Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 28

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**

**Chapter 28: Rise of the Banished She-Wolf**

**Evelyn**

I found myself staring at Mrs. Whitmore, who stood in my kitchen with an air of familiarity that felt both comforting and unsettling. Her hands were neatly folded at her waist, a picture of poise, and she offered a polite nod in my direction, yet her silence spoke volumes.

“Actually, I asked her to take care of you,” Lily interjected, her voice laced with urgency as her eyes flitted nervously between her mother and me. “You got hurt saving me, so it seemed only fair.”

Mrs. Whitmore inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment, her expression inscrutable. I narrowed my eyes, skepticism creeping into my mind about this sudden arrangement. Before I could voice my doubts, my phone buzzed insistently on the counter, drawing my attention away.

Professor Bennett’s name illuminated the screen. What could she possibly want at this hour?

“Ms. Gray,” her voice was crisp and formal, cutting through the air like a knife. “Jessica’s parents are at the school causing quite a disturbance. The police have also arrived and are requesting your immediate presence.”

A cold wave of dread washed over me, my stomach sinking. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

As I hung up the call, I felt Mrs. Whitmore’s intense gaze upon me, a piercing look that made me feel as though she was trying to peel back the layers of my very being.

Suddenly, Lily stepped in between us, her face lighting up as if she had just remembered something crucial. “Oh! Eve, this is my mother, Olivia Pike,” she announced, her tone tinged with a hint of pride. “Mom, this is Evelyn Gray, my friend who saved me from Jessica.”

Olivia extended her hand toward me, her grip firm and self-assured. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you properly, Evelyn. My daughter speaks very highly of you,” she said, her voice warm yet underlined with a strength that reminded me of Devon. “I owe you a debt for protecting Lily.”

As I shook her hand, a spark of energy coursed between us, an unspoken connection that felt both strange and comforting. There was something in her eyes—a glimmer of recognition that I couldn’t quite place.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Pike,” I replied carefully, choosing my words with precision. “Though I wish it were under better circumstances.”

“That’s her… the one who attacked Jessica…”

Lily instinctively stepped closer to me, her protective nature shining through. Among the onlookers, I spotted Kate, a smug smirk playing on her lips. Of course, she would be here, relishing the possibility of my downfall.

As we approached the entrance, Mrs. Foster caught sight of me and jabbed a finger in my direction, her voice rising in accusation. “There she is! That’s the girl who hurt my daughter!”

Her eyes landed on Olivia, and her accusatory expression froze in place. “Mrs… Mrs. Pike?”

Mr. Foster’s face drained of color. “She’s with the Hall family?”

In an instant, their demeanor shifted dramatically. Mrs. Foster’s finger dropped, her voice trembling as she stammered, “This… this must be a misunderstanding. We just want to know what happened…”

Olivia stepped forward, positioning herself slightly in front of me, her presence commanding. Her voice was calm and collected, yet I could sense the undercurrent of power that lay beneath. “Mr. and Mrs. Foster, I suggest you refrain from making accusations until we have all the facts.”