Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 32

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

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**Devon**

As I pushed open the heavy door to the private dining room, I was immediately met with the sight of Evelyn. Her silver-gray eyes widened in surprise, a fleeting moment that danced across her features before she quickly masked it with her usual poise. That brief glimpse of vulnerability was enough to stir something within me.

“Devon, you finally made it! Come sit down,” Olivia’s voice rang out, laced with a teasing amusement that only I seemed to catch.

With a subtle smile, I made my way to the only vacant chair, conveniently situated directly across from Evelyn. A warm sense of satisfaction washed over me as I recalled Sera Cooper’s fierce defense of Evelyn against that conniving Reynolds. My plan had unfolded seamlessly, even if Evelyn remained blissfully unaware of my involvement.

“How was your meeting?” Lily chimed in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Did you fire anyone today?”

I let out a light chuckle. “Not today, unfortunately. Just the usual tedious CEO responsibilities.”

As the server approached with our first course, the rich aroma of venison soup wafted through the air, filling the room with a hearty scent that promised warmth. I noticed Evelyn eyeing it with a hint of caution, her expression unreadable.

“Try this,” I urged, ladling some into her bowl before she could voice any protest. “It’s excellent for recovery. The herbs are particularly beneficial for… individuals with your constitution.”

She raised an eyebrow, a mixture of skepticism and intrigue, yet accepted the bowl with a quiet, “Thank you.”

As the main courses arrived, I observed Evelyn’s reactions closely. When she wrinkled her nose slightly at the truffled potatoes, I discreetly nudged the dish away from her side of the table. Silver poisoning often dulled a wolf’s sense of smell for days, making certain foods intolerable.

“How’s your arm?” I asked softly, leaning in as the others became engrossed in Olivia’s animated tale about a client. “Is the silver wound healing properly? Do you need to see the doctor again?”

Evelyn’s gaze met mine for a fleeting moment before she averted her eyes. “Thank you for your concern, but it’s healing fine.”

Her polite yet distant tone struck a chord within me, a familiar sting that I had come to expect. It seemed that every time I expressed genuine worry, she would retreat behind a wall of formality, shielding herself from any deeper connection.

“I’m heading to the restroom,” Evelyn announced suddenly, her voice breaking the tension. “Lily, would you come with me?”

As soon as they were out of earshot, Olivia’s diplomatic smile morphed into a knowing smirk.

“Well, well, little brother. I’ve never seen you fuss over a woman like this before. Moving dishes away? Serving her first? How very… un-Alpha-like of you.”

I took a sip of my wine, deliberately ignoring her bait. “She’s special.”

“Special?” Olivia leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “A thirty-five-year-old Alpha fawning over a twenty-one-year-old white wolf who was exiled from her own pack? Yes, I’d say that’s quite special indeed.”

“I don’t owe anyone an explanation,” I replied coolly, though I could feel my grip tightening around the wine glass.

Olivia’s expression shifted to one of seriousness. “Father called. He wants you at the estate tonight. Emilia Redwood is visiting, and Mother has high hopes for that match.”

A scowl creased my brow. “The inheritance again?”

She nodded, her gaze scrutinizing my reaction.

After dinner, I bid everyone farewell. Olivia took Lily home, while Evelyn insisted she could manage on her own. I watched her leave, battling the urge to follow her and ensure she arrived home safely.

Once back in my car with Jason in the passenger seat, I finally allowed myself to exhale deeply, the weight of the evening settling on my shoulders.

“Sir,” Jason began, consulting his tablet, “Dr. Anderson sent a message during dinner. The first anti-silver serum test is scheduled for tomorrow.”

I straightened, my attention snapping to him. “We’ll go to the lab first.”

Jason hesitated, glancing at me with concern. “But sir… your father will be displeased if you miss tonight’s dinner. Especially with Ms. Redwood making a special trip to meet you.”

“The serum test takes priority,” I stated firmly, my resolve unyielding. “It affects the future of all werewolves, including Evelyn’s safety.”

Jason shot me a sidelong glance, his expression contemplative. “You really care about Ms. Gray, don’t you, sir?”

I fell silent, my gaze drifting to the blurred city lights outside my window. Three years ago, I had been powerless to prevent the injustice done to Evelyn. Now that she was back in Seattle—back in my territory—I found myself inexplicably drawn to her in ways I struggled to comprehend.

Was this attraction? Guilt? Or something deeper, something primal that recognized her rare white wolf blood as something precious?

“I don’t know what this is,” I finally confessed, more to myself than to Jason. “I just know I can’t let her get hurt again.”

The laboratory awaited, and after that, my father’s demands. Yet, my thoughts remained anchored on a pair of silver eyes that saw too much and revealed far too little.