Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 4

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**
**Chapter 4**

**Evelyn**

Standing outside the imposing façade of Portland University Medical School, I watched as Devon’s sleek black Bentley rounded the corner and vanished from sight. My heart raced, a chaotic symphony of emotions playing within me. Great. He already knew where I studied—soon, I would find him lurking around, a persistent shadow intent on harassing me.

The memory of our encounter lingered, a magnetic pull that was hard to ignore. It was as if I were a piece of metal drawn to an unyielding magnet—an attraction that defied all logic and reason.

“How the hell do I avoid him now?” I muttered under my breath, shifting the weight of my bag on my shoulder. The last thing I needed was an Alpha wolf taking an interest in me, particularly one who had stood by while I was exiled from everything I had ever known.

Just then, my phone buzzed insistently in my pocket, jolting me from my spiraling thoughts. I glanced at the screen; “Grandfather” blinked back at me. My finger hovered over the accept button, a moment of hesitation. William Gray was the only family member whose calls I still found the strength to answer.

“Evelyn?” His voice, warm and gravelly, washed over me, a comforting balm. “I’m back in Seattle.”

“Grandfather,” I replied, my voice instinctively softening at the sound of his familiar tone. “How are you feeling?”

“Better now that I’m home. But I miss you, child. It’s been three long years.” There was a pause, heavy with unspoken emotions. “Come back to us.”

I closed my eyes, a storm of conflicting feelings churning within me. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” I admitted, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

“Please, Evelyn. The pack needs you.”

Those words rang with a bitter irony—after they had ruthlessly cast me out three years ago, they now claimed to need me. It was almost laughable. Yet something in William’s voice, a flicker of desperation, made my resolve waver. Besides, leaving Portland would create some much-needed distance between me and Devon.

“Alright,” I finally conceded, a reluctant sigh escaping my lips. “I’ll drive up then.”

“Good girl. I’ll be waiting.”

Back at my sparse apartment in Moon Bay, I hastily gathered the few possessions that mattered to me, shoving them into a duffel bag—mostly medical equipment, a few changes of clothes, and my ever-reliable laptop. My life had become a series of portable essentials, a reflection of my transient existence.

I quickly encrypted a message to the Moonlight Organization: [Aurora temporarily offline. Moving locations. Will contact when secure.]

The motorcycle keys felt cool and reassuring against my palm as I took one last, sweeping glance around the stark apartment. Nothing here evoked nostalgia; it had never been home—just a temporary refuge in an unforgiving world.

As I descended the stairs, a familiar black SUV caught my eye. Jonathan Gray—my father—leaned against it, looking painfully out of place in his tailored suit, discomfort etched across his features.

“Evelyn,” he greeted, his nod stiff and formal. “Your grandfather sent me to bring you back.”

“No need for that,” I replied curtly, swinging my leg over the motorcycle seat. “I can drive myself. I know the way home, even if you all did your best to make me forget.”

His face hardened, a mask of disapproval. “Your grandfather is the only reason you’re being allowed back.”

“Good to know where everyone stands,” I shot back, revving the engine, drowning out whatever excuse he was about to offer.

The highway stretched ahead of me, rain-slick and gray, mirroring the overcast sky. With each mile, the familiar scent of Seattle grew stronger—pine, rain, and the subtle musk of werewolf territory wafted through the air.

Three years ago, I had ridden this same route in reverse, tears freezing on my cheeks as I fled the only home I had ever known. A terrified eighteen-year-old, accused of losing control during my first transformation and attacking a human.

“I’m not that scared pup anymore,” I whispered to myself beneath my helmet as the wind whipped around me, a comforting rush of freedom. The roar of the engine was music to my ears—powerful, untamed, and exhilarating.

My grip tightened on the handlebars, a sense of determination flooding through me. “This time, I’m not running away.”

As the Gray family estate loomed ahead, my heart sank. What had once been a proud testament to our family’s power now appeared neglected and forlorn. I recalled how magnificent it had been under my grandmother’s reign as Alpha—the family thrived, a beacon of strength and unity.

Now, the ornate iron gates were tarnished and rusting. The once-immaculate gardens lay overgrown, wild and unkempt, while the central fountain sat dry, a ghost of its former glory. Half the security wolves who should have been patrolling the perimeter were missing, and those who remained looked bored and undisciplined, a stark contrast to the pride we once held.

I pulled up to the main house, cutting the engine. The silence that followed felt heavy, oppressive.

Victoria and Kate Gray—my mother and sister—stood at the entrance, their expressions twisted in disdain, as if they’d caught a whiff of something foul.

“Now,” Grandfather continued, his tone firm and unwavering, “since Evelyn is home, she will be resuming her studies at Seattle University’s Medical School.”

“No decent school will take her,” Victoria protested, her voice rising in defiance. “She was expelled for violent behavior!”

Kate snorted derisively. “Besides, she’s been gone for three years. She couldn’t possibly catch up.”

I stepped forward, my voice steady and resolute. “Actually, I’ve completed three years of medical coursework in Portland. Transferring won’t be an issue for me.”

Grandfather’s face broke into a proud smile. “Tomorrow, I’ll personally escort you to register. They wouldn’t dare refuse a Gray.”

As I left the study, Kate and Victoria cornered me in the hallway, their expressions menacing.

“Whatever game you’re playing by coming back,” Kate hissed, her voice low and threatening, “you’ll never be this family’s Alpha. I’ve made sure of that.”

My mother’s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. “No Pack will ever truly accept a white wolf abomination like you.”

In that moment, something snapped within me. Three years of anger, pain, and loneliness crystallized into a dangerous calm. I felt my eyes flash silver as I took a step toward them, the air crackling with tension.

“I’m not the same girl you framed and drove away,” I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, laced with unyielding resolve. “Try anything against me again, and I promise you’ll regret it.”

To my satisfaction, both women instinctively recoiled, their bravado faltering. Even with my wolf suppressed, they could sense the shift within me—something powerful and unafraid.

From my bedroom window, I surveyed the neglected Gray estate, a sense of clarity washing over me. Three years ago, I had been forced to flee this place, branded as dangerous and unstable. Now, I could see the truth of what had transpired in my absence: the Gray family was crumbling, a shadow of its former glory.

I took a deep breath, the cool night air filling my lungs, invigorating me. My reflection stared back at me from the window—silver eyes glinting with determination and purpose.

“I won’t let them destroy what Grandmother left,” I whispered fiercely to myself. “This time, I’m taking back what’s mine.”