Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 151

Chapter 151

Evelyn

The morning sunlight streamed through Devon’s bedroom windows, bathing everything in a golden glow. I had been awake for hours, mentally preparing myself for what I needed to do. I’d made my decision sometime during the night while staring at the ceiling. To find my wolf, I needed to face my past.

As everyone gathered for breakfast, I sat quietly, pushing food around my plate until I finally gathered my courage.

“I’ve decided to move out for a while,” I announced, my voice steady despite the nervousness bubbling inside me.

The clatter of ware against plates filled the sudden silence. Devon’s face remained carefully neutral, though I could feel the tension radiating from him. Richard paused mid–bite, his piercing gaze assessing me. Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise, while Lily’s mouth dropped open in shock.

“Did Devon do something to upset you?” Richard asked, his tone sharp as he shot a warning glance at his son.

“No! Not at all, I quickly clarified, reaching for Devon’s hand under the table. “Everyone here has been incredibly kind to me.”

Olivia leaned forward, concern etched across her face. “Darling, is everything alright? You know you’re welcome here for as long as you want.”

I swallowed hard. “I know, and I’m grateful. Truly. But…” I took a deep breath. “I feel like I need to find my wolf before I can truly be part of…” I glanced at Devon. “Before I can be worthy of an Alpha.”

“You’re already worthy,” Olivia insisted, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. “We don’t care about-

“I know you don’t,” I interrupted gently. “But I do. If I’m going to stand beside Devon someday, I’ll have responsibilities to the entire pack, maybe even to all the Northwest packs. As someone without a wolf…” I shook my head. “The higher I stand, the louder the opposition will be.”

Olivia opened her mouth to argue further, but Richard held up his hand, silencing her.

“Let her go,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of his Alpha status. “Finding your own strength is what a wolf should do.” His eyes, so similar to Devon’s, met mine with approval. “Go make yourself strong, girl.”

Lily’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re moving out today? Eve, what am I supposed to do without you?”

Despite the tension, I couldn’t help but smile. “I’m just moving out, Lil. That doesn’t mean we have to lose touch.”

Back in Devon’s room, I packed my essentials while Devon leaned against the doorframe, watching me with hooded eyes.

‘I’m not happy about this,” he finally said, pushing off the frame to help me gather my monitoring equipment.

“I know.” I carefully placed my laptop in its case. “But it’s something I need to do.”

Devon nodded, his jaw tight. “I’ll have security stationed nearby. If anything happens–anything at all–I’ll know and be there immediately.”

I’d expect nothing less,” I replied with a small smile.

When we’d finished packing, Devon carried my bags downstairs where everyone had gathered to say goodbye. Olivia pressed a container of freshly baked pastries into my hands.

10

3

O

18:30 Thu, Dec 25 M R

Chapter 151

“These should last you a few days,‘ she said, blinking rapidly. “Call if you need anything. Anything at all.”

Mrs. Whitmore stepped forward next, handing me a delicately embroidered handkerchief. “I made this for you,” she said, her weathered hands patting mine.

For when things get hard.

My throat tightened as 1 carefully tucked the handkerchief into my pocket. “Thank you.”

Lily was last, her eyes red–rimmed as she thrust a framed photograph into my hands. It

”

was picture of the Hall family. Everyone was smiling, even Devon.

“So you don’t forget us,” Lily said, her voice wobbling. “This is our first family photo in ages. Next time, you have to be in it to make it complete.”

Emotion welled up in my chest, nearly choking me. “I’ve never really had a family before,” I admitted quietly. “Not one that made me feel like I belonged. Thank you all for showing me what that feels like.”

After a few more hugs and promises to stay in touch, Devon led me outside

to his

waiting car.

The car came to a stop near the entrance to Sterling Mansion’s driveway where Ryan and a younger man I recognized as his son Mark were waiting. Devon got out first, circling around to open my door.

“Miss Gray, Ryan greeted with a respectful nod. “It’s good to have you back. This

is my

Son, Mark. He’ll be assisting you with any family matters that arise.”

Mark stepped forward with a polite smile. “I’ve prepared everything according to your instructions, Miss Gray. Your friends‘ accommodations are ready as

well.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Mark. Aiden and Erin will be staying with me for a while.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify