Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55

65%

Evelyn

Lily and Jack were already waiting by the entrance when Devon and I arrived. Devon nodded to Jason, who was sitting in a car across the street, undoubtedly part of the security detail Devon had arranged.

“This better be good,” Lily said, hugging me. “I’m starving after all that dancing.”

“This place opens at midnight specifically for werewolf customers,” I explained. “They close at three, so it’s exclusive. The

food is worth it, though.”

Jack looked impressed. “I’ve never heard of this place.”

“Few have,” I admitted. “It’s kept quiet, passed by word of mouth among trusted wolves.”

I knocked the door three times, paused, then twice more–the same pattern I’d used since I was a child. The door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with silver hair who approached us, her wrinkled face lighting up with recognition as

her eyes landed on me.

“Evelyn, my little girl!” she exclaimed, her weathered hands reaching for mine. “You’ve finally come back to us. It’s been

too long!”

I stepped into her embrace without hesitation, inhaling the familiar scent of rosemary and cinnamon that always clung to her clothes. The comfort of her hug took me back to simpler times, before exile, before everything changed. “I’ve missed

you, Lydia,” I whispered, meaning every word.

‘And you’ve brought friends!” Lydia’s gaze swept over Devon and Lily, lingering a moment longer on Devon. I noticed a flicker of recognition in her eyes before she smiled warmly at them both. “Any friend of Evelyn’s is welcome here.

The interior of the diner was exactly as I remembered–nothing like its unremarkable exterior. Warm amber lights hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over polished wooden tables. I looked at the walls lined with photographs spanning decades, my eyes catching on a few that included my grandmoter Isabel. Memories I’d tried to bury rose to the surface,

but here, they didn’t hurt as much.

Lily immediately gravitated toward Lydia, chatting excitedly about the hidden gem of a restaurant. “This place is amazing!

How long have you been running it?”

“Longer than I care to admit,” Lydia laughed, leading us through the main dining area where a few other patrons nodded respectfully toward us. Some of them did double–takes when they saw me–probably recognizing the infamous white wolf who’d been exiled. I tried to ignore their stares.

“I have a special table for you in the back garden,” Lydia said, patting my arm. “I always keep it ready, just in case my

Evelyn decides to visit.”

1/3

19:04 Fri, Dec 12

Chapter 55

RG

65%

The back garden was a small enclosed courtyard with a single ble beneath a pergola draped with fairy lights and flowering vines. The night air was crisp but comfortable, and the high walls provided privacy. I felt myself relax slightly,

shielded from prying eyes.

As we settled in, I explained to my friends, “Lydia was my grandmother Isabel’s personal attendant. They were like sisters.” My voice caught slightly. “Isabel was the former Alpha of the Monheal Pack before…” I couldn’t finish, the old pain

resurfacing.

“Before she married William,” Lydia finished, patting my hand. Her touch was comforting, familiar. “Your grandmother was

extraordinary–healing abilities beyond any wolf I’ve ever know. And you have her eyes, dear.”

I felt the weight of that comparison–both an honor and a burden. My grandmother’s legacy was something I’d never fully

understood, especially after being cut off from my pack’s histor

Lydia disappeared briefly and returned with plates of food that made my mouth water despite myself. I noticed the meats

were served rare, just as werewolves preferred, with herbs that enhanced their natural flavors. For me, however, Lydia had

prepared a special dish–grilled salmon with a honey glaze, exactly as I’d loved it as a child.

“You remembered,” I said softly, touched by this small gesture of care.

“Of course. You always preferred this food, even as a pup.” Lydia winked at me. “Your grandmother was the same way.”

Another connection to a woman I barely remembered but whose blood ran strong in my veins. I took a bite, savoring the

familiar flavor that transported me back to happier times.

Lily took a bite of her steak and let out a sound of pure pleasure. “Oh my God, this is incredible! What kind of meat is

this? I’ve never tasted anything so delicious!”

‘Special recipe,” Lydia said cryptically, exchanging a knowing look with Devon. I caught the silent communication–the

meat was prepared specifically for werewolves, enhancing our natural strengths. Devon seemed equally impressed by the

food, though his eyes kept drifting back to me.

The soft lighting of the garden emphasized the moon phases painted along the garden wall, creating an atmosphere both

mystical and comforting. I’d always loved this space, with its perfect blend of security and openness.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify