Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 40

**Chapter 40**

**Evelyn**

Every nerve in my body was on high alert. There was something unsettling about the way she approached me, as if she had a hidden agenda. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” I replied, striving to maintain a calm and steady voice, even as my heart raced.

Emilia stepped in closer, invading my personal space with an air of confidence that made my skin crawl. “I’m just curious,” she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “I never thought the Moonheal pack would stoop this low. Are you really trying to claw your way back up by getting involved with Dev?”

I stared at her, disbelief flooding my senses. “What the hell?”

“Oh, come on,” she continued, her voice sugary yet her eyes icy. “Don’t pretend you’re oblivious to what’s happening. I see the way he looks at you. But here’s the kicker—I’m the only one who’s truly right for Dev. We share the same world, the same bloodlines. What could someone like you possibly offer him? Especially considering your… situation?”

Each of her words struck me like a physical blow. I felt my hands clench into fists, nails digging into my palms as I fought to keep my composure. She stood there, her gaze unwavering, as if waiting for me to crumble beneath the weight of her taunts. I took a deep breath, desperately trying to push down the turmoil she was stirring within me.

“My bloodline or whatever’s wrong with me doesn’t define my worth,” I replied quietly, but I made sure my voice remained steady. “That’s something I determine for myself.”

Before she could unleash another round of insults, Devon walked in, accompanied by a tall guy who bore a striking resemblance to Emilia. The moment Devon laid eyes on us, his expression darkened, the tension in the air palpable.

“Everything okay here?” he asked, glancing back and forth between me and Emilia, concern etched on his face.

“Just getting acquainted,” Emilia replied, seamlessly slipping back into her facade of a sweet smile.

“This is Alex, Emilia’s brother. Alex, this is Evelyn Gray,” Devon introduced us, his voice even yet firm.

I offered a nod to Alex, but I couldn’t help but notice the slight twitch of Emilia’s smile. Devon had introduced me simply by my name, nothing more, and I could sense Emilia interpreting it as a small victory in this silent battle.

“Hey Evelyn, have you ever played ‘Forest Guardians’?” Devon asked, clearly trying to ease the tension that hung heavy in the air. “It’s a co-op game. I think you’d really enjoy it.”

Thank goodness for that distraction. “No, I’ve never tried it,” I admitted, grateful for the shift in focus.

We moved to another gaming setup beside Lily’s, and Devon handed me a controller. On the screen, we chose these white wolf characters, tasked with protecting a virtual forest from hunters and poachers. It was strange—we had never played together before, yet we seemed to intuitively understand each other. My wolf would distract the enemies while his would take them down, or his would clear a path while mine slipped through tight spots, working in perfect harmony.

“You’re pretty good at this,” Devon remarked quietly after we conquered a particularly challenging level. He looked at me, and for a fleeting moment, the world around us faded away. “You like this, don’t you? Running through the forest, even if it’s just a game.”

I couldn’t deny it. I nodded, a small smile creeping onto my face.

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