Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 57

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**
**Chapter 57**

**Evelyn**

As the sun dipped low in the sky, heralding the start of summer break at Seattle University, I felt a mix of anticipation and unease. Devon had been away on business for three long days, and I decided it was the perfect moment to confront some lingering matters in Portland. The thought of returning to a place that had once been my refuge stirred a complex whirl of emotions within me.

Upon my arrival at the apartment complex in Portland, I parked my bike, the familiar sound of the tires crunching against gravel bringing back memories of my time here. Just as I was about to step inside, my phone vibrated insistently in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw the name on the screen: Grandfather. A smile crept onto my face, one that was tinged with warmth and a hint of worry.

“Hello, Grandfather,” I greeted, my voice brightening despite the weight of his concern that echoed through the line.

“Evelyn,” he responded, his gruff tone laced with an unmistakable note of worry. “Marcus mentioned you’ve ventured to Portland alone. Why didn’t you inform me of your travel plans?” His words were firm, yet they carried an undercurrent of care that I appreciated.

I sighed softly, my fingers absentmindedly playing with the keys in my pocket. “I’m just here to pack up my things and finalize my transfer from Portland University,” I explained, trying to keep my tone light.

“You shouldn’t be alone,” he insisted, his voice rising slightly, as if the very idea of me being unaccompanied was unbearable to him.

“I’ll be fine, Grandfather. I’ve lived here for three years without any incidents,” I reassured him, hoping to quell his fears.

“Nevertheless, I’ve asked Ethan to assist you. He’s in Portland on business anyway,” he declared, cutting off any further protest I could muster.

My grip on the phone tightened involuntarily as frustration bubbled within me. “That’s really not necessary—” I began, but before I could finish, the line went dead, leaving me in a state of exasperation. I groaned softly, shoving my phone back into my pocket, feeling the weight of his protective instincts pressing down on me.

Entering my apartment, I was immediately enveloped by the familiar scent of home—a blend of old books and the faint hint of lavender air freshener. The space was small yet functional, decorated with minimalist furniture and walls lined with bookshelves that housed my beloved collection. This apartment had been my sanctuary for three years, a place where I could escape the chaos of my past after being exiled from the pack. Now, however, it felt like a chapter of my life was drawing to a close.

I had barely begun sorting through my belongings when a sharp knock echoed through the apartment, startling me. Ethan had arrived earlier than expected. Perfect timing, I thought, rolling my eyes at the irony of the situation.

I swung the door open to find my brother leaning casually against the doorframe, his tailored suit a stark contrast to my comfortable jeans and t-shirt. His eyes, the same shade of gray as mine but lacking the silvery glint that marked our family, swept across the apartment with a mix of curiosity and judgment.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding,” he remarked, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation, his tone teasing yet tinged with genuine interest.

Shock flickered across Ethan’s face, quickly replaced by a mask of skepticism. “That can’t be right. Father wouldn’t do something like that.”

“I have the proof, Ethan,” I said, moving purposefully to my laptop, my fingers flying over the keyboard to pull up the financial records I had meticulously compiled. “Look at these transactions. He’s been systematically draining resources from the pack for years.”

Ethan leaned closer, his brow furrowing as he studied the screen. I could see the turmoil in his eyes, the conflict between loyalty to our father and the undeniable evidence before him. “There must be some explanation. A mistake or…” he trailed off, his voice faltering.

“It’s no mistake. He’s betrayed the pack, Ethan.” My gaze bore into his, searching for any sign of agreement. “I need your help to fix this.”

He straightened, adjusting his tie in a nervous gesture that I recognized all too well. “You’re inexperienced in these matters, Evelyn. Let me handle it.”

“No,” I replied firmly, my voice steady and resolute. “We do this together. I may be younger, but I understand money trails and digital forensics better than anyone in the family.”

The tension in the room thickened, a palpable silence settling between us as we stood on the precipice of a decision that could change everything.