Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 5

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

**Chapter 5**

Evelyn

The dawn broke with a crispness that hinted at the change of seasons as Grandfather and I made our way to the towering medical building of Seattle University. Its stark lines and imposing structure loomed over us, a reminder of the dreams I once harbored.

“Ready?” Grandfather asked, his hand giving mine a reassuring squeeze. His silver eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and determination, a glimmer that made me feel both comforted and anxious.

I nodded, smoothing the fabric of my simple black blouse, a choice I hoped conveyed seriousness for this pivotal moment. Three years prior, I had envisioned myself stepping through these very doors, full of hope and ambition as a first-year medical student. Yet now, I returned, bearing the weight of a past that had altered my path entirely.

Principal Fernandez’s office greeted us with an air of ostentation, as if he were trying too hard to impress. The furniture was ornate, the artwork pretentious, and the desk was so large it seemed to compensate for some unspoken inadequacy. The principal himself was tall and thin, his salt-and-pepper hair meticulously styled, and he exuded the subtle scent of a born werewolf—a scent that was both familiar and unsettling.

Once his secretary exited, closing the door with a soft click, the facade of professionalism slipped away.

“Miss Gray,” he began, his voice devoid of warmth, “we pride ourselves on selecting only the most exceptional students from across the region.” He didn’t even bother to gesture toward the seats.

“My granddaughter graduated at the top of her class in Portland,” Grandfather interjected, his voice steady but with an edge of frustration. “Her medical aptitude scores are outstanding.”

Fernandez’s expression remained as frigid as before. “While academic achievements are commendable, there are… other factors to consider.”

My heart sank as I braced myself for the inevitable.

“Your ‘incident’ three years ago is well-known in our circles, Miss Gray,” he continued, lowering his voice as if sharing a dark secret, despite our isolation. “We cannot afford to have a student with your… particular issues among us.”

My jaw clenched involuntarily. “That was a long time ago,” I replied, striving for a calm I didn’t feel.

“Was it?” His eyebrows arched in disbelief. “Our institution caters to children from esteemed families and future leaders. And… humans, too.”

I could feel Grandfather’s grip on his cane tighten, his knuckles turning a stark white. “This is outrageous! The Gray family has supported this university for generations!” His voice was a low growl, simmering with indignation.

“Times change, Mr. Gray,” Fernandez replied, his tone as cold as the Seattle rain. “Your family’s influence isn’t what it used to be.”

Before the tension could escalate further, Fernandez’s phone buzzed insistently. He glanced at the screen, his frown deepening, and excused himself with a curt nod. “I need to take this. Please wait.”

Once he stepped out, I turned to my grandfather, trying to quell the anxiety bubbling within me. “It’s okay. I don’t need to attend this school. Portland’s program is perfectly adequate.”

“Absolutely not,” he growled, his voice firm. “You belong here, in Seattle. This is your home.”

Five agonizing minutes later, Fernandez returned, his demeanor inexplicably altered.

“After further consideration,” he announced, adjusting his tie with a flourish, “I have decided to accept Miss Gray’s transfer application.”

I narrowed my eyes, skepticism etched across my features. “What changed your mind?”

A flicker of something inscrutable crossed his face. “Let’s just say I’ve been reminded of your… unique talents. I understand you possess exceptional medical skills, particularly regarding… special conditions.”

My spine stiffened at the implication. He was clearly alluding to my ability to treat silver bullet wounds—a skill that was invaluable for healing injured werewolves. But how on earth did he know about that?

“However,” he continued, his voice dripping with condescension, “you will be placed in Medical Class Eight. The students there are… not our highest achievers.”

Grandfather opened his mouth to protest, but I quickly squeezed his arm, silencing him. Getting accepted was what truly mattered; I could handle being in a less-than-ideal class.

“Thank you for the opportunity,” I said, forcing a polite tone into my voice, despite the turmoil within.

Later that afternoon, a balding human, whose scent of chalk and coffee lingered in the air, led me into Class Eight. The classroom was tucked away at the far end of the medical building, illuminated by flickering fluorescent lights that cast a harsh glow over the worn desks.

“Everyone, this is Evelyn Gray,” he announced, his enthusiasm nonexistent. “She’s joining us starting today.”

I offered a brief introduction, my gaze fixed on the back wall, deliberately avoiding the thirty pairs of suspicious eyes that scrutinized me.

“Or what?” Jessica stepped closer, her silver ring now mere inches from my skin.

I could feel the werewolves in the room watching intently, likely curious if I would lose control.

“I have no interest in creating trouble on my first day,” I stated quietly, my voice steady. “But don’t mistake my restraint for weakness.”

Something in my tone made her hesitate, and I seized the moment to slip around her group and head for the door.

Hours later, I found myself racing along the coastal highway on my Ducati, the wind whipping against my leather jacket, the day’s tension unwinding with each mile I put behind me.

My encrypted phone buzzed insistently in my pocket. I pulled over at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Sound, the beauty of the water soothing my frayed nerves, and answered.

“Aurora, we’ve got a new job,” Aiden’s voice crackled through the line. “Interested?”

“Not right now,” I replied, watching seagulls circle gracefully over the water. “I just got back to Seattle. I have enough real-world problems to deal with.”

“The pay is excellent,” he pressed. “And it’s a major client—Hall Corporation.”

I nearly dropped the phone in shock. “Hall Corporation? As in Devon Hall’s company?”

“The very same. They need someone with your skills.”

My mind raced with possibilities. Was this connected to the men who’d attacked Devon? Or was it merely coincidence?

“I’ll think about it,” I finally said, ending the call.

I stared out at the darkening water, pondering the intricate web of motives at play. What game was Devon Hall playing? Why was he recruiting both werewolves with exceptional medical skills and hackers?

And did he realize that both recruitment targets were, in fact, me?