your employees are playing rock–paper–scissors to decide who has to face your wrath.”

Devon ran a hand through his hair, messing it up in a way that made him look almost boyish despite his imposing frame. “I was worried about you.”

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Chapter 143

“I know,” I said, setting a plate in front of him and loading it with stew. I picked up a spoonful and held it toward him. ‘Open.”

He frowned. “I can feed myself, Evelyn.”

I pouted slightly, surprising myself with the playful gesture. “Humor me.”

Something sparked in his eyes–amusement, affection, or perhaps both. He opened his mouth, accepting the bite. A small smile finally broke through his

stern facade.

Seeing that rare smile, my heart softened. I couldn’t help but wrap my arms around him.

“Thank you,” I said softly. “For everything you’ve done for me.”

After lunch, I dozed on the leather couch in Devon’s private rest area while he finished some calls. I was half–asleep when my phone rang–Edward’s name

flashing on the screen.

“We’re at the hotel,” Edward said without preamble. “Where are you?”

Devon and I arrived at the luxury hotel thirty minutes later. Edward stood in the lobby, his British posture impeccable as always. I rushed forward and hugged him, surprised by my own reaction.

“What are you doing here in person?” I asked, pulling back.

Edward’s eyes examined me critically, lingering on my shoulder. “I see the Hall family’s influence isn’t quite what I expected,” he said coolly, glancing at

Devon.

Devon’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent as we ascended in the elevator.

“I’ve arranged the entire top floor, Devon explained as we walked through the corridor. “All rooms have been reinforced, windows replaced with special materials to block moonlight. Security will monitor this floor 24/7.”

Devon pulled me close, his arm possessive around my waist. “I need to go home first, inform my family we’ll be staying here.

I blinked. “We?”

“That’s my bottom line, Evelyn,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper meant only for me. “I stay by your side.”

I nodded, unable to argue with the determination in his eyes.

Devon

I parked my SUV in the circular driveway of the Hall mansion, my mind still on Evelyn. Walking through the front door, I immediately heard shouting from the living room.

“You worthless pup!” Owen’s voice boomed. “You disappear for years without a word to any of us, playing with your experiments!”

I entered to find my father towering over Joe, who was backed against the fireplace. Joe’s glasses were askew, his lanky frame tense with defensive anger.

“Enough!” Richard’s commanding Alpha voice cut through the room. “Joe has finally come home. Do you want him to leave again?”

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