Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Devon

I hadn’t planned on confronting Shawn this morning. I’d simply stopped by Sterling Mansion to check on the security upgrades when I spotted him wandering through the garden, examining the ancient runes carved into some of the stones.

My heart rate quickened unexpectedly, a warning I tried to suppress. This wasn’t just a casual encounter–it felt like a storm brewing.

“Admiring the view?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

Shawn turned, unsurprised by my presence. “It’s an impressive property. The Sterling pack clearly valued both beauty and protection in their designs.”

I approached him slowly, maintaining what I hoped was a neutral expression. Yet beneath my calm, a low growl simmered, a primal instinct warning m stay alert. “I need to be clear about something. I want you to keep your distance from Evelyn.

A smirk played at the corner of his mouth. “Is that an Alpha command?”

“It’s a warning,” I replied, fighting to keep my voice level. “From one wolf to another.”

Shawn straightened, studying me with those calculating eyes. “That’s your problem, Hall. Your small–mindedness. Why would someone like Evelyn ever I

at you?”

The question struck like a physical blow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

‘I’m just concerned for Evelyn,” Shawn said with false innocence. “You’re an Alpha, and she’s lost her wolf Your incompatibility will only bring her more danger. She was better off living with me before.”

Something inside me snapped. The casual mention of them living together, the implication that he knew what was best for her–my fist connected with h jaw before I’d consciously decided to move.

Shawn staggered back but recovered quickly, spitting blood onto the manicured lawn. “I’ve been waiting for this,” he growled, his eyes flashing as he

launched himself at me.

We collided with enough force to crack the stone path beneath us. Claws extended, we tore at each other, neither fully shifting but both allowing our wolve enough freedom to make this more than a human fight. I slammed him against a tree, feeling a savage satisfaction as the air rushed from his lungs.

A surge of adrenaline sharpened my senses; every breath, every heartbeat was magnified. This fight was no longer just about Evelyn–it was about pride.

“What is she to you?” I demanded, my voice distorted by partially extended fangs.

Shawn broke my grip and landed a solid punch to my ribs. “You don’t deserve her,” he snarled.

We continued trading blows until we were both breathing hard, clothes torn and bloodied. Despite my superior strength as an Alpha, Shawn’s technique was impressive–he clearly had training beyond standard pack fighting.

Finally, I pinned him against the garden wall, my forearm across his throat. “What exactly is your relationship with Evelyn?‘ I growled.

Something in Shawn’s expression shifted, the fight draining from him as understanding dawned. “You think we’re…?” He actually laughed, despite the precarious position. “She’s like a sister to me, you jealous idiot.”

1/2

08:43 Mon, Dec 29

Chapter 184

I eased the pressure slightly, confusion replacing some of my rage.

Shawn pushed my arm away, and I let him. ‘When she escaped from the island, I was the one who helped her. I found her half–dead on the mainland, suffering from exhaustion. I took her in, helped her heal.”

The revelation hit me like ice water. “You saved her life.”

“Yes,” he said simply. “And I’ve looked out for her ever since. Like a brother would.”

Before I could process this information, my phone rang. Evelyn’s name flashed on the screen, and a different kind of dread filled me. I answered, already knowing what was coming.

“What the hell are you doing?” Her voice was cold and controlled–more dangerous than if she’d been shouting.

“Evelyn, this isn’t what you think—” I began.

‘I don’t care what I think,” she cut me off. “I’ve been working all morning trying to save lives with this research, and you two are fighting in my garden?”

Shawn was watching me with an irritating mix of sympathy and amusement.

“Stop this childish behavior right now,” Evelyn continued. “Both of you. I expected better.”

The call ended before I could explain the misunderstanding, the jealousy that had driven me to confront Shawn. I stared at the phone, then at the man I’d just been fighting.

“She’s right,” I admitted reluctantly. “This was… unnecessary.”

Shawn nodded, wiping blood from a cut on his cheek. “She usually is.”

We stood in awkward silence, two powerful wolves humbled by a five–foot–four woman on the other side of town.

‘I don’t like you,” I finally said bluntly.

Shawn actually smiled. “The feeling’s mutual. But we both care about Evelyn, so we’ll have to find a way to coexist.”

I nodded stiffly, already dreading the conversation I’d need to have with Evelyn later. How could I explain that primal, possessive rage that had consumed me? The wolf–deep fear that she might choose someone else, someone who had been there for her when I hadn’t?

Some things, I realized, couldn’t be explained–only felt. And somehow, I needed to make her understand without sounding like the territorial Alpha I was trying so hard not to be.

Comments