Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 147

Rise of the Banished She–Wolf

Chapter 147

Evelyn

I didn’t snap out of it for a long time until Devin spoke up.

“Are you hungry?‘ he asked, his voice low and warm against my ear.

I nodded, suddenly realizing I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. The emotional and physical strain of the competition had drained me completely.

He helped me up from the bed. His gentle touch as he guided me toward the stairs made my skin tingle.

As we descended the stairs, I could smell something delicious wafting from the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread and rich stew made my stomach

growl embarrassingly loud.

Devon chuckled. “Someone’s definitely hungry.”

The dining room was already occupied. Emma and Olivia sat at the large oak table, chatting quietly. They both looked up when we entered, their faces

brightening.

“There you are!” Olivia waved us over. “We were wondering if you two were going to join us for dinner,”

Mrs. Whitmore bustled in from the kitchen carrying a steaming pot. “Just in time,” she said, placing it carefully on a trivet in the center of the table. “I’ve made chicken soup specially for you, Evelyn. It has healing herbs that will help with your recovery.”

Devon pulled out a chair for me, waiting until I was seated before taking his own place beside me. The gesture was small but meaningful–another reminder of how attentive he’d become.

“Thank you,” I said to Mrs. Whitmore, genuinely touched by her thoughtfulness. “It smells wonderful.”

Olivia immediately began serving me a bowl. “This soup recipe has been in the Hall family for generations. It’s perfect for-

A commotion from the entrance hall interrupted her. The front door slammed, followed by the sound of something–or someone–stumbling against

furniture.

“Damn it! What kind of shrews is Grandpa setting me up with now?” a familiar voice bellowed.

I turned toward the sound and saw a young man standing in the doorway. His white button–down shirt was splattered with what looked like red wine, creating a violent crimson pattern across his chest. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his usually immaculate hair was disheveled.

When he spotted me, his eyes widened in shock. “Evelyn? What the hell are you doing here?”

“Joe?” I stared back, equally surprised.

Before I could process what was happening, Joe rushed toward me. Devon was on his feet in an instant, positioning himself between us with a low, warning growl.

Joe stopped short, his gaze darting between Devon and me. Understanding dawned on his face. “I can’t believe what they’re saying is true. Evelyn, is it really you… with him?!”

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Chapter 147

“Joe, watch your tone,” Devon warned, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha.

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“I don’t understand,‘ Joe said, ignoring Devon’s warning. He looked directly at me, confusion and something like betrayal in his eyes. “Evelyn, you… you and Devon are together?!”

I nodded, feeling strangely guilty even though I had nothing to feel guilty about. “Yes, we are.”

Joe’s face fell, then hardened with determination. “But why him? You’re brilliant, young, beautiful, a medical genius. What does he have to offer besides an Alpha’s domineering attitude?”

Devon’s eyes flashed dangerously. “I can give her safety, territory, protection. Anything in this world that exists, anything she wants, I will fight to get it for

her. Can you say the same?”

The tension in the room was suffocating. I placed my hand on Devon’s arm, feeling the rigid muscles beneath his shirt.

“Joe,” I said calmly, “Devon and I have been through a lot together. My decision to be with him wasn’t impulsive. It was carefully considered.”

Joe opened his mouth to argue, but before he could speak, Owen burst through the doorway, his face flushed with anger.

“Joseph Hall!” he thundered. “Do you realize what you’ve done? Running away from a pack alliance meeting? And what ridiculous excuse did you give?”

Owen turned to Emma, who looked both embarrassed and amused. “He told them he wasn’t interested in female wolves at all–that he only has feelings for

male wolves! Do you have any idea how insulting that was to the Sullivan pack?”

Emma’s face transformed from mild amusement to fury in an instant. She grabbed a small silver ornament from the table and brandished it menacingly. “You

said WHAT? No wonder that poor girl threw her wine at you!”

Joe paled and darted behind me. “Evelyn, save me! She’s got silver!”

I couldn’t help but laugh, despite the tension. “I’m very skilled at treating silver wounds, you know. Just say the word, and I’ll be happy to help after she’s

done with you.”

“That’s not funny!” Joe protested, still using me as a human shield.

At that moment, Marcus, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. His calm, steady presence helped ease the tension in the room. “Sir, Joe has been resistant to arranged matches for years. With all the female wolves you’ve been parading before him from prestigious families, it’s no wonder he rebelled in

such a… creative manner.”

I turned to face Joe, who at least had the decency to look sheepish. “If you didn’t want to participate in pack matchmaking, you could have just said so directly. Why create a lie that could potentially damage relations between two families?”

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