Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 195

Chapter 195

Evelyn

The evening air carried a subtle chill as Devon pulled his car into the Blue Moon Restaurant’s circular driveway. I felt my shoulders tense as we stepped out, my hands unconsciously smoothing down the silver dress that hugged my curves.

Devon’s arm slipped around my waist, his touch warm and reassuring. “iley,” he said softly, noticing the rigid line of my posture. Relax. Everything’s going to be fine.”

Before I could respond, I spotted Shawn and Aileen waiting by the entrance to the garden. Aileen waved enthusiastically while Shawn offered a more reserved nod. God, I hoped this wouldn’t turn into a disaster.

“Evelyn! Aileen rushed forward, embracing me tightly. “You look stunning! Devon, doesn’t she look amazing?”

Devon’s expression softened slightly. “Always.”

Shawn extended his hand to Devon. “Glad you could make it.”

Devon accepted the handshake, his grip visibly firmer than necessary. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

As we walked through the garden, the scent of moonlight flowers filled the air, making my white wolf stir beneath my skin. I inhaled deeply, focusing on

maintaining control.

Lily and Jack were already seated at the elegantly set table, rising to greet us. At least with more people there, it won’t be as uncomfortable.

As we all seated, the server arrived with the first course: roasted venison with cranberry sauce.

I placed my hand on Devon’s knee under the table, a silent request for patience. “It looks delicious.”

Throughout dinner, I felt Devon’s muscles tense whenever Shawn mentioned our shared history. Three years was a long time, and inevitable stories surfaced -my first attempt at hunting, the time I accidentally set fire to Shawn’s kitchen, the winter storm that trapped us in the cabin for a week.

“So you two really lived together all that time?” Lily asked innocently, unaware of the emotional landmine she was stepping on.

“Not exactly,” I clarified quickly. “I stayed in the cabin behind the Green family house. Shawn and his brothers checked on me, brought supplies.”

“Taught her how to survive,” Shawn added. “Evelyn was… determined, but city life hadn’t prepared her for the wilderness.”

Jack, bless him, sensed the growing tension and smoothly changed the subject. “Speaking of determination, Lily tells me you’re quite the computer genius. Any chance you could help me upgrade my security system? I’m developing a new app and-”

“Jack, nobody wants to talk about your boring tech stuff at dinner,” Lily interrupted with a playful groan.

The table erupted in laughter, and I felt the atmosphere lighten considerably. By dessert–a decadent chocolate soufflé–even Devon had relaxed enough to engage in conversation with Shawn about the local conservation efforts for the forest preserves.

“I appreciate what you did,‘ Devon said quietly as we finished our meal, looking directly at Shawn. The words seemed difficult for him, but sincere. “For Evelyn. When she needed someone.”

1/2

9:39 Tue, Dec 30

Chapter 195

Shawn nodded, understanding the weight behind Devon’s words. “She would have done the same for any of us.”

As dinner concluded, soft lights illuminated the outdoor dance floor. A live band began playing, the melody floating through the evening air.

Devon stood and extended his hand to me. “Dance with me?”

100)

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify