Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157

Evelyn

Devon gently scooped me into his arms and carried me from the lab. My entire body felt heavy with exhaustion, muscles protesting after hours hunched over microscopes and test tubes. I should have fought his high–handedness—insisted I could walk on my own–but the comforting scent that clung to his skin made me relax against his chest instead.

I’m taking you home to rest,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble against my ear. “Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?”

Knowing it was Devon holding me, I allowed myself to surrender to the fatigue. My eyelids drooped as I nestled closer, drawing in his warmth.

“Mmm, cake sounds good,” I mumbled, already half–asleep against his shoulder.

He carried me effortlessly to his SUV, the vehicle’s interior bathed in soft amber light as he carefully placed me in the passenger seat. When I blinked my eyes open, I was surprised to find several containers laid out on the center console.

“You already prepared food?” I asked, suddenly more alert, my eyes widening at the sight.

Devon’s lips curved into a small smile as he started the engine. “I know you too well. Every time you get caught up in your experiments, you forget everything else. I figured you’d need this.”

I couldn’t suppress my delight as I opened the containers, discovering a blueberry muffin and two slices of chocolate cake. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me I hadn’t eaten in hours.

“You’re incredible,” I said, already tearing into the muffin.

Devon watched me from the corner of his eye as he drove, amusement mixing with concern in his gaze. “Slow down, Evelyn. The food isn’t going anywhere.”

I couldn’t slow down. The blueberry muffin disappeared in four large bites, and I immediately moved on to the chocolate cake, savoring the rich sweetness as it melted on my tongue. Devon shook his head, but the tenderness in his expression was unmistakable.

“You need to be more careful,” he chided gently. “Every time you do experiments, you get too focused. I knew you’d been in there for hours without a break,

so I came prepared.”

I swallowed a bite of cake, suddenly feeling a twinge of guilt. “The protective suit makes it hard to keep track of time. There aren’t exactly clocks in the isolation lab.” I touched his arm lightly. “Thank you for thinking of everything.”

By the time I’d finished the second slice of cake, my energy was already fading again. The warm car, full stomach, and Devon’s reassuring presence beside me created the perfect conditions for sleep. I dozed off somewhere along the way, my head resting against the window.

When I stirred again, the car had stopped. Through bleary eyes, I realized we weren’t at Sterling Mansion as I’d expected, but at Hall’s Mansion instead. I blinked in confusion.

“Why are we here?” I asked, still groggy from my impromptu nap.

Devon unfastened my seatbelt, his fingers brushing against my collarbone. “This is more secure. All my people are here. You can rest properly with me

nearby.”

The simple statement sent a flutter through my chest. The concern in his eyes was genuine, and I found myself nodding. Here, in his territory, with his pack, I would be safe.

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18:30 Thu, Dec 25 MR

Chapter 157

Okay,” I agreed, too tired to argue even if I’d wanted to.

I was getting ready to get out of the car when my phone rang. The display showed Wesley Martinez’s name, and I fumbled to answer it.

‘Professor Martinez?” I said, trying to sound more awake than 1 felt.

‘Evelyn! I’m back in Seattle,‘ came his cheerful voice. “I’m actually at the old house with Lydia and the others right now.”

I sat up straight, suddenly wide awake. “Wait–you know Lydia? How?”

“It’s a long story, he chuckled. “Why don’t you join us for dinner? I’d love to catch up.”

I glanced at Devon, who was watching me with curiosity. “Professor Martinez is in Seattle,” I explained after ending the call. “He’s at the old house with

Lydia. He’s invited us to dinner.”

Devon frowned. “You need to rest, Evelyn.”

‘I slept in the car,” I countered, my stubbornness returning. “And Wesley is my mentor. If he’s in Seattle, I should see him.”

Devon’s jaw tightened, but after a moment of silent standoff, he nodded. “Fine. But I’m coming with you.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I said, unable to hide my small smile of victory.

When we arrived at Memory’s Diner, everyone was already seated around the large oak table in the private back room. Lydia and Scarlett were deep in conversation with Wesley, their animated gestures suggesting a lively discussion. But what surprised me most was seeing Joe there too, looking comfortable among the group as if he belonged.

Devon stiffened beside me when he spotted his nephew. “Joe? What are you doing here?”

Joe grinned, looking between us. “I’m part of Professor Martinez’s research team. Have been for years while studying abroad.”

“You never mentioned that,” Devon said, his voice carefully controlled.

Joe shrugged. “Never came up.”

Lydia bustled over, her eyes crinkling with warmth as she pulled me into a hug. “There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you today. Couldn’t find you at

home.”

I glanced at Devon, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. ‘I was with Devon,” I admitted.

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Well, isn’t that interesting?”

Before I could respond, she changed the subject. “Evelyn, dear, I’ve been meaning to ask about your consultation fees. Mrs. Stone has been asking if you’d consider seeing her about her condition.”

Devon’s hand found the small of my back, a subtle but possessive gesture. “Your sister is a Stone now, isn’t she?” he reminded me, his voice neutral but his

meaning clear.

Lydia snorted. “Scarlett, you might as well tell her no. The Stone family has never shown Evelyn anything but contempt, and now that wretched sister of

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