Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Devon

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of Hall Enterprises, casting long shadows across the pristine hallway of the executive floor. Jason nearly dropped the stack of reports he was carrying when he spotted the tall figure waiting outside Devon’s office.

“Mr. Luna, your unexpected visit is quite a surprise!” Jason’s voice betrayed his wariness,

Edward Luna turned, his piercing blue eyes showing mild amusement. “Just passing through Seattle. Thought I’d drop by to see Devon.”

“Of course. Let me inform Mr. Hall of your arrival.” Jason reached for the intercom.

“No need, Devon’s deep voice came from behind as the office door swung open. “I heard him arrive.”

Devon’s expression remained neutral as he invited Edward into his office, but his wolf senses detected the nervous energy radiating from the visitor. Once the door closed behind them, Devon motioned to the leather chairs by the window.

“Skip the pleasantries, Edward. What brings the elusive leader of the Moonlight Organization to my doorstep at eight in the morning?”

Edward’s fingers drummed against his knee. “It’s about Evelyn’s safety.”

Devon’s wolf instantly went on alert. “What happened?”

“I’m sure you’re aware that The Crimson has surfaced in Seattle.” Edward’s voice lowered. “What you might not know is that I believe their target is Evelyn.”

Devon leaned forward, his jaw tightening. “Explain.”

Edward’s eyes darted to the window, then back to Devon. “There’s an old legend among the ancient North American werewolf families about a moon goddess totem and a treasure map.”

Devon’s mind immediately connected the dots to Gregory’s recent attempt to seize the Sterling Mansion and assets. “And you think this is why Gregory has suddenly taken an interest in claiming the property?”

“Exactly.” Edward’s expression darkened. “And with Evelyn being the owner…”

Devon stood abruptly, pacing toward the window. “I don’t give a damn about totems or treasure maps. My only concern is Evelyn’s safety.”

“That’s why I’m here. Keep her close, Devon. Don’t let the Eastern European wolves anywhere near her.” Edward rose to his feet. “I’ll be staying in Seattle for a few more days. I’m tracking The Crimson’s leader.”

“Where is Evelyn now?” Devon demanded, already reaching for his phone.

“At the hospital laboratory. She’s been working on neutralizing the virus sample from Taylor’s infection,” Edward replied.

Devon cursed under his breath. “Your organization is full of incompetent fools. Every time something goes wrong, Evelyn has to clean up the mess.”

Edward’s lips tightened but he didn’t argue. “She’s the best we have.”

After Edward left, Devon immediately called Jason into his office.

10

02

III

18:30 Thu, Dec 25 MR.

Chapter 156

“I want two female Beta wolves patrolling near Evelyn at all times, starting today. They should keep their distance but remain vigilant.”

“Right away, sir.”

Devon stared out the window, worry gnawing at his insides. He would visit Evelyn later. For now, he needed to ensure her safety from a distance.

Evelyn

–

The acrid smell of antiseptic and chemical solutions burns my nostrils as 1 peer through the microscope. I’ve been here since last night after learning about Taylor’s poisoning, with Felix assisting me throughout this arduous process. We’re both wearing full protective gear, taking no chances with the silver–based pathogen we’re studying.

“Test sample thirty–seven shows no neutralization of the silver toxin,” I mutter, my voice muffled by the mask. “Let’s try increasing the concentration of white blood cells from my sample.”

Felix nods, carefully preparing the next test. “Taylor’s condition is deteriorating. His shifting ability is becoming compromised.”

“I know,” I snap, then immediately regret my tone. “Sorry. I’m just frustrated. We’ve been at this for hours.”

“Maybe you should rest for a bit, Felix suggests, concern evident in his eyes. “You’ve been working non–stop for almost twenty hours.”

“No time, I shake my head, focusing on the new sample. “The virus is spreading through his system. If we don’t find a solution soon…”

I don’t need to finish the sentence. We both know the stakes.

Hours tick by as we test sample after sample. My eyes burn from exhaustion, and my hands have developed a slight tremor from caffeine overload and lack of sleep. Just as I’m about to try our forty–second variation, I notice something promising under the microscope.

“Wait… this is working!” My voice rises with excitement. “The silver particles are being neutralized!”

Felix rushes to my side, peering at the sample. “You’re right. The antibodies from your white wolf blood combined with the herbal extract are actually binding to the silver!”

“Success! Finally!” I nearly collapse with relief. After twenty hours of relentless work, we’ve found an effective antidote. I quickly document the formula and send an encrypted version to Taylor’s hospital.

“I can’t go there myself,” I explain to Felix as I remove my protective gear. “Whoever poisoned him might be hoping I’ll show up. Better to send the formula and keep my distance.”

Three hours later, my phone rings. Taylor’s familiar voice comes through, weak but significantly improved.

“Evelyn, you’ve saved my ass again! I can feel my wolf coming back!”

I allow myself a cold smile. “That’s the second time I’ve had to save you from silver poisoning, Taylor. When this is over, you’re spending three months in wolf control training.”

“Anything you say,” Taylor agrees readily. “Though did they really have to straighten my curls?”

Your curls were the least of our concerns when you were dying, I retort, but there’s affection beneath my sharp tone.

Chapter 156

R

After

hanging

utterly spent.

up, I nearly

collapse onto the

Пloor. The adrenaline that laboratory

kept

me

going

the past for

hours twenty

drains suddenly

away,

leaving

me

‘You need to

rest, Felix

insists.

helping

me to the break

room after

we complete the

decontamination

procedures

and shower.

I nod

weakly,

sinking onto the

small couch in the

corner.

My eyelids feel impossibly heavy

as

close my

eyes, just for

a moment…

I’m vaguely aware of strong

lifting arms

me, and I blink

drowsily to find

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