Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Evelyn

Without hesitation, Devon walked to my side and placed his hand on my shoulder, a gesture both protective and possessive.

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“Mrs. Gray, Devon’s voice was polite but cold as ice. “It’s been a while. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”

Victoria’s demeanor changed instantly, her hostility giving way to a practiced smile. “Mr. Hall, what a pleasant surprise. I was just having

a chat with Evelyn about some family matters.”

“I see,” Devon said, his hand still steady on my shoulder. “Actually, Evelyn and I already have plans. Maybe you two can catch up some

other time?”

Victoria’s eyes flickered between us, calculating. Even she wasn’t bold enough to challenge an Alpha. “Of course. You’re absolutely right.”

She turned to me with a tight smile. “Evelyn, we’ll continue this discussion another time.”

Without waiting for my response, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement.

Devon guided me toward his SUV, opening the door for me. “Get in,” he said softly. “You look like you could use some air.”

Once we were driving away from campus, the carefully constructed walls I’d built around my emotions began to crumble. Silent tears slid down my cheeks as I stared out the window.

Devon pulled the car over to a quiet side street and turned to face me. His blue eyes were intense, filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite

name.

“Evelyn, listen to me,” he said, reaching out to gently brush a tear from my cheek. “Some people don’t deserve your tears.”

That simple touch was my undoing. All the pain, all the rejection I’d bottled up for years came pouring out. Devon pulled me into his arms, and I buried my face against his chest.

“Twenty–one years!” I sobbed, my fingers clutching at his shirt. “She’s never looked at me the way she looks at Kate. Not once! What did I ever do to make her hate me so much? Am I not even their real daughter?”

Devon held me tighter, his hand stroking my hair. ‘You did nothing wrong, Evelyn. Nothing.”

I don’t know how long we sat there, with him just holding me while I fell apart. Eventually, my sobs quieted, and I became acutely aware of how close we were, of his scent surrounding me, of the steady beat of his heart against my ear.

Embarrassed, I pulled away, wiping at my face. I’m sorry. I don’t usually… I mean, I never…”

“Don’t apologize,” Devon said firmly. “Never apologize for how you feel.”

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Chapter 44

He started the car again, pulling back into traffic. “You need to eat something. A strong wolf never faces challenges on an empty

stomach.

🙂)

I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “Is food your solution to everything?”

“Only the problems I can’t solve by intimidation,” he replied with a hint of humor in his voice.

Twenty minutes later, we were seated in a secluded corner of what appeared to be an ordinary upscale restaurant. However, the subtle scent markers and the respectful nod the host gave Devon told me this place catered to werewolves.

Devon ordered without consulting the menu–a selection of rare meats that I recognized as specialty cuts reserved for high–ranking Alphas. When the first dish arrived, the scent hit me like a physical force. My mouth watered instantly, and something deep inside me

stirred.

I took a bite of the perfectly seared meat, and a strange warmth spread through me. The flavor was unlike anything I’d ever tasted–rich and wild and somehow… familiar. My eyes widened as the sensation intensified, and a small gasp escaped my lips.

“This taste,” I murmured, taking another bite. “It’s like… like I’m remembering something I never knew I forgot. It feels like… coming

home.”

As I continued eating, images flashed through my mind–moonlight on snow, running through forests I’d never seen, a sense of freedom and power I’d never experienced in my human form. I looked up to find Devon watching me intently, a strange gleam in his eyes.

His thoughtful gaze tracked the silver flickers in my eyes that I could feel emerging with each bite. “It might be your blood memory,” he said quietly. “Some wolf bloodlines have unique reactions to certain foods. It’s rare, but not unheard of.”

I savored another bite, letting the flavors wash over me. For a brief moment, the pain of Victoria’s rejection faded, replaced by a sense of

belonging I hadn’t felt in years.

“Thank you, Devon,” I said softly.

Victoria

I slid into the back seat of the family car, my jaw tight with frustration. Kate was waiting, her eyes immediately seeking answers,

“Well? Did she agree to step down?” Kate demanded, leaning forward.

I shook my head. “Hall showed up. I couldn’t push her with him there.”

Kate slammed her fist against the leather seat, her eyes flashing yellow momentarily. “Why does she get to waltz in and take what should be mine? That position was supposed to be MINE!”

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Chapter 44

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“Calm down,” I hissed, glancing at the driver. “You’ll get your chance. She’ll slip up eventually. Someone like her always does.”

Kate’s breath came in short, angry bursts. “Mom, you don’t understand. I need that position to prove myself. Eric said he only considers

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